The Snake Warriors

Chapter Thirteen

"Are you sure you want to go? We can still back out and put it off until yo-"

"Lotus, I'm sure. It's better sooner than later."

"We could, in theory, handle the snakes on our own."

"Assuming you don't all die a horribly painful death, that would probably result in killing the Warriors, which I don't think you want to do."

Lotus sighs and brings her hands to her sides.

"Fine, you win this one. Besides, maybe traveling to the site of the curse will unstick something with your magic and cause it to work," she manages to smile.

"We have to try. It's better than nothing."

"You're right. I know... it's just... nevermind. Pack up. Dinner will be finished cooking shortly. After we eat, strategy meeting with the other members of our party. Then, you're going straight to bed."

I cross my arms.

"Am I a child to you?"

"In comparison, yes. I'm over a hundred years old. But, I don't think of you as a child, I think of you as a person who's going to need her sleep for a successful day of foot travel," Lotus taps her finger on my nose.

"Wait, we're traveling on foot all the way to Mallor? Isn't that a rather large distance from here?"

"Yep, it sure is! That's why we need to get lots of sleep, eat a good breakfast, and leave early in the morning!"

"How early?"

"Around sunrise."

I groan.

"Hey, I hate mornings too. I would gladly stay up into the darkest hours and sleep until midday, but someone has to get things done around here."

"Is that because you're a werewolf or because you just prefer the night?"

"Yes. Also, sleep is better when you're exhausted from staying up trying to finish work at the last minute."

"That sounds unhealthy."

"You've spent five minutes around me. You know unhealthy sums me up."

I laugh and shake my head. She smiles back at me.

"Hey, come on. Dinner's ready!" Foxtail walks by us, heading toward the campfire.

The last time I'll eat here, for now.