AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Page after page, I examined the pictures. The ruins carved into the warriors’ bones in the book didn’t appear distinctly different than the ones on Gray Eyes, but they didn’t match perfectly either. The runes on the page were interpreted by archeologists to represent valor and duty, to be sealed into the warriors’ souls long after death. If I combined these marking with the other symbols I’d found, then it made no sense. The brand on his chest had eight lines. This one symbol looked similar to valor. The four cardinal points of the compass could be the four elements. If I had the right culture and the right time period. But I could never find even a slightly similar marking comparable to the last three shapes on his branded chest.
I could understand valor, but why would a warrior be branded with the four elements on his chest—earth, wind, fire, and water.
Who are you, Gray Eyes?
It was late in the day by the time Logan turned into the wilderness reservation and parked in a dirt parking lot. I had read multiple chapters. None even vaguely alluded to runes containing the four elements. My head throbbed from frustration.
Logan undid his seatbelt and turned toward me. “I need to talk to the rangers, give them our permit, and register us before they leave for the day. Bathrooms are around back, I think, if you want to use it. I won’t be long.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you back here,” I said, fumbling with the door handle and falling out of the truck on numb legs.
I waddled to the bathroom. This would be the last bathroom for a week, most likely. I didn’t think I’d fully processed how weird it would be to spend a week hiking with a stranger. I couldn’t hide beneath my book now. I had to talk to Logan, protect Logan. And really try not to enjoy looking at him so much!
Sighing, I washed my hands twice and then headed back to the truck.
I needed to be here. I was supposed to be here. I had never really believed in a higher power, but if these damn dreams were some screwed-up premonitions, then Logan or someone else was in trouble.
I wasn’t sure what I would be doing to help them other than screaming, but I was hoping I’d have a little time to figure that out.
I groaned and reached the truck to wait for Logan.
The problem with the map I'd created was that I wasn’t positive of the exact days I dreamt about each location. Over the past few years, the dreams and their timings had gotten a little muddled. If my dreams were not premonitions, but instead something that happened as I saw it, then I would’ve already missed the attack… and I was here for no reason. Or this was all in my head, and I was a lunatic! No, if the two soldiers had gone missing the day I was attacked, then my dreams were definitely before the attacks.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?” Logan sauntered over to the tailgate I was leaning against.
“Nothing.”
“Really? Cause it looks like you are about to chew a hole in your lip if you keep biting it.” He reached a thumb toward my bottom lip. I stumbled backwards.
If he touches me, I might not be able to pull away again.
“No touching. Got it,” he said gruffly.
He unlocked the truck bed.
I bounced off the side and reached for my pack, trying to think of a way to pretend I didn’t just act like he was a leper.
“So, what’s the plan?” I said.
Logan unloaded his bag and one of the smaller black boxes. “We can hike a few miles into the canyon before sunset, and then eat and get some sleep. Tomorrow I need to get about ten miles further into the gorge to take samples.”
“All righty! How can I help?” I asked, looking down at the various cases and packs.
A small rumble escaped his chest. It sounded like the beginning of a laugh that he abruptly cut off.
“Are you laughing at my offer?” I said.
“I need you to stay upright and follow me,” he said.
I glanced down at my feet and nodded.
Duly noted! No help needed from me.
Logan caught my stare. “I didn’t mean it like that. This gorge is tricky, and the trail gets narrow pretty fast. I need you to be safe. I can take care of the rest.”
I nodded. “I can do that.”
I don’t know what I’m doing here. Logan can take care of himself.. I don’t know how I thought I could possibly save anyone.
