Following six other horses with hair as black as ebony, it felt nice to wrap her arms around Sawyer’s waist. Through his black sweater and coat, his warmth comforted her. The traveled at a trot but she didn’t feel the bounce of the horse. Coyote was used to carrying riders and his gait was smooth. In the cool morning, the breath of the horses sent billowing clouds into the air. There was no sound apart from the thundering hooves and the wind in her ears.
When they slowed to a stop, Charlotte felt tension in the air around them. Sawyer turned to whisper. “From here on we have to be quiet and careful not to draw attention to ourselves. Our sources say this is the least populated area. If we can get into the city without notice, we’ll be a lot better off.”
“All right. But what about the dragons?”
“You’ll likely see dragon scouts in the sky but hopefully they won’t spot us.”
Charlotte trembled at the thought of a dragon. Not having any idea what to expect, she panicked when David called out to the group.
“Down!”
Sawyer quickly dismounted, taking Coyote’s reins in hand. He pulled the horse beneath the sprawling branches of a nearby oak. Charlotte crouched in the saddle, watching the sky. Sawyer stepped to her knee, all the while patting the horse’s neck to keep him calm. Coyote huffed and stomped a foot. The other horses, also hidden, shuffled and snorted as well.
Charlotte’s gaze moved to where Sawyer seemed to be watching the path ahead of them. A dark shadow moved slowly through the open spaces toward them.
“Easy boy,” Sawyer murmured to Coyote. The horse seemed to know exactly what was coming. He stood still beneath Charlotte, his skin quivering in excitement or fear.
Then, high above them, Charlotte caught sight of something she never expected to encounter, save in her dreams. A grand, sleek dragon with outstretched neck, wings that created wind currents and a long, spiked tail. Its talons curled under the smooth belly but even from the ground, Charlotte knew they were deadly.
“God, it’s Pernese,” she said under her breath.
Sawyer looked up at her. “It’s what?”
She hadn’t realized he’d heard her. “Pernese. Um…there’s this writer where I’m from who writes about dragons and their riders. They lived on a fictional planet called Pern. The type of dragons she described is now known as Pernese. I own a bookstore, remember?”
“I thought you said dragons weren’t real where you’re from.”
“They’re not. I know dragons as fictional characters in books, but…that one looks just like what I’ve read about about.”
“Quiet, you two,” David called in a stern voice. “How are we supposed to pretend we’re not here if you insist on chatting?”
Charlotte smiled at Sawyer and they resumed their sky watch.
After a few moments, David motioned for the group to move on.
Without her noticing, the path morphed into buildings and before long the horses were walking down cobblestoned streets surrounded by the stench of sulfur and rotten fish. Charlotte rubbed at her nose. She hadn’t noticed this terrible smell when she first found herself on these streets. The men didn’t seem to notice. Perhaps it was nothing new to them. She knew Sawyer visited here often enough.
“Rider approaching!” David called from his position at the front of the group. The horses halted as the men reached for swords and knives. What kind of warfare was this? Where were the guns?
“Sawyer?” she said, needing reassurance. He’d pulled a long knife from a pouch knotted to the saddle by his thigh, its hilt gilded with gems.
He reached behind him to touch her knee. “Stay with the horse, no matter what.”
His words flooded her with dread. He expected something bad to happen to him. She couldn’t bear the thought.
“Portovenere!” An unfamiliar voice called through the alleyways. “Go no further. The scouts have spotted you. Elias awaits.”
“Gabriel?” David asked as the man walked closer, knife drawn. He looked almost identical to Sawyer only he was fair, blond and full of an angst that darkened his features. “We have no reason to trust you, man. Move aside.”
Gabriel held up his arm. “Daerek, are you here? You know I speak the truth.”
Sawyer gave Coyote a gentle kick in the side, urging him forward. Charlotte sensed the decision was made with reluctance.
“I’m here, Gabe,” he said as Coyote made his way through the herd of horses.
