“We're okay.” He chuckles and pulls me into a reassuring embrace.
I close my eyes and settle against him, more than happy to accept any comfort he will offer.
“We’ll scout for fresh water, build a fire, and see if we can find something to eat. I promise we will be completely safe until morning.”
I look up. “Do you really think Jacques will return?”
“I know he will.” He laughs and squeezes me tighter. “He won’t leave us stranded. Besides, Dristan knows we’re here. If nothing else, he’ll track us down tomorrow.”
I nod, though I’m not convinced.
He pulls me toward the center of the island. “Let’s see if we can find water.”
I freeze, too nervous to move.
“What’s wrong?”
I motion to the dark jungle forest. “We don’t know what might live in there.”
Galinor gives me an incredulous look. “You befriended a glasseln. What could live on this island that’s more intimidating than that?”
“Dragons?”
“We’re too far south.”
“Manticore?” I bite my lip. “Harpy?”
Galinor’s eyes light with amusement. I’m glad I can be entertaining.
“Anwen, listen, the wild horses wouldn’t thrive here if there were something large and scary living on the island.”
From the way he says it, I know he’s teasing, but I do feel a little better. He takes my hand and pulls me into the trees, and I soon acknowledge I might have been spooked for no reason. The only thing I hear is the scurrying of little rodents and the occasional call of a nocturnal bird.
Galinor twists and turns through the trees as if he knows exactly where we’re going. He stops a few times to listen, and then he gently tugs me along.
I hear the sound of rushing water much later than Galinor, but I recognize it right away. “There’s a waterfall!”
By now I’m quite thirsty, and a cool drink would be welcome.
Galinor finds the waterfall with little trouble, and I come to slow stop when we push through the last of the brush.
The sky is dotted with rapidly multiplying stars, and they shine through the tree canopy above us. Water cascades down to a crystal pool, and even in the dark, it’s clear enough I can see the pebbled bottom.
Ferns grow along the edges, and flowering vines climb the rocks. Flecks of moonquartz mineral shine like glowing lanterns after having soaked up the rays of the sun all day.
It’s not large as waterfalls go, but it’s lovely.
Wishing I had worn a different gown, I lean down for a drink. I forget about getting my skirts dirty when I dip my hand in the water. I expect it to be cold like a mountain stream, but it’s warm. Though not all that pleasant for drinking, it would be nice to soak my feet in. I begin to pull off my boots but then stop.
I don’t know what’s native to these waters. Perhaps I should ask Galinor if he thinks it would be all right to risk.
When I look over at him, my mouth goes dry, and my question is forgotten. Galinor has taken off his tunic, and he leans over the pool, scrubbing water over his face and hair.
I squeak, and though the sound is quiet, it must be loud enough for Galinor to hear. He looks over and laughs. “Nothing is going to attack you.”
As if that’s the reason I’m gawking at him.
“I know,” I say, though of course I don’t really.
