Chapter 4

The next day we come to the road, only Diana wants us skirt around it.

You do not want to follow the road, going will be much easier? I ask.

Easier yes, but I am not going to bet my life on it being Brute free, she says as she scans the pavement as far as the eye can see. The road is big enough of 2 way traffic, the lines and barriers, from before are barely visible. There are fallen trees lining the edges and pot holes the size of wading pools in the black top. I remember it being difficult to drive along, but it would not be too bad to walk.

We can see far enough and it will give us a chance to chart the road. Note the damages and how much it will take to clean up, if that is what the Kindred want to do. We really should take advantage of this. I add as an incentive. I am dying of curiosity to see more of what is left of my civilization.

I don't like the woods, Alys whimpers and sides up to me. Can't we stay out in the light? she turns her big dark eyes on Diana.

We'll stay to the edge, Diana folds. Catherine grunts her agreement from the back of the line.

I nod in agreement as well.

After that, the day is much the same as the first. Diana walks up front. The girls and I talking and Catherine in the rear. A brief stop for lunch and some planning. And then more walking. Diana takes longer this evening to find us a camp. She claims that she doesn't know the territory as well. As we sit down to dinner I ask the girls if anything looked familiar. They all answer no.

I notice that Alys is not looking well. So I sit by her to talk and take her measure.

Alys, how are you feeling? I ask her, I am hoping that she will give an honest answer, so I refrain from touching her and using what Nimrod refers to as the healing touch.

I feel weak, and tired. she answers. I don't want to go back. She wraps her arm around her waist and shivers with fear.

Alys, we are just going to look around, we are not staying. And on the plus side we have two very capable and armed Protectors with us. I say, to try and calm her down.

But they're women. I sigh at this complaint. She hadn't wanted men near her two days ago, which was why it was a party of only women, now she does not believe that they are capable of protecting her.

Alys, Catherine and Diana have trained for all of their lives. I counter back gently. They know how to fight. They know how to fight back. Fighting back is not easy. You know that.

I jump subjects on her, wanting to get back to why I was sitting next her this evening. Now tell me, you are feeling weak? You are not that far along in your pregnancy to be having morning sickness, according to Nimrod. I reach out and feel her head she is not overly warm, so I know that it is not a cold, but something is bothering her.