Outcasts of Velrune by Isaac Crowe Read Free Book Online Page A

familiar, dry, voice Mr. Pennas used in his classes.
    “That would be the river Clanrye. The Clanrye starts as a spring in the mountains to the far northeast. Several springs empty into it as it winds down the mountains and across the plains. It then flows over the cliffs and into the dead lands, sustaining the camps below. We will be crossing it shortly before the dropoff as the trail down lies on the other side.”
    Max rolled his eyes. “You really do plan on stuffing me with as much information as possible on this trip, don’t you?”
    Mr. Penna laughed. “There is always something to be learned, Maxwell.”
    The four soon reached the edge of the river. Tyco scanned the bank.
    “There should be a ferry somewhere near here that we can use to cross.”
    Eve stared nervously at the rushing water and moaned. “A ferry? I was sure I remembered crossing over on a bridge.”
    Tyco looked back at Eve. “You most likely crossed at Hedgewood. Unfortunately, that is almost a four day ride to the east.” A grin formed on his face. “We’ll understand if you’re too frightened to cross and continue with us.”
    Eve’s eyes stayed fixed on the river as it cascaded down the steep slopes not far to their left. She gave a slight quiver. She really didn’t like Tyco.
    “No, I’m going.”
    Max twisted around on the horse.
    “When did you cross the river, Eve?”
    Eve’s voice was distant. “Back when Mr. and Mrs. Tassi brought me to Swiftwater.”
    The grin left Tyco’s face and he started riding towards the east. “Let’s head up the river a bit. The crossing shouldn’t be far.”
    Max tried to question Eve further, but he could not draw her attention. Before long, they came to a dock with a large winch. On the far side of the river, Max spotted the ferry. Tyco nodded towards it.
    “There it is on the other side. We’ll have to pull it back using the winch.”
    Tyco dismounted Teak, walked over to the winch and began to turn the attached wheel. Everyone else, except Eve, got off of the horses. She turned to Mr. Penna.
    “Um, just how wide is the river?”
    Mr. Penna answered without hesitation. “Three hundred and twenty feet; give or take a few feet.”
    “A-and how deep?”
    “Twenty-five feet in the center.”
    Tyco looked up from the winch, that unpleasant grin back.
    “Sure you want to go with us Eve? If you’re not careful you might end up going for a swim. Well, I guess lacarnians don’t swim, do they?”
    Mr. Penna turned to Eve.
    “Don’t worry, Evangeline, a properly weighted ferry is very safe. You will be fine.”
    Max reached out and helped Eve off of Starlight. “Yeah Eve, don’t worry. I personally have no intention of going for a swim, so I won’t let you either.”
    Eve slid off the horse. She wondered if Tyco came this way on purpose just to try and make her turn back. She shivered again as the small ferry reached the dock.
    “That looks awfully small for all of us and the horses to fit on.”
    Tyco inspected the ferry. “Well, it was built to only carry two riders and their horses. We’ll need to make two trips. Mr. Penna and I will take Teak and the mare. The ferry is made so you can pull it along the ropes strung over the river. Once we are across, Max, you will have to use the winch to bring it back. When you and Starlight are on, Mr. Penna and I will use the winch on the other side to pull you over.”
    Eve crossed her arms “And me.”
    “We’ll see.” Tyco grabbed Teak’s reins and led him onto the ferry.
    Mr. Penna sighed. “You will be fine, Evangeline.” He led the mare on to the ferry and together he and Tyco began to pull it across the river.
    Max watched them cross. “It sure is a lot bigger than the Swiftwater River at home, and a good bit deeper too.”
    Eve’s voice cracked. “Yep.”
    Max grimaced. That was a stupid thing to say.
    Eve stood trembling, her tail tight in her hands. Max gently took hold of her arm. “You’ve worked hard on your swimming.