Big post and I hit 50k Adult content

The man looked a bit worried. “They won’t get to out of hand will they?”

“What?” Vine laughed. “Oh dear, is that what you think. I can see the headline now. Three Albain teens on there university pilgrimage escape there escort and run wild in terrain station, news at ten. Sir, really they are just tired of the trains and wait, but they are not going to cause any serious trouble.”

He turned red. “Oh um so that. I have to go.” He disappeared back though the door as fast as he could. Vine couldn’t help laughing.

The other man said. “You know he thought right?”

Vine nodded. “That just made it better. Sorry it was nasty I know, but sometimes you just have to be a bit silly or you will start hitting things that shouldn’t be hit. I do need to let them know, and I am sure you have some waiting on news as well. Don’t worry if the train isn’t here and there is no word I will throw another fit and get more answers.”

The man said. “Thank you that dose help. I do wonder what that was about turning the trains around.”

Vine went back over to the others. “Well they said the train will be in the station in ten minutes, and we should be able to board in forty. We will be spending one last night on a train after this it will be a few weeks of sleeping bags and tents. We will have to push it a bit more than I wanted to or take a closer campsite than planed. Either way this time has to made up at some point.”

Jul said. “Best to make it up out of the gate, when we are better rested.”

Vine nodded. “We still need to pick up a few things in town before we hit the trail, but we won’t be doing any sight seeing. Just getting supplies and going. Now then what do you want to do to kill the time?”

Jul said. “No more coffee, I have had my limit. But let’s sit over there for a bit, no point in standing all the time is there?” they started move to the chairs. “Should write a letter home, but think I will update my journal.” She sat down and took it out of the small handbag she was carrying, Something that Keven did not like, but wasn’t objecting to. Paul sat on the chair to her left, and Vine took the one across from her, and looked pointedly at Keven who was standing next to the chair. “What? Oh right. Knell Keven.” Keven sank to his knees, blushing a bit. “Paul don’t you have a book in that bag you’re reading? Sitting there doing nothing you are going to make people nervous.”

Vine took out her own book but could sit still for long, there were to many people and to few seats for her persons in one to cause three others to remain empty. When she stood Jul looked at her. “No, you go a head and get that update. I am just going to check that the train is in. Ma’am take this seat if you would, I am tired of sitting and you look tired of standing. If what I was told is still holding the train should be in the arrival gate.” Vine wondered away and looked at the boards and saw that the train was there. Then she went over to look at the wanted posters. She hadn’t looked at them more than to see their grainy pictures were there. She wanted to see if she recognized anyone else.

One of the other there said. “See anyone you know?”

Vine said. “It is hard to say. I wonder if they could have found worse pictures. The copier must have been low on ink.” She looked at them. “I might know him, but I am not sure, this says sixteen from Bristal. The one I know is twenty two and from Ives. What about you?”’

The man nodded. “That one is cousins. But she is fully of age to travel. Why don’t they just come out and say going east is a crime. Wonder how long tell they shut this line down?”

A lady said. “They won’t they need the tours. But they have shut down the ones closer to the edge, and nothing is left that crosses it. Thos though isn’t going to do them any good. Not without better images.”

“What?” A new voice said. “Yes I see. I do not know how that got past control. I will report it.” The soldier’s eyes settled on Vine. “Where are your folks? I didn’t know they made priestess your age.”

Vine said. “I was raised in Morterm monastery, sir. Only the Goddess knows where my parents are. I am playing escorting some university students. If you will walk back with me, I left my bag and our papers with them.” More space had cleared around them.

He said. “A little respect child. I am not here to check papers but I would have them handy.”

Vine said, still meeting his eyes. “I am not the one who is being disrespectful.”  He turned red but dropped his gaze. Vine turned and left.

Jul looked up from her book and saw an older couple glaring at some kids in the other row of chairs. They lady was looking very unsteady. “Forgive me folks. Here take these chairs, your legs have far more miles then ours do. Sorry I was so into my book that I didn’t see you standing there. Paul help her would you.”

Paul offered lady her arm and guided her to the chair, her husband took the other one. “Thank you, nice to know some young people have manners even if my own seem to have forgotten them.”

Paul said. “Can I get you a drink? You are looking a bit travel worn.”