“Daerek, you have to get out of here.” His brother spoke quietly.
“You know we can’t do that. We’re here for a reason.”
“I see you have a woman with you. Do you intend to die in front of her or to have her die in your arms?”
Charlotte felt Sawyer stiffen. “I have no such intentions.”
“Then leave, now.”
Charlotte watched David’s reaction to the conversation. Used to being the leader, he looked on with a mixture of jealousy and bewilderment. She hoped Sawyer knew what he was doing. Otherwise, they should expect more trouble.
“We’re here for the eggs, Gabriel,” David said with a mocking smirk. “Do you intend to help us?”
“Then get them and leave. I’m already a dead man. Father knows.” He turned to address Sawyer again. “I don’t know how, but he knows we met.”
David’s gaze flew to Sawyer. “God, man. What have you done?”
Before Sawyer could answer, another sweeping shadow darkened the streets. When Charlotte looked back, Gabriel was gone.
Chapter Nine
The golden dragon flashed with bronze as its great body swung in the air. Wild hatred shone in its cat-like eyes as it glared down at them. Charlotte would have thought it beautiful if the dragon hadn’t taken a deep breath and aimed its massive snout at them. She clutched Sawyer’s waist as the horse took off through the streets ahead of the others, turning a corner just as Charlotte felt the intense heat of dragon fire wash up her back.
As Coyote slowed, she asked, “The others?”
“They’re fine. We had enough warning and they know what to do, but soon there’ll be herds of dragons tracking us. We have to get you home.”
Charlotte’s heart sank at his words. She pressed against him.
He turned in his saddle to face her. “What’s wrong?”
She sighed. “Sawyer…what if…what if I said I don’t want to go home?” It was so easy to lose herself in his eyes and yet she didn’t belong in this world. She needed him to say he wanted her to stay with him, but could she tell him that? The way he made her feel when he touched her was heaven. She didn’t want to live without that feeling.
She watched his face flush as understanding dawned. “You’d never be happy here, Charlie.” Hesitancy filled his voice, as if he didn’t dare believe her.
She took his hands in his. Now was not the time to back down. “I would be if I stayed with you.” Surely he wouldn’t deny her. They fit so well together. There had to be some reason The Rift was given to her. Perhaps Marie-Claire knew her grandson well enough to know who would be perfect for him. Had she been hand picked?
“What about your family? Your father?” His face was grim. She wanted nothing more than to cradle his cheeks in her hands and kiss him. Daerek, don’t send me away.
“I can help with that,” said a voice from out of nowhere.
“Gabe?” Sawyer hedged.
Gabriel Sawyer stepped from the shadow of a covered entrance. Charlotte stared at Sawyer’s mysterious brother.
“Help me get to the locked door, and I’ll take word to your woman’s family.”
Charlotte’s mouth went dry. “You want to go through? Why?” she asked. “Why would you do that for me?”
“It’s simple really. I trust Daerek. My escape is only two blocks away but my father’s men will hunt me, as will the Portovenere men and the dragons. I’m as good as dead unless I can get through the door.”
“You can’t mean that, Gabe,” Sawyer cautioned. “None of us know what’s
on the other side.”
“None except your woman and I’m certain she’ll tell me it’s safe.” He looked to Charlotte.
“My world is similar but there are many important differences. Men fight with far deadlier means.”
“Deadlier than dragons?”
“Well, maybe not deadlier but at least as dangerous.”
“I can handle it.”
Charlotte met his determined gaze. Yes, he could handle it.
“If you could take word to my father that I’m alive and happy, I’ll owe you more than I can possibly repay.”
“Just take care of my brother here and we’ll be even.”
Charlotte was at a loss for words. The bad boy had more heart than she’d ever imagined.
“Fine, show us this hidden door, Gabe, and we’ll do what we can to make sure you get there safely,” Sawyer promised.
“Great. Leave the horse. We’ll have to walk.”
“No good,” Sawyer shot back. “Coyote stays with me.
