The Traveler

Altogether, what it comes down to is that he is wasting his time. “Child, the women with the mule sent me.”  Blond hair falls away from hollow eyes looking up while parched lips breathe just above a whisper, “Time to go, Red.” The child’s tone mixes him up to where he is thinking this child might be a girl, but he could be wrong and caring little either way, pulls free the child whose folded arms are holding onto her forever friend.  Once freed, and rooster let to roam; he takes the opportunity to hand over his bladder of water. “Go easy, unless you like to puke.” The child’s eyes shift on his and knowing there is more needed here, out from his pouch is a chunk of twisted jerky that he hands over which is raked from his palm. Business still at hand, he asks, “You good?” A nod. “Okay. Stay put until I get back.”