Chapter 27: Coal
"We need to rest," Irwin said.
His voice was ragged as he struggled onward through the mud. He could barely feel his toes, and he was constantly shivering. He longed to summon his flame, but the sky had darkened, and the rain stopped. If he summoned it now, the creatures still screaming and roaring far behind them could see the single bright light in the darkness.
"The forest?" Daubutim muttered.
He was stumbling along beside Irwin, looking no better than he was, Greldo still knocked out in his arms. How he could even carry the other boy for this long was beyond Irwin, but it was clear even Daubutim was almost done.
He glanced at the dark, shadowy forest a few feet to the side. It was ominous and potentially filled with danger. Even though it was a dull red and he could see inside, he still shuddered at the darkness it exuded.
But did they have a choice? They had been walking for hours now and needed to rest.
Steeling his ragged nerves, he turned and walked towards and then into the forest. He heard Daubutim stumble after him. The little light from the moon and stars vanished below the thick canopy, but Irwin could still see clearly. He sent out a silent thanks to his first card.
"Let's stay near the edge," he said, keeping his voice low.
Daubutim just grunted, and they continued deeper into the forest. The going was surprisingly easy, even easier than along the edge. Green moss and patches of grass covered the ground between the dark trees, damping their steps. Compared to the mud that seemed intent on sucking his boots solid, his feet felt lighter.
Perhaps we should travel through the forest edge tomorrow, he thought as he looked around, stifling a yawn.
The trees were sparse enough that he could see a few dozen feet ahead, and there was little undergrowth.
After fifteen minutes, a sprawling patch of bushes appeared in the distance. It was the only form of cover anywhere, and they headed toward it. When they reached the side, the top of the bushes towered over them, and Irwin hesitated.