Chapter 19
Into The Forest
‘Life is but a dream . . .’
from a child’s song
Birin conversed with Elgar for what seemed like an eternity; late afternoon dragged slowly on into dusk, and finally darkness. During the wait, the other’s boredom was exacerbated by frustration and a growing sense of misgiving that there might be some sort of confrontation, or that they might be turned away. But finally Birin turned and made his way back to the head of the column of refugees. Addressing them in a somewhat ironic tone, he said, ‘We are granted permission to enter the forest and make camp. Soldiers, make no aggressive move, for all our sake. These people are well armed and will take offence to any show of hostility.
‘We are to be led to a place deemed suitable to our needs, and I am told it will take some two days to make the journey. If there is no need for delay, then let us proceed.’
This was followed by an uncomfortable silence, which he ignored. Mounting his horse brusquely, he compelling the others onward by withdrawing his presence towards the wood.
It was so dark when they first entered the forest that making their way was difficult. But their eyes soon adjusted, and the light dusting of snow on the ground made picking out the trail easier.