Bound by Blood and Shadow by L.R. Bryant

Author:L.R. Bryant [L. R. Bryant]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: L.R. Bryant
Published: 2023-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The trees were bigger here, much bigger, if that was even possible. As I continued to guide Shadow forward, my neck craned back trying to see where the tops of the massive pines ended and the sky began, but I simply couldn’t. They appeared to stretch on into the heavens. Trunks that shimmered, taking on a silver hue, unlike anything I had ever seen passed me on either side. I bet it would have taken ten people arm to arm to wrap around the base of these enormous living things. Only the gentle crunch of Shadow’s hooves on the dead ground could be heard. Even as soft as it was, the sound seemed to echo through the forest floor. Diadred in his feline stealth was silent, as was Cillian. We had agreed to ride in silence. Not only were Shadow Sentries around, but it was always possible that members of the Fallen were scouting the area.

Turning my attention back to the trees, I marveled at the wonderous sight. Although the trunks and branches shimmered strangely, the needles were a familiar deep green. Not one breeze had drifted in since we entered. The stillness was comforting here though, and the fur coat that hugged my shoulders tightly warded off the bitter cold. Shadow had traded fancy Karakum garments for fur blankets and even a new saddle. The odd cottage had supplied more than food and dreamless sleep. We all were clothed more appropriately, footwear included. Fleece lined boots that had been a perfect fit hugged my calves as they swung with freedom in stirrups with thinner leather straps, allowing a much-needed pressure release in my knees. Shadow’s new saddle reminded me of the Australian ones back home, but even then, it wasn’t the same. Whatever it was, I was grateful for the supple leather and fur-topped seat full of comfort that rivaled anything I had ridden in before.

We must have gone close to ten miles by now, if I was gauging our distance with any close accuracy. It had not been a casual stroll either, this being the first lengthy rest at a brisk walk through the ethereal pines. It was much needed for Shadow as his heavy breathing could be clearly seen in the frigid air. Splotches of white appeared on the ground up ahead, a sign of snow. Diadred seemed to never tire as he trotted up ahead of us while Cillian mumbled something about being close to the outer boundary of the North Tower.

Further in there was more snow. What had only been small patches turned into blankets, and little of the dark earth remained visible. It was old snow, there was none in the trees, and it wasn’t powdery but icy and solid as Shadow’s hooves punched holes with loud crunches. I thought I saw a glimmer, like glass, a sheer screen that blurred the rest of my vision ahead. Cillian had dismounted and was now walking, waving me to hurry forward. We had fallen behind quite a bit.

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