Sunborn Rising by Aaron Safronoff

Author:Aaron Safronoff [Safronoff, Aaron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Neoglyphic Entertainment
Published: 2016-04-26T23:00:00+00:00

Barra enjoyed the lilies briefly before her smile faded. The lights might attract unwanted attention, especially if the eyeless thing’s minions were looking for them. Probably a mistake to have woken the lilies, but Barra tried not to dwell on it. No need to worry the boys about something that couldn’t be undone. The lights wouldn’t go out again for hours. “Yeah, they are nice,” she said, trying to keep a positive tone.

Even without food, Barra’s stomach had grown tired and so had she. She said, “I think we need to rest. I can’t search anymore. Should we take turns keeping watch? Just to be safe?”

Tory said, “Yeah, I’ll take the first.”

Barra shook her head and started to argue, but Tory was insistent. Something in his eyes told Barra that he understood about the risk of the blood lilies. He raised his eyebrows and said for Plicks’ benefit, “There’s no way anything can sneak up on us with all those lilies burnin’.” He winked at the fearful Kolalabat.

Plicks knew they were protecting him, tip-toeing around him. He felt embarrassed for how he’d been acting—he wanted to keep his chin up like Tory and Barra. Chewing on his lower lip, clicking his talons, he tried to think of something to say.

“Okay, so Tory has the first watch. I’ll take the next,” Barra said. She quickly counted the lilies knowing they would close back up at regular intervals, the reverse of how they’d opened. She said, “Wake me when there are sixteen left, or if you start to nod.”

Tory agreed. Stretching his body in every conceivable direction, he bounced to get his blood moving. “Sleep well,” he said and sauntered off.

“Come on, Plicks,” Barra started off toward an inviting patch of ferns.

Always a natural with math, Plicks had only to glance at the lilies to know that the watch had been divided in half, instead of thirds. He felt like a burden. It was the same with his brothers and sisters. He was never sure what to do to help, or what he had to offer.

Barra saw Plicks staring blankly instead of following her, and she shouted, “Plicks!” Startled, he blinked several times, and then she continued, “Come on, worrywart. Tory’s got it covered.” She meant to be encouraging, but it was the last thing Plicks wanted to hear; that someone else was taking care of him again. After lifting and dropping a heavy sigh, he scuttled over to Barra.

The two had more than enough room to sleep comfortably on the patch together, but as Barra circled and flattened the ferns, Plicks stood apart. He released his scruffs and began arranging them on the floor of the Root. Barra liked sleeping alone, not having any siblings of her own, but was surprised to find that she wanted Plicks’ company, wanted him close. She wouldn’t have admitted it aloud, but she was scared. She was about to call him over, but as he settled into his scruffs, she decided not to bother him. Instead, she said, “Good night.

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