Deimos took the distiller. "I'll go wash it out while Mr. Bigmouth goes foraging for the bloodroot," he said, heading to the bathroom.
Haresh came out of the kitchen to greet the newcomers. He was wearing his characteristic chef's outfit but the armor vest he was wearing was still plainly visible underneath. "Dinner tonight will be broiled Great Valley fish with Great Valley herbs, steamed treestar-asparagus-spinach medley with garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, sashmi and some vegan curry. Seasoned marinara sauce pasta is also an option as well. Dessert will be Great Valley fruit tart," he said.
"Thank you," Zachary said entering the dining room. He sat at a large table with Rime, Deimos, Dirk, Al, Kurt, Clive, Dr. Kerzach and Jose. Everyone's weapons were propped against a wall. He placed his own (empty) grenade launcher and assault rifle in the same area. Ceela and her troops had their bows and quivers there as well. The Great Valley dinosaurs had their weapons there as well.
There were also many children,. many of whom were eating the pasta. Most of them had placed their weapons aside but those who carried pistols in hip holsters were allowed to keep them.
-----------------------
Ms. Swimmer and her volunteers entered the Great Valley near the Thundering Falls Lake. Several refugees were either swimming in the lake or washing their clothes in it. Several more refugees were gathering water from the main river or seafood from the water. Several more were watching assorted martial demonstrations (archery, sparring, mounted combat, etc.) by the Great Valley dinosaurs. She met up with Grandpa Longneck.
"Ms. Swimmer," he began solemnly.
Ms. Swimmer gulped; that tone of voice heralded bad news.
"What?" she asked.
"We have lost several hundred refugees right. The area they were camping in was subject to a rock-fall. We're trying to dig them out. Also, the refugees are disobeying us and spreading out into the Mysterious Beyond, despite our explicit orders to stay within the Great Valley. Usually they are killed by marauders."
"Food supplies?"
"We have more than enough. The treestars are in season right now. Also, while we do not condone it, we are willing to overlook the fact that some of our refugees are eating marauding dinosaurs who ignored our warnings to turn back and were killed by our guards."
Ms. Swimmer and the other volunteers grimaced.
"War is ugly. We lived through one war doing that to sustain our sharpteeth allies. We will live through this war. Even though most of us are not directly fighting, it still affects us," Grandpa Longneck said. "In any case, I have received word of your orders. The bloodroot plant fields are near Bigmouth's grove."
Ms. Swimmer saluted him. She had picked up the gesture from Mr. Bigmouth, who in turn picked it up from Deimos.
The group headed in the direction they were indicated to.
