hen Odeon reined in
beside her, she said, "I don't like the looks of that. It could mean
nothing, but it could also mean trouble. Patrol formation, I think,
with you at point; as Tracker, you've got the best chance of spotting
trouble before it spots you."
"Right. And I'd recommend Tony as rear guard; he's the closest we have
to a second Tracker."
"Agreed." As he rode ahead, Cortin dropped back to the main group,
briefed them, and sent Degas to the rear. This wasn't good ambush
country--the woods were open, with the road avoiding rough terrain
wherever possible--and they'd be in secure territory when they got
within an hour's ride of the retreat; even when the Royal Family was
elsewhere, there were security and housekeeping staffs in residence.
When they moved out again, she stayed with the group, all of them alert
for unusual movements or sounds. Cortin found herself half-hoping for
action, though she also wanted to make it through without having any of
her people hurt or killed.
Odeon moved forward cautiously. He agreed with Joanie: even though
someone fleeing a prisoner escort didn't necessarily mean trouble, it
was a good idea to take a few simple precautions. He studied the
other's tracks when he got to them, but they told him nothing he didn't
already know. The man had been riding at a walk, and had suddenly
turned, galloping away. If it was because of normal apprehension,
fine, and no real problem even if he was a wanted criminal; he'd cause
them no trouble, and he'd be caught eventually if he kept reacting that
way. The problem would arise if he were point man for a group of
Brothers or other terrorists--not likely this close to a royal
residence, but certainly a possibility.
He wasn't kept in suspense long; within five minutes, he heard a group
of riders ahead. They were making no effort to be silent, which didn't
prove anything one way or the other; either they were innocent, or they
were pretending to be innocent to get close to the Enforcement group.
The woods were open enough there was no point in leaving the road to
try to eavesdrop on them; if he were close enough to understand words,
he'd be close enough to see. So, keeping his hand close to his pistol,
he rode forward.
His appearance clearly startled them, enough to get an honest reaction;
half of the fifteen or so went for their weapons. He drew and fired at
the same time he was turning his horse and urging it to a gallop.
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