They slept past daybreak. Spence awoke to see Trey and Caleb already up and moving. Morgan was just starting to stir.

“Where are our packs?” Trey asked, kicking loose pillows around the room.

Caleb was likewise searching. “Looks like our host stole them.”

Spence sat up and was relieved to see his staff still beside him. The others had their weapons, too—only packs and pouches were missing. He stood but didn’t join the others in the search. Morgan rose too, awakened by the voices. “I’m sure she didn’t steal them,” Spence said.

The door opened before the others could respond, and Illexya stood in the doorway, silhouetted in the morning light. “Breakfast is ready. We are stocking your packs with good food and drink, not the scraps the Nephilim gave you. Please dress and follow me.”

The four dressed into armor and adventuring garb and trailed Illexya. She led them again across the plank and to the circular platform. The tables were loaded with breakfast foods: scrambled eggs from animals that probably weren’t chickens, something like hash brown casserole, meat resembling venison, some type of orange fruit, and pitchers of a liquid that was either ale or apple cider.

Other elves were eating, mostly female again, but fewer were present than the night before. The four piled their plates full and followed their host to a clear seating area. Despite the feast last night, they were still hungry this morning. Spence couldn’t officially recognize anything he ate, but it all tasted delicious. The elves definitely cooked better than the Nephilim. The liquid did taste like a thick apple cider. He didn’t think it contained alcohol, but he couldn’t be sure. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel hung over from the night before. He actually felt better than he had since entering Nibiru. His legs, feet, and shoulders were barely sore, which was surprising considering the long climb up the tree. He was getting accustomed to the walking, carrying the pack, and the battles. It felt like he had been in the Forbidden Forest for a week instead of only two days.

They didn’t speak much during the meal. When they finished, four elves approached and handed them their bags, stuffed full of supplies. “You will have plenty of food to last you until you reach the dwarves. You should be going, though, to take advantage of the daylight. You should reach the Desolate Peaks by dusk tomorrow, assuming you…make good speed. Spence, we managed to clean the web off your cloak, and we gave both you and Caleb new tarps.”

Spence knew what Illexya had almost let slip—assuming the next monster didn’t eat them. The four stood and situated the packs onto their backs and belts. They had brought their weapons with them from Illexya’s hut.

“Morgan, here are more arrows. You will find ours much more exquisitely crafted than the crude sticks of the Nephilim.” Illexya handed her a handful of black, shiny arrows.

“Thank you, Illexya,” Morgan said, and she placed the arrows in her quiver. “Would there be a place around here where we could bathe? It’s been close a week since any of us have showered, and I think we’re all a little ripe.”

“Ah, forgive me. My people do not worry about such things. A few miles from here, a small stream will cross the trail. Follow it north, and you will find a large pool of water that should be suitable.”

“Is there a shortcut down?” Trey asked.

“Oh, there are many, depending on how brave you are. Follow me.”

They followed Illexya off the back of the platform and across another long plank. It ended at a smaller square platform. A rope tied to a thick limb overhead stretched down at a forty-five-degree angle until it disappeared between the limbs and wooden structures. The section of the railing was missing beneath the rope. On a rail on the far side of the platform hung at least a dozen thick sticks, polished slick and bent like boomerangs. Illexya lifted one of them off the rail and handed it to Trey. “Place this over the rope and hold tight.”

Trey carefully examined the piece of wood. He glanced up at the rope and then peered down its length. He then turned to Illexya. “I’ll be going one hundred miles per hour by the time I smash into the ground.”

Illexya gave an ever-so-slight smile. “I am not sure how fast that is, but you will not die unless you let go too soon. We elves do not mind climbing, but sometimes we take the easy way down. You will also be heading in the correct direction. I would have Seker lead you out, but you will be safe until you leave the woods. Simply follow the trail west. Good luck, questers.”

Caleb grabbed one of the pieces of wood and tested it by trying to break it in his hands. He shrugged after a moment. “I’ll go first.” He placed the piece of the wood over the rope and grabbed it tightly with both hands. “You only live once.” He lifted his legs and began sliding. At first, he moved slowly, but his speed increased once he cleared the platform. He let out a whoop and shot downward like riding a zip line.

“Well, I’m going next. If Caleb splats at the bottom, at least he’ll break my fall.” Trey followed Caleb’s lead and was soon rushing down the line. He, too, bellowed loudly. Various elves paused to watch from the platforms and limbs he passed.

“This whole adventure is like Disneyland in hell for fat geeks,” Spence said to Morgan.

Morgan laughed. She reached out and rubbed his head. “You’ve graduated from being a fat geek. You’re doing just fine, Spence.”

It felt like the hairs on his head stood beneath her soft touch. “I think you’re coming along well too, sis.” He tried to rub her head, but she pulled away.

“But you’re still last!” She placed her handle over the rope and screamed, “YOLO!” as she plunged over the side.

Spence didn’t want to zip line hundreds of feet to the ground, which wasn’t even visible. But he also didn’t want to walk back down the ramps and climb down the rope ladder. He ensured his staff was secure under the straps on his pack and then cautiously placed one side of a wooden handle over the rope. He wiped his free hand on his pants, grasped the handle with it, and then wiped the other hand. He grabbed the other end tightly and slowly raised his legs.

The handle slid slowly at first, at a speed Spence could tolerate. Then once he cleared the edge of the platform, the rope dipped. He felt like he was traveling as fast as riding the Tower of Doom. Tree limbs, leaves, platforms, and huts zoomed past. The rope bounced up and down occasionally, threatening to loosen his grip. He screamed, but not the fun scream of the others; he screamed because he was going to die.

He tried closing his eyes, but not knowing what was coming was even worse than seeing it. He opened them again and just prayed for it to be over. He could barely make out the blurs of elf faces staring at him from the platforms and limbs he rushed past. Eventually, he cleared the last tree limbs and could see the ground below. He screamed again as it rushed up to meet him. Then, when his legs were a few feet from impact, the rope angled up and significantly reduced his speed and leveled his descent. He saw the rope tied to a tree limb straight ahead. The others stood in front of him.

“Drop and run,” Caleb yelled.

Spence didn’t like the idea, but the thought of rising farther away from the ground was worse. He reluctantly let go of the handle and dropped to the ground. The drop was only two feet, and his speed was manageable. He hit the ground and ran to match the speed of his slide. He slowed and stopped just as he reached the others.

“Nice landing!” Morgan said, rubbing his head again.

“Never thought I’d see it,” Trey said.

“See what?” Spence asked.

“Flying nerds.”

Spence’s euphoria and exhilaration from both the ride and surviving it began to wane. Had the old Trey returned? He glared at him.

Trey suddenly smiled and playfully slapped his arm. “Just kidding, bud. You did good.”

Spence sighed in relief and then smiled. “You’re a flying turd,” he said and laughed.

Trey stared at him for a moment and began to reply. Then he smiled, followed by shaking his head and laughing. Soon Morgan followed. Even Caleb chuckled and shook his head. They had been under so much stress for the past few days and would be soon again. It just felt good to enjoy some lighthearted fun. It felt good to be teenagers again, even if only for a few minutes.