Games [The Electro Cosmos Book 2]

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The shores of Endin appeared a few hours after the sun rose. The white peaks of mountains became visible first, then the brown and grey of dirt and rock. There was no green, only those three colors. The shore was rocky and filled with dark grains of sand.

"So, I guess our first destination is right here," Griss stated as they walked on shore. The turtle followed them onto land, shaking Leroy and Kobo on his back. They jumped off as the thing lumbered deep onto the beach then slipped his legs out from underneath him. Then the turtle began digging in the sand with its hind legs.

"I guess it must be that season then," Griss joked after losing her train of thought. Her eyes still wandered to the beast digging in the sand. "Anyway, we should get going. We need to get over these rocks and find civilization."

"Would you like me to go ahead Heidi?" Ryu spoke up for the first time on their journey. Heidi looked at her in surprise. "I can see where the next town is while you guys figure out a way to climb the cliffs. I'm sure I'd be more discrete about it than Agni."

"Okay, just meet us as soon as you find one."

Ryu flew off, her wings silently flapping as she gained altitude with the wind, then dove down the other side of the cliff. Heidi turned towards the ocean, spotting Agni off in the distance, watching as close as she felt comfortable. Griss started searching for safe ways for the horses to travel, spotting a small trail up through some dead trees.

They all followed her up the trail, the horses picking at everything they could. Rae's raven even picked at the bark of trees, scavenging for bugs. No one had eaten in over a day, and now everyone was beginning to regret it.

"Should we stop and look for something to eat," Mo stated. "I think if we keep this up any longer I'm going to be in space, spinning uncontrollably."

"Just a little longer," Griss stated. "Then we can rest and wait for the red owl to return."

"But that doesn't mean we can eat something," Mo's voice faltered and lowered in disappointment. She looked forward to the next time they could eat, just as eager as everyone else."

The air to the north felt different. It felt thick but cold, as if someone stuck them in gel. The musky scent was much deeper now because of the wet ground. Although the trees were barren of leaves, the forests were thick and dark. There were a lot more pine trees than any other type.

They rested underneath a large pine tree, taller than any other tree in the forest. Heidi climbed as she waited for the hours to pass, looking out for the red owl's wing flap. She sat in a high branch, munching on the nuts stowed away in the pocket of her pants. She knew everyone had something stowed away for a last resort, so she did not feel bad about it.

Mila joined her up in the tree, back in her human form. This time she changed into simple clothes made of wool. She took her cloak and threw it around Heidi, warming her in the chilled air of the northern country.

"If anything, you need that more than I do," Mila chuckled. "I still have the high temperature even as a human."

"Believe it or not I'm actually enjoying this weather." Heidi smiled at her as Mila joined her in the blend of the two branches. It created a comfortable seat for the both of them. Their legs brushed for a moment, but instead of pulling back Heidi accepted the closeness. She even enjoyed the warmth radiating from Mila's body. Just the touch sent her heart racing.