A canyon might work, but only if we beat Marcus there. Still, the real question was how would we know Marcus would follow us in there?
“How’s he going to know where to find us? What’s our guarantee that he’ll come to our location?” I questioned.
“You, Cheyenne,” Callon said.
Realization hit. “Because I’m his tracking device.” I shook my head, my brows narrowing and stared at the map. “But I thought closing him off from my thoughts ended that link?”
“You need to reopen it,” Callon replied.
Our eyes met. “What?! Are you crazy?” My hands flew in the air.
“She just got him out of her head, and now you want her to bring him back in?” Colt snapped, moving closer.
“I’ve got to side with her on this, Callon,” Andre said, pushing her way close to him. “You didn’t see firsthand what he did to her. It’s not worth the risk.”
“But with great risk comes great reward,” Maes countered.
“Risking what?” Lilly said, her cheeks growing red. “That we might lose her forever?” Dex rested his hand on Lilly’s elbow.
“It’s not what you think,” Callon said, holding his hands up, his gaze never leaving mine. “We created barriers, barriers that can’t be broken. However, he has no barriers from you. Taunt him, as he taunted you. Make him think he’s pulled thoughts from your mind, thoughts about our battle plans…”
I finished his sentence. “Ensuring he comes precisely where we want him.”
“Exactly.” He nodded, his gaze softening.
I focused back on the map again, to the canyon Colt had pointed out.
“So if we take the canyon, we can draw his army in, but I don’t see Marcus himself taking that path. He’s going to hold back, hoping to draw me out.”
“Which is what we want, Cheyenne,” Maes said. “A one-on-one battle, the odds are now even.”
“He’ll hold back some of his army, hide them in the forest,” Jahlem spoke and stepped up to the end of the table. “He never fights one-on-one.”
“Who does he have now since he’s lost two of his best warriors?” I asked.
“There are others,” Jahlem replied.
“But not like the two of you,” Maes added. “You and Darrien could find a man and ambush him before he could make a move.”
Jahlem nodded and glanced at Darrien.
“Speaking of men,” I glanced around. “I was told we’d have more here to do battle with. Where are they?”
“A few miles away,” Brogan replied. “It’d be a little crowded to have a few hundred knocking down your door.”
“Are these Timeless who’ve fought before?”
“Yes,” Koda replied. “And they’re ready to see this come to an end. They’ll follow you anywhere you lead, Cheyenne.”
I swallowed. I hadn’t been a great leader in the past; it was time I stepped up to the plate.
“So we head for the canyon as Colt suggested,” I ordered. “How soon can we leave?”
Chapter 24
We were leaving within the hour. At least that’s what we decided based on our battle plan. We needed to get as far ahead of Marcus as we could. We needed the element of surprise.
My shaking hands yanked down a white turtleneck from the hanger in my closet, and I rummaged through my jeans to find some white corduroys. I needed to blend into the snow as much as possible, and I didn’t have time to go shopping for winter camo gear. I’d barely given myself enough time to shower; but I needed a distraction from my nerves. Luckily, I could dry my hair quickly, one of the benefits of the fire element. I paused and stared down at my palms, trying to stop the twitching. Had I made the right decision in heading towards the canyon?
“Cheyenne?” Colt’s voice echoed in the large bathroom, followed by a knock on the door. “You dressed?”
“Come on in,” I replied pulling the turtleneck over my head. Keep calm, Cheyenne, I repeated in my mind, trying to reassure myself the direction we were taking was the right decision. “I’m in the closet.”
Heavy footsteps sounded, and a shadow paused in the doorway. He was dressed from head to toe in tan, white, and grey camouflage. Obviously this wasn’t the first time he’d fought in the winter months. He gave me a faint smile that quickly faded. His gaze fell to my hands, and I clenched my fists, hoping to hide the quivering.
“I found these boots for you,” he said holding up a pair of off-white, fur lined boots. “Another option are these.” He pointed to a pair on the lower shelf.
