Construct by Luke Matthews

Author:Luke Matthews [Matthews, Luke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2014-08-19T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

* * *

“Who?” much to Samuel’s surprise, was Mane’s first question. Jacob still remained half-crouched, his position so awkward Samuel wondered how he held it until he saw Pare’s hands. He’d felt Pare’s grip and knew Jacob couldn’t move.

“Two of them,” Jacob responded. “Looking for Samuel. They…they killed Atherton after…after he told them about your cabin.”

“Atherton didn’t know about my cabin,” Mane replied.

“Please, let me loose,” Jacob pleaded. “We don’t have much time.”

Mane nodded. Pare gave a reluctant grunt and released Jacob, who stumbled sideways before getting to his feet.

“How did they find us, Jacob?” Mane insisted, his voice deadly quiet.

“One of them…his name’s Colton…he gets in people’s heads. Made Atherton take them to Michael’s grave.” Jacob hesitated. “He gave Michael the Breath.”

Mane’s face flashed with anger, and he flicked a glance at Pare, who stood with his jaw locked at Jacob’s description.

“They’ve got a breaker with them,” Jacob continued. “A damned good one.”

“That must be how Jacob was able to get in,” Pare said, deflecting Mane’s attention. As if on cue, a book loosened from its moorings in the ceiling and dropped to the floor, pulling everyone’s attention.

“He’s corroded every protection between the Bleeding Pine and here,” Jacob said. “He must be talented if you didn’t know.”

“Which means we have even less time,” Mane said, turning to Icariascus. A few more books began to fall, and more were slipping. “Take them in back and get them ready.” He turned back to Pare. “Pare, pack up. Take Samuel and Eri to the waterfall.”

“That’s a mile into the woods,” Pare said, calm and matter-of-fact.

“They’ll never make it, Mane,” Jacob said, shaking his head. “They’ve rounded up a mob. Eight or ten who believe they’re tracking a murderer.”

“They’re not far off the mark,” Pare spat, getting in Jacob’s face.

“We don’t have time for this,” Mane said. “Pare, Eri, go in back with Icariascus this instant.” Mane’s tone was unmistakable; Pare and Eriane did as they were told.

“How far can you translocate?” Mane asked Jacob.

“Distance isn’t the issue,” Jacob replied. “It’s knowledge. I have to have a pretty solid working image of where I’m going, or I could end up way off course...or worse.”

“Knowledge won’t be a problem,” Mane said. “Is a mile?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never had to try.”

“Well, you will now,” he said, the command in his voice amplified by his anger.

“How many?”

“Pare, Eri, Samuel,” Mane said.

“What about…” Mane’s look stopped him from finishing his question. Pare and Eriane returned carrying heavy rucksacks, their winter clothes hastily thrown on. Something heavy clattered to the floor at Pare’s feet and Samuel saw Reet rolling off the step.

“What’s going on?” Eriane asked, tears brimming at the edges of her eyes as more books shook loose.

Mane waved Pare over. “I need you to think of the waterfall cave.”

“What?” Pare asked.

“You’ve been there hundreds of times,” Mane said. “Quickly! Every step on the way, everything between us and that cave. Think hard and bring it to your mind.”

Pare closed his eyes. “Okay, now wha—”

Mane placed the heels of his hands on Pare’s and Jacob’s foreheads.

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