“We should’ve thought to warm you up sooner,” Taz commented.
“Oh, I’m sorry, are you cold? Do you want lotion too?” It mortified Kayla she hadn’t thought to offer some to their gliders.
Taz chuckled, the sound unexpected. “Thank you, but no. Temperatures in our world are far more extreme, so we are unaffected by your weather.”
Kayla felt better. “Good to know.”
When they landed that evening, Kayla pressed Atu for information about the lotion. “How did you make it?”
“By mixing the right plants together.” Atu sat back from the fire he’d just lit. Then witnessing her exasperation, he said, “Explaining the whole process would take too long. And you wouldn’t know what I was talking about, anyway. Suffice to say, a solid foundation in botany is essential, but more important is the wisdom passed down by my ancestors for exactly how to combine the various ingredients to craft the desired product. It boils down to how you put the pieces together. If they’re combined correctly, they have the power to do amazing things.”
The way he delivered his speech had Kayla and Jaden looking at one another speculatively. Was he hiding something? They already suspected there was more to his potions than just mixing a few herbs or plants together, and this speech somehow confirmed it. But it was also obvious Atu would divulge no additional information.
“Magic man,” Kayla whispered conspiratorially to Jaden.
“Totally,” Jaden whispered back.
The secretive exchange brought a sudden, unexpected intimacy between them, and Kayla wished she hadn’t started it. She was closer to Jaden than she’d been in days. And she felt it. Her body yearned to press into his, to feel his arms around her, to . . . No, no. no!
Kayla stood so abruptly she almost knocked Jaden over. Apologizing, she dashed away on the pretense of getting water, cursing herself for letting her guard down.
As she left, she heard Atu say, “She’ll come around.”
“What?” Jaden blurted.
That was as much of the conversation as she allowed herself to hear before bolting away. Kayla pursed her lips, contemplating Atu’s statement. One thing she didn’t have to wonder about was the boy himself. There was more to Atu than he’d presented to her and Jaden. But he wouldn’t reveal more any time soon.
The following day, they continued going north as dictated by the map, the next few days passing much the same as the previous few with some notable exceptions. The voyagers were more adept at performing multiple drills when paired on a glider, having gained the requisite strength. They no longer woke up stiff and sore every morning, accustomed to sleeping on bare ground as Atu had predicted. And they could, albeit clumsily and inconsistently, even catch game of their own now, Atu having taught them a few skills.
The rugged landscape became more hostile. If we aren’t already in Gotskiena, we’re close, Kayla thought. Perhaps a detour to Atu’s friend wouldn’t be such a bad idea. He’d be more hospitable than this barren region.
Imposing mountains, dominated by stony ice and glacial snow, pressed down on them from all sides, mute sentries blocking their way. Kayla already missed the open, gently undulating lands with their waving fields and welcoming trees of only a few days before.
The scenery wasn’t the only thing changing. As they neared their destination, the map’s faded lines brightened and separated, making the “X” visible so they could identify landmarks they could use as guides. But the most obvious sign they were almost there was the arrival of the three-dimensional image with its blinking dot when Jaden pulled up the map late one afternoon.
The day’s flight had been long and tiring. When they entered the mountain pass, signposted by the blinking dot’s increased tempo, they were in two minds whether to stop and camp there for the evening or press on and perhaps reach their destination.
After a brief discussion, they agreed to fly for another hour while they still had light, then rest for the day. They had not traveled very far down the pass before Kayla noticed Jaden looking around uneasily.
“Han, we need to go back—now!” Jaden’s sudden shout startled them all.
Han wobbled in surprise. “Why?”
“I can’t explain. I just know we’re in for trouble if we keep traversing this pass.”
Kayla, trying to reach her birthmark, which felt like it would itch itself right off her arm, couldn’t help but hear. Leaning forward, she spoke into Taz’s ear while still wriggling to reach the irksome thing. “We should listen to him. I’ve only known him a short time, but when he gets these feelings, he’s usually right.”
