I focused my energy, my mind, on the Tresezes, willing them to remain frozen in place, controlling them with my mind as Marcus had done so many times. Whimpers from the younger Tresez sounded.
Talk with them, Maes, I said, Speak with them, offer those that want freedom the choice to fight with us.
Maes didn’t reply, but instead moved closer, his steps slow and precise. He avoided the spiked Tresezes, and instead focused on the younger ones, the ones who still held a chance.
A black mist began to form on the outer edges of my vision. Snarls and cries echoed in my ears. A bone chilling cold slipped over me, and images of dogfights and beatings with sticks and metal rods blurred my vision. Fear, overwhelming fear, trickled through my veins. The longer I held the Tresez, the deeper my connection became.
A hand came around my waist as my legs wobbled, and I too panted for breath. I wanted to close my eyes to shut out their pain, but I couldn’t. Instead, tears I couldn’t control streamed down my cheeks. They had endured so much suffering at Marcus’s hands, so much needless suffering.
Bloodied Tresezes bodies lined a field, those who had betrayed them in the past. I began to shake. I had to release them. Too much bloodshed, too much pain…
My legs gave way, and Callon caught me as I lost my hold. A moment later, snarls erupted, and I leaned on Callon as we watched a small battle take place. It was over quickly, as the once white Tresez lay bloodied in the snow.
The pack of smaller Tresezes trembled as Shad moved closer. Maes glanced back at me.
Mon espoir?
I’m fine, I replied.
I pinched my eyes closed once he looked away. A building pain began growing as it traveled up my neck and locked into my forehead. Callon lowered me to the ground, cradling me into his chest. I pressed my hands against my temples, as the pressure grew.
“It’s going to be okay, Cheyenne,” he said. “It’s bad enough controlling one, but you did the entire pack. This is just a side effect.”
I clutched his jacket.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I gasped.
“No one else has ever had my powers.” He tenderly rubbed my temple. “I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you.”
No one else had ever had his powers…but I’d been the one to give them to Marcus and myself. How many other things could Callon do with his mind that I’d taken for granted or been completely oblivious to?
“I’d advise against you doing this again,” he said. “There’s a lasting toll to all these images flashing through your mind. It can cause more harm than good.”
The pain finally began to disperse, and my body relaxed. I waited a few moments longer before I opened my eyes and saw Maes standing over me. He extended his hand, as he and Callon helped me to my feet. Koda, Brogan, and Colt stood over the remaining Tresezes with Shad. I caught Colt’s nervous stare.
“Don’t do that again, Cheyenne,” Maes said, accent thick. “We can more than handle a few Tresezes.”
I pushed the hair back from my eyes and ignored his comment.
“How many did you save?”
“Ten. They’re willing to serve with us.”
“Good, the more we can persuade to join us, the better.”
The snorting of horses caused me to look up. Jahlem and Darrien had arrived with the rest of the family. Andre rode closer, her eyes glancing at the pack.
“Picking up strays are we now, Maes? You know I don’t like all the dog hair. Besides, you feed them, and they tend to stick around forever.”
Maes muttered something in French and then walked away. Andre gave a sly smile. They were truly meant for each other.
I whistled for Mandi, and she stopped nearby. I quickly mounted. We’d traveled a great distance, but we had more ground to cover. Dex, Jahlem, and Darrien took the lead while the rest of us followed behind. I glanced over my shoulder as Colt, Koda, Brogan, Maes, and Shad had the new recruits follow up behind us.
Those that had chosen otherwise lay in the snow bloodied and broken. I couldn’t help but feel sad for them. Some of them were never given the choice, some knew no other life and thought there was no hope. They’d spent their entire life serving and never living all because their leader made the wrong choice.
But all that was going to change now. All Timeless would have the freedoms that they richly deserved. And humans would never have to face the wrath of Marcus. Hope would be restored.
