To Spread the Word

[GalacticBattles]

One of the camel drivers spun around in shock.
"Say, who in God's name are you? Get the devil off of our caravan!"
Silmani placed a protective hand on Chiharu's arm. She hadn't been expecting to be pulled on, as she'd intended to ask for permission to join the caravan and would have willingly walked, but it was too dangerous to dismount now that they were in motion. "We are sorry, this was a mistake. Stop your caravan and we'll climb down."
"Be damned, I will!" the driver snapped. "Why should we stop our camels because some madwoman climbed onto one of my packages of rice? Get down, now, or we'll all knock you off!"
One of the drivers up ahead stopped to shout back, "What's the matter? Who are those four?"
"Just a pack of vagrants looking for a free ride. Listen, we're headed for Corando to sell rice to some starving fools there. It's not a place anyone with sense would want to come to unless he had something to sell or trade. Go and look for free transportation elsewhere!"

[ChrisWk]

"Come on old man! We didn't make it on time, and your caravan had started moving already so we had to make a run for it. We were gonna pay you." Chiharu explains to the driver.
Lucy didn't really know how to react, as she figured the best option would be to jump off. But that would obviously be dangerous.
In the end, she decided that she'd wait to see what Silmani would do. After all, she was the leader.

[GalacticBattles]

"Old man?" the driver thundered. "Who are you talking to, you mouthy brat?"
He lunged for Chiharu, but Silmani acted quickly, blocking his hand with a crisscrossing of her own hands, forming a surprisingly strong and painful shield. As the man fell back, yelping, she seized this opportunity to dismount, as the camel had stopped.
"There's nothing to be gained from fighting, so hold your hands back from Chiharu." Her voice was soft, but her eyes were narrow. "He did not mean to disrespect you; he's an orphan boy. We wish to come to Corando, as well. We would feel safer if you allowed us to a company you, and i would gladly walk the distance."

[ChrisWk]

Chiharu was pretty much dragged along with Silmani, as she held him firmly.
Lucy and Hatya got off the caravan as well and stood there, letting Silmani do the talking.
On one hand, it'd be nice to get a ride to Corando, but on the other, Lucy didn't really like the drivers attitude, and would rather walk than deal with that.
She looked down at Hatya. "Are you okay kiddo?" she asked softly.

[GalacticBattles]

Hatya didn't answer. Her huge eyes were glued to the scene before her. It was rare that she witnessed this sort of excitement. She clutched Lucy's wrist tightly, wondering whether they'd soon be tangled up in a brawl or fleeing.
The angry driver dismounted, advancing upon them slowly. Silmani's grip on Chiharu tightened. She told him softly, "My nephew, get behind me. Lucy, Hatya, run away from here. I'll send for you in a moment."
Hatya didn't budge.

[ChrisWk]

Lucy didn't move either, she was set on staying there with her friend. No matter what. Besides, if things got bad, they had the numbers.
Chiharu was quite used to old angry men, as he'd usually try to steal some fruit back when he was in the orphanage. He was a frightened of course, but not speechless. "We're terribly sorry sir, we didn't mean to be disrespectful or do any harm." the silver haired boy said politely, bowing his head. He was hoping this would get them out of this uncomfortable position.

[GalacticBattles]

"Who are you, anyhow?" the driver demanded, somewhat mollified by Chiharu's apology. "And what do you want with Corando?"
"I'm Silmani, daughter of Arath, and my friends and I wish to bring aid to Corando."
The driver scoffed. "What sort of aid? Food? Money? What have you got to offer the people of Corando when you haven't even got new clothes to wear and need to jump on caravans that aren't yours for transportation?"
"Not food or clothing, sir. A message."
"What sort of a message?"
"A message with which we hope to feed their souls, not their bodies."
"Ha!" The driver slapped the reins of his camel. "You're one of those do-gooders who want to feed people with words and stupid platitudes. I feed people with rice and wheat. It's a good business, I can command any price for it, and no one will get in the way of it. Go to the devil!"
With that, the caravan moved on, leaving them in the dust.

[ChrisWk]

Chiharu picked up a small rock and threw it after the caravan, but it didn't even get close to hitting. "Damnit.. what a jerk.." the silver haired boy said kicking the dust a little.
Lucy let out a sigh which had a bit mixed feelings. On one hand, she was a bit bummed out by the fact that they had to walk now, on the other hand, she was relieved that it didn't escalate any further.

[GalacticBattles]

Silmani bit her lip and blinked back tears. This was the most hurtful comment she'd received about her mission so far. But she steeled herself, determined to remain strong for Chiharu and Hatya.
"What a horrible man!" Hatya exploded, when she'd recovered her voice. "I - if only I could burn his whole caravan down! A girl told me Corandians tie and stone people to death if they're pushed too far. I hope he gets his whole caravan pelted to bits, at least, and his rice stolen - it'd serve him right! That monster, that ugly old troll, that - that-"
"Hatya, those stoning legends are not true - not altogether true, at least." Silmani's voice was quiet and clear again. She turned to Lucy. "My friend, I wish you had run when I asked you to. I'm glad we're all unharmed. Chiharu . . .i know you're upset, but I'm commanding you to keep your stones and your bad language to yourself. I have much to discuss with you, but we need to find a place to rest."

[ChrisWk]

Lucy wasn't exactly happy about the situation herself, but kept her cool. It wouldn't do them any good if she were to explode into frustration. She looked over at Hatya.
"That's enough Hatya, I know you're angry, we all are, but keep it to yourself. He wasn't very nice, but saying that is not acceptable, so just drop it, okay?" she said patting her back. Lucy was a lot more easygoing than Silmani.
"I couldn't have run, if I did, you would've been in danger." Lucy replied.
The silver haired boy knew very well that Silmani wasn't happy with his language and attitude against that old man, so he decided to keep quiet and nod.
The group started walking, and soon came across a nice grass spot, with a few trees around it. Perfect for setting up some tents. "Should we camp here for the night Silmani?" Lucy asked.