Ghosts of the Erlyn (Catalyst Book 3) by C.J. Aaron (books like beach read .TXT) 📕

stump of the tree. The man’s shoulders heaved and fell as the air escaped his lungs.

“We’ll be there soon,” Rolan announced, composing himself, offering a weak smile. He gently set Faya down at his side. She latched onto his hand as they made their way south along the edge of the river. Ryl maintained his position in their wake, his eyes and senses continually investigating the surrounding woods. To their right, the sluggish course of the river babbled quietly. The woods on the opposite side had thinned, though the terrain was still rocky and uneven.

The forest to the east was nearly a mirror image of the trees that loomed over the western banks. In both directions, they stretched into the distance, though the view between their trunks and branches was negligible. Through small breaks in the foliage to the east, Ryl could see what he assumed to be the blue of the sky beyond the edge of the woods. Their path led them in a southerly direction, running nearly perpendicular to the road that led to Milstead. Though he knew not the exact location of their destination, he was assured that they were closing the distance between themselves and the farm.

They followed the bank of the river for nearly a mile before forging back into the woods to the east. Their wary steps plodded along a narrow, well-worn game trail. Ryl could clearly make out the distinct markings of deer in the soft earth at their feet. The path wound around the base of a ridge before Rolan veered from the cleared path. Climbing up the increasing incline of the hill, they worked their way toward a large boulder that jutted out from the hillside. With Faya in tow, he navigated his path around the back side of the rock; a disguised entrance to a cave opened between the stone and the earth.

Ryl was impressed with the ease in which the young girl followed in her father’s steps. They had developed an incredible bond; a trust that outweighed her limitations. Her lack of eyesight appeared not to hinder her as they moved together as one.

Rolan led Faya to the wall of the cave. She smiled as she ran her hands across the smooth surface of the rock. She walked forward eagerly, her hand connected to the stone beside her.

Ryl marveled at the nimbleness of her movements through her surroundings. He glanced over at Rolan who flashed him an understanding smile.

“I like this cave, it's more comfortable and less smelly than the cellar,” she announced as she seated herself comfortably in the corner.

Rolan chuckled softly at the comment.

“She's had an unnatural connection with the world around her ever since she was a babe,” he whispered. “Even in unfamiliar places she's managed without much hinderance. It's no wonder the soldiers and menders were at our door nearly a moon before her eighth cycle.”

Ryl shot Rolan a sympathetic smile.

“They dragged us both in, even though I had the papers to prove both my testing and her age,” he said woefully. “I honestly wasn't surprised when I was notified of the results. Strange though as it was.”

Rolan entered the cave sitting down carefully alongside his daughter. He sighed, leaning his head back as he rested against the rock of their temporary earthen home. It was a moment before his weary eyes opened again, returning to meet Ryl’s. At his side, Faya patted the ground next to her, motioning with her hand for Ryl to sit by her side. He removed the pack that he'd been carrying for the family before politely acquiescing to the child's wishes, jostling her hair as he sat. Faya leaned her head on his shoulder as he reached the ground.

“What do you mean by strange?” Ryl asked. He smiled, shaking his head subtly at Faya as she made herself comfortable against his arm.

“We were coming home from the market, nearing our home,” Rolan relayed. “The man that approached us had waited for us in the cover of the shadows of the adjacent building. His hood was up covering his face. His voice was familiar to me, yet I couldn't place it. Faya identified him immediately as a mender who'd assisted at her testing.”

Rolan quickly rooted through their pack, handing a small piece of dried meat to Faya. Ryl politely declined his offering.

“The mender came with the results of her testing and with a warning,” Rolan admitted. “He told that they were coming for her with the day’s sunset and bade us to seek the safety of the Anvil.”

“The Anvil Mountains?” Ryl asked curiously.

Rolan nodded in agreement. A quiet suspicion rose within his mind as the beginnings of a question began brewing anew.

“That range is a long way from here, I'm afraid,” Ryl commented. “Did he say why you should seek those mountains?”

“I’m afraid he left us with nothing but that,” Rolan said. “We were heading in that direction when our horse became hobbled. Poor old girl. Hunters showed up soon after that. We've been running from them ever since.”

Faya let out a large yawn. She pulled herself off Ryl's arm before curling up on the ground, settling comfortably with her head on her father's leg. They both watched for a moment as her breathing slowed, ushering in a peaceful sleep.

“Where are you from?” Ryl asked quietly once Faya had settled.

“We're from Hakit,” Rolan said. “It's just a stone's throw from the shadow of Cadsae Proper on the coast of the Sea of Prosper.”

“Have you family left in Hakit?” Ryl asked.

Rolan looked down at his sleeping daughter in his lap. Ryl watched as the layer of moisture coated his eyes.

“She's all I have left,” Rolan said, offering a forced attempt at a smile. “Her mother died during her birth.”

Ryl focused, sending a wave of comfort over man.

“I'm sorry, Rolan,” Ryl said compassionately.

The two sat in silence. Time stretched on with neither man volunteering to break the quiet serenity of the moment. The hushed breathing of the sleeping child was the