The Fire I Called: A Bond of Blood by M Dane

Author:M Dane [Dane, M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M Garozzo
Published: 2022-01-23T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

- Chalia -

I booted a stone into the flowing brook, though its splash was drowned out as I cursed into the night sky. I was marching toward the bridge, though I had half a mind to turn back and bury a fist right in Arrogant Arthur’s annoying face. In fact, I’d doubled back twice already, but both times common sense prevailed. What would bloodying his nose achieve other than causing trouble for Pop? No, I knew what I had to do, and that was leave them all far behind.

I stumbled on some reeds in the darkness and only just caught my balance to stop from falling in the water. Cursing again, I found an oak tree to lean against. I needed to calm down and think. The gate was a long way off, Cheltenham even further. Should I go to Pop’s for supplies before the journey? No, I decided, having no wish to return to his cottage. Supplies would not make the nighttime walk any easier.

I pushed off the tree and made my way up the bank, and almost reached the bridge when a hand grabbed my arm. I swung around, fist cocked, ready to flatten whoever it was.

But it was Duke, doubled over and panting.

“Put that fist away before you break it on my head,” Duke wheezed. “Why didn’t you stop? We’ve been calling to you for ages!”

I lowered my hand and shook my head, too angry to talk. Elanil was with her, a few paces back. I’d been so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t heard them at all. It didn’t matter; my mind was made up, and I was leaving. I turned and stepped onto the bridge.

“Where are you going?” Duke asked, following.

“Away.”

“Without saying goodbye?”

I snorted. “To who? Pop? He is better off without me.”

“To us, you dolt,” Duke said.

I slowed. “Sorry,” I mumbled. “And goodbye.” I placed my hands in my jacket pockets and carried on.

Duke’s heavy footsteps pounded after me. “It’s at least a full day’s walk to Cheltenham—why don’t you stay the night and leave in the morning?”

“Stay where?” I asked, eyes fixed on the road. “With Pop? With Mrs. Zinvyre? With the mayor? No—I’m done with this place.”

The three of us walked in silence until we reached the church.

“The White Tree,” Elanil said.

I rolled my eyes. “Your cubby house? I’d rather walk all night.”

Elanil spun me to face her, her hands digging into my shoulders. “Are you going to be this bitter all your life? We are trying to help you, Chalia.” She had a fierceness in her eyes that told me she hadn’t forgiven me for earlier.

I ground my teeth. It was a long road to Cheltenham, and knowing my luck, I’d just as likely end up walking a full circle back to Belbury. “Fine.”

“Good,” Elanil said. She started walking again. “Let’s go. It’s a big climb, and I’m tired.”

Duke linked her arm in mine and pulled me after her. We passed the Village Square, turned right at the intersection, and climbed the incline beside the Pointed Ear.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.