First World(34)

He said this without hesitation or doubt. I shivered thinking of the dead plants; an army of zombies maybe.

“Where are they located?” I was going to make sure we avoided that area.

He looked back the way we had just walked. “They are not too far from the royal castle, actually. Less than a day’s walk and only four hours’ drive.”

I sighed in relief; we were heading in the opposite direction.

The landscape was changing as we walked. The forest had thinned.

“So, tell me ... Is Lucas single?” Lucy winked at me as she pranced along.

It didn’t even look as if the heat was bothering her anymore.

I sighed. If she had been closer, I would have kicked her.

Brace simply laughed. “Lucas is my closest friend. But I wouldn’t send him on a date with my worst friend. Being next in line for the royal throne, he’s been completely pandered to.”

I chuckled. What a picture those words painted. “We’re reading you ... Lucas is a spoilt brat.”

He shook his head. “It’s not exactly his fault. He was raised to believe he’d end up with his chosen Empress. But it’s never happened. So now he likes to ... be indulged.”

“How is Lucas expected to rule all of First World?” I took a shot in the dark.

The corners of Brace’s lips lifted slightly. “I’m not sure anyone is expecting him to rule at all. We’re all kind of hoping Emperor Quest hangs on for many more years.” He ran a free hand through his hair. “Fortunately six of the seven lands have a competent Mayoral Head. No way could Lucas keep control of two billion inhabitants alone.”

Mirth danced in his breathtaking eyes. Apparently the very thought was amusing to him.

“You said you’re from the north, right?” he questioned us.

A quick glance toward Lucy told me she couldn’t remember what we’d said either.

“Uh, sure, sounds right.” I bobbed my head a couple of times.

His jaw tightened. “Yeah, well I think Mayor Johansson might be the one we need to keep an eye on. Lucky for us, even as a stand-in for his father, Lucas is mostly a figurehead and he can’t make any decisions without majority vote of the council. They’re actually meeting at the moment.”

A loud rustling in the bushland to our right distracted me from my next question. I stopped and craned my head higher. This section of the forest was almost barren, with lots of dead twigs and leaves. I shifted my pack, trying to ease the ache in my shoulders.

An echoing roar shattered the air around us.

Lucy pretty much dived into my arms. “What was that, Abby? Abbs. Seriously, did you see it? Is it a bear ... lion ... bigfoot?” Her panicky questions were rapid.

Brace stepped closer and took Lucy’s pack from her back. “Keep moving. It could be any of the native animals. I’ve got your back.” He ushered us forward, bringing up the rear.

We set off at a dead run. I always thought I was fast, but now I know – Lucy is faster.

“Angelisian is not far.’ Brace’s voice came from behind me. “But we need to get out of the forest now. It’s a burber.” His breath came in rasps as we sprinted.

My pack felt like a feather, shoulder aches gone.

“What’s a burber?” Lucy gulped, her tiny legs flying.

Brace’s voice came in gasps. “Let’s hope you don’t find out.”

The thundering grew louder.

I was losing momentum. Despite the adrenalin, the stress of the last few days was catching up to me. Brace kept pushing our pace. He was close behind me; I could smell his clean masculine scent.

I looked back, my curiosity demanding to know what was following us.

A large creature was barrelling along about twenty feet behind. It was huge, looking a bit like a bear crossed with a moose – with massive antlers. I focused again on the path.

My foot caught under a branch and I went sprawling along the dusty trail, just missing a few exposed tree branches. The impact sent shockwaves through my body; I couldn’t breathe.

“Lucy, keep running. Wait at the end of the path. I’ll help Abby,” Brace yelled over my head.

She hesitated, as I knew she would.

“Go, Lucy!” His tone brooked no argument.

“Save her or I’ll kill you!” Lucy screamed as her footsteps pounded away.

“Abby, are you okay?” He crouched down next to me.

I couldn’t answer. My chest burned as I gasped for air.

“Come on, Red. Let me know what to do?” he questioned again.

I managed to suck in a gulp of air as an impatient Brace yanked me into his arms, heavy pack and all.

Spinning around, he stopped.

The creature was five foot away, staring but not approaching.