Promises

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  I could only nod in response.

  I was handed up to Koda, and he settled me in the saddle. He wrapped his cloak around me, as tight and snug as the darkness I felt inside. Callon wanted me to lend my strength, but I didn’t know whether it would be mine, or something else’s.

  Something terrible…

  Chapter 22

  Koda wove in and out of the trees, his body movements matching his horse’s fluid rhythm. The swaying was mesmerizing, but every jar and jolt sent pain into my right shoulder, keeping me floating in a state of semi-consciousness.

  Suddenly we stopped. Jolted from the recoil, my back hit Koda’s chest, and I winced. Koda wasn’t taking any chances, and he wrapped his arm tighter around me. My shoulder throbbed, uncomfortable in this new position, but before I could voice my protest, his hand covered my mouth.

  Something was close.

  Screened by Koda’s cloak, I had no idea what might be waiting out there. It was also strangely silent. I touched his horse’s neck, sensing an unease, which mirrored my own. What if Tresez were nearby? What if Trackers were hiding in the trees? We were sitting ducks just waiting like this. But then I recalled I hadn’t seen Koda in his cloak until he had directly approached me. The black fabric was ideal camouflage, for sure, yet surely I would have noticed a darker shadow. The way he’d come out of nowhere, as if he’d been invisible…

  Koda finally lowered his hand, breaking my thoughts. I had no idea how long we’d been waiting, but without a word we began to move once more. I strained to listen for any signs of danger, but all I could hear was his horse’s breath. It was hoarse and raspy, like a fierce storybook creature from my deepest dreams. No wonder the Trackers had been so nervous.

  As the night wore on, Koda’s cloak was making me uncomfortably hot. Sweat began to drip from my brow and run down my cheeks. I was also beginning to feel a little claustrophobic; and my injured shoulder began to twitch. I couldn’t even wipe my forehead.

  At last Koda opened up the thick fabric, and I gulped in a burst of cool night air.

  “I’m sorry, Cheyenne.” Koda adjusted the cloak so it rested behind us. “I didn’t have a choice. I needed to keep you hidden.”

  “I understand.” I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to when we’d first met. “How come I never noticed your shadow earlier?”

  “What?”

  “Before you found me,” I said. “If you were wearing a black cloak, I should’ve seen the shadow.”

  Koda scratched his nose.

  “It’s more than just a black cloak,” he said. “It’s been handed down from my father and from his father before that. During the day, it’s just an ordinary piece of fabric. But at night, it has the ability to mix with the surroundings. It’s not quite invisibility, but it’s something close to it.”

  I blinked. Koda must have been the first Timeless who’d given me a straight answer right after I’d asked a question. I was starting to like him more and more.

  “But what about your horse?” I asked.

  “Midnight has his own natural camouflage. He’s also pretty big, even for his breed,” Koda chuckled. “Don’t forget that others don’t see me atop him. Sometimes I even drop my hood, so all you see is a head with the body of a four-legged beast.”

  “Kinda like…a mythical creature?” I was trying to remember what Marcus had said when I’d asked him why his men were so afraid.

  Koda smirked.

  “You’re brighter than you look,” he said. “There’s an old tale among the clans that a great and mighty beast roamed the forests of North America. It would topple trees with its tail and its red eyes would stop men in their tracks before it slaughtered them on the spot.” He reached forward and stroked Midnight’s mane. “Humans called it a centaur.” He snorted. “Of course it was all because of my great-great grandfather. To this day, people still believe it. So I’m more than happy to oblige their meaningless superstitions.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. For all their brutish nature, it was funny to think that Trackers could be terrified of a man and his horse like that.

  I glanced about the dark forest.

  “Where are Colt and the others?” I asked.

  “We had to split up,” Koda said. “If anyone was following, they’d assume you were with Callon. Don’t worry. They’ll meet us soon on the mountainside.”

  We rode quietly for a few more moments. Koda straightened, and my shoulder caught his bicep. I bit my lip and cradled my arm to my chest.

  “Sorry.” Koda gently felt along the sling, which was a little loose. “How’s your shoulder doing?”

