It was the second time that day he had left his house in his nightclothes. He couldn’t believe it. Distant screams of rage from his attacker reached him at regular intervals, but he kept running. It wasn’t long at all before he entered the woods.
Growing up in a town so close to such a wondrously wooded region, Garinor and his friends had spent much time hiding there. They knew every nook and hiding place there was to find, many of which they had created themselves. If he needed a place to hide for a while, this was it.
Three things made the journey unpleasant. First, he was being hunted by a band of marauders. Second, he was still in soggy wet clothes and barefoot. Third, he was alone now in this wood without his friends.
He knew he couldn’t stop to mope about the events. Time wasn’t on his side. Once the woman calmed down enough, she would be running after him per force. And she would most likely call her gang to her aid as well. The prospects weren’t good.
Garinor started by jogging around the outer perimeter of the area, trying to create a misleading set of footprints in the soil. He also grabbed a large branch and propped it up between two young trees that would easily sway in the breeze or bend with a careless touch.
He considered a few of his favorite hiding places in this area but discarded the notion. He was barely even into the woods now, and it would be too easy to be found. Those who chased him were clearly skilled trackers and hunters. A simple hiding place wouldn’t suffice.
As he worked his way around, getting ready to trek further into the forest, he heard the sounds of battle. Indistinct shouts rose in the air followed by a smacking crack. He looked around to see if any arrows were whizzing through the air, because the noise was oddly similar to an arrow thudding into a tree. Seeing none, he approached cautiously.
As he peered between two trees, his spirit lifted. His three best friends were playing war, branches held like swords. As usual, it seemed like Tomli was winning. He was the tallest of the boys and Garinor’s closest friend. Marrin and Besfa were there, too, taunting the taller boy and taking playful jabs as they went. With a heart that suddenly felt both heavy and light, Garinor joined them.
“Garinor!” Marrin called. “Whatever are you doing dressed like that?”
He surprised himself when he actually laughed. “Guess it’s been a rough morning.”
Tomli checked him over and frowned at all the scrapes and scratches. “Seriously, Gar, you look a fright. What’s been going on?”
“I can barely believe it myself, but there are people after me for some reason.”
Besfa laughed and slapped his knee. “The lengths you’ll go to, trying to ambush us!”
But Tomli saw the truth in Garinor’s eyes, and his tone carried that knowledge. “After you? What for?”
“I have no idea. I was summoned by the king and then—”
“The king!” Marrin gulped. He traded a horrified look with Tomli but said nothing else, for Tomli’s face had turned to a mask of stone.
“There’s no time,” the tall boy declared. “Here,” he said, pulling off his tunic and handing it to Garinor. “Besfa, take lookout. Marrin, help him with these clothes.” He disrobed completely and insisted Garinor take them.
Stunned by the severity in Tomli’s voice, Garinor reacted automatically. He handed his wet clothes to Marrin, who wrung them out and passed them to Tomli who put them on. Meanwhile, Garinor dressed himself in Tomli’s outfit, right down to the warm leather shoes.
“Hurry!” Besfa hissed. “Someone’s coming!”
Tomli gripped Garinor’s shoulders. “Gar, you have to run for it. Right now. There’s no time to explain. Trust me, and go on. Make your way to the castle and seek the king. Do you hear me?”
Garinor nodded under his penetrating stare and commanding tone. He couldn’t possibly refute his best friend’s words.
Marrin also patted Garinor’s shoulders, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll distract them.”
Besfa let out another warning. Tomli reacted immediately, turning and shoving Garinor in the other direction. He bent down and took his branch-sword and dashed ahead to join Besfa, Marrin close on his heels.
The words, “Get out of here!” hit Garinor like a slap and his feet started working again. He ran on ahead, terrified for his friends, but knowing Tomli would take care of them at all costs, just as he had propelled Garinor out of danger. Trusting Tomli’s skills, Garinor ran.