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Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6517 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead or any of the characters. No money is being made from the writing of these stories

Chapter List
- 70
- 71
- 72
Chapter 72 Borders and Boundaries

Aaron got word that Michonne was in a panic. Judith was missing. His first thought was foul play, and he instinctively went out back to check on Gracie. She was playing on her swing set, not a care in the world. He breathed a sigh of relief and told her to come in.

“What is it, Daddy?” said Gracie with worry. She knew by Aaron’s reaction if something was wrong.

“Did Judith come by this morning to play?” he asked as calmly as possible.

“No. Is she all right?”

“I’m sure she is. Michonne can’t find her, but I bet she’s around somewhere. Why don’t you come with me and let’s go see if we can find her.” Aaron thought it was best to make a game out of it so he didn’t worry her.

They put on their jackets because it was chilly that morning, and headed out into the streets. Everything looked normal. People went about their business. It seemed only a few people knew about Judith. He saw Laura and flagged her down. “Any news?”

Laura shook her head. “Michonne’s talking to Negan right now.”

“Negan? What would he know about it?” Aaron wondered. Negan was a name that didn’t come up very often, and most of the time, he forgot that the man was still imprisoned below the townhomes.

“Michonne said Judith’s been visiting him.”

What would Judith want with Negan? Aaron couldn’t imagine why a ten year old would care about a prisoner. Then again, Judith was not the average ten year old. “We’re going to look around. If you see Michonne, tell here where we are.”

“Sure thing,” said Laura, and she went on her way searching the grounds.

“Where should we go?” Aaron asked out loud.

“Maybe she’s with the horses,” Gracie said. “That’s where I would be.”

“Let’s check there then.” Aaron took her by her little hand and they walked that way. But before they got there, they ran into Michonne.

“Aaron, thank God. Can you do me a favor and watch R.J. until I get back? I think I know where Judith is.”

“Sure thing. Do you need me to do anything else? Or you could leave R.J. with Sarah and I’ll come with you.”

“I think I need to do this on my own, but thanks. R.J.’s with Siddiq at the infirmary,” Michonne told him and she ran toward the stables to get her horse. She already had her katana, and her other weapons with her.

“Did Judith run away?” Gracie asked.

“No, I don’t think so, honey. Sometimes Judith does things on her own without permission or the help of an adult,” Aaron said.

“That’s not the rules,” Gracie said. “Never go anywhere without Daddy or Miss Sarah. Right?” she said, proud of herself for knowing the rules.

“Absolutely.” He smiled down and squeezed her hand. Gracie looked up at him with a big smile.

They arrived at the infirmary, and picked up R.J. He was a couple years younger than Gracie, but they played well together. Sometimes Gracie got frustrated with him because he was still learning how to do things, but for the most part, Gracie was good with him. Aaron took the children back to the house and let them play in the backyard. He sat outside and watched them, but he worried for Judith. This wasn’t the first time she’d pulled something like this. The last time it happened, Aaron, Rosita and a few others found her, and Judith had found Magna and her group. She was still looking for people, wanting to help those in need. Wanting to . . .

Suddenly, it struck him, where she might be. Michonne would have figured it out too. Judith had gone to find Daryl and his group. They wouldn’t have gotten too far, but far enough that a ten year old shouldn’t be out in the wilderness alone. He hoped that Michonne found her soon. He hoped Daryl was all right too.

It was such a long way to the Kingdom, and there were so many dangers on the road. What if they came upon Alpha? He wouldn’t be able to defend himself or the others against a large group of skin walkers. Aaron wished he would have gone with them. He wanted to, but Daryl stopped him. He’d been right to do so. Aaron couldn’t keep running off and leaving Gracie every time something happened. Daryl would be all right. He always was.

Aaron waited anxiously for Michonne to return. A little while later, when she finally showed, she thankfully had Judith with her. He took R. J. and went to her so she didn’t have to go to him. Michonne welcomed her little boy with arms wide and tears in her eyes. She scooped him up and twirled around and around before she stopped to acknowledge Aaron was there.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Aaron said, looking between Judith and Michonne.

“We had a long conversation on our way home,” Michonne said, looking at Judith with a smile. “And we’ve come to a decision.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” Aaron asked.

Judith answered him. “We’re going to the Kingdom to help out,” she smiled wide.

Aaron’s eyes turned to Michonne. “You’re sure about this?”

“If one of us is weak, then we all are,” Michonne answered.

“Do you want to come with us?” Judith asked.

“I think I better stay here and keep watch over Alexandria,” he said.

“We’re going to find Daryl and the others first, and give them a lift,” Michonne said, wagging her eyebrows and smiling.

He looked back toward his house where he left Gracie, considering the offer. It was never easy leaving her behind, but if he did this, he wouldn’t put his little girl in danger. He should probably stay, but he was also concerned for Daryl’s safety.

“You know Sarah would be glad to watch Gracie,” Michonne added to further sweeten the deal.

“You really know how to twist someone’s arm,” Aaron joked. “All right. Let me take care of a couple things and pack, and I’ll meet you at the gate.

>>------->

Daryl and Connie walked along the road, and kept a sharp eye on Henry and Lydia in front of them. Connie was smiling as she watched them, apparently reminded of something from her past. Daryl didn’t know anything about her. He’d just met her, but he was impressed by her strength and fearlessness. She had stopped him before he left Hilltop to go find Henry, and demanded to go with him. He told her no because he thought that she’d be a burden. Connie was deaf, and he thought he would have to spend more time watching out for her instead of looking for Henry. But she proved him wrong right away, when they came upon a couple walkers, and they took them out together. She made smart suggestions and had good ideas, and her tracking skills were almost as good as Daryl’s. After finding Henry, she had gotten them out of a sticky situation when they knew they were being followed by Alpha’s people and the walkers they hid among. He was wrong to think she couldn’t take care of herself out here. Connie was highly intelligent, and he was glad to have met her.

Henry and Lydia were walking close, bumping shoulders, hands touching as their pinkies entwined from time to time. Daryl couldn’t help see the gleam in Connie’s eyes as she looked on. He gently elbowed her, and when she looked at him, he pointed his chin at the kids in gesture, letting her know he was watching too. She looked bashful, caught watching the young admirers.

“You, uh, got someone?” Daryl asked. He made sure that she could see his mouth as he spoke so she could read his lips.

She smiled sadly and looked at the ground, shaking her head.

“Sorry,” replied Daryl, figuring this person wasn’t here anymore.

Connie shook her head again, and wrote. ‘He broke up with me right before.’

“Do you know where he is now?” Daryl wondered, but she shook her head no. Then she pointed at Daryl and formed her hands into a heart.

“Oh, me? Naw.”

She gave him a skeptical eye as she cocked a brow at him, and wrote, ‘Aaron?’

“That was years ago. We’re just friends.”

Connie shook her head slowly, and gave him a sly smile as she tapped her pencil on Aaron’s name.

