Catalyst by Joanna Steenen

Author:Joanna Steenen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bühsteppe Fantasy
Published: 2021-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

The next morning, Zell, Ssasssal, and Shabs went out to bring the aircar as close to the Tribe’s cave as possible. They ducked out through the covered entrance and walked through the crisp new snow that had fallen overnight. The sky was a brilliant blue with the sun just creeping over the horizon. A few last stars were visible in the west.

“Of course, normally we wouldn’t leave the trees in such weather. Visible tracks are very dangerous,” Shabs explained. “But I can’t sense any other Rraussha near, although you, my dear, are quite noticeable.”

Ssasssal blinked. “Let me try this.” She closed her eyes for a moment and took a few deep breaths.

“That’s good. How much did Zell teach you?”

“Not much. I need to practice.”

“Yes. We could include you in our morning sessions from now on,” Shabs suggested.

“It would be an honor.”

Zell grinned to himself. Both Rraussha were being very polite to each other, and he wasn’t sure who tried harder. But that certainly was better than having them fight.

“This way,” he said, and they followed him without a word. For a moment, he almost felt like a Leader again.

They reached the aircar around mid-morning.

Ssasssal walked around to the driver side. Her sudden gasp made Zell dash around the aircar.

She was already kneeling next to someone who had crumpled to the ground at the side of the aircar.

“Zell,” she said urgently. “He looks bad.”

“Get the regenerator.” He lifted the man by his shoulders and pulled him into his lap. Then he gently brushed the hood out of his face.

It was Kerden.

His heart sank.

“Kerden?” He put his hand on the hunter’s cheek, and the man’s eyes fluttered open.

“Zell,” he whispered. “So I found you.” His eyes widened when Ssasssal knelt next to them, regenerator in hand.

Shabs quietly opened the aircar’s back door. “Let’s get him to shelter. We can warm up the interior.”

“He’s running a fever,” Zell said, his hand on Kerden’s forehead.

The hunter coughed weakly, and blood appeared in a corner of his mouth. “Don’t bother,” he mumbled. “Not much longer.”

“Don’t say that!”

“’s truth. But we need help, Zell. Hunters. So many Hunters.”

“Eylie told us. Please hang on, Kerden,” Zell lifted him as gently as he could, and the hunter winced.

Moments later, the hunter was lying on furs, the aircar was warming up, and Zell was carefully removing Kerden’s parka and opening his tunic. Severe bruises covered his gaunt body. Two broken ribs were clearly visible. It was a miracle that he had even been able to talk.

“Zell,” he gasped, eyes wild and driven. “Elera needs help. So many gone. So many dead.”

“We know. Please rest.”

“Can’t… must find help.” He tossed his head.

Ssasssal was busy with the regenerator, and moments later, Kerden took a careful, deep breath. “Better,” he mumbled, his head lolling on the furs. “So tired. Help us. Please.”

“Kerden, stay!” Zell shook him gently.

“So tired…” His eyes rolled up and his body went slack.

Zell grabbed his throat, searching for a pulse. He only found a weak, erratic one that faded away moments later.

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.