Page 61 of Keeper

As I stride through the camp, I continue looking for her. Where is she? Is she ill?

I approach Everly’s tent and call out for her, but I don’t get a response.

Maybe something terrible has happened to her.

I pull aside the tent flap, but the interior is empty, her bed neatly made.

Hades!

I leave her tent and scan the camp. Warriors patrol the perimeters, while others sit near the campfires, eating.

But there is no sign of Everly.

I walk to Morwen’s cooking area, where the old woman stands over a steaming pot.

Her clear blue eyes meet mine as I approach. “Cenric, what brings you here?”

“Have you seen Everly?”

“Not since this morning.” She pauses, studying me for several moments before she continues. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I just need to speak with her.”

Loose strands of white hair fall over Morwen’s forehead as she nods. “I sent her to gather mushrooms in the forest. Perhaps she’s still out there?”

My stomach twists at the thought of Everly in the forest.

“Did anyone go with her?” I ask.

“I saw Finn with her.”

Finn?

Heat scalds me. “How long ago did they leave?”

“A few hours, I’d say. They should have returned by now.”

The knot in my stomach tightens. Something’s not right. I feel it.

“Thank you, Morwen,” I say, already turning to leave.

I stride into the forest, my eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of Everly or Finn.

“Everly!” I call out.

No response.

I push deeper into the woods, following a faint trail worn by animals and foragers. Mushrooms grow in clusters at the base of ancient oaks, but there’s no sign that anyone has been here recently to harvest them.

My heart pounds faster with each step. Where are they?

I come to a clearing and pause, listening. The forest is alive with chirping birds and rustling leaves, but I hear no human voices.

“Finn!” I shout, hoping he’ll answer.

Only silence greets me.

Frustration and worry gnaw at my chest as I press on. I check a nearby stream, thinking they might have stopped for water, but the banks are undisturbed.

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