The sun’s last rays trickled through the pines. Nightfall was upon us, as well as more danger. We’d come across one pack of Tresezes. I was sure more would come. Marcus was desperately trying to eliminate the threat before it ever reached him, but he couldn’t. His day was coming.
Chapter 25
The trees began to thin, and a wide opening emerged between the two mountains. The early morning rays created a crisscross pattern across the snow-covered rocks. We’d made it to Saddle Ridge canyon, but where was our army?
Maes disappeared up a trail on the left side of the canyon, scouting ahead. I dismounted from Mandi and walked farther into the large opening.
River rocks lined the snow-covered canyon floor. At one time a river ran through it, but now what remained was barely a trickle. I walked to the first bend in the rock, hoping to get a clearer view of the terrain. I frowned when I realized that each curve barely allowed me to see more than shadows in the distance. This could be tricky for waging a battle. A wave of nausea hit my stomach. This could be our death trap.
“We’re going to be up top on the ridges. We only need a small amount people below to lure them in,” Colt said, pointing to the ridges above.
I glanced over my shoulder; he was studying the canyon walls.
“Where’s our army?” I asked, shoving my hands in my coat pockets so he wouldn’t see them shaking. “How am I supposed to lead them into combat if I can’t see them?”
I didn’t even know how many had powers, what they were, and where they’d best be placed. Shouldn’t I be planning strategies with Callon, Brogan, and the rest? Darrien had mentioned that Marcus would need to be drawn out, but how? Did I have to place myself in danger to get him into the open? And if we wanted Marcus’s army to come from the other side, what lay in wait over there? What if we were the ones drawn out, then what?
“Cheyenne,” Colt said, and I jumped.
I’d been so absorbed in my own thoughts I hadn’t heard him. His hand touched my shoulder.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve fought. We’ve got this under control.”
I turned towards him.
“But this is my battle, and I’m supposed to be the leader here. How am I supposed to lead when I don’t know anything? You think an army will follow just because I’m Kvech? They need to have confidence in me. How can they when my own confidence is fading?”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” Koda said, coming to stand behind Colt, his hand resting on his shoulder. “The Timeless will follow because you are Kvech, but you’re backed by warriors who are more than willing to ensure your success. We’re here to help, to aid where and when needed. To give suggestions, and then to back you up when the time comes for the final battle with Marcus.”
“We’re clearing the way for you, Cheyenne,” Brogan added as he too overheard our conversation. “If you have questions, ask. We’ll advise.”
I stared at all three of them. Shoulders relaxed, eyes clear and focused, not an ounce of anxiety riding through them, unlike myself. It was as if they lived for this, battling the enemy and watching them retreat in defeat. They were confident I was going to bring them success…but what if I didn’t?
“You’ve got this,” Koda said with a small grin. “I’ve got faith in you, Chey, total and complete trust that you will know what to do when the time comes. You’ve given us a lot of surprises along the way, all of which have turned out better than we hoped.”
“And I had to live through hell to get there,” I replied.
Koda smiled. “It has been a roug
h ride, hasn’t it?” He winked. “See this as the final adventure.”
He had no idea how close to the truth he was on the word final, because for some it would be forever.
Loose snow drifted down from the upper ridge, and I caught the patter of paws. Maes had returned. I followed them back to where we’d left the horses.
Maes shifted and everyone drew close.
“Marcus and his army haven’t arrived yet, but it’s probably only a matter of hours before he does. We’ve got our army camped at the entrance of the canyon. I think we need to split up and each take a canyon ridge. There’s no other way up the ridges, and the ledges can get narrow at some points. We’re going to have to travel by foot from here on out. If horses are needed, we can take them from the front line camp,” Maes said.
“How many do we have in the front line camp?” I asked, pushing my way closer.
“About three hundred,” he replied.
“So we split half of them up, send them into the canyon where they’re not seen.” I glanced over my shoulder at the canyon. It was large enough to hold well over a hundred with room to fight, especially if they spread out. I turned back to Maes. “The other half remains in Marcus’s sights, and his army chases them in. How are they going to box them in if they’re being chased?”
