Gilded Wings(7)

After placing everything back in the satchel, I climbed out from the space, and slung it over my back. I had more than what I needed for this journey.

It would be another full day of walking, but at least the light made it much easier to travel. With a renewed vigor, I followed the light of the dagger. If I kept up a quick pace, I’d be at my destination in no time. I figured that I had traveled more than half the distance last night. The rest of the way should be easy.

No sooner than the thought left my mind, I felt heat on my chest. I glanced down at the bloodstone amulet, which was glowing bright red. I ducked behind a fallen tree and listened.

Nothing.

Just as I was about to peek from my hiding spot, a loud shriek sounded, shortly followed by the clanging of swords. I ran, not caring which direction I was heading.

As I looked toward the sky above, I gasped. At least a dozen pairs of black wings soared, darkening the sky above me. They knew I was here. They could smell me. With so many of them out there, I knew it was just a matter of time before they caught me. Even Ethon couldn’t take on all of them by himself.

A battle was waging above me, and I wasn’t sure who was fighting.

After a few more seconds, I felt Ethon arrive. Then, hearing Samuel’s voice made my heart sink. They were fighting for me. Fighting because I was out here. What had I done? They’d better not get hurt because of me.

“Emma!”

I turned and thought I was dreaming. I blinked my eyes a few times, but the vision didn’t disappear. Kade was standing in the distance, looking directly at me.

“Kade?” I called out, but still questioning.

He ran over and wrapped his arms around me. “Thank God you’re okay,” he breathed. “Dammit, Emma. I’ve never been more terrified in all my life.”

“How did you find me?”

“Ethon told me where you were. He and the others are dealing with the Fallen, and they wanted me to come and get you.” He steadied my face in his hands. “Why did you leave?”

“I had to, and I’m not going back.”

“Why? Why are you putting yourself in danger? I don’t understand.”

“I can’t tell you.” My heart was breaking, and a tear trickled down my face. “You just have to trust me.”

“I do trust you, but you need to tell me why.”

I shook my head. “I can’t. I want to, but I can’t. Please don’t ask. You just have to believe me.”

“Okay,” he said, pulling me back into his arms, and kissing my forehead. “Can you at least tell me where you’re headed?”

I stepped back and looked into his concerned eyes. “Midway.”

“Midway? Why?”

“Please. I’ll go alone, just tell me how much further it is.”

“No way. You aren’t going alone. I’m your Guardian and will take you there. I need to make sure you’re safe. It’s about ten miles away.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“You’re welcome.” He extended his hand toward me. “We better get moving.”

Kade had me by the hand, running through the trees. I would never have been running this fast, but he seemed to know exactly where he was going. Ten miles. If we kept this up, we could be there in a few hours.

After running for what seemed like an hour, Kade stopped.

“Why are we stopping?” I panted.

“You need water and rest for just a minute, and then we’ll get going again.” He took the satchel and pulled out the blue flask. “Here, take a sip.”

“I’m fine… and by the way, how did you know the flask was in there. Who brought it to me?” I questioned, looking deep into his eyes.

He paused, his eyes locking onto mine. “You have things you can’t divulge at the moment, and so do I.”

“Fair enough,” I said, and he smiled.

I took a sip from the flask and instantly felt my heart and pulse rate slow. I felt good as new, and ready to run the rest of the way. “You’re turn.” I handed him the flask and he hesitated, but I stood firm. He finally took it and sipped, then twisted the cap back on.

“Where are the others?” I asked.

“Probably busy keeping the Fallen away. There were only a handful of them. Nothing they can’t handle.”

“Are you sure they’ll be okay?” I asked.

“There hasn’t been any Fallen who can beat our group. Especially with Samuel…” he paused, “and Ethon. They’ll be just fine.”

“That’s good. I wouldn’t want any of them to die over me.”

“They’ll be fine and those going up against them will get what’s coming to them. Most of the time the Fallen are so filled with pride, it becomes their downfall.”