10. Journey
It was the oddest conversation Nick had ever had when he explained to the unicorns why the Asteri needed the protective wear made from the skins of their kind. Amazingly, the intelligent beasts seemed to understand. Nick believed that the unicorns were just as anxious to destroy the Nephilim and Dolum who terrorized their land by skinning their kind as they were.
Gabriella set the saddle on the unicorn and tightened the leather straps. Unicorns were seldom saddled like a horse. They were noble beasts. Gabriella sensed the anxious energy coming from the unicorns. They sniffed and snorted, pressing their noses against the protective leather that they wore. It was awkward, wearing the unicorn leather with the rescued unicorns around. Gabriella hoped that none of them recognized any scents from the leather garments.
Justin watched Gabriella from a distance, and he was tired of that. He wanted his life to be intertwined with hers. He wanted to feel her breath against his flesh and sense the change in her moods. He was tired of reading her emotions from afar.
Justin stepped up beside her and placed his hand on her back. She gently shifted under his touch as her chest rose and fell with each breath. “Just think,” he whispered, his breath swirling in her ear. “Today we get to ride unicorns,” he added with a smile. He brushed his fingertips lightly against the fabric of her shirt as he caressed her back.
She loved Justin’s smile. His eyes seemed to send out rays of happiness that warmed her to the core. “Unicorns are a rare treat,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “Horses can be tamed, but unicorns are never tamed. They are thinking beasts. They merely allow us to ride them, but they never submit to us.”
Justin didn’t mention the unicorns’ debasement as they were held prisoner by Daevas. They had certainly been subjected to horrors in their capture and containment. She had seen the massive amount of protective clothing made from unicorn skin. Regardless of how noble unicorns were, they were still just animals that hadn’t made it to the top of the food chain. They were regal beasts with power-hungry predators lusting for their flesh. And as Justin knew, it’s hard to withstand that kind of assault.
“They are beautiful,” Justin said, looking into her gorgeous eyes. He loved the flecks of green sprinkled throughout her eyes. Tracing his hand down her arm, he took her tiny hand in his. He loved the feel of her soft hand nestled in his tender grip. Justin knew things had changed for him. He wasn’t going to wander as a homeless man anymore with Alex or Zoe. No, his home was safe within his grasp.
She’d seen his desire for her the moment they’d met. That was not uncommon. Men like to look at beautiful women, and she enjoyed the attention. But as they spent time together, she’d watched his look transform from appreciating her beauty to desiring her heart. She felt it in his simple touches, the way his eyes reflected his smile, and the honor in which he conducted himself. If he was attempting to win her heart, then he should be declared a champion.
Li leaned against the wall watching Gabriella and Justin. He didn’t like what he saw. The second he’d opened the door and saw Nick and Justin, he knew they’d be trouble. He’d tried to shoo them away. He’d tried to protect her, but you can never protect a woman’s heart. She seems to carelessly throw her most precious possession into the arena for all to abuse.
“We should head out,” Li said, taking the reins on his unicorn and joining Gabriella and Justin. “We have a long ride ahead of us.” He looked over his shoulder towards Nick and Michael. “Nick is anxious to leave.”
“He’s right,” Justin said. “Hayden is waiting.”
Gabriella nodded. Her stomach turned on the thought that another Asteri was being held captive somewhere. How did their world come to this? How could one’s light be extinguished? They needed answers to so many questions. “I’m ready,” she said. She turned and made her way out of the stable. She didn’t know what they were walking into, but she knew who she’d walk out of it with.
“Everything is set,” Nick said, looking at his little band of warriors. Under normal circumstances they’d match their competition, but now that they had the weapons and protective wear, they could be terrifying warriors sowing death upon base prey. Although one factor still concerned Nick, Vires. He didn’t have an answer for the magical ring. He hoped that Zoe and Evan were solving that problem.
“Do you think it’ll be powerful enough?” Li asked. Although he’d help Nick set the explosives throughout the castle, he wasn’t an expert.
