Author

Chapter One

Travelers At Night

  Ruv was cold, lonely, but in companionship with Tri who simply 'did it as it happened' not being endowed with perception, letting Ruv always explain as to the reasons why their actions were an act of destiny.

 "What do you reckon?" spoke Tri after looking at older Ruv with a sense of apprenticeship.

  "In our circumstances we'd better be expecting anything and everything that can possibly go wrong, dam it" said Ruv, His eyes searching the distant darkness. "Keep an eye out for anything moving on the ground in front"

  "Yep, ok" came a supportive response.

  "If its going to happen at all, it'll happen just when we're are on top of it" added Ruv wisely.

  He knew to trust his proverbial warnings because he had lived this long through many not so dangerous times by being his own master.

  The horses were trustworthy, both newly re-shoed. It seemed to Tri that the animals both were relying on Ruv to ensure their safety. He had full control of himself and the rest of the traveling party.

  At any slight movement from Ruv, Tri noticed his horse would follow that command with a sense of dependency. It seemed to understand that Ruv was the only way the group would survive.

 "These bloody horses are following your mind Ruv" offered Tri "They know you're the only chance we have."

  "This is wrong Tri" replied Ruv "Think only of the situation and about surroundings 'cause that's when we'll hit trouble"

  'Dam it', thought Ruv, he had told Tri before of this point, never day dream.

  "I've told you before, don't day dream!" he snapped in a militant manner, instantly regretting his mannerism.

  "Now you've got me beginning to be angry because i've told you before don't take your mind off the environment we're in remember", shouting as he spoke.

  "Sorry" came a meek reply.

  "Don't be sorry" was the instant reply "Just be aware of where we are and what we are doing".

  Realizing he was being re taught an old lesson he should have been using now tri starting to feel sorry for his honest and patient companion.

  Silence was noticeable between the two travelers for some time until Ruv turns to Tri adding, "Look, it's not easy to learn things fast unless you can see the reasons why the heck one should learn it" he paused "Just apply the safety aspect to my words and it'll all fit into place! Got it?"

  "Yep", came a young pups response.

  "Right, ok. then" was replied like a "snap" call from the card game.

 "Just be ready for anything and keep thinking of what we're trying to do."

 Tri's thoughts, although not supposed to be, were of appreciation of his rappelling companion.

  'I've got a perfect example setter here', he pondered 'If i just follow Ruv's advice i should be safe'. Hoping he was within the requirements needed of himself in the company of Ruv, Tri began to allow that feeling of full attention to the point on time.

  Tri felt that he was fully aware of all that was happening. He'd reasoned to himself that when trouble would happen he hoped his responses would be what is to be expected of Ruv, but then he felt that himself alone in this predicament could survive.

  With the recent thing that happened Ruv's ways had got them through without any pains or damage.

  'The horses know that too', he thought to himself.

  He got rid of his bad feelings of not being good enough when he realized that if he wasn't good enough then he wouldn't be here with is human companion in the first place.

  'I'm improving and must be becoming more of a capable person, good at what I am' he thought, smiling to himself. He didn't fully realize that his smile was also a smile of things directed toward Ruv.

  "Thanks" muttered Tri

  "What? why?" respond Ruv in a fraction of a second.

  "Bloody hell" surmised Tri, he's quick.

  "Oh nothing" Tri offered "Just saying thanks for looking after me."

  "You always look after yourself" came a perfect response "but you'll always look out for the next person".

  "You're never wrong you know Ruv" added Tri, "not patronizing you but you've got it right always"

  "I don't know if i try or not but I do what I think is right ok?" came a patient response "Be fully alert"

  Ruv knew he was setting an example to Tri and realized that when Tri one day on his own could get into trouble his actions, reflex and thought foundation were being laid down now.

  Realizing that he may be by now becoming a wise man, Ruv reflected. He must become wiser and conservative.

  He pondered that as a fresh boy he had noticed that most of the so called sensible adults with all their problems never seemed to make mistakes.

  They bloody well all reckoned they were faultless, he remembered but they couldn't stop their troubles and misery from reoccurring.

  "Hey Tri!" he called, not waiting for and answer, he expected Tri to be fully alert and automatically responsive. "You know something?"

  "No, what?" came a pregnant anticipated reply.

  "Everybody has an eye in their mind, ok, so if they want to see with it or not is up to them, right?"

  "Yeah I think I know what you mean" Tri answered.

"You open your eye yourself" adds Ruv "I'll just give you a hand to begin to open it yourself."

  "Yeah' replied the keen student if nobody was listening to this conversation they couldn't hear reasoned Tri.

  This was real free pure advice that made the difference if being a worthwhile human being nor not Tri reckoned.

  "Nobody can see with another persons eye of the mind, Tri" Ruv went on, "It's up to the individual to look within it."

  Ruv knew he had an observant listener who was hanging onto every word he was saying .

  He spoke slower with perfect pronunciation. He knew these comments of life were never forgotten by the recipient.

  "I'll just assist in opening the eye, you look with it."

  "Yes, sir" came another pregnant call of acknowledgement.

 "The secret is to observe, fully -  and that's hard to do unless you relax, right?" he said.

 "Yes, yeah" replies Tri "Always remember safety first and see where the priorities are placed."

  "Safety and family values you mean, Ruv?" ensued Tri.

  "Good thinking" encouraged Ruv "You apply that practically and it's the beginning" furthers Ruv.

  The horses seemed to blend in with the men's movements.

  Tri couldn't help but feel that the horses were approving of Tri's self learned advice.

 "These theories are all practical young man" spoke Ruv coldly as if it were to mean that death were possible should one not take notice fully.

  I'm pretty lucky to be in this creatures shadow thought Tri 'he's generous to pass it onto me.

  "I suppose I'll be just a learned student of this master' he thought to himself again.

  "Be it so". 'I'd rather have become like him by my own inclination but maybe I'll be better than him with more awareness added when I'm of his age' he hoped to himself.

  A warm feeling was coming over Tri. He had the feeling of togetherness of doing something of worthwhile ness.

  Feeling full of life and contentment during a dangerous time was and unusual balance he reasoned.

  He felt 'I'm happy'. He was ready for anything that may yet happen. tri knew he had the fire inside and the right personality weapons to take care of himself and Ruv when the time came.

  They were both individuals but they were an entwined team ready to compete against the dangers this countryside at night had to offer. He knew he was in a very clean cleat health condition.

