The excitement builds as the release
of
Kriki's Gift, Book Two of the Geometry
of Power
draws near.
Her
uncomfortable thoughts pulled her focus deeper into the fear until it was
nearly choking her reason. Unconsciously, her body translated her growing terror
to her hands and she slowly started to tighten the reins and stiffened her
position in the saddle. Badger finally protested with a snort and he pulled
against her grasp to loosen the reins. His ears were turned toward her - not
in an aggressive fashion - but as if he was trying to gauge her mood for she
had so dramatically changed how she was connecting to him through rein and
saddle.
Carra
noticed what she was doing and eased her grip. Fear still clouded her thoughts
and out of instinct and long habit, she uttered a silent prayer for help.
"Spirit,
please protect me."
The
words reminded her of Flindra's chant, which she now drew back into her
attention and repeated forcefully and emphatically in a low voice. She didn't
care if the soldiers heard her - she needed to hear herself pray. Her thoughts
cleared as she spoke and heard the protective words and she shook her head in
disgust at her previous foolishness. Why was she thinking this nonsense and
getting herself all worked up into a panic? The Valkea's forces had no chance
of overwhelming the might of the men protecting her, much less the hundreds of
experienced warriors who were in position to jump into battle as soon as the
enemy surfaced.
She
glanced about herself and saw tension and, yes, even fear on the faces of the
men around her and she instantly knew the near panic she had felt was not of
her making. They may be an hour away from the spot they anticipated to be
ambushed at, but the Valkea was already toying with their thoughts!
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