a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

286: The bridge

It wasn't wise to venture into the deep thorny forests through the pitch-black darkness of the night. Therefore, Hadrian decided to stop and camp. Under the darkest shroud of the naked trees, they could not make a fire and could not lay on the murky earth as starving beasts continued to roam. And to their misfortune, rain fell upon them. Fortunately, they found a cave after a laborious search. It was cramped with all of them staying within the shelter, but it would have to do. They had their horses outside to rest. They were especially resistant to the cold, and the rain wouldn't bring any sickness to them.

Before the skies would lighten, the group would continue their journey.

As they took turns to stand and watch, Kier, the golden-blood wolf, accompanied them. The rest of the men failed to plunge themselves into slumber no matter how exhausted they were. It was the fear and vigilance that kept them awake. Resting their bodies was enough, even if their minds kept thinking.

Moulin was sitting on the cold ground with a neutral expression. He and the rest were surrounding a small jar, emitting a dim yellow glow. The glowing remains of three light bugs illuminated the area faintly. The rest of the group was clutching their coats tight and huddling together to keep their bodies warm. Sympathy crossed Moulin's face. He wanted to use his abilities to keep the cold out. However, he wouldn't dare to. He shouldn't carelessly act on his own and bring danger to his group.

While the others rested, Jagra shifted closer to Moulin and slipped a small bun of bread.

"Here. Eat this. You're too skinny."

Moulin flashed him a glare but didn't refuse the bread. He pursed his lips as he broke the bread in half. He then reached to give the other half to Ghana, who was eyeing the food in her friend's hand. They have already finished their cold meal. However, how could it be enough?

"Thanks." Ghana grinned and stuffed her mouth with the bread, chewing gracefully. Jara could only sigh.

With a nod, Moulin brought his satchel, opened the cover, and slipped the bread inside where a particular snow-white fox was sleeping peacefully.

"How long should we wait?" Ghana swallowed the last of the food before turning to her two friends. She kept her spear beside her, guarding it and feeling comforted.

Jagra kneaded the middle of his eyebrows before answering. "A few hours more, perhaps. I heard the Lord is the last watch."

Hearing this, Moulin stopped. With a nod, he patted his two companions before standing up. "I'll be right back."

"Of course. Go comfort your dear lover..." Ghana muttered the last part as she watched Moulin walk away from them. She yelped when Jagra gave her a slight jab of his elbow.

As Moulin went farther from the rest of the group, darkness sank deeper around him. There were two shadows near the entrance of the cave, conversing seriously. Moulin could hear them even if their voice were as faint as a whisper. The first person he heard was Emlen, who was persistently talking to Hadrian. Hadrian gave him direct and brief responses as he listened.

"The primary safe route towards the cliff will be blocked by worm vines. We can't go through it without destroying them. The only way to kill them is with mana. We have to find another path." Emlen sounded frustrated as he pointed out the problem.

'Worm vines...' Moulin knew about these carnivorous plants during Emlen's lectures with him.

He recalled Emlen say that they would encounter worm vines as they followed the map. These plants are dangerous, and they multiply fast. The vines feed on anything close to them, stretching out their vines, rapidly crawling until they would capture their prey and feed on their blood. However, mostly dormant, but it was hard to determine when they would fully awaken or when hunger would strike them. Investigating from his experience with such plants, Emlen learned when these carnivorous plants were especially active.