Beth deflated somewhat. “But… that’s how my dad puts out campfires.”
“Your dad is a highly trained, experienced wildland firefighter.” Buck shoved another stick into the hungry flames. “Also, he’s not here. Fire’s spreading, kids. Better think fast.”
By now, the fire was starting to reach the limits of the space Buck had cleared for it. A branch cracked, shooting embers into the air. A couple of the kids flinched back.
“Honey?” Flora said, turning to her. “Can you give us a clue?”
Honey shook her head, privately fascinated to find out where Buck was going with this. “This is Buck’s lesson, not mine. I’m as much in the dark as you, I’m afraid.”
“Don’t worry, guys,” Estelle said, though her words were more confident than her expression. “Buck’s just messing with us. He wouldn’tactuallylet that fire get out of hand.”
Buck’s deadpan expression gave nothing away. He added more fuel, flames licking higher. The kids exchanged wide-eyed looks, bafflement starting to border on panic.
“Maybe weshoulduse Flora’s butt?” Archie said, and this time he didn’t sound like he was joking. “I mean, this is shifter camp, right? So maybe we’re supposed to use our shift forms somehow.”
“How about we useyourbutt,” Flora snapped. She folded her arms. “I’m not sitting on that.”
“I don’t see how my pegasus could help,” Beth said. “Or Rufus’s griffin.”
“How about you, Ignatius?” Finley turned to the other boy. “You’re a dragon, after all. Your scales are fireproof, right? Maybe you could put it out by rolling on it.”
“I am the heir to the entire Golden clan,” Ignatius said, every syllable sharp enough to cut. “And you want me toroll aroundin thedirt?”
“I’d rather you rolled off the cliff, actually,” Estelle muttered.
“Well, my shift form won’t help,” Finley said hurriedly, as Ignatius glared daggers at Estelle. “Claire? Would your animal be any use?”
Claire shook her head, retreating further from the snapping flames. Rufus looked from her to Buck, his eyes narrowing.
Finley nodded. “Rufus says Buck wouldn’t set us a challenge that involves shifting. And I agree. It’s a trick question, somehow. Maybe we’re supposed to ignore the fire itself, and just concentrate on making sure it doesn’t spread.”
“You mean, ring it with a firebreak?” Beth dug the toe of her shoe into the tough grass. “But we’d have to clear the ground down to the soil, and we haven’t got any tools.”
“This is stupid.” Estelle clenched her fists, glaring at the fire in frustration. “How are we supposed to put out a fire with nothing but our bare hands?”
“You’re all idiots,” Ignatius said. “Why would you even try?”
“Good,” Buck said unexpectedly, making them all start. “Ignatius is right.”
Nobody looked more surprised by this than Ignatius himself. “I am?”
“First sensible thing anyone’s said so far.” Buck sat back on his heels. “You’re kids, not a hotshot crew. Even if you have some knowledge—looking at you, Beth—you don’t have the training, experience, or gear to tackle a fire safely. So, Ignatius. It’s your moment of glory. What are you going to do?”
Ignatius hunched his shoulders in a surly shrug. “Nothing.”
“Right answer again. Why?”
“Because…” For once, Ignatius had lost that defensive sneer. Now he looked like he was edging out onto ice, expecting to hear acrackat any moment. “Becauseyou’rethe grown-up. You’re supposed to know this stuff. If the fire gets out of control, it’s your job to put it out.”
“Correct.” Buck tipped his head back, gazing at the sky with serene unconcern. “Unfortunately, I’m currently distracted, thinking about all the places I’d rather be right now. It’s an extensive list. Could keep me occupied for some time. So now what are you going to do?”
Ignatius rolled his eyes. He raised his voice in a sarcastic yell: “Buck, the fire’s spreading!”
Buck did an elaborate, over-the-top double take. Picking up his shovel, he stood. With brisk, calm movements, he knocked the burning sticks apart. He dumped dirt on them, then stirred the pile with the blade of the shovel until all that remained of the fire was fading wisps of smoke.
“There.” Buck drove the shovel into the ground, dusting off his hands. “A campfire gets out of control, you motherlovers scream for help and get the hell away as fast as your feet, paws, wings, or fins will take you. I’ll tell you the same thing I’ve told every rookie I’ve ever trained. Do not screw around with fire, because fire will absolutely not screw around with you. Here ends the first lesson. Now go find some dry twigs. I’ll show you how to use a firesteel.”
Looking rather more solemn than they had previously, the campers scattered. Ignatius, however, lingered a moment.