Taz nodded and lifted her chin to Han. The gliders tilted their wings, intending to curve back around, when something happened. Taz went limp. Unnerved, Kayla scanned the area. They hadn’t flown into anything, and Kayla could see, taste, smell, or touch nothing.
But it was like a thick shell crept over Taz, encasing her, dulling her senses and deadening her mind. Kayla slid a glance sideways and noticed Han was equally affected. Without the ability to think or control their limbs, to discern the air currents under their wings, the gliders spiraled out of control, reeling like drunken sailors.
Terrified, Kayla clutched at anything her fingers came into contact with, scrabbling to stay onboard and fleetingly grateful the boys were with Han. It would’ve tested even her improved strength had she been the one flying with Atu.
Sparing the boys another quick peek, Kayla found them coping with the situation. Then Taz slipped sideways. Kayla snarled, shifting on Taz’s shoulders so she wouldn’t fall off her glider, now at an alarming ninety-degree angle to the ground.
Kayla bellowed. “Taz, straighten up!”
But Taz was incapable of hearing, like the bat was in a stupor. Taz continued listing to the one side while they lost altitude. The boys rocketed past, and Kayla jolted. Han was completely inverted, the boys hanging on for all they were worth. They were also shouting at Han to no avail.
“Jaden, pull on one of his wings and see if you can turn him,” Kayla screamed, panic slipping into her voice when she realized they were running out of time.
If the boys didn’t do something drastic soon, they would crash headfirst into the mountain. She watched, not daring to breathe as both boys tugged on Han’s left wing. Ever so slowly, Han’s weight shifted, but it was inevitable.
“You won’t make it. Jump!” Kayla shrieked.
For a few manic moments, she thought they hadn’t heard. They continued pouring their strength into pulling Han upright. Then, a split second before they crashed into the snow-covered mountainside, the boys leaped off. Kayla watched, shocked, as the boys tumbled like limp rag dolls through the deep snow, while Han plowed into a colossal drift, carving up the snow as he slowed and came to a complete stop. She frantically searched for signs of movement. All three lay motionless.
Fear crushed air from her lungs. But she had no time to worry about them. Taz jerked forward, righting herself. Then, just as unexpectedly, she dove downward. Kayla screamed at her to stop, but Taz was a slave to some crazy tune in her head only she could hear.
They plummeted down, down, down toward the ice and snow and unforgiving rock. Kayla beat Taz’s back, trying anything to get her attention—anything to break the spell she was under. But a few feet from the ground, Kayla knew it was futile. She had only one choice.
Trusting it would benefit Taz as much as her, she jumped. For a second, only the whistling wind assaulted her ears. Then there was blinding, whirling white, followed by a sharp, painful crack as her head hit something. Then inky black. Then nothing at all.
Chapter Sixteen
“Kayla, wake up!” Jaden commanded. He scanned her face for signs she’d heard him. Nothing. “Can you hear me? Kayla?” She twitched, then winced before scrunching up her eyes like she didn’t want to open them. “That’s right. It’s time to wake up.”
The first semblance of consciousness returned. Jaden smiled when Kayla curled into him. Oh yeah, she likes me, a
lright. If only she would hurry up and acknowledge it.
Holding Kayla again was bliss. More so because she wasn’t trying to weasel away from him. A temporary accommodation, he was sure, and something she would doubtless rectify when she had her wits about her. Reflexively, sensing the transience of their contact, Jaden tucked her closer. She sighed contentedly, and he released his own long sigh.
Jaden couldn’t remember ever being as scared as when he first saw her lying there: limp, ashen, and with dark, sinister blood staining the snow around her head.
His heart had turned to stone, his own life force temporarily draining out of him. If Atu hadn’t shoved him out of the way as he ran to Kayla, Jaden would’ve remained where he’d landed. As it was, the rough thrust unbalanced him, forcing Jaden to move to stay on his feet.
That tiny movement spurred him to take action himself. He raced past Atu, reaching Kayla first and pulling her into his arms before Atu could warn him against it. Now, much as he longed to keep her there, she needed to come back to him. “Kayla, open your eyes.” She snuggled closer. But he squeezed her arm, reinforcing the request.
