They had been going for a week now, as they searched for a possible cure to the sickness that had overcome them all. They travelled mainly by foot, although they had managed to find a horse when they needed it. The animals followed the group and seemed to sense when someone was dropping behind. They never seemed to tire either, unlike the humans.
“I think we should set up camp here. We are getting close I would say,” Kevan said.
The group had stopped after another day of walking. They had found some shelter from the heat of the sun, even though it was late in the day for it. They had also found a river nearby where they could wash and drink. Although the water was brown and scummy to look at, it was still drinkable.
Kevan looked into the direction he assumed the previous group had gone. They had not seen their comrades for a couple of weeks now. The group had spread out, each one finding ways to stop the sickness from getting them. Kevan had found himself in the group with Ada, the young girl he had treated before they left the Covenant.
“Yes I agree, there are some decent places here,” Tylor said.
“You’re right Kevan,” Ada said. “Let me gather some firewood. It will stop us from getting too hot.”
“Be careful,” Tylor said. “That river is definitely not safe.”
“I know but it’s worth it,” Ada replied.
Ada walked away from them and began to gather a small amount of firewood from which they could start their fire. Kevan noticed that she was five years or so of age and looked around her age. She was small and petite, with long brown hair that had been cut short at the back. She was wearing jeans that stopped short of the knee and a bright red shirt. She was also wearing boots which were a dark blue colour. She was an attractive girl in Kevan’s opinion, although he would not have said so to her.
“How old do you think her is?” Kevan whispered to Tylor.
“She might be sixteen or so,” he responded.
Kevan smiled and nodded. He could speak to her more easily than the others due to his position. They had made him their leader for safety reasons, although people knew him as a doctor and medically trained man.
“Hey Ada,” Kevan said, slightly raising his voice. “How is it going?”
“I’ve found some wood that should last us a while,” she replied.
Ada carefully used a few branches as she made her way back to the rest of the group.
“That’s not a lot. We may need more later,” Kevan said.
“If I get more I will, but for now this should be enough,” Ada replied.
“Yes I agree,” Kevan said.
Ada placed the small pile of wood down on the ground and looked at Kevan. He noticed that she was looking at him expectantly and turned to see what she was looking at. Tylor nodded in Kevan’s direction, indicating to him that he would speak to her.
“So how is your search going?” Kevan asked.
“I found some nice firewood and hope to find more,” she said.
Ada stood up and brushed the dust off her bottom. She then started to head away from where the others rested.
“Hey Ada,” Kevan said. “Do you want me to come with you?”
Ada turned and looked at him. From where he stood he could see that she was blushing slightly.
“Well, yes,” she replied. “But only if you don’t mind. There are some other places I’d like to go to.”
Kevan blinked, he had not expected her to say that. However, he knew that she would be hungry and would want something to eat.
“Yes, of course,” he said and then started to walk with her.
They walked for a long while but she was silent. Kevan thought that she had got lost and that she was not knowledgable of their actual position. The sky was beginning to darken and he hoped she was not about to make a fool of herself.
“Hey,” Kevan said, “we are not far from the river.”
“Kevan,” she replied. “I didn’t know you were a friend.”
“Ada, I help and heal others. We are the same, I would say.”
The two in the distance could hear the sounds of the river and saw that a small group of people were there. He could see that Ada was blushing even more.
“Yes that is true,” Ada said.
Kevan walked alongside her, not asking her more questions. He was trying to avoid her getting embarrassed.
“I would say that there is a group of people further up the river,” he said.
She nodded and they headed in the direction he had indicated.
“Yes I have noticed them,” she said.
The two of them reached the other group of people and Kevan caught sight of them. He thought they looked like survivors, although more seasoned than they appeared. He thought there were five of them but he caught sight of a sixth. Kevan thought she looked familiar although it was difficult to see them if you were not aware of their presence. However, the one he saw was naked and was surrounded by the other five.
“Hey,” he said, catching their attention. “Where are you guys from?”
The group turned and looked at him. One of them, the one he thought was in charge, spoke.
“We’ve been searching for a place to make a fresh start. Our previous base was destroyed and we’re travelling.”
Kevan listened to the man. He thought there was a clear sense of authority in the way he spoke.