The Channel (The Gifted Book 2)

by C. L. McCourt

  "We should be okay for a short time," she whispered. "I'll keep checking, though."

  When the horses had their fill, Daen and Rhea tied the reins to some low-hanging branches and returned to where they dropped the packs.

  Randell was about to pull a plastic water bottle from his pack but Daen stopped him, simply shaking his head and glancing at Taulin. Plastic water bottles were not found in Luxatra, and they didn't need that part of them exposed ... not yet at least.

  Randell hid the bottle in his coat and stepped out of sight of Taulin. He took a long drink before returning to the packs.

  Daen sat on a fallen log in the clearing and reached for a saddlebag. "Let's see what our mystery warriors have left us."

  Rhea and Randell did the same while Taulin watched from where he was standing near his horse. They went through the bags, putting all the food in one pile. They also found money, knives, flasks of booze and wine, and jewelry.

  Rhea picked up a long strand of what looked like pearls out of one of the bags. "Somehow I don't think these belong to our so-called warriors." She looked to Taulin who was pulling something from his saddlebag. "What can you tell us about the men who attacked us?"

  "Not any more than I already have."

  Randell leaned forward and picked up some cheese that Daen had unwrapped, along with what looked like an apple. Rhea did the same, biting into red fruit without hesitation. It was an apple, a little tart, but still good.

  Rhea noticed Taulin was keeping his distance. "You can join us if you like. Would you like something to eat?" She waved her hand to the pile of rations Daen had created. "It appears fresh."

  "Thank you but I have what I need for now." He held up his own bread and cheese but joined them in their circle, sitting on a flat rock across from Daen.

  Randell watched Taulin carefully. "I believe we saw you yesterday at the Green Tavern."

  Taulin turned to Randell. "I believe you did," but that is all he would share.

  Randell watched his aura carefully, trying not to be blatant, but at the same time, wanting to ensure the newcomer wasn't going to turn on them. Although Taulin wasn't offering any information, he still didn't look like a danger to them.

  Daen picked up a small boot knife from the pile of weapons. He spun it in his hand, held it up and watched it balance on his finger. When he spoke, he didn't direct his comment to anyone in particular but kept his eye on the knife. "Secrets can save a person, and they can get a person killed."

  Rhea tensed at Daen's comment. Was he talking about her?

  "Spoken like a guardian." Taulin was watching Daen now, studying him.

  This small exchange got Randell's and Rhea's attention. Randell knew Daen well enough to know something was up. Was he referring to Rhea's secret?

  Daen raised his eyes from the knife to Taulin as if waiting for him to continue. "Will your secrets get you killed or save you?" Daen asked.

  "It depends on one's perspective." Taulin didn't flinch, didn't reveal any emotion.

  Randell and Rhea didn't say a word but anxiously watched the exchange.

  Daen looked to Rhea and then rolled his eyes around the forest.

  She understood his request and closed her eyes. A moment later, she opened them and twitched her head ever so slightly to indicate she hadn't seen anything.

  Daen nodded.

  She glanced to Taulin and found him studying her. She knew she shouldn't be surprised, he had read Randell and Daen already. She met his eyes, waiting, almost daring him to say something, anything. She knew he could see her colors; he had seen them at the tavern. What she didn't know was if he understood. Was he like Randell?

  Aurea had understood something; she had sensed meaning in what she'd seen. Her innocence allowed her to know a truth, one Rhea didn't understand yet. She wondered if Taulin would see the truth and, if so, would that truth change him?

  Randell's voice broke the quiet that had fallen on the group. "What brings you to Taulomi?"

  Taulin slowly pulled his eyes from Rhea's to consider Randell's question. It didn't look like he was going to answer, but then he looked at Randell and nodded. "I'm here investigating reports of Laundan warriors attacking Taulomi. And it would seem I've found my evidence."

  Daen flipped the boot knife in his hand. "Does that mean you'll be returning to Laundan now?"