“Mmph,” he mumbled.

She wrote quickly. ‘Was it serious?’

Daryl paused and then gave a quick nod when he was sure the kids ahead weren’t listening in. They were wrapped up in their own conversation.

Connie lifted her hands and shrugged to say, what happened.

“We had different points of view,” he answered tersely.

She tapped Aaron’s name again, pointed at Daryl, and slowly brought her hands together, interlocking her fingers, asking him why they didn’t get back together now.

“Too soon. You know … because he was with Jesus.”

She nodded again, and seemed deflated by the negative answers. After a little while, she wrote again, this time longer than normal.

Daryl waited until she was finished, and she handed the notebook to him. It read, ‘Yesterday you promised to keep Lydia safe. You’ll have to leave Aaron behind if the Kingdom won’t take her.’

“It might mean everyone’s safety if I take her away somewhere that her mother can’t find her. That means keeping Aaron safe too. I know what it’s like to be out here alone. She shouldn’t have to know,” Daryl told her.

Connie nodded with sympathy. Then she smiled to herself as she wrote something down. ‘Too bad you’re not straight.’ As Daryl read it, she pointed back and forth between them while giving him an over exaggerated wink.

He huffed a laugh. “All right. Eyes on the road.” It was then that Daryl decided Connie would become a trusted friend. She was an excellent shot, a good scout, a smart thinker, and she had a sense of humor.

They walked for a long time, through forests, along the road, down a dirt path, and through another stand of trees. Daryl stopped when he heard the sound of horses walking. He put his fingers to his lips, and Connie immediately went into defensive mode, taking out a slingshot, her weapon of choice.

“Hey!” Daryl said urgently so that Henry and Lydia heard him. Everyone stopped in their tracks and listened. Daryl gestured for the rest to get behind him, and he led the way through the trees in the direction of the sound until they emerged onto another road. And there, riding in a cart pulled by horses, was Michonne with Judith and Aaron.

Everyone just stood there and looked at Michonne, surprised to see her so suddenly. She seemed glad to see them and smiled. “Anyone need a lift to the Kingdom?”

“There’s plenty of room,” Judith added, and she patted the seat next to her.

Daryl and the others came to the cart. They threw their bags in the back and started to get in. Daryl looked at Aaron, who sat in the backseat. “You can sit with me if you like,” Aaron offered.

Daryl nodded and got in. He sat next to Aaron, and leaned back to relax. “Hi,” he said quietly.

“Long time, no see,” Aaron smiled.

“I’m surprised to see you here. Any of you,” Daryl said.

“It was Judith’s idea. She wanted to help,” Michonne said from the front. “And I think it’s time I visited some old friends.” She took up the reins and started down the road once everyone was in and seated.

Daryl reached up and patted Judith’s shoulder. “Thanks for the ride, kid.” He sat back and glanced at Aaron again. “What about Gracie?”

“I didn’t want her out here or at the Kingdom. I’m sure there will be other chances, just not this time. I have a lady in Alexandria who takes her when I have to go away, so it’s no problem.”

Daryl nodded silently and chewed his bottom lip. “Well, I’m … I’m glad you came.”

“Yeah, me too,” Aaron answered. Their eyes connected longer than usual before they looked away.

>>------->

They arrived at the Kingdom much sooner than Daryl thought before Michonne came along. It was a good thing too. They might have missed some of the festivities had they walked the entire way. The Kingdom was completely transformed. Booths lined both sides of the yard, with tables in the grassy center. A lot of the booths were venders selling their wares. There was everything anyone could imagine for sale. Some sold clothes, hats and jewelry. Others sold canned goods, fruits and vegetables, honey, meats, jerky, and baked goods. Then there were the information booths where people could learn about blacksmith work, gardening, shoeing horses, building just about anything. Enid and Siddiq had a health booth where they were teaching people how to do CPR. At the front was a stage with seating. Daryl could hear someone tuning a guitar behind a curtain made from colorful sheets.

Further down the way, children were gathered, laughing and yelling. When Daryl looked closer, he saw a dunk tank like he used to see at the county fair when he was a kid. Eugene sat on a wooden platform over a pool of water. It looked like he hadn’t gone in yet. His hair and clothes were still dry. Eugene antagonized the children, daring them to hit the target and making jokes when they didn’t. Judith ran up to the front and picked up one of the softballs used for throwing at the target. On her third try, she hit the edge of the red circle, and it was just enough to drop Eugene into the water. All the children started laughing at him when he came up from beneath the water and shook his head like a wet dog.

“Mom! Dad!” Henry yelled out. When Daryl looked ahead, he saw Carol and Ezekiel coming towards them. Carol already had her hands outstretched, and Ezekiel was close on her heels. The family stopped and hugged, the three of them holding on like they had been separated for years.

Carol glanced up and saw Daryl and Aaron, and when Ezekiel and Henry let her go, she rushed over to them. First she hugged Daryl, rocking him back and forth. “I’ve missed you.” She released him and went to Aaron, giving him a hug too. “And you too, so much.” She let go of Aaron, stood back, and smiled at them. “It’s so good to see both of you here … together.”

Aaron and Daryl fidgeted, even took a step back from one another. Neither one knew what to say, since they weren’t together the way Carol meant they were.

“Oh, relax. I only meant it’s nice to see you’re not ignoring each other,” Carol complained, and the men breathed easier.

Just then, Michonne came up to them with Judith at her side. Carol’s hand went to her open mouth at the sight of the young girl. It had been almost seven years since Carol had seen Judith. “Oh my, look how much you’ve grown. Do you know who I am?”

“You’re Carol, and you and Ezekiel lead the Kingdom. I’ve known you my whole life, even though I haven’t seen you in a long time. My mom tells me about you so that I don’t forget,” Judith said in the honest way a child speaks.

Carol smiled, eyes misty with emotion as Ezekiel greeted and hugged Michonne.

“Aaron? Daryl?” called Tara who had come upon the reunion while looking for Ezekiel. She went to them to give them hugs, and noticed Connie run past their group to go greet her sister Kelly.

Daryl watched Dog follow Connie. He was going to command that he stay, but the canine seemed to take a liking to Connie more than anyone else he had met during their travels. It was as though Dog sensed that she might need a little more assistance than other people. And it wouldn’t hurt having a well-trained dog around to protect her. So Daryl let Dog stay at Connie’s side, at least for now.

“What is she doing here?” Tara asked with conviction. Daryl and Aaron turned to see Lydia standing off by herself.

“She’s with me,” Daryl challenged.

“You know it’s dangerous or her to be here or anywhere with any of our people,” Tara argued.

“She’s a good kid,” Aaron said, standing up for Lydia and Daryl.

“Well, she comes with a lot of damaged luggage,” Tara said as she glared at the girl.

“Everyone, let’s gather the other leaders and meet in my halls. We have a lot to discuss while we’re all here in one place,” Ezekiel announced.