 What Tri didn't realize fully was that Ruv had caused him to be of top physical fitness condition.

  Tri's reflexes were like that of falcon birds hunting actions. He just felt happy within himself, could relax anywhere - never felt unsettled, just happy with life.

  "The animals never tell themselves lies and believe in them Tri" Ruv offers "you never see them with the troubles that the human has do you?"

  "Well, this is right" emphasizes Tri.

  "So maybe there is something to learn there?" said Ruv

  "Well, this is right" repeats Tri "they observe all the time, don't they."

  "Exactly came an excited teachers response "maybe your third eye is seeing clearly"

  "I hope so" Tri replied with a sound of pride in his voice.

  "If so Tri, then so be it, but remember to keep all that there is at an even keel"

  He went on "Nothing if any greatness should start to prevent one from not seeing the other matters" he whistled through his teeth while sucking in the cold night air .

  "Never forget the  basics because they are what you are and what you will always return to"

  "Yes sir" came the usual response.

  Two horses and two men were traveling at a moderate pace through flat country side, talking was to a quiet sound.

  Ruv not only was looking often at his own horse but that of Tri's. He was awaiting, as a warning for either horse to twitch their ears as a telling that all was not well.

  Tri was always expecting Ruv to suddenly mover differently with instant speed once he reacted to trouble.

  He keep glancing towards Ruv and his horse fro just that, but he also knew he would and should be relying on himself doing a similar course of behavior once trouble began.

  Tri knew that Ruv would know what would be happening should Tri do the same.

  The only words spoken would be only what is necessary to advise the other in the interest of defeating the expected opponent in whatever it would be.

  Science when in a fight for death, injury prevention was a weapon Tri had learnt.

  Speed made it a deadly adversary when added to such, reflected Tri.

  He had learned through cruel experience to do the final desperate action at the start, This would possibly put himself in a safer category.

  "Do it full" he mumbled to himself "at the start".

  "What did you say that for?" enquired Ruv.

  "Bloody hell you got good hearing" commented Tri "I was just refreshing my memory.

  "Keep your memory always fresh, your entire being pure and fresh Tri" Ruv parrot-liked whispered.

  "My hearing is only as good as the eye in my mind sees the sound, ok?" teaches Ruv.

  "Appreciated and understood" said Tri.

  Thought the dark the horses moved running with confidence.

  They knew they were guided by a master. It would appear to the observer whatever that may happen to be that each of the four creatures felt safe with each other and safer because of each other.

  Traveling in silence the two men listened to the sounds of the horses hoofs contacting the ground. Both were accepting security and reassurance, that as long as the feet of their horses were sounding ok then they could visualize the ground surface as being safe.

  All eight ears were in constant search for any noise other than those of hoof sounds.

  Any sound different than that of what one could hear now would spell disaster.

  The men constantly searched the countryside in search of anything suspicious.

  Any shade that moved, any shade that looked out of place was viewed with suspicion as a possible danger.

  Ruv was expecting to see movement of silhouette against a lighter background in this dark evening. The men knew dawn was a long way away and already the night seemed to have been long enough.

  Tri relayed the situation they were in would tire him quicker unless he made himself stay calm.

  They knew that they had to stay sharp if seeing the danger first was going to be possible.

  Ruv had searched the terrain all the time knowing what it would be like for him to try and be the predator and the victim to be was another identity.

 He reasoned to himself that it would be lucky for anyone to be in position for attack because he and Tri were constantly traveling and moving in a slow S turning direction.

  Who or whatever would need to be are to travel easier and undetected to get in front of the men and horses to attack in ?????

  Tri would ride periodically behind Ruv s his horse would naturally follow the one in front. The reason for this was to allow Tri to ponder into the darkness behind them to try and see or hear danger approaching from behind.
   At the same Ruv, knowing Tri was directly behind would slow down slightly and view their left and right directions intensely. He turns sharply around to Tri "Trust nothing" advising in an authorative tone.
   Tri knew not to answer and Ruv knew the reminder was heard.
   The horses were riding well side by side now, there traveling style was carried out so that all the times they did not have a silhouette
Any possible silhouette could allow anything to see them and the men's advantage of being undetected so far would be finished.
   Darkness was the security, it gave them the advantage of not being easy to attack. As long as they did the right thing they may get through till dawn unhurt.
  Ahead was darkness and danger but the horses ran quietly as though it were daylight. It had taken a long time to unite such teamwork between horse and man. It had developed by practical tasks.
   The night air was cold, very cold, but Tri seemed to accept it as a stimulant. It kept his wits sharper he thought. His body, because of his condition, was warm. The only cold bits were his forehead and neck where the slight air current made contact.
   Chill factor in a small way' he thought he appreciated that his clothes were dry, if not, he would be cold alright.

  Ruv seemed to prefer to stay in front but nw and then would turn around and look behind suspiciously for any detection.

  Always if Ruv was searching the countryside in one direction Tri would be casting his eyes in another direction.

  At all times the two men maintained  constant surveillance of their area.

  To believe if no danger was encountered after some time Tri knew not to believe it was safe. He also knew danger may be approaching them right now or lying ahead awaiting their approach.

  For this reason Ruv had to change this direction and position from Tri.

  This way an attacker had less chance of striking a constant or aim able target.

  Ruv could remember in his youth learning of fleeing animals changing their position within the herd by a process of rotation.

  He smiled as he remembered the ears of such raising and falling periodically.

  'Good teachers' he reflected.

  The tow men, now side by side again were almost read for anything. It was a situation of being ready to react at any moment for any reason at an instant. They had been this alert since dusk. They knew ut was a survival requirement as well an accurate traveling ability among with the need to ride well.

 "O. K?" enquires Ruv.

  "Yes" Tri replies briefly.

  "Same" adds Ruv.

  That exchange was necessary as should they need to stop or rest they would have. They would have a better chance if they were in good condition.

  "Must look after our condition and the horses, Ruv" Tri spoke.

  "Give me a nod if your 're tiring Tri" Ruv offered

  "Later maybe" came a strong response.

  The atmosphere within which both men rode was one of companionship and one also of self testing. Tri knew they both matched up to their predicament but there was always a possibility that should they take the wrong course of action or decision they outcome would not be in their favor.

  "Hindsight would be the judge of that" he reasoned '"As always one learns on hindsight, but I'd better learn first when time comes"

  He knew it would be an 'Act right! act fast!' course of evening.