  I attempted to lift my right arm but didn’t get very far. It was stiff and heavy. Definitely better than earlier, but I needed more time.

  “It was quite a deep puncture, Cheyenne. Callon did say you might not be able to lift your arm for several hours.” Koda moved around and readjusted the sling. “Just hold it still, and we’ll get Callon to check it when we meet up.”

  “Thanks, Koda,” I murmured. “I’m just a walking disaster.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve had a lot of responsibility thrown on your shoulders.”

  I sighed. I had had a lot of responsibility thrown at me, and I was doing a miserable job at handling it.

  “You think I’m wrong in loving Colt, don’t you?”

  Koda said nothing. I hung my head, close to tears. For all his kindness, his silent judgment hurt more than anything. Yet another person who saw my heart’s choice as nothing but a childish infatuation.

  “I think Colt knew better than to get involved and ignored the truth because it hurt him too much.” His deep voice was somber. “He’s the one who’s breaking your heart, and as Callon said, it didn’t have to be this way. It wasn’t meant to be this way. Although I can sort of empathize with his actions.”

  My brows furrowed.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Colt’s headstrong, not unlike me. He fell for you and couldn’t let go.”

  I played with Midnight’s mane.

  “Have you fallen for someone and couldn’t let go, too?”

  “Yes, and she’s even more headstrong…that’s part of the problem.”

  “So you understand love?”

  “In a way.”

  “But was yours betrothed to someone else?”

  “No.”

  I sighed. He may have understood love, but he didn’t understand forbidden love. A shaky sniffle escaped me.

  “I’m sorry, Cheyenne. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “You only spoke the truth, Koda. The truth hurts way more than I’d like.”

  He gave me a moment to compose myself before he drew the cloak around us again.

  “It won’t be long. They’re almost here,” he said.

  “How do you know?”

  “I can hear them speaking.”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  “Seriously? You can communicate with them telepathically?”

  “Well, I can hear them, but they can’t hear me.”

  “That’s odd,” I replied without thinking.

  He chuckled lightly. “Yes, I know it’s a bit one-sided. I think it’s because my mother could communicate like that with Colt’s, so part of it stuck with us.”

  We went a short way before Koda parted his cloak again. The predawn light was emerging above, and I could make out figures in the distance. My guardians were standing in a circle, conversing. Midnight snorted, and Colt spun around. Relief crossed his features, and he came towards us. He nodded at Koda, and then glanced at me.

  “How’s your shoulder?”

  “I’ll live.” I smiled faintly.

  Colt smiled back and helped me dismount. He ran his fingers over my wound; I flinched. He glanced towards Callon, who soon crunched his way towards us. I caught the slightest hint of a frown as Callon took his place and looked at me.

  “Let’s take a look at it.” He untied my makeshift sling. I kept my arm close to
my body, scared of setting off the pain again.

  “It’s better. Really, Callon.” I didn’t want him moving it around yet.

  “I’ll be the judge of that, Cheyenne.”

  He gently probed my shoulder and tested its movement. I sucked in a breath when he tried to raise my arm more than twenty degrees. All eyes focused on me.

  “That still hurts?” he asked.

  “It’s not awful, but it’s not great either.”

  Callon glanced at Maes. “Should we have her try it out now?”

  I furrowed my brows. “Try out what?”

  “We need to know if you can use your powers, Cheyenne,” Maes said. “We can’t fight Marcus alone, not when he wants you so badly. But I can’t risk it here and now. I don’t want to draw any more attention to us at the moment.”

  Callon nodded. Colt, though, looked less than happy.

  “So we’re taking orders from Maes now?” he growled. “You’re seeking his advice over mine, Callon?”

  Daniel moved closer and touched Colt’s arm. Colt didn’t even acknowledge him, staring at Callon with something close to hatred. Callon remained indifferent, but I could tell from his eyes they were arguing in their heads. Colt clenched his fist, his arm shaking.

  “You’ve taken everything away from me, Callon,” Colt snarled. “Everything!” His nostrils flared, like an angry bull. Koda stepped between the brothers, flashing a dark glare at Colt.

