The Raven and the Witch Hunter Omnibus

BIG BEAR CHAPTER 7-3

AFTER DISCUSSING THE details of the trail over a much earlier breakfast than they’d enjoyed the previous day, they had a taxi take them to the trailhead again. Johnstone Canyon trail was one of the most popular hikes in the area and easy for tourists without any hiking experience, which meant it remained open and relatively busy year-round. The pictures Vanessa had seen online would have convinced her to make the hike even if she’d no reason to believe it would lead them to their goal. However, in this case, the online write-ups had also boasted of pools of water that never froze, which she very clearly remembered Evelyn saying would be where their quest ended. Not only was the trail going to be scenic, it seemed to fit the bill as door number one for the location of the talisman.

As Vanessa exited the taxi and looked up the trailhead, which looped between majestic pines, she closed her eyes and sent out a quick prayer. Had she really spoken with Robin last night? If so, she wished she could remember the specifics of what he'd said. Looking at Emma Jane standing beside her, listening to the sounds of nature with her eyes closed and sunglasses off, Vanessa knew she’d do whatever it took to reach their goal.

They headed up the trail single file, even though it was wide enough to walk beside each other in some places. In the snowier areas, they'd be forced to either move to single file or risk touching so to keep it easy, Vanessa went first. She instantly loved everything she saw around her. The sun, the cold air, and the sounds of birds chirping high in the pines filled her with joy. The smell of the air was so invigorating she felt as though she'd never need any other kind of sustenance. They passed a waterfall that emptied into a slowly trickling stream, leaving an intricate ice sheet along the canyon wall. They continued higher and every step they took lead to more breathtaking views.

Vanessa was seriously wondering if she could somehow move to Canada. Maybe when they found the talisman, they could get married and move to Banff. Emma Jane was Canadian, after all. By the time they passed the second waterfall, Vanessa was all warmed up and beginning to sweat. "I'm going to take off a layer. How are you doing?"

Vanessa glanced over her shoulder at Emma Jane, who'd been quietly soldiering along behind her. She didn't have the same look of joy Vanessa was sure was plastered on her own face, but she seemed at peace with hiking, which made Vanessa happy.

"I'm good, thanks. I think the ink pots are about twenty minutes ahead. Are you okay to keep going?"

"Of course," replied Vanessa, as she practically sang the words.

She was dying to see them, with or without the quest. When she'd read about them she hadn't understood why they were called the ink pots from merely looking at the pictures. It had appeared to be a mineral spring area in a meadow, picturesque with the mountains rising around them, but not exactly looking like a place where ink would come from. As she’d read more however, she'd discovered the name was due to the different colors of the water in the ponds, and she'd been intrigued to see them in person.

"This is the most fun I've had in forever. I'd love to go hiking every week with you. Hey, when we get back, do you want to go hiking with me? I used to go all the time with Mai and Jake in San Francisco, but Cat would rather go for a run, which isn’t my thing, so I haven’t had a chance lately.”

Vanessa was sure she sounded manic, but she didn't care. It was a perfect day. Or at least it was until a low rumbling sound penetrated her happiness. "Umm, what was that?"

Vanessa turned around as Emma Jane’s face drained of color, becoming deathly pale. There, about one hundred feet above them on the trail, was a large, brown bear.