>>------->

Daryl remembered the first time he was in the auditorium with his people. Jesus had brought them to meet the King and ask for him to join their cause to take out Negan and the Saviors. It had seemed like a hundred years ago when he looked up at the stage and saw a man and his tiger, talking like he was performing a scene from Shakespeare. Ezekiel wasn’t quite as flamboyant as he’d once been, but his enthusiasm hadn’t diminished at all. He talked about bringing the communities together in an agreement that if one was in trouble, the others should come to their aide, as they had done by coming to the trade fair.

Michonne admitted she was wrong and apologized for separating Alexandria from everyone else. She agreed with Ezekiel and asked the others to consider the offer. Rachael from Oceanside agreed right away, offering her help to anyone who was in need. Tara accepted for Hilltop, but not before pointing out the trouble for her community if Alpha should come looking for Lydia.

“If she retaliates, it will be against Hilltop, not here or Alexandria. The girl needs to go back to her people before something happens,” Tara argued.

“We could have said the same thing about you after we found out you had sided with the Governor. And when I first showed up at the prison, injured and bloody, Rick could have sent me away. But that didn’t happen because everyone deserves a chance to prove they were wrong, or that they can chose a better path.”

“It’s true,” Aaron added. “I didn’t have to introduce myself to Rick and his people. I could have packed up my stuff, turned around and went home, but I sensed the good in them, and led them back to Alexandria. I still say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” As he finished talking, he glanced at Daryl. It was surely a decision he would never regret because it had changed his life forever.

“Fine,” Tara finally agreed. “But Hilltop is still vulnerable.”

“I saw one of their camps, Alpha’s people,” Daryl put in. “They’ve got the numbers. Tara is right to be concerned.”

“With Jesus gone and half of our people here, we won’t have enough fighters,” Tara said.

Daryl stepped forward and spoke up. “We could send a small group to Hilltop to help in case something happens.”

Ezekiel, Michonne and Rachael all agreed to send some people to Hilltop, and that they should go today instead of waiting until the morning.

“What about Lydia?” Tara asked.

Gabriel came forward. “Alexandria has agreed to give her asylum.”

At that bit of news, Aaron slowly lifted his gaze toward Daryl, and found him looking back. This meant that Daryl could settle in Alexandria again instead of floating from one community to the next. It had been Aaron’s fear that no one would accept her, and he worried what Daryl would do in that situation. Where would he go, how far would he travel, and would Aaron ever see him again?

Realizing that he was staring, Aaron lowered his eyes away from Daryl. It wasn’t a guarantee that Daryl would accept. Maybe he would see Lydia settled and go back to his solitary life in the woods. It was too early to make assumptions or get excited about future expectations.

The meeting continued, and Aaron tuned back in to hear Michonne talking about a united front between the communities. “An attack against one community is an attack against all four,” she said. “Therefore I propose a protection pact.”

“It just might make Alpha think twice before making a move against Hilltop,” Gabriel added.

Everyone agreed on the pact. Aaron stood to the side and watched Ezekiel bring out a large sheet of parchment paper. He suddenly got goosebumps, and thought about the founding fathers creating and signing the Constitution. It felt like humanity was finally rebooting after so many years of wandering through chaos.

“Sorry I lifted the charter when I left Alexandria,” Tara said to Michonne.

“I’m sorry I put you in a situation where you felt you had to,” Michonne said and the women smiled at each other.

Daryl made his way over to Aaron and stood next to him. His shoulder rubbed against Aaron’s as he leaned in. “History’s being made.”

“It certainly is,” Aaron said as they watched the community leaders step forward, each one signing the charter. It was finally a done deal, and as the meeting ended, everyone was smiling and hugging or shaking hands as they left the auditorium.

Daryl and Aaron left, with Daryl walking in front up the center aisle. Before they went outside, and since they were the last two in the building, Aaron wrapped his hand around Daryl’s arm to stop him. Daryl turned and faced him. “What do you think about Alexandria allowing Lydia to become a permanent resident?”

“I’m glad to hear it, but I’m not so sure it’s a good idea just yet.”

It wasn’t exactly what Aaron wanted to hear, but there was promise because of the word ‘yet’. “So does it mean you’ll consider coming back?”

Daryl was silent at first, observing Aaron a moment before answering. “I would like to … someday.”

“I’d like you to, too, but maybe sooner than someday,” Aaron carefully admitted. His hand moved on its own, his fingers sliding around Daryl’s forearm, needing to make contact, and make Daryl understand the seriousness of his comment. The next thing he knew, Daryl was closing the distance between them. They still gazed at one another, and then Aaron initiated it … a kiss. Daryl leaned in, meeting him halfway, and they were suddenly kissing as innocently as two people who had only just met but felt a connection between them. Lips upon lips, nothing more. And it was over sooner than it had started when Daryl broke away first.

The reality of what just happened started to settle in, and both men became nervous and scattered. They each took a step back and refused to make eye contact. Daryl was closest to the door, and spoke first. “I, uh, I gotta go.”

“Yeah, you gotta get a group together to head to Hilltop,” Aaron said, but his mind was screaming for Daryl to kiss him again.

“You can come if you want,” Daryl offered.

Aaron wanted to. He didn’t want Daryl going away again, but Aaron wanted him to himself, not trotting through forests and along roads heading back to Hilltop. “I think I’m going to stay here. Michonne’s going, and she might want me to look after Judith.”

“Oh,” Daryl said with disappointment. “Yeah, I didn’t think about that.”

“Or I might come along with the second group that’s leaving in the morning,” Aaron offered.

“That would be good too.” Daryl seemed to cheer up a bit.

Awkward silence fell between them. “Well, you better get going,” Aaron said to get them on their way.

“Sure, yeah. They’ll be wanting to go real soon. I’ll see you around,” Daryl said, and he headed for the door. His hand took up the knob, but he paused before opening it. He glanced over his shoulder, but didn’t face Aaron completely. “Was it … was it okay that I, uh, kissed you?”

Aaron’s heart pounded in his chest. “Yes,” he said, finding it difficult to say anything more.

“You know, ‘cuz I … I don’t want to overstep my boundary or anything like that,” Daryl explained nervously.

“It was totally fine that we kissed,” said Aaron, smiling to himself.

“Good,” said Daryl as he opened the door and stepped out.

Aaron rushed forward and caught the door before it closed on him. “Daryl,” he called out, and Daryl stopped and turned to him. “Please, be careful.”

Daryl gave him a nod and a slight smile, and he was on his way to gather a group together. Aaron stood at the top of the steps that lead from the auditorium, and watched Daryl cross to the other side of the area. He walked over to a trailer and pulled a canvas tarp from his bike. Aaron hadn’t realized it had been here. Daryl must have set it up that way. He walked it down a short ramp and parked it close to the main gate. Then he went over to where Ezekiel and Henry stood with Carol, saying their goodbyes. Carol was going to the Hilltop with the others.

