Boundora: The Beginning

ลำดับตอนที่ #3 : Homeward Bound

Hogan Spencer – 1^st April, 1034

Homeward Bound

            After Polytan the action was over.  Lord Boundora and his son marched ahead.  We followed.  Some of us, on foot.  We wept for the loss of men.  Only a few dozens, though, which was considerably bearable.

            The sun was setting beyond the horizon.  Its red glow burst ahead of us.  Our shadows disappeared before us.  Night drew close.

            It was a peaceful night yet, with the faint afterglow, perhaps already the third week of our march, our journey home.  It felt longer than how we first came, since we trotted at full speed.  Now the horses were tired, so were we.

            At the dead of night the camps were fully set up.  The desert winds blew constantly.  I came into our tent.

            "That took you long enough," said Victor, "Let's sleep in now."

            The night was cold.  The full moon outside was remarkable.  I lay on the light sheet of mattress.  Only Victor's eyes could be seen.

            None of us ever said a word.  We were fast asleep.

            First thing next morning we gathered up our things, kept the tents into the cart, and got on our horses.  There wasn't much to say.  Since we had a late night most of us seemed drifting off in the morning.  Though it was the horses that did most the job.

            I saw Lord Boundora ahead, hoping one day I would ride alongside him, telling him how pleased I was to be here.  Only no one would have that chance.  By the time I had that chance I would probably be in my eighties, and Lord Boundora would probably be long dead.

            "What're you thinking?" said Victor, "Keep your horse forward.  You're like going to hit into a cactus or something."

            I only sniggered.

            "Is it Annabelle?"

            "What?"

            "Annabelle.  Your dream maiden."

            I laughed, but it only made me look suspicious.  I rode ahead.  Ignoring, Victor, Keith trotted me into the sun.