  He was fully aware that his ability to think and act in unison was an advantage. Such head to be much faster than the opponent situation.

  What ever he lacked he could possibly make up in speed and direction to come through. 'As long as it's very fast', he pondered 'faster than whatever I'm up against'.

  In the darkness Tri could just make out Ruv's posture. He reflected how he appeared. It was of perfect stature. A human with animal condition. He could sense in the night Ruv's being. The quiet, reserved, inner confidence, that was distance but likeable. He had confidence and a sense of a united team by being with Ruv on this journey of danger.

  Tri half pied wished someone or something would attack so he could prove his point.

  TIme went by.

  By now nighttime was past the half-way point in time. The two men still riding in silence were in a sense aware of each other fully. Togetherness in the full meaning of tow survivors traveling through danger, was happening at the moment.

  Every moment past was a moment closer towards dawn.

  Ruv guided his horse by veering right under a bank of a small ridge. The darkness in here was totally black. They seemed to be swallowed up by a black cloud of night ness. Tri, without hesitation followed Ruv an his reliable horse into this secure co lour.

  The horse in front slowed down easing into a trot until it came to stand still. The only sound now was of the horses breathing.

  "Rest a moment" whispers Ruv. Both men sat on their stationary animals , their eyes accustoming to the darker seclusion. Their eyes were bow better at seeing haven a few moments of total darkness.

  Ruv never seemed to let his guard down. He, as noted by Tri, was studying the countryside  from inside their 'cave'.

  His head rotated back and forward above to the skyline and the ridge line above.

  This was where they expected danger to come from should anything have been following unseen.

  "If anything's coming from behind, the trouble will come over that ridge Tri" ruv voiced quietly whispered "be ready."

 For some time the horses rested. The steam of their breaths suspended in the air. The steam of the sweat off the bodies creating a small cloud around the small group.

  Without any acknowledgment Ruv moved his horse forward walking away from that tell tale steam.

  At a small distance  away he stopped again.

  "Just wait" he whispers his voice just able to be heard, "we'll give what ever may be after us time to make a mistake, be ready for it" he adds.

  Tri did not need reminded but knew Ruv was just speaking in a manner that would unite the two's fighting teamwork.

  They didn't dismount at all, just sat still. Very, very still.

  Tri wanted to get off his horse and go away front he horses breathing in order to listen better.

  The men knew any attack on them would be foolhardy because whoever it was would not have the advantage of seeing accustomed to the darkness.

  In perfect stillness they viewed their surroundings, searching for any silhouetted movement.

  The eyeing up of the countryside continued until Ruv spoke. "We'd better travel towards those rolling smaller hills over there and travel under them along the flat in the darker side I reckon, don't you?" enquired Ruv.

  "I can't come up with any better suggestion" Tri offered.

  Another option was along a gully which would be full of rocks which would make noise and cause a slower going.

  The surface cozen was one of soft quieter terrain.

  "Anyone following our tracks in daylight will be traveling fast Tri" spoke Ruv in a worried voice. "They will catch up on us before midday."

  Tri had not considered this before, He knew to remain quiet whilst Ruv was planning the next course of action.

  "I tell ya what Tri" added Ruv "sneak up to the crest of the bank above us and listen and look".

  With that Tri slid off his horse, handing the reins to Ruv.

  Very slowly he felt his way up the bank in total darkness.

  He had to ascend silently. A difficult task but he arrived at the top in a short time.

  Passing into the night he gazed around the area near and far. He listened. Nothing seemed to be out there.

  He suspiciously re looked and re looked at each possible area that could give adequate cover to any pursuer.

  A long time later he was certain safety was on their side.

  Listening to the total silence he crouched on all fours and made his way down to Ruv.

  Not able to find his traveling companion in the darkness he blew through his lips briefly.

  No response. Again still no response.

  'I must be out of ear sound', he thought.

  It dawned on him that he had traveled towards the right when going up the bank. He'd come straight downwards on his return.

  So still on his hands and knees he made slow progress to the left.

  Suddenly he heard the same sound he had been making before.

  It was Ruv communicating with him.

  'He must know I'm here' realized Tri.

  Two times he blew through his lips to let Ruv know that he was near.

  Once he heard the safety repeat of Ruv's ok response of breath he knew to proceed. This password type had been used before by these men and both felt secure with it.

  Very shortly he was standing beside Ruv.

  "I presume the coast is clear?" spoke Ruv quietly.

  "There's nothing out there Ruv" he volunteered "that is as far as i can guess".

  "Right, ok" Ruv responded "I think we should rest here for a while, have some food, rest the horses, give them a small meal and prepare for a long day."

  Tri knew that would mean that tomorrow in daylight they could either be laying still during full daylight hours or traveling at full speed depending upon whatever develops.

  In total silence the men lay on the ground, resting. The horses chewed on their rations standing still.

  The reins of each horse were held by each rider incase of any sudden need to mount.

  Tri could feel his body cooling as his sweat evaporated. He began to feel fully refreshed but knew to await until Ruv gave the teams next move.  THis was a time to reflect on the past events, but Tri resisted the temptation for he knew not to, for such would delay his reaction should an emergency occur.

  Both men simply became part of the surroundings, knowing they will probably be ok in the future if they kept their wits together.

  Tri's horse began to move around from foot to foot. This made noise. One quick jab on the reins by Tri and the horse understood not to move until directed to.

  "Why don't we give the horses a name Ruv?" whispered Tri as he leaned further towards Ruv.

 "No need," Ruv taught. "They already have a name, 'Horse'."

  'Such logic' thought Tri, 'survivors logic, I suppose' he pondered further.

  "We'll be leaving tracks, there's no rain coming to wash them away" Ruv spoke systematically, "So if it looks ok  at daylight be ready for hard going."

  "I thought we'd been going hard all night" came Tri's quiet response.

  "Not hard, just normal" Tri advised.

  Tri didn't agree with that but kept his thoughts to himself.

  He wondered what Ruv would call bad going.

  It's only hard going Tri, when one cannot work out the next best thing to do, right?" Tri spoke impatiently.

  "Yeah i understand you" responded the student in a quiet tone.

  "I have not smelt anything all night other than ourselves and the horses" said Ruv under his breath to Tri. "With the calm conditions any smell we pick up will be close, right?"

  "Yes" replied Tri.