“Yes,” Nick replied. He couldn’t believe the amount of explosives that Daevas had stored in the castle along with the poisoned weapons and protective wear. And he couldn’t imagine a better use for those explosives than to destroy Daevas’s home. “I set the explosives near the supporting beams and walls of the castle. The main detonation will set off the following explosions. All of that should bring the castle to the ground.”
Justin double-checked his unicorn to be sure that the protective wear and extra weapons were secure. Then he added, “Yes, let’s head out.”
They started their journey back down the mountain. Nick had set the timer on the explosives to give them plenty of time to get to a safe distance. Nick led the way with Michael immediately behind him. Justin and Gabriella walked in unison, and Li took up the rear.
Michael was overwhelmed by the incredible beauty surrounding him. He’d been trapped in the castle cell for so long that he’d forgotten how bright and alive the world was. He tilted his head back and let the sun warm his face. The warmth seeped into him as the fragrance of trees surrounded him.
After a time, an explosion echoed through the air. They looked up the mountain towards Daevas’s castle. Although it was in the distance, a dark cloud of smoke rose and other explosions concussed in reply to the initial explosion.
Michael stared a little longer at the smoke as it spread through the sky. The destruction of the castle eased a sliver of the pain in his chest. Perhaps with enough conquests on the journey, the trauma of his life as a prisoner would crumble and he could be left with a whole heart.
As they walked, Nick was trapped inside his head working out different scenarios for Hayden’s rescue. He tried to account for any variable, but that was difficult. Plus he needed to contact Zoe and Evan. He prayed that they’d found a solution for Vires. If they hadn’t, he wasn’t sure what they’d do. Perhaps they’d have to attack Kahan when Daevas wasn’t around, but he knew that they’d eventually have to face Daevas. They couldn’t allow him to have the power that the ring gave him. Especially now that they had a better idea of what their enemies could do. The technology of lacing weapons with fire powder poison gave the Nephilim and their allies too much power. If the balance of good and evil turned too heavily towards evil’s benefit the world would suffer, and the Asteri couldn’t let that happen. The Asteri would have to work on a cure, a sort of fire powder vaccination.
Branches and twigs crunched beneath them as they trekked down the mountain. Gabriella laughed as her unicorn’s nose nuzzled her hair. She turned to say something and then realized, “Hey, we don’t have names for the unicorns.”
Justin raised an eyebrow as he eyed the unicorn pacing beside him. “You know, you’re right. They need names. What are you going to call yours?”
“I like Marshmallow,” Gabriella said, “but that name just doesn’t suit him.” She stroked the unicorn’s white-as-snow body. “He’s going to battle, but no one wants a Marshmallow on their team. So I think Spark would do. Quick and white-hot. Do you like that?” she said as she stroked her finger over his velvet nose. He whinnied. “What about yours?” She glanced at Justin.
“I’m going with Scout,” Justin said. “He’s a strong horse, and a good scout is always needed in battle.” Scout waved his horn up and down as if he agreed with Justin.
“This one is Midnight,” Nick said. He loved the unicorn’s glossy black color. In the right light, the hair appeared to be dark purple. The unicorn’s size and color gave it a dark and powerful aura. “Exciti
ng things happen around midnight.”
“The witching hour,” Li said. “A time associated with danger and dark magic?”
“I think we’ll need a little magic on this quest,” Nick replied. “And we will meet danger, and we will overpower it.” The unicorn whinnied in agreement.
“Then we shall cling to the shadows in order to survive,” Li said, stroking the unicorn’s mottled side. “The shadows will protect us and give us the element of surprise.”
“Shadow is perfect,” Gabriella said. “Look at the way his colors play over his body. His gray and white hair reminds me of shadows on the ground.”
“True,” Nick said.
Michael closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the unicorn’s breath on his neck as they walked. His life had been pain and misery for so long that the simple pleasure of softness against his skin stirred his heart. The unicorn stopped and stood still, as if it knew Michael needed this moment of peace.
“What about yours, Michael?” Gabriella asked.
“Drakkar,” Michael said, “for he will carry me to victory.”
“I like that,” Gabriella replied. “It sounds strong and dangerous.”
