Ventina left the shed to get a bucket of vinegar water and a brush as she headed back into the woods to the spot where she had smashed Harry’s head. She needed to clean up the kill site. Her biggest concern would be the tree, Ventina had to remove the blood and bone that had embedded itself into the bark from the impact with Harry’s head. She would clean up the majority of it making the rest look like an animal kill. It didn’t take long for her to find the spot as her sense of smell led her directly to it. What she wasn’t expecting was to find someone who beat her there. Right in the middle of all the gore stood a large female opossum licking up some of the remains. She had a pouch full of youngsters and the large piece of brain matter was a nourishing treat she wasn’t willing to give up easily. The opossum growled and hissed at Ventina, Ventina hissed back. Neither moved. Ventina decided to ignore the animal as she went about her appointed task of cleanup. The opossum decided it didn’t like sharing the space, grabbed the remaining lump of gore in her mouth and fled.
Ventina didn’t pay any attention as she attacked the bark with a wet brush. Most of the gook came off easily with the exception of the bone buried into the bark from the force of the impact itself. Using a small pick she painstakingly probed at the bark until she had gotten most of it out. She left the smallest pieces as it was getting late and the dawn would begin to lift the shroud of night. Satisfied with her work, Ventina took what was left in the bucket and flung the bloody water in the same arc she had spun poor Harry, soaking the underbrush with the bloody brew.
An evil smile twisted up her wretched mouth. “You’ll not only nourish me Harry, but your worthless self will fertilize the bushes and cover up your demise.”
Without another look she slunk back into the woods, heading back to tend to the rest of Harry.
Chapter Seven
THE messengers arose at first light to horses eager to be on their way, knowing they were on the last leg home to the barn. They had enjoyed their jaunt, but were just as happy as their riders to return home. Breakfast was a fast, cold affair before they quickly headed out, but not before trying to remove all traces of their stay.
Noon break was even shorter. Just enough to give the horses a quick rest from their brisk pace. In short order they made the final push towards Woodlawn Village. The sun was casting long shadows when all the horses’ ears pricked forward recognizing their surroundings. Their excitement was picked up by their riders as they soon entered the circle they had departed from a week ago. No urging was necessary as the horses broke into a gentle canter on a familiar trail. They were almost at the end of the wood trail when Brian pulled up short almost causing a collision with the other riders. Gregan managed to rein his mount up next to Brian.
“What’s wrong?” Gregan’s voice just above a whisper.
Brian was very direct as he spoke. “The remaining daylight will make it hard to get into town. We have to ride in wearing our cloaks, hoods up; especially you two.” He pointed at Gregan and Vitaria.
“Won’t that attract more attention instead of avoiding it?” Vitaria asked.
“Not if we split up.” Darius said.
Brian looked at him. “Darius is right, if we split up and head in from separate directions
It will attract less attention.” Brian looked at Darius, “Darius I want you to take Vitaria with you and I’ll take Gregan with me.”
“Yes sir.” They started to head to the right when Brian’s voice stopped them. “And Darius?”
“Yes sir?”
“When you get home, go to Master Peter and let him know to get the word out that we need to convene a meeting tonight. Go further around the village and come in from the far side of your father’s fields.”
Darius just nodded as he dug his heels into his mount’s flanks, Vitaria close on his heels.
Brian pushed his horse forward before peeling off the trail to his left, Gregan wasn’t far behind.
Simon and Michael were out in the far hay field checking the growth for the first cutting when Michael heard the jingle of a bit as Darius’ horse shook his head to rid itself of flies.
“Dad?” Michael said just loud enough to catch his father’s attention.
Simon looked up at his second eldest son to see Michael indicate with his head in the direction of Darius and Vitaria. Simon recognized his son right away, but knew from the size and shape of the second figure that it wasn’t Brian with him. Both went to meet them at the edge of the field. Darius and Vitaria dismounted as they waited for Simon and Michael to get to them. A smile made its way onto Simon’s face with each step closer to his oldest son.
“Well I see you made it back safe and sound and none the worse for wear.” Simon commented.
“More or less.” Darius said.
“What happened?” The smile melted off his face as his eyes did a quick once over.
“I’m fine. I’ll explain when we get home.”
Simon looked over at Vitaria. “And just whom are we bringing home to mother?”
“Oh yeah. You remember Vitaria right?”
“Yes I do, I just wanted to see if you remember your manners. By the way the other young man with me is my second oldest son, Michael, Miss Vitaria.”
“Hello.” Vitaria said.
Embarrassed, Michael ducked his head as he mumbled, “Hi.”
“Please excuse my not removing my hood. We figured we’d try and not to attract too much attention when we came in by splitting up. I came with Darius and Gregan went with Brian.”
“Good idea.” Simon answered.
“Brian figured the Town Council would want to talk with them before they went back to Belasar. I need to tell Master Peter that we are back and to call a meeting.”
“Not before your mother sees you and gets a hot meal into you and our guests. I’m brave, but not that brave.”
“We had figured to finish the last leg tonight, but quite honestly the prospect of a hot meal and a good night’s sleep is very appealing M’Lord.”
“If you had Darius cooking for you I can understand that.” Michael said as he side stepped away from the shoulder punch he knew was coming.
Simon gave him a look as he shook his head. “Good, and please call me Simon.”
“Yes M’l… Simon.”
Simon swatted at a bug. “Well I don’t feel like feeding the bugs anymore so let’s get going and get you two back home.” He looked at them as Darius was about to remove his hood. “Keep your hoods on until we get to the house. The less people know you’re back, the better.”
Michael was pretty much silent as he fell in step with his brother. He kept sneaking looks at Darius. He looked the same, but didn’t. Darius caught a couple of the sideways glances, but said nothing as he thought to himself, ‘kids.’
They reached the barnyard and Simon grabbed the reins handing them to Michael.
“A good graining and curry before you come in. They’ve earned it. And bring in their gear.”
Michael groaned, but withered under his father’s frown. “Yes sir.” He said dejectedly. He tied the horses to the post as he unloaded the gear and put it on the porch. As he passed by, Darius spoke to him.