Aaron smiled when he saw Daryl and Henry shake hands. They seemed to have formed a unique bond, and it reminded him of the way Caleb used to look up to Daryl. They talked for a little bit, and Daryl’s dog ran up to them. Daryl reached down to pet Dog, but he stopped abruptly. He said something to Henry, who nodded in return, and Dog sat by command next to Henry. Then Daryl searched the yard until his eyes wandered back to the auditorium. When he saw Aaron, he waved and started running to him. Aaron descended the stairs and walked toward him so he didn’t have as far to run.

“Hey,” Daryl said as he approached. “I got a favor to ask you.”

“Of course. Anything,” Aaron said enthusiastically.

“Would you keep an eye on my dog? Feed him, make sure he doesn’t wander off. I don’t want to bring him along this time.”

“I’d love to keep him for you,” Aaron said.

Daryl turned back to where Dog watched and waited. He put his forefinger and his thumb to his mouth and blew out a loud whistle. Dog came running at top speed, and sat in front of Daryl awaiting a command. Aaron was amazed by how well trained the animal was.

“Dog, this is Aaron. You stay with him. He’ll take care of you,” Daryl said to his canine friend. Dog seemed to understand what Daryl said, and sniffed Aaron’s hand.

“Hi Dog. Good boy,” Aaron said.

The dog went to Aaron’s other side, sniffed his metal arm and made a whimpering sound. He sat on that side of Aaron, as though the animal knew it was his weak side. Aaron was in awe.

“See? He’ll take care of you too,” Daryl said.

“I’ll bring him with me when I come to Hilltop in the morning,” Aaron said to reassure Daryl he would meet him there. He never imagined he’d be going back there so soon, especially after finding it difficult to leave in the first place. Plans were constantly changing. That was how it went.

>>------->

The day went on, and the fair was well underway. Everyone was having a great time. New friendships were being made. People traded goods and information. Aaron walked around and checked out all the booths. It was amazing what people could create from simple things that everyone took advantage of. Wood carved items seemed to be popular, but another type of craft caught Aaron’s eye.

There was an elderly man, a Kingdom resident, who was selling charms that he’d made from pieces of wire. It looked like silver jewelry until Aaron got a closer look. “This is amazing,” he told the man.

“Thank you. See anything that interests you?” the man said.

Aaron took a quick look across the table in front of him. It had a black sheet covering it so the charms were more visible. “You have so much to look at,” Aaron commented.

“Take your time, son,” said the man as he settled back into his chair.

Aaron noticed him take up a book and start reading it. “Ah, a fellow book lover?”

“Oh yes. I’ve always loved to read. When I was a boy, I used to get into all kinds of trouble until my mother, God rest her soul, took me aside and shoved a book into my hands, the Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She told me I could read about boys getting in trouble instead of finding it for myself. And ever since then, I’ve always had a book in my hand, and no trouble has found me yet.” The man chuckled to himself.

“I wasn’t much of a reader as a kid, but as I got older I started to appreciate it more. Now, I’ll read just about anything,” Aaron said. “So what is that book about?”

“Well, it’s not one of the best written books. The author must have had a pinch good luck charm to get it published. But my choices are limited, especially since I’ve read everything already. It’s about a war stricken country, a couple who gets separated in the height of battle, and how they find each other and correct their past to make a future together. Actually, I make it sound much better than it reads. It’s a bit slow and there’s too much description of the landscape. I mean, how many times can you describe a rock? Am I right?”

Aaron laughed. The man was quite a character. He went back to looking at the table full of charms. Some were three dimensional, twisted into animals, flowers or everyday objects. Others were more detailed like little works of art. As he looked, he thought of what the man said when he was describing the book, the part about the couple cleansing their past for the sake of their future. In an odd way, it reminded him of his relationship with Daryl. Is that what they were in the beginning stages of? Were they moving toward a future together? First they would have to be in a relationship, and right now they weren’t. Then again, they did share that kiss. The very thought of kissing Daryl after so long warmed Aaron’s blood. It almost seemed like he dreamt it. It happened so fast, and he didn’t have time to think about it. The kiss just kind of happened in the moment. But it was the fact that Daryl went along with it that gave Aaron hope. And if Daryl agreed to settle in Alexandria again, that could be the first step to getting back together. Suddenly, the world seemed a little brighter.

“I don’t suppose you have anything that represents starting over, like that book you’re reading,” Aaron said, still perusing the table.

“Hmm,” said the man, getting up from his chair to look over his table of charms. He was in deep thought. “Let me ask you, is this for a lady friend of yours?”

“Not exactly. Not for a lady anyway,” Aaron answered hesitantly. He’d found that the older generation didn’t always understand or accept gay people.

“Ah,” said the man. “Well, it makes no difference to me. Love is love, am I right?” Then he made a cringing face. “Or maybe I spoke too soon. Maybe it’s a friendship.” He seemed slightly embarrassed.

“No, you were right the first time. It’s love, or it was at one time. Right now it’s friendship with the hope of it becoming what it once was.”

“I see, so you want something more masculine than, say, a heart,” the man said, still looking over the table. “Wait a minute. I think I might have something.” He reached to the far side of the table and picked up a round charm. “It’s made out of one continuous piece of wire. It’s a circle, and inside is a stand of birch trees.” He handed it to Aaron.

It was interestingly made, and the twisted wire looked like trees with branches reaching out. It was even polished so it shined when the sun hit it. “It’s very nice, but why trees?” Aaron wondered since he was looking for a symbol for starting over.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but the Celts believed the birch represented purification. They thought it to be a guardian of new beginnings, a bringer of hope, and that it channeled emotion. It’s probably because birch trees like to grow in open places with full sunshine. And after natural disasters such as forest fires, the birch will restart the colonization of woodlands in those devastated areas.” The man was an encyclopedia of information.

“That’s very interesting, and I believe it represents my situation perfectly.” Aaron like the fact that it was made of thick wire. It looked masculine. “What will you take for it?” he asked.

“What do you have?”

No one paid with money anymore. Everything was done on trade. Aaron had just the thing. He reached into his pack and brought out a book. There was a sliver of wood in the center, holding the place of the last page Aaron read. “I’ve got this. It’s called Crows Rising. It’s medieval in theme, about battle, royalty, deception, the usual.”

The man looked it over while Aaron still held it. “Looks like you’re right in the middle of it.”

“I’ve read it more times than I care to remember. It’s not a bad read, and probably better than the one you’ve got there.”

“A car owner’s manual would have more plot,” the man joked. “I can’t say I remember that title, so I believe I’ll make the trade.”

“Great,” Aaron smiled. “Do you have something to hang it from?”

“I’ve got some leather cord that would work perfectly.” He bent down and took out a box from under the table. He opened it and took out a handful of black leather cords, already fitted with clasps. There were different lengths, and Aaron picked out one he thought would fit Daryl best. The man attached the charm to it and handed it to Aaron. Aaron thanked him.