“It has just been a long day, and a twist ankle is not helping. Thank you for offering. I just wish the train would get here.”

Vine said. “I just checked and it is unloading now. We should be able to broad shortly. There are solders here to check travel papers, so you might want to be finding them. Would mind if I looked at that ankle ma’am? I might be able to help the swelling a bit.”

“I don’t want to be a bother. Groge there you are. This Priestess says they are going to be checking papers. Stve and his tribe are over there.”

Vine managed to empty the chair near the lady with a look and was all ready looking at the leg. She said. “It is just a sprain, but you will want to limit your walking. I hope you weren’t planning on hiking. There that should let you move a bit easier.”

The young man she had called Groge said. “Likely looking for those running. I have your papers with mine, and will go see if I can help Paul find there’s. What did you do to you foot?”

The lady said. “Well um, I tripped over one of the kids or there toys. Thank you for suggesting I might still be able to go hiking. No it is a family reunion that has us going to Rightler, though no doubt the young ones are planning on some hiking.”

Vine moved to the chair. “Keven hand me my bag there. I don’t want to have to hunt for our papers on board. The Solder I saw said he wasn’t going to come here to look at them but it would be a good idea to have them ready on the train. I believe he thought I might be a disguised runaway.” She got in the bag and pulled out a large stack of papers and sorted though it.

“I can see why. That does look a bit odd.”

Vine said. “Letters of instruction from various teachers and exam results, given that there has been difficulty with the mail I thought it best to have copies. I just put all the documents in the same folder, not thinking how it might look.” She pulled out four sets of travel documents and put the others away.

Groge said. “It would be a good disguise.”

Vine said. “Not for anyone who knows the church or it laws. They can tell you it is not worth it. If one is caught pretending to be a member they will spend six months in one of our schools so they learn just what the symbols mean. That is agreed to in state law.”

He said. “Just forget I ever said it. Bad idea, clearly. Looks like the train just might be here. I should.” He looked at his mom then to his brother.

Vine said. “You go wrangle him, we can help your parents.” He nodded just as it was announced they could board. Vine helped the couple on the train and saw them to there seat in first class. Then left the train and waited with the others for the next set of cars to reach the platform. The platform only allowed for two cars at a time to be boarded and their car was a few down.

One of the others said. “I can remember when we though this would ease congesting. Weren’t we foolish.”

Vine did not hear the answer if there was one as the train moved and there car was finely there. Vine made the way to there seats and found they were in sets of six on this train three facing front and three back. She took the case from Keven and put it in the provided storage area then tossed her pack into the over head compartment, and took the second seat facing front. Paul put his pack in the bin then took the window seat on the other side.

Jul undid the sides on Keven’s bag. “Knell, with you back to me.” He did so and she unchained the pack. “You may remover and store the pack.” She took the seat across from Vine and he took care of the bag. She said. “Now um knell at my feet, out of the walkway.”

Vine said. “You would find in more comfortable to tie him to that ring there.” Blushing a bit she did so.

The soldier from early slid into the seat next to Vine. “Small world kid. So is that set there taken? I prefer windows.”

Vine said. “I am sure then if it was open you would have paid for it instead of the seat you are in. So is duty or vacation that has you headed to the trails?”

He said. “True, but I all so see that it looks like one of your companions isn’t using a seat so I thought.”

Vine shook her head. “Still trying the disguise angle. Surely your commander told you why no one imamates a Zailtenten when you made your report.”

The speakers clicked. “Passengers pleas get your papers out, there will be a short delay as travel papers are checked.”

A groan sounded. “Can’t we just get moving. I could have walked there by now.”

The solder said. “You are question the need for safety checks?”

“Not at all, just wondering why they couldn’t have been done during the four hours we have all ready spent waiting.”

They were spared the solders answer as the door opened. “That would have been wiser, but sadly we were stuck in a station ourselves and could not get here. I assure you we are as upset as you are over the delay, and will be seeking a fuller expiation. We are doing this as fast as we can. You can help by having your papers out when I get to you.”

When he got to there row Vine handed the papers over. “Sir, don’t solders have travel papers, seems to me if they don’t that anyone could get by with putting on a uniform.”

