Embrace by Rachel D'Aigle

Author:Rachel D'Aigle [D'Aigle, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-03-22T08:43:00+00:00

Nona stood at attention, sensing a request from her mistress.

“I have a very huge favor to ask of you.”

44

Nona knew already what she wanted, and though she was not happy about it, she understood Meghan’s concern, and agreed without argument.

Being able to stall their departure no longer, Meghan advised Ivan she was ready, and they took their first steps into the red rock valley of Eidolon.

Colin grabbed his bag at the last minute deciding to tag along a small amount of food and water, just in case. Jae paced anxiously in the Mochrie kitchen. The rest of the Mochrie family was off attending the opening of the Feast.

Jae was late, which typically would not have been tolerated by his father. However, since the outburst a few weeks prior, Irving had been unusually quiet and easy going.

“Ready,” announced Colin finally, pulling the small bag over his shoulder. Jae stopped pacing and stared. The look on Jae’s face was not one of confidence. Colin gulped, nearly canceling his excursion on the spot.

“Maybe …Maybe I should come with you!” said Jae. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to go alone.”

Colin, on one hand, would have loved to have company. On the other hand, with Jae’s strange behavior as of late, perhaps going alone would be best. Colin did not have to make the choice.

“No. The original plan is better. You should go alone. It’ll be easier for you to sneak through the valley.”

“Okay, then,” said Colin. “I’d better go.”

Colin followed Jae out the door. As expected, it was deserted. All Svoda were celebrating the Feast, deep inside the canyon. The Viancourt had announced just the night before that the opening day festivities would take place inside, in order to maintain the nature of the festival, as well as the safety of those in attendance.

Colin and Jae walked side by side to the edge of the valley and stopped. Jae nodded to Colin, who did not verbally reply, but rather grunted, attempting poorly to control the rocket of nerves taking off in his chest.

As Colin took his first step in the forbidden valley, a voice startled them from behind.

“And just where do you think you’re going?”

There was no need to guess. It was Darcy Scraggs.

Of all the people to have to follow me…

Darcy’s two bullies were paced a few feet behind her: the eloquent speaking Dulcy Hadrian, followed by a towering Daveena Troast.

“I warned you I’d be watching,” Darcy sneered triumphantly.

“You are so in trouble,” then added Dulcy, before her leader could shut her up. “Darcy knew her extra-century complexion would find you up to something.” Both Colin and Jae burst out laughing.

45

Even Daveena could not hold back a thick snort.

“Thanks, Dulcy. That is just what I needed, a good laugh!” Colin exclaimed.

“Extra-century complexion… good one,” added Jae.

Colin contained his laughter. Joke or no joke, this situation did not bode well.

“How did you ever graduate to Intermediate level, Dulcy?” Jae then asked.

Again, without thinking, dumb Dulcy made her admittance.

“There’s a little thing called cheating,” she said proudly.

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