“Take these crates,” I say. “It’s human stuff. I’ll return with more.”
“Return with the humans,” Shorek says.
Zoxsym elbows him. “You’re exhausted,” he says. “Rest first. You can’t squeeze through?”
“No.” Too tall and too wide, even holding my breath. Tsek. This is definitely a problem.
“At least sit for a moment and eat something before you rush back,” Zoxsym says. He shoves a water pouch and a hunk of dried meat at me.
He’s right, of course. I sink with my back against the wall. He sits next to me, while Shorek remains standing, staring off into the forest.
“Will they come?” Zoxsym asks. “The humans?”
“I think they will,” I say. “My mate was very convincing.”
“And if they refuse?” Shorek asks.
“Then I will carry her here. We will carry Trecol.”
“The humans that are helping him will follow,” Shorek says. “They are very determined for him to live.”
Zoxsym nods. “And more yet will follow them. They won’t stay behind if their medics come here.”
“Smart,” I say. “A smart plan. I should have thought of it, but you’re right, I am weary. But yes. We will return with Trecol on our next walk.” And I will bind Maysee with my tail and haul her over my shoulder if I must. Faith didn’t ask me if I wanted to cast a vote. Therefore, I nod to myself. I am not bound by the results.
I eye the crack in the wall. There is one problem left. No matter what my crew does, no matter what the humans decide. In this current state of mine, I can’t fit inside that cave.
I know how I got this way. But how the heck do I get back?
Tsek it all.