Free First Watch: A Watcher Bay Adventure by Auburn Seal Page B

stepped in. “Why don’t you translate for me. Levra, stay with Enric for now.”
    Levra stayed by Enric’s side, along with Dr. Sanchez, and Gunnar and Ana walked off with Vildana and Alena. Levra itched with irritation at Ana’s near-constant proximity to Gunnar but turned her attention back to Enric. He was lying flat on the ground still, but he looked less pale than he had before, and his breathing seemed stronger.
    The doctor looked perplexed. “How did she do that?”
    Levra shook her head. “I don’t know. Is he okay?”
    The doctor scanned the now-sleeping boy once more and nodded his head. “I don’t believe it. He is sleeping. His injuries are healed. This is incredible. The implications of this girl’s healing powers are infinite.” He scratched his head. “Hmm. I suspect he’ll be sleeping for a while.”
    Levra cried tears of relief and lay down on the ground next to her son, enjoying the harsh rain as it washed away her grief.
    Almost losing Enric was too close for comfort. She now owed everything to this brave Ddaeran girl, Vildana, who had ventured into this group of strangers to share her gift and save her son’s life. Levra vowed to find a way to repay her.

     

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 11
     
    Glanmorr, Rasia, New Eden
    October 16, 12 AA
     
    Close to hurricane force winds blew for nearly an hour as Vildana led the disheveled group from their landing site into the dark forest to the village. They had to walk, which Gunnar objected to. He spoke about the many transportation options waiting for them at the Outpost. He said they were supposed to have landed there. But, the storm caused them to land off-course.
    Gunnar complained about traveling to the village. “We need to get to the Outpost. It’s already constructed. It will provide all the shelter we need.”
    Officer Morgan Moore spoke up.
    “Commander Shield, when the ship had to land and unload early due to the declining weather, it left us stranded. We are still miles from the Outpost. We are on the opposite side of the bay. The village is much closer. May I respectfully request we layover with the Ddaerans—given the condition of your son?”
    Gunnar looked insulted by Morgan’s suggestion and Levra thought he’d continue to be stubborn.
    Until Ana spoke up.
    “Commander, it would give our crew the chance to get acquainted with the Ddaeran population. It could prove to be useful for our mission parameters.”
    Levra couldn’t pinpoint what made her feel strange about Ana’s comment, but her comment seemed to be all the convincing Gunnar needed. His eyes took on a suspicious glint as he agreed to rely on the hospitality of the Ddaerans at Levra’s insistence.
    Vildana led the way through the rain-soaked night, motioning the other’s to follow her. Levra took note of the forested terrain, in case she got lost. The trees were extremely thick, soaring into the sky at heights she’d never seen on Earth. Smells from the forest masked any saltwater smells that may have been present. She suspected they were too far from the ocean still. The ground was uneven and slippery. She slipped multiple times in the mud, making sure that Enric barely stayed on his feet. After what seemed like an eternity stumbling blindly through the rain-soaked muddy forest, Vildana stopped the group to give instructions, and Alena translated.
    Vildana pointed to her left. “Up the mountain is our summer village. It’s where we go to shelter from the heat of the summer.”
    Then she pointed to the right. “That way down the mountain is a sharp drop-off into a deep canyon. The canyon has never been traversed. The walls are too sheer. No one living, at least among us, have ever seen the bottom of it. I would recommend you not travel in that direction. If you stumble on to it, it will be the last mistake you’ll ever make.”
    After the announcement, Levra found herself holding Enric’s hand a little tighter and staying close to Vildana.
    “Are you okay,