“Yes!” Taz beamed. “You’re getting the big picture now. You already know what he wants. Jaden’s mother told you when she shared her visions. He covets your world. Why, only he knows for sure, but my bet is it’s got plenty to do with power and very little to do with what will benefit your world.”
“That’s the reason we need to stop him?” Kayla asked. “Because if we don’t, he truly will destroy our world and everything in it?”
“We believe so. Since his first attack here, he’s been lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike again—or so we suspect. His actions over the last millennium have increasingly pointed toward the likelihood of a second attempt. He craves a new home, a place to conquer and call his own. Our assumption is that if he succeeds, he will enslave your world, using it to build his army. Then he’ll return to ours with that army, where he’ll attempt to defeat us again. And if he succeeds, hope truly will perish, and all creation will be forever lost.”
Kayla gaped. It was the most Taz had divulged in all their time together about why they couldn’t fail. Kayla wasn’t aware of reaching out and taking Jaden’s hand. She just knew that when she did, she found the solace she sought.
Heat flowed through her hand and up her arm, the warmth relaxing her. When Jaden squeezed her hand in silent understanding, she almost turned into him. Almost. Thankfully, she stopped herself before she repeated her mistake. Keeping her distance was proving more difficult than she’d imagined. But she had managed so far, and she wouldn’t break that streak now.
“Not a lot to ask of three teenagers,” Atu complained.
Kayla laughed at his dour expression. As unobtrusively as possible, she slipped her hand out of Jaden’s and moved away before doing something she would regret. The wounded expression that replaced his amusement stunned her. He’s upset? But why?
Jaden’s behavior had repeatedly implied he only wanted friendship. But this reaction contradicted that belief so strongly Kayla wanted to demand answers. Her heart squeezed in her chest, and she drew in a deep breath.
She couldn’t relent now. Especially if her wishful fancies were running away with her, and she was wrong. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t misread the situation before.
Jaden turned away and she could no longer read his expression. But she heard the undeniable distress in his voice when he spoke, sending fresh doubts through her. “Well, if it’s any consolation, Zareh mentioned five seekers when we spoke with him. Maybe the other two won’t be teenagers.”
Atu had picked up on their tension. He clasped his hands together and mimed begging. “That sounds encouraging. Give me more excellent news.”
Grateful for Atu’s attempt at levity, Kayla thought food might prove a further distraction. “Can we at least make some dinner while we exchange information?” Kayla asked, hoping the thought of food might distract Jaden. “That is, if you don’t mind us raiding your kitchen?”
“Gosh, I’m so sorry. I forgot my manners in all this excitement. Yes, let’s eat. I have plenty of food—and lots of fresh fruit for you,” Atu said, smiling at the gliders.
Gravitating toward the kitchen, Kayla calmed down as Atu chattered on about inconsequential matters and she caught the hint of a smile on Jaden’s face. That heart-melting smile. But his cobalt eyes remained shadowed. She sighed. If things carried on like this, she would have to speak to him about everything they were leaving unsaid. She wasn’t ready for that conversation. Not by a mile.
The boys didn’t notice Kayla lagging or how quiet she was as they prepared their meal. When the food was ready, they sat at the table, and Jaden filled Atu in between mouthfuls on all that had happened since he’d first glimpsed the Gaptor in the Shadow Mountains.
Atu sat rapt, his food barely touched, amazed by all they had been through. When Jaden finished his account, Atu made Kayla tell him hers, by which time their teacups were cold and the bats had slunk off to find suitable sleeping perches.
“Now you know everything we do,” Jaden concluded. “Your turn to share.”
Atu shook his head. “Sorry to disappoint, but I really don’t have more to contribute. You already heard the story associated with the painting, and you know that healing falls to our family. Beyond that . . .” He trailed off, shrugging.
Frustrated, Jaden pressed. “You’re sure you don’t know more?”
“No, bro. I wish I did, but I don’t. I’ve often wondered whether there was more to the story, and now I know there is. But apparently, it’s something we must work out together.”
