The Traveler

Water on the boil, and fresh kill above the flames, with quizzing eyes she says to him. “There are other cages besides the one you seek. Or does that matter to you?”

“How many,” he asks. She has a faraway stare that comes about with her saying, “A good stretch was the year before. And chances are, most likely the owners will be rubbing elbows with that man you are after seeing that they are all in the same boat.” She leaves him to his thoughts then and as she goes to turning over the strips of meat, in the meantime, he mentally counts the arrows in his quiver. With the number in his head, there is always the dagger on his hip. And if really pushed, six bullets can be easily chambered.

“I will do your bidding.” His immediate reward is her handing him a stake of roasted meat, and a cup of brewed tea. Hands full, he sets the cup next to him and in doing so, she says to him. “We can help you. Chester and me. Use us as trade that gets you sitting amongst them, and then, do what you do.” Plain and simple is her want, however, the charred meat and delicious tea take center stage.