Books 4-5: A High Fantasy Novel by D. E. Chapman

Author:D. E. Chapman [Chapman, D. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-26T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

By the time Malik and I make it to the training grounds, all the Elites, including Abel, Elaine, and Chrome are gathered. A handful of capalts are saddled and weapons are loaded.

I nod to Chrome as we pass, unable to draw up a smile. I stop beside Elaine who reaches out to squeeze my arm. Carefully shaking free of her grip, I reach down and grab her hand, holding tight. Malik addresses our group, voice low so eavesdroppers can’t hear, but loud enough to travel to those awaiting orders.

“Chrome, Abel, Elaine, can the three of you hold Craforian until we return? Or do you need an Elite or two?”

“Is Mikhail good to stay? He’ll be a good choice for defense in the event of an attack,” Abel says in his ever calm voice, that manages to soothe the anxiety bubbling under my skin.

“Mikhail?” Malik leaves the choice to him, which surprises me. Mikhail eyes match the color of the burning sun as he turns our way.

How would Elestal be a good defense? It’s more of an offensive affinity, right?

“I’m agreeable.” The soft-spoken blonde grabs the beast nearest him and moves to the side, unsaddling the capalt before rejoining the group.

“Anything further?” A chorus of no’s answer Malik’s question. “Good. Let’s move out.” The Elites mount up as Malik turns to Abel. “Keep this under wrap, Abel. Let’s not give our traitor time to strike.”

Abel grips Malik’s shoulder. “That goes without saying, brother. In fact, all the trainees have accidently found themselves locked in their dorms.” A rare smirk graces Abel’s mouth and I stifle a laugh. That should definitely keep prying eyes off our departure.

“Good.” Even though the situation is dire, humor laces Malik’s word.

Elaine and I share a knowing look, both of us with wide smiles. After a quick but tight hug, I say goodbye to Elaine, nerves at all the unknowns bubbling up in my stomach. I climb up and mount Ivora with Malik doing the same with his beast. He waves his arm in the air, signaling our cue to take off. As one, we fly beyond the walls, thoughts of Erik in my head.

We fly low, trying to remain hidden amongst the canopy.

A few hours later, we start our descent before a large, dense gathering of trees. The beast’s paws crunch in the fresh snow as they land. The bitter cold seeps beneath the furs that line my upper body. The sun is just beginning to rise, the glare reflecting off the snow, making it hard to see beyond the glare. From what I can tell, there’s a pathway through the forest just ahead, where the glare of the sun is streaming from. Trees line the path, mostly bare of leaves, branches forming a bridge above our heads.

Malik steps up to me, talking quietly in my ear. “Tie your capalt to a tree near the others. We need to walk on foot from here. Leave anything that will weigh you down behind. We have a long walk.

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