Kayla eased an eye open, moaning at the bright light. She closed the eye again to block the pain.
“That’s it. Open your eyes,” Jaden said.
“Go away,” Kayla grumbled.
Jaden grinned. She was at least talking. “Sorry, I can’t do that. Taz needs you.”
Her brow furrowed as she tried remembering what happened to Taz. Confusion morphed into fear as the events preceding her blackout stormed back. She bolted up. Her face drained of color as pain spiked her head, and Jaden could almost see the nausea, ripe and bilious, rushing into her throat. Barely twisting her head sideways in time, it gushed out.
“Easy now,” Jaden said, drawing her hair to one side and holding it off her face while she emptied the contents of her stomach. He waited until she had finished. “Feeling better?” he asked when she fumbled a handful of fresh snow and smeared it over her mouth with a shaky hand.
“A little.” She groaned, lifting a hand. “Ow, my head!” Only mild surprise registered when she found her head bandaged.
“Yeah, you gave it quite a crack. Atu said the cut’s superficial and it would bleed like crazy for a while, but he’s more worried about a concussion.”
“Where is he?” Kayla murmured, remembering to turn her head slowly this time as she gazed around.
“He’s with Taz. She took quite a tumble too.”
Kayla’s face blanched further when she recalled their ghastly descent. She tried standing, but dizziness forced her back down. “I need to get to Taz. Help me, please.”
Jaden was kind but firm. “Not yet. Atu gave strict instructions that you stay here until the bleeding stops. Then he wants to check you out before you move.” Kayla made an agitated motion with her hands. “Don’t worry. He’s taking care of Taz.”
Kayla gritted her teeth. “Jaden, you can either help me, or I’ll crawl over there on my own. What’s it going to be?”
Does she have to be so stubborn? Muttering, Jaden slid an arm around her waist and guided her to her feet. Kayla didn’t skitter away, and Jaden couldn’t decide if it was because she still wasn’t in her right mind or because necessity dictated she allowed him to touch her.
When her dizziness flooded back, making her stumble and clutch at his arm, he had his answer. Jaden held her in place until it looked like her head had stopped spinning, before allowing her to take another step. She wobbled, and from the way she swallowed, Jaden guessed she might be sick again.
But Kayla sucked it down, setting her jaw in a familiar line. Jaden sighed. Irrespective of whether this was a good idea, Kayla would get to her glider. Step by agonizing step, they crept up the rocky mountain. After only five paces, sweat slicked Kayla’s face. Jaden couldn’t take it. Bending, he swept her into his arms, smiling when her lovely eyes widened in surprise.
“Can’t have you passing out before you reach Taz.” Smiling weakly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled into him again. Ah, I could get used to this. Having her close again, knowing he was keeping her safe, was heaven. Jaden treasured the moment because soon, she would be back to normal and pushing him away again. His hold tightened, as though this would stop the inevitable from happening.
Up ahead, a boulder, huge, fat, and round, blocked their way. Jaden wound around it, feeling Kayla tense when she spotted Taz’s wing poking out. She wriggled in his arms.
Kayla whimpered. “Let me get to her.”
“I’ll get you there. Just be patient. You don’t want to black out again, do you?”
Resigned, Kayla settled back against his chest. Rounding the curve, Kayla gasped at her first unobstructed view of Taz. Her glider lay immobile on the snow, a large gash in her wing. But more alarming was the way her head angled oddly off her body.
“No!” Kayla cried.
“She’s alive,” Atu assured her, looking up from Taz’s side. “But I don’t know how to wake her. She’s comatose, like Han.”
Kayla squeaked. “Oh, Han!” She gazed at Jaden with huge, concerned, apologetic eyes. “He’s alright? I mean, other than the comatose thing?”
“Yes, he’s fine. Or, rather, he has no other injuries we’re aware of.”
“And you? And Atu?” Kayla probed, her mind clearing enough to think.
“We’re okay too. You and Taz are the ones we’re worried about. Come, let’s get you to Taz, and then Atu can check you for a concussion.”