I glanced at the shelf where he’d pointed, and grabbed the tall brown riding boots, dropping one. I quickly bent and picked it up.
“I think these will work better,” my voice quaked. “The others are a bit too bulky. It’ll be hard to run in them.” I sat on the cushioned bench, trying to pull them on.
“But your feet might get cold in your riding boots.”
Now it was my turn to give a faint smile. I stood and reached out, touching his hand, heat spreading to my palms.
“Built-in heater, remember?”
“I think Callon’s going to like snuggle time in the future.” He winked, trying to make me feel at ease.
Warmth spread through me, and I knew my cheeks had reddened. No matter what had transpired in the past, all the heartache we’d been through, he still wanted what he thought was best for me.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He stepped closer, his fingers grasping mine, and I couldn’t help the feelings bubbling up inside, as much as I tried to hide them or push them back. Colt was always my safe place.
“I’m scared, Colt,” I said, my fingers tightening over his.
“I’ll always believe in you, Cheyenne,” he said, his eyes softening. “I’ll always trust you, and have confidence in you no matter what.”
My heartbeat thudded loudly in my ears, as butterflies fluttered in my stomach. My mind whirled back to what my parents had told me over and over again…love never stops believing. Colt loved me without reservations, always had and always would. Being trusted was the greatest gift that could be given to another, they’d said.
“I love you, Colt. You are, and forever will be, my sunshine.”
He moved closer, his fingers tilting my chin up, and placed a tender kiss on my forehead.
“I’ll always love you, Chey.”
We stood motionless, each absorbing one another, our friendship, our love, and not knowing if this would be our last moment together. We were heading into battle, and my hearted ached at the thought that some might not make it through…
“It’s time,” he said.
I sighed, not wanting to break the bond between us, but it was, as he said, time to leave. He grasped my hand, as we headed towards the great room. Hopefully the jacket he found was cream colored as well.
Andre, Nakari, and Callon turned as we entered. They had also managed to find camouflage to hide themselves in the winter landscape. Andre and Nakari made a straight line for me.
“Here, let me help,” Nakari said, as she came around behind me. “Sit here.” She pointed to the coffee table and began to braid my hair. “You need it out of your eyes.”
I didn’t argue. I knew I did, but figured I’d do it on the ride.
Andre grinned.
“She’s bossy that way. Hair’s her thing.” She winked. “You’ll get used to it.”
“I’m not bossy,” Nakari replied. “It’s just that you’re the one who made a big deal out of her appearance the last time she was with me. Didn’t want a repeat.”
Andre rolled her eyes.
“I saw that,” Nakari snapped. “Be nice or the next haircut you get from me could end in a disaster.”
I gave a faint smile. I knew they were performing this show to help ease my nerves, and it was working. Nakari finished up and patted my shoulder. She and Andre headed for the patio door.
“We’ll wait for you out here,” Nakari said, and the French door closed.
I s
tood and stopped in front of Callon and Colt. I had a good idea of what was to come next. Callon needed to show me how to establish the one-sided connection with Marcus.
“You ready for this, Cheyenne?” Callon asked, taking hold of my hands.
I nodded.
“I want you to close your eyes, so you can concentrate. I want you to go back into the room, the bright room where you opened up all your memories.”
I pressed my eyes closed and pictured myself back in the now brightly lit room.
“I’m there,” I murmured.
“Find that window you closed, the window Marcus was using to manipulate you.”
I waded through the happy memories, warmth tickling my skin. I couldn’t help it as a smile began to spread, and love seeped through my veins. I stopped before the black window I’d closed, waiting for his next direction.
“Do you see another window beside it? One that’s misty, but has light beaming around the edges?”
I glanced to my right, and a misty window came into view, one that had light illuminating the edges like he said.
“I found it.”
“Open it very slowly. If you do it too fast, he’ll know what’s going on.”