  Taulin looked at Rhea again, but this time he appeared to be taking in all of her, not just her colors. "I am meeting my brother in Eantan to exchange information. He's working his way south while I make my way north." He reached for some dried meat that was on the pile of food in front of them, exposing his wrist and part of a tattoo.

  Daen stopped his knife-play for a split second before resuming. Randell noticed Daen's hesitation and tried not to react, but he couldn't help wonder what had just happened. Hopefully nothing, but he couldn't be sure.

  The corners of Daen's mouth rose slightly, and his eyes had a knowing look. Now he knew. It was all clear to him. The final piece of the puzzle he'd been trying to finish.

  "As a guardian, I'm entrusted with many secrets." He looked at Taulin. "Your secret is safe with us if you wish to share it."

  Taulin froze, his arm still extended, before noticing where Daen's eyes had come to rest. He looked down and sighed. He shook his head and smiled before looking at Daen. "I should have known."

  Randell and Rhea whipped their glances between Daen and Taulin. Something definitely was going on ... some secret communication.

  "Known what?" Randell asked.

  Taulin nodded towards Daen. "Your friend here is very knowledgeable and ... wise."

  Randell and Rhea looked at Daen for an explanation, but Daen kept watching Taulin, waiting for him to make the next move. Daen was keeping his secret.

  Taulin rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. "Are you going to tell them?"

  Daen shook his head. "It's your secret to tell, but I would prefer this one not be kept from them."

  Taulin locked eyes with Daen, his mind racing with the possible outcomes associated with revealing himself. After a moment of consideration, he decided. "Very well." He sat up straight, dignified. "I am Prince Taulin Mauntage of the Laundan Realm, fourth in line to the throne."

  Randell raised his eyebrow. "Interesting."

  Rhea gasped. "I suppose that explains your knowledge of Laundan warriors."

  Taulin nodded. "Yes, that, and I'm also a Laundan warrior. My father believes that all his children should serve."

  Daen nodded. "King Craen is a just man. I know him well."

  Now it was Taulin's turn to raise a brow. "I know the guardians that visit my father, and you are not one of them."

  Daen gave a quiet laugh. "You were only a baby the last time I saw your father."

  Taulin focused on Daen for a moment before looking at Rhea. "Secrets."

  Randell tensed, and Rhea couldn't help but understand. What does Taulin know or think he knows?

  "Secrets can get you killed or save you." Taulin didn't take his eyes off Rhea.

  Rhea looked to Daen for help.

  "Did you know you were killing impostors when you came to our aid?" Daen waited for Taulin's reaction. They all were.

  "Honestly, I had my doubts. I didn't want to believe our men could do such a thing. I was relieved to find they were not ours."

  Daen looked at Randell for confirmation, and Randell confirmed Taulin was telling the truth.

  "What would you have done if they had been your men?" Rhea asked. "Would you have still intervened?"

  "I would have done nothing different. Any Laundan warrior caught committing such offenses would be executed on the spot. If they had been Laundan warriors, by being there, they had committed an offense. By attacking civilians, they committed an offense. The fact that they were not our men brings me some relief, but it still begs the question, why were they posing as Laundan warriors?"

  Randell gave Daen a nod. So
far, Taulin was being open and honest, but Randell continued to watch him carefully.

  Daen relaxed his shoulders, satisfied that Taulin could be trusted for now. He looked at Rhea. "It's your secret and your decision if you want to share it."

  Rhea chewed her lower lip as she tried to decide what to do. "I only know what you suspect to be the truth." Was she a channel? She didn't have the mark. She had a feeling she might be but wasn't totally sure.

  Daen nodded. "This is true, so, indeed, you might not have a secret to share."

  Rhea's eyes drifted to the stream as she considered what Daen said. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Taulin chose not to watch her like he had been doing. It was as if he was trying to look like he didn't care if she shared her secret, or not. Did he already know? "Taulin, do you read colors?"