“Good luck with your man,” the elderly gentleman said as Aaron was leaving the booth. Aaron nodded and smiled, and then he tucked the necklace into his jacket pocket.

>>------->

Daryl and the group had been traveling for a while when they came upon members of the newest group to join the Kingdom. They called themselves the Highway Men, and they swore to the King and Queen that they would patrol the roads between the Kingdom and Hilltop while the fair was underway. They were concerned about a site they came upon. Daryl and the others followed them to an overturned wagon. The area was littered with broken pottery and wooden coins carved with a letter H. The wagon suggested the owners were from Hilltop, probably on their way to the fair.

“What do you think happened here?” Daryl asked the leader, a man called Ozzy.

“Not sure, but whatever happened it wasn’t done by the dead.”

There was blood but no bodies, which could have meant that the people were still alive, or that they were shuffling with the dead.

“Was it Alpha?” Michonne asked.

“The skins?” Ozzy said, making it known that he knew about them. “Anything is possible.”

“They could have been kidnapped,” said Diane. She was Tara’s new leader of the Hilltop armies. “Maybe they want to negotiate again.”

“This doesn’t seem right,” said Daryl as he scouted the area. “There’s a lot of disturbed ground here, but it’s difficult to say how many there were. Besides, I think Alpha is past negotiations.”

“We should split up,” Michonne suggested. “Daryl, Carol, you’re with me. The rest of you make your way to Hilltop, just in case they show up before we can figure out what’s happening here.”

“I don’t much like the idea of splitting up, but we need to get to Hilltop,” Diane said.

Ozzy agreed to further scout the area for the missing Hilltop people. Carol, Michonne and Daryl headed off to follow the tracks left behind, hoping it would lead them to the cart’s owners. Before they got too far, Yumiko caught up to them after convincing Magna to take the others to Hilltop.

The sun was getting ready to set, and they were taking a break while Daryl kept looking for clues. Carol followed him, and when he was far enough from the others, she had some questions for him. “So, don’t think I didn’t notice that you showed up with Aaron. Gonna tell me what’s going on there?”

“Ain’t nothing going on,” he said as he continued to search the area. He was bent over looking at plants to see if the leaves were fresh stripped. It would indicate that someone had recently passed that way.

“You know it’s killing me to see you two apart, right?” Carol insisted.

“Now’s not the time.”

“Why not? Neither of you is with anyone,” Carol said with impatience.

Daryl stopped and looked up at her. “He just lost Jesus or have you forgotten they had a thing.”

“It wasn’t serious, was it?” Carol hadn’t considered that.

“According to Aaron it was. I’m not going to jump at the first chance I got when he’s still mourning.”

Carol smiled. “So you have been thinking about it then.”

“Of course I have. I ain’t stupid.” Daryl stood up straight, leaned his head back and looked up at the tree canopy above. “I want to be with him. Is that what you want to hear?”

“I know that already. What I want to hear is that the two of you are an item again, and that you’re going to move back to Alexandria. Lydia has asylum there, and it’s safe, and Aaron is there. I just don’t want you going back to the river after everything is said and done,” Carol pleaded with him.

Daryl looked at her and nodded before he went back to scouting. He found some soil that had been disturbed and was examining it when he noticed that Carol was still tagging along. He wasn’t upset that she was fishing for information. It was nice to know she cared enough to make her opinion known. Daryl had never been the type to share his personal life, but he had always felt he could talk to Carol. Now was a good time to tell her what happened back at the Kingdom, and he knew she’d be pleased to hear about it.

“He kissed me,” Daryl said without looking up from his search.

“What? When did this happen?”

“When we were leaving the meeting. One minute we were talking, and the next, he was kissing me.”

“So Aaron initiated it?” Carol asked, sounding shocked and happy.

“Yeah, and I didn’t refuse either. So, I guess that means something.”

“It means he’s not in mourning anymore.”

Daryl stopped and watched the happiness dance on Carol’s face. “But what if he still is, and what happened was an accident or a mistake? He could have been feeling some emotions, and I just happened to be there. Maybe he regrets kissing me.”

Carol smiled and stepped closer to him, putting a protective arm around his shoulders. “It wasn’t a mistake, and any emotions Aaron was feeling were definitely towards you.”

“But I broke the kiss first. And then I told him I had to go. It was an awkward moment, and I didn’t know how to handle it. I didn’t trust myself either. That was the first time we kissed in years.” Daryl was worried he might have screwed things up already.

“You did the right thing. You accepted the kiss, and showed respect and restraint for his situation.” Carol took a quick look around the area and lifted her arms to the side. “Why are you out here? Why didn’t you stay at the Kingdom with Aaron?”

“You of all people know I can’t hang back, not when Hilltop is in trouble. I asked Aaron to come, but he said no. That got me thinking that maybe we shouldn’t have kissed in the first place.”

“I’m sure there’s a reason why he didn’t come along,” Carol assured him. “Let’s just hope we can solve this mystery and get to Hilltop. The sooner the better.”

“We got more important things to worry about, and by the looks of this trail, I’m glad Aaron’s safe at the Kingdom instead of out here.” He pointed to some very prominent footprints, and whistled to the rest of the crew. They needed to get as far as they could before the sun set. It would be more difficult to navigate at night.

>>------->

Aaron had made his way around to all the booths, trading for a few more things along his way. Now, he was watching Luke and Alden practice for their duet in a little while. Enid was all smiles as she watched the two banter back and forth. Alden was still uncomfortable about singing in front of so many people, but Enid was his support. The two were in the beginning stages of a relationship, moving from friends to something a little more.

“I’m going to get them something to drink,” Enid said. “Want me to get you something too?”

“No, I’m just passing by. Thought I’d go check in with Tara and see if she needs any more people going to Hilltop in the morning.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t go with them today,” Enid said.

“I thought I’d stay behind in case anyone needed anything, and help out with keeping an eye on Judith while Michonne gone.”

“I figured you’d want to spend more time with Daryl.” She gave him a crooked smile. “I’ve seen the way you two have been getting along. So, do you think you’ll get back together?”

Aaron couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face. “I’d say there’s a good chance of it happening. At least I hope so. Daryl can be difficult to read.”

“What do you mean? Did something happen?” Enid was genuinely concerned. Aaron and Enid had become close friends over the years, and she had always hoped that Aaron and Daryl would find their way back together.

“Well, when we were leaving the meeting earlier, I held him back a moment so I could talk to him, and I ended up kissing him.”

“Aaron, oh my God! This is great. Wait, is it great or did he get upset?”

“No, he seemed okay with it too. That was all that happened. Afterward, he left because he needed to get a group together to go to Hilltop. That’s a little more urgent right now than striking a match with an old flame.”

Enid put her hands on her hips, and cocked her head to the side. “There’s way more to you two than being old flames. You know Daryl is the strong silent type. And he was probably a little thrown off by it. I’ve heard through the grapevine that he’s kind of concerned about where you’re at emotionally right now.”