  Ruv went on further to add "Any noise, quiet ones, could be near or far with the air conditions at the moment so keep that in mind, got it Tri?"

  "Yes" murmured Tri.

  Very quietly Ruv stood up and checked over the horse very carefully.

  In total darkness both horses were checked thoroughly. Each part of the saddle and saddle bags were checked and secured.

  Each man checked over his clothing and equipment ensuring that all was ready.

  Standing side by side with their horses at ready. Both men looked in the darkness beyond trying to remember a view for future reference.

 Fully ready and fed and fully rested the group stood ready. A sense of anticipation and some fear made Tri's body feel warm.

  "Once we're moving we don't stop" Ruv told Tri, as he once again looked behind at the horizon of the bank behind them.

  "Stick right behind me at the start Tri" he said "If I move sideward's you go in front"

  "Yeah" spoke Tri with a nervous sound in his voice.

  "Don't' be worried young man, just do it right and we will be that bit safer" spoke an experienced Ruv.

  "Just be ready at all times" he added.

  Tri realized by the tone of Ruv's voice that he anticipated trouble and he was concerned.

  With that they mounted and began to move forward.

  Single file, side by side, then changing again to single file they traveled.

  The only sound was that of the soft thud of the horses hoofs.

  Suddenly Ruv stopped and sat in the saddle.

  "Just listening" he whispered nervously.

  They listened cautiously. Tri was leaning forward on his mount trying to see if any silhouette could be seen again that slightly lighter tone of the clear night sky -  nothing.

  Onward they moved, this rotating of position and stopping to listen became monotonous but safety desire warranted to.

  Dawn was approaching as they were half way along the foot of the low rolling hills.

  As it started to being the slights indication of light they moved faster.

  With the dawn coming closer came a small air movement - an ear twitched-.

  Without any sound Ruv slid off his horse making it rill onto its side.

 Tri was terrified as he instantly followed suit.

  They lay on the cold ground, horses rightly lying beside them.

  No one moved or made a noise. Total stillness.

  One moment they had been traveling fast, the next instant without any pre communication, both men had gone to ground with their horses and lay perfectly still.

  The change was instant. One man looked forward, the other behind. Their heads slowly rotating in different directions searching for the cause of the horses ear to twitch.

  It came to Tri very slightly.

  As the cool air began to move he smelt a strange unpleasant od our. Just momentarily, but en ought to know a creature of prey was not too far away.

  Ruv's head stopped, slowly moving and was still looking to the rear.

  He was slowly patting the neck of the horse while staring into the distance.

  The horse was comforted by this hand and lay perfectly still.

  Tri was also doing the same thing.

  Lightness was slowly increasing and so was their dangerous position. They were not in a good place with hard ground that left no tracks to hide for a full day.

  They had hoped to be on hard solid ground by dawn. This did not happen. Now they were exposed in the wrong place.

 Impatiently Ruv awaited for the creature to expose itself.

  For some time the men stared at the direction the scent came from.

  Tri noticed Ruv's hand slowly moving to his clothing. He knew it was about to happen, whatever it was.

  Movement caught Tri's eye. An animal was crouching and coming closer stealthily towards them.

 Both horses were getting fidgety.

  Lying now across his horses neck, ruv raised a leather looking pipe to his mouth and blew with an almighty expelling of air.

  A sharp yell from a dying animal sounded in the half light.

  Laying carefully still the men awaited to see if any other creatures were with the either dead or wounded predator.

  The only sounds now were of the horses breathing and the diminishing sounds of a shifting around and shuffling of an obvious death process.

  As daylight became fuller they still awaited in calm stillness awaiting for any indication the predator was not alone.

  As the horses were obediently very still, for both had their ears and faces being rubbed.

  Tri rubbed sweat from under his clothing onto the back of his hand and rubbed it onto the horses nose.

  The effect was to of a calming one for this mount.

  Instantly Ruv stood and ran towards the victim, grabbing it by the neck and hauled it over the back of his horse.

  With that done, he glanced at Tri giving a successful wink, he tied the load onto the back behind his saddle, mounted and said "If the birds circle around that today, should we have left it here, they'll attack someone who finds our tracks.

  With that done and it now fully light, Ruv searched for the dart stuck into the creatures chest.

  "That must have hit the heart Ruv" congratulated Tri.

  As he prepared and returned the dart and pipe under his clothing Ruv replied "It's our only chance to ride like hell onto some hard ground".

 Tri ran up to Ruv's horse and retied the bundle more securely onto his horse.

  "Thanks" came the reply, mounting, Tri called out "I'm ready".

  Ruv's horse began to run into a gallop, followed by Tri in a close bunch.

  They tore through light scrub tearing their leg cover.

  Through the countryside they galloped, Ruv in front. They had to reach the valley in the distance before dark. Both men knew they would be traveling throughout the full day.

  Riding fast in a gallop the riders viewed the terrain, towards the left was vast barren sparse scrub land with dry river beds. Meandering towards an old dried up lake bed.

 Ahead lay rolling hills of a dune like formation covered in a long grass.

  Towards the right in the distance lay bush in thick patches. One could see the ocean beyond.

  Somewhere in this variable countryside lay a valley.

  Neither men knew the direction to take to find their destination. It seemed to Tri that they would run until they were too tired to travel and then they would admit being lost.

  He corrected himself for such unsound thinking and kept looking into the distance.

  Together the two men rode out towards the right in an arc, then back around to the left in a complete circle. Arriving back at the point of around midday.

  They had completed a very large circle.

  Selecting a particular soft piece of soil to travel over they then left that circle.

  Tri dismounted and walked for a small distance before returning with at shrub.

  With this he walked behind Ruv, who walked ahead with the horses in single file.

  All traces of their tracks were cleverly erased by his brushing of the ground after them.

  Now nd then a stone or old stick and any piece of foliage that was dead would be laid across their cold trail.

  They avoided brushing up against any shrubs and rocks that could indicate to a tracker following that they had gone this way.

  Both men alternating in covering up their trail were working at their task. The other would be looking into the terrain for trouble or any sign of life.

  Around mid afternoon amongst a small bunch of reasonably large boulders they stopped to bury the dead animal from Ruv's horses back.

  The grave they dug was almost up to their waists.

  The small shovel of Tri's once again came in handy.

  It was becoming hard work in the cloudless hot sunny day.

  Stripped to his waist Ruv was digging with speed while Ruv rubbed the horses down.

