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

a letter of recommendation from Andr, he knew that Aldren would be welcomed with open arms in the home of the Lord. Ryl was the last to approach the merchant as the rest of their companions took their positions.

“Farewell, Aldren,” Ryl said graciously. “Your assistance has been invaluable. Your friendship has been unconditional.”

“It is you who I have to thank,” the merchant said shaking his head. A smile crossed his lips, though his face was a mix of conflicting emotions.

On one hand, his departure was premature. Though he knew not where their final destination lay, he would have followed Ryl and his companions to the end. Conversely, his departure was long overdue. Watching his son ride away, not knowing the fate of his dear boy, was a heart-wrenching experience. A permanent reminder that a monumental piece of his life was missing. His boy was a capable rider, and experienced traveler, from cycles of work with his father. But the uncertainty of his son’s current whereabouts must have weighed upon the merchant ceaselessly.

“Without your help, Cade and I would be no more. We are forever indebted to you,” Aldren continued, and his eyes began to water with the gravity of what had nearly befallen.

“There is no debt to be filled,” Ryl said. “You’re free to live your life as you choose. Please give our regards to Lord Eligar. I hope that fate will be kind enough to reunite us one day. Until that time, stay safe, my friend.”

Ryl reached out his hand to the merchant. Aldren grabbed his, squeezing it firmly before pulling him into a tight embrace.

The sound of hoofbeats behind them broke the heartfelt moment of farewell. Andr, adorned in his black cloak, walked his horse slowly toward the pair. In his other hand, he held the reins of Ryl's mount.

Aldren wiped a tear from his eye as he took a step back. Ryl took the reins from Andr, mounting the horse with ease.

“Until we meet again, Ryl,” Aldren choked out the words. His voice was dripping with emotion. “I believe the world will be a markedly better place the next time we meet.”

Ryl nodded, smiling at the merchant before raising the hoods of both cloaks over his head. With its escort of ebon riders, the black wagon rumbled by, heading south toward the main road.

Andr waited patiently by Ryl's side. With a final smile at the merchant, Ryl spurred his horse forward into the wake of the departing wagon. Their black cloaks flayed out behind them like a cloud passing over the land. At their rear to their east, the first sliver of the sun peeked over the horizon. Vibrant orange and yellow hues began chasing away the deep blues of the lingering night.

Ryl turned his head back a final time. Aldren was silhouetted against the backdrop of the brightening sky. The merchant stood with his hand raised in a slow wave.

Urging his horse on to a canter, he quickly rejoined the rest of his companions. Andr slowed, taking his place alongside Dav and Nielix as the rear guard of the wagon. The phrenics would lead the escort.

They would lead the assault on The Stocks.

The back door to the wagon had been left cracked open. He could see the brilliant blue eyes of Faya shining out from the darkness within. He felt a subtle wave of anxiety splash over his body. He smiled. An admirable attempt from the untrained, unawakened youngster. Ryl answered with a powerful wave of the most poignant sensation he could muster.

It was hope.

It was the same feeling of hope that had kept his head from drowning below the waters of desperation that he’d treaded through for cycles.

Faya smiled as he continued past.

Ryl slowed as he joined the vanguard of the escort. He slipped into the gap remaining between the hulking figure of Ramm, who formed the outer left flank, and the slender form of Kaep in the middle. To her right rode Vox.

Kaep turned her head in his direction as his horse fell in line. Though the cover of her hood darkened her face, he could see her eyes sparkling through the shadow.

“Today will begin the start of a new era for Damaris,” she noted quietly. “Are you ready?”

“Aye. I am ready,” Ryl answered with a smile. “It was to be my Harvest after all.”

The heat of burning determination surged through his veins. His anticipation dwarfed the nervousness that had threatened to overtake him. He longed to see his friends again. He desired above all else for them to taste the freedom that he had experienced.

The reunion would be sweet yet short.

There was much work to be done before any could truly relax.

“I wonder though ... is Damaris?” he whispered.

Chapter 22

The road leading to the southern gate of Cadsae Proper was eerily quiet as they thundered on toward the city. They had passed not a soul as they approached the city limits. The sun had just fully crested the horizon at their back; Ryl knew the Harvest would soon commence.

The even, earthen road converted to cobblestone after passing the fork that led toward the East Ward. The clacking of their horseshoes on the stone roadway along with the rhythmic cadence of the wagon’s wheels announced their presence to the unprepared city. He watched as the small contingent of guards manning the gatehouse shrunk back at their approach. The guards made no moves to arrest their progress. Their faces were wrought with undeniable expressions of fear.

Once inside the thin outer walls of the city, the volume of traffic on the road increased dramatically. They slowed for none as they plowed their way onward toward the Palisades looming high in the distance.

They were a black cloud; the front of a disastrous storm that spelled doom for those who dared stand in their way. The pathway cleared in front of them like water around a rock. The joyous faces of those that had come to revel in this cycle’s Harvest faded instantly as