Tales of the Wastelander Ch. 21 - Teaser (Patreon)

“No strenuous activity!” Byanka called after the woman, which made Byrgyt sigh and slump her shoulders.

“You really know how to be a killjoy, don’t you?” Ylva asked as she walked over to get onto Goliath.

“Not really. I just want to be sure that the boy heals right, so they can enjoy such… activities,” Byanka told them, as she got into the cart’s driver seat with Ben sitting next to her.

“She is right about strenuous activities being a detriment to the healing process. Even things like that can have a… negative impact on how fast a person can heal,” Ben agreed.

“I will say this; Byrgyt is going to be one frustrated woman before long,” Ylva giggled, as Clayve called for the caravan to begin their daily march.

Nearby the group, both Bellona and Gertrude watched the exchange between the lovers with wry amusement. While it wasn’t proper manners to listen in on people’s conversations, this group was amusing to watch and listen to. Not to mention all the fantasy fuel that Bellona was getting from their… exchanges and stray thoughts.

‘Interesting to watch and listen to, wouldn’t you say?’ Gertrude asked her granddaughter over their mental link.

‘It is indeed! Lots to pick up and think about in everything this lot says and does,’ Bellona agreed.

‘Speaking of which, have you come up with any ideas about the current situation we’re in? We do need a new plan,’Gertrude reminded the younger woman.

‘I know, Grams! I know! I’ve been thinking about that very thing a lot lately,’ Bellona told her grandmother.

‘And? What have you decided?’Gertrude questioned.

‘That we are going to have to pick up stakes and leave this place. It has been good for a few years yet, but leaving is our best option. We got lucky with the rangers dealing with Trahl’khan and his ilk. Next time, we may not be so lucky,’ Bellona stated.

‘I agree. Should we just leave right away then? I mean, we are safe for the moment, yes?’ Gertrude surmised.

‘We are, for the moment. It should be enough time to head back home and pack up what wasn’t destroyed. Then there’s the cache that you insisted be hidden in the woods. No way are we leaving that behind,’ Bellona told her.

‘It’s a good thing I insisted on such measures then, yes?’ Gertrude giggled smugly through the link.

‘Yes, yes, it was a good idea. One of your better ones, for sure. The slavers were more interested in what we had lying around the homestead, rather than anything out in the forest,’ Bellona replied.

‘Once we have everything back, then what?’ Gertrude wondered, seeing if her granddaughter was planning as far ahead as she needed to.

‘I’m thinking we find a way to rope these traveling merchants into helping us and possibly letting us go with them. Strength in numbers can’t hurt. Especially with that Pinkskin and his deadly aim with that bow of his,’ Bellona said with a note of appreciation.

‘A sound plan! You are getting better at these! Anything we should be concerned about with everyone who is in that group?’Gertrude questioned.

‘Nothing really comes to mind, no. I have done a basic read on each of them and so far I have found nothing that stands out or that could be of concern to us,’ Bellona told the older woman.

‘What of the Regulator?’