Chapter 39. Attacked

Sounds saturate the forest around them — insects buzz, frogs yelp, birds shriek, mammals scuttle, and bats click. Even the trees seem to pulsate with sound, as the din ricochets off the high canopy and cascades back to earth on a tidal wave of noise. James and Lacey were seated around the campfire as they cared less about the screeching owls and even hungry hedgehogs. The spooky nighttime sounds were nothing they should worry about after they escaped the angry villagers of Saxson. All they need now is to rest and continue with their journey when the sun will rise.

James stared at Lacey and then asked sternly, “So what now?”

“We will continue to my late father’s barony. Just lie down and rest your muscles.”

***

Two hours later

The day dawned crisp and clear. James rubbed his bleary eyes and then stretched himself with yawning. He turned to where Lacey was lying to greet her. To his greatest surprise, she was nowhere to be found.

He quickly jumped t