“I figured that much, and that’s why I’ve been taking it slow. We’ve been rebuilding a friendship. But … he was just standing there, and we happened to be alone. I just … kind of … went for it.”

Enid smiled and moved in to hug him. “It’s going to work out for you both. I got a feeling deep in my gut.”

Aaron left when Enid went to get water for the boys. It was refreshing to see everyone having fun. He noticed Tammy Rose over by a booth that was selling hats. She had her newly adopted baby in one arm and was struggling to try on a salmon colored straw hat with a black and white polka dot ribbon wrapped around it. Aaron rushed over to her.

“Let me help you,” he said, reaching for the baby.

“Thanks Aaron,” she said with her deep southern drawl. “Earl’s busy giving lessons, and having such a good time doing it, but I’ve got no interest in blacksmith stuff. I thought I’d get myself a hat that I can wear when I’m out working the gardens, even though I won’t be doing that for a few months. It’s just now turning to fall, and I’m already missing summer.”

“Eugene says we’re in for a brutal winter this year,” Aaron said as he bounced the baby in his arm.

“He says that every year, and we’ve hardly gotten any snow. But then again, a broken clock is right twice a day.” She laughed at her own joke as she adjusted the hat on her head, and then looked at Aaron. “What do you think?”

“It’s definitely your color,” Aaron said, and Tammy Rose tapped the baby’s nose with her finger and smiled.

“Seems like everyone agrees I look good in this hat. I’ll take it,” she told the lady working the booth. She traded a set of hand gardening tools that Earl probably made for the hat, took the baby back and went on her way. “See you around, Aaron.”

Aaron looked up and saw Tara, Gabriel and Rachael sitting at a table, and went over to join them. Tara was anxious to get going, feeling like she made the wrong decision to let her guards go without her. Gabriel reassured her that they knew what they were doing and that she should wait and leave with a group in the morning.

“If you need any more people, I’m willing to go,” Aaron said to Tara. “Things are looking good around here. Jerry and his wife said they would look after Judith if I had to leave.”

“It’s up to you. The more people we have at Hilltop, the better,” Tara said.

“All right. I think I’ll go. I’d feel better knowing I was put to better use somewhere.” And he wanted to get back to Daryl. For some reason, he was feeling nervous about Daryl being out there somewhere without him, even though they’d been on their own for the past several years.

“Cool,” Tara said. “We’ll meet up at the gate just after sunrise. I think I’m going to go ahead and gather up some supplies, stock up on ammo, that kind of thing. I’m too restless sitting here not doing anything.”

Aaron thought that was a good idea, and he was about to ask Tara if he could tag along when he saw Ezekiel across the way. He decided to tell the King that he was leaving in the morning, and to see if he had any messages he wanted to send with Aaron.

“Ah, Aaron, what can I do for you?” Ezekiel greeted him in robust fashion.

“I was wondering what I could do for you? Looks like I’m leaving in the morning with the second group going to Hilltop, and I thought I’d see if you wanted to send word to Carol or anyone else.”

“No, I believe everything is fine. No need to send any information.” Ezekiel seemed distracted as he glanced around the area. “Did you see that woman I was talking to?” he asked.

“I’m afraid I didn’t. Why? Is there a problem?” Aaron thought Ezekiel was worried about something.

“No problem. She seemed nice. Said she’s from Alexandria, and I wondered if you knew her. There are so many new faces here, I have a hard time keeping track of everyone.” Ezekiel turned to look at Aaron. “I feel bad that I don’t know them all. The communities have been apart for so long.”

Aaron smiled and grasped the King’s shoulder. “I think that’s about to change from here on out.”

Ezekiel was pleased to hear it. “I think so too.”

Aaron went on his way, taking one last look around. He spotted Henry and Lydia sitting on a bench near the garden. He was glad Gabriel and Michonne agreed to let Lydia join Alexandria, but he wondered what Henry would do. They seemed smitten with each other. It was possible Henry would come along too, if Carol and Ezekiel agreed to let him leave the Kingdom again. They were worried about him the first time they let him leave, and he turned out to be good at finding trouble.

Suddenly, Aaron heard a loud boom and a clanking noise. It was coming from one of the main buildings. Henry jumped up, leaving Lydia behind and rushed off toward the sound. Aaron remembered Carol mentioning something about the pipes bursting from time to time. It was one of the reasons for the fair. They needed supplies to try and fix the problem permanently, or come up with a better solution. The Kingdom was in desperate need of repair from front to back and top to bottom. It was difficult to keep such a big community running, but they were doing their best.

Aaron decided he would follow Henry and see if he could be of any help, but someone took hold of his arm, his prosthetic arm. He quickly turned.

There was a woman with long blond hair, wearing a hat and a green floral dress smiling at him. Then, her expression turned to confusion when she realized her fingers weren’t holding onto flesh. She didn’t let go though.

“Oh my, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had a fake arm or I wouldn’t have grabbed you like that.” She had a soft sweet voice.

“It’s fine. You just took me by surprise is all. Can I help you?” he asked politely so she wouldn’t think he was disturbed by the sudden interruption.

She seemed preoccupied with his metal arm, and couldn’t keep her eyes from it. “Can I ask you what happened?”

“Work related accident,” he said tersely.

“Before or after?” she asked.

Aaron thought it was odd for a stranger to ask such personal questions, but he was all for educating people about prosthetics. Maybe she was inquiring for a friend or a family member that had lost an arm. “It was after. About six or seven years ago. A stack of logs fell on me, and trapped me. My arm was mangled, nothing to do about it but to cut it off.”

“And yet here you are,” she smiled at him.

“I’ve learned to deal with it. Half the time I don’t remember I’ve only got one arm.”

“I admire that about a person. The will to move on is a strong indicator of an even stronger fighter.”

Aaron agreed with her with a nod. “I put my pants on just like anyone else, one leg at a time.”

The woman laughed, but for some reason it seemed forced. She was a nice enough woman, but Aaron couldn’t help thinking there was something just a little off about her. “I’m Aaron, by the way, from Alexandria.”

“Oh, how awful of me to ask you such questions and not introduce myself first. I’m Deborah … from Hilltop.”

“Really? I was at Hilltop for a while, but I don’t remember meeting you.”

“Ah, haha,” she laughed nervously. “I’ve very recently joined the community. Less than a week as a matter of fact. I was out there alone for a very long time, and I stumbled across it.”

That would account for her odd behavior. For one, she probably didn’t know anyone here, and for another, she was still getting accustomed to community life again, if she’d been alone in the wild for a long time. “Well, you stumbled into the right place.”

“I heard one of their people was killed by some strange group that walks with the herds,” she said, almost at a whisper so no one else could hear.

Aaron’s solemnness came back as soon as he knew who she was talking about. He felt his face flush pale as the blood ran from it. “Yes, his name was Jesus, but to me he was Paul.” Aaron looked at the ground as he spoke, his heart suddenly hurting again. Already he was forgetting to think of him as often.

