Connor could see a few stands of tall trees that rose like islands in a sea of sun-dried grasses. Things moved there, in the shadows of the trees. Soon something charged off in haste, bounding through the tall cover, though he could not see clearly.
"Centaur," Erlis warned. "And I have to wonder where he's running and to whom he will report."
Druce stared ahead. "I see a trail just ahead, but it must lead straight to the stand of trees where the Centaur ran. I don't think we want to walk right up to them."
"Not wise," Antisha agreed. She tried to push hair back out of her eyes and snarled when it wouldn't stay back. "The centaurs sometimes go wild if something upsets them. We don't want to walk in uninvited -- and no, Connor, you would not make a difference in this. I've known many at court."
Connor had never met a centaur and wasn't going to argue. He and his companions kept going, and within the hour they found another path, leading into the tall grass that rose up to their waists and higher in places.
"Here looks like a good place to cross," Druce said. "I can't say where this path goes, but at least not straight to a centaur camp."
"What about my friend here?" Connor said with a hand reaching towards his pocket.
The fairy leapt out onto his palm and looked around as he gave a little stretch. Antisha came closer, and the fairy spoke in a quick rush of words and pointed to a taller tree a few feet away. Connor got the idea and limped over to it. The fairy leapt up onto the trunk and scrambled upwards, soon sitting in a clump of leaves and looking content.
"He'll be all right?" Connor asked.
"Yes. His people can find him," Nylia explained with a gentle hand on Connor's shoulder. "And he's strong enough now to get to cover."
"Safer here than with us," Druce added. "Fairies are woodland creatures. There's not much cover out in the grasslands."
Connor took one last look to make sure the fairy was safe, and then he started away. Connor wanted to rest, and if they stood still for too long by the tree, he was going to climb up and sleep as well.
Druce led them into the grass. He glanced back once after a few steps, but he couldn't see the fairy so he had to think the little guy would be safe enough there.
Connor concentrated on the path instead. While this one didn't have as much debris as they had to avoid in the woods, and while it took a relatively straight course, it was still not easy. Ruts were worn into the soil, and burrs attached themselves every time he brushed against the tall grass, clinging to hair, arms, and clothing. There was no relief from the sunlight which beat down on them all through the day.
Connor fought to keep his temper in hand. Druce occasionally cursed softly and then shook his head as though he regretted the outburst. They would have to rest soon; Connor wasn't the only one limping. The sun passed overhead, noon and beyond, but nothing different showed in their westerly direction, though sometimes the path turned a bit south, giving them their only hope of reaching anywhere.
But not today.
The heat and sunlight made his head pound. No -- that was the sound of hooves, and they were coming far too close!
Druce signaled everyone to stop as he looked frantically around, but there was nowhere they could hide that wouldn't leave a clear trail.
"We could split up," Erlis suggested, but then he shook his head. "None of us would get far. Can you see them, Druce?"
Druce, at the front of the line, was looking up over the taller stalks of grass. "I can see shapes. At least a dozen of them."
Nothing more to do except to rest and wait. Connor seriously wanted to sit down, but since none of the others did, he stood his ground, so to speak. He did bow his head and close his eyes. That proved to be unwise. He almost fell asleep on his feet.
Nylia caught him by the arm and gave him a nod of commiseration. She didn't look any happier. He tried to worry about what would happen now. Were they going to fight? Magic would call even more enemies to them.
Could Antisha talk their way out of this? She was trying to look presentable, even daring a few touches of magic. Centaurs were big on show, he remembered. What would they think of the human in the group? Maybe he should hide since he might not be noticed --
He looked around, but there was nowhere to go that wouldn't be noticed. Best, he supposed, just to face this with the rest of them.
There was a bend in the trail not far ahead. Connor hadn't noticed until now, but it kept the new group from sight until they turned --
Not centaurs.
"Wildlanders," Nylia said, relief in her voice. "Horses."
He hadn't quite believed it until they had neared, and the people dropped down from the horses. The Wildlanders looked almost as stunned to find the group here as Connor, and his companions felt.
"He said we should watch for you in the late summer," someone said and sounded shocked. "He said there would be trouble."
Connor recognized the man. "You were one of the people who brought Liam to Northgate."
"Yes," the man said, nodding emphatically. "And he told us to watch for you. He said that we must get you to safety. I didn't believe him because he couldn't say what was wrong."
"Northgate Keep came under attack," Antisha explained. "It happened at the close of the Testing. Galen and his son brought in trolls. We are not safe company."
"Come. We'll get you to the village."
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