“Smart,” Sky says. Recognizing the name for a combustible material common in Haymel. When burned it releases red-colored smoke. It also helps keep animals away and can be used in liquids to help combat infection. “Never thought to use it that way.”
“Let’s hope you don’t have to.” Sallen gives someone a cue and we are lowered to the water. Once our boat is on the surface of the crystalline water, Sky and Deean begin paddling us to shore.
Ariah’s eyes are twice their normal size as she looks over every inch of our surroundings. Her vision catches on the birds that fly overhead, animals that shift beyond the trees, even the fish that appear luminous as they swim below us. It’s the way I used to look too, when I first began my travels. I’m still often amazed by what I find, but some of the awe has worn off.
“It doesn’t look real,” Chana says, gliding a hand above the water. “It’s far too perfect to exist.”
There is a charm about the isle. Its lush colors bleeding and melding together in a way I’ve never seen before.
“That’s what happens when things remain untouched by people,” Benny says, scribbling away in a notebook.
“Please,” Deean interjects. “People can appreciate beautiful things.”
“Appreciating and maintaining are two different concepts,” Benny replies with a grin, while still writing away.
As we near the shore, we hop out into the water. It’s not as cold as I thought it would be. Together we pull the boat onto the sand.
Nico, who has been with me three years now, starting when he was sixteen, moves a finger over the map. His long hair, that he refuses to cut, is up in a bun and his clothes are a little baggy on his dark skin.
“You’re up,” I say, walking up beside him. “You got this?”
He flashes a crooked smile, one he gives all the time. Honestly, I’ve never seen him not happy. “Yes, sir. We are going to head northeast. According to her map we should come to a fork in our path. It’s marked with a cluster of trees.”
“Northeast it is.” I walk in front of him and feel Ariah at my side. “Everyone, stay close.”
We continue walking inland and the sand slowly turns to soil. There are puddles of water here and there. We must have just missed some rain. The air is crisp and smells of nature, fresh moss is most potent and there is a sweetness from purple flowers that bloom around us.
“Indigo orchids,” Sky informs us as he snips a few flowers and tucks them away in his bag. “Rare beauties. Helps with fevers and inflammation.”
“Anything that will keep snakes away?” Benny asks. “Not afraid of much, but snakes terrify me.”
“We’ll keep watch for some marigold. That should help.”
“Mosquitoes for me,” Deean chimes in.
“These orchids should help with that.” Sky chuckles.
“What about you?” Ariah nudges my arm. “What’s your biggest fear?”
“What makes you think I have one?” I ask, deepening my voice as if that will convince her I don’t scare easily.
“Everyone does, spill it.”
“Birds,” I say with a smile.
“Birds?”
“It’s a rational fear.”
She laughs. “I kind of get it. You would like Lemon though.”
“Lemon?”
“My father’s pet bird. A bit of a tattletale, but still cute.”
“That’s it,” Nico says, interrupting our quiet conversation and pointing an arm between Ariah and me. “There is the fork.”
“Does Fraya have any notes on that?” Ariah asks as Nico tilts the map towards her, allowing her a better view.
