And good allies were what they would need. Even from the attitude of those around them, they knew that there would be problems. A couple of times there had been axes or knives that flew mysteriously through the air to embed themselves in trunks near where the companions worked. The sec, being dismissive, had ordered everyone back to work, thus none of the companions had been able to pinpoint the origin of the hostility. So they were constantly on triple-red, and glad for an ally among the island population. What worried the companions more than anything was that they were unarmed. Ryan’s panga, J.B.’s Tekna, Dean’s knife and even Doc’s silver lion’s-head swordstick, had been taken away by the sec. They still had Jak’s leaf-bladed knives, but to keep these secret, the albino kept them about his person, which meant that he couldn’t swiftly distribute them in time of trouble. There would always be a crucial delay.
On the third day, Mildred came to the area where the felling was taking place to check on the progress for Sineta. She was accompanied by Markos.
“There really isn’t the need for you to cover me like this,” Mildred snapped at him as they followed the swath left by the already felled wood. “I can look after myself, you know.”
“I would not suggest that you are helpless, like the rabbit caught in the snake’s gaze,” he answered stiffly. “On the contrary, I would be more like to compare you to the snake.”
“Shit, thanks,” Mildred replied.
Markos grimaced. “Once more you misunderstand my intent. I would almost believe that you purposely misconstrue my words so that they appear false and damaging to you.”
Mildred looked at the sec boss’s expression and laughed. “Lighten up, Markos. I was being funny.”
“I am not good at being… ‘funny,’ as you put it,” he replied with an almost too solemn dignity.
“I had noticed,” Mildred pointed out, followed by, “That’s better,” as she saw a smile of genuine amusement cross his face. “But it’s true. I can look after myself.”
“I realize this, but factions against you may not. My presence may make them think again about attack, or at the very least give another pair of eyes to keep watch.”
“You really think someone may try to chill me?”
He shrugged. “You are an outsider who aids change. We are going where the majority of workers have been placed out of harm’s way because they oppose change. You figure it out.”
Mildred glared at the sec boss. “Okay. By the way, for someone who isn’t funny, that actually wasn’t bad. Guess I asked for it. But you didn’t want change, and I don’t have to fear you. Do I?”
“I accept the inevitability of change and the tide of history as it ebbs and flows.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“I repeat—you figure it out. But we are almost there,” he added as the sound of tree felling became more apparent. They rounded a bend in the path and came upon the edges of the work party, who stopped when they saw Mildred approach. Among the workers in this section were the six companions and Elias. The dark giant stiffened on seeing the sec boss approach. “Your posture would suggest you have a problem— and quite a large one—with our friend Markos,” Doc murmured.
“You know him—and his pernicious brother. If you wish reinforcement for my views, just ask Jak,” Elias muttered.
However the companions—especially J.B.—were too preoccupied by seeing Mildred again to dwell on that.
“Millie, good to see you here,” J.B. said with an understatement that was obvious. “It’s been a while. We wondered what was going on.”
“John…” Mildred returned. “I’ve been busy. There’s a lot to do.”
“Plans going well for the evacuation?” Ryan asked.
Mildred was about to answer when Markos stayed her with a gesture. “Remember where we are. Perhaps that is a question that should not be answered here. Mebbe later.”
“Yeah, perhaps you’re right,” Mildred agreed.
J.B. spit angrily on the ground. “When later?” he said, with barely controlled anger. “We’re billeted here while you’re with the baron’s daughter. So what happens when we get over to the mainland, eh?”