The one sitting next to her said. “No one would dare, do you no the penalties for impersonating a solder?”

Vine said. “They are not as server as the ones for impersonating a chosen one. Yet I carry travel papers to establish who I am.”

He said. “Oh so now I am the fake? Not hardly. Here are my orders.” He reached into his coat pocket pulled out the papers and held them out to her.

Vine looked at him. “Um, all right. But aren’t you giving them to the wrong person?”

The inspector handed Vine back their papers. “All in order, but you will need to get your blood tests done.” The inspector took the solders papers looked at the seal and returned them. Noticing Vines look he said. “The seal is all we need to see on military papers. They can’t be forged.”

Vine said. “That must be some seal. Sorry that was outline. You would know better than I.”

The inspector said. “You would need a copy of the seal to make a forged one and you would be found before you had the time to copy it.” The inspector said. “Not falling for it. Good for you. We need more like you. I didn’t look close because I know the solder, and know his papers are real as yours. Now then you are both who you say you are.” He moved on down the line, then ten minuets latter, just before the train pulled out he came and took the other seat.

Vine looked at him. “I thought officers of your rank would be in first class.”

He said. “Generally, but I decide to trade seats with the airmen that had this one. Seemed it would be easier on me if I was here before the fight started between you two.”

Vine said. “What fight? He had a right to question my age, and that has been answered. There is no problem here that I know of. So you never said, is it work or fun?”

The solder said. “Well I was ordered to take a vacation hiking the trail. So I guess its both. You?”

Vine said. “We are taking the long way to school, with permission. They are just becoming fully aware of their relationship and it was though best that they had time to work it out before getting to the university.”

“That must make travel interesting for you then.”

Vine said. “I will be ever so glad to get to that campsite tomorrow night so they can have some privacy. If that is what you mean. They defiantly need some time together at this point. But it has been good for them. They grew up together, but this is the first time they are really seeing each other.”

Jul nodded. “They were just my friends, but I didn’t really see how connected we were at home.”

“So then you didn’t know? Ah child you do have your hands full. Yes the trip was a good idea. So much easier they get it worked out then in a dorm. That is a mess.” The rest of the trip was uneventful.

Chapter 9

They left the station and headed into the shopping area. Vine looked around and then said. “Jul it would be best, I am sure, that there not be any reasons the shopkeepers would have to complain of unnecessary handling.” Jul was clearly puzzled. “They of course prefer that the goods are not handled by those without the right to make deals.”

Jul blushed. “Oh, right.” She turned to Keven, and said, sounding a bit unsure. “Keven extend your arms.” He did so, and she unwrapped the cording on the left wrist and used it to bind this hands together then to his the rope belt, he flushed a bit at her touch, Jul then made sure the tie at her belt was tight and allowing for only minimal distance between them. Vine then lead then in to the hiking supply store.

It didn’t take her long to find the collapsible pot and a three week supply of trail rations. She made the way to the counter. The store keep rang her up. “Now you sure you have everything? Looks like you are planning a long hike. You have heavy gear and shovels? It gets cold and there will be storms. You want double food, you know. This amount is good for going around her in summer, but half what you need this time of the year.”

Vine said. “That is more than I expect to need. The Mountain will feed us, that is just the back up. This is not my first winter trip around. Thank you for the advise. Now then the waterproof bag, the gray one from under the counter.”

“That’ll be extra.” Vine set the money on the counter and he got the bag out and started to put the items in.

Vine reached over and said. “I’ll get them thank you.” She first tested the bag then quickly packed it, then led them out of the store. “Paul take this and tie it to Keven’s pack, that is what those extra straps are for.”

Paul took it and did so then looked at Vine. “Like that or do I need to try again?”

Vine said. “They need to be a bit tighter. There that’s it. All right any thing you want before we head out? Last chance, yes I have coffee in the supplies.”

Paul said. “As long as you have the coffee I think we are good.” Jul nodded

“All right then we had best get on the road. Jul you can give him a little more room if you like, but keep it short today as there are going to be a lot of people, it will thin as we get away from town.” She lead them down the trail and they soon fell into a even rhythm, As most of the traffic was keeping to the middle Vine lead them over to the side, as they were going a bit faster than most of the other hikers. A lot of the people just had small backs, taking a day trip. Winter saw fewer campers, though there were more this year.