Gabriel’s mouth twisted as he considered the inconvenience. “Oh, fine. Let’s go.”
They walked as close to the buildings as the horse would allow, staying quiet and alert. Gabriel led them to a townhouse not much different from Charlotte’s own. The windows were dark and haunted. The clapboard siding was crooked and warped.
Gabriel walked up to the door. “Help me keep a look out. Daerek, watch the north corner. You,” he motioned to Charlotte. “Take the horse around the corner. If someone sees you they won’t suspect I’m here.”
Sawyer stepped between Gabriel and Charlotte. “She stays with me,” he threatened, his eyes flashing an intense blue.
“I’ll be fine,” Charlotte interrupted. “Go keep watch.
“Charlie, it’s not going to happen. Stay with me.” His eyes told her he wasn’t about to let her out of his sight.
Charlotte shrugged her shoulders at Gabe. Sawyer was stubborn and she wasn’t about to cross him right now. They were wasting time.
“Work the lock, Gabe. We’ll keep an eye out.”
Gabriel muttered something under his breath. Charlotte could only imagine which oath it was. He jogged up the four stone steps and took the combination lock in his hands. As he began to work the mechanism, Sawyer kept watch up and down the street.
Despite the fact that it was still morning, the city seemed dark and damp. It may as well have been twilight. Reflections moved on the surface of the street puddles as if other beings hovered in the streets, watching them. Charlotte held her breath as Gabe tried number after number. Sawyer seemed too calm.
She moved closer to Sawyer, who took her under his arm. “Does he know what he’s doing?” she whispered, not wanting to disturb Gabriel.
“He seems to. I’m not sure how. I didn’t have a clue about this until we read the journal.”
“How many people know about this gate to my world? What if a dragon went through?”
“I doubt that could happen. It’s a matter of size. I think my father knows. He must if Gabriel does.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Gabriel commented.
“It’s rude to eavesdrop,” said Sawyer, his voice calm.
“Not when it’s important. It’s a skill I’ve acquired.”
“Fine.” He shifted his weight uneasily. “How are we wrong?”
“I’m the only one here that knows. I helped Grandmother go back. She didn’t know what father was planning and was content to return. I agreed to help her.”
Sawyer gaped at his brother. “How did you know where she was from? I only just found out.”
“After Grandfather died she spoke of home quite often. I was around the most and she sometimes talked to herself.”
“Can’t believe I didn’t know,” said Sawyer, more to himself than anyone. He glanced up at the southern sky. “Bloody hell. Better hurry, brother. Company’s coming.”
Coyote sniffed the air and trembled. Charlotte held tight to his reins and stroked his velvet snout, hoping to keep him steady and quiet.
“Got it!” Gabriel called. “Everyone in.”
Sawyer grasped Charlotte’s hand and led her and the horse up the steps. Coyote barely fit through the door but Charlotte knew Sawyer would never leave him behind.
Gabriel shut the door behind them. The room was empty and dark. A black wood fireplace stood as tall as the horse on the opposite wall. A small fire of embers burned inside.
“Someone knows about this place,” Sawyer said, glancing around the room, his body tense as if ready to fight off an attack.
“No,” Gabriel responded. “The fire’s always like that. It’s part of the magic.” He turned to Charlotte. “Tell me about your father. What would you like me to tell him?”
“It’s time already?” Charlotte sensed a strange energy from the fireplace.
“I only have to step through the fire. With any luck, I’ll end up in your Newburg.”
“Maybe you’ll meet your grandmother.”
“She’s still living?” he asked, his eyes widening.
Charlotte furrowed her brow. “As far as I know.” The room was silent. “My father is a doctor at St. Margaretha’s hospital. Robert Allen. He should be easy to find.” Charlotte pulled a small brass key from her back pocket. “Here’s the key to my townhouse. Stay there if you need to. My father won’t trust you at first but if you go to my bookshop, you should be able to find The Rift. It will help him understand.”
“All right.” He turned to Sawyer. “Daerek, take care of this woman. You have more in her than I could ever dream of.”
