Page 126 of Trial of Thorns
Rev
We wake with the sunand set out on our trek immediately. It’s the last day of this challenge, and we’re all eager to finish strong. And avoid contact with Drake and Brielle, if possible.
I never ask Caelynn about her conversation last night, but I do watch her closely. Probably closer than I should. Her shoulders are slumped, her eyes cast to the ground more often than not.
The bird doesn’t appear to be anywhere nearby.
Soon, I notice Tyadin watching me as I watch her.
“What?” I spit.
He just shakes his head and continues rowing.
As soon as we’re across the lake, we begin a sprint through the scourge and don’t stop until we reach the shadow lands. By the time we reach the caves, my mind is clear of thoughts of Caelynn and her strange bird friend. My attention is on the competition. I need to stay focused.
We take a short break for water, but still no one talks. Then move through the forest, circling around the long way so we don’t have to pass the Black Gates a second time. No one wants to relive their death more than once.
The sprites cling to us like old friends the moment we hit the Whisperwood. They urge us on and assure us no one is following. Caelynn stops as we reach the stone archway out of the Whisperwood. She closes her eyes, and tilts her head back as sprites cover her whole body.
Tyadin shakes his head, but we let her have her moment, her goodbye, and we walk through the portal together. It’s only a few miles to the hidden bridge portal. This is the one we most hope Drake and Brielle remain unaware of, so we’re careful no one is around, watching, as we pass through. Then, we sprint again. We’re close now, only an hour or so at our current pace. The heat presses down on us as we pass into the open desert.
The thorn gates rise in the distance and my heart hammers in my chest. We’re almost there. We almost made it. The gates grow larger and larger, and so do the sounds of the crowd cheering.
Just before the gates, a black orb comes into focus. Caelynn swears.
“What?” Ty says through heaving breaths.
We slow to a walk. Brielle and Drake are still nowhere to be seen. Maybe they were too injured to make it the long journey? Maybe they missed the last portal?
It doesn’t really matter, not right now. Because right now, we’ve realized our trial is not finished. We have one more task to complete before we can pass the thorn gates. The stands of the arena are filled to the brim, and the crowd screams as they see us approaching.
“We have another task to complete,” I say.
“And it’s that stupid orb again.” Caelynn wrinkles her nose.
“What do you think they’re going to make us do this time?” Ty asks.
I shrug. “Only one way to find out.”
