get quickly to the Southern Cross and discuss this
further as needed.”
All the
men nodded and moved the group back into a fast pace toward sanctuary. The
children became abuzz with concern, excitement, and confusion. They knew better
than to press their father further at this time, especially after Eve’s
chastisement. Regardless, he’d moved himself far to the front of the group and
had the Beagle take the sides. Thus, the children were left to themselves to
discuss what it would be like to be queens and kings. For the younger children,
this unexpected journey started losing some of the fear as they imagined grand
castles and envisioned a myriad of fairy stories where good triumphed over
evil. For the older children, they had been exposed to more reality and knew
good did not always win out over evil. They felt a new pressure now, knowing
they were here for a purpose and not just accompanying their father on some
adventure.
The group
reached their destination by nightfall; they quickly secured the horses in the
stable and their supplies in the rooms provided them. After a simple meal they
retired. The young children fell quickly asleep, having been reassured by both
David and the Beagle. Deborah, Mel, Nic, Eve, and Silas all lingered with their
father and the Coterie brothers a while longer. They pressed their father for
information on the kingdoms, their expected responsibilities, and weapons
training. Though not much could be accomplished that night, they finally went
to bed feeling they had a better grasp of what was to come. Little did they
suspect the level to which they would be tested as individuals and as a family.
*
Vex
waited until the Sword Bearer’s band was well out of range before he moved from
his hiding place and ran to rejoin his fellow Riders. The news from the angel
that he had overheard would have to be shared with many, many interested
parties. Vex knew now that they truly pursued the new chosen twelve and that he
would need a force larger than just the Void Riders to bring them down.
Chapter
8
The
journey from the sanctuary, Southern Cross, to Council Rock would have to be
divided into two days. The problem this created was that there was no sanctuary
in between the two places. Over the last two generations many sanctuaries had
fallen, and travel between towns and kingdoms was becoming less frequent. So
early into the morning ride, the Koen band began to discuss what was to happen.
First
Thunder reassured David that he and his brothers would help protect his family.
Fleet of Foot also added that, by dividing the trip into two days, the children
would have daylight hours to practice with various weapons. The Coterie
brothers agreed to divide the three watches of the night between them, David,
and the Beagle. Even with these reassurances, David did not like being exposed
at night this early into the quest. It was at this point that Mel spoke up.
“What are
watches of the night?”
Rock
answered him. “When staying between towns or sanctuaries, smart travelers set
night watches, times for people to stand guard over the rest of the camp.”
David
picked up the dialogue when Rock paused. “There are three night watches. First
watch or early watch is the easiest because it lasts from six in the evening
until ten at night. Second watch or mid watch lasts from ten at night until two
in the morning. Mid watch is typically the most likely time for forces bound to
the Void to attack. The keenest of warriors are assigned this watch. Third
watch, or dawn watch, lasts from two in the morning until six in the morning,
at which point the camp should be rising in order to make the best use of the
day.”
Rock
added a final point. “Dawn watch is often given to those with the skill of
being able to sleep on their moving mounts.”
Mel
nodded his head, showing he understood. Then he spoke again. “It seems only
fair that my brothers, sisters, and I be trained to keep the watches. I mean,
since we are
further as needed.”
All the
men nodded and moved the group back into a fast pace toward sanctuary. The
children became abuzz with concern, excitement, and confusion. They knew better
than to press their father further at this time, especially after Eve’s
chastisement. Regardless, he’d moved himself far to the front of the group and
had the Beagle take the sides. Thus, the children were left to themselves to
discuss what it would be like to be queens and kings. For the younger children,
this unexpected journey started losing some of the fear as they imagined grand
castles and envisioned a myriad of fairy stories where good triumphed over
evil. For the older children, they had been exposed to more reality and knew
good did not always win out over evil. They felt a new pressure now, knowing
they were here for a purpose and not just accompanying their father on some
adventure.
The group
reached their destination by nightfall; they quickly secured the horses in the
stable and their supplies in the rooms provided them. After a simple meal they
retired. The young children fell quickly asleep, having been reassured by both
David and the Beagle. Deborah, Mel, Nic, Eve, and Silas all lingered with their
father and the Coterie brothers a while longer. They pressed their father for
information on the kingdoms, their expected responsibilities, and weapons
training. Though not much could be accomplished that night, they finally went
to bed feeling they had a better grasp of what was to come. Little did they
suspect the level to which they would be tested as individuals and as a family.
*
Vex
waited until the Sword Bearer’s band was well out of range before he moved from
his hiding place and ran to rejoin his fellow Riders. The news from the angel
that he had overheard would have to be shared with many, many interested
parties. Vex knew now that they truly pursued the new chosen twelve and that he
would need a force larger than just the Void Riders to bring them down.
Chapter
8
The
journey from the sanctuary, Southern Cross, to Council Rock would have to be
divided into two days. The problem this created was that there was no sanctuary
in between the two places. Over the last two generations many sanctuaries had
fallen, and travel between towns and kingdoms was becoming less frequent. So
early into the morning ride, the Koen band began to discuss what was to happen.
First
Thunder reassured David that he and his brothers would help protect his family.
Fleet of Foot also added that, by dividing the trip into two days, the children
would have daylight hours to practice with various weapons. The Coterie
brothers agreed to divide the three watches of the night between them, David,
and the Beagle. Even with these reassurances, David did not like being exposed
at night this early into the quest. It was at this point that Mel spoke up.
“What are
watches of the night?”
Rock
answered him. “When staying between towns or sanctuaries, smart travelers set
night watches, times for people to stand guard over the rest of the camp.”
David
picked up the dialogue when Rock paused. “There are three night watches. First
watch or early watch is the easiest because it lasts from six in the evening
until ten at night. Second watch or mid watch lasts from ten at night until two
in the morning. Mid watch is typically the most likely time for forces bound to
the Void to attack. The keenest of warriors are assigned this watch. Third
watch, or dawn watch, lasts from two in the morning until six in the morning,
at which point the camp should be rising in order to make the best use of the
day.”
Rock
added a final point. “Dawn watch is often given to those with the skill of
being able to sleep on their moving mounts.”
Mel
nodded his head, showing he understood. Then he spoke again. “It seems only
fair that my brothers, sisters, and I be trained to keep the watches. I mean,
since we are
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