Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

Rory quickly glanced at Chance. He had strong features, a straight nose, honey colored eyed, brown hair, and a strong set jaw. He was handsome, very handsome. “Why does everyone listen to him like that? She asked Paul. He looked surprised. “You don't know? Chance is the son of the Duke of Tarnchester.” Duke?! I t was Rory's turn to be surprised. She was now friends with a duke?



All of a sudden, a hush went through the long line of boys. Rory looked up and saw the Syari masters. They started down the line, looking each and every boy in the eyes. Those who winced or looked away were left standing there. Seeing them come to George, she held her breath. Yes! They all nodded and motioned to the small group of boys they had decided on. There went Chance, Paul, Noah, Peter, Briar, Kris… With disgust, she realized they had picked Oliver. She took comfort in the fact they hesitated with him before nodding. She grinned when she realized one of his followers didn't get picked.



All too soon, they came to her. As they looked into her eyes, she stared back into theirs. Rory felt pain, war, death of loved ones, the satisfaction of saving a life and many other emotions. She grit her teeth and kept looking. Finally after what seemed forever of staring, they nodded their heads, without hesitation. She smirked toward Oliver, then walked toward the group of her new friends.



Hands patted her on the back. Warm smiles greeted her. “Well done!” George said. Heat rushed to her face. “Thanks.” The Syari Masters returned to the group. “Walk.” They commanded. Rory wasn't the only one who groaned quietly. This was going to be a long afternoon. By the time they had gotten to their first campsite, everyone was, with an exception to the Syari Masters, exhausted. To add insult to injury, they then had to gather firewood. Oliver passed her and stuck out his foot. “Whoops.” he said sarcastically. Rory went sprawling dropping all her wood. Struggling to keep her temper under control, she bent to pick up the many pieces of firewood she had dropped. She heard Oliver take off suddenly and then there was someone helping her pick up the wood. It was Briar. She smiled gratefully. “Thanks.”

“Not a problem. He can really be an @$$.”

“Did he ever pick on you?”

“Did he ever?” Briar laughed. “My brother was friends with him. Of course he picked on me.”

“That stinks.”

“Yea. But after I broke his arm he left me alone.” Revealing white teeth, Briar smiled. “Don't worry, Alex, that fellow won't hurt you with us around. He wouldn't dare.”

“I can take care of myself.” She was indignant. She could fight her own fights.

“You can against him. But you against all his goons? Not a chance. No offense but you are tiny Alex.” Rory smiled. “I know. But let him try to pick on me by himself.”



When all the boys got back, their next task was to start a fire. Rory jumped right in to do it since she had to do it so many times at home, Oliver bumped into her. Briar and Chance exchanged a knowing glance. Not wanting to take that, especially form him, Rory tripped him. “Whoops, ever so sorry old bean.” Stepping over him and flashing a false smile in his direction, she helped start the fire.



Later on they all sat around the fire and had a light dinner. After a while, Rory struggled to stay awake. While getting ready for bed, her shirt neck slightly slipped, revealing her scar. She glanced around to see if anyone saw. Horror embedded itself deep in the pit of her stomach. Chance was staring at her.

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