They came to a field at the base of the mountain and headed north. Animals strolled past them in packs, taking note of their scent. As they journeyed, they saw travelers in the distance. The tiny groups that they spotted were made up of various kinds of supernatural beings. Nick was glad the travelers weren’t curious about them. He didn’t want the fact that they were wandering throughout the land to spread to the wrong people.
Towards nightfall, as the sun set on the horizon and the stars danced in the sky, they came to a lake surrounded by lush grass in the shadow of blue-gray mountains. A few unicorns lazily munched on the grass as they made their way towards the lake. Their heads bobbed as they lapped up the cool water.
The unicorns’ whinnies reminded Nick of the sounds his horses made in his youth. He couldn’t help but smile. “Let’s set up camp,” Nick called out. He wanted to keep going. He wanted nothing to delay them, but the unicorns were tired and needed a break. “We’ve got fresh water and grass for the unicorns. I’ll get something for us to eat. We should save the poisoned bullets.” Nick grabbed a bow and arrow. “I’ll reuse the arrow.”
“I’ll come with,” Michael said. He grabbed a bow and quiver of arrows as he strode towards the woods with Nick. It seemed an eternity since he’d hunted. As a young man, before his life changed so drastically, he hunted regularly. He was good at it, and he even helped feed his neighbors. He always walked silently, avoiding detection from his prey. His family had praised his prowess, but now he needed to hunt to prove that he still could. He wasn’t broken.
Justin nodded and said, “I’ll start the fire.” He turned and watched Gabriella as she set her backpack on the ground. She rolled her neck and shrugged her shoulders with a sigh.
Justin let the straps of his backpack slip from his fingers. It tipped over in the grass. “You good?” he asked as he approached her.
She faced him, her curls tied up haphazardly on her head. Tiny spirals framed her face, and her smile zapped Justin’s heart. “We covered a lot ground today. We’ll be there before we know it,” she said. She grabbed the elastic that held her hair and pulled it free. Curls cascaded onto her shoulders.
Li spoke up, “Have you heard from your friends? Is there a work-around for Vires?”
“No, haven’t heard from them,” Justin said. “We’ll contact them soon. Hopefully they’ve found something useful. I’m going to collect some wood.”
“I’ll help,” Gabriella said. “I’m hungry.” Her cheeks blushed red at the admission. She didn’t know why. There was nothing to be embarrassed about; they’d traveled all day with little rest or food.
Justin returned her smile. “Me, too. Let’s get this fire started.”
“I’ll prepare a spot for the fire,” Li said, and he watched them head in the opposite direction of Nick and Michael. Li knew jealousy is a merciless master, but it sunk its claws deep into his heart and withered his hope. So now, as she left with Justin, Li was left to merely find the perfect spot for a fire.
Gabriella loved the smell of the woods. The scent of flowers and trees bombarded her. Every so often, she stole glances at Justin. His muscles flexed as he broke dead branches from trees. When they’d collected a large bundle, they headed back to camp.
“These should help,” Justin said as they dropped the kindling and branches on the ground outside of the circle of rocks Li had formed for their fire. Justin knelt inside the circle and assembled the branches into a pyre. Then he dispersed the kindling throughout the pile.
“Looks good,” Gabriella said. She dug through her backpack and found the Firestarter tool. She handed it to Justin.
Justin glanced up at her and said, “Thanks.” Their fingers brushed together as he took the small tool. He placed his thumb on the striker thumb pad and nestled his hands over the dry leaves. He quickly scraped the striker down the rod and sparks ignited the leaves. Justin moved to another area of the large pile and lit some more.
The tiny flames grew as they consumed the leaves and twigs. The fire took hold in the larger branches. Crackles and snaps filled the evening air.
Justin watched Gabriella. Her beauty mesmerized him as the glow cast from the fire danced over her skin.
“I can feel you staring,” she said, her voice slow and alluring.
Justin stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her to his chest. “This is even better,” he whispered into her ear.
