Faron 2

Kip flicked a bark chip at Rudyard. Several of them now littered the mans red beard as he snored on his sleeping mat. The beard also had pine needles, dirt, an ant, and some twigs in it. He flipped another one at the large man and sucked in a breath as it hit his cheek. Rudyard made a choking, snorting noise and awoke with a start. He went crosseyed as he noticed more in his beard that he was used to.

“Blast it boy!” he lurched to his feet.

“I was helping the birds! Thought your beard would make the perfect nest!” Kip protested and skipped out of reach.

“Why you child of the infernal woods,” Rudyard tried to cuff the boy but missed and gave way to muttering and brushing the collection of objects from his beard, “you can be sure Faron will hear all about this and the other ways you’ve been abusing your poor uncle Rudyard.”

“Ha, Faron likes me better than you old man!” Kip smirked.

“Oh yeah?” said Rudyard as he grabbed a pinecone his foot came across.

“Why else would he trust only me enough to send me out on important errands while poor old Rudyard is left behind, huh?” Kip quipped.

Rudyard growled. “Heyuh Kip look theres. . !”

Kip turned to glance in the direction Rudyard had indicated and was rewarded with a pinecone pegging the back of his head.

“Awwh Beets!” he said as he rubbed the back of his head and glared at Rudyard.

“You know Kip, you aren’t so smart for a 13 year old. I expected more from you,” he shook his head despairingly.

“Stuff it Rudyard or next time you’ll find the nest made in your mouth,” Kip shot back unhappily.

“Ah well, better than the soup you made last night!” He said cheerfully, “better pack up we need to get moving.”

It didn’t take long to gather up their belongings and pack them onto the horses. The fire pit was buried and all signs of their having stayed there were covered deftly. They couldn’t afford to be lazy, their lives depended on it. Especially now that Faron wasn’t with them.