Page 95 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Then it’s fate.” He gave her a wan smile.
“It is.”
Casimir continued in front of her when he abruptly halted, causing Ava to crash into him.
“What?” she said, looking around for another tree giant.
“We’re here.”
She walked around and stood beside him. Before them was a lake. Too wide to go around and surrounded by dense trees. The dark glassy surface of the water was beautiful, reflecting the lights of glowing insects buzzing among the leaves above them. Tempted by the cool liquid, she knelt and reached out, wanting to swirl her hand in it. No, not wanting. Needing. Needing to touch it. Casimir lunged and grasped her wrist, pulling her back.
“Don’t touch the water.”
“Why?” She blinked, realizing she’d been about to do something dangerous without thought, as if she didn’t have control of her actions. Was the Elderoak already trying to trick her?
“There are foul creatures in there you do not wish to disturb.”
She rose and turned toward him. “How are we getting across?”
His eyes flared with worry before the mask returned. “Wearen’t.”
Her hands trembled when she realized his meaning. “This is it?”
“Yes.” He took her face in his hands. “I can’t go any further.”
She bit her lip as she tried to tame the pounding in her chest. Her heart was a drum, beating in time with her terror.
“Look at me,” Casimir instructed. He took her hand and placed it on his chest as he placed his own on hers. “Take a deep breath. Feel my heart beating.” She did as he instructed, not breaking eye contact. “Breathe in…and out…in…and out. That’s it. Just like that. You’re going to be alright. You can do this.”
Her heart slowed enough to stave off the panic. She took one more steadying breath and nodded. “How am I going to cross?”
“I’ll build you a bridge.”
“Okay,” she said. “I’m ready.”
He grabbed her face again and pulled her into a frantic kiss. She returned the fervor and pulled him closer as she gripped the collar of his tunic. He released her, forehead touching hers as he traced her jaw. “I’ll be waiting here for you, love.”
She nodded as he pulled away and turned to the lake.
With a determined expression, he raised his hands as large roots burst from the ground, intertwining to form a makeshift bridge stretching across the water. Sweat dripped down his brow as he wove them together, ensuring there were no large holes she might fall through.
“I can’t hold it long,” he said, gritting his teeth. “I’ll make another when you return. Go. Now. Remember everything we’ve taught you. I’ll see you soon.”
She kissed his cheek and made her way across the bridge, stepping over the uneven roots.
“A little faster please,” Casimir grumbled as he struggled to keep the bridge intact.
She sped up, watching for any signs of danger. Halfway there. A little further. Small lights hovered among the dense canopy on the other side of the lake, as if they were urging her closer to the Elderoak. Mesmerized by the beauty, she continued to walk, unaware of her surroundings as if she was in a daze.
“Dammit, Ava. Pay attention!” Casimir shouted, breaking her trance.
She blinked through the fog in her head, looking behind her, and that’s when she saw it. Something had slithered out from the lake and was barreling toward her along the bridge. A giant reptile with glowing white eyes, its scaled body covered in moss. Headed straight for her.
“Run!”
Only about fifty yards remained before she would reach the other side, but it felt like miles. Ava took off, sprinting to shore.
“Faster!” Casimir commanded, voice straining as he tried keeping the bridge steady.