“You don’t think your part in this is over, then?” Kayla asked, speculating where they went from here.
“Far from it. If more Gaptors enter our world, there will undoubtedly be clashes between us and them, which means potential injuries. Without sounding prideful, you’ll need me to heal you as quickly as possible. And even if the Gaptors we expect don’t materialize, I can be useful in keeping you healthy while you complete your task.”
“And what do you think that is?” Jaden prodded.
“Initially, and based on the story I told you, I assumed destroying the remaining Gaptor would solve the problem. But now, knowing someone else was controlling the Gaptor, someone capable of sending more of those beasties into our world, I think it’s more in line with Kayla’s theory—stopping that person.”
Jaden sighed. “That’s the second time today we’ve reached that conclusion. It’s the how that remains elusive. Our only guidance is Zareh’s insistence we complete the quest, which, if successfully attained, will herald our victory. But what ‘completing the quest’ means is anyone’s guess.”
Kayla yawned and rubbed her eyes. “It’s late, and I’m bushed. Please, please, please, can we get some rest and work on this again tomorrow?”
The boys laughed at her pitiful request, although Kayla’s reference to rest made them realize how the weight of the day was dragging on them too.
“One last thing,” Jaden said, raising a finger. “When we met this afternoon, you mentioned your family had been waiting generations for the gliders who would come with their voyagers to save the world. But your family’s story ended when Zareh and the gliders left, with his promise that they would return if we needed them again. How are those two connected?”
Atu smiled. “I forgot about that. You must be more awake than you look. The gliders’ return was a prophecy made by one of the wise men in our family at least three generations back.”
“A wise man?” Kayla ventured.
“Yes, what we call one who can see into the future.”
“Similar to the vision my mom had?” Jaden surmised.
“I suppose so, except he never shared his entire vision with us. Or, at least, not that I’m aware of. All he emphasized was that when two gliders returned bearing two voyagers, the time had come for the fate of the world to be decided.”
“I wish he’d told you more, dude.” Jaden sighed again, then yawned and stretched his arms above his head. “Alright, I agree. I’m too tired to deal with more of this right now. Let’s sleep!”
Kayla thankfully retired to the room assigned to her and was asleep within seconds. It didn’t seem enough hours had passed before warm shafts of sunshine creeping in through the various natural openings in the cave’s roof roused her. Convinced she could sleep another ten hours with ease, she moseyed to the kitchen, trying to wake up.
Jaden and Atu joined her a few minutes later, looking just as sleepy. They had barely assembled when Taz hopped in with an air of urgency. The humans were instantly alert. What was Taz doing up and about and expecting them?
“Is something wrong?” Kayla asked.
“No, but we’ve tarried long enough. Your journey awaits.”
“You know where we’re going?” Kayla asked, not daring to hope.
Her answer wasn’t what any of them were expecting. “I don’t know our next destination. But you should. You’re the ones with the map.”
As if electrified, Jaden scrambled from h
is chair and yanked the disc from his pocket, all the while sneaking glances at Taz. Like he suspected Taz knew something he didn’t. He twisted the disc until it opened, the map coiling to life around them. Atu exclaimed in wonder.
He wasn’t the only one who couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Jaden and Kayla gaped. The map had reverted to its original two-dimensional appearance, an “X” once again marking a spot on the map. However, this time, the lines grew both denser and notably fainter toward the “X,” which was so dim it was almost invisible.
“How did you know the map would give us another destination?” Kayla asked Taz.
“I didn’t. I played a hunch.”
“Does this mean what I think it does?” Kayla prompted. “That we have somewhere else to go?”
“Apparently so,” Jaden grunted. “And if my guess is right, the lines fading toward the ‘X’ imply a considerably longer journey.”
“Then we should get started,” Taz said. “Atu will accompany us.”
Jaden raised an eyebrow. In one sentence, she had decided Atu’s fate. “And how’s that going to happen? Is Zareh planning on sending another glider?”
