"Tim, where's Nick and Aiden? What's happened?" I asked.
I saw the distressing expression on Tim's pale face. Something was wrong. I knew it and I feared the worst.
"We had to leave them behind. Apparently, we are not the only ones who wanted to venture into a castle... and now, they have captured Aiden and Nick." Tim explained in angry tone.
"We only saw one person standing guard with them. Surely, we can go back there and sort this mess out?" Joe begged.
"We could, but we don't have any serious weapons like guns. All we have is an axe and a few sticks, which is good for killing the biters, but not against real live people." Tim said quietly.
I knew that Tim made sense, but then I thought of the gun I had held close to me, but it was just one gun. Perhaps, that was all we needed to save them.
"Hey... Tim, I have something to confess..." Joe said in a quiet voice.
"What's that?" Tim asked looking at Joe.
"You know those men that tried to attack us? Well, I managed to take two of their guns. I've kept them hidden in your van ever since." Joe stated.
I was surprised. I hadn't seen him get those guns earlier. Perhaps, I hadn't been paying attention at the time.
"Wow... when were you going to tell me about those Joe? Never mind... at least we have two guns now... hope they have bullets in them or we are doomed." Tim said.
"There is more than enough... I found a box of bullets in one of the guy's bags when you left to go back to the van." Joe replied.
"That's great Joe. It's good that you were thinking about our safety at the time, but I just hope those guns are not going to be our downfall." Tim explained.
I watched the two brothers smile at one another and thought about coming clean about the gun I had hidden.
"Tim, Joe... I have a confession to make... I have a gun too. Not a big rifle like Joe, but this small gun." I took it out to show them.
I watched as Tim nodded.
"That's good Lydia. Now we can go back and try to get them safely." Tim told me, but I knew he was more worried than ever now that we had guns.
"Look... Tim... I think we should go back now. I know it's dark, but they won't see us coming." I said.
"Good point... but I wanted to go back when it was daylight, because I didn't want to leave the others without you here at night. We can also see better in the daylight." Tim said.
"I know that Tim... but we have to get them now, because if we leave it too long they might be moved or worse something dreadful might happen to them." I said knowing I was right.
I watched as Tim put his hands on his head rubbing his scalp. He seemed tired and worn out. He looked wrecked and I wondered if he he'd been drinking more than usual lately. He needed to sleep, but we didn't have time. Everything had changed for the worse so quickly I thought and it was ruining us all.
I saw him unzip his backpack, revealing a bottle, which he took out. I watched him take a long drink from it. Joe made a face as if he was annoyed.
"Tim... you have to stop this drinking! How are you going to help if you are drunk all the time! Please, just drink water like the rest of us." Joe said in an angry whisper.
"Oh just shut up Joe... I have it because it helps me to think... just don't start." Tim yelled in a whisper.
I listened to them bicker about Tim's drinking habits. It was getting tedious I thought, but I agreed with Joe on this matter. I was worried that Tim would be our mishap in tonight's rescue of Nick and Aiden.
"I'm coming with you both to rescue them. I have a gun so I can protect myself. Now, I want to know Tim what exactly happened in that place and what sort of building was it?" I asked feeling determined.
"Well... it's a castle... a big one too, but I'm not exactly sure which one it is." Tim said.
"Right then... what happened when you got there?" I asked.
"We don't exactly know, but someone is in there... because we saw Nick tied to a chair and being held against his will."
"But where is Aiden?" I asked.
"Not sure... we didn't see him, but he must be there with Nick or at least I'm hoping he will be when we get there." Tim said rubbing the stubble on his chin.
I shuddered. I hoped they would be okay. Why were they being held? Perhaps, someone knew that we were here. Maybe someone wanted our caravan. I shook the thoughts away and tried to think positively.
"I think we should wake up Alan and tell him what's going on. He has to keep watch just in case something goes wrong. Don't you think?" I said looking at both Tim and Joe.
"Well... Lydia... I'm not sure how Alan will cope, but we have to rely on someone I suppose." Joe said.
I decided to tell them about my conversation with Alan earlier.
"I've spoken to Alan and he does seem to be quite wrecked and emotional, but I think he will be okay in the circumstances. What if we wake Ellie too? Perhaps, she can keep watch with him just in case. I mean... she seems to be quite level headed." I suggested Ellie, because I thought she seemed organised and brave from the impression I got from her.
"Okay." Tim replied. "I think it's a good idea. I'll go