  He turned to her and smiled. "Your colors are magnificent. I've not seen anything like it before."

  "Have you formed any conclusions about what the colors mean?"

  Before he had a chance to respond, Rhea caught a glimpse of someone in the woods, on the other side of the stream. She tensed, and everyone followed her eyes.

  11

  Trackers

  It wasn't long before Bestian and Gauvin heard voices ahead.

  Bestian's senses were going crazy. The power emanating from the group was overwhelming. The reward he would get for their capture ... the hooded man would pay dearly.

  Three more steps and they would see their prize. There were four of them now, but that didn't matter. He had the element of surprise. Bestian pointed to the other side of the stream, indicating Gauvin should flank their prey, giving Bestian and Gauvin the upper hand.

  Bestian watched Gauvin get into position before taking aim. They would take out the guardian and the new member of the group first. The one they captured before, in the world of shadows, wouldn't be a problem in an attack; he would go down easy.

  ~~~

  Time slowed as Rhea turned her focus on the person she'd seen. She saw the arrow leave the bow and start moving through the air, straight for Daen. At the same time, she saw out of the corner of her eye another arrow heading for Taulin.

  She felt fear and anger pulse through her body. This can't be! The tingling sensation rushed over her again, and before she knew what she was doing, she instinctively raised her hands towards the arrows. They stopped in midair, dropping to the ground within feet of their intended targets.

  She didn't have time to wonder how she was controlling the arrows. It was like the candy bar Daen had tossed her way except this time, it was life or death versus a something small hitting her in the face.

  Rhea jumped to her feet before anyone had noticed. "Stop! Leave us be! I don't want to hurt you!"

  By then everyone was on their feet, swords drawn, each scanning the area for the intruders to whom Rhea had spoken. Two more arrows were released, the thump of the bows' strings echoed through the trees.

  Rhea raised her hands again and stopped the arrows before they reached their mark. "Final warning! Stop and live, continue and die!" It was that odd voice again, her voice but not hers. The world around her was clear; she felt connected to everything.

  Daen dropped to the ground behind the log upon which he was sitting. Randell dove over it to join him. Taulin dropped behind the rock upon which he'd been perched, pressing his back to its side, taking cover from another attack. He looked up to see that Rhea hadn't moved. She hadn't taken cover.

  Just as he was about to reach up and pull her down, two more arrows were released, but this time they came straight for her.

  Taulin watched in horror, thinking he wouldn't get to her in time. She raised her hands and stopped the arrows, but this time, without really thinking about it, she flipped her hands and wished for the arrows to return to the sender.

  The two thuds and subsequent screams indicated the arrows found their owners.

  ~~~

  Lanne rode behind Gaibel with Beth bringing up the rear. For a time, it seemed the torches weren't going to be necessary. The tunnel was wide and straight, allowing the light from outside to illuminate the space. But then they made a sharp turn to the right, and the tunnel narrowed, and the light was gone.

  Lanne looked over her shoulder, seeking that which had allowed her to feel she was still in the open, but all she could see was the light from Beth's torch and blackness behind her. A chill ran through her, and her body shuddered.

  "Are you all right, Lanne?" Beth called forward.

  "I'm fine. I'm just not fond of close spaces." She took a deep breath and tried to relax.

  They continued in the narrow passageway, turning left and right, descending and climbing through the dark corridor. Not quite half way through, they passed an opening on their right—another tunnel.

  Lanne hesitated as she passed by and tried to see beyond the cobwebs that practically filled the opening. She called forward to Gaibel. "Where does this lead?"

  Gaibel pulled up and looked over her shoulder. "I am told it leads to a dead end."

  Lanne took one last look at the opening and nudged her horse forward.

  About halfway through, their torches started to flicker and die. Beth retrieved new torches from the pack behind her saddle and lit them, exchanging the exhausted torches for the new ones.

  Gaibel heard a noise a short time later and she knew it could be only one thing. She stopped her horse just before looking back to Lanne and raising her finger to her lips. Lanne brought her horse to a halt close to Gaibel. Beth had already stopped, being used to her commander's ways.

