The guide's expression remained steady. "That's usually not the case, but it's better to stay hungry than risk your lives. The pilgrimage is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. Sometimes Elu tests us in unexpected ways."
More grumbling followed, but none contested the lead's decision. They might not be happy about it, but they accepted it as part of their trial.
"Now for some more good news," the guide continued. "This cave has its own source of fresh water, so you can refill your canteens and also wash up. We'll organize groups to go in shifts—men and women separately to allow for privacy."
The announcement was met with enthusiastic murmurs and even some clapping, but Codric's expression remained grim as he held his hands out to warm them next to the fire. "What do you think? Can we heat some water over the fire and pretend it's soup?"
I chuckled, and as I did, I realized that my head felt clearer and that it had been that way since the trail collapse earlier inthe day. The crushing pressure that had made every breath a struggle seemed to have eased.
Was it thanks to the medication Lysara had given me? Or perhaps I had just grown accustomed to the altitude. It was also possible that the adrenaline rush had contributed to it. Another option was the cold. It probably condensed the air, making it easier to breathe.
"You're looking better," Kailin observed from across the fire.
"I think I'm finally adapting." I took a deep breath to test it. "Either that or nearly freezing to death shocked my body into submission."
"Ladies," Lysara said, walking toward us. "Our group is next in line. Gentlemen, be ready to head out when we return."
Shovia rose to her feet and pulled her backpack over her shoulders, leaving the sleeping bag and coveralls to dry next to the fire. "I can't wait to get clean."
As Kailin gathered her things and left with her friend, Codric groaned. "I can't wait to wash my feet. They probably smell worse than a dead mountain goat by now."
"It's not just your feet, cousin," I teased.
"I bet you both stink," Morek said. "But I can't smell you because of my own stench."
When he looked up and his face reddened, I turned to look at what or rather who was the cause of his sudden embarrassment. As I suspected, it was a beautiful girl with long hair and high cheekbones, and when she smiled at Morek, he practically swallowed his tongue.
"That was incredible what you did earlier," she said with a husky voice. "Your quick reflexes and strength were truly remarkable. I can't believe you managed to catch them. I was certain they were going to die." She didn't even realize that one of the people she was talking about was sitting right next to Morek.
The guy's face flushed a deeper shade of red. "I… uh… thanks. It was… I just reacted, you know?"
She twirled a long strand of honey-colored hair around her finger. "Don't be bashful, Morek. You're a hero."
I watched with amusement as Morek stumbled through a response, all his usual confidence and swagger nowhere to be seen.
"Um, would you like to sit down?" he offered.
"Maybe later." She turned to look over her shoulder. "I'm waiting for the girls in my group to get a turn at the pool. I can't wait to clean up."
Somehow, she'd managed to look pretty clean to me. Compared to her, our entire group was filthy.
The two kept talking until Kailin, Shovia, and the other girls of our group returned, looking clean and refreshed but still exhausted.
It had been a hard day for all of us.
"The water's freezing," Shovia announced, dropping down beside Codric. "We just did a quick scrub down with washcloths, but even just that felt amazing."
"Brushing my teeth was the best part," Kailin added, settling cross-legged near the fire. "I was tempted to eat the toothpaste."
Shovia laughed. "That would have been sacrilegious, Kailin. Breaking the fast with minty fresh rebellion."
Codric reached into his pocket and pulled out one of the leaves Lysara had given him earlier, and before I could stop him, he popped it in his mouth.
"Don't," I started to say, but it was too late. "Why did you do that?"
"I need to chew on something."
"Men's group," Lysara called out. "It's your turn."
