The Crystal Keepers, An Overseers Novel
Page 34
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Loki and other Overseers were positioned in the trees in various locations at the base of the mountain, below the crystal crevice that led to the cave. The sound of approaching riders broke the silence. There were two separate groups, coming from different directions, and she sensed a confrontation was about to begin.
She kept a clear head and reminded herself that her only responsibility was to prevent someone from climbing the side of the hill, discovering the crystal-lined crevice, and entering the mountain. Beyond that, it wasn’t her concern.
Shouts were heard. Horses brayed and metal clanged together as swords made contact. Two men were engaged in the battle. Loki startled when she noticed that one was her brother, Tannis. Two more riders began to fight. One had a dagger. It was a woman. She jumped from her horse and was preparing to throw the dagger at the man who was making a move for his sword.
Without warning, a mist appeared. It thickened into a gray blanket that quickly covered the area. More horses brayed and more shouts came as confusion set in.
Loki closed her eyes and listened. Suddenly her mind was filled with images, a collage of scenes playing across her mind’s eye: Tannis struggled with the strength of his adversary as his sword broke from his grip and flew through the air; her mother under attack and fighting with someone on her horse; Elwyn standing next to a tree, her hands moving as though she were drawing someone to her. Loki had a bad feeling. Something wasn’t right.
She heard herself involuntarily cry out. “No!”
Loki bolted upright. Waysu sat on the edge of the bed, her hand on Loki’s arm.
“Are you all right?” asked Waysu. “I’ve been trying to wake you.”
Loki’s breaths were fast and shallow, her forehead covered in sweat. Waysu reached out with the sleeve of her nightshirt and brushed the droplets off her forehead.
“It’s going to be okay.” Waysu tried to reassure her but as she spoke, she could tell by the look in Loki’s eyes that they were just empty words.
TWENTY SEVEN
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