The Memories, Book 2, The Reckoning by Linda L. Dunlap

Author:Linda L. Dunlap [Dunlap, Linda L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dunlap/Davis Publishing
Published: 2016-12-28T23:00:00+00:00

12.

Eliandor rode quickly, leading his party, even though he knew in his heart who must eventually lead them. Watching the road ahead kept his mind clear, for there were predators of every kind who might stalk them, not for food, but for what they carried with them. In the land of men, road bandits made their wages off innocent travelers, and even though they were experienced in defending themselves, none wanted to fight a useless battle. A greater purpose was ahead, and it would be best if their small army could arrive fresh.

Three giant Phoebus circled them as those on horseback and in Tom’s cart made their way over hot rocks and through warm springs. The carrion eaters’ loud croaks and cricks stirred memories in everyone’s mind. Each of the party professed their fears of the giant birds, not the least of which was Shilara, who spoke of the time one attacked her father.

The councilor spoke to his party about his concerns that somewhere near them a village had suffered great losses, and they should be prepared for the terrible aftermath of death and destruction. The abundance of Phoebus in one area was the first clue, but not the only one. The elves’ keen senses had been alerted to the odor of death for some time. Tom nodded, agreeing bad things were on the wind. He said the horses pulling his cart had noticed it and objected to moving forward.

“Tom, would you like for me to spell your horses?” Breanna asked, remembering the times in the past she had forged charms to make the animals move faster, with less wear on their legs and hooves.

“Might be time to do,” Tom answered. “I miss my Bess and Barley, good oxen that pulled us about quickly. You’re doing a’right.”

Without waiting, Breanna dismounted and made her way to Tom’s cart. She knew it was unnecessary to move from the saddle, but it was a closer, more personal request she wanted to make. The horses were frightened by what lay ahead, and they needed reassurance. She stroked both of them and tightened their leads, talking all the while in a gentle voice. Their fears lessened with her words and they relaxed, letting the protection of the spell do its work. The animals’ show of confidence humbled her, and reminded her of her own fears and how easily they could get out of control.

Rising from the damp ground, Breanna stroked Niana and reassured her they would soon rest. Ever since the leparoids departed the camp, the filly had been nervous, concerned at every bend in the road that they might find one of the hungry cats. Her mistress agreed, and had kept a strong watch for any of the felines traveling close to their party.

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.