Forward by Fire by Austin Moore

Author:Austin Moore [Moore, Austin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-25T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

James and Mary awakened to the sound of sandpipers, calling to each other as if communicating by Morse code. They strutted by, unbothered by their visitors, probing the tide’s edge for their breakfast. The once raging fire now offered nothing but a weak stream of wandering smoke. A thin fog stretched over the beach from the now mysterious ocean, barely distinguishable from the overcast, colorless sky.

Mary sat up and stretched high. “Banana?”

“Hit me.”

She almost did. James caught the banana just before it smacked him between his eyes.

“Hey! It’s too early for that.”

“I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna need sharp reflexes on this trip of ours.” She busied herself by gathering her clothes and packing her backpack again.

James patted the clothes on his body and nodded as he found them dry. “Good thing we dried out. I don’t suppose you have anything in that bag that would fit me.”

Mary ignored him and marched toward the trees. James put on his socks and shoes and then bent carefully through his muscle soreness to stretch to his feet. He filled his lungs and blew the breath from his nostrils.

Here we go.

He stalked out of the thick sand to catch up with Mary, who seemed to be going on an adventure with or without James. He wondered how long it would take her to realize she was alone if he chose not to follow her.

“Eager, aren’t we?” he called after her.

“Let’s just say I’m ready to see something other than a beach!” She spun and walked backward a few steps to offer him a smile that seemed full of hope.

“So, are you planning to lead the way?” James moaned through a yawn.

“I’m just looking for any way.”

“Fair enough,” he said to himself.

James looked over his shoulder to make sure the raft was still tied to the dock and followed Mary along the coast, a proud line of huge gray boulders between them and the waves. A pleasant stroll later they found a broad path that welcomed them into the woods. Golden light emanated from within the forest as strong as the light that fought its way through the fog behind them. A blond glow outlined every leaf of the towering hardwoods on either side. Mary didn’t hesitate to start down the path. James maintained his stride but glanced at his pocket. A toothy grin crawled across his face when he saw that orange and blue wisps of fire and smoke were drifting gently forward from the map.

“What’s got you so excited?”

James almost ran into Mary. He hadn’t seen her turn around. “Oh, I, uh… I’m just feeling optimistic. I really believe we’re gonna find Ma—, my daughter.”

He wanted to kick himself. That was close.

She hooked his arm and pulled him back into stride, walking beside him. “Of course we are. By yourself? Hmm, I gotta be honest with you. I didn’t like your chances. Maybe forty percent? And those are generous odds. With me around, your success is basically guaranteed.”

“I had no idea I was so fortunate.

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