Follow the Lake #63

Just as you’re about to race up the mountain, you hear a splash in the water.
No words are spoken,…the three of you fly down the path, towards the lake, as fast as your feet can carry you. Your heart pounds its own rhythm and your fists clench tight. All you feel is anger.
How can trusted members of the High King’s army harm innocents?! Soldiers are meant to protect the people!! The thoughts spur you on.
You reach the shore, but Valda yanks your tunic. She guides you into the trees.
“Don’t expose yourself,” she gasps, trying to get a breath, “we don’t know where he is. Let’s see if we can surprise him.” A moment later, Dorbane’s short legs catch up and he stumbles against a tree.
“Well I’m,” he huffs, “not….going out…” he gasps, “on”…he holds up a finger, then wheezes, “the water!” With a mighty sigh, Dorbane slumps down onto the ground, exhausted. “I eat fish…not swim…with them.”
Valda plops down next to him.
“We can’t wait!” you hiss, “He could get away…come on, get up!”
Dorbane frowns at you, “I know you want this dung-face, but it’s wiser to go together—and if I may remind you, pup, I’m more than two hundred years OLDER than you children! A little patience please.”

If you decide to go scout the shore, go to page #64
If you sit and wait, go to page #65