Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Early the next morning, Elysia was up before sunrise.

After chatting with the innkeeper, she rolled up her sleeves and made scrambled

eggs and pancakes for the kids, along with some simple sides-crispy bacon,

hashbrowns, and a bowl of fresh fruit.

She knew everyone had different tastes, and the kids hadn't really eaten much the

night before the local food just wasn't what they were used to. Today was the

first day they'd be heading into the mountains, and from here on out, it was going

to be picnic meals and campfire food for a while. Elysia wanted to make sure her

family got a good breakfast in them while they could.

The innkeeper and his wife were true Darkfort City locals, blunt and friendly. They

went on and on about how adorable the kids were, then started complimenting

Elysia, and even threw in some praise for Tarquin.

"I swear, your whole family looks like you stepped out of a magazine!" the

innkeeper's wife said. "We've had so many families stay here over the years, but

none as good-looking as yours!"

After all the flattery, she turned serious for a moment, giving them some advice:

"When you head up the mountain, follow the marked trail. Stick to the signs-

don't wander off on the smaller paths, it's easy to get lost out there. And if you see

a sign telling you not to go somewhere, don't ignore it. Most of these mountains

are just untouched wilderness-real wild, not part of any park. Nobody goes in

there. It's dangerous."

She lowered her voice. "Just last week, they carried out a few bodies. Some folks

went off-trail, adventurers or something. They got attacked by wild animals-one

had his head bashed in, another was half-eaten. Whatever did it, it wasn't human.

There's all kinds of dangerous creatures out there, not just bears or wolves. Some

say there's things in those woods that nobody's ever seen."

"Don't go exploring just because you're curious," she added. "It's not worth it."

nodded, genuinely grateful

years living in the mountains, but she wasn't

for the kids. She finished up breakfast and went

told Tarquin about the deaths in

of wildlife photographers snuck into the

The coroner found animal DNA in

to do with

a sigh. She felt bad for them. She didn't mind going

she'd never recommend it to people who

doing. The wild

I hadn't lived out here for years, and if it weren't for

an adventure," she said. "There's so many fun

have to choose the

risking your life."

worries," Tarquin said, giving her a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine. I've

years and never seen anything like 'wild men.'

our guard up."

the seven of them set out-just family, no bodyguards,

entourage.

was along a

practically bouncing with excitement. The wilderness

especially, who'd grown up at the foot of these mountains and

every rock and tree.

was more used to being pampered by Keith

stamina. After a little while, she started to lag behind,

struggling to keep up.

just scooped her up and

a bull and twice

and there,

restricted area by afternoon.

"Evan, are you sure

"It's the safest route. And there's a perfect spot to set

little ways

We want the

Evan leading the way, they slipped past the sign and into the

The air was cooler and seemed to hum

heart pounded, but years of mountain living

same, a

and nervous, not letting go for a

hour,

with

for

at night could be

hungry animals

The tents were

comfort-they were

shot at staying safe.