“There are caves in the canyon, near the front entrance. They hide in the caves. When the Trackers pass, they follow behind. When the Trackers turn to retreat, they’ve got no exit,” Colt said, his shoulders firming.
“Fine,” I replied, knowing that would likely work, if the Trackers were dumb enough to fall for it. “But what about the hidden army Darrien and Jahlem talked about? How many men do they need to fight them?”
“Fifty,” Darrien replied.
“Maybe even less,” Jahlem added. “Half of the Trackers he’ll hold back are Servak, but well skilled. If they see Darrien and me fighting, they may defect to our side. The others that don’t, they’ll meet their fate.”
Jahlem and Darrien’s stares were unwavering. They were seasoned warriors like the rest.
Darrien stepped closer, his hazel eyes softening.
“Marcus is going to try and trick you. He’s going to try and convince you that he can be saved. You can’t. You saw firsthand what manipulation he’s capable of when he wants something. You also saw the abusive side as well.
“His powers are tainted, Cheyenne. His thoughts, they’re not clear. The magic he’s mixed with his powers will only destroy you if you give in. You can’t save him. Only death will bring him the freedom he searches for. He’s beyond your reach.”
Was he really beyond my reach? My powers were pure, untainted by magic. Surely that could make a difference? Darrien said that only death would bring Marcus freedom, but would it?
“Not everyone is worth saving,” he added, “please remember that.”
I nodded, and swallowed, my throat growing tight.
I went back to Maes’s previous conversation.
“So our goal is to be up on the ridges to oversee the battle, and ensure that Trackers don’t escape up the canyon walls. Then, after his army has dwindled in size, my part comes into play, and I draw him out. Is there a valley on the other side?”
“Yes,” Maes confirmed.
“Did we take Raina into account?” I asked.
“I’ve got her covered,” Nakari said, a wicked smile rising. “The rest of the Cloakers aren’t as powerful. She’s the only real threat.”
I took a cleansing breath and glanced towards Callon, who’d remained quiet. He gave me a curt nod, showing his approval. I was stepping up, doing my part, just like he’d always wanted.
“Thank you,” I mouthed.
Brogan divided the family up. Dex, Lilly, Layla, Shad, Andre, and Clayton took the left side, while Callon, Nakari, Colt, Daniel, and Bree came with me on the right. While Maes, Darrien, Jahlem, Koda, and Brogan made their way through the canyon floor on horseback.
I patted Mandi’s neck, and loosened her reins, setting her free to roam, like we’d done with the other horses. They’d stay close, but if danger were near, they’d have the freedom to run. Her head nudged me in the back as I walked away.
“Be good, girl,” I said and followed Maes as he led the way back up the ridge trail. I couldn’t help but glance down. If there’d been a raging river, it would have been similar to the canyon Maes dragged me out of. I stepped closer to the rock wall, my fingers trailing it. Time may have passed, I might be stronger, but I still didn’t like heights.
As if on cue, Callon reached back, extending his hand. I didn’t hesitate in grabbing it. I needed his strength more than he realized.
The sun rose higher in the crystal blue skies, the snow causing a glare. We’d been hiking for a while before we reached a large ledge. A valley stretched out before us with white snow and peaks of grass rising up. Just beyond the valley lay a dense forest, the forest I was sure Marcus and his army would arrive from. I cautiously moved closer to the ledge. Remnants of a camp stood there, and people milled around. At least now I had proof that others had arrived, even if I couldn’t see them all.
To my right was a narrow, rocky, icy path leading down into the valley. That was our way down when the time came, unless Nakari was going to jump us one by one.
A shiver ran down my neck, and a black crow cawed overhead. Marcus was near.
“He’s close,” I said, and all eyes focused in on me. “I can feel him.”