Another pair fell in next to them. “Heading to fourth site?”

Vine said. “Hoping to. I want to be on the mountain before the storm hits, but the train was delayed so am later then I planed to be. We will see if they can keep the pace.”

He nodded. “I hate that delay, it is going to make it harder to get to Thought on time. Sure is a lot of traffic, must be the weather that has them out.”

Vine said. “That could be it. So are you taking Comb around then?”

He said. “Yes, wanted to get a last trip in. you as well?”

Vine nodded. “That is the plan, but if we fail to beat the storm I will have to give up and take the base road. That’s what there parents wanted anyway. Took a lot of talking to get them to agree to letting us take Comb, I didn’t even try for a trip to hunt. Maybe I can get them there next year when I won’t need the parent’s permission. How high have you been in winter?”

“This will be my second winter trip on comb, but I have made a number of summer hikes. I made it to the cliff a couple of years ago. I wanted to go to the peak but don’t see it happing now. I wonder which us us the solder is trailing. He needs to work on it.”

Vine nodded. “He is still mad that I am a priestess. He was sure I was just a disrespectful runaway. His commander is there to, makes me think they are still sure I am trouble. I think they were reassigned to the base camp, but didn’t unfold the orders to see for sure. Think I should just invite them to join us?”

“Let me.” He looked over his shoulder. “You two will no doubt find it easy if you just walk with us, but we aren’t going to slow down for you. And they could well have been tasked with keeping an eye on me. My boss was not happy when I said I was hiking, not take military transport.”

Jul said. “Military? So you are not a normal teacher then.”

He said. “I am a professor of chemistry and genetics, the military found some of my experiments with watching. They think I can help them in understanding the mutations.”

Jul said. “That sounds like an odd combination. Before you tell me why it’s not I had better warn you that you have falling into a bunch of history students.”

He laughed. “It is odd. I think that is why they are interested in me. So do you all have a favorite time span?”

Vine said. “We are all interested in the wrong one. I lean a bit more to the languages then they do.

The solders had moved up by them and the older one said. “The wrong? Oh you mean pre. Yes that is falling back out of favor. But there is still a lot there. I am sure you will find a place to fit. There are sites in the clean lands that need investigation.”

Vine said. “Most of them are classified and therefore out of my reach. But I am sure the Goddess will let me know what she will have in good time.” The younger one looked at her. “My vows make me unfit for government work. Nothing sinister.”

He said. “I do not understand why anyone would sign there life away like that.”

Vine said. “We have both pledge our lives to something bigger than us. It should not be so hard to understand. The promises are not that different.” The debate over which other was strangest continued until noon.

Vine said. “This is a good place to break.” She slipped her pack and bow box off and sat. “We won’t be stopped but ten so might as well leave Keven’s bag alone.” Jul nodded but did lengthen the rope then sat.

Seeing the others glance at Keven she remembered. “Kneel, and rest.” She went to free his hands so he could get a drink, but Vine slightly shook her head. So instead she opened the canteen and held it to his lips.

Vine took a package out of her bag and handed Jul and Paul a sandwich. “We will set aside a bit of our evening meal for the next day’s lunch from now on. I don’t want to take time to cook midday. You Two eat so we can get going.” Once he food was gone she opened the box and too the bow and arrows out then folded the box and put it in a pocket on her bag. Vine stood up and put the quiver on then her pack. “Time to move on if we want to make the camp site in time, we will have a few more rests after day, but need to make up time.” Jul stood and started to tell Keven to stand but vine said. “Shorten the rope. You need to get used to use it as well as your voice. You will be expected to.” Blushing a bit Jul shorted the rope, its pull causing Keven to stand, though he was prepared.

The teacher said. “I never did understand why the robes were attached to the clothes. It seems to me could just take the shirt off or let the rope tear it.”

Jul said. “Our clothes are stronger than they look and his even more so. They will rip, but it would hurt. And it is a sign that he agrees to the place he has. Each time he dresses he is remaking his promise to serve. Agreeing he is less, that I have the right to command and punish him as I deem best.”

“Still getting used to it is she?”

