Rapunzel quickly learned that Quirin had a system. If a black rock or other obstacle was in the road, a horn was blown, and the horns behind them would follow suit. If they were stopping to rest or make camp, they would ring a bell. Varian had given them a horn and bell for their own caravan and they quickly fell into the pattern of passing the "message" on.
They had been traveling for a few weeks when Rapunzel was studying the map and gasped, opening the door and jumping out to run over to Quirin's caravan. "Quirin, we're over by Koto! Can we go there?" She asked, climbing up next to Varian.
"Koto isn't exactly known for its tourism." Quirin shook his head. "Besides, all these caravans might be mistaken for an attack."
"Oh." Rapunzel pouted.
"Do you...often jump out of moving caravans?" Varian asked, looking at her incredulously.
"Yeah, why?" Rapunzel asked.
"Varian, the horn." Quirin caught his attention, and Varian grabbed the horn and blew it and rang the bell to warn them about an emergency stop. Rapunzel looked forward and realized several large logs were in their path.
"Oh, wow." She breathed.
Quirin got down and walked over to examine it, other adults coming out to do the same. Rapunzel got down and walked over to listen in.
"Quirin, these cuts..." One of the men said with alarm.
"And this placement..." Another one frowned.
"This was human-placed. Be on your guard." Quirin told them firmly. "We may be experiencing trouble soon."
"What's going on?" Eugene asked as he walked over with Lance and Hookfoot.
"These logs are in our path. We need to move them, but it will take time." Quirin frowned.
"Oh! Maybe we can go explore?" Rapunzel suggested.
"Absolutely not." Quirin said firmly, and she winced a bit. "Forgive my tone, Princess, but this obstacle was placed here deliberately. We cannot risk anyone wandering off and being taken by whoever placed it."
"Oh...what do you think placed it?" Rapunzel asked.
"Anything from a mountain troll to a pack of thieves." Quirin shook his head. "Whatever it is, it's not safe. Please, go back to your caravan and wait for these logs to be moved."
"Oh...okay." Rapunzel nodded and headed back to her caravan.
"Princess?" Varian climbed down and walked over to her. "Why don't we look at the scroll together? That might be interesting."
"Mmm...but, I really wanted to stretch my legs..." Rapunzel sighed. "I'm just going back to my caravan."
"Alright." Varian shrugged and then walked off to help his father and the other men.
Rapunzel looked at him, then walked over to Cassandra. "Hey, do you want to go for a walk?" She asked cheerfully.
"Rapunzel, didn't Quirin just say to not wander off?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow.
"Come ooooon, we never get time alone anymore." Rapunzel pouted.
Cassandra stammered a bit, then climbed down and walked over to her. "Okay, but...let's not go too far, okay?"
"Right!" Rapunzel nodded. "Come on, let's go through the caravan..."
–
"Alright, men, let's heave-ho!" Quirin ordered and they started to pull on the ropes hooked around the logs to move them.
YOU ARE READING
Nomad
FanfictionBetween the black rocks destroying their village and the blizzard, Old Corona decides enough is enough and take the safety of their people over the loyalty to their King. With Quirin leading the way, the residents of Old Corona seek new pastures far...
