We know it is a long walk from London to Cambridge. Cal, Lem, and Cinn guess it is about fifty-four miles to walk. The plan is to walk for six hours a day for three days. We need to take advantage of the daylight. And get to Mr. Newton as soon as possible.
Despite getting supplies and a blanket, we aren’t as equipped as we should be for late autumn weather. It is cold. Especially at night when we don’t have the sun to warm us.
We light fires with Cal’s iron pyrite and flint rocks for warmth at night. Once Clove and Amon fall asleep, Cal or Lem puts the fire out so that we don’t bring attention to ourselves from strangers who travel at night.
We also keep a distance from those we pass during the day on the road. When we see a carriage or wagon, we step off to the side and walk through the forest. If going off the beaten path keeps us safer, that is what we shall do, even if it adds more distance and more steps to our journey.
The food and drink we carry has to be rationed to be enough to feed us through to Cambridge.
Cal and Cinn know how to navigate north by keeping track of where the sun rises and sets as well as the position of the North Star at night. I am eager to learn, and they kindly teach me how to navigate by sun and star.
We each take turns carrying Clove. She does quite well for the most part. No complaining or crying. She understands, on some level, this walk means survival.
We tell stories. Hum tunes. Cinn and Amon have whistling contests. Even Dodger breaks up the never-ending walk by chasing after birds.
The blisters on our feet could slow us down but the hope in our hearts pushes us forward.