Chapter 7

DaRand I had taken a leisurely walk through the area and we're just returning to the camp when SoL comes around the bend with a frown on his usually smiling face. "What's the matter, honey?"

"I broke my pole." That's when I see the two pieces in his hand. "I was coming back here to try and fix it, but the more I mess with it, the worse it's getting. I was really enjoying this sport, but if it looks like I decide to pursue this further, I will need a much larger pole."

"Stop talking about wanting a larger pole in front of my Kira." DaR says this jokingly, but instantly poor SoL is embarrassed to the point his large cheeks actually flush.

"DaR, stop it. Let me look at your pole, SoL." I give DaR a dirty look, and he turns his head, smiling as I know he was going to comment on that as well. SoL holds it out for me to look at. "Honey, this thing is only good for the garbage can. I don't know if Tyberius brought any more with him or not. DaR, where did you leave your pole?"

"I handed it to Tordan since he had his original one in a million pieces. Darkness is coming and the air temperatures will start to deteriorate. We need to get some type of heat into the area before darkness arrives."

"We are going to build a fire later, but we need to make a secured area to hold it, we are too close to the forest to simply place it anywhere."

"What do you require, Kira? I am available to assist. MyAlana was having such a good time I told her to stay with the others."

"We need firewood and a fire ring."

Ican see DaR's mind working as he looks around the clearing. "SoL, I will start assembling the fire ring. I believe I saw some small stones near the lake shore."

"Ok then, SoL, how about me and you go gather up some firewood?"

"I would be delighted to help."

"SoL, don't let her out of your sight," DaR growls out and I roll my eyes.

"Come on, SoL, let's go before he wraps me in bubble wrap."

SoLis about as stealthy as a herd of elephants stomping along beside me as we walk further into the woods near the camp. "What type of wood do we require for the fire you want built?"

"Anything dead will be fine, but not rotted, though." He heads off slightly to my right when I bend down to pick up a few sticks. WhenI turn back, I find him walking towards me with a whole damn tree in his arms.

Ihave to bite my lip to keep from laughing, but I know how sensitive he is, so I have to watch my words. "Sweetie, that is probably too big. The wood needs to be able to fit inside the fire ring."

Helifts the whole tree up only to break it in half with his knee. "Is this better?"

Whatdo you say to that? He just looks so hopeful. "That will work, but maybe the next few pieces you get can be smaller. It takes quite a bit of small stuff to get a fire large enough to handle a whole tree."

Lord, if I didn't put that boy on a mission. He made two trips for every one of mine, but at least he listened and brought wood of every size from that point on. By the time I stopped him, we could have had a fire for days. I think he cleared the entire underbrush of the nearby forest of any dead debris.

Alana'seyes get big for a second when she sees the pile of wood he has gathered up. "MyAlana, will this be efficient, or should I gather more?"

Shesmiles lovingly at the big softy. "As usual, SoL, you are an overachiever. I think you have worked hard enough today, why don't you come over here and lounge with me until it's time to start the fire. I believe SAGE is going to bring stuff for us to fix s'mores, but is still refusing to bring hot dogs. Once everyone gets back, I think we are going to introduce you all to a few card games."