Chapter 16 #2
Today, I’m relieved to see not only the stack of stones but Gus himself, waiting patiently in the clearing. His massive form is somehow less intimidating in daylight, though no less impressive.
“June Hartwell,” he rumbles as I approach with his package. “You deliver early.”
“I had questions that couldn’t wait.” I hand him his delivery, a book on meteoritics and a well-wrapped pastry box from Merry’s. “And I won’t waste your time beating around the bush. Do you know what’s causing trouble on this mountain, Gus? And… is there any chance it could be Riven?”
To my complete surprise, Gus laughs, the sound scattering nearby birds from their perches. It’s so unexpected that I take a step back.
“The Vyder?” He shakes his massive head. “You humor me, June Hartwell.”
“I’m serious,” I insist. “There are claw marks above where that slide happened. Someone deliberately caused it.”
Gus’s amusement fades, replaced by something more solemn. “Not Riven.”
“How can you be so sure?”
He gestures for me to sit on a nearby fallen log, which I do. Gus remains standing, his massive form casting a shadow over me.
“Riven is the reason I felt safe to settle here,” he says simply. “When I first arrived, others tried to establish dominance. Drive me out.” His large hand gestures expansively at the forest. “Territorial disputes. Ugly business.”
“What happened?”
“Riven appeared. Made it clear the mountain was under his protection, and that he wouldn’t tolerate bloodshed.” Gus’s mouth twitches in a small smile. “The disputes stopped. Immediately.”
I can imagine how terrifying Riven would be if he wanted to intimidate someone. “So he’s what, the mountain’s keeper?”
“Precisely.” Gus nods approvingly. “For so long, he has maintained balance. Intervened in bad weather. Fought off aggressive predators. Protected lost hikers.”
Like Ethel, I think, feeling a warm glow of vindication. Riven hasn’t been sabotaging the mountain. He’s been its guardian.
“Then who’s causing the trouble?” I press. “The mudslide wasn’t natural, Gus.”
The Bigfoot grows serious, his deep-set eyes reflecting concern. “The mountain was peaceful until about ten years ago. A logging company came.” His massive hand curls into a fist. “Clear-cutting. An entire section of old-growth forest, gone in weeks.”
“I remember hearing about that,” I say, thinking back. “Dad was furious about it. Said it could destabilize the whole eastern slope.”
Gus nods grimly. “Since then, strange occurrences. Rock formations collapsing. Trails sabotaged. Equipment vandalized.” He lowers his voice. “Like something was disturbed. Lashing out.”
A chill runs across my skin despite the warm afternoon sun. “You think something lived in that section they cleared?”
“Know so.” Gus taps one massive foot against the earth. “Can feel it in the ground. Getting worse. More aggressive. Building to something.”
“But what is it? What kind of creature?”
Gus shakes his head slowly. “Old. Very old. Older than Riven. Older than me.” He looks out toward the eastern ridge. “Riven would know more. He has been here the longest.”
I stand up, suddenly eager to get to Riven and ask him directly. “Thank you, Gus. This helps a lot.”
The Bigfoot studies me with those wise, knowing eyes. “You care for the Vyder.”
It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. “Yes. I do.”
“Good.” He nods once, definitively. “He has been alone too long. And you…” He gives me a surprisingly gentle pat on the shoulder that still nearly buckles my knees. “You are worthy of his protection.”
Coming from Gus, that feels like the highest possible compliment.
As I walk back to my truck, I have a clear picture forming: Riven is a protector, not a saboteur, and there’s something else on this mountain—something angry, something that’s been building its rage for a decade. Something that might have specifically targeted me or my route.
As soon as I finish the week’s critical deliveries, I need to talk to Riven and see if he knows what—or who—was displaced.
By the time I get home, the sun has set and my brain is buzzing with everything I’ve learned. Dad’s already asleep, his soft snores coming from down the hall as I tiptoe to my room.
I kick off my boots, shed my uniform, and collapse onto my bed with my laptop. My fingers hover over the keyboard for only a moment before I start typing:
Hey Grumpylegs,
I’m coming up tomorrow with your latest order (I can only imagine what it might be). But also… I missed you. Fair warning: I might get caught in one of your webs again. Completely by accident, of course. Wink.
-J
I hit send before I can overthink it, then head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I return, there’s already a response waiting:
My latest purchase is a device that roams around the floor, vacuuming up debris. It’s honestly shocking the ridiculous technology your species comes up with (yet I can’t help but impulse purchase these items regardless).
And by the way, your ‘accidents’ are transparent and inefficient. Next time, simply ask to be caught. I’ll be waiting.
-R
I grin until my cheeks hurt. Only Riven could make a Roomba and bondage sound equally matter-of-fact.
As I climb under the covers, my smile fades slightly. Tomorrow I’ll have to tell him about Deputy Dale’s accusations, about the claw marks above the slide area, about the possibility that something is targeting people on the mountain—possibly me specifically.
But for now, I let myself enjoy the warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of seeing him again. Whatever’s happening on this mountain, it’s going to take a lot more than a mudslide to get between me and Riven.
I fall asleep with my hand curled around the silk scarf at my neck, dreaming of glowing webs.