“Yeah, we’re in the boonies,” J.L. said. “We have some lamps inside the cave, so you’ll be able to see in there. Lousy phone reception though, so we usually come outside to make our reports.”
Gregori pivoted as he looked around. Behind him, an odd cone-shaped hill rose abruptly from the flat ground. In front of him, moonlight glittered on an expanse of dark water. “We’re next to a lake?”
“Actually, we’re in the middle of a lake,” J.L. explained. “This is an island. It’s a good defensive position.”
Gregori nodded. The Vamps could easily teleport across the lake, but any humans trying to reach them would have to cross by boat. “Where’s the cave?”
J.L. motioned to the cone-shaped hill. “Inside. Weird-looking thing, isn’t it?”
Abigail touched the brown rock that rose steeply from the ground. “This area is known for its strange rock formations.”
“You want to see something really strange, it’s over there.” J.L. pointed to the south edge of the lake.
Gregori narrowed his eyes. It was indeed strange. The moon gleamed off gray rocks that jutted out of the ground, a whole army of rocks, standing at attention.
Abigail sighed. “I can’t see that far.”
“It’s a whole field of rocky spikes,” Gregori told her.
“A stone forest, they call it.” J.L. pointed east. “There’s a bamboo forest that borders the lake over there. Beyond it and to the north, the land is mostly flat farmland, but dotted with more of the cone-shaped hills. The nearest village is about a mile that way. Rajiv and I have visited a few times, bought stuff at the market, and befriended the local healer.”
He gestured to the west. “Over that way, it’s more hilly. More jungle-like. Nearest village is about three miles. We haven’t been there yet.”
“I really appreciate all you’ve done to help me,” Abigail said.
J.L. smiled. “No problem. Come on, let me introduce you to the guys. And our humble home.”
He led them around a pile of boulders to a narrow entrance that was covered with a makeshift screen of bamboo. “We don’t want any locals to notice our lamps at night,” he said, pulling aside the screen.
Gregori ushered Abigail inside the small cave, lit by two kerosene lamps. J.L. entered and pulled the screen back in place.
Howard jumped to his feet and gave Gregori a big bear hug, then shook hands shyly with Abigail.
“Hello, Howard,” she said, smiling. “I remember your photo from the briefing. Thank you for helping me.”
Howard ducked his head and mumbled, “No problem.”
Gregori motioned to the young man with a long black braided ponytail, who was scrambling to his feet. “This is Rajiv.”
“Delighted to meet you. Please call me Abby.”
The were-tiger pressed his hands together and bowed. “It is an honor.” He straightened with a smile. “Tomorrow I cook hot pot. Just for you.”
“Thank you.” Abigail smiled back.
“Today I buy something in market just for you.” He scurried to the wall and returned with something wrapped in old newspaper. With another bow, he held it to her.
“Why, thank you. That’s so sweet.” Abigail gingerly peeled back a corner of the paper and winced.
“Chicken feet!” Rajiv announced proudly. “Very good in hot pot. I make for you tomorrow.”
“Oh. Thank you.” Abigail glanced at Gregori and grinned. “I can hardly wait.”
“We can’t cook at night,” Howard grumbled. “We would have to make a fire outside, and the locals might see it. But we still have food here, if you’re hungry. Would you like a donut?” He motioned to an area close to the entrance.
Gregori chuckled at the stack of donut boxes next to Howard’s sleeping bag. “Sheesh, bro. You can’t go a few days without your bear claws?”
With a grunt, Howard sat on his sleeping bag. “A man’s gotta eat.”
“He sniffed out a donut shop in Tokyo and insisted we teleport those here.” J.L. sighed with a resigned look. “Could be worse. You don’t want be around a bear going through sugar withdrawal.” He smiled at Abigail. “He might start growling.”
“I know what make Howard happy,” Rajiv said, grinning. “Nice lady panda bear!”
Howard snorted. “I eat pandas for breakfast.”
Gregori chuckled, then noticed the alarmed look on Abigail’s face. He leaned close. “He was kidding.”
The last member of the team rose to his feet in the back of the cave. Gregori had met Russell Hankelburg once before, just briefly before everyone was teleporting to the final battle with Casimir. The former Marine wore green army fatigues and still kept his dark hair short.