  Hardly a word had been spoken since dawn.

  It seemed fair to feel safe now for they had walked the horses for a quarter if a day and had covered their tracks.

  Tri reached for the shovel as Ruv placed rocks over the kill. He set about covering in the grave with as much speed as he could. At the completion of the job the men carefully covered the ground up so as to not give any indication the ground had been disturbed.

  It took a while to cover up the horse prints before they moved on for they had been standing for some time.

  Only when certain of no indications of their haven been their did they move on.

  Still on foot, having turns covering up the tracks behind, they abruptly changed direction towards the grass rolling dunes.

  Ruv was feeling a little safer now and still glancing around at the countryside for unwanted company he turned to Tri, saying "I think the best thing to do is keep a straight line for the long grassy hills."

  "I wouldn't mind short spell Ruv." Tri suggested.

  "Same here" replied Ruv with that he tied their transport to a small bush and proceeded down to have a quick meal.

  "This is dangerous Ruv" Tri clamed "No one's keeping a look out."

  "The horses are" came a tired response.

   "I trust them Ruv, but I'm not going to rely on them for that."

  Tri replied, "better to to be safe than sorry."

  Ruv commented "you're right."

  With that Ruv sat on his horse and gazed around.

  Ruv stayed on the ground stretched on his back. He was totally relaxed His breathing was slow and regular.

  In this way he could almost achieve the same as a nights rest.

  He had no desire to sleep. Just to lay in peace upon the ground. His thoughts were of nothing. He knew Tri was looking out awaiting his turn. After some time Ruv rose and sat on his horse. He felt very rested.

  "Mt turn" Tri cheerfully advised Ruv, handing him the reins.

  The ground this time was warm and he kept the sun off his face by pulling his headwear over his cheeks. He felt happy once again.

  A smile of contentment came onto his face as he lay totally still. His legs and arms lying loosely beside him.

  He felt at peace within himself. The effect of what he was doing would last late into the night.

 The horses movement disturbed him and he then rose knowing he would have had a full rest.

  Tri was staring at their intended direction.

  "Can't see any movement over there" Ruv half said to himself.

  Very alert and not drowsy at all the two began to ride. Very quickly they entered into a gallop again. This time they were traveling in a straight line.

  Side by side and pushing the animals at a fast pace they still kept up their exchanging glances on the country surrounding them.

  Neither trusted anything that could give cover. They avoided such by slightly changing course around anything that may assist in an ambush.

  The telltale tracks they were leaving were of a concern, but they still rode their horses as fast as they could.

  It would be not an advantage to any follower whom traced their tracks after the men had come off the flats and on to the rolling grassland.

  Tiredness began to register a wary feeling towards evening.

  All day riding was hard on all four as well as the night before. Though both were of peak physical condition, the men were forcing themselves  to carry on as though they were as fresh as the moment the journey began.

  The shadows were now starting to grow longer now.

  Now and then Tri noticed his his body shape and that of his horse seemed in the shadow to be as singular creature.

  He thought it was humorous  how the shadow seemed new one moment and suddenly would be longer and further away when they passed small gullies.

  They knew the horses could keep the pace up as they also were in top condition and well shoed.

  As they rounded a corner of a long row of sharp razor edged boulder Tri seen his first glimpse of the relative safety ahead within the long grass.

  "Not too far to go then" Tri piped up instinctively.

  "Yes, and i think the God's all of them, if there are any at all, are also smiling Tri" Ruv said for the first time in a conversation like manner.

  Tri took that responsive manner to be a be a confirmation that Ruv thought the same as he.

  The tiredness seemed to leave Tri as they neared the base of the small rolling dunes.

  He pulled ahead and led the way with a burst of speed.

  "Keep your eyes open" Ruv called out as he glanced behind looking for dust trails.

  "Nothing coming" he called.

  The first chill of the evening  was felt as he horse first entered the grass.

  "Better take it easy" Ruv told Tri.

  They now slowed down to a trot staying below the horizon.

  After a short time Ruv called for a stop. Dismounting the horses and still holding their reins, the men led the mounts to the bottom of a gully.

  "We'll leave them here and go back and take a look.

  With that said they walked with each back up the bank and proceeded to lie down in the long cover of the grass and peered out over the country they had just covered.

  "Can't see anything out there" commented Tri.

  "Yeah, but if anyone if following they will be expecting us to to be doing exactly what we are or they'll expect us to head into the hills" Tri replied.

  "Ya reckon?" asked Ruv.

  "Yeah but if we do the right thing we should still be ok if someone does follow." said Tri.

  Tri volunteered to go back and secure the halters on the horses.

  Haven done that and then gone back up to the brow of the hill, he found Ruv lying down gazing back across the flats watching out for their pursuer.

  "We'll rest then for a while and keep an eye out over the country."

  Taking his boots off and turning his socks inside out Tri started to feel sleepy.

  "It'll be a while before we get some sleep don't you reckon Ruv?" Tri hinted.

  "Yeah sure will, and we can't be tired either" Tri demanded.

  They lay down in the grass for some time just lying down resting. It seemed peaceful here, no wind, clear weather and a silence that seemed to be a noise within itself.

  "You know Tri" said Ruv, "I still reckon we took the best route  through there ya know"

  "You see those rocks there?" he pointed, "That's the place I would if hidden if i was to ambush anyone coming ht is way" he went on, "the reason, well because it would be the most unlikely and would give the most hiding places if the ambush er were to show".

  "I get what ya mean" Tri pondered as he replies "All the other places have no escape route" he said.

  "Yeah but the scrub also wouldn't hide ya much of you wanted to wait until we had to be close ya know"

  "Yes, I reckon we done the right thing Ruv" announced Tri.

  The only part of the men showing out of the grass were their heads.

  "Ya know I reckon that if any wanted to they could lie down like this with the right colored clothing on and ya could near stand on them before ya seen them.

  "You're right, ya know Tri" replied Ruv.

  After resting a while they removed their footwear and proceeded down to  the horses.

  Whilst brushing down Tri listened to the sound of the horses grazing on the grass.

  "Plenty of tucker here" Ruv noted "must remember this place."

  "Yeah but water supply would be a problem?" Tri enquired.

  "I think the gullies would hold water holes."

 They decided, after thinking if over for a minute to travel under the brows of the hills parallel to the geographical boundary of the flats and the dunes they were now in

  Every now and then, in turns, one would dismount and run up to the ridge top and have a look around. Satisfied and being on their own they would then proceed at a leisurely pace.

