A Stream That Would Lead... Somewhere

1879

Guess what? Today we found a small stream flowing in the forest. The four of us were absolutely thrilled at the sight of fishes in water. Finally, we could have something that did not involve stale oatmeal or moldy bread. It may sound disgusting but, as a person in hiding, you did not have much choice, did you?

Conny was awfully excited. She narrated stories of the vast seas and valor of sea crooks; she even sang something known as a 'sea shanty'. It was so unique and upbeat! The lot of us sang along with her, but we all were very off-key. It was funny and ridiculous so, me, Bastien and Quin decided to accompany a few beats to her songs.

What really surprised me, was that, Conny is an expert in fishing. The way she caught a fish with just a twig and a string was a sight to behold. But her smile was the star of the show.

By the time it was evening, all of us had collected eleven fishes - enough to last for a few days! Now I don't have to risk my life every day to hunt for food. We could always collect fishes one day and then, come back after a few days when the stock was over!

Not only that, these fishes tasted heavenly when roasted over the fire. At times, I got them overcooked, and the meat would get chewy but, I'm sure I'll master the technique one day.

PS: Bastien burnt his fish.

________________________

It took almost no time for the General to figure out where the next page was. It made him think if he was making a mistake here; Adi wasn't the type to make anything easy for him.

Quin alighted his horse when he arrived at the forest. The stream that previously flowed here, was all dried up, leaving a trail of dried mud. The forest was untouched by many and hence, he could locate their bonfire in an instant. Changes did not seem to place an effect in this area; the little camp and empty coconut shells were still there where they were last placed.

All of his memories regarding him were very vivid because of how hazy and short they were. Many would still raise their eyebrows and ask how twelve years were short for him. When things are happier, one may not realize how fast the time goes, and all these joyful moments just imprint themselves in the brain.

Quin's right-hand man, Colonel Wright, stood beside him, watching the dense jungle in awe. "Well, I have not ever seen such flora in this area. How did you acquire the location of this place?"

"It was a place I used to visit quite often in my youthful days."

"Quite odd for you to mention 'youthful days' when you are still young."

"By 'youthful days', I mean the happy and worry free days of my life."

Wright nodded. "Touché."

Quin ruffled his own hair in force of habit and observed his troops. All of them were standing straight and in neatly formed rows; their gaze didn't falter even for a moment. Satisfied with their competence, the brunet turned around and raised his hand to gain their attention.

"Search this place thoroughly for an old sheet of paper. Once found, do not read the contents, immediately hand it over to me. Understood?"

"Yes Sir!"

With that, the soldiers began their search in different corners. The Colonel stood beside the General, observing the army as well as the latter. Ever since the war concluded, he noticed Quin acting more impatient and spontaneous than before. His request, for a troop of fifteen soldiers for an expedition to hunt for underground concentration camps, was heroic but strange nonetheless. Wright has been working with the man for five years straight, but never in his line of work did Quin, himself, request for a search mission. Rather, the brunet was more than thrilled to visit home, however, ever since his last trip, Quin has not been the same.

His fighting and strategy both had taken a violent and colder turn; the enemy was destroyed to shreds when their commander followed Quin's ideas. And of course, the commander was exceptionally pleased with the results as well as with the brunet's active participation and recklessness. Quin used be more cautious and apathetic before, but now?

He moves as if he had nothing to lose anymore.

"General Quin! We found a stray page near a torn tent." A soldier bowed down as he handed the item to the said man.

Inspecting the sheet, Quin nodded lightly, seeming quite pleased. "All of you have done an excellent job. Please proceed for lunch before we move ahead to our next destination."

The soldier nodded enthusiastically before he headed to his comrades to inform of their lunch break.

Colonel Wright glanced at the crinkly sheet. "Apologies if I intrude, General Quin, but are those pages from someone you know?"

Quin hesitated for a while before he answered. "Yes, yes they are."

"...Were they captured by one of the concentration camps?"

Wright heard a slight crumple and noticed the way Quin's jaw clenched in raw anger. "Yes,"

"Were they someone precious-"

"Enough."

"Yes sir," The Colonel instantly kept his mouth shut not wanting to anger Quin any further.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***