Rosenshield finished his speech. “Now, I’m going to turn it over to Ivan. He knows this jungle better than anyone. I expect you all have read your manual, so what he says will likely be repetitive, but this is important information regarding safety.”
Ivan stood, his broad shoulders stretching the linen button-up he wore while Rosenshield took his seat at the other end of the table.
“I assume you memorized the manual,” I whispered to Cerise.
She blew out a breath. “I didn’tmemorizeit. But I read it a time or two.”
“Or three.”
She sucked on her teeth. “I’m thorough. I assume you didn’t readit at all.”
“Nope. But you must remember I was a last minute addition, so I did not receive any of the paperwork until the day before we left. I had no time.”
“You wouldn’t have read it anyway.”
“You would be correct. So I suppose I should probably listen to Ivan’s little talk.”
Cerise shook her head and directed her attention back to our guide, picking up her spoon as she resumed dinner.
Ivan ran a hand through his black hair. “I’ve been living in this jungle in a small village just a few hours north of here. Though the Wilds of Magmira are beautiful, there are also dangers I must remind you of.
“Weather here can be a concern. We get heavy sudden rains. This camp is built on higher ground and able to withstand these storms, but if we get caught out in the jungle during one, we have to be aware of potential flash flooding. There are certain insects, spiders and snakes which are deadly. I will make regular rounds through camp and remove any I see, but check your tents before you go to sleep every night and be aware of where you walk or where you put your hands.
“When we are out in the jungle, be extra careful of this as they camouflage themselves well. We do have medical supplies if anyone gets bitten, but it still won’t be a pleasant experience.”
“Have you ever been bitten?” asked Aaric, his deep brown complexion warm in the glow of the firelight.
“Yes,” Ivan answered. “By a drenstiria spider. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever been through. I would not recommend it.”
A stunning neon blue, drenstiria spiders contained venom said to cause the victim’s muscles to lock up in excruciating pain. If antivenin was not administered within an hour of the bite, permanent paralysis could occur—and possibly death.
I shuddered at the thought.
Ivan continued, “While we mostly need to be aware of the smaller creatures, there are a couple of large predators to be cautious of. We are not camped in their territory but if we doventure too close to it, they won’t hesitate to attack. Don’t wander off and be sure to listen to my instructions.
“There’s one more thing. Something that wasn’t in the manual because it’s a more recent problem. Poachers have been spotted about twenty miles east of here.” Ivan scanned the group.
I tensed. Poachers? That was very concerning. More than the wildlife and other natural dangers.
“We won’t be venturing that far or in that direction, and the local guard is aware and working on arresting them, but they are violent and dangerous.” He crossed his arms. “I think that’s all. Any questions?”
Sylvie raised her hand and Ivan gestured for her to speak. “What do we do if we see a poacher?”
“Run.”
Chapter 8
Not His Keeper
Cerise
Iemerged from my tent, surveying the wilderness surrounding me. Taking a deep breath, I inhaled the jungle air, the humidity already making itself known. The sun was slowly beginning to peek over the emerald green of the mountains in the distance, painting the landscape with warm oranges and pinks as it burned away the early morning mist. Exactly why I had chosen this spot.
“Beautiful,” I whispered.
I’d dressed in thick trousers, high lace-up boots and a breathable linen button-up shirt in a soft green color. My hair was pulled back in a long braid, and I held my wide-brimmed hat in my hand as I made the short trek to breakfast, the smell of bacon taunting me.
Everyone else was just arriving, visiting as they readied their coffee. I took a seat and poured myself a cup from the carafe in the center of the table. Taking a sip, I hummed quietly to myself, listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Tropical birds called to each other while monkeys fought over a piece of fruit high above.
