Dusk fell, and a crimson sun hung just above the forest canopy. The group trudged back, their clothes stained with dirt, but every face beamed with joy. Four baskets weighed heavily in their hands, packed with all sorts of things.
Upon reaching Ewan's house, Asher Ryder and Wyatt dropped the baskets onto the porch with a heavy thud, breathing a sigh of relief. Simon still had energy to spare; he dashed into the kitchen, downed a bellyful of water, and then brought some out for everyone else.
Ewan squatted down, pulling out each item to take inventory. Fifteen swiftlet nests, a chaotic mix of intact and broken ones. A bag of seaweed still dripping with seawater, and nearly thirty oysters the size of a hand. Over twenty spiral sea snails, and a rock crab huddled in the corner. There was also a bag of medicinal herbs and a few golden, ripe fruits.
Simon stared at the pile of goods, his eyes shining. "With all this, we could feast for a whole week."