“No, they permitted only Han and I to cross over. Until we’ve established the strength of Han’s wing, I will carry Kayla and Atu. When we are certain Han’s wing is fully functional, we’ll switch off carrying two riders instead of one.”
Atu’s eyes shone. “Wow, I get to fly with you?”
“You do, Healer. But please, assemble your supplies. We leave in one hour.” Taz stared meaningfully at Jaden and Kayla, indicating she would brook no argument.
Kayla couldn’t resist an eye roll, but she nodded consent, as did Jaden. They helped Atu gather the items he needed, the hour mostly silent while they packed and cleaned and restocked. Ready to leave within the allotted time, Atu led them from the caves using a different route.
Stepping into the already baking early morning sunshine, Kayla squinted until the glare no longer assaulted her eyes. Then she and Atu followed Taz’s instructions on how they should climb onto the glider’s back. Kayla noticed their takeoff wasn’t as quick or easy as usual, but she kept quiet, marveling at Taz’s ability to lift two voyagers.
In the air, they hovered over Han as Jaden aerial-connected. Kayla wasn’t the only one paying attention to Han’s movements as he glided higher, alert for any signs of residual damage to the wing. Atu’s keen eyes also followed Han and Jaden, checking for signs of weakness. But there were none.
Kayla raised her eyebrows. There is definitely more to Atu than he lets on. No way herbs alone can heal that fast. But it swept away the thought when Han and Jaden joined them, and Atu made a startling comment.
“Not to offend, but from what I observed yesterday, your battle skills need improvement. My family has often spoken of someone trained in these matters who might be of assistance. May I recommend we detour there before following the map further?”
Chapter Thirteen
Kayla stared at Atu, astonished.
“What?” Atu objected.
“Any more secret people you know who could help with our quest? Or did you forget to mention them too?”
Atu grinned. “Yes, well, there are hosts of behind-the-scenes people who can help us. I’m just bringing them out one by one so as not to overwhelm you.”
Kayla giggled. “If this is the only one you bring out of the closet, I won’t complain. We could use all the help we can get. It’s tricky figuring out how best to attack someone in the air when you’ve spent your entire life on two legs.”
It was Atu’s turn to laugh. “Yes, I can see how that’s a disadvantage. But I’m sure he can help.”
“Does ‘he’ have a name?” Jaden asked.
“He probably does, but our family always referred to him as the armorer.”
Kayla nodded. “He sounds awesome already. Where do we find this armorer?”
“That’s the part you won’t like. He lives some distance from here.”
“How far?” Jaden asked.
“Gotskiena.”
“What? You’re not serious!” Jaden said. “We can’t travel that far. It’ll take forever to get there. And I don’t think we have time. Do we?” he asked, rounding on the bats.
“No,” Taz replied. “And now would be a judicious time to consult that map of yours so we can set our course.”
To Kayla’s surprise, Jaden dropped the matter. But Taz was right. They had to move on.
Jaden retrieved and released the map. Breathtaking in its beauty, it drifted around them. The group kept a watchful eye on the map as they flew, eager to determine their intended general direction. But today, their movements relative to the map were sluggish compared to two days previously.
Determining the course correction they should make took forever. The latency of noticeable changes on the map relative to their flight time supported Jaden’s theory that the faded lines implied a greater distance. Adjusting their course to northerly path set by the map, the gliders settled in for the long flight.
“Ugh,” Jaden muttered to Atu, “you might get your wish after all! We’re aimed toward Gotskiena. Please, don’t let us end up that far north! I loathe chilly weather!”
Kayla smiled. “Wimp!”
Jaden looked indignant. “What? Just because I don’t enjoy being cold?”
“Man up!” she said, giggling when Jaden huffed. Studying him, Kayla found his outrage fascinating. His lips pouted, making them decidedly kissable, and he set his jaw in a grim, determined line she would have loved to run her finger along. A little crease crinkled the space between his eyes as he considered an appropriate response. While she thought of leaning over and thumbing the crease away, she sighed and looked away. There was no point trying to focus on the mission instead of the man. He was just too darn appealing. She didn’t know how long she’d be able to keep this up.