Vine started down the trail. “All of them are. They grew up playing together but only recently became aware of the relationship that had formed.”

The inspector said. “I thought so. They seemed a little uneasy with it. Don’t worry you will adjust, and be better for it. I get the principle, but never could make peace with it. Still it is a bit easier that the Zailanten chains. No offence, but I just don’t get it.”

Vine shrugged. “We know it is disturbing to most folks not of the church. I am just surprised that you know of it. It is not much talked of outside of our communities. The cuffs and collars are all put on voluntary. Often the person ask for them, occasionally puts at least one on there selves though admittedly that is usually the first ones, the temporary ones. For the first year they are in ones that can be removed. If the person wishes to continue after that year they then become permanent ones, in most cases. Some times the one they are pledging there selves to has to be convinced.”

The solder said. “So you all support slavery as well as orgies. No wonder the general wants you all deported.”

Vine said. “Is it slavery when the person volunteers? I could never fully decide. But you have a point, out way is more permanent in regards to those who would serve. However,” She stopped. Realizing that she could not say Mare supported slavery in this company. “there are no orgies. Now granted sometimes things get a bit rowdy after the high ceremonies are over, but that is do to the drinks at the feasts that follow them. Not the ceremonies. Yes we hold ours outside, not in a build, and sometimes clothing will disappear. But it is not sexual. Trust me, that is the last thing that you think of when the Devine speaks through someone, which is the only reason the clothes would disappear. Sorry, but the stories are more wild than the truth.”

He shook his head. “All stories had a bit of truth to them. Had to start someplace. So what was it like living in a monastery?”

Vine said. “What was it like living with a family?”

He looked at her. “What do you mean? It was nothing unusual.”

Vine said. “The monastery was my home, it’s members my family. So it is the same to me as yours is to you. I just had school in the same building as apposed to walking across town.”

“Did that mean you slept latter?”

Vine said. “I don’t know. What time did you get up? We were up before the sun most of the year, so we could welcome the day. My day starts at four, five at the latest. I would wake to the bells when I was in the young dorm, by the time I moved to the older child’s dorm my body knew to wake. The contents of the day changed as I aged. I am no longer clear on the early years. But I know there was a time of exercise to wake the mind, likely a shower, then devotion. I remember hearing some one read, but that could be at night. It is jumbled. Any way then there was breakfast and classes, then homework and games. We did not watch tv when young though when older we might be let into the conference room to see a bit of the news. Mostly we read or were in the yards when not in classes. How dose that compare to your days?” That led to a discussion of classes that took them to the campsite.

Vine led them to an almost hidden empty alcove off to the side and set her pack down. “Glad this one is empty. I will go see about some food. You all get your tent and the fire going.” She waited to see if Jul would work it out.

Jul unlashed his wrists then the bag and looked around, but there was nothing to tie the leash to. If the others weren’t there it wouldn’t matter, but they were and she knew the young one was looking for holes. For all the three seemed intent on there own camps she could feel them watching She hoped her voice sounded less embarrassed then she felt. “Keven on your back and put you feet up.” She noticed a flush come over Keven, but he complied and she undid the ropes on the ankles and tied them together. Vine slipped away, but heard Jul say. “Now on your feet and get the tent up then get the fire set. Paul do you really think the wood for the fire will gather its self? Make sure you stay in sight though.”

Vine nodded to her self as she slipped though the trees. A bit shaky but Jul was getting more comfortable and that wasn’t all embarrassment on Keven’s part. When Vine got back with a 2 good sized cleaned hares the fire was going and the tent was up. Keven came to take the food. “No, I will cook this time. You can see to breakfast.” She fixed the spit and hung the meat over the fire then went to her bag and took out a few things. “One of you there is a stream just behind us, go get me some water.” Keven handed her a bucket he had all ready filled. “Should have know you all ready has some.” She put a bit of water in a shallow dish then placed some roots into it and pounded them until there was a think mash. She then set the dish close to the fire. “The water will back out, then I will beat it some more, and a few things and more water and it will turn into a type of dough that will be made into lunch. Looks bad now, but that will change. Now then I will get my tent set up. Then get the rest of super going. I don’t expect you to eat only meat.”

Keven said. “I would be happy to see to your tent if you wish.”

