Riley's Journey (24 page)

Demon trotted alongside. He seemed uneasy as well and repeatedly sniffed the air, his ears twitching as every new sound drew his attention, hackles springing up along his spine in response. Thankfully, the trip to the animal cave was only a short distance, and no threats were encountered along the way. Riley paused before entering, her eyes making a clean sweep of the outlying area, mindful of Nathan’s warnings.

Clouds were rolling in, harbingers of bad weather, pressing Riley to renew her haste to return to the protection of the shelter. There was no real reason for her uneasiness, but something just wasn’t quite right. Demon refused to stay in one place, alternately showing interest in her endeavors, and pacing near the entrance to the animal pen, his agitation openly apparent. The animals were quickly fed and new grass strewn about and, with nothing further to do, she made the decision to head back to the main shelter, briefly hesitating before leaving the deeper recesses of the cave and stepping into the open. It was that one moment of hesitation which was their salvation. Demon growled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest, his hackles springing stiff and menacing. Her heart thudding rapidly, Riley quickly scanned the perimeter. To the north, outlined against the skyline, several figures moved south in a steady line along the ridge, seemingly unaware of her presence.

Dropping immediately to the ground and scuttling crablike behind some large rocks positioned near the entrance to the cave, she motioned Demon to follow. Cautiously, she rose up, just enough to peer around a smaller rock, hoping for a clearer view. She counted five individuals. They were rambling unhurriedly along, periodically gesturing towards the direction of the main shelter, stopping often to talk and even argue. It was obvious they weren’t expecting company and Riley was not going to do anything to change that presumption. Her stomach in knots, Riley held her breath in anticipation of the moment when they would enter the tree line and out of view for a short span of time. If she was lucky, they wouldn’t be able to spot her either and she could make her way back to the main cave. They were still too far to the east to be a danger, but if they kept going, they would be within shouting distance of the main cave.

Praying softly to quell the panic threatening to overwhelm her, Riley inhaled deeply, counting the seconds and planning her next move. When the last of the five entered the covering trees, Riley sprinted towards the brush along the path to the shelter, keeping low, one hand on Demon’s neck, for comfort and reassurance that he followed. No answering shouts accompanied their flight, gaining the blanket of trees and bushes within seconds, where she crouched, her pulse racing in response to the adrenalin rush, breaths coming in gasps.

Staying low, she watched the horizon, nervously awaiting their next appearance, which came almost immediately. Closer now, she was able to make out some details. They were definitely from the newcomers’ group, fierce-looking and totally primitive, an abundance of weapons displayed by each individual. Their appearance alone scared the crap out of her and it took little imagination to figure out what they would do if she were captured. Fearful that Demon would go on the attack, Riley tightened her hold, admonishing him softly to stay. The newcomers’ halted for awhile, their attention drawn to the north, and overlooking the river below. Riley took that opportunity to retreat further, careful to cover her tracks in case the newcomers chanced upon them. Crouching low, she ran through the brush abutting the path, Demon silently striding by her side, circling around in an attempt to reach the rear tunnel into the cave.

Sprinting through the dense foliage, Riley covered ground as fast as possible without leaving undue signs of passage. Not wanting to chance inadvertently revealing herself and fearful that one of the newcomers might have tracked her back to the main shelter, Riley paused, hunkering down to scan the area before approaching the back entrance. Demon remained at her side, exhibiting no signs that anyone or thing skulked nearby. After a few minutes, satisfied that they had arrived undetected, she warily approached the cave entrance. Nathan would be waiting at the main doorway, and she debated on how to alert him that she was outside the rear tunnel. Picking up a large stone, she made one rap on the rock wall, hoping it would not draw unwanted attention. Within seconds, the door slid open and Nathan cautiously edged out.

Throwing herself into his arms, her limbs shaking from exertion and tension, Riley chattered breathlessly, “They’re looking for us, I know they are!”

“Shhhhhh,” he soothed, caressing her back comfortingly and drawing her into the tunnel. “I know. I was outside the front entrance and I spotted them. I’ve been waiting for you, hoping you would return by the rear doorway. Do you think they saw you?”