  The ache in my chest doubled. Callon must have known what I’d said to Colt, and as I’d thought, he wouldn’t accept it. Piece by piece, moment by moment, I was ripping apart everything I held dear. I shrugged off Callon’s hold and walked away. This wound was much worse than the sting in my shoulder, and I didn’t know how much longer I could stand it.

  I leaned against a nearby tree. The tension between Colt and Callon was reaching an all-time high, but no matter how much it hurt, I knew I needed to keep my head. It was the only way we’d be able to escape Marcus.

  But it was almost impossible to concentrate when every shared moment between the two men I loved fragmented my heart more.

  Behind me I heard Koda and Daniel murmuring, along with Colt’s indignant huffs. They left me alone as the sun continued to rise, although it brought me no brightness. The darkness inside was still there, prowling, waiting for me to drown myself in my power again. It threatened to take over at any moment…

  “We need to go.” Callon approached and tapped my good shoulder. “Clayton, Skylar, and Nakari will be coming soon. They’re bringing horses and equipment. We just have to clear Marcus. Once we’re away, we’ll head for the resort house and pick up the cars.”

  I sighed. A list of names that meant nothing to me, but they were here to help. Still, it was nothing in comparison to the Tracker army I’d left behind. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and nodded. I couldn’t dwell on Colt and Callon’s relationship, not now. Once we were safe, I would have to speak with both of them. To try and undo this horrible mess of jealousy and lies…

  I kept my head down as my guardians moved out. Callon hesitated, stepping in front of me. He lifted my chin, forcing me to look up. His hazel eyes met mine, and where I’d expected a fierce warrior there was misery, pain and uncertainty. He stared at me for what felt like eternity before he finally spoke.

  “Cheyenne, I—I…” He exhaled. “I don't want to do this…I never thought it would come to this…but I can't let Colt come between us anymore. There's too much at stake.”

  My lower lip trembled.

  “W—what are you saying, Callon?”

  “I know what you told Colt.” Hurt flashed through him. “It’s going to end. Colt is going away once we’re out of danger. You’re never going to see him again.”

  “What?!” I cast off his hand, my eyes wide. “You can’t do this, not now! You can’t take him away from me!”

  “You think I want this?” Callon snapped. “You forced me into this choice. You’re the one sending him into exile, Cheyenne.”

  The darkness stirred, and I snatched at his shirt.

  “You and your selfish jealousy is the reason!” I hissed. “At least Colt never had to manipulate me with the rings to bind me to his side!” I released him, and rubbed my shoulder. “You’re no better than Marcus.”

  Callon’s eyes flared, and he grabbed my wrist.

  “I wasn’t asking for permission,” he said coldly. He pulled me along, and I cried out as the pressure transmitted to my shoulder. The shock of pain cut through my bitterness, and I felt tears stream to the surface.

  “It was never supposed to be like this…you weren’t supposed to fall in love with him!” Callon couldn’t keep his voice even. “It’s the only way…”

  “The only way for me is to be with Colt,” I whispered.

  Callon didn’t acknowledge my response.

  We began a slow trot on foot through the dense forest. Koda followed atop Midnight, his cloak draped over his body with only his head exposed. With a swipe of his arm, the tree beside us crackled and crashed to the ground.

  Daniel’s blue shirt flashed, and I watched as he jumped in and out of the trees. He was moving so quickly it was hard to track him. I was sure he was scouting the area, ensuring it was safe.

  Maes was up ahead, waiting for us to catch up. Colt kept a distance, lingering on our left, his eyes never leaving the surrounding trees. Everyone was focused on one thing: getting out of here safely. Briefly I closed my eyes, flexing my fingers. This wasn’t the time to get caught up with distractions. I needed to be ready.

  The snap of a whip made me jump. Callon’s fingers tightened around mine, and he cajoled me into a jog. I ignored the burning in my shoulder, gritting my teeth as I forced myself to keep up.