Vine shook her head. “No, if I had of I would have told Jul. You just take care of yours.” She got her tent up and gear in it then returned to the fire. It wasn’t long tell delicious smells filled the clearing, causing the others to look wishfully at them. Vine didn’t seem to notice. But when she got plates out there were five not four. “Paul there is to much here. Would you kindly ask the teacher er Mark to join us? I know the army has strict guidelines about what solders are allowed to eat, so no use in asking them.” She dished up the plates and handed two of them to Jul, gave one to Paul and one to Mark.

Jul sat one beside her, and started on the other. “Keven you my sit.” Keven sat down behind her and look at the plate but did not reach for it.

Mark said. “Thanks. This is much better than what I had.”

Vine said. “Your welcome, and a bit of advise. Tomorrow wait until they start setting there camp then move to the other side of us. That will give you a bit of a buffer. I see they made you a part of there camp.”

Mark said. “They said they wanted to keep me safe as I was unarmed. But I image they think I will try and run. Though just where I have no idea. There is only one trail tell you reach base.”

Paul said. “Vine I have no idea why you said tyou can’t cook.”

Vine said. “I do fair with trail food, but am a distaster in a real ketchion. Mark, I will make your lunch with ours, and fell free to wonder over in the morning.”

Jule said. “This is better than anything we ate at home. I must agree with Paul, you sell yourself short. Keven you may take your plate.”

Some time later Vine said. “We had best turn in Morning will be her soon.”

Mark said. “Let me help with clean up.”

Jul said. “No need, Keven will do it. Keven once the dishes are done and the fire banked you my join us in the tent.” She blushed a bit as she stood and took Paul’s hand leading him to the tent.

When Keven got there they were both out of there clothes and exploring each other. Jul reached for him and pulled him down and started to slip his pants off. “I forgot I tied you in. let me.”

Keven was glad she couldn’t see him. “Jul um. I want you to, but maybe it is better not to. I mean it should be you to not me. If I look to um, relaxed they. Well. I my pleaser doesn’t matter yours dose and the two of well you don’t reall have enough. After so long. But.”

Jul said. “I suppose you want me to tie you hands to your feet to. You are being.”

Keven said. “Would you? Use me that way. It would be better. And well. It’s not just. I want this. All of it. I am sorry. But I do. I like the robes and being ordered and. Well I want you to use you for you. Not me. Can you? Not just for the show, though yes it is needed there to. But this isn’t just a show is it? that’s why they agreed so easy.”

Paul kissed Jul deeply. “Told you he would agree. So may I tie him? If I move the pants you can still use him as well as he can use his mouth. Used that way it wont give him as much relief as he will us.”

Jul nodded. “I told you that you could if he asked for it.”

The next morning Vine got up and pulled the finished lunches away from the fire so they would cool. Them she started up the fire before starting her exercises. She had just finished her payers when Keven came out of the other tent and started breakfast. Mark showed up just as Keven went to the tent and said. “Breakfast will be done shortly, coffee is ready Ma’am.”

Jul came out of the tent, looking fully content, Paul followed looking only slightly less rested. She saw the solders watching them, though they were doing there best to make it look as though they weren’t interested. Looked at Vine then the fire. Vine gave a small shake of her head and looked at tent. Jul said. “Thank you Keven. You can see to the packing as we eat. Paul will see to the food.” Keven bowed and turned to the tent. He had everything back in and on his pack save fro the dishes by the time the others were done eating. “You may finish what as left as you wash the dish, but don’t dally.”

Keven nodded and gathered up the dish. “I will be back by the time Miss Vine is ready.”

Vine looked at him. “Miss?”

He blushed. “It doesn’t feel right to just use your name so I thought. Well.”

Vine smiled. “All right, but don’t take it any further.” Louder she said. “We will be moving out in ten minuets, so do what you need to.” Over the four days that it took them to get to the station at the base the weather got colder and Jul became more sure of herself, more at easy with given Keven orders, though punishments were still hard on her.

Vine started around the station, a solder moved into her path. “Just where are you going?”

Vine said. “We are taking Comb around the mountain. Going to camp at the base tonight, and start the climb in the morning.”

