Early in the morning even before the rooster's crow could be heard, a small figure was standing before a group of people, all lined up standing as straight as a board. The small figure was talking, giving instructions to the people before him, firing away as an older figure was hastily putting all of his words into writing, being careful not to miss anything.
"Prepare us some rations, meat, jerky, enough for two weeks."
"I want someone to try and contact Shesari."
"Set up some people to watch the town and report anything suspicious."
"Someone find me a horse..."
Finally barking out the last of his orders only a few people were left standing in the line. He spent a few minutes trying to recall if he forgot anything, to which the last few standing felt nervous, being the gaze of an 8 year old that acted like he was 20 was a weird feeling. Then decided that if he can't remember, it must not be that important. He finally told the last few to go about their day to their relief.
Curtis thought long and hard about the steps he would take to accomplish his goals, first off he would go out and train, try to find leads on how to train his power, and find out more about the book he found in the tunnels. He would also try to find more people who are loyal to his father, get everything sorted out and start planning actions he can take to reunite with his family.
"Esbern, pick out five people, we're going to head to the forest at first light." Curtis ordered, he was determined to pick at the feeling he got a few days earlier. Time was precious, he needed to make it count.
Packed and rested, 8 people set out towards the forest, with the sun coming up Curtis wanted to get a move on, even though this place is quite far from Shesari he doesn't want to take any chances.
Moving past the gate he took a look at the people Esbern picked out for the trip to the forest. Burton is a hunter for the estate, the oldest of the group, an experienced hunter that his father recruited, not really one for talking but from what he could tell, a veteran tracker. Second is Ben, Burton's son, when Burton joined the De Leon's Ben automatically joined in, an eager youngster, as old as Esbern from what he can tell, he is the one who will lead them in the forest. Next are two brothers, Luke and Dipper, their family has been in their employ since their great grandfather was a guard in their family, eager to prove their metal, and guard group. And lastly is a cook, Lisa. One thing they didn't want to rely on is dry rations, from their time in the desert one thing they always missed was cooked food. Plus she is very knowledgeable about fruits and the like that can be found in the wild.
Standing outside the line of trees that extended far to his left and right Curtis couldn't help but feel nervous. Something was telling him to enter the forest but at the same time his gut couldn't help but tell him to stay away from it. The giant trees that dwarfed their group looked so old that you could never tell how long they have been standing. Their leaves dancing like flames that will never be put out, mesmerizing him as they strut about.
"Master Curtis?" looking back it was Ben who called out bringing Curtis back to reality. "Let's go in." he finally decided. This forest was a clue Vera left to him, and he needed to find the answers to his questions otherwise he might go crazy.
"Alright stay close and follow me, single file, Master right behind me followed by Lisa and Millie, then the guards then Dad at the rear." Ben announced looking at Curtis who was looking at this father that gave a nod, approving the arrangements. "Take us in." Curtis said following the set up.
As soon as he entered the forest Curtis felt something special, it was like he was a battery finally being recharged, all feelings of weirdness, of fatigue, of stress that he was taking in these past few days were blown away. All he could feel was Power. Power that was filling him to the brim like a bucket under a waterfall. Looking forward he ran, trying to find the source to which a few shouts rang out that he just ignored.
"Follow him Ben!"