With that, he stepped into the glowing embers of the fireplace. A shimmering, orange glow enveloped his boots, traveled up his legs and spread over his body. Gabriel looked around, smiling at something she couldn’t see. He was no longer seeing the room in front of him. In a moment, he was gone.
“Here’s your last chance, Charlie. I won’t stop you if you want to follow him.”
She stepped closer to Sawyer and placed her palm to his chest. His heart was thumping as if he’d just run a marathon.
“I want you to stay,” he said. “I’ll admit that, but we still have to get back home. I’m not sure that’s even possible.”
“But the other choices mean death as well, Sawyer, just a different kind of death. One I don’t want to endure.”
He smiled and bent his head to brush his lips over hers. It was the first unhurried moment since she’d gotten out of bed that morning. She wrapped her arms beneath his coat and up his broad back.
“I’m not going anywhere without you, Daerek Sawyer.”
“Likewise, Charlotte Allen.” He delved his tongue into her mouth, just a quick taste, taking her breath from her chest.
Coyote danced in a circle, pulling hard on his reins. The unexpected motion pulled Sawyer away from her. “Hold boy. Easy. C’mon. Something’s got him upset.”
Charlotte followed Sawyer to the door. He cracked it open. She leaned below his arm to peek out the door. Her jaw gaped and the air around them crackled with tension. Outside horses danced around lightning bolts of red fire dropped from the sky by the dragons. The shadows of dragon wings darkened the streets. Flashing gilded scales belied the danger so much she found herself pushing the door further open to get a better view. Sawyer held it fast.
“Don’t you dare,” he threatened.
The Portovenere brandished swords and slashed at dragon claws. Many of Elias Sawyer’s men filled the streets with their calls and daggers. The numbers didn’t look good for their side.
“What should we do?” Charlotte asked.
Sawyer gazed at the devastating scene on the street. “We’re outnumbered. Father found out about Gabriel, that much is obvious. He must have guessed about Gabriel’s plan to leave and sent his men here.” He furrowed his brow. “Our men shouldn’t be here though. I thought we decided to head directly south. That’s what I told them we’d found out with surveillance and other intelligence. Why would they change the p
lan?”
“Maybe because we left with Gabriel. They must have followed us.”
“Shit. That was stupid. Those assholes will get themselves killed.” He sighed.
Outside, Charlotte caught sight of Cameron. Her heart clenched for him and for Sawyer when she felt him tense behind her. Cameron was covered in thick, yellow dust, his left shoulder singed and blistered with burns. He found her gaze and gave her a quick smile as he brandished his sword. When he motioned for her to leave, she knew he would be all right. Cameron was in his element.
Coyote stomped a hoof in agitation. “We can’t stay here. The plan won’t work this time. Hell, it may never work again. Gabe gave us so much.”
Sawyer shut the door gently. He stood still for a moment, hands fisted at his sides. “Let’s go. There must be a back door.”
He wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s waist, pulling her into him as they walked. The horse dutifully followed.
Pulling Coyote through a narrow corridor, they came to a wooden door, its glass panes shattered by previous battles or vandals.
Sawyer opened the door. He looked both ways before pushing it wide open. They managed to squeeze the horse through the door before mounting.
The bright sun was more optimistic on this street. Sawyer placed a hand on Charlotte’s where she grasped his waist, holding her tight against him. “Hang on. We’re going to fly.”
“Why does this feel so familiar?” she asked jokingly in his ear as Coyote thundered down the street toward the open fields of countryside.
“Because we’re going home, Charlie. Home is always someplace familiar.”
The End
Author Bio
Jennah Sharpe is an author, mother and traveler who can be easily seduced by mint chocolate. Her imagination often keeps her up at night but it certainly makes for an entertaining life. She lives in Canada with her soul mate and two young children. Visit her interactive website for chats, photos and contests at www.jennahsharpe.com
Shifting Sideways: The Rift Page 8
