Chapter 6: But Not Forgotten
Once the litter was made and the young student's body safely secured, they began to make their way back to the city as quickly as possible, given their group size and the extra burden they were carrying.
The tracks that they were following weren't headed for the road, which would bring them closer to a chance to be rescued. They were headed straight back for the city walls. It was more direct, but the only real reason to do that was if you were afraid of luring something dangerous to the road.
Going through the forest was shorter, but not in any way faster.
"We are getting closer. The grass here is still working to spring up after being stepped on. I would say that they're no more than five minutes ahead of us now. If we shouted, they would probably hear us." The Ranger whispered.
Dominic sighed. "Or if they shouted, we would hear them. Which means they're likely not in combat anymore. If they were, we would be able to hear it by now. Can we pick up any more speed? It would be best to catch up with them before anything happens to either group.
There is safety in numbers, and of the students who didn't run to the road, there are still two separate groups of us."
The Scribes nodded and shouldered the litter between them so they could move faster through the woods than dragging it would allow.
Elanor looked around the group to be sure they were all prepared, then gestured forward with her mace.
"Alex, take the Sorcerer and watch our backs. Everyone else, I want at least a jog until we have the others in sight." The young Princess ordered.