She hesitated, her mind reviewing the earlier encounter. “I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure. When I first saw them, they were quite far out and not really looking in my direction. I stayed hidden until they entered the tree line and then rushed back here. I stayed off the path, too, so I wouldn’t leave as many tracks.”

Moving the rock wall back into place, he nodded approvingly. “You did good!” They followed the meandering path back to the pool room of the cave. “I think it’s time we move all the supplies by the rear entrance. We need to bring the horse up as well, but I’ll do that after nightfall. Less chance I’ll run into any of them.”

“You should bring the sheep back, too.”

“No, we can pick them up if we have to leave. We’ll leave by the southern route anyway, and they’ll be happier in their normal surroundings. The horse has been in here numerous times. I figured he’d better get used to the smell and feel of it just in case.”

Her eyes were huge, reflecting her fear. “How will we survive out there? It’s hard enough in here. This is our home.”

Gathering her close, Nathan offered what small consolation he could. “We’ll be okay. I won’t let anything hurt you. I’ve been in trouble before and lived to tell about it and I’m not about to change now.”

Comforted by his nearness, Riley forced down her misgivings. Better to face whatever happens than living in terror of what could happen. Determinedly, she stepped back, smoothed her hair, and began the task of moving the packs and supplies.

“I can do that.” Nathan moved to help.

“No…you…can’t! You need to save your strength. I can at least do this if you’re going after the horse, and you need to rest before you go.”

Reluctantly, Nathan conceded. He was feeling better every day, but his strength was still far from 100%. That Riley was allowing him to go after the horse was in itself amazing. She’d babied him constantly and did everything so that he had a chance to heal.

Proudly, and with love flooding his being, he covertly watched Riley as she labored. She was a woman made for a man such as he and he treasured her. A small feeling of guilt nagged his conscious. He had never felt this way about Emily. Theirs was a first love, pure and unsullied by life’s problems. Riley was his soul-mate, if such a thing existed, a forever-type love. Silently, he apologized to Emily, finally letting her memory go. She would understand, he thought, life was for the living.

Riley turned to him. “Lay your butt down and get some rest or I’ll go after the horse myself.” Her threat held little weight, but to appease her, he settled down to rest until night.

Riley had no intention of telling Nathan until the last moment that she was accompanying him. He’d fight her tooth and nail on this one but, if something happened and she wasn’t there to help, she’d never forgive herself. Better to be with him than to die alone—not that dying in any context was appealing, but certainly not alone.

Moving the packs and supplies took some time and the normalcy of those chores helped to ease some of Riley’s anxiety. Once she had all the equipment moved, she fixed some dinner and then sat down to wait. Nathan came into the kitchen area, looking rested, his face still somewhat pale, but better.

“I’m going to leave just after dark. I suspect they will either go back to the main camp or shelter down soon. I don’t think there’s much chance they’ll camp near here, and I should be able to get to the animal pen and back without any problems.” He sat down and began eating. Riley watched for a few minutes before dropping the bombshell.

Firmly, and without reservation, she stated, “I’m coming with you.”

Startled, he glanced up scowling. “Not on your life. I can make better time alone.”

“Probably. But I’m still coming with you.” Refusing to back down, she pressed on. “If something happens, it happens to both of us, and I’m going.”

“But I’m more used to this environment and I don’t need the extra hassle of protecting you, too.”

“I won’t be a hassle!” She cried, affronted by his unwarranted attack. “I’m going, either with you or, if you leave me, the minute you’re gone, I’ll follow.”

Frustrated, Nathan raked his fingers through his hair. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I won’t be left behind! If something happened to you, I wouldn’t survive anyway and I’d rather be with you.” Her face reflected her anguish.

Gravely, Nathan considered her demand and, finally, accepting defeat, he nodded his acceptance. “I can understand. I hate it every time you go out alone, and I almost get sick with worry each time.”

“Why would you think I would feel any different,” she questioned. “Because I’m a woman?”

“I didn’t mean it that way,” he defended himself. “I guess I’m just old school—women need protecting.”

