Champions of the Apocalypse by Michael G. Thomas

the land. They were dark brown and had a hide feel to them. The fit was surprising good and with a leather strap she conveniently borrowed from one of the shelves, she was able to get them to stay up.
    Stepping outside she noticed Jonas and the stranger sat down around a table having a detailed discussion. She walked towards them, still shielding her eyes from the light.
    “Synne, you’re up, feeling a little better?” Jonas asked.
    She continued forward and dropped herself down next to him. On the table were various wooden plates and items of food. Fruit and bread were the main foodstuffs though one plate had a number of slices of cold meat stacked up. She looked at the food and drink laid out but her first thoughts were of the rest of the group that tried to escape at the same time as both of them.
    “What about the others?” she asked.
    Jonas turned his head with a look if disappointment in his face.
    “Thrax and I went down the trail a few hours ago. We found blood trails leading back to the tracks but no sign of any of them. Either they escaped and carried on into the valley or they were captured and taken to the train.”
    Synne reached out for one of the pieces of meat but the hand of the stranger slipped forward and grasped her hand.
    “Perhaps you might introduce yourself before you eat my lunch?” asked the man sat opposite with much sarcasm. Synne looked at the two of them before deciding to say something.
    “My name is Synne, may I?” she asked.
    The man nodded and Synne immediately reached in and grabbed a piece of bread and some meat. She tore at it and proceeded to eat much faster than her body could cope. After the fourth piece of meat she had stuffed in her mouth caused her to choke the stranger spoke.
    “Slow down, there’s no hurry. If it’s the Raiders you’re concerned with their train left last night.
    She slowed down and took some of the food out of her mouth, the realisation of how stupid she looked made her look a little sheepish.
    “What about the cave?”
    “We checked, it was only a hundred or so feet deep and led to a deep pool. There were signs of a struggle and a few arrows and bolts from weapons. Like the path on the mountain, they must either have been taken or found a way out. I don’t see how anybody could have made it in the pool though. The water was freezing and I couldn’t see any short routes leading out under water,” explained Jonas almost apologetically.
    The stranger cleared his throat, instantly drawing both their attention.
    “Now, your friend here tells me you are from Haven, is that correct?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
    Synne looked angrily at Jonas, her eyes staring accusingly.
    “Hey, Synne, he saved our lives, be polite,” he said defensively.
    Synne took a few more mouthfuls before putting down the food and gulping down some water.
    “Yes, we’re from Haven, why, have you heard of it?”
    The man was silent for a little while as he took a bite from the bread. He chewed it slowly, appearing to be in no rush to answer her questions.
    “Indeed, Lord Galan and I go back a very long time.”
    “You know Lord Galan?” asked Synne suspiciously.
    “That is what I just said. Why? Do you not trust me?” he asked slowly.
    “Well, being as the entire place was attacked by Raiders, most of my family killed or taken away, the population sent to slavers, yeah, I’m a little suspicious of strangers,” she snarled though regretted it almost immediately.
    Jonas moved his hand onto the table, trying to catch their attention.
    “I’m sure Synne is not talking about you personally, the last few days have been horrific,” he tried to explain.
    “No doubt,” said the stranger.
    They continued eating though the silence became more and more uncomfortable until Synne could take it no longer.
    “Look, I’m sorry. Maybe you could tell us a little about yourself?”
    “I’m Thrax,” said the man in reply.
    “Yeah, I got that. Anything else?” she asked