23. Chapter Twenty-Three #3
"What do you mean strange? I didn't see anything. I don't even know what happened. Everyone just disappeared from the edge of the ravine. Did you fall and hit your head or something? Lira should check you out."
I shake my head, pushing upright and attempting a smile. "I'm not hurt."
"What was that?" Aven's familiar voice breaks into my jumbled thoughts.
"I have no idea. We're trying to get across a river, and I saw something rotten around the tree we're about to use, or at least I think I did. Cayzenn wants to know what happened, but I can't tell him without sounding crazy."
"I think you should."
"No, I can't. It makes no sense. How do you know something happened, anyway? I thought you couldn't read my mind."
"I can't," he huffs in annoyance. "I can, however, feel extreme emotions, and yours are in turmoil. You saw what you saw for a reason. Don’t keep it to yourself just because you can’t explain it.”
"Why are you being so insistent? Do you know something?” There’s no response. "It was probably just a trick of the light, but fine, I'll make a fool of myself if that's what you want," I snap. Aven only scoffs and closes the mental connection, trusting me to follow through.
At the sound of my name, I focus on Cayzenn, swallowing nervously. "I don't think we should use the tree. I have a bad feeling about it." I rush the words out before all the faces around me can turn even more skeptical.
"You have a bad feeling?" he repeats slowly, confusion evident. "I know you're not used to doing things like this, but it seems pretty sturdy, and a few of us will test it's safe before you cross."
"No, it's not… I'm not scared." My face flushes hot, already raw and stinging from hours in the sun and whipping winds.
Sighing, I mutter, "I just have this feeling we shouldn't.
" Fuck. I sound ridiculous, I should've kept my mouth shut.
"Never mind. I'm sure it was nothing. I’m probably just lightheaded. "
He stares for a few long seconds then helps me to my feet, beckoning Djalira over. She hands me a canteen. "Here, drink this ginsenga tea. It will help boost your energy and magic enough to see you through until camp, where you can rest and replenish properly."
Giving her a weak smile, I take it and drink the faintly spicy liquid. "Thank you. I'm sure I'll be fine in a minute."
"I'm sure you will too. It's probably just altitude sickness from being up so high and descending too quickly.
" She gives the Commander a nod, and what looks like relief flashes across his face before he turns to face the river.
I'm more than ready to move past this as quickly as possible, so I don't protest when Felix slings a steadying arm around my shoulders, and we follow the others to the cliff edge, where Xaavi starts climbing up the exposed roots of the fallen tree.
Guess he drew the short straw and gets to go first, not that he looks the slightest bit concerned. By the time he makes it halfway, he's grinning and waving, jumping up and down to prove it's strong and safe as he shouts something that gets lost over the roar of the river.
Jeska, Drea, and Hendrix follow in quick succession to test multiple people at once so we can make the crossing faster.
It's taking over ten minutes for them to navigate the uneven surface, which means it will take me twenty.
Once they clear the other side, the four of them head into the trees to find a good place for camp.
Cayzenn gestures for the twins to start out, my heart rate slows, and confidence builds with each successful crossing.
Either they're making it look easy, or it really is pretty safe, and I'll be fine too.
Now, it's my turn to drop to the ledge. I wonder if I spoke too soon when I said I wasn't afraid.
With a quick glance over at the bridge I still feel like we should be using, I let my pack fall to Cayzenn, then crouch and force myself to jump before I can overthink it.
"You ready?" he asks, handing it back once I've scaled the tree roots before deftly catching the one full of med supplies Nav threw. Before Djalira can protest, he scoops her into his arms and jumps to the ledge, laughing at the look of shock and affection on her face.
"Stick to the middle of the trunk, use your arms to balance, and try not to look down, or the movement of the water will fuck with your head.
" Cayzenn pulls my focus back to the task at hand, in full command mode as he gives me instructions about the best places to walk and what to avoid.
"Take your time. We still have plenty of light left. "
Not exactly true, with the sun starting to sink over the trees, turning the sky a dusky shade of pink.
Taking a deep steadying breath, I nod and step out onto the rough bark with small, measured movements, just like he said.
Mercifully, the wind isn't too bad, and, before I know it, I'm already almost halfway across. I think it’s the Commander's comforting presence at my back, but I don't dare turn around and risk my footing—until I hear a piercing scream carry over the thunderous rapids.