“You must have known him,” Deborah said.

Aaron nodded. “He was my partner. We were a couple.”

“Oh, how devastated you must be. I’m so sorry for your loss.” She seemed sincere.

“He was a good man.”

“Well, you’re a handsome man. I’m sure someone else will come along and sweep you off your feet. In time, dear.” She smiled to try and give him comfort.

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” Aaron said as he thought of Daryl.

“Seems like it might happen sooner than you thought,” she said, reading him like an open book. “Have you met someone already?”

“My ex,” said Aaron, feeling odd talking to a stranger about his love life, or lack thereof.

“Hmm, interesting. Does he live at Hilltop? I wonder if I might know him. I could put in a good word for you,” she said sweetly.

“He used to live in Alexandria, but now he kind of drifts here and there. He’s not tied down to any one place.” Aaron could only hope Daryl would settle down in Alexandria after this was all over with.

She studied Aaron a moment and smiled kindly. “I was right about you. You’re a fighter.” She looked over her shoulder, as though her attention was drawn elsewhere. When she turned back, she was still smiling, but her eyes did not match, seeming more serious and focused on another matter. “Well, I better let you get on your way. You seemed to be in a rush.”

Aaron glanced toward the building. He didn’t hear the noise anymore. Henry must have gotten it under control. “Sounds like it’s been fixed.”

“It was very nice talking to you. Perhaps we’ll meet again later, when the real festivities get under way. I hear it’s gonna leave their heads spinning.” She laughed as she said it.

“Oh, you must mean the movie tonight. Yes, it’s been highly anticipated. There are children here that have never seen a movie before. It’s going to be a real treat. Maybe I’ll see you there.”

“Maybe,” she said with a smile that made Aaron curious. It was a little overdone, just like some of her other gestures, but perhaps that’s just how she was. “I hope you get your man before someone else does,” she said as she walked away.

Aaron watched her until she disappeared into the crowd that was beginning to gather around the stage. “Odd woman,” he said to himself, and thought about where he should go next. Something came over him, a sudden need to find Judith. It was a strange feeling, like goosebumps were on the verge of breaking out over his skin. He saw Jerry and his wife watching over their children and Judith, and decided to check in to make sure everything was fine.

>>------->

It had been hours since the patrol crew left the Kingdom, and hours since they split up. As Daryl, Carol, Michonne and Yumiko were following a trail, they were met with a herd of walkers, becoming surrounded in the dark by the growls of the dead. They gathered into formation and fought off the oncoming herd, only to be met by Alpha’s people. One of them was the big son of a bitch that Daryl had fought with when he was with Connie, Henry and Lydia. Daryl thought he’d killed him, when he tricked him into falling down an elevator shaft, but here he was, towering over everyone and making threats.

They were forced to give up their weapons and were led to another part of the woods, wrists tied and standing back to back in a circle. Alpha emerged from the dark and spoke to the group. They were unsure about what she wanted from them. Daryl claimed right away that she wouldn’t get Lydia back, but Alpha wasn’t concerned about her daughter anymore. Michonne made it known that the communities had bonded, and a threat against one, including Lydia, was considered an attack on all, which would result in retaliation. None of it mattered to Alpha, and Daryl started to get a bad feeling. She’s already done something, he thought to himself, and when he watched her wipe a bloody blade on her pant leg, he started to become very concerned for the other half of the group.

“Where’s our people,” Daryl demanded.

“They aren’t of any concern right now,” Alpha said. Then she turned to her followers. “Let it be known that my daughter is no longer a concern either. She was weak and didn’t meet our expectations.”

“Was?” Daryl said. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” He started to struggle against his ropes, and some of their captors moved in with knives.

“I’m sure she’s still at the Kingdom,” Carol said to calm him before something happened. “She’s probably with Henry, or maybe with Aaron,” she whispered, hoping no one understood what she was talking about.

But Alpha heard her and stepped closer, standing between Daryl and Carol. “Aaron did you say? I believe I ran into someone by that name. Nice fellow, handsome man.”

It was in that moment that Daryl realized Alpha already found the Kingdom. “You bitch. You better not have hurt him.”

Alpha came face to face with Daryl while one of her people put a knife to his throat. She stared him in his eyes, and he didn’t waver, meeting every threat she could throw at him. “You must be the ex he spoke of.”

“If you did something … anything to him, I will kill you,” Daryl threatened through clenched teeth. He pushed forward until the blade bit into his flesh, and a drop of blood slowly trickled down this throat.

Alpha stayed where she was a moment, letting him know that she wasn’t afraid of him. Then she stepped back, a malicious grin on her face. “You’re not in any position to threaten me. Actually, I’ve brought you all here, not to do you any harm, but to talk and set the rules. There are boundaries now, and as long as your people don’t come into my land, there will be no problems.” She looked from one person to the other. Which one of you is leader?”

“We all speak for each other,” Michonne said.

“Well, since we’ve already established conversation,” Alpha said to Daryl, “you’ll come with me.”

The imposter that was holding the knife to Daryl pushed him forward when Alpha walked away. Daryl followed her until they were away from the others, and then she cut the ropes from his wrists. “I’ll trust that you won’t try anything while I still have the other three.” She waited for a response, and when Daryl gave her a nod, she smiled. “Good. Now walk. I’ve got something to show you.”

Daryl had no other option than to do as he was told. He walked along the forest, and turned when Alpha directed him to. She had her knife out and he was weaponless. It wouldn’t do him any good to attack her, even knowing he could easily overcome her. Carol, Michonne and Yumiko were still being held prisoner. Daryl was sure that Alpha had given them orders to kill them if anything happened to her or if she didn’t return.

They walked for a long time. Alpha didn’t say a word, and Daryl didn’t offer conversation. He desperately wanted to ask her what she knew of Aaron. They had obviously met and talked. What had Aaron told her? How was she able to approach him and not raise suspicion looking the way she did? A bald woman with dirt around her eyes and mouth would be enough to set off alarms. She must have been in disguise, Daryl thought. That’s the only why she could have gotten into the Kingdom. And with the fair underway, and so many new faces wandering around, it would have been easy for her to blend in.

Alpha was insane, but she wasn’t stupid. If she had been inside the Kingdom, she would have seen that her and her people were outnumbered. Daryl felt that she wouldn’t try anything knowing that. So far, she had only made verbal threats. She seemed more concerned about setting boundaries than anything else.

The sun was rising by now. They had walked a long way, and it would be a long way back, unless Alpha didn’t intend for Daryl to rejoin his friends. He kept that thought close and tried to come up with a plan. He couldn’t kill her. He would need her as a trade to get Michonne, Carol and Yumiko back.

“Stop right there,” Alpha said, and Daryl did as he was told. She came up next to him. “Walk with me, but don’t get ahead. Wouldn’t want you to trip and fall down … way down.”