“Not unless you have had your tests. Show me the documents you have been found human or join the rest waiting on the test. Don’t think of running, we have you on file.” He pointed at a wireless camera on the fence. Then trued to the solders. “You are free to go on, or stay in the station. Your companies can proceed if they produce papers.”

Vine shrugged. “Hope those test don’t take to long. I do want to beet the storm. Looks like we are setting up over there guys.” She turned and went back to the other camp ground and found a site big enough for them. Moving closer to them she said. Be ready to pullout at first light. Trust me, everything will be fine, but we will not have time fore breakfast.” Loader she said. “No hunting with this many. Looks like it will be rations tonight. Jul with this many around you need to tie more than his ankles. Keven, you set this into the ground by your tent and make it soild.” She gave him a stake with a ring in the top of it. “Not made for your ropes, but it will do under the cercumstances.” Blushing a bit Keven did as he was told and Jul tied his leash to the stake. Then set him to making the tent. Vine said. “Jul will you have him see to mine as well? I will go for the wood. Paul that line there is for water.”

Vine used wood gathering to make a cercet of the station. The solders had reinforced a bit, but not to much and she bet the layout hadn’t changed. They were not bothering to do many patrols and those were regular timed and focused on the trails. Another camper was watching the station as well he said. “They don’t even bother looking at night at all. But those cameras. No point in running when they will be looking for you there are places you have to use the road. A few rivers to wild to ford. I have thought about it. but can’t see how.”

Vine shrugged. “Just have to hope the test are done before the storm gets here.”

The man said. “Good luck they don’t even have the things yet.”

Vine shook her head. “Should just test us on the other side then. Not like we can vanish.” She took her wood and went back to camp.

Paul was back with half a bucket of water. “It was all I could get, and just about didn’t get it. there are muscle bound tugs limiting how much you take. If the gals kiss them they get more. I do not like this. It is going to turn ugly fast.”

Vine nodded. “We all stay in this camp. That will be enough water for the night. I will get the water in the morning. I should have suspected something like that and let you get the wood. But I thought that would be the more dangerous.”

Mark looked at the station as he ate. “How many will pass that test?”

Vine looked at the inspector who had chosen to stay with them then said. “They don’t have the tests. But aren’t they set so most everyone will? I never did hear what the diferaiting factor was.”

The inspector said. “That wouldn’t be your answer if I wasn’t here. Out here where no one is watching few will pass. So Mark want to tell me again how vital are these kids to your research?”

Mark looked at him. “What? Oh um ya I need them and that family over there. The father is one of my TAs.”

The inspector said. “Make sure he knows that or it wont work. Can maybe mange one more.”

Vine said. “Do you mind sitting first watch Inspector?” He shook his head. “In that case I am going to bed. I will take over in three hours if that is all right with you?”

He said. “I was going to offer to take second. I do not think we should both be asleep. I don’t like the feel anymore than Paul. Are you sure you want second?”

Vine nodded. “I will see you in three hours if things stay the same, but wake me sooner if something changes. Night guys.” Vine went into her tent, and relaxed.

Listening but not sleeping. The camping area slowly quitted. “Goddess watch over me and guide my actions. If my blade must turn red let it be know I take no joy in it. I am doing only what I must to keep these people safe. To guide those entrusted to me. Lead me. Let me set my feet as you would have me. If this is out side of you will inform me.” All she felt was a since of peace. Once most she heard was sleeping sounds she stood dressed in a patterned set of tight fitting dark clothes her hair free of the tie flowed around her. She knelt and ran her hand along the back wall of her tent and carefully opened the hidden door enough to roll out. Leaver her bow and sword in the tent she rolled out. After closing it back she made her way to the station, keeping to the darker places. She went to the back and used the old stairs in the wall to climb over it. Expecting a solder too be waiting, after all why wouldn’t they guard such an easy entrance. But to her shock there was no one. There were a few in the court yard, and voices coming from the dinning hall, but by staying in the shadows by the wall she was able to make her way though the camp undetected.

 It was unnerving how easy it was. Then to find the computers untended. Her brain was screaming trap, she hoped it was just inexperience on the solders part, but made sure her knife was in her hand as she entered and shut the door. She made her way to the computer a few key strokes told her it was the only one on networked to the cameras, and that it hadn’t been backed up. Oddly the relay to any command computer had been shut off at the time the cameras were added.

