Outcast Defiance 0. Redwine Views Published Defiance Defiance 1 C. Redwine Views 2, Published Deception Defiance 2 C. Peering out into the forest that presses against the fifty-yard perimeter of scorched ground that we keep around the city to prevent any threats from approaching our Wall undetected, I look for movement.
The Wasteland is a tangle of trees, undergrowth, and the husks of the cities that once were, all coated in the bright, slippery green growth of early spring and the drifting piles of silvery ