David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb T.C. Crawford (easy to read books for adults list .txt) 📖

Captain Ryan, Erin, and the rest of the rebel forces had been working all day to move the camp away from their compromised position and deeper into the forest towards the base of the Mystic Mountain. They found a clearing near the base of a high cliff that was formed when a portion of the mountain had slid away in a rock slide many years ago. The fallen debris was now covered in thick vegetation and towering trees like the rest of the forest, providing ample covering from the sun while still giving them the advantage of the high ground in the event of another attack.

Once they had decided on this location, they helped the rest of the survivors unpack and began the long preparations for setting up camp. It took them the remainder of the afternoon and they finished just as the sky began to darken and give way to the coming night. As the cooks began preparing the meals, the soldiers were starting to prepare defensive barriers around the encampment.

They collected as many branches as they could find in the surrounding area and started to sharpen the tips to make long spears. They then stuck them in the ground pointing out towards the surrounding forest to create an impenetrable barrier around their encampment. Around midnight the entire camp was surrounded with these wooden spears, leaving only one opening near the edge of the cliff to provide a way in and out. They had been working all night under torchlight to ensure they were more prepared than they had been last time – they were not going to be caught off guard again.

Having finally finished the defensive preparations, Captain Ryan ordered a group of soldiers to take the first watch while the rest of the men were told to retire for the night.

Erin was happy to be able to finally get some rest after the long day of hiking through the woods, followed by the rushed setup of their new encampment. Captain Ryan had insisted her tent be next to his again, stating that in the event there was another attack he wanted to be sure she was around to save his neck. She smiled at his kind gesture, but she knew it was so he could keep a close eye on her like he always had done. She wasn’t sure why he had always been so protective of her. She just assumed it was because of his caring nature and his friendship with Tyrius.

With the thought of Tyrius, her heart sank to her stomach. She missed him dearly and worried for his safety. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was even still alive. Each day he spent in those dungeons, his chances for survival diminished greatly. No one lasted long in those pits of despair – whether it was the malnourishment or the loss of hope, or a combination of both, long-term captives always died before they could carry out their full sentences. With worry for her friend on her mind, Erin tossed and turned for what felt like an eternity before sleep finally overwhelmed her.

✽✽✽

The sound of birds singing in a nearby tree woke Erin gently from her sleep. For a moment, she thought the past week had all been a dream, but then she realized where she was and that hope vanished just as quickly. As she came to her senses, she heard Captain Ryan’s voice outside her tent. He was talking to someone, but it was loud enough that she could overhear the conversation.

“She’s still sleeping; we had a late-night yesterday setting up the defenses around the encampment. She’s been through so much lately.” She heard him say.

“Understood. I will wait until she’s up before letting her know I have arrived.” replied an all too familiar voice.

Erin quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes and jumped up from her bedroll before flinging open the tent flap. The light from the morning sun was shining brilliantly through the canopy in beautiful scattered beams and the smell of roasted game drifted through the camp, but despite her almost nauseating hunger, she was more focused on the voice she had just heard. She saw Captain Ryan walking away with two elderly men, one of who’s silhouette Erin could recognize anywhere.

“Tyrius! Thank the heavens, is that really you?” cried Erin, chasing after the men.

Tyrius stopped and turned around, smiling the most heartfelt smile he could muster without breaking down into a full sob. He threw his arms open and Erin ran to him, embracing her dear friend and teacher. Her face soaked in an endless stream of tears.

“Oh, Tyrius. I’ve missed you so much! I heard you had been captured and I was so afraid for you! I was coming to rescue you, but I was captured before I could make it to the capital.” she cried between her chest shaking sobs.

“My dear child, I know, I know. I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you through. But don’t worry, you’re safe now. I won’t let them get you again. I promise!” he held her out at arms-length to take her sight in again before pulling her back into a giant hug.

Despite all of the danger that they now faced; Erin felt safe in Tyrius’ arms. He had always been there for her, and it had been a difficult journey without his guidance, not to mention her constant worry for his safety.

“Tell me, Tyrius. What happened when you went to see the King? I had heard you were captured, along with the King, and were being held in the palace dungeons.” Erin asked, wondering how they were now free.

Tyrius thought for a moment about how he would begin his tale, rubbing his fingers through his beard. After a while, he seemed to have decided, and began recounting his steps.

“After I left the Forgotten Temple, I headed straight to the Royal Palace to warn the King of the missing orb. When I arrived, I went to the King’s