A group of horses led by auburn-and brown-haired men rode off towards the forest. They knew he was near too. My stomach churned as their gaze returned to the valley. This was it; the battle was coming to us. I could only hope that the words I’d whispered to Marcus brought him where we wanted him. Anything else could be disastrous.
We stood with our backs against the ridge wall, waiting for a sign, any sign that Trackers were about to break through the forest, but none came. Where was he? What was he waiting for, nightfall? If he was waiting for the cloak of darkness to emerge, it wouldn’t be long now.
Callon’s fingers intertwined with mine.
“I wanted you up here with us, so I could help you,” he said while staring out at the valley. “Use your power wisely. He’s going to try and drain you, draw you out to weaken you. Don’t fall for his trap, Cheyenne.”
He hesitated. “If something happens to us, Daniel, Colt, or me, don’t try and save us.”
I turned towards him, taking in a deep breath.
“No,” I said.
Callon turned to face me, his gloved hand cupping my cheek. Hazel eyes that had given me strength showed determination.
“You don’t quite understand.” He shook his head. “He’ll use us as bait, and you can’t fall for it. You have a purpose, love. You have to end this today. Reserve your strength until you know you can deliver that death blow.”
“But…”
He leaned forward, pressing a warm kiss to my lips. My eyes misted. I knew what he was requesting, but I didn’t know if I could follow through.
“I love you, Cheyenne. I believe in you.”
“I—”
My words were cut short as screams came from the canyon below. My heart began to race, and I ran back towards the entrance. Marcus had ambushed us!
If was as if everything in my mind and body fell into place. There was no more fear of heights, no more unsure footing. I was a warrior, primed and polished. I leapt from the ridge and threw my palms out, surging power as I brought myself to the rocky surface below. Timeless were scattered everywhere, fighting the Trackers who were wearing Marcus’s signature color, black. A whip cracked over my head, and I eyed the monstrous Tracker using it.
With the slap of my palms I produced a long, fiery whip of my own, and snapped my wrist, locking the deathblow around his neck. His black eyes grew large, and I yanked back hard. A gurgled cry left his lips as he fell to the ground.
The canyon was growing smaller by the minute as Trackers crowded in. Our army was strugg
ling. They hadn’t been prepared to have the enemy at their backs. Brogan, Koda, and Maes had been waiting near the front entrance. They had no strength in the rear lines…till now.
I fought to push my way to the front lines. I needed to create a barrier between us and the Trackers, allowing us time to get seasoned warriors up here. Step by step, I used small bursts of air to blast Trackers back. I just needed a clear point to create a whirlwind.
I saw my opening and took it as the last Tracker was thrown back. I quickly twirled my hands above my head, creating a snow-laden whirlwind filled with rocks and debris. I pushed it out further and taller, till it filled the canyon walls, blocking the Trackers completely.
Colt ran to my side. He’d followed me down.
“Get out!” I screamed while holding the whirlwind in place. “Get them to the valley!” I now knew Marcus likely had his Trackers trying to close the entrance. We’d have to fight this battle out in the open, unprotected.
I held the wall in place, waiting till I knew the army had enough time to escape. I dropped the wall, my heart racing from the adrenaline. But the Trackers remained. They were waiting, but for what?
Thundering hoofbeats echoed off the walls, I looked over my shoulder to see Darrien, Koda, and Brogan arrive. Darrien leapt from his horse and stalked towards the Trackers.
“Your true Servak leader is here, now, before you.” Darrien’s hand pointed to me. “The true Kvech line hasn’t ended. Now is the time to fight for your freedom, or die defending the Sarac who imprisoned you!”
Only their heavy breaths filled the air as they deliberated over their options. Some glanced back and forth, before a few began to push their way to the front. A tall thin Tracker with blond hair stepped forward, clearing his throat. He paused a few feet away.
“Y—You’re Sahara’s daughter?” he asked.
“Yes,” I replied holding up my clan rings.
“B—But you married Marcus?”
Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four Page 32
