The small fire crackled between the three of them, the only source of light in the dark forest. The autumn leaves bristled in the wind and the trees groaned in the distance. Richard was slowly roasting a rabbit that he caught in the fire.

“So, your uncle has come back from the dead to reclaim his throne” he commented.

“That's what I think,” Jessica replied. “But where did he find his army?”

“They're most likely mercenaries for hire. Brutal and violent but they don't have the discipline of trained soldiers and rangers. It's why they're so brutal in their attacks. No remorse for the innocent that get in the way.” Harold lowered his head.

“Then why didn't they follow us into this forest?” Jessica asked.

“Monsters are ruthless and fight back. A large group of mercenaries charging into here would be like serving themselves on a platter. They may be violent but they aren't dumb.”

“But what about us?”

“It's just us three. Stay close and quiet and we'll be fine”

“But, we're in their…”

“Don't, think about it. It'll make you think negative thoughts and monsters are attracted to that like flies to a light. Try and stay positive.” Jessica nodded, swallowing some saliva and took a few deep breaths.

“Jacob is in danger. Isn't he?” Harold said.

Richard twirled the rabbit. He wanted to say something to keep their hopes up but he couldn't lie to them. “Yes. Yes he is”

“Then why are we sitting around? We have to warn him,” Harold stood up but Richard grabbed hold of his hand.

“We have been on our feet all day. We need to rest”

“But Jacob is in danger. Jasper will…”

“Jasper most likely is already at your brother's, and if he isn't he's probably put two and two together that that's where we're heading. If we keep running we'll fall into a trap and then no one can help him”

Richard gently pulls Harold down who makes no attempt to resist. “Then what do we do?”

“I don't know right now. The odds are stacked against us.”

“So you're saying we should give up!?” Jessica said sharply, an intense look in her eyes.

“Keep your voice down and I never said we should give up. I just said that I don't know what to do right now.”

“That's encouraging”

“Do you have a plan? I'm all ears” Richard snapped. Jessica's intense look faded and she looked away. “Right. Look, we're all on edge right now. Talking strategy isn't going to get us anywhere currently.”

Richard then took out the rabbit and handed it over to Harold. “Let it cool for a minute and then dig in. It's been a crazy day and you two need all the energy we can get. I don't know if I can find any more prey.”

“Then what do we do?” Asked Harold.

“Let me worry about that. You two eat up and get to sleep. We'll be leaving at first light. I don't want to be in this forest for longer than necessary.”

With a nod Harold hesitantly took a bite out of the rabbit. Even though he pulled a face he kept going whilst Jessica pulled off its leg. Richard's stomach grumbled quietly but he ignored it. The kids need their sustenance more than he did. Hopefully within a few days they will be out of this place and free from its danger, only to fall into another danger.

Jasper was determined to kill the children and they needed a plan to stop him. The three of them against an army. The odds didn't look good.

---

Richard belongs to me
Art by  IlijaMandic

Story by me