Expecting the door to open any time she type in the code that opened the override. Mare trust nothing and no one not bound to her so every system had a way to erase everything with just a few key words. It would record whose code was used, but the program rewrote the drive making the data unretivble. She knew most of the codes, but used Mares, after adjusting the program so it would leave a few chose words for her in the rewrite. She then set a delay for the alarm on the cameras and shut them down, putting in a password needed to reactive. They would get around it, but not for a few hours.

That done she made it to the door and checked, still no one in sight. Not sure, but not liking it she slipped out and went to check on the other buildings. She found one other computer that was in working order, but it did not look like it had been touched in a month at least. There was something wrong here. But there wasn’t time to check. She needed to be in her tent when the alarm went off. Moveing with care she made her way back to her tent and set about changing her clothes.

She just got her hair pulled back when she heard some one yelling. “Get out here! Where is She I know it was her. Had to be.”

“Guild me Divine ones.” Vine finished setting her veil then picked up her sword and left the tent. “What is going on out here? Evening sir, a bit late for a visit.”

“You It was you. Answer me?”

Vine blinked. “I don’t know what you are talking about. Care to tell me what I am accused of?”

“You broke into the office and erased all the records! That’s what.”

Vine said. “Just how did I do that? Why me? Was there a dead body involved? Now that I could see being accused of, given my office. But erasing records? How do I come in? I am afraid you lost me.”

He said, loudly. “One of you broke into the office, disabled all the security and erased all the computer files. Who else would have the skill to get in and out?”

The inspector said. “I have been here watching the tents as she was sleeping. She did not go past me and her tent has only this door. It wasn’t her. You had a man down the road there watching as well. Did he see her? It wasn’t her.”

Vine said, making sure her voice carried. Is it really wise to be shouting that you have no record of the people you are holding here against there will? And that you method for making that record is not working? Looks like we can all beat the storm after all. Guys brake camp. We are pulling out as soon as we can see trail. Should just give us time for a pot of coffee and some breakfast.”

He said. “You can’t do that!”

Vine said. “You don’t have enough men here to force us all to stay and wait for the wagons.”

He said. “Any fleeing will be found and prosecuted for treason.”

Another camper said. “Try it. some how I must doubt you abilities when you failed to safe guard your own compound. Rob, Jay go see that the other camps here. Tell them it was said in the presence of both a Zailant and Medain Holy man and is no lie. That if they leave with the light they can go unknown. What you thought she was the only Priest here? I know of four others, and I wasn’t asking.”

Keven and Mark were packing in the tents. The inspector looked at Vine then turned to his ten. The leader said. “What do you think you are doing?”

He said. “Mark is my assignment. You can’t force him to say so I must go when he does. You better go see your men don’t kill anyone.”

Once the solders were gone Vine said. “Keven get my tent to, but you already are. Sorry. If you two are planning on staying with us I must ask you to leave all electron devices here. Sir you need to leave your medals as well. They all have tracking devices in them And now that being with me will put you right in the line of fire, more so then the two would have been when you field to make the first day of class. Inspector if that is an issued tent leave it. Silly for you to have two tents anyway. I sleep lightly and wake well before dawn.”

Mark said. “Nothing on my I don’t think. I left anything that I thought they could have bugged back at the train.”

The inspector stopped folding the tent and took off his shirt and tossed it on the then. Then pulled another out of his bag and put it on. “It is a relief realy I was sick of it. Why didn’t you call me out? And why will they be after you?”

Vine said. “There was no reason to call you out. I wasn’t to sure there was anything more than you being lovers until you started packing and didn’t just drag him into the station. You had to know Mare would see it as treason even though that block didn’t. When I wiped the files I left Mom a message tell her just who did it. She will want me found. After all she thought all her kids were safely dead. Mare was not pleased with me in the end. Though I lasted longer than her others before she ordered me killed. Still want to travel with me?”

“Wait your? But you are a priestess. That it can’t be.”

Vine said. “I didn’t need much training, after all I had better train then most get all ready, to take the vows just the will. Once I found where I wanted to be it was easy. With luck you won’t be the only one who thinks so.”