 Towards dark the change of direction towards a small basin looking valley where the horses could be tied up without being seen easy.

  Evening twilight found the men rolling out their sleeping arrangements and with the horses tied to a small tree, proceeded to drift into a sleep that had been deprived of them for four days.

  For the first time since they had left their last camp site Tri felt a sense of safety. 

  "I reckon we've earned a damn good rest" stated Tri.

  "Yeah but I think it will be a while before we get the next one" Ruv responded.

  "Hungry?" Tri guessed.

  "Sure"

  With that the guys lay down in the long warm grass and proceeded to eat their rations. Their weapons lay concealed beside them.

  Each had placed a second weapon a small distance away. Haven been brushed down and fed the two horses appeared to settle into a peaceful evening of rest.

  "I am one day going to count those stars"

  "Like hell you will" Ruv responded.

 "Why?" came a questioning reply.

  "Well" drooled Ruv "Stars are only visible at night ya nit wit."

  "Ooh, yeah well I suppose you're right" came a little voice in the darkness.

  Small talk slowly ceased until both the weary hunted equals dozed in the silent darkness.

   As dawn began to occur the horses stirred awakening the men and the campsite became a hive of activity as many daily preparations were undertaken.

  Ruv hastily climbed to a hilly knob and spent some time viewing the countryside looking for movement and planning his days journey.

  To the direction he intended traveling this day he noted in the distance that the grassland would provide adequate coverage throughout most of the day.

  Towards darkness he'd hoped that they would be entering a bushy clad valley which would last until they arrived at the coastline that he knew lay on the other side of the small foothills beyond the forest.

  Positive that yesterdays country had no pursuers presently traveling over its he returned to the campsite to find Tri had the horses standing ready at a distance from where they had spent the night.

  The campsite was completely returned to the unmarked state that they had found it in.

  "I took a good look around the pozie where we stayed last night and I could see absolutely no indications we'd stayed there last night Tri" he told Tri, "That is good track covering up".

  "Ya must of taught me well Ruv" came Tri's response. "We don't want to leave any idea or any detail of our condition or state us to those who want to catch up" he added.

  "Actually, from what I reckon it'll take a dam good set of eyes and thinking for anyone to nut out just what we're up to I reckon" Ruv commented.

  "I know what I'm going to get up to Ruv" said Tri as he began eating stores from his bag - "Want some?"

  "Sure" came a hungry reply.

  Chapter Two

  Well fed and in good spirits the group began a long day under a blue sky.

  "Not a cloud in sight" Ruv observed, "good day for all those traveling in this countryside"

  "Make sure you keep a good look out Tri" Ruv reminded.

  "I'm pretty sure we're on our own but ya can't be too certain of that"

  'Always cautious, always suspicious' thought Tri, "Probably why he's never been killed yet" he muttered.

  The rolling hills were providing cover yet at times enabled the fugitives a chance to search the countryside for other movement.

  As the sun became hotter and higher they rested in a shady gully that was surrounded with large boulders that would give hiding protection should it be necessary.

  "Our supplies are getting low, I think two more days at cutting back on what we have been using at the moment should do it" Ruv planned out loud.

 "Just what we're going to do with the horses when we get to the bush will be a good question" Tri pondered.

  "Well, actually, should we decide to not continue with them and leave them to graze for a few days until we return?, they should be alright" Ruv said "Hobbling may be the answer, we just see how it goes when we get there."

  They will need a damn good rest by the end of today" Tri decided, "on the way back they'll be worked pretty hard" Tri spoke knowing with the joint conversation that they were actually putting their plan together.

  Within their bags they had, amongst other gear, a set of for each horse.

  "If we leave them around a water hole, before entering the bush, I reckon they won't be too far away when we come back to collect them" Ruv decided.

  "Ok, agreed" Tri said as he remounted.

  "If we pace it till the bush edge it will mean we are in time to get settled in for the night in the bush before dark."

  "Gotcha" came an enthusiastic response as both horses began to run quickly. Throughout the non-eventful afternoon the four traveled with speed.

  Regularly zigzagging through the long grassy sloping hills with nervous glancing around to ensure readiness incase of attack the silent men soon arrived close to the bush edge where a small creek which flowed outward from the forest gave all of the group a badly needed freshen up.

  "If we travel up the valley floor a wee bit and enter the trees by way of the scrub we should be less likely to be seen ya reckon Tri?" asked Ruv.

  "I'll go along with that" Ruv replied happily.

  He was looking forward to a good feed of meat and vegetables that he knew they would find within the bush.

  In a little gully the two men stripped down and bathed in a shallow pond. Taking turn they washed their clothes and cared for the horses. They took turns at being sentries scanning the bush edge and the grass land for anything not vegetation.

  "It's amazing ya know Tri how such habitual countryside is not supporting inhabitants" Ruv analyzed."Plenty of tucker, moderate climate, it's laid on out here".

  "I'd say by the time we're dust under the ground there will be residents here alright" Tri sadly spoke.

"It'll spoil it but with that coast not too far away, plenty of timber, heaps of grazing, waters not a problem and ny what I've seen so far it doesn't look like the winters are too severe, yeah, It'll be sooner than we think i suppose" he went on.

  The horses were fed and given a good rub down before being hobbled sp they would not travel into the distance.

  Tri put a small block of salt in a longer grass area where the horses began to nuzzle it.

  Beside this under a pile of small boulders and of broken branches, the riding equipment, stores, food supplies, water in containers were well above the ground.

  Carefully and detailed care was taken to ensure that no appearance of disturbance would indicate that anything was hidden there.

  "One clue gives heaps of clues you know" Ruv lectured, "can't be too fussy".

  "I'd agree to that" Tri spoke back  with full gusto.

  They felt a little securer now.

  "Ok Tri spoke quietly the horses and gear are safe. My clothes are almost dry."

  "Mine too" Ruv added.

  The men's appearance appeared quite different now.

  On foot they had their equipment on packs on their backs and each carried one weapon each.

  Around their waists were two knives. One a hunting knife, the other a throwing weapon. Their lower legs  were wrapped up with lengths of material. This would ensure good protection whilst trekking through the trees. Water pouches were filled and hidden within their packs along with food and spare clothing, also survival equipment and a various supply of different weaponry.

