The distant sounds of a scuffle attracted their attention and the soldiers immediately broke into a sprint, running toward the sound.
Sol caught a hint of a smile on Robin’s face as the torchlight faded away. He leaned his head back against a tree branch behind him, allowing only his neck to relax. His eyes remained open throughout the night, watching for any sign of danger and catching every shade of dawn until morning came.
“We should be safe to move to a more secure spot,” Robin finally broke the hours of silence.
Sol nodded, dropping nimbly out of the tree after her. His joints and muscles complained as he landed on the firm ground. He stood tall and stretched out the aches and numbness in his feet and joints.
As Neven followed them out of the tree, Sol took a moment to look up at their hiding place in the light. The small platform was skillfully hidden between the twisting trunk and draping leaves. He subconsciously nodded his head in approval as he realized why the soldiers had not seen them in the tree hours before.
Robin led them further into the forest. Though she followed no set path, she navigated her way with confidence and ease.
Sol appreciated the thick cover of the trees overhead, which blocked the rising sun and its heat. His mouth was dry and his stomach rumbled, but he ignored the discomfort.
Sooner than he expected, Robin led them into an open glade.
Sol stopped at the edge of it, carefully noticing his surroundings with a quick glance. The first thing to catch his attention, however, was the enticing smell of freshly roasted meat. Two men sat near an open fire, tending to food which sizzled temptingly on a spit. Behind them, a woodman’s hut nestled under the trees at the far side of the open area. Beneath a large, low tree in the center of the glade, a woman sat fletching an arrow.
Robin had walked confidently into the open area, approaching the two men at the fire.
“Lane and Fletcher?” She asked immediately.
“Sleeping.” One of the men gestured toward the cabin behind him.
“Willa?” Robin continued.
“She made it back just after dawn. Took a small sleep then set out to do a round,” the second man answered.
“A success?” the first one spoke again.
Robin nodded, her shoulders relaxing in a smooth motion as she slipped off her cape. “We did it.” She turned to Sol, her smile triumphant. “Not that I had any doubts, of course,” she hurried to add.
Sol stiffly returned her smile. This was indeed a success, but so much more remained to be done. “Thank you, Lady Robin.” He dipped his head in a quick bow. “It is an honor to finally see you with my own eyes.”
“Please, I no longer accept the title of lady,” Robin replied. “Call me Robin.”
“This would not have been possible without you,” Sol insisted.
“You would have found a way,” Robin replied. “It was my honor and duty to assist you. Please, you must be hungry. Sit and eat.”
“I, too, would like to thank you,” Neven interjected, following her direction and seating himself by the fire. “But I still do not know what is happening here.”
Robin looked at Sol, a question in her eyes.
Sol broke the contact, appreciating that she let him choose what secrets to share. He turned to his companion. “Neven?” He extended his hand. “I’m Sol.”
Neven leaned forward to shake his hand. The older man’s grip was firm despite the exhaustion in his eyes.
“I am sorry that our meeting takes place under such unfortunate circumstances,” Sol continued. “I hail from the western side of Istroya. I gathered you are from the northern port?”
Neven nodded. “Unfortunate circumstances. That’s putting it lightly. No one wants to be chosen.”
“I was not chosen,” Sol responded slowly. “I chose to be chosen.”
“You must be mad,” Neven said. “Though that much has been made clear, of course. Attempting an escape?”
“Our fate was already worse than death. What more could they have done if we’d been recaptured?” Sol responded.
“But you didn’t have to be chosen at all. Why volunteer for such a position?” Neven turned to Robin. “Not that I am ungrateful to be included in the escape, of course. No offense, my lady.”
