They arrived at the General’s camp outside Hogsback just as the sun was rising behind the Amatola mountains.  Amanda was exhausted.  They had hiked through the forest for several straight hours, Van Rooyen refusing to stop for another rest.  Her feet ached badly, despite the comfortable shoes she had borrowed from Elaine’s closet, and she could only imagine how Drake must have felt, as he had carried Jimmy for most of the way!  Van Rooyen herded them towards the main tent, ushering them inside as they reached it.  The General was waiting for them, seated behind his makeshift desk, arms folded across his chest and a broad grin on his face.

“Welcome back!” he smiled.  “I’ve been expecting you.”

Jimmy was standing next to Amanda, holding her hand...

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