His breath tickled her as she leaned against his body. “I like you,” she said, peering over her shoulder to gaze into his face. Her fingers wrapped around his hands at her stomach and with each breath, as her body rose and fell in the exchange of air, she knew she’d found her match. His arms fit her just right. She looked at his hands, the way they embraced her, and she loved it. She loved the way her small, dark fingers contrasted with his larger, light hands that held her to him. She felt peace.
“The feeling is mutual,” he murmured. For the first time in a long time Justin felt alive. He never expected to know love again, but with Gabriella in his arms, he knew it was possible. His heart beat with a purpose. Once they rescued Hayden, he knew he’d focus all his energy into a relationship with Gabriella.
Li watched their exchange as he leaned against a tree. He knew the day would come when she’d find love. He just never thought it wouldn’t be him. He doted on her every need, meeting her desires. Her every wish was his command, and he loved it. He loved to watch her. Her every move ignited his passion further, but he’d never been able to tell her how he felt. The timing was never right. Perhaps he was a coward. He’d never mustered up the courage to lay his heart at her feet. But Justin had. Justin laid his heart at her feet, and in response she pressed her body to his. Li’d served her faithfully for countless years. He’d shed blood for her, and this was how she repaid him. She threw her love of another in his face, essentially stomping on his heart without a care.
Nick and Michael watched from the shadows. Nick didn’t like the glint in Li’s eyes as he ogled Gabriella. Nick caught how Li’s jaw clenched when Gabriella pulled Justin’s hands up and pressed her lips to his skin. He knew Li wasn’t just serving Gabriella to repay a debt; he loved her. Nick hoped the change in Li’s relationship with Gabriella wouldn’t affect their mission. He had enough hurdles to jump.
“Hey,” Nick called as he walked out of the forest with a deer around his neck.
Justin looked over his shoulder and watched as Nick strode from the woods. “Took you long enough,” he teased. Part of him wished they hadn’t returned yet. He’d enjoyed the feeling of Gabriella’s body as they’d stood in their embrace. Now he’d have to let her go. Dinner needed to be cooked.
They cleaned the deer and cooked the meat over the fire. The scent of food made Li’s mouth water. He hadn’t had food cooked over a fire like this in yea
rs. As a boy, he’d go hunting with this father and brothers. They would spend the night under the stars and cook over a fire and talk about the future.
During his childhood, Li’s parents made the arrangements for his future wife, Chen. He liked her well enough. She was a cute girl with long, jet-black hair. Her smile always brightened her face, and he loved her soft voice. Sometimes he’d watch as she sang at the river while washing the laundry. Even as a boy, Li knew he would love her. But one day his life changed drastically. Death surrounded him and stole Chen from him. It was then that Gabriella entered his life. She slowly put his life back together and unknowingly knitted her heart with his. These painful memories flooded Li with emotion. He’d lost Chen and his family so long ago, and now he’d lost Gabriella.
Michael’s mouth watered as he cut chunks of meat and set them over the fire. The delicious aroma teased him, promising a feast. As a prisoner, he’d eaten stale bread and gruel. If he was lucky, he caught the occasional rat and feasted upon its raw meat in the dark shadows of his cell. He neglected to share that information with his new friends. He didn’t like the thought of how helpless he’d been as a prisoner.
The small group sat around the fire. The dancing flames lit their faces and threw shadows on the ground. They talked of meaningless things as they devoured the food. Even the sound of their eating felt like a gift to Michael. To be in the presence of friends again was heaven.
“What’s the plan once we get there?” Justin asked, casually reclining on the ground. He knew they were better prepared now that they had the weapons and protective clothing, but they still couldn’t defeat Vires. “Are we hoping that Daevas isn’t with Kahan? If he is, we are severely disadvantaged.”
Nick nodded slowly and took a deep breath before he answered. Justin’s statement was reasonable. This conundrum had plagued Nick all day. If Daevas was there, would he be willing to wait to rescue Hayden until Daevas left? Nick knew that would be best, the safest thing to do, but his heart couldn’t be that close to her and leave her there to suffer any longer. “Tomorrow I’ll cross over and call Zoe and Evan. Hopefully they’ll have good news.”
Synchronicity (Scintillate Series Book 3) Page 17