Homeward bound

Wim woke like the world like the world was on fire. It was not, it was just bright sunlight shining on him.

One wagon, two barrels, one horse and the the tack, his tent, pots and pans, clothes, his bow and arrows, and getting injured were in the loss category. From a financial risk standpoint this had been a complete failure. There was money to make here in alcohol, women, food, and clothing. Maybe wood handles for the tools. The money was in helping them escape their lives in the mines and the hard work they did.

Wim made a point of saying goodby to his friends, Marcus, and even Sir Zane. Then he mounted the grey mare and rode with the the handful of men riding back to the city.

The ride was slow and the trip would be longer than if the horses were fresh and they were all healthy. When they had ridden a days ride they stopped while the messenger kept riding. The summer sun gave extra hours he would use to push for the city. He would make it there well before they would or a wagon would.

When night came, Wim sat watch. It was good to be off the horse and on something solid. He stretched his body which ached with pain. He watched a she-panther and cubs heading to a stream to drink and to hunt. It put Wim on edge. Being mauled was not high on his list of ways to die.

They came close enough that Wim had his sword out of the sheath and next to him. He watched as the muscles rippled as the cats walked. One of the cubs came through the edge of the fire light getting a growl from it mother. Wim stayed still and talked to them in a calm voice as they passed by.

The next day was more of the same. They rode and watched. The miles passed. This is how the days passed. One of the soldiers killed a couple rabbits so they had some fresh meat to eat. Some days they were hungry and others they ate well. Mostly they rode and slept.

This is how the days passed till they reached home.