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

The familiar sensation of welcome that he’d grown so accustomed to feeling in the presence of the other phrenics was a comfort that salved any tension from his body.

Ryl jumped down with ease, greeting his friends warmly. Though they’d only been separated a matter of days, their lives had been in a nearly constant state of turbulence. He was eager and optimistic to find that they had had an easier run.

“Welcome back,” Ramm’s voice boomed through the night. “We were beginning to worry.”

Ryl smiled back at the group assembled before him. Nielix stepped forward, collecting the reins of their horses, leading them quickly to the small stream that ran along the edge of the grove. Lined up before him were nearly the entirety of their group, save for Vox, who stood guard at the rear of Aldren’s wagon. His eyes never strayed from his recovering charges within for long. Also not present were the refugee tribute Faya and her father Rolan.

“I’m sorry to worry you. Our city visit turned out to be a far more adventurous undertaking that we could have anticipated,” Ryl announced. “I hope the road for you was quiet.”

“Aye, that it was,” Kaep answered for the group. “Though I’m afraid we haven’t much time for discussion. We still have yet to clear the tributes from Aldren’s wagon; the ride for them will be cramped.”

Ryl shook his head remorsefully as he thought of the immediate road ahead for the tributes. Though the journey was thankfully short, the overly crowded quarters would be uncomfortable. However, judging from the lives they’d been leading and the futures they’d been assured, the next several hours of close quarters discomfort would be over soon.

“Have there been any improvements with the tributes?” Ryl asked.

“Their progress has been encouraging,” Kaep said with a smile. The black cloak draped over her usual wear looked wrong on her, as if the dark fabric was blocking the glow he'd grown to know.

“All, including your friend, infrequently open their eyes, though none yet speak coherently,” she continued. “Some sit even now.”

Ryl was exhilarated by the statement. Their lives still hung precariously in the balance. None could truly know or understand their recovery process; what they'd been through and the struggles they yet faced. The glimmer of hope that he had prior to leaving had now blossomed. Their improvements were an encouraging sign. He hoped their progress would accelerate further once they were in the capable hands of Mender Jeffers.

In a matter of hours, they’d know the truth.

“I'll keep the tales of Cadsae Proper brief,” Ryl said. “It’s safe to say that we found a city on the verge. The rift between those who see the tributes as a threat, the scourge of society, and those who see a need for compassion has already spilled over into isolated violence. Orders have been issued for the assassination of the Captain of the Guard and his subordinates. We interrupted one of those plots.”

Ramm coughed as he suppressed a laugh.

“I thought we told you to stay out of trouble,” the giant phrenic offered with a smile.

“Trouble seems to have an uncanny knack of finding him, I'm afraid,” Andr added.

Ryl’s emotion swelled at the statement. Luck had smiled on them. Again. They’d found themselves in the unique position to prevent an act of evil from robbing the Kingdom of a friend. One whose sentiments and loyalties had been made known.

“I could not sit idly by while one of the only men who showed respect to me, to the tributes, was murdered,” Ryl added. The words tumbled from his mouth with a force dramatically heavier than he anticipated. He took a deep, steadying breath before continuing.

“Had we not stepped in when we did, it’s likely that we never would have known of the plot to murder the captain as well,” Ryl continued, his voice firm, yet controlled. “The captain I know is a good man. He commands the respect and loyalty of the guard. If we are to succeed this morning with little bloodshed, it will likely be with his support.”

“And if he doesn’t choose to support your plan?” Nielix added as he returned from watering the horses.

Ryl was unsurprised by the challenge from the Vigil, though it was the tone of the man’s voice that surprised him. Whereas in the past, their relationship had been charged with the man’s irrational hatred, the Vigil’s words were now spoken with respect. There was no indication of the overpowering animosity that had clouded his every syllable only a matter of days earlier. He was pleased by the change, yet a hole that had been opened in his heart throbbed as his thoughts brought back the memory.

If only the change of heart hadn’t come at the cost of a friend.

“Without specifics, I made the captain aware that a change was coming,” Ryl added. “I do not believe that he will stand between us and that which we seek. I do not seek his death over any others, yet, he’s aware of the cost his decisions may reap.”

Around the gathered group, heads nodded in agreement. Ryl and Andr quickly recounted the remaining details of their journey before they rapidly began the undertaking of moving the tributes from the back of Aldren’s wagon. Rolan was the first to exit the wagon, carrying the sleeping body of Faya in his arms.

Ryl followed alongside Aldren as he tied open the back flap of the wagon. The merchant had brought his lantern, hanging it from the peg that protruded from the rear wall. The wash of light illuminated a sight that made Ryl’s heart skip a beat. The tributes had filled out noticeably in the days since he’d last seen them. Though they remained sickeningly emaciated, the tightened skin that stretched across their bones was visibly less taut. Even in the dim light, their complexions appeared healthier. They looked less like ghosts and more like humans.

The most shocking sight, however, was that two of the five in Aldren’s wagon now sat; their