The Defiance of Vim (Catalyst Book 4) by C.J. Aaron

Author:C.J. Aaron [Aaron, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aethon Books
Published: 2020-12-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

Andr buckled at the waist, resting his hands heavily on his knees. His lungs burned as if he’d been sprinting for miles though their travel had been by horseback. Breaths came rapid and deep as he gasped for air. His head swam as the unrelenting dizziness threatened to topple him from his feet.

He felt a strong hand under his arm. Though the grip was like a stone, it was gentle as it assisted him up.

“You’ve done well,” Ramm grumbled. “We’ll make a phrenic out of you yet.”

The laughter that bubbled from his belly rumbled like the churning of stones, a deep grating that was neither comforting nor joyous. Still, the admission from a phrenic was not one to be taken lightly.

“Thank you, Ramm,” he gasped between breaths.

“I’m still in wonder of how you can control the forest with mere thoughts,” Le’Dral admitted as he approached, returning from settling their horses. They’d ridden with speed, skirting the border of the woods to the west. Hidden between the Erlyn and the orchard, their movements were disguised, though their secrecy mattered not.

“Your assessment of the palisade looks to be correct,” Le’Dral admitted. “The regular patrols along the pinnacle of the walls have been abandoned. Even if we secured the top, we will still require dozens of ladders. It will take considerable time to cross.”

Andr nodded his head as they walked slowly across the clearing. He agreed with the captain. He longed for Ryl’s return. While his newly acquired talents would let him commune with the Erlyn, even open the paths within her midst, he knew that Ryl commanded a much greater sway over the very trees themselves. The young phrenic’s work was far less exhausting.

“There may be another way, yet it will likely wait for Ryl’s return.” Andr spoke between breaths. “The tributes are still nowhere near ready to climb, let alone travel.”

As resoundingly true as the statement was, the progress the tributes had made was astounding. The putrid, yet potent remedy had displayed remarkable success. Though it had been only a matter of days since the dose had begun, several of the youngest were already tentatively back on their feet. Many others flashed between lengthening bouts of lucidity, though they all still suffered mightily.

On cue, the mender appeared from the base of the great tree to their left. He rubbed his hands gingerly against his temples as he walked toward his next round of duty. He abruptly changed directions as he noted the captain and Andr.

“You look tired, my friend. When was the last time you had any rest?” Le’Dral’s question earned a baleful glare from the normally passive mender.

“Though I truly appreciate the assistance, some of your men might have more skill controlling the trees than tending to patients,” Jeffers grumbled. “I’ll sleep when there is time.”

The mender sighed. His shoulders slumped as if he deflated with the release of air. The agitation evaporated with the breath hissed from between his lips.

“They are doing their best. I commend them for that,” he admitted.

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