The Open Sky: Eternal Forest Saga - Book 3

Chapter 26

 It was lucky that Orchid, Sunrise, and Viyana were confident they knew where Zehlyr and Azalea were going. Orchid was able to stay on their trail all the way through the Savage Lands and into the Wilds between the human and dwarven territories. They moved swiftly through the trees, meaning Orchid could still spot the signs of their path while they were fresh. But then they came upon the Tri-leaf Safe Road, and even though Orchid was sure the two of them had taken the road, Sunrise insisted they stay off.

He was still a fugitive from the Temple. Even though Orchid was a member of the Open Sky, she was unknown to Silvermist. Viyana also had a vested interest in remaining unseen, given her current status with her tribe.

Orchid agreed to the plan to stay off the roads, but it was a decision that frustrated her. Following Zehlyr and Azalea's trail meant they could potentially find them before they reached the Temple. She was eager to find them quickly, but Sunrise's safety had to come first.

Their path through the Wilds was more direct, but slower in pace. Crossing through elven territory exhausted most of the day. By the time they reached the border into the faerie's forest, the sun was setting. They were tired, having hardly stopped to rest or eat all day.

"This is as good a place as any to camp for the night," Viyana said. She loosened her belt and rested her sword against the trunk of a wide tree. "Let's get a fire going."

"We haven't lost the light yet," Orchid said. "At this pace, we could be halfway through the faerie lands before nightfall."

"Then we'd be setting up camp in total darkness," Sunrise reminded her.

"Not to mention that we'll need to reassess our path in the morning," Viyana added. "If we pass through faerie lands while off the road then we'll have the Thorns to contend with. Here we should be far enough away to not attract attention, but any closer and we could be seen as a threat."

Orchid sighed as she pulled her bow from her back. "You two get the fire ready," she said somberly. "I'll go find something to eat."

"Let me come with you," Sunrise requested. He'd been able to tell all day that something was weighing on her mind, but had avoided mentioning it in front of Viyana. This was a chance to get her alone.

"I can handle it," she replied.

"I never said you couldn't," he said while retrieving his bow, "but I haven't been hunting since I came to Meadowgold."

Orchid just stood silently for a moment.

Viyana, trying to interpret the words unsaid in the conversation, decided to be the tiebreaker. "I can handle the fire by myself. Two hunters mean more to eat tonight and something to bring with us tomorrow."

"Fine," she said reluctantly. Orchid headed off into the Wilds with Sunrise following behind. "You head east and I'll head west," she said once they were away from camp. "It will be better if we cover different ground to..."

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Orchid stopped and closed her eyes. It was common for her to wear her emotions on her sleeve, so one or both of them inquiring was inevitable. "Nothing," she lied. "I'm fine."

"Did I say something wrong again?"

His question made her laugh a little. Even after Shimmer-sehr and the return of his magic, he was still worried about how he spoke around her. "No," she assured.

Sunrise stepped in front of her. The orange beams of sunset coming through the foliage struck his blond hair. When the wind blew the leaves, the light danced like the flames of a torch. "Then, talk to me," he pleaded. "What's bothering you?"