  Packs secure, they vanished into the scrub and crouching down ran quickly through the bushes, one standing first, the other running ahead stopping, nodding a signal for the other to follow.

  This darting, stopping, darting  and running continued up till they came to the shadow of a large old tree.

  Here they lay down on the ground listening to the surroundings.

  The first sound, other than that made by themselves and the horses was of a bird colony a small distance ahead within the bush.  

  Whispering, "If those birds knew we or anything else was here they'd be quiet" Ruv mentioned.

  The last dash was made into the forest and as soon as they were inside the trees they went straight up two trees to accustom themselves to the bush layout.

  A short whistle sounded. Both men jumped down and feeling certain all was clear they hastily began their next job.

  Selecting small saplings amongst a group of small trees they began cutting up long branches and lashing them together.

  A long sledge-like carrying bed was made up and tied with a careful profession ship that would mean that a heaving load could be carried behind the horses.

  Each man made one of these horse sledges each. Great care was taken to not leave any obvious marks easily seen that would show where trees had been cut and used. They worked in silence pausing, listening, looking, giving each other a nod then continuing with the task at hand.

  The finished products would be towed behind the horses and that to be able to carry good load and be easy to fix broken parks should such be required.

  Spare parts were incorporated within the structures and secured to the upper sides.

 Haven towed for some time, the men then when finishing their task, proceeded once again to check any indication of their making of the carrier was not detectable.

  After searching awhile, Ruv found a small crevice between two very large trees that grew close together.

  Here they placed their finished jobs and carry moss from under a fallen log and placed it  around them so they couldn't be found unless they were walked into.

  Tri stood back viewing the spot where they had hidden their creation.

  "They are between that row of scrub and broken trunk and the small bank" he recorded to Ruv, who listened  and repeated back to Tri, "Yes, shouldn't  be too hard to find them again" He added.

  "If we were them we may be in a hurry to grab them and and latch them to the horses" he went on, "I'd say when we come back it'll pay to get the horse ready first"

  "Yeah good thinking" Tri muttered.

  Everything cleaned up and no evidence of anything haven occurred there recently, the two proceeded to slowly walk into the bush.

  "We have to keep going northwest if we want the shortest route to the coast Tri" Ruv spoke out with a hint of concern in his voice.

  "We'll have to be pretty accurate because it's easy to go around in circles in the bush Tri".
With that they proceeded to walk along the edge of a small river.
   Both men were looking for human and animal tracks and glancing into the water, hoping to spot a trout.
  "We should be right to have a fire going when it's dark to cook a fish up Ruv" Tri mentioned hoping for an agreement.
  "I'd go along with that" Ruv seemed to say in a hungry voice.
   Smiling to himself Tri began to look more into the water than the bush surrounding them. "You look for fish and I'll keep an eye out Tri" ruv ordered.
   Very soon Tri was sliding down to an overhang and lying down. He proceeded to slowly lower his arms into the water. His hands slowly worked their way up the trouts tail towards its gills. Jamming his fingers into the fish's gills, he yanked it out of the water. He then held it upright and moved away from the creek giving it to his to his companion.
   This done he went back to the water, still nothing spoken between the two, lying very still on the bank, arms full length in the water he was very still watching a trout slowly swim towards him. Wiggling his fingers slightly for the fish to become accustomed to a slight motion he slowly began at the tail and rubbing the meals ???? began to move ghis hand up the fish's body until he reached the guts. In one movement the fingers entered the gills capturing and raising the prey out of the water.
  "One each" he congratulated himself.
  "This one's ready" Tri replied.
   A fire was started and as Tri gutted the second one he noted the roe. "The roe is very good for you, this male fish has it's roe softer" Tri said.
  "The female roe is always harder" Ruv commented.
   The small frying pans were shortly sizzling omitting there appetizing aroma of cooking trout.
   Tri proceeded to prepare a meal as Tri was by now moving in a circle quite some distance away from the fire. He began to take notes of the downwind from the fire. No movement.

  "Yeah i reckon we've earned a rest of some sorts" came the immediate response.
  "Damn good sized trout" Tri observed "Plenty more where they came from"
  "I reckon you're right there" came a contented reply.
  "Well I suppose we'd rest, get a good nights sleep" Ruv added "I don;t think anyone has been through here for a few years"
  "Only the odd deer, going by the old track marks i seen earlier on " Tri added.
  "Didn't see any myself" said Ruv, "just afer we entered the bush I spotted a set of small tracks" Tri said "I hope we get a good set of venison shortly"

  "I'll go along with that" Ruv said. Shortly both men were contently settled down to sleep each lost in their own thoughts.
   The first sound Tri heard upon wakening was that of birds greeting the pre-dawn.
   In the semi daylight he could just make out Ruv preparing a meal of raw fruit of dried berries and an assortment of vegetables. Sprinkling a good handful of nuts over the odd mixture he handed a plate full to Ruv.
  "Thanks"
  "Bigger daydream" came the cooks response "it would seem that there's a few days of journey through this bush till we reach the coast."
  "Do you think there's any residents of the human species within the forest Ruv?" asked Tri
  "I doubt it, but we can't be too sure"
  "If we pace it do you think we'd be able to do it in two days?" Tri enquired. 
  "In my opinion, yes" Tri reckoned, "But actually that's a damn good idea, because if there's nobody around we could travel faster" he surmised, then added, "Once we see or any signs of any folks we'd better take it slower"
  "A hard day ahead of walking" Tri concluded. 
  "Sure thing" came a positive comment.
   First meal for the day over, the men once again cleared any tell-tale signs of they haven been there.
   Very carefully detail and attention was given to their footwear. This done for they intended to be walking from dawn to dusk and in their healthy condition such could be done.
   The one thing that may stuff up was their feet or footwear letting them down.
  "Pretty sure that if we were to travel north-west for two and a half days we'll be near the oceans bluffs" Tri planned. 
  "Hope so" Ruv volunteered, "should be able to smell the salt air within one and a half days anyway" he pondered.
   By now the sun had begun to show its presence and with that came shadows.
   These shadows would see the men gain their directions more in the line they wanted.
   With that Tri proceeded to brake up a half body length of straight branch he picked up off the ground.

"The tip always points to the north" he said, "we'd check our direction during the day with this." With a frowning expression he added "The magnetism will not be strong and will need regular topping up."

 "Well we're covered both ways" Tri defended himself, "so we should be right with our path."

