Chapter 16: Good-Bye Port Marden

ALIAH

The next morning they packed up camp quickly and filled their water skins. Eating some of the fruity travel bread Amelia and Aliah had made, they started at a brisk pace. As with the day before they spoke little as they walked so they could listen for the sounds of other travellers and leave the road if they needed. Aliah had difficulty keeping up with Seamus' long strides. Her legs were tired and sore from the walk yesterday, and they seemed very sluggish this morning.

After she had stumbled a couple of times she stopped them at the edge of the Tangled Woods. 'Seamus, I know you want to be past Port Marden early but I can't keep up this pace!'