Unaware of her inner turmoil, Atu laughed and added his own derogatory comment before Jaden came up with a suitable retort. Then Taz made one of her rare dry remarks, and they all rolled with laughter. Enjoying the repartee, Kayla relaxed, setting aside her earlier momentary quandary. They kept up the lighthearted teasing for a while, with the bats joining in, before lapsing into companionable silence.
As they journeyed northward, the terrain gradually changed. The semi-desert’s monotonous reddish-brown sand and stone gave way to more varied hues. The stark rocks lost their rosy flush and became rounded, diminutive, and insipid until they disappeared, replaced by tall, sinuous, golden-toned grasses and scattered, quiet glades of slender emerald trees.
They crossed into more watered regions, sparkling with lakes and peaceful dams. Watching themselves astride their gliders as they skimmed the liquid mirrors, their gliders’ graceful forms and that of their tiny voyagers reflecting off the shiny surfaces, was surreal.
When they had flown close on four hours, Taz suggested a break. Descending, they landed on the narrow strip of sandy shore bordering a vast lake, shimmering with the silver forms of careless fish darting just below the surface, fish who had never felt threatened even a day in their short lives.
Wistfully, Kayla watched them, wishing her own existence was as carefree. Then, hearing Jaden laugh, she turned and laughed too when she saw Atu’s stiff movements after crawling off Han’s back. That was, they laughed until their gliders reminded them this was exactly how they’d looked only a few days before. Shrugging, the teens edged into the shade of a nearby oak and dished out the sandwiches.
Jaden was especially appreciative. “Never knew food could taste this good,” he mumbled between mouthfuls.
“Do you feel deprived?” Kayla asked.
“You have no idea.” Jaden sighed, taking another enormous bite.
Kayla rolled her eyes before addressing Atu. “Don’t tell me you have the same voracious appetite?”
“I enjoy my food—just not as much as Jaden.”
But, watching the way Atu helped Jaden demolish the sandwiches
, Kayla wasn’t convinced. It wasn’t apparent the night before when they had eaten dinner. Then again, Kayla was tired and hadn’t been paying attention. Now, she realized it was like sitting down to eat with two starving wolves. From now on, she would make sure she secured her share before the boys tucked in.
The bats allowed them an hour’s reprieve before insisting they resume their journey. Since Han’s wing had proven itself healed, he picked up the extra passenger after lunch. Kayla smiled when Han teased the boys about the enormous quantities of food they’d consumed.
“What did you eat for lunch? I feel like I’m carrying a ton of concrete instead of two skinny teenage boys.”
Kayla laughed. “Yes, boys, you’d better lay off the food, or you’ll be without a ride.”
Jaden and Atu chuckled, before Jaden snorted. “Considering that statement, we’d better not wait too long before allowing this weakling a break. I’m sure Taz is more than capable of carrying the load without buckling under our weight.”
Han growled at the taunt. “The only part of that speech that bears any semblance of truth is your reference to alternating the load. Taz and I already agreed it’s wise to switch off every two hours. That way, at least one of us is better rested and more capable of fending off an attack if we encounter a newly arrived Gaptor.”
“You think they might enter our world again so soon?” Kayla asked, disconcerted this was even a possibility.
“Considering the Usurper has been planning another attack for eons, and his longtime agent is no longer responding, it’s not inconceivable he’ll move his timetable forward,” Taz said. “The only thing that would delay him would be his lack of success in finding another way into your world. However, considering the time he’s spent working on the problem, I don’t think that’s an obstacle we can count on. Not for very long, anyway.”
As the humans digested her words, gloom at the prospect of more desperate encounters dampened their spirits like a wet blanket on a wintry day. But the afternoon passed peacefully, and by the time they made camp that evening, their usual exuberance had resurfaced. Plenty of playful bantering around the campfire made for an entertaining and amusing evening before weariness coaxed them into their blissfully warm sleeping shells.
Destiny Series Boxed Set Page 36