Ero Skill Tree

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three: Discovered

Altria and I quickly exchanged glances as we both thought about what to do next. There was only so much cover at the side of the road and the chances were that if we decided to make a run for it, whoever was inside the carriage would spot us. Then again, if they made a thorough search of the surrounding area it wouldn't take them long to discover us either.

The carriage was too close for us to make a sound, in the end we decided to wait it out and hope we weren't picked up or that the occupants weren't looking for us. From where we were hidden it was hard to make out much past the bottom couple of feet of the carriage. Without leaving our cover we wouldn't be able to get a glimpse of who was inside. It was only moments after the carriage door was flung open that someone stepped out, but all I could see was a pair of legs from the knees down. They walked to the side of the road and stopped.

"Theo! Altria!" They shouted at the top of their lungs. "Are you sure you saw someone dive off the road?" They asked their driver.

"I only caught a glimpse for a moment, but it definitely looked to be a person." The driver answered.

"It would make sense if they were trying to stay off the main routes, that they would come this way."

The tension that had built up in me and Altria boiled over. As soon as we recognised the voices and could guess their intent, we both burst out into laughter simultaneously. The pair of legs walked over to the bush where we were hidden, immediately alerted to our presence and they pulled away the branches to reveal us.

"It's them!" She said turning back to the driver. "What are you two doing in there and why are you laughing at a time like this?" Serin asked as she spotted us.

"Sorry, sorry. We were trying to stay hidden. We didn't know who could be coming after us or traveling down the road. As soon as we realised it was you, we just couldn't help it..." I tried to explain in between fits of laughter.

"I see... Anyway, the pair of you should get out of there and into the carriage before anyone else comes along."

"Okay, come on Theo." Altria said standing up and removing some of the leaves from her hair.

I climbed to my feet and out of the bush to where Serin was waiting. She looked at me for a moment before stepping forward and enthusiastically threw her arms around me.

"I'm really glad you're okay. I was so worried." She said as she squeezed me.

Serin was normally more reserved than this, she seemed genuinely worried. I wondered what had gone on inside the capital once we left.

"It was close, but we made it out. Altria was wounded, but I managed to heal her in time as you can see. Didn't you get my message before we left the party?" I asked her.

"I did, but well it was chaos in the capital last night and there's worse news. I'll explain more once we get on the road. Let's get inside."

"Okay."

I glanced up at the driver as I went to climb inside and recognised their face. It was Rosa. A lot really must have happened after we left.

"Rosa!" I said as I climbed up the steps.

"Hi Theo." She replied.

"But why?"

"Serin will explain everything inside. We really should get going, I don't like us all being out in the open like this."

After that Altria and I quickly climbed inside the carriage. Serin slid open the drivers hatch so Rosa could hear what was being said and join in if necessary. Once we were all seated, she pulled on the reins and we rolled forward.