A Warrior's Redemption (The Warrior Kind)

"Me?"

"Yes, I need someone to get those children to safety in the only place left that is safe for children to grow up, which is the Valley Lands. There they will have a chance at life and most importantly a chance at learning the Creator's ways and His purposes for their lives. Will you do it Roric? Will you help me save these children?"

Not wanting to believe her, but not being able to deny the honesty and clarity with which she had shared her story I asked, "How would I go about doing it?"

Excited she rose from her chair and appeared much younger for a moment, "The wagons are leaving now that are meant to pick up the children. I want you to intercept them, pick the children up at the farm, and get them safely to the Valley Lands."

"I'm going to need help to accomplish all that, and this?" I said raising my chained hands, "Might pose a problem."

"It has all been arranged. I have set up a plan to rescue you from the arena tomorrow; however, the rescue cannot be attempted before the second round of the games. Which means you will have to survive the first round! Can you do that?"

Looking at her wryly I noted her doubt of my capability for survival and I responded cockily, "I'll make it to the second round."

"Good!" She said smiling. "I have no doubt that with the Creator's help you will."

"What does the first round of the games consist of by the way?" I asked.

"I'm not sure they haven't told anyone. All I know is that it involves animals and that it's not expected that you will survive past the first round."

"That sounds like fun. You're sure no one suspects your ulterior motives concerning these children?" I asked.

I watched a darkness come into her eyes that made me sorry I had asked the question.

"Why should they? After all I sacrificed my own children on the altar didn't I?"

Trying to soften the bitterness I saw in her face I said, "You were forgiven for that weren't you?"

She nodded her head, "Yes I was, but I fear that I may never be able to quite fully forgive myself."

Wanting her to answer one more question I had about tomorrow I asked, "How soon can I expect pursuit after I pick up the children?"

"A couple of days at the best. You may have close pursuit the whole way though."

"You know that your part in all this is likely to be exposed if you stay." I said.