Page 76 of When Monsters Rise
Themain road was to the left of the undergrowth we were trudging through to remain in the shadow of the tree line.I’dslipped from the head of the party to somewhere in the middle.Ishould be leading.Shemwould want me to lead.Totake charge.Tomake sure these people survived.
WhatwasIdoing? “I’msorry.I’mokay.I’mhere.”Iattempted to pick up the pace, butSarq’shand fell on my shoulder, his grip firm yet gentle.
“It’sall right.GabrielandBastianhave the lead, andErelimandTumielare making up the rear.Zaqis scouting, and the watchers and reapers have us flanked.We’llbe fine.Anotherhour and we’ll be there.”
Anotherhour.Howhad time slipped by?WherehadIgone in my head?Ineeded to focus. “HasKabielcaught up to us?”
“Notyet.ButI’msure he’ll find us.Heknows the church.”
“Good, that’s…that’s good.”
Icould feel him looking at me, studying me.Tryingto figure out ifIwas about to fall apart. “I’llbe okay,Sarq.I’mgoing to finish what we started.ForShem.”Myvoice came out strong and determined, belying the quiver in my belly.
“We’lldo it together,”Sarqsaid, his voice thick with emotion. “Iswear to you,Rue.Iwill protect you with my life.”Hiswarm, amber eyes were filled with sadness.
“I’llneed a moment when we get to the church.Amoment alone to…process.”
Henodded. “You’llhave it.”
Wetrudged on in silence for a few minutes, and it hit me that the air of despondency came not just from inside me but from outside me too.Aheavy blanket of doom loomed over us all.Ofcourse, everyone had realized the implications ofShem’sdeath.Realizedit would affect our plan for liberation.
Theythought hope was dead.
Beejoined us a moment later. “TumielspottedKabieland the devolved watchers.They’retrailing behind, keeping a distance.”
“Good.That’sgood.”Myvoice came out flat.
Beeslipped her hand into mine and squeezed. “Let’shead up front and help scout.Zaqmust be exhausted.Wecan give him a hand.”
“Idon’t think that’s wise,”Sarqsaid.
“It’swhat we do,”Beereplied. “It’swhat we’re trained for.We’llstay close.”
Sarqignored her and looked down at me. “Willyou take that risk?”
Shemwas gone, andIwas the only one who could put theMorningstarback together.Riskswere no longer an option.Ismiled atBee. “Thanks.Iknow you’re trying help me keep my mind active, andIappreciate it.ButI’mtired.Ijust…Iwant to walk.”
Herfrown told me that she didn’t believe me, but she nodded, accepting my excuse.I’dtell her why soon.Oncewe were safe.OnceIhad half a moment.I’dtell her whatShem’sdeath meant and whatInow needed to do.
Butfor everyone else, my ability needed to remain a secret just in caseMichaelfound a way into our midst again.Theless people that knew thatIcould fix theMorningstar, the better.
I’dhave to let them believe hope was lost, at least for a while.
* * *
GabrielandBastianbroke off their conversation asIjoined them.Itdidn’t take a genius to figure out they’d been talking about me.
“I’mfine, just to clarify.Sarqsays we’ll be at the church in a few minutes.Itshould come into view when we round the corner up ahead.”
“Iwas saying toGabrielthat we’ll need a security system,”Bastiansaid. “Ican scout for supplies once we’re settled.There’sa town a few miles away from the church.”
“Noneed.Thechurch has its own security in that no celestials or monsters come near it.”
Gabrielexhaled through his nose. “Sothat’s whatShemmeant.”
“What?”
“Nothing.Itsounds like the church has a natural warding in place.Strangebut not unheard of.Questionis, who put it there?”
