Page 37 of Wind and Water
“How can you tell I’m worried? You’re facing away from me.” More confident, I only hold him at the waist. He’s wearing armor, so the ride is less embarrassing compared to the first time.
He slows as the water level deepens. “Your muscles tighten with the trending of your thoughts.”
My heels drag in the still waters of the lost land. It’s not like Atlantis, as that mythical place is not visible, nor has anyone ever found proof of its existence. In contrast, the lost lands are just under the surface of the sea. Sand has covered whatever was here before the sinking, but there are places where the water isdeeper or shallower, and even a few spots where there are sand bars. “I was thinking that I don’t have the strength to save my mother from whatever evil holds her.”
“You are wrong. You have been chosen by the old gods for the task of saving our world. Perhaps this is your first test. I have no doubt you will succeed.” He breaks into a gallop across a long stretch of sand.
“I wish I had your confidence.”
“I shall believe in you enough for both of us.” He turns his head and grins at me. His dark, handsome face and bright white smile could light any room he entered.
Who would have thought a centaur would be so charming?
Belloc gallops over with Liam on his back.
Liam’s gaze is intense. “Are you alright?”
“Fine. Worried. Fine.” Both are true, but I’m leaning toward the worried side.
Belloc says, “The water will get deep. The party will have to swim a short distance.”
“Can you swim, Wren?” Stress is etched on Liam’s handsome face.
More than that, I feel the tightness of his chest and the strain within him. I take a deep breath to push away the sense of his emotions. I grip Jadar tighter as my head feels light.
Both centaurs stop, and those behind us as well.
A shout goes out, and the centaurs riding ahead circle back with Corell at the lead.
Liam’s feet hit the water with a splash. A moment later, his hand is on my leg. “Wren? What is it?”
I clear my head and the mix of his fears and mine eases. “I’m sorry.” The army of centaurs watching me makes my cheeks heat. “I can swim.”
“You can hold on to me and I will pull you through,” Jadar promises.
Jaw ticking, Liam spares a glance at Jadar. He offers his arms to help me down. “If you need a moment, we can wait until you feel safe to ride.”
It’s a good idea, and I let him help me into the water. It’s cool but strange. The sand is soft but doesn’t go deep. Instead, I feel land beneath. “I’m alright.”
“Did you have a premonition?” Liam keeps his hand on my back as we walk a few feet away from the centaurs.
“No. It was you. I sensed your worry.” Lowering my voice to a whisper, I add, “Your jealousy. I felt the strain of being responsible for me and for my mother. It was as if our hearts were pounding together. I felt disoriented, as if I was looking through your eyes.”
“I’m not jealous,” he grumbles.
I look at him, knowing he’s lying.
“Perhaps a little, but I’m a grown man. I can control my wayward thoughts.” He places his hands on my shoulders and looks into my eyes. “I felt it too. A moment where my thoughts were mingled with yours.”
A million questions, none of which will help save Momma, fly into and out of my head. “It’s distracting and bad timing.”
“That much is certain. I will put up a block at least until we are ready to think about more than saving Birdie and getting to safety.” He looks a little sick as he closes his eyes.
As if the radio static has been shut off, I hear only my own thoughts again. It was not that I knew what he was thinking. No. It was more that his mind was static. Perhaps because I don’t know how to listen yet. I find myself grasping for that noise now that it’s gone. My heart sinks.
Walking me back to Jadar, he says, “It’s not permanent, sweetheart.”
It still aches to be cut off from him, even though I hadn’t realized there was that connection until a moment ago. Shouldn’t it take time to have something before I miss it?
