Free Fall - Into Other Worlds

Chapter 14 - Mutual Appreciation

"Ugh, what?" groaned Kara as repeated nudging had forced her awake from her slumber.

"It's your turn to keep watch," replied a cranky Mage Wix while he lay back against his pack. "Let me get some sleep."

With dark circles encompassing their red-veined eyes, both were completely sapped of energy after a fearful night in the dark forest. They hadn't dared shut their eyes before the light of dawn. Now neither was willing to let the other sleep for more than an hour, as both were desperate to get some sleep before it was time to pack up camp. Kara shook her head and stretched her arms in an attempt to wake up. Her eyelids were heavy though, and it was hard to keep them open. She lifted her head back and looked up at the sky of green leaves above her. It was so difficult to tell what time it was because the sun's position was always hidden by the trees. Eron had told them to only wait for him until noon. How much time was left until the deadline?

"He'll be here," Kara affirmed with a sharp nod. Though worry still weighed in her heart.

Both her and Mage Wix had been surprised that of all the Forest Clan territories, they'd just happened to pass through the one Eron's mother belonged to. From what they'd heard, it had sounded like they had welcomed Eron and he'd gone with them willingly. But Mage Wix had warned Kara that words could be deceiving, as they hadn't witnessed the setting in which they'd been said. Friendly words could easily be spoken even while holding a blade to another's throat. Even if Eron had gone willingly, it didn't mean he'd be able to leave the same way. With a sigh Kara hugged her knees. Though soon she was lulled by Mage Wix's soft snoring, and with her eyelids too heavy to keep open, she fell asleep with her head on her knees.

"Ah, seriously," said Eron with a sigh when he came across the scene. "These two are hopeless."

He grabbed a knife from his boot and threw it at the ground where Wix was sleeping. Its blade landed in the dirt just millimetres from a giant centipede's head as it moved to bite the sleeping man's leg. The startled centipede quickly retreated back into the undergrowth as Eron approached to retrieve his knife. He shook his head and sighed as he slipped the blade back into his boot. It amazed him that these two were still alive. He wanted to kick them awake and scold them, but at the same time he was just relieved to see that they were both unharmed. Though the pain in his side suddenly reminded him of his current state, and it made him glad the two were asleep. They would probably get noisy and make a fuss if they saw him bandaged and bloody.

"Chai!" Eron called out in a sharp whisper upon seeing his furry saviour approach Kara. "Careful. Don't wake them."

As quietly as possible, Eron retrieved his pack from between the sleeping duo and moved to higher ground where he could still keep an eye on the two without disturbing them. After cleaning up and putting on a spare shirt from his pack, Eron foraged the area for medicinal plants, firewood and food. Chai located as many fruit bushes and edible fungi as he could to be helpful to his wounded friend. Working together it took no time at all before they had enough supplies for a couple of days.

The fire was burning strong, and the water filled with mushrooms and herbs was already bubbling away when Kara shot awake. She hadn't meant to fall asleep and so once she realised she had, she woke herself with a sharp mental kick. Her sudden jerk caught Eron's attention, and so he coughed to make her aware of his presence.

"Finally awake? It's already late morning," said Eron while stirring the pot.

Kara's head spun in his direction. Seeing Eron sat by the fire filled her with so many emotions she felt her heart might burst. Tears of relief began filling her eyes, and she stumbled to her feet and rushed over to him. Before he had a chance to fend her off, Kara had already caught him in a tight embrace.