| "The Adventures of Kat and Clara" Part XII: A Noble Undertaking The flying machine soared over the vast oceans as night fell on the world. It was so late that the moon was up, and the travelers were becoming tired and sleepy. "I know not how longer I can stay awake," Kat complained, blinking her eyes, looking ahead into the distance. "We must have traveled hundreds of miles on this day, and still there is no other land in sight." "I am also drowsy," Clara said. "When I see land, I will set us down there." Salem looked wearily over the side of the airship, when he suddenly perked up. "Wait," he said, pointing ahead. "I see something!" Kat and Clara looked along with him, seeing the faint outline of a land mass. "He is right!" Kat exclaimed. "We are headed for land!" The shore of the island was collared by a small sandy beach, with large deciduous trees behind it. Nowhere were there any torches or lanterns, nor any sign of life in sight. The flying machine, still miles away, lowered itself to the surface of the water and skimmed across it, creating a small wake. In a matter of only about ten minutes or so, the wooden craft reached the shores of the land, brushing over the beach and coming to a complete stop. Kat, Clara, and Salem climbed from the machine, taking with them their equipment, including the still-whole second fruit from Methiosan's tree. "We shouldn't stay here for the night," Salem said. "I fear the tides would roll in and drag us away in our sleep." "You're right," Clara said. "I can still walk for a while longer; we may be able to camp in the forest of this place." "Then let us be off," Kat said. She looked along the line of trees, then detected an opening, which was a narrow, man-made path. "This way." The three adventurers started along the path into the forest. All around them were tall redwoods, hundreds of feet tall, that shut out the moonlight, making the pathway pitch black. The travelers staggered about for a few minutes until they reached the end of the path, stepping into a clearing. Before them was a large clearing with rolling hills, lined to the left and right with thick forest. The moon was full, and its light illuminated the field. "It is beautiful out here," Kat marveled, looking around herself. "Those who live here are fortunate to inhabit such a lovely place." "I don't know where we are," Clara said, "but we must press on. We should follow this clearing to see where it takes us all." With that, Kat, Clara, and Salem walked on, treading through the wet grass, soaking their feet and ankles. The clearing was a few hundred feet wide, but none of them knew just how vast the woodlands were. After another hour of hiking, the group had been drained of much energy. They were so exhausted from such a long day of travel -- even flying for most of it -- that they could not seem to go on. Kat stopped and fell on her knees in the wet field. "I am overburdened," she said, catching her breath. Her vision began to flicker. "I must sleep, or I will not be able to continue tomorrow." Clara yawned. "I am also tired," she said, kneeling with her. "Let us rest for now; much is to be discovered at dawn." "I will prepare our blankets," Salem said, pulling the sheets from the sack. Kat, Clara, and Salem -- not even bothering to remove their capes -- laid down on their blankets together. Huddled close around their equipment for safety, they all soon fell asleep under the glow of the moon. Many hours went by, and soon it became morning. The light was so bright, it pierced through Salem's closed eyes entirely, forcing him awake. He awoke on his back, rubbing his eyes to allow himself to see. His vision clearing, he blinked once more to clear his eyes of sleep. The first thing in his vision was a long silver object, pointed right between his eyes. "What??" he moaned, still trying to awaken. In front of him stood a few well armed men; they were dressed in armor of leather and metal plating, all with white belts around their waists. All pointed their longswords at Kat, Clara, and Salem, their faces all frowning. "What is this?" "Wake up, all of you!!" one of them shouted, shaking his pointed sword, demanding immediate obedience. Kat and Clara awoke, completely taken by surprise. "What is happening here?" Clara asked, lying flat on her back, a sword to her throat. Kat also laid next to her, unable to defend herself. "You are trespassing in the kingdom of Trillan," another soldier said. "What is your business here?" "Please, don't hurt us," Kat said, trying hard not to move. "We are but travelers." Two other of the armed men began searching through the adventurers' possessions. "What kind of travelers carry weapons?" one of them asked. "I am placing you under arrest; get up on your feet at once." Kat, Clara, and Salem slowly rose, their arms up in surrender. "Keep your arms at your sides," one of the soldiers said. Immediately, the three panthers placed their arms down at their sides. A few other soldiers decended upon them with ropes and proceeded to tie the travelers' arms to their sides, wrapping the brown ropes around their abdomen. "You must believe us," Clara pleaded, pulling gently against her ropes. "Silence!" one soldier snapped. "We will not hurt you, so long as you cooperate with us. You are being taken because you are trespassing on our land; we do not trust your story that you are travelers." The same soldier pointed ahead with his sword. "Now, march!" Without saying a word, Kat, Clara, and Salem all marched together in a line, their formation completely surrounded by Trillanian infantry. This is my fault, Kat thought, her eyes downcast. I should have never suggested traveling here. Next page >> |