9 "You're going to get heavy after a while," he
muttered. He trudged off northward. Just in case he'd bound the boy's
hands. They traveled all night, but he found no sign of his own people.
10 During most of the day they rested in the shade of some rocks. The
boy was getting worse, but there was little Red Cat could do. The boy
kept saying the same thing over and over again, but Red Cat didn't know
his language. He just kept giving him water, wiping his face, and
praying.
11 Towards nightfall he heard voices off in the distance, and made for
them. When he was close enough to hear what they were saying, and
realize they were his own people, his heart lifted. They were talking
about being lost and discussing what to do.
12 "If you don't keep your damned voices down," snapped Red Cat, the
enemy will decide for you! And you're down in a damn hole with no
sentries out ... have you forgot every bit of your damned training? Get
out of there! There's high ground up this way! Move it! Let's go!"
13 Eight startled men leapt to their feet, grabbing their gear and
weapons. One man had no weapons. He carried two large field kits, and
wore the symbol of a Field Surgeon. The sun was almost set again, as
they moved towards higher ground.
14 "First Speaker," gasped one of the men, "we thought you were dead."
15 "I was," answered The First Speaker. "This spot looks good. Four of
you, spread out! And from now on, only talk in whispers. If you hear
anything, come in and tell us at once."
16 Four of the men nodded, and disappeared. The Field Surgeon, who had
been walking by Red Cat now helped him lower the boy to the ground. He
wasted no time speaking, but opened his kits and