Jaden carried Kayla to Taz’s right side, the side where her wing was still whole. Gently depositing Kayla onto the snow, he stepped back, holding in the sigh threatening escape.
Kayla touched Taz softly on her face. “Wake up, lovely lady,” she whispered. When Atu hunkered down beside her, she asked, “Have you checked for neck injuries? Is it possible to reposition her head?”
“I checked her neck, but we can’t move her head yet. I’d like to find something to support her head before attempting that. Even then, I’m dubious. I don’t know what might shake loose if we do.”
Kayla nodded, still caressing Taz’s sleek fur. “What do you think their chances are of waking up soon?”
“I can’t answer that one either,” Atu muttered. “I think this stupor they’re in is still part of whatever affected them while we were flying. And before you ask, I have no clue what caused that either. Something environmental is my best guess. For now, let me check you’re okay. Let’s see how dilated your pupils are.”
Jaden remained tense while Atu examined Kayla, running her through several tests before he nodded. “You’re lucky it isn’t worse.” Turning to Jaden, he asked, “Can you get Kayla to talk you through cleaning and rebandaging her wound while I tend Taz’s wing?”
“I can do that.” He must’ve looked as uncertain as he felt because Kayla smiled encouragingly.
“I’ll help you. Your turn to take care of me.”
Jaden liked the sound of that. Except it reminded him of the last time they’d had to take care of a wound: his wound, inflicted by the Gaptor on their way back from the library with the precious book. Kayla had done such a marvelous job. He only hoped he could match her skill. “Yes, time to reciprocate,” Jaden said, his businesslike tone betraying none of his emotions. “Where do I start?”
Kayla directed him to her backpack, then talked him through the steps once he had retrieved her med-kit. Although he was as gentle as he could be, she cringed more than once. “Sorry,” he apologized. “I’m not as good at this as you are.”
Her soft green eyes crinkled into a smile. “I’ve had a lot more practice.”
Jaden grinned. “Let’s hope I can never say the same.”
His comment sobered them both. Shifting her gaze from him, Kayla moved her hand to stroke Taz’s powerful shoulders, well below her twisted neck. She monitored Atu as he tended Taz’s wing, no doubt anxious Taz reap the same benefits as Han. It would be a bonus if Taz woke up with a healed wing. That
was, if she woke up. From her frown, Jaden could tell Kayla was as worried as he was.
As he packed Kayla’s medical supplies back into her kit, Jaden tried working out what had gone wrong. Their trip was perfectly normal, right up to the point when he’d said they should turn back. Then all hell broke loose. Did something in the valley prevent us from turning back? Or were we just far enough along for someone to attack us? If so, by whom? For what purpose? If an attack was the goal, why didn’t our attackers come after us and finish the job? And how were we attacked? What made our gliders lose control? Jaden’s mind went around in circles.
Kayla’s voice made him jump. “Jaden, please pass me one of those green pain pills.” Kayla pointed at a plastic container.
“Sure, here you go.” Jaden removed the pill and offered it with his water bottle, chagrined to find her grimacing again. “Is it hurting a lot?”
“More than I’d like it to be,” Kayla admitted, swallowing. “But this will help.” A moment later, she added, “It isn’t helping that my mind is spiraling trying to figure things out. What do you think happened up there?”
“I don’t know. Atu and I discussed it, but there’s no plausible explanation. If it was an attack, it was invisible. But if someone attacked us, where are our attackers, and why did they attack us? Without evidence of a foe, the environmental aspect is plausible, but even that has issues. Why did it only affect the gliders?”
“All the same arguments I’ve been running through.” Kayla’s face clouded. “You don’t think this could’ve been that EMP thing from a newly arrived Gaptor?”
Jaden’s answer was terse. “Atu and I considered that too. If it was, where’s the Gaptor?”
“Hmm, good question.” Kayla fell silent again.
Movement drew Jaden’s attention, and his eyes tracked Atu. The healer had finished with Taz’s wing and now darted back and forth between the gliders. Jaden’s interest piqued when he realized Atu was comparing them somehow. The increasing rapidity of his movements matched his mounting concern.
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