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Peter gave a shout to them from the open door, waving to them to join him and his family.
They smiled in resignation and went to join the happy family.
Trey understood where Ian had gotten his stamina and determination. It was from his mother, Emma. The woman was up early the next morning, and, while her newborn daughter slept, she prepared a hot pottage. After they had all eaten their fill, Emma had to be made to sit and rest while Ian and Peter saw to gathering food, clothing, and blankets to take with them.
It was a few hours after sunrise that they were finally on their way. Corwin’s farm was not far from Peter’s, and so it had been decided that a spot would be found halfway between the farms for Emma and the children to wait.
It was midmorning when a spot Trey felt would be safe enough was found, and Emma settled. Ian took his responsibility seriously, asking Trey for a weapon so that he could protect his mum and sister if necessary.
Trey understood that because of the lad’s recent bout with the soldiers, he felt vulnerable and needed something that would help give him a sense of security. He gave Ian a dagger though not without instructions and warnings. He could see the relief on the lad’s face after the brief lesson finished. Ian now felt more capable of defending his family.
Peter thanked him for helping his son. “I’m a farmer, not a warrior like you. It is good he learns from a warrior.”
Trey rested a firm hand on the man’s shoulder. “You bravely escaped your captives; I’d say you’re a mighty fine warrior.”
With courage instilled in father and son, good-byes were said, with tears, and the trio departed. If all went well, they would be back by nightfall, and so far Bliss had not mentioned any delays, so Trey was hopeful.
Silence once again was their traveling companion, Trey wanting nothing to interfere with keeping alert to surrounding sounds. A few times he stopped, having heard a sound and made sure he paid heed to his own instincts before proceeding.
He saw no point in troubling Bliss each time. If she sensed anything, she would be right there to tell him, and so he did not bother her with every little sound. What concerned him more was the weather. It felt like snow. He had expected at least a light coating yesterday, and, with the temperature dropping, he feared more than a dusting.
They were close to the farm when Bliss hurried to his side, grabbed hold of his arm, and whispered, “Soldiers.”
“We go slow and quiet,” he said, looking at Peter, who nodded.
Raised voices could be heard as they drew closer to the farm, though they remained hidden in the woods. When they were finally able to get a look, they saw two soldiers yelling at Rona, her son, barely five years, clinging to her leg, his eyes wide with fear and tears.
From what they could hear, the soldiers were accusing her of hiding her husband and threatening harm to her and her son if she didn’t tell them where he was.
“Wait here,” Trey ordered.
Peter stepped forward. “I’ll help.”
Trey shook his head. “They search for you as well; better they don’t see you.”
Peter looked upset but did as Trey said.
Trey walked out of the woods and headed straight for the soldiers.
“Now here’s a big one that can fight for the king,” one soldier said, as Trey approached.
“I have no use for King Kenneth,” Trey said, and his fist flew out so fast the soldier had no time to respond. He went down hard and fast.
The other soldier was so shocked that he didn’t react as fast as he should have, which gave Trey enough time to land a solid blow to his jaw, knocking him out.
Peter and Bliss came running as soon as the two went down.
“Peter,” Rona cried out when she spotted him. “Is Corwin with you?”
Peter’s saddened expression answered her, and she collapsed to the ground, crying, her young son crying along with her though he didn’t know why.
Bliss knelt alongside her, slipping a comforting arm around her as Peter recounted the tale of her husband’s bravery and that, because of him, so many men went free, and how in the end, Corwin had cared only for his wife’s and son’s safety. That was why they were here, to take her and Darren to safety.
“We need to hurry,” Peter warned, and Bliss helped the woman to stand.
Though Rona continued to shed tears, she did what she had to do and got herself and her son ready to leave.
Trey and Peter saw to securing the soldiers so that they could not follow once they revived or alert any nearby troops. They were done in no time, as was Rona. Peter picked up the young lad and hoisted him onto his soldiers, Rona sending him a grateful smile.
