Wagons were terribly boring. How anyone expects to just sit between towns is a mystery. Ashlette was hurt, that was understandable. As for the other two, they were being just plain dull.
Fliss stood from where she had been tucked behind a crate in the back of the wagon. She teetered on widespread feet, bobbling like a drunken dancer to keep upright with the sway of the wagon. A large bump caused her to turn and spin to correct her balance. She grinned at the new found entertainment but sobered her expression as she saw the discomfort Ashlette was in. Fliss had found no trouble in climbing the steep slope two days back, and Ashlette herself had even been enjoying the delve down in the secluded cave. While they had been watching over the slow progress of the two males, Ashlettes grip had faltered, leading to her current state. Fliss shrugged at the idea that it could have been prevented. Ashlette had managed to only sprain her ankle. Depending on what magic Turmer had ready, he could have been more seriously injured. If Zolik had fallen, the resounded din of his round metal covered self could have collapsed the cave.
Fliss giggled. That might have been worthwhile to watch, even if it meant fleeing from falling boulders. There was a sparkle in the brush. Fliss’ already large gnome eyes, widened further. She had heard tell of pixies living in these woods, and she had desperately hoped to see one. Without camping along the road, their time would be limited in this area, and the blueberry jelly she had packed as pixie bait would be an expense she would simply have to suffer in a sandwich later. She watched the spot as the wagon drew closest along the road. She leaned over the side of the wagon, staring intently at the shaded underbrush. Zolik said something, but she couldn’t be distracted. She watched with held breath.
The world began shifting, and she wondered if a pixie had enchanted her. Her thoughts raced in wonder as the sky spun. The wind brushed her face as her heart raced at the idea of becoming entranced by some little creature even more mischievous than herself. The sight of the rough road broke her fantasy, as she flailed wildly to prevent her face from cracking against the cobblestone. She landed like a displaced cat that had been thrown from a window, all four limbs hitting first, but only to slow the crash. She managed to roll into a bit of a tumble, spreading the force into motion. She was up in a dash in no time, hoping to be back in the wagon before anyone noticed. She grabbed the wagon rear, and with a pull and a kick, flipped back atop the crates. She landed with a pose, then sat down in a quick cross of her legs to wait out the dizzy spell that all the commotion had lead to. Fliss looked back to the woods, wondering if the pixie might still be within sight. The sparkle flashed again, and she smiled wide about to share her discovery.
Then she saw it.
The sparkle was off of a steel arrow, drawn back and aimed at their cart. She scanned the bushes, she listened. There was more than just one.
“Ambush.” She said through gritted teeth. The disappointment of how far they had gone into the midst of this problem was aggravating, especially because they weren’t pixies. She heard the rest all shift in their typical responses to danger. She slid back down between the crates and reached into her bag to have her own tricks at the ready.