Chapter Four

  Before the morning sun had risen two party members began to stir. In the weak morning light, the young ladies began their morning routines. Areena began to brush through her long hair before braiding it back into the usual braid. Meanwhile Melody attempted to tame her stubborn curly hair into a decent braid, but after battling for a while she decided a ponytail would do. 

  As they lit the morning fire for warm porridge, the morning light grew stronger and awakened the rest of the party. With a quick greeting Landon dashed off to wash his face in the river. The rest gathered around the fire to receive their breakfast.

 Killian remarked, "Wow, I did not know that girls outside of our village could change their hair color overnight."

At this Areena yanked her  over her shoulder and into view, and Melody tackled her pack and frantically searched for her hand-held mirror. Both girls trembled and glared at the guys, but at this Marcillius calmly set his spoon down.  "Killian is deathly allergic to the Fairy dust which changes your appearance, so please do not think he is taunting you.”

A rustle was heard from the forest as Landon exited, and after taking another spoonful of porridge, Marcillius calmly continued his train of thought,” I also would never waste resources or do anything that would endanger my life as it seem Landon has done.”

Killian quietly observed as the two girls reached for their deadly weapons, and then turned to Landon and said,” I hope you can run, otherwise I will begin preparing your eulogy.”

Landon dashed off with the girls hot on his tail. He twisted and turned until he got to a ledge above the river. Without looking back, he jumped, only to be cached in a hanging boar trap, suspended high above the rushing waters of the rapids. Upon seeing him, Melody and Areena walked slowly and calmly towards him. “Areena, let’s have a game,” said Melody. “Five points for getting a hairsbreadth away from him, ten for getting off hair, and twenty points for dunking him with a final shot.” At this Landan’s eyes grew wide and he tried to say something, but an apple to the nose from Melody stopped him. “Targets should not speak,” said Areena, pulling an arrow from her sheath. By the time Areena and Melody emerged from the forest, Landon was almost completely bald, and dripping wet. Marcillious stood smirking at the edge of the camp. “Well, Killion’s dad was right about one thing, never touch a woman’s prized possessions, most of all their hair, eh Landan?”