Chapter 23

Bartz felt pleased. He may not have done things perfectly, but he had gotten the job done. They had their first encounter with danger and survived, managing to do so with minimal bloodshed, which had to be a good thing. Sure, they fought. Sure, he probably could have done a few things differently, but he had given each of them something to think about. Maybe they would never all accept each other, but Bartz knew that progress was being made. Hopefully, it was enough to boost their chances of saving Opal.

They pressed forward on the overgrown dirt track until night began to fall.

“We dare not risk traveling at dark,” Bartz said, looking for a place to camp. “We have made good progress for one day.”

Falca landed on his shoulder. “Define good progress.”

Bartz looked her in the beak. “We’ve survived our first battle with no injuries and we have journeyed into lands few have traveled these days. I’d say that is good progress.”

Falca grinned. “Okay. I’ll give