Tales of the Wastelander Ch. 17 - Teaser (Patreon)

The convoy of travelers plodded along the road, reaching the town of Tired Grove just as evening hit. It had been a long day, with Ylva pushing to reach the town ASAP, hoping to get there before sundown. They were within sight of the gates as the sun touched the horizon. Lawrie sighed as they ambled up to the gate, eager to get inside.

“Well, here we are. Tired Grove is a very hospitable place and one where you can always get a good night’s rest,” Lawrie commented as the carts neared the gate.

“Some rest would be welcome! Especially with this boy going as hard as he did,” Ben smiled as he patted Goliath’s flank.

“As long as we get enough rest to make tomorrow like today, I won’t complain about it,” Ylva said as she pulled their cart to a halt.

“Hey there, Groban! Been a while, yeah?” Lawrie called out to one of the militia approaching.

“Lawrie! Good to see you back and in one piece! How—whoa!! Where did you get those?!?” the man cried out, spotting the Darkwolf pups.

“Found them on the road coming here. Been busy training them to be obedient,” Lawrie told him.

“You can’t train Darkwolves! Everyone knows that!” Groban argued.

“Oh really? Odyn, come here,” Lawrie commanded, and the pup rose from Mellany’s feet and trotted over. The pup sat there, waiting for his next command.

“Now, sit. Good boy! Stay!” Lawrie told the Darkwolf. Odyn did as he was told, staying put with his butt in the dirt as Lawrie dug around for a treat. He pulled out a piece of dried meat and while Odyn licked his lips, he sat perfectly still. Lawrie then gave him the treat, which Odyn gobbled up happily, before he was told to return to Mellany.

“I’m sorry, you were saying Groban?” Mellany sassed, having known the man as long as Lawrie had.

“Nevermind,” Groban grumped, while still looking at Odyn with a sense of awe.

“What’s going on here? I’m seeing a lot of bustle and hustle, and assorted commotion,” Lawrie remarked.

“Ranger-Captain is calling the rangers in for a hunt. Slavers have been this way, and they’re looking at going after them,” Groban huffed.

“Did they take anyone?” Ylva asked, her voice thick with concern.

“Several homes have been raided and most everyone is gone,” Groban worried.

“Most everyone?” Byanka questioned.

“Several people have been found dead. Beaten to death. Some looked like they were done in with fists, others had farm tools used on them,” the man stated.

“How long ago was this?” Ben wondered, seeing if they could figure out a timeline.

“Most recent homestead to be raided was the where Gertrude and Bellona lived. That was maybe four days ago, from what Clayve could tell,” Groban stated. Ben and Ylva exchanged a look. The slavers were only four days ahead of them now! This was exciting news, which told them they were indeed closing the gap!

“Where would we find Clayve?” Lawrie questioned, wondering if he could catch his friend before he left.