“But these people are not Davi,” Dresnor countered. “He is not even facilitating the introduction. How can I trust any of them?”
Kai had not considered asking Davi to join them, but in retrospect, it would have helped convince Dresnor to return. This was not supposed to be this difficult. “One tribe to the next,” Kai began to spin a tale, “they keep to themselves. I am sure if Davi felt I needed an escort, he would have come, but it is time for you to turn back.”
Rayna let her hand touch Dresnor’s shoulder. “We will be fine. They promised Davi they could help us, but we need to be true to our word and not lead others to their camp. Please, all of you, go back.”
Dresnor was doubtful at first, but then he reluctantly offered his hand. “Good luck—both of you. I suppose we will leave you here, then.”
Kai took the offered hand and pulled Dresnor in close. “I can do this, you trained me well.”
“I did train you well.” Dresnor let Kai go. “Be safe.”
Drew sighed heavily. “Rayna, you’re a strong woman. Look after Kai, and we will see you in a few months.” He hugged her and pulled Kai into their moment. “Take care, little brother. I will be waiting for your return.”
This would be the first time Kai had gone anywhere without one of them for more than a few hours. This was not like dodging their watchful eye for a run or an afternoon sailing on the lake. He knew full well this could be goodbye for much longer.
Shane extended a hand. “Be safe. I will speak with Davi. Maybe he can visit and bring back word.”
Even though Kai knew better, he nodded to give them a sense of hope. He took in a deep breath of fresh, pine-scented air and took Rayna’s hand.
Everyone parted ways. Kai watched his friends fade back into the forest through the trail they had created. He listened to the occasional whack of Shane’s battle-ax strike underbrush and small saplings that evidently blocked their chosen direction.
Unable to glean their path, Kai hoped they would continue to follow the same route and keep close to the Conha River. The forest was dense and unwelcoming, but Dresnor and Shane were expert trackers, and they would have no trouble getting back to Albey as long as they followed the same course.
Chapter 4
Shifting Landscape
Rayna laced up her boots, studying the cliffs and various trees around the clearing. “So, what next?” she asked. “What are we looking for next?
Kai thought of Kendra’s reminder—three oak trees near the base of the second waterfall. Those trees marked the entrance to the Zabranen Forest. But as they looked around, they didn’t see anything remarkable. Every tree looked the same, and certainly, none of them looked like an entrance. He resigned himself once again that they would have to venture away from the water’s edge to find a way up to the third level. His brow knit together with concern.
Could the Guardians have hidden the entrance to the forest somehow? Was it possible to change the landscape?
The lack of challenge so far made Kai wonder if the Guardians stayed away because of his friends, or because they were willing to let them begin their test proper and fair inside the Zabranen Forest. But deep down, he knew. The guardians were never about to make it easy…
What were they missing? There was no way to climb the immense waterfall. Kai thought harder on his dreams. His vision came back to him. There would be no path marked by signs of man. The giant oaks were here, but which ones? An eerie, fog-shrouded forest loomed in front of them. The thundering water crashed down beside him. He stepped toward the falls; the sound was louder. But there was nothing but dense forest in front of them. No clue they were in the right place.
Again, focusing on the dream, he touched his face, thinking about what he felt. “That’s it. The mist. We are not close enough to the falls,” he said, taking Rayna by the hand. “We need to stand in the mist.”
Together, Kai and Rayna ventured around the edge of the plunge pool. Kai turned his head to the right, searching. The raging water roared beside them, and cold mist speckled their faces. Smoke waited nearby. Kai reached out his hand and touched the sheer cliff wall. They were practically under the falls before he saw the arch in the trees, the entrance revealed by the angle they now had.
Vines and thick underbrush distorted the arch, but it was there: three tall oak trees set at an angle. Large arm-like branches, originally meant to be open and welcoming, were now covered by dangling moss and ivy. Gray mist hung in the damp air, further hiding their way. Still, their new path became visible.
Sunlit rays danced over the vine-covered ground. A feeling pulled at Kai’s soul, and he felt a longing in his heart. Rayna looked up at him, as if she felt the magic too. Something guided them into the Zabranen Forest. Was it Alenga calling them home? Kai did not know, but he felt compelled to follow the feeling. Hand in hand, they walked under the moss-covered oaks. They stepped under arched branches covered with bright green new growth. Acorns crunched under their feet. Squirrels dodged for safety within the trees. The fog swirled around the tree trunks.
The fresh, crisp scent of the waterfall morphed into damp earth, decaying leaves, and pine. The overgrown ivy gave way to