"I'd agree to that."

With that done the two began to walk in single file towards the north-west. The going was flat and with good distance visibility viewing through the trees.

  Once Tri slipped off a slippery tree trunk that lay across a small gully and fell three times his height. Other than that it was a day of fast walking pace broken three times for a short spell and a re-check of direction with Ruv's compass.

  During mid afternoon Tri commented that absolutely no animal tracks, even old ones had been noticed.

  Late afternoon they entered taller trees with fern growth spasmodically in patches between them.

  "These small creeks seem to be getting more and more now" Tri commented.

  "Yes it would appear we're entering the main forest now Tri" said Ruv.

  "These large trees must be a few years old" Tri added.

  "I'd say they were around before our great-grandfathers were young" Ruv guessed.

  "I'd agree to that" spoke Tri, "they've seen a few seasons alright."

  The bush they were now walking through became thicker but still their pace did not slacken. Wearing less clothing now than they had in the morning the men were covered in sweat.

  "Sure has got warm Ruv" Tri complained, "nice change though."

He entered some thicker bush and noticed a mossy ground coverage where he looked down to the deer tracks, whispering to Ruv "Oi look at this, must be a yearling deer's I'd say Ruv".

  Observing Tri's comment Ruv agreed adding - "I reckon what we should do here is take a break and make something incase we bang into one".

  "If we want some venison we can't afford to fire a shot incase someone hears it" he went on, "make a bow ya reckon?"

  "I'll be into that" Tri responded.

  Tri began traveling around the spot in a circle searching for the evergreen tree  known as yew.

  While he was doing this Ruv off loaded his pack and reached through it until he came to his ball of rawhide string.

  Cutting off a body length piece he then replaced his gear very neatly and tidy.

  Before long Tri returned with a piece of yew.

  Carefully shaving off branch extensions and smoothing the shaft Tri cast a critical eye along its length.

  "Looks good?" he replied.

  "Looks good " Ruv approved.

  Holding one end of the stave at the tip with the right hand and reaching out sideways with the left hand Tri marked the extent of his reach at the length of the bow. Ruv's knife soon fashioned the stave so that it was two fingers wide at the center, tapering to one finger width at the ends.

  He then notched the ends to take the bow string about one finger thickness from the ends.

  "I wish we had some animal fat to rub over this" Ruv wished out loud. "We may need it for a while".

  "Hey, with a little bit if luck I reckon we may just be able to do that Ruv" Tri spoke optimistically.

  "I wouldn't hold my breath Tri" replied Ruv, "but ya never know".

  "Here's hoping" came a keen response.

  With that he secured the rawhide string to the bow with a round turn and two half hitches at the end.

  "I'll release one end of the string during the night when its not in use Tri" Ruv stated.

  "That way when we do that the stave won't set in the taut bent shape".

  "Should be right in a few days of dry weather" spoke Tri "I reckon it's a damn good weapon by the look of it."

  "Lets hope it kills as good as it looks" Ruv replied.

  'Now it's arrow time' ordered Ruv to himself. With that the men set off around the local area in search for some good looking birch.

  "Get heaps Tri" called Ruv "we may need them for other purposes.

  Before long both intending to be hunters were back with enough birch lengths for twenty arrows.

  Selecting the best two the men set about cutting the lengths to the same for each one Tri extending his arm out whilst Ruv used it as a measuring point.

  "About same as we used last sea is I'd say, what do ya reckon Tri?" Ruv asked.

 "I'd go along with that " Tri replied.

  "From your big finger tip to your armpit eh?"

  "Yeah that's right if i remember right Ruv" cam Tri's thoughtful response.

  Each arrow was cut to length, they proceeded to cut and check if the notch in the end of each arrow was wide enough to fit over the bow string.

  Tri set about trimming up some thick leaves to shape its feathers.

  "Pity we aint got any feather but these done right will do it I think Ruv' said Tri.

  "I think you are right about that" Ruv spoke "we should keep an eye out for a bird to knock over for feathers as well as a feed".

  Not too long later Tri and Ruv had a bunch of leaves all trimmed to shade as suitable.

  All that put on each leaf of one end of the arrow leaving a thumb nail length of stem at each end of the length of leaf. They then tied these leaves equally spaced around the shaft.

  Fashioning bits of tin from around Tri's pack an image of arrow heads soon appeared.

  Splitting the other end of the shafts the arrow tips were inserted.

  This done the job of binding the arrow heads tightly began.

  "Damn it" muttered Tri as he broke a piece of the fine string.

  "No, not damn, Tri" commented Ruv, "just fix it" he joked.

  "I wish this arrow to be used first, it's a prick of a job to get this one right" Tri spoke in frustration.

  "If it's not right, chuck it out, reason it'll cost us a deer" Ruv spoke authoritatively.

  "Yeah I know" came Tri's dedicated response.

  Beginning again and taking his time Tri finally stood up and congratulating himself said "This one will go right through the heart of a damn good feed, I hope".

  "I hope so too" encouraged Ruv.

  Finally all the arrows and bow were ready for there duty.

  A piece of cloth was fashioned into a quiver and tied to Tri's back. Bow over his shoulders they set off again.

  "I wonder if anyone could find out trail without a dog Ruv?" Tri enquired.

  "I'd think they would have a hard job, we haven't left much in the way of anything to tell what we are about" Ruv advised.

  "Hope you're right Ruv" Tri responded.

  "We'd better make up for lost time Ruv" Tri offered.

 "You're right ya know" came Ruv's response.

  With that the travelers began to travel at an almost full running speed. The one whose turn it was to follow always kept back a bit and eyed the bush passed through, noting to see if they were leaving any obvious sign of their passing through.

  The pace now was full on and jumping over logs, crouching under branches, the two men traveled through that bush like fleeting deer.

  Exhaustion never occurred. Just a constant run, jump, bend, leap. On and on.

  The third stop to check out the needles pointing direction confirmed that yes, they were still traveling north west.

  A quick pause then onward they continued at times knee deep in ferns.

  Their eyes working constantly looking this way then that way. Other times increasing their running speed when the going got easier.

  The trees, some two arm widths wide with moss hanging down looking very wise, all appeared to have different characteristics.

  Now and then a bird would flutter in alarm, warning others of the unusual sight passing their domain.

  The two companions appeared to blend in with the surroundings yet in some ways came across as invaders being an intrusion to the area.