“Well, guess what, Cave Man! Where I come from, it’s the 21
st
Century and women don’t look to men for protection. We take care of ourselves!”

“I know, I know,” he muttered, searching for the right words. “But cut me some slack. It’s not the 21
st
Century! What century is it, by the way?”

“Don’t try to change the subject. Just accept the fact that I’m your partner and partners help each other,” she almost growled in exasperation.

“Uh, sorry. I wasn’t trying to be difficult, just trying to resign myself.”

Somewhat mollified, she sniffed. “Well, okay, but don’t forget next time, because I’m sure there will be a next time, and next time I might not be so easy on you.”

“If you’re going, get ready! Cover up as much as possible, the mosquitoes will be out in hordes. Stay behind me all the time and if I tell you to do something, do it fast, with no arguments. I won’t tell you twice. Do you understand?”

Swallowing hard, Riley nodded, relieved that she had won the fight so easily. “Whatever you say. I won’t argue.” She hurried to make the necessary preparations, keeping a close eye on Nathan just in case it was a ruse on his part to get past her defenses. Soon, dressed and ready, she waited expectantly by the rear tunnel as Nathan gathered his weapons.

“Here,” he tossed a knife and short, lethal looking club to her. “Take these with you and use them if you have to.”

Riley stashed the knife in her boot strap and hefted the club, testing its weight and balance. A slight grin creased Nathan’s stern mouth. She looked like a warrior woman of old, but still soft and womanly. He knew from experience that she could hold her own, but whether she would in a fight to the death was still a concern.

Satisfied that the club could deal some punishment, Riley started down the tunnel, her heart in her mouth. Even though she professed to be ready, her skin crawled at actually leaving the shelter. Stopping, she turned and perused the small cavern, wondering if they would ever return.

“Don’t worry,” Nathan reassured her, seeing her indecision. “Tonight will be just a quick stroll in the old primordial garden. We’ll be back in time to watch ‘Saturday Night Live’.”

Chuckling softly, though a lump formed in her throat, Riley joined in the light banter. “Are you sure it’s Saturday night—and we have a TV where?”

“Well, I might be wrong on the day of the week, but I’m sure there’s a TV somewhere around here. I seem to remember watching one.” Nathan stepped into the tunnel, Demon at his heels. “Let’s get this showboat on the river.”

Total darkness blanketed the land as they stepped out into the vast expanse. Stars lit the sky in a jubilant display and night sounds wafted on a strong breeze blowing from the north. Predators distantly screamed their challenge and bats flew erratically through the trees, squeaking as they careened around obstacles. Brushes rustled as a small animal scurried away, seeking refuge in the denser scrub. Demon sniffed curiously, but took the lead, unconcerned by the creature’s movements. Nathan fell in behind Demon and Riley followed, growing more apprehensive with each step away from the shelter. Nervous, she reached out, holding onto Nathan’s tunic, taking comfort in that small gesture. Heightened senses kept her on the alert as they ventured forth. Demon trotted ahead, easily maneuvering through the brush, the trail to the animal pen stamped indelibly in his brain. Nathan stopped abruptly and Riley slammed into him, holding her breath in anticipation of some unknown threat.

“Just checking,” Nathan whispered. “Don’t want any surprises. Stay close.”

Like she would do anything else! Given half a chance, she would wrap herself around him and hold on for dear life. The distance to the animal shelter seemed to stretch further than normal tonight. What seemed like a ten minute jog earlier now seemed like forever, the darkness concealing untold hazards and obscuring visuals for more than a few yards. Riley breathed a silent prayer, asking that the journey end quickly and happily. Hours passed, or so it seemed, until they finally entered the animals’ enclosure. In all total, it was probably less than fifteen minutes. Softly nickering, the horse nuzzled Nathan for a treat, the sheep bleating in unison. Riley hurriedly tossed down some dry grass for the sheep and without any wasted time, Nathan led the horse out, stopping at the last moment to pen the sheep in. The horse pranced in unease but otherwise cooperated. They began the journey back, led by Demon’s unerring sense of direction. Demon growled as some large animal crashed through the brush, running away from their position.