We finished demorphing, and I answered as soon as I had proper vocal chords.
"Mom would be crushed if she knew about Alistair and the Yeerk. Just...no. We cannot tell her the truth. We also can't give away Leah's location, since Mom doesn't know about the tunnels, or the fact that most nights I should've been sleeping, I've been spelunking down there. Not gonna' happen."
Alistair nodded in agreement.
"Let's get this show on the road. Ais, do I look suitably upset?"
"You're perfect, brother. Go save our mother's sanity."
"Yes, SIR!"
Alistair gave a theatrical salute and headed for the patio door.
Once he was inside, I opened the cellar door and started down the stairs. I turned and looked up at Edward.
"If you stay here, I'll bring you some food. I'll give you enough to take some back to Leah. The canteen'll be empty by now."
I resumed my descent and dug into our basement pantry, where we kept snacks and where I hid all my extra gear for cave-exploration. I found a half-loaf of wheat bread, two granola bars and two apples, some potato chips and cheetos, and a roll of deer sausage, the kind that stays good even if you don't keep it cold. I grabbed them and four bottles of water, shoved them into a spare backpack, and climbed back up. On the way I snatched a flashlight off the nearest shelf.
I held the bag and the flashlight out to Edward.
"There's enough food for you and Leah for tonight and the morning. Don't turn on the light until you are well underground, or someone might see you. The bag is easy enough for a wolf to carry, I think, if you are careful about it. The nearest tunnel is this way."
I picked my way down the western slope of our back yard, counting my steps in the darkness as we passed into the woods. Thirty-five...forty...there! A springy pile of pine boughs marked the door. I pulled them up to reveal a man-sized hole in the ground.
"It's a six-foot drop, but there are ledges for toe-holds. Take it slow and follow your nose. Leah should be in the tunnel that smells like pine, smoke, and ashes. If you smell lavender or cinnamon, you are going the wrong way. Any questions? I gotta' run, so talk fast."