I moved closer, my fingers finding the top ledge, and I began to push it gently up. The light gathered near the opening while the gray mist slowly seeped inside. I stared at the contrasts of colors, like night and day, the ashy color forming when the two combined, diluting them both.
“Did you do it?” Callon asked, breaking me from my trance.
I opened my eyes to see the intensity in his.
“Yes, it’s opened.”
“He can’t touch you, Cheyenne,” he reminded me, reaching for my hands, “but you can reach him. It’s going to be tricky, but you’re going to have to make him think he’s the one initiating contact again.” He squeezed my fingers. “I’m going to be here every step of the way, and I’ll let you know when to make contact.”
I nodded and glanced at Colt. He shifted on his feet, and ran his fingers through his hair.
“We need to get going,” he said.
I again nodded, unable to speak, as my stomach grew queasy, and followed them out the back patio door. A pathway had been dug through the snow, and we followed it. A large red barn appeared to the left of the house, nestled in pine trees. I heard Mandi’s familiar whinny as we drew near. My family was already mounted on their horses. All of them were just waiting for Callon, Colt, and me.
Lilly shifted uneasily in her saddle as I passed, blinking rapidly. She was just as wound up as me about the battle; she also knew that all of us might not return.
“Cheyenne,” Darrien nodded as he held Mandi for me while I mounted. He paused, his hand gripping mine. “I will always fight by your side, Cheyenne.”
My throat tightened, and my eyes watered as he departed. I took a breath. So much weight was upon my shoulders now. I didn’t have the option of failure.
“Let’s ride,” Koda commanded as he waved his arm, leading our pack.
We took off in a fast trot towards the lake. Daniel rode closer to me, his eyes downcast. He extended his hand, giving me a pair of white gloves.
“I know you probably don’t need it,” Daniel said, “but just in case, I wanted to make sure you were warm.”
I grasped his hand before taking the gloves, and his blue eyes met mine.
“We’re all going to make it, Daniel,” I said, reassuring myself more than him.
He sighed. “But I don’t have any powers to help. I—I feel helpless.”
“You’ve done your fair share of helping me in the past. Now it’s my turn to help you.”
Bree’s mare came alongside Daniel’s, her gloved hand coming to rest on his forearm.
“He wants to help, Cheyenne,” Bree said, her gaze downcast. “We just don’t know what we can do.”
“I know you two won’t let anyone down,” Colt spoke up as Sam came alongside me. “Honestly, Bree, I can see you clubbing a Tresez to death with a tree branch.” He gave a small chuckle. “I don’t have the same strength that I used to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. There are plenty of Timeless in the ranks that don’t have special abilities, but they’re fighting just the same. Everyone contributes; everyone is a part of this battle. We work together as a team.”
Neither Daniel nor Bree replied, but instead gave a hesitant nod as they fell back behind us.
I fidgeted in my saddle as we rode on. Mandi gave a wild snort. I was transferring my unease to her. Daniel, Bree, and Colt’s words had sunk in deep. Callon, Colt, and Daniel were all riding into battle powerless. How were they going to fight? Daniel had always been used to jumping in and out of danger, Colt had his strength, and Callon, he could use his mind to control the enemy if he had to, but now they had nothing to defend themselves with. I couldn’t lose them…
We’re watching over them, mon espoir, Maes said in my thoughts. No harm will come to them, I promise.
You can’t make that promise, Maes, I replied. No one can. You and I both know Marcus will be angry. He’ll do anything and everything to cause me pain, including killing them. You know he targets all of you, because I love and care for you.
Maes didn’t reply, but he’d heard me; his ears had twitched in response.
An eerie silence surrounded us, as each of us were lost in our own thoughts, preparing for battle. A fine mist came from the horse’s mouths as we trotted. Hours had passed, and I knew soon we’d need to take a rest. They couldn’t keep up this fast pace for much longer.
