Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

their backs, and birds sang in the distance. They soon arrived at a roaring waterfall, and Thuraya guided them slowly along the trail leading down, careful to avoid slick rocks and loose mud.

“Did you bring your bathing suit?” asked Thuraya, and she turned around to help Eridani make the last hop to level ground. She sprayed mud as she landed.

“No!” Eridani shivered at the thought. “Swim in lake water? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Depends on the lake,” said Torsha. “No one else is here, so we should be safe.”

“I don’t know,” said Eridani.

“Maybe next time,” said Thuraya. They picked their way carefully along the muddy banks, to a tree-lined path that followed the river. Rounding a bend, they soon stood before a moss-covered bridge. Across the way on the northern riverbank, a shaded forest bower invited them into the sun-dappled woodlands beyond.

“They definitely took the southern trail,” said Torsha, and she pointed to a huddle of muddy footprints. “Martin and your dad, I mean.”

“I bet they’re headed for the misty lagoons,” said Thuraya. “It’s only a quarter moon tonight, but it’ll still be very pretty.”

“What’s through there?” asked Eridani, and she pointed across the bridge.

“It’s a surprise,” said Thuraya. “But trust me, it’s worth it.”

They resumed their trek over the coursing river. Heading north, the path rose and fell, sometimes steeply. Halfway to the campsite, the trees gave way to a grassy glade, and several small creatures scurried away at their approach, keeping out of sight.

“Hold on,” said Torsha. Branches snapped, and the forest fell quiet. Shadows stirred to their left, and a trio of large, glowing eyes appeared in the darkness. Torsha extended one hand to block Eridani’s advance and tugged on Thuraya’s backpack with the other. “That’s a varkhane wolf. Try to look big, don’t break eye contact, and don’t turn your back on it.”

Leaves rustled as the wolf stepped past the edge of the clearing. Afternoon sunlight fell upon its thick, mottled-brown fur. It stood upon six powerful legs, and a bushy tail remained curled halfway up from its haunches.

“Everyone back away very slowly,” said Torsha.

“Right,” said Eridani.

Step by step, they retreated backward from the clearing. After a moment, the wolf turned away. It lowered its tail and vanished into the trees.

“What do we do now?” asked Eridani. “Where are we supposed to camp?” She shifted under the weight of her pack.

“Same place,” said Thuraya. “Probably. I think it was only curious, so we just need to be patient.” In time, several birds chirped sharply, their notes bouncing between trees as each of the birds answered. Volleys of bounding chirps soon filled the air, joined by a chorus of shrill cries.

“The birds are back, so the wolf’s probably gone,” said Torsha.

“Good enough for me,” said Thuraya. “All right, let’s go.”

Staying alert, they crossed the glade and followed the path until it stopped at the edge of a marsh. “This is it,” said Thuraya. “Let’s put the tent up over there.”

Wincing, Eridani stumbled a few steps along a patch of soggy soil, turned around, and shrugged off her backpack. It landed with a quiet squelch, and she hunched over her knees. “You two… can pitch the tent… without my help… right?”

“We got it,” said Thuraya, and she cheerfully glanced at Eridani. “Why don’t you take it easy and—oh no!” She rushed over and pulled Eridani’s pack from the cradle of mud it had partially submerged into. Muck dripped slowly from the lower half as Thuraya carried it over to a broken log. Opening the flap, she sifted through the backpack’s contents. With a sad look, she pulled out Eridani’s grime-soaked sweats.

Eridani caught her breath and rolled her eyes. “Of course. Did everything get wet?”

“Everything I can see,” said Thuraya. “Oh, wait!” She retrieved a freezer bag covered in mud. “Your socks and underwear made it, and your sleeping bag looks fine.”

“Well, it was tied to the top,” said Eridani, and she walked over to the log. “Great. That’s just great. I’m so glad I did that.” One by one, she removed her items and set them out on the log. “How cold does it get here at night?”

“Not that cold, but I’ve got an extra blanket if you need it,” said Torsha.

“Thanks,” said Eridani.

Torsha and Thuraya pitched a large dome tent, and Eridani moved their belongings inside. Dragging in her backpack last, she unrolled her sleeping bag and flopped down atop it. She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling as Torsha and Thuraya got a campfire going.

“You ready to roast some marshmallows?” asked Thuraya, and she leaned into the doorway.

“Isn’t it kind of early for that?”

“It’s never too early to roast marshmallows,” said Thuraya, and she feigned offense.

Eridani met Thuraya’s gaze, and she smirked. “You’re right.” She climbed out of the tent, and they shared a quick kiss. “Too bad we can’t make s’mores.”

Thuraya gestured to a tin plate. A stack of graham crackers filled one side, and a stack of chocolate squares filled the other. “Way ahead of you!” They joined Torsha at the fireside and impaled marshmallows on the ends of their skewers.

As the sun set, fireflies began to glow, and the frogs began to croak. Crickets soon chirped in unison, filling the woodland air. “That’s the surprise,” said Thuraya, and she hugged Eridani from behind. Eridani kissed Thuraya’s hand and held onto it as they watched radiant motes dart and bob above the marsh.

“I love you,” said Eridani. “We can do this again.”

Thuraya grinned and squeezed Eridani tight. “I love you, too.”

Torsha warmed a pot of baked beans, and they each cooked their own kabobs. Thuraya strummed a soulful song before lightening the mood with some of her folk standards. Eridani and Torsha sang along.

Chapter 27

Lake Front

Zipped up inside her sleeping bag, Eridani woke up shortly after sunrise with damp hair and a sore back. She sat up, took a moment to work the aches out, and tied her hair into a ponytail. Leaning over her knees,