Green Fox Chapter 4

“I saw her, right there!” Eva said, pointing down the path. The dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy painted a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. Raindrops, remnants of the night’s downpour, glistened on leaves, creating a world that shimmered in the early morning glow. The forest, usually alive with the chirping of birds and rustling of creatures, was unusually silent, as if nature itself was catching its breath after the storm.

Eva, her eyes scanning the underbrush, almost missed the puddle in her path. She was certain she’d seen the fox, Wulka. The way the ferns had rustled, those piercing green eyes peeking out. It had to be her. But as her foot splashed into the water, she twirled gracefully, spinning through the air, landing safely on the other side. Elise, watching Eva’s nimble recovery, couldn’t help but smile. The Marsh Elf moved with a fluidity that Elise had never possessed, even in her youth. Her way was slow and steady, each foot placed with care, lest it slip out from under her. “The forest is her home. Where else would she be?” Elise leaned heavily on her stick as she navigated the muddy path. “She’s keeping watch over you. Making sure you don’t get lost again.” Eva skipped in front of Elise, matching her pace as she peered up at the elderly woman. “Should I ask if she wants to join us? I could wait for her to catch up.” “There’s no fox. You’re just imagining it,” Cosi said, exhausted after the long night and lacking patience. He yearned to be home in bed, not trudging to Fowler. Despite the warm start to the day, he felt cold to the bone and wished he’d put on his heavy coat, rather than the thin one he had on. No matter how much he rubbed his arms, he couldn’t get rid of the numbness in them. It felt as if his skin had hardened around him, muffling the world. “Watch for wolves instead. They might still want to eat you.”

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