Page 98 of Lore of the Tides

“It’s too good,” she said as she took another large bite. “This is exactly what I needed after days of hardtack. I can’t believe you caught three of them so fast,” Lore said as the stirrings of an idea came to her. Possibly a way to make it inside the cave without being ripped apart by talons.

Finndryl stilled where he was plating another stone with sizzling meat and mushrooms. “Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve hunted—the land here is so dissimilar to back home... I’m a bit surprised as well.” He glanced sideways at her before turning once more to his task. “It helps that there is more game here on the mountain than in the wastes.”

“Is that for me?” Hazen called across the fire from his bedroll. Lore had thought he was asleep. “Or wait, Pytheah, do you want that serving?”

Pytheah stood up from where she was rummaging around in her pack. “None for me, thanks. I think I’m going to head out, actually.”

Lore stopped chewing. Pytheah wasn’t rummaging around in her pack; she was packing it. Lore placed the makeshift plate down and stood up, wiping her hands on her dress. “So soon?”

“I did what we agreed to. Got you to the griffins safely. Now I’ve got to do what I set out to do: find that treasure.”

Lore nodded.

“Well—” Lore was cut off by Pytheah hoisting her into a fierce hug. Lore squeaked as the orc’s tree trunk–size arms squeezed the breath out of her.

Pytheah’s booming voice rumbled in her ear. “Goodbyes are most difficult when they are with a friend.” Lore squeezed her back, though her arms didn’t quite reach all the way around her torso.

“I hope...” Lore wheezed, “...this won’t be goodbye forever!” Lore patted her back, gasping for air. Pytheah, realizing she was crushing the human, dropped her. Lore pulled in a breath, shaking with laughter. “Maybe we will see you back at Svalja’s.”

Pytheah was laughing too. “If the gods will it. But I still have days before I reach my next hunting location. I think this will be the one. When I’m rich and famous, I’ll let you know of my success.”

“I wish you many successes. May you return to Joya triumphant, with more than three camels’ worth of gold!” said Lore.

Pytheah laughed before patting Finndryl on the shoulder; to his credit, he did not go flying into the mountainous wall but held his ground. Hazen squeezed Pytheah next.

Lore began to rummage through her purse; they hadn’t ever agreed upon a price, now that she thought of it. How many coins should she... But Pytheah placed an enormous hand on her ownand said gruffly, “Don’t you dare think of paying me for guiding you here. It was my pleasure to get to know a human; you will make a fine addition to my stories.”

“Are you sure? I can’t thank you enough for being our guide and—”

“I’m sure. We are friends now. It is the least I could do.”

“Well, friend. You will also be a great addition to my own stories. I can’t wait to tell everyone I met the fiercest Reddy of all.”

Pytheah’s olive-green cheeks pinked with pride. She grinned, her tusks flashing in the sunlight, before flinging her pack over her shoulder and starting back down the mountain.

Lore watched her retreating form. She would miss her stories.If the gods will it, Pytheah had said. She’d gotten them here safely... strangers she’d met in an inn—it did feel as though someone was looking out for Lore.

“I hope that isn’t the last time I see her,” Lore mused aloud.

“Oh, it won’t be,” Hazen said, munching on a mushroom. “I invited her to my coronation.”

Lore grinned. “You did? Wait, does that mean we are invited too?” Lore wouldn’t think about the fact that, one day, she might be isolated behind a wall. That was too depressing, and right now, she craved hope and happiness. And another piece of rock hare.

“Of course.”

“I can’t wait to see how she fares underwater,” said Finndryl with a smile.

Lore cackled. “All right—but imagine the treasure she could find with a Puallas Kiss!”

Hazen lightly bounced in place. “There aresomany shipwrecks that I can bring her to.”

“I hope she brings Joya,” Lore said as she began to clean up dinner. She would have to dispose of the bones well outside of camp, lest they tempt a monster of some sort.

Hazen took a pull of water. “Me too. They make a cute couple.”

Lore was about to agree when Finndryl cleared his throat.

“What is it, grumpy?” Lore asked, beaming at him.

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