Daniel staggered as a branch rolled under his foot. He unconsciously threw a hand out to steady himself against a tree and blinked back black spots.
"Dad?"
"I'm OK."
He squeezed his eyes shut, steadied his breathing and pushed himself upright. He looked down at the two weary children and offered them to barest of smiles. They were all beyond tired and desperately needed to find somewhere to rest before nightfall.
"Hello?" Honey called. In spite of Buck's insistance the rifle she'd been given remained unloaded and in her shack. However she wasn't stupid and she moved carefully away from her hives.
Daniel was instantly on alert, despite how exhausted he was. He held his hand up, indicating for the children to stay quiet and gestured for them to keep close. He just hoped it wasn't another person aiming a weapon at them.
"If you're not from Saga, you're welcome, if you are fuck off or I'll set my bees on you!" Honey fronted
"What's Saga?" Jessie asked, too tired to attempt to say it quietly. Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and then put his finger to his lips.
"The local psycho...what are you doing on the territory?" Honey demanded, her eyes flickering about for a weapon.
Daniel held his hands, palm up, to her. The two children pressed in close to his sides. "Sorry, I don't know what territory you're talking about. We're just travellers, that's all."
"Where are you trying to get to?" Honey asked.
Daniel took a breath to answer but Dylan beat him. "Cascade Locks."
"Well you made it, well the outskirts."
"Really!?" Both children cried at once, dragging some energy reserves from somewhere.
Daniel felt his whole body sag and everything seemed to suddenly become very distant and echoey. They were finally here. For real. He didn't know how to react.
"I've seen you guys...or at least two of you, on the wall," Honey said softly. "Who you looking for?"
Daniel's brow furrowed. He wanted to ask questions and he could see both children did as well. But first things first. "Sorry, but... we've been on our feet for hours. Is there anywhere they can rest for a bit," he nodded towards the children.
"Come on in, I'll get word down to Buck, there's no real food up here. I walk down every day. I've got tea." Honey replied, stepping back to let them see the shack
Another strange name. Another question formed. His gaze flicked from the woman to the shack, trying not to be suspicious, or paranoid. He was sure he failed at both. He glanced back at the kids. Whatever energy they had found earlier seemed to have dissolved away and they looked ready to drop. He could worry about consequences while they grabbed some rest.
"Thank you," he muttered, inclining his head to indicate it was OK to Jessie and Dylan.
"Actually I do have bread...and honey, obviously," she indicated the hives. "We can walk down tomorrow. I'll take you down the church tomorrow, see if we can figure out who you belong to."
"We have food," Daniel said, watching the kids as they dragged themselves inside the shack. "You don't have to," he muttered, not even sure whether it was the food or taking them to the church bit he was protesting against. He could barely think.
"Hey kids, honey on toast and a cup of tea?" Honey asked, deciding to entirely bypass the adult.
"Yes please!" They replied before glancing over at Daniel sheepishly.
"It's OK," he murmured.
"In you come then, no bees in the house," Honey smiled and led the way