Between The Crystals

Ch 57 Waiting Game

I gazed at the crystal. It was so early that only a few hunters were waiting. Reynold's gaze never left the spires and shadows sat heavily under his eyes. He wasn't wearing his hunting gear today.

"Can I...check on Janette?" I asked Grant, unsure of how to word such a trip.

Reynold's eyes snapped to me. When Grant nodded, I slowly approached the crystal. I stared at the spires as my hands grew clammy. Janette was a porter; she could have ported home if she was even semi-healthy. What awaited me on the other side? Anything I might see would likely be worse than finding nothing. Had I been too late? Had I made a mistake? I knew I'd have an emotional breakdown if I found her body lying there.

I took a deep breath and rested my hands on the crystal as I silently directed my mind to the Apple Orchard. The port seemed to take forever, and when my sight cleared, I forced myself to look at the patch of grass where I'd last seen Janette.

There was nothing.

I gazed forlornly at the trampled grass without stepping away from the crystal. On one hand, I didn't have to bring back her dead body, but on the other hand, I had no idea where she was or if she was alive. I examined the area but didn't see anything besides plants. My shoulders sagged as I ported back.

Reynold stepped forward as I appeared back in the village, desperate hope on his face.

I lowered my gaze as I told them, "She's not there. The stretcher is gone too."

"Then there might be hope," Grant murmured. "All we can do is wait."

It was a slim hope, and we all knew it. She had been mere hours away from death, and they might have just buried her body to keep the smell from drifting into their town. Reynold didn't say anything as he shuffled back to the rock he'd been sitting on, his gaze once more lingering on the glittering spires. I moved to the side to wait for our morning assignments.

Once several hunters arrived, Grant asked me, "Natalie, can you check for open crystals that aren't completely overharvested? And take an individual from different groups with you and leave them there to claim them?"

"Okay..." This was a new twist, although it made sense.

Five quickly gathered around me. When one from my group headed my way, I shook my head, and she stopped.

"Twisted Ginko Tree."

The air hazed over, and we appeared beside a contorted tree. No one was here yet, and I could see a few edible plants from here.

I pointed to the west. "There's a field just over there. Who wants to stay?"

A gatherer stepped away, and I ported to the next location, which already had a group. I bounced without waiting. It took twelve more ports and several breaks before I found enough suitable spots. I ported back home and told the porters where I'd left their companions.

As they took the rest of their groups to the crystal, I asked Grant, "What are the odds of my group going to the jungle sandbar to fish? And can I stay with them?"

He examined my expression. "Why over there? The few plants we planted there were harvested by some other group."

I frowned; none of our allied villages would have taken our grain since we left their few stands alone if we found them. Shaking my head, I replied, "I'm kind of feeling out of sorts after last night, and I'd rather have a spot away from Saursunes today."

He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Give it a try. You can stay out there if you want. If airships show up, I'll send Shelly to find you. Watch out for those crocodiles."