The hill was not so far away and she trod through the weeds, though there were few because the trees produced a good deal of shade.
“I must also show a strong sense of morality and discipline in front of my sisters and not be a poor influence, especially since these circumstances are unusual.”
“Thus, the rum,” he offered.
“Thus, the rum,” she confirmed.
Nine
Rhys paused for a moment and considered her words. Maybe Tempest was not so straightlaced and reserved as he had first decided. When one becomes responsible for children, they become a parent, guardian or teacher, even if they are not. Though Tempest could be considered a guardian, they were not in a situation, such as Hyde Park or a ball, where a traditional guardian was needed, but it was up to her to see that they were cared for.
He had always watched his language around misses but never his friends.
A person’s behavior does change depending on who else is present.
“There!” Tempest pointed. “Could that be a cave?”
They were nearing the hills, and had been on an incline, so it was possible.
The two slowed as they drew near, then stopped before it. The opening was not very wide and if they had not been specifically looking for a cave, it might have been missed.
“Shall we inspect it?” Tempest asked.
“I will go first.” He used his flint to light the torch then took a deep breath.
He hated caves because one never knew what could be found. This could be the home to a wild animal that did not like intruders, or a place where snakes escaped because it was cooler. Or where bats slept during the day.
He hated bats.
Rhys took a deep breath and held the torch ahead of him and hoped that if there was anything to disturb inside that it would react in warning so that he and Tempest could back away.
There were no sounds. Then again, snakes were not exactly loud.
“Are you afraid of the dark?” Tempest asked, humor laced in her tone.
“I have a fear of disturbing dangerous predators,” he responded.
“Oh, yes, I suppose that could be a concern.” With her words, Tempest moved back and away from him.
Had she not considered that the cave might not be empty?
Slowly he took one step into the entry, then another, and another until he was standing just inside, ready to retreat at the first sign of danger.
When nothing bit him or flew at him, he breathed out and then turned from one side to the other before he shifted the light to illuminate the ground, and then the ceilings, then carefully shed light behind rocks and into crevices until he’d inspected the whole of the cave.
Well, most of it. There was a tunnel that branched off, but he was not so concerned about that right now because this was enough space for Tempest and her sisters to hide in if the need arose.
“You can come in,” he called. “It is safe.”
Tempest stepped inside the cave with caution.
“I am not so certain,” Tempest said as she stood in the center and looked around. “Where does that go?” She pointed to where the cave branched off.
“I do not know.”
“We must know!” she insisted.
“If the girls do not go beyond this area, I do not believe there should be any concern.”