  They sat quietly in their saddles, the occasional creak of leather echoing off the tunnel walls as the horses shifted underneath them.

  Lanne tilted her head and gave Gaibel her best what's-up look.

  Gaibel shook her head and closed her eyes, barely breathing, listening for a sign but hearing nothing. She was about to give up, assuming the tunnel's acoustics were playing tricks on her, when the sound of a horse snorting echoed around them.

  Beth drew her sword and turned in her saddle, thrusting her torch back into the darkness. Nothing. She couldn't see a thing, but she'd heard it, just as Gaibel and Lanne had.

  Lanne pressed her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide in the darkness, fighting to see beyond Beth's torch. She looked to Gaibel for reassurance, but Gaibel simply shook her head and nudged her horse forward again.

  Gaibel knew the tunnel wasn't a place to engage someone who meant them harm. She'd known they might be followed into the narrow passageway and now she had her evidence. But their spies would have to wait. She needed to get Lanne to safety.

  The tunnel started to level out and become wider. The ceiling rose abruptly as they entered an underground cavern. Their torch light reflected back to them from shiny crystals embedded in the rock walls.

  Lanne was mesmerized. It looked just like the night sky she'd seen when spying into the other world, the world where she hid Rhea. She twisted in her saddle and peered at all the sparkling surfaces in the cavern until her eyes fell upon a spot void of the sparkles.

  Before she could say anything, Beth rode her horse up next to her. "It's another tunnel." Beth gazed to the spot to their left. "It leads off into several other tunnels, but they are all dead ends."

  "Have you ever explored the tunnels?" Lanne asked.

  Beth shook her head. "No. It didn't seem worth it."

  Lanne couldn't argue that point. Why explore tunnels that ended in nothing? She'd never been an adventurer, but something about the old unused tunnels called to her.

  Shaking off the mysterious feeling, Lanne nudged her horse into the small shallow stream that appeared to flow out from the mountain wall on her right and reentered the mountain wall on the other side.

  Gaibel's horse had just stepped out of the water when she shifted to look over her shoulder. "We're almost to the other side. We're going to pick up the pace now."

  Once Lanne and Beth cleare
d the stream, Gaibel tapped the reins lightly, and her horse took off at a slow canter with Lanne and Beth following close behind.

  The light from the outside became a small dot in the distance and grew quickly. They emerged from the tunnel to find the day had changed from dry to damp and dreary. A thin mist wrapped around them as if they'd rode into a cloud.

  They quickly extinguished their torches with the small metal cup that hung upside down at the opening of the passageway and then stacked their torches with the others left by travelers that had come before.

  Gaibel turned to Beth. "Take the high trail and wait for them. Don't approach. Just see what they do. I will see you in Eaton as planned."

  Beth nodded. "Yes ma'am." She turned left to enter the trail that ran above and behind them. The path was rocky and had she been required to head north, she would have had to dismount.

  Lanne looked up over her shoulder to see Beth sitting high in her saddle above the tunnel entrance. At that angle, she looked fierce and majestic.

  Beth nodded and coaxed her horse behind a grouping of trees and vines, out of sight of the tunnel.

  "Come. Let's go." Gaibel nudged her horse into a run.

  Lanne followed Gaibel down the well-used trail that led to the road that would take them into Eantan.

  "How much further?" Lanne asked as she rode up beside Gaibel. She'd never been to Eantan via this route and wanted to get a feel for where she was.

  "Another hour."

  Lanne could see the tension in Gaibel's jaw. "What's going on?"

  Gaibel turned in her saddle. "I believe we're being followed."

  Lanne jerked her head over her shoulder, an almost involuntary act. "For how long?"

  "Since sending the message to the king."

  That long? "If someone was following us, wouldn't they have tried something by now?"

  "It depends on what they're trying to accomplish. Remember who we're meeting."