Free Frog Kiss by Kevin J. Anderson Page B

paused. “And what’s your name?”
    “I’m Keric! Help!”
    She tossed a vine down that struck near his face. Keric grabbed at it, clawing at the slick surface of the vine with his mucky hands. But he managed to haul himself forward, toward the near edge of the pool of quicksand. He heaved himself out onto the soggy ground and shivered. He had lost his left boot, but he had no intention of going back to get it.
    When he looked up at the tree, Raffin was gone.
    O O O
    After dark, when Keric remained cold and clammy but unable to light a fire, he saw an orange light flickering through the tangled branches. He followed it to Raffin’s fire, then crept close to where he could see.
    She sat humming to herself and holding four sticks splayed in the flames. Little strips of meat had been skewered on the wood and sizzled in the light. The bound bundle of royal frogs sat beside her. “Come closer and sit down, Keric. You’re making enough noise at being quiet.”
    Angry, Keric came out of his hiding place and strode with confidence into her firelight. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. “I thought I was good in the swamps, moving silently, always knowing my way. I can’t believe I am being so clumsy around you.”
    Raffin shrugged. “You are good. The best I’ve seen. But I’m better.”
    Her long pale hair must once have been blond but now had taken on the color of fallen leaves and dry grass. Her eyes looked startling blue within the camouflage of her appearance. Raffin had washed most of the grime from her face, arms, and hands before preparing her food.
    Keric didn’t want to imagine what he looked like himself.
    Raffin took one of the sticks out of the fire and blew on the sizzling strips of meat. “Frog legs, filleted.” At his shocked expression, she laughed. “No, just normal frogs. Don’t worry. Would you like some?”
    Keric swallowed. “I haven’t eaten anything all day.”
    “Say please.”
    “Please. Uh, I mean, Raffin, may I please have some?”
    “Of course. You’re my guest. I saved your life. Do you think I’d refuse a simple request like that?”
    He took the stick she offered and ate the crispy meat right off the bark so he wouldn’t have to touch it with his dirty fingers. “What are you doing out here all alone in the swamps?”
    “I live out here. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.”
    Keric could believe that. He guessed she was only a couple years older than himself.
    “But I don’t mind company once in a while.” Suddenly, Raffin appeared shy to him. “Just listen to those night sounds, the frogs and the humming insects. Why would anyone want to live in the town?”
    Keric frowned and ate the last piece of meat. “Then why are you trying so hard to get the royal frogs?”
    “Because you are. I’ve been watching you for days. It’s been fun. Besides, I have dreams of getting a prince of my own.”
    They talked for much longer after that, but Keric could get no better explanation from her. He felt the weariness from the day sapping his strength, making him drowsy. He interrupted what she was saying. “Raffin, I am going to sleep.”
    He saw her smile as he let his eyes drift shut. “Make yourself at home.”
    When Keric cracked his eyes open again an hour later, his body screamed at him just to keep sleeping. But he couldn’t. He had something much more important to do.
    Raffin had stayed beside the fire, which now burned low and smoky, still driving the mosquitoes away. She lay curled up on the ground, her cheek pillowed on her scrawny arms. She looked very peaceful and vulnerable. Keric frowned, but then thought of palaces and princesses and fine clothes.
    The fire popped as two logs sagged, and Keric used the noise to cover his own movements as he crept to his feet. She had left the sack containing the royal family sitting unguarded on the other side of the camp. He shook his head, wondering why she had made it so easy for him.
    He picked up the sack and