He rubbed his eyes sleepily. Shreds of mist were drifting just above the treetops in the distance. Gwen was awake already, resting against Gulkien’s thick fur. There were dark rings under her eyes. “I hardly slept,” she said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about Geffen.” “We’ll get him back,” Tanner replied. “I promise.” He stood up, wincing. His side felt like it was on fire. He pulled up his tunic and saw a deep purple bruise on his ribs. Tanner pushed it lightly with his fingertips, but nothing seemed out of place. “We’d better not get so close to Gor’s Beast again,” said Gwen, eyeing the bruise sympathetically. Gulkien rose behind Gwen, yawning to reveal sharp white teeth. Firepos blinked and spread her wings, flapping them to stretch her muscles. Tanner’s stomach rumbled. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get moving. The sooner we get to the Broken Gorge, the more chance we’ll have to prepare.” Gwen gripped Gulkien’s fur and hoisted herself onto his back.
