Running with the Wind by Shira Anthony

Author:Shira Anthony [Anthony, Shira]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-03T04:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

TAREN RAN down a narrow street, his bare feet slapping against the cobblestones. Flames rose all around him, consuming the buildings that lined the road and causing his vision to blur with his tears. Desperate, he pulled the rune stone from beneath his tattered clothing and held it out as he urged the wind to bring rain and quell the fire.

“Not this time,” a voice from somewhere nearby hissed. “This time you will perish, as will those you seek to protect.”

“Goddess,” Taren prayed as he focused his heart and soul on the talisman. “Please help me!”

The caterwauling wind protested his command, serving only to fan the flames. The rune stone seared his skin, but he clasped it tighter in his palm.

“You’re weak,” the voice said. “You will fail.”

“I won’t!” he cried as the flames grew closer still, licking his skin. “I can’t fail.”

“They’re already dead, Taren,” the voice chided.

He saw it now—a creature with eyes red as the flames. He heard it laugh as the flames enveloped him.

“Taren?” Ian’s voice, calling him back to reality.

Taren sat up in bed, shaking and gasping for breath. It was only a dream, he told himself. A dream he remembered all too well.

Ian gathered him in his arms as he continued to tremble.

“Thank you.” Taren relaxed in Ian’s warm embrace, his heart ceasing its racing.

“Did you have a vision?” Ian gently asked.

“No.” Taren drew a long breath. “A nightmare. Or perhaps an omen.”

“An omen?”

Taren nodded. “I had the same dream before the battle that claimed Rider’s life. Fire consuming me, and a horrible beast with eyes like rubies.”

“It won’t be the same this time,” Ian said unhesitatingly.

Taren closed his eyes and focused on the heat of Ian’s body against his own.

“Would that I could take your fears and give you some peace in return,” Ian said, holding Taren tighter still.

“I’d happily give them to you,” Taren said in an undertone. “But seeing as I can’t seem to shake free of them, I’ll take your comfort instead.”

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