The Journey (Part 2)

Twenty minutes late. I thought, looking at the position of the moon. I was skittish, so I climbed a tree to keep look out for the strange man. I have taken to calling him The Ranger because he looks like one. A cold north wind penetrated my cloak. Am I crazy? I thought for the hundredth time as I tried to stay warm. The noise of a stick breaking brought me abruptly out of my thoughts. The Ranger stood below my tree looking up at me and holding the stick he had broken. "Be more alert." His deep voice abruptly stated as he walked to the north. He stopped, his back to me and said, "Well, are you coming?" Then he continued walking. I sighed as i slid down the tree. I hissed with pain as a knot of the bark tore the skin off the palm of my right hand. As I followed The Ranger, I tore a strip of cloth from the hem of my tunic to bandage my hand. I hoped we would cross a stream so I could soak my hand.