Dashing Druid (Texas Druids) by Horner Lyn

Author:Horner, Lyn [Horner, Lyn]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: western, psychic, Irish Druid, Texas, cattle drive, family feud
Publisher: Lyn Horner
Published: 2011-11-17T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Darkness draped hot and humid over Lil, sheathing her in sweat as she lay on her bedroll. Her grimy clothes stuck to her like a rough second skin, and she prickled from head to foot. Although it was still May, it might as well be the middle of summer.

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled in the distance, drawing a tired sigh from her lips. She’d hoped to be asleep before Tye came in from bobtail guard. She didn’t want to lie awake, conscious of him across the campfire and yearning to lie next to him. Most of all, she wanted to escape her constant fear that he would end up with Frank Howard’s bullet in his chest.

But she was too tense to sleep. So were the men, judging by their nervous tossing and turning. They’d all noticed the still air, ominous green sky and line of black clouds far to the west before sundown. Now they waited in dread for the storm to hit, knowing such weather could easily set off a stampede.

Where was her father? Lil wondered. Just past the North Canadian River, they’d gotten word of Indian trouble ahead, and this morning he’d ridden out with Choctaw Jack to check on the rumors. He wasn’t back yet, and she longed for his reassuring presence.

Moments later, a nearby flash of lightning jackknifed her into a sitting position. Neil also sat up. He crammed on his boots as thunder boomed.

“It’s close. Everyone hit yer saddles,” he ordered. “Chic, Jubal, hitch up the mules just in case.” On his feet and striding to the picket line, he added, “The rest of ye leave your guns behind unless ye want to be a lightning rod. Pass the word to Devlin and Sherman, whoever sees them.” Not waiting for a reply, he forked leather and galloped away.

Lil stamped into her own boots and ran to the hoodlum wagon along with the men.

“Looks like we’re in for a bad blow,” Alabama muttered as they dumped their weapons in the wagon.

“Sí, I pray El Diablo does not ride tonight,” Luis said.

Lil guessed he meant a cyclone. Silently echoing his prayer, she dashed to her night horse and mounted up while another spear of lightning ripped across the sky. The thunderclap came fast and loud as she raced out to find Tye and tell him to get rid of his guns.

* * *

Tye crooned worriedly as he circled the herd, attention split between the cattle and the heavy cloud bank. Veiling the stars as it neared, it fired off lightning and thunder in rapid order, drawing dozens of steers to their feet. They bellowed in fright, almost ready to bolt. All at once, blue and gold balls of light began to jump from horn tip to horn tip among the beasts. Cursing, Tye felt the hairs on his neck stand up as he halted to stare. He didn’t tear his gaze away from the ghost lights until Lil rode up. She was only a shadow in the darkness, but he picked up the alarm surging through her and knew it was her before she spoke.

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