Soon we came to a stop beside a small stream. I dismounted and led Mandi to the water to drink. Her head nudged my back, before lowering to the cold water. Her way of telling me she was glad I was back.
I stood beside a tree, staring out into the woods. I was told we had an army waiting for us, but I’d yet to see them. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe them. I just wanted visual proof, something to help ease my mind. But who was I fooling? Nothing could ease my mind. A battle to the death was about to take place, a battle that couldn’t be stopped.
“They’re out there,” Maes said.
I jumped. I hadn’t heard him approaching. His jade-rimmed eyes studied me, and his head tilted.
“It’s your inexperience that gives you reservations,” he said. “Brogan sent them ahead to secure the area. They’ll be there when we arrive.”
I didn’t reply. His hand came to rest on my shoulder.
“You’re ready for this, Cheyenne. Don’t doubt yourself. You are stronger and wiser than your years. Marcus fears you, because your powers are so much greater and purer than his own.”
Are they? I couldn’t help but ask.
I wouldn’t speak this otherwise.
Callon neared, his eyes searching the forest. Maes stepped away, but remained close. Callon stopped beside me, giving Maes a curt nod.
“It’s time to give Marcus a glimpse of our plans,” he said, his jaw setting.
“How do I do it?”
“You whisper into the window you opened in your mind. You show him glimpses of the map, the memories you have of our conversation, but twist it slightly, make it appear we’re coming in from a different direction.”
“How will I know if he hears me?”
“You’ll know.” He reached for my hands, his gaze firm and strong. “You can do this, Cheyenne. I’m right here by your side.”
I swallowed. The thought of opening up a connection with Marcus sent a chill down my spine. The difference this time was that it was one way—my way. I closed my eyes, focusing in on the room filled with happy memories. Peace began to trickle over me, and I made my way to that ashen window, the coolness of it latching itself to me.
A fine fog swirled around me, and I moved closer, my lips right up against the icy mist.
The canyon, I began whispering into the fog. We’re heading towards the canyon…
The words flowed from me, replaying and changing our conversation for
our battle plans. I glimpsed the map, my fingers tracing the path we were to take. A crow cawed in the background, and my breath caught.
Callon said I’d know if I made a connection with Marcus, and I felt it as an icy cold chill raked me. I felt his dark eyes upon me as the mist parted, and I scrambled back from the window falling to the ground.
“Cheyenne!” Callon said firmly.
I blinked. His hands were firmly on my shoulders, his eyes intent.
“You saw him?”
“Yes.” I couldn’t stop my lower lip from trembling.
“This was your window, Cheyenne. He can’t control you. All you did was give him the illusion that he had seen our plans through your eyes.”
I shook my head, struggling to believe what he said.
Maes suddenly stiffened, his eyes narrowing and head turning. At the same moment, the familiar scar on my back began to burn.
Tresez! I hissed.
Maes shifted mid-stride and I race towards Mandi, my fear pushed back. I mounted and tore off after Maes. He wasn’t going to battle them alone. I didn’t need to say a word as others followed. The beat of horse hooves on snow thudded in the trees.
Maes was just ahead, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end. A smaller Tresez with a white strip from his nose to his head slinked out beside him. Shad was taking a stand with his brother.
I dismounted and ran, coming to a stop beside them. My chest pounded as I waited for the dark creatures to appear. They weren’t going to get far as long as I was here. Other footsteps pounded behind us, but I didn’t look back. We waited silently until several minutes later, a snow white Tresez emerged from the trees. A pack of about fifteen followed behind him.
White teeth flashed from its pink gums. The long hair on the back of his neck rose and fell with each breath, hair that resembled spikes. I’d encountered these spikes previously, signifying Tresez that could never be freed.
I studied the others around him. Only a few had those familiar spikes. There were some that could still be saved. Without warning, the white Tresez leapt, but I was ready as I held my hand out, stopping him.
Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four Page 31