  Our formation tightened and the whip crackled again—closer this time. The Trackers were gaining. Anger bubbled in my veins, feeding the darkness within. I was not going to be pushed around like this! In mid-stride I turned, about to raise my hands.

  “No, save your strength!” Callon shouted. “Keep running!”

  He let go of my hand but stuck close. Bracing my arm against my side, I kicked up my heels, aiming to reach Maes. However, the Trackers were already appearing through the forest—they’d found us.

  Maes and Callon wrapped around me, shielding me from sight. I heard Colt yell, and then a series of grunts as he took the Trackers out, one by one. Daniel, too, was weaving in and out of sight, doing his bit to protect me. I focused on running—the ache in my shoulder was diminishing, and I needed to be ready for my chance.

  An opening in the trees appeared ahead. We were coming to a clearing. My breath caught. We would be exposed!

  Callon grasped my hand once more, making sure we didn’t get split up. Maes and Colt were in the lead, Trackers coming at them from all sides. They were trying to surround us.

  “Callon!”

  “I know!” he yelled back. “Just keep moving. We have to make it to the other side of the valley.”

  I pushed myself to move faster, catching a quick glimpse of Daniel’s shirt. I wished he could jump with more than one person at a time. I knew Callon wanted me out, but if I escaped, Marcus wouldn’t hesitate to kill them to get to me. We had no choice but to clear a path for ourselves.

  We followed a trail of bodies through the grasses. Midnight was trampling Trackers in the near distance, while Koda had picked up a branch and was swinging it like a club. Men went flying in all directions as if they were mere play toys.

  Callon stopped abruptly and gripped my wrist.

  “You’ve got to help me now, Cheyenne.”

  I nodded, unsure exactly what he was planning.

  “You need to keep moving, but don’t worry about the pace. I’m going to lure Trackers close, and then I want you to shoot them with pockets of air filled with forest debris.”

  “But my arm…”

  Callon held my shoulders.

  “You can do this. Just don’t lift it higher than your hip and base your powe
r from your palms, not your fingers.”

  “But I’ve never tried…”

  “You don’t have a choice right now.” His lips formed a straight line. “You can do this, Cheyenne.”

  In the next moment, I was left alone as Callon headed off. I let out a shaky breath, my eyes darting around to the fighting. I hadn’t practiced anything like this. I didn’t even know if I could accomplish such a task with my arm still so sore…but I had to try.

  I jogged forward, following Callon’s lead as he dodged back and forth between the men, tripping them up. Snarling and shouting, the Trackers would rise again and charge, only to fall over their own feet. Callon was too lithe, darting through them like a nimble breeze. He lured them closer, and I turned, spreading my fingers and waiting for my chance.

  Callon ran past and I inhaled, firing out what I thought was a small burst of air. What came from me was a microburst that sent Trackers shooting into the distance. The rebound hit me and Callon, who just managed to grab my arm before we spiraled through the air. We both landed hard on the valley floor, and I smashed my chin against his ribs. Callon spluttered, the wind knocked from his lungs, but lost no time in pushing me off and rolling to his feet.

  “Cheyenne!” He snatched at my arm and hoisted me upright. My shoulder ached, and I clutched at it, wincing. He held my arms, rubbing them gently. “Easy, Cheyenne. I wasn’t expecting anything that strong.”

  “I don’t know how to control it, Callon!” I spat. The men were already regrouping, pushing for another attack. Frowning, Callon shifted his grip and lifted my right arm. I screeched, the sinews crackling.

  “Shoot, now!” he growled.

  I sucked in a breath and summoned forth another blast of air. Callon kept a tight hold of my wrist, guiding my palm to strike the oncoming targets. Each burst was short-lived and focused, and every one hit their mark.

  I truly was a weapon for him…

  Koda and Colt wound closer, switching with Daniel and Maes. Both were dripping with sweat. They were getting tired. Colt turned to me, and his jaw hardened when he saw Callon clutching my arm. Swiftly Callon let go, and the two exchanged a heated glance. Then Callon disappeared into the sea of warriors. Colt brushed my side, keeping our shoulders touching.