They cautiously moved forward, and Daryl found himself at the edge of a cliff. It was a sharp drop and a long way down. And at the bottom was the largest herd Daryl had seen since the quarry years ago. This one was bigger.

“My people are down there, steering them. You see, I’ve got a bigger army than you thought. The only reason any of you are still alive is because I’ve let them live,” Alpha said.

“What do you want from us?” He thought she might want to take their homes, just like every asshole he’d come upon since the beginning.

“I don’t want anything, especially not your towns or your kingdoms. The way you and your people live is a joke, a shrine to a long dead world. My people, we live as nature intended. The dead run things now.”

“That’s all just a load of bullshit you feed your people to ensure they follow you,” Daryl spat.

“They follow me because I’m the Alpha, and if an Alpha doesn’t assert herself, there will be chaos.”

As Alpha stood next to him, he imagined grabbing her arm and tossing her over the edge. He knew he couldn’t do that, but he couldn’t help seeing it play out in his mind. Alpha must have sensed something from him, because she took a step back as she kept her eyes glued to him. “You’re friends at the camp are fine, and when we part you will reunite with them.”

Daryl found it hard to believe she would go to all this trouble just to bring him here and show him her herd. There must have been something more, he thought, and he couldn’t help remember how Alpha spoke of Lydia in past tense. “Did you kill Lydia?” he asked, but he didn’t get a straight answer.

“I don’t think you can protect my daughter, but I hope I’m wrong,” she told him.

“You are,” Daryl answered without a second thought. It seemed Lydia was still alive. If so, why did Alpha go to the Kingdom? Why did she had a conversation with Aaron? Daryl’s heart leapt to his throat, but he couldn’t ask any more questions. Alpha was done here.

“The rules are simple. The next time you cross over into my land, my horde will cross into yours. Now, to establish our boundaries, the land between the broken interstate and the river to the south is mine. I’ve marked the border to the north. You’ll see it when you leave. Your friends will be waiting for you in a field close to there.” And just like that, it was over. Alpha casually walked away, leaving Daryl standing alone.

He left, moving north as she suggested, and found Carol, Michonne and Yumiko waiting for him. Carol rushed to him and held him to her. “Are you all right?” she asked as she looked him over.

“I’m fine. How about you all?”

“They didn’t do anything to us. We’re okay,” Michonne said.

“Let’s go home then,” Daryl suggested, and they started out by walking the rest of the way across the field. The field gave was to another forest, though the trees were more spread out than the other place.

Suddenly, they saw movement up ahead, and found Siddiq gagged and tied to the tree. He had been beaten badly. His face and lips were swollen, and he held his side in pain. There was blood all over his shirt, and he could hardly stand when they cut him loose.

Daryl knew Siddiq shouldn’t have been out here. He should still be at the Kingdom since he hadn’t been one of the volunteers. It must have been Alpha, but why would she go to the Kingdom, kidnap Siddiq and leave him beaten and tied to a tree? It didn’t make sense.

Michonne took the gag off, but Siddiq couldn’t speak. Yumiko gave him water from her canteen and he drank. He seemed to be in shock, unable to form words. He stumbled and pointed ahead. Michonne helped him stay on his feet as he kept pushing ahead.

The trees opened to a grassy hill. Siddiq rushed along on hands and knees or partially walking. Daryl and Yumiko went ahead, weapons drawn as they climbed. At first they were confused by what they were seeing. It was still a long way from where they were, but it looked like posts.

“Alpha told me she marked a northern border,” Daryl told Yumiko.

They hurried along with the others not far behind them. But as they got closer, they started to realize with disbelief at what they thought they were looking at. Ten posts lined the top of the hill, each one with something attached to the top. A little closer, and they could just make out hair blowing in the wind. There were heads atop each post. Daryl’s first thought was that Alpha’s people, the Whisperers as she called them, had placed walker heads on each post, meant to further intimidate them. But then, Daryl recognized one of the heads. It was Ozzy, leader of the Highway Men. His eyes were fogged over, mouth set in a permanent growl, moving, chomping. One by one, Daryl recognized the faces. These weren’t walkers. They were people he knew, people he’d just had conversations with yesterday. Another was the Highway Man, Alek, and next to him was D.J., a former Savior turned Alexandrian.

“Oh my God,” Yumiko whispered with shock.

The fourth one was Frankie. Daryl didn’t know her well, but she used to be one of Negan’s wives, and had settled at Hilltop. His stomach turned at the fifth post. It was Tammy Rose, Earl’s wife. They had just adopted the baby left in the field by the Whisperers the first time they came to Hilltop.

“Daryl, what is this?” Michonne called as she crested the hill with Siddiq and Carol.

Daryl couldn’t speak. He was still discovering who all was on the posts. The sixth and seventh were a pair of teens from Hilltop, Addy and Rodney. They had recently become friends with Henry when he went there to learn blacksmithing from Earl.

Daryl looked away briefly as the most horrid thought crossed his mind. He realized that, besides the Highway Men and D.J., who had been on patrol with them, the others were all at the fair. Aaron was at the fair. Alpha had spoken his name. She’d known they were once a couple. She had talked to him, and he probably had no clue who he was speaking to.

“God, no,” he whispered to himself. “Aaron.” He tried to scan the rest of the posts, to hurry and see if . . .

He couldn’t bring himself to say it, not even in his mind. And he couldn’t scan ahead after the discovery of the eighth person.

“No! Oh no,” Michonne cried out as Daryl’s eyes rested on Enid.

He almost couldn’t look to see who was next, but he knew Aaron and Enid had developed a special bond, and feared the worst. It was just as horrible. It was Tara, leader of the Hilltop, and one of his people from way back at the prison.

“Daryl?” he heard Carol said in a mousy voice that quivered with shock.

Oh God, was the tenth one Aaron? Was it him? Was it his head on the final post?

It wasn’t, but it was just as indescribably sickening. Henry’s head was the last, and all Daryl could think of was Carol standing behind him. She had just come to the top of the hill. He turned to her and pulled her head into his chest. “Don’t look, Carol. Please don’t look.”

“Henry?” she whimpered. “Not my Henry.” She struggled against him, but he held her tight.

His mind flashed back to Hershel’s farm, when Carol’s daughter, Sophia walked out of the barn, a bite mark on her shoulder, dead and turned days … weeks earlier, and all the while they’d been scouring the surrounding area looking for her. He had held her in his arms then too, as she tried to get to her daughter. The shock and realization upon her face was the same now as it had been years ago. Carol had lost another child to this cruel world. And just when she seemed to finally be happy and settled in.

Ten people beheaded and left to turn, their heads placed on spikes. Ten good people, men, women children. Some of them Daryl had known for years, some he’d just met, and one he had started to mentor. This was Alpha’s marker to the north. This was her retaliation for taking Lydia away. It was sick. It was disgustingly horrid. It was beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Daryl realized they were dealing with an enemy unlike any they had ever seen before, and for the first time since the world changed, he was really and truly frightened.
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Safe Haven in the Chaos