29
Lakeside
The lake water looked crisp and clean.
It was so clear Julian could see clearly all the way down to the bottom, even far out from the shoreline. But unlike other such pools he had seen in the real world, in this place there was not even a hint of vegetation, fish, or other life to be seen.
The bare dirt ran right up to the water's edge, becoming mud that sucked on the soles of Julian's boots and made squishing sounds as he approached. Despite that annoyance, the lake beckoned, promising an end to thirst and a reprieve from worry.
Which was why he suddenly found himself very worried, indeed.
Julian came to a halt a pace from the water, and reached out his left hand to stop Tolburt from advancing as well.
Tolburt stopped without resistance, but he turned to regard Julian
