Lightning by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Author:Bonnie S. Calhoun [Calhoun, Bonnie S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV059000, JUV053000, JUV001010
ISBN: 9781441220523
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2015-08-13T04:00:00+00:00

17

Bodhi spent most of the trip from Baltimore to Stone Braide trying to figure out how to keep Selah safe when he returned home. He had also learned a lot about Glade’s life. It had kept him tossing and turning on one of those chair loungers last night. Granted, having unauthorized weapons discharging at all hours, accompanied by screaming and loud music, probably contributed to his discomfort this morning. Bodhi didn’t want to feel sorry for Glade’s chaotic failure at life . . . but he did. And that, in turn, muddled his perception of whether Glade was really doing him a favor or keeping him from Selah out of spite.

“You’ve been especially quiet this trip. I prepared for your arguing the whole way,” Glade said. He sat erect. Bodhi noticed he rarely presented himself as slumped or defeated in public.

Bodhi still needed to think without lying. He avoided the question. “If you’re correct in your translation of those documents, and the key is discovered here, then the trip was worthwhile.” Suddenly Bodhi’s chest felt strange. He took a deep breath to relieve the pressure. Was he feeling excitement or dread? After listening to him for a full two days, he realized Glade’s true dedication was beginning to sink in among his doubts.

The land wagons stopped at a deserted site of several partially erected buildings. The sandy, scorched earth showed little vegetation with barely a living tree in sight. Bodhi took a long, concentrated look. Was this the right place? Impossible. He left here a few months ago, passing through a living, vibrant forest.

Taraji hopped down first, slowly moving away from the caravan with her pack slung over one shoulder and her other hand resting on her holstered weapon.

Bodhi slowly stepped down from the wagon and grabbed his bag. Glade spoke to a few seated travelers before hopping down, then watched as the land wagons pulled away and the three security units flying guard flew by.

Glade joined Bodhi and Taraji. He pointed at the dead trees. “Do you see what I see?”

“Yes, but what—”

“That’s pulse and laser damage,” Taraji said.

Glade shook his head. “We may be too late. If only I’d caught on earlier. I should have known. My years buried under Noah Everling’s drugs have dulled my senses and made me forget important facts.”

Bodhi felt like adding, That happens when you’re 150. But he didn’t think Glade would appreciate the humor, so he just nodded.

Off to the left, closest to the mountains, a cave entrance with a flash of colored cloth caught Bodhi’s attention. He motioned Glade and darted for the opening.

An old man strolled from the cave sporting disheveled silver-gray hair and a multicolored tattered robe. He stopped in front of the opening and crossed his arms over his chest. “You come seeking the wisdom of the ages.”

Bodhi looked to Glade, who dipped his head in thought. Taraji held her ground.

“You come seeking the wisdom of the ages,” the old man repeated, his face contorted in a scowl.

A look of recognition passed over Glade’s eyes.

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