Page 9 of The Glass Unicorn: Part 3

“Liesel, why don’t you look for the root cellar while Thornhold and I carry the buckets of mud back,” Brynn said. “We’re stronger than you.”

Liesel showed Brynn and I where our clothing was and I slid back into the leather trousers and crop top, grateful to feel more protected. Though now I saw the benefit of having armor that wasn’t part of my everyday clothingandthat covered the midriff. I decided that I’d happily pay the seamstress for a couple new outfits.

I dressed, keeping the key covered with my cape. Geoff wore a simple tunic and trousers and short cape. We gathered our bows and arrows, water bottles, and packs with the gear we might need, and we set out for where Liesel had last seen the turkeys.

By the time we left, it was nearing two o’clock, and the sun was overhead, slanting toward the west. It glinted though clouds were rolling in. We’d have rain before too long, probably by nightfall.

Liesel had showed us a map of the general area. There was a valley not far from the house, about a mile and a half away, and we followed the winding trail through the grass toward a stand of deciduous trees. They were a blaze of color—the leaves were still on the boughs, but at the first sign of a strong windstorm, they’d come fluttering down.

“So, how are you feeling? How are your wounds?”

“Ray’s healing spell worked wonders, and Liesel had some salve that helped finish it along. I’m feeling pretty good. At least, physically.” He let out a sigh and scuffed the ground, before picking up the pace again.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I know you’re worried about your family.”

He nodded. “My wife has several health issues. She has a condition called POTS—Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. She also has chronic fatigue syndrome. The pair make life difficult for her, and she can’t hold a job. It’s rough enough on her with the baby. I asked Liesel to tell her to sue thecompany. She’ll need support, though I know her parents will help, so at least there’s that.”

“Those are both difficult conditions. I’ve heard of them,” I said. “I’m so sorry. It’s hard on us, stuck here, but also for everybody who loves us. For example, Ray’s dogs—they won’t understand where he went. This just blows, for everybody involved.”

“Thanks,” Geoff said. “Thank you for understanding.”

“What’s her name?” I asked.

“Lindsey,” he said, smiling. “And my daughter’s named Riley. They’re the center of my world.”

We fell quiet again, and within twenty minutes, came to the beginning of a thicket. A breeze had picked up, whistling through the leaves and grass. I glanced up at the sky. The clouds were thin, but slowly rolling in, and the scent of rain carried through the air.

As we entered the copse, I heard the rustle of small animals, darting through the undergrowth. After a few more minutes, we came to a clearing. I held up my hand before we entered it. There, in the center, were a flock of wild turkeys.

I brought out my bow and nocked an arrow, and Geoff did the same. We moved in unison, two Elves, silently edging to either side of the clearing, setting our sites on the massive birds in the center. The flock went on feeding, focused whatever food they’d found in the open grass.

I took a deep breath and, with a look toward Geoff, nodded. We both took aim, and then—our arrows flew. As they landed, each hitting one of the massive turkeys, my stomach shifted, but I managed to keep my lunch down.

The birds fell, and I immediately brought out another arrow, aimed again, and let it fly. Geoff did the same, and when they, too, hit their marks, we headed in. The other birds were fleeing,but we’d achieved our goal. We had precious meat, ready to take back home.