The Rangers of the Dark Forest made their way through the trees until they came to the village of Icebor.
The place was completely deserted. Dead bodies were frozen in the streets waiting for a proper burial. Jennifer wanted so much to dig a grave for each and every one of them.
But that would have to wait. Her parents were in danger and needed her help.
“Demorac, see if you can salvage anything from the village before we go across the river,” Arkan said.
Demorac nodded before slipping into the shadows.
“Belim, use your nose to find us some more food.”
“Already on it, Arkan,” he replied, smacking his belly.
Jennifer stepped in front of Arkan with her fists clenched. “You're stealing from my village.”
“I know how you feel but there's no one left here. They're dead now and they won't be coming back. We need everything we can get our hands on if we're going to rescue your parents.”
Jennifer didn't have anything to say. She knew Arkan was right.
But it still didn't make it right.
The Rangers collected any spare weapons and provisions until they couldn't carry anymore. Belim found some packed dry meats that would save them time from hunting during the mission.
Jennifer and Arkan stood at the river and looked across at the rolling green hills. The sun was almost at the height of the sky.
“What lies beyond the hills?” Jennifer asked.
“The barbarians,” Arkan replied.
Jennifer put her hands on her hips. “You don't think I already know that? I meant what exactly is beyond?”
Arkan turned to Jennifer and held her hand. She felt a surge of adrenaline flow through her. She couldn't help but blush. “Honestly, I don't know.”
Jennifer was swimming in the thought of kissing Arkan again. His closely shaved face against hers. She shivered with excitement and then remembered that she was in a conversation.
“But I thought you were a Ranger? Don't you guys go out scouting?”
“Only within the kingdom boundaries. We're expressly forbidden to pass beyond the hills. King Uzmar didn't want to start a war with the barbarians.”
“Well it looks like he's going to have one now.”
Arkan laughed. “I think you're right about that.”
The rest of the Rangers joined them at the river. “We're ready, Arkan,” Farondil said.
Arkan stepped first into the cold water of the river. Jennifer thought back to when Hugo saved her from going all the way across. She had no idea what pulled her into the river that day but now she was finally going to cross it.
Jennifer followed Arkan while the Rangers joined the ranks behind her. The Junti River wasn't particularly big or powerful. It only took a few minutes to make their way to the other side.
Jennifer laughed. “I can't believe the whole village was so scared of this tiny river.”
“They weren't scared of the river but of what lies beyond it,” Garel reminded her, pointing into the direction of the hills.
Jennifer sobered up and looked at the green hills. The bright blue cloudless sky made the place look peaceful. How could anything bad come from here?
The Rangers moved to the grasses of the hills and began their ascent. Jennifer marveled at the view behind her of Icebor. She wasn't very high up but she could see everything: her home, the market square, and even the castle further away.
“A beautiful sight, isn't it?” Arkan asked.
Jennifer nodded. “I never appreciated it before. But from up here, it looks like a magical land.”
They continued up to the top of the hill and the anticipation of what was beyond grew to a peak. The wind blew faster up there as the grasses flowed beneath their feet. They had no idea what to expect. The barbarians tribes could be right over the ridge.
Arkan was the first to reach the top. Jennifer watched from below as Arkan dropped his bow and sat right down on the grass. That wasn't the response she expected.
She crested the top of the hill and saw for herself. Miles and miles of green hills stretched as far as the eye could see. Not a barbarian was in sight. All those years of living in fear were for nothing.
Jennifer sat down next to Arkan and their shoulders touched. “It's beautiful on this side too.”
Arkan nodded. “The barbarians tribes are not as close as we thought. This trek might take a lot longer than I thought.”
Jennifer stood up, smiled, and offered her hand. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Arkan gladly accepted her help and she heaved him up. He looked at his Rangers. “It looks like the barbarian tribes are not as close as we thought. But keep your eyes peeled. They could be close by...watching us.”
Belim nodded and tightened his grip on his warhammer.
Garel slapped his hand on Arkan's back. “Looks like were going to have a real adventure.”