Star Rider and Bonds of Love by Skarie Heidi

Author:Skarie, Heidi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Star Visions
Published: 2021-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

19

Unexpected Complications

When Michio awoke he immediately sensed something was wrong and glanced over to Toemeka’s side of the tent. She was gone along with her sleeping bag and foam mat. It wasn’t surprising that she was up already. He had guard duty the night before and she’d gone to bed hours before he had. She could be getting breakfast. He was being overly jumpy — he hoped. Crawling out of his sleeping bag, he rolled it up and put on his poncho. He was already dressed as he’d slept in his clothes in case they had to make a fast departure with Commander Rochambeau and his men so close.

Michio’s uneasiness increased when he left the tent and saw that Toemeka’s backpack wasn’t leaning on a nearby tree next to his. He glanced around the camp, noting that almost everyone was up and preparing to move on. Toemeka was worried about her presence endangering the whole camp. Had she struck off on her own to lead Rochambeau and his men away so Erling’s family could escape?

After collapsing the tent, Michio tied the gear to his backpack and swung it on. If she took off as he suspected, he needed to leave immediately in order to catch up with her.

Sharma stood guard as he crossed over to her. “Have you seen Toemeka?” he asked

“No, I haven’t seen her all morning.”

Michio spotted Jake emerging from his tent and headed over to him. “I can’t find Toemeka and her backpack’s gone.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Hell, this is all we need. It’s too dangerous for her to be out there alone. If Rochambeau doesn’t get her, a bashe will. Into the mike on his watch communicator he said, “Call Toemeka.”

No signal. Out of range. It replied.

Jake frowned. “These things are worthless in the Bvundo Mountains.”

“I’m going after her,” Michio said. “She probably took the more direct mountain route.”

“I’ll go with. We need to track her down and make her rejoin the group. Benray, come here.”

Benray got up from where he sat on a log, eating rations, and walked over. “What’s wrong?”

“Toemeka took off during the night after Michio’s shift was over. She can’t have more than a four-or-five-hour head start on us. You’re in charge while I’m gone. We’ll try to rejoin the group by tonight.”

Breezy approached them, her face lined with worry. “Jake, Mother’s too sick to hike today.”

“I was afraid this might happen. The men will have to take turns carrying her on a makeshift stretcher. Benray, do you know how to make a litter from two tree limbs and a blanket?”

“Sure, I’ll get to it.” Benray looked at Michio. “There are some clothes in Lizet’s backpack you can take for Toemeka. It rained last night, so she’ll need dry clothes.”

Michio tensed, remembering Lizet was killed in a skirmish the day before. When Benray walked away, Michio said, “Jake, you need to lead the group. I’ll track Toemeka alone. Maybe it’s better if she and I lead the soldiers away from the group.”

Jake shook his head.

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