182 Back on the Trail

They made camp at least two miles from the banks of the river of the alligators. No one even had to say anything. When the men were done with their arduous task, everyone just returned to their horses and rode the hell out of there. The camp was very quiet too. The usual banter over the campfire was nonexistent. Everyone just got their dinner and went back to their tents immediately. The next day, they all got up and again, as if they were all operating with one mind, quickly wrapped things up; folded their tents, downed cups of strongly brewed coffee and simply got on their horses and removed themselves from the place. It was needed. The weight of the horrific sight they had witnessed was practically weighing them down. Truly, it was not until they had actually left that area that they began to feel better. They rode in their usual formation; Erom rode in front all alone with Kelley and Freidis just riding behind him. Ella was close behind them while Cheski brought up the rear.