”We must be blessed by the Gods!”

”Bette what is it?” Walking towards the east a few inches away lay two more deceased soldiers. As they looked upon their wounds they were different in nature and did not appear to come from the same sword used to still the lives of the others.

”Bette, Gaia look?” Still freshly engraved in the soil were three separate prints two were reminiscent of horses the other she could not identify. Bette placing her foot within the mysterious print got an unsettling feeling as the print was six times the length and width of her foot. The base of the print was wide and above it four indentations it was clear whoever the print belonged to it was not human. What further gave Bette pause was the three prints headed towards the same direction they were heading in. Mounting their horses they continue heading east.

As they continued their travels Bette knew it was time to rest. Curiosity as to still the live of Jennicus soldiers fueled her adrenaline as she hoped to

Her travels were fueled by her adrenaline she felt she could continue on for days but her thoughts were taken back as she considered those riding alongside her. Finding another secluded area they stopped to rest. Since their journey began they bounded becoming like a family they all left behind. To see everyone laugh engaging in friendly conversation considering the circumstances warmed her heart. She didn’t want to disrupt the friendly banter so she sought fire wood for the night alone. One of the volunteers noticing her leaving alone follows behind her.

A massive storm ripped through the area weeks before causing the older trees to crash and fall during its wake. Grateful for the abundance of wood Bette gathers as much as she could. Realizing she could use another set arms turns around to head back to the camp to drop off the wood and prepare for round two. When she turns around she shocked to see one of the followers.

”Apologies I did not mean to startle you I saw you walk away and assumed you could use some help.” The woman standing before her Bette recognized since starting the journey to Natticulus she never revealed her face nor removed the hooded cloak covering her head. She rarely spoke and traveled at the very end of the pack.

”I was not startled, ”she untruthfully says.

”Allow me to assist you, ” she says leaning down gathering enough wood to fill her arms.

”Gratitude.” Bette walking past her could feel the weight of the wood consume her. Not wanting to show any weakness in front of a younger soldier she quickens her pace. The quicker her feet moved she struggled to maintain the grip of the wood. Not able to contain her hold she drops the wood.

”Shit, ”she says angry with herself for displaying such weakness.

”Allow me to help.”

”No need I am more than able, ”she says looking down trying to gather the wood she just dropped.

”Bette, ” she says placing a hand on top of hers, ”It would be a pleasure to help you.” As soon as she felt her hand on top of hers Bette looks up. Removing her cloak, the woman revealed herself for the first time.

Bette taken back jumps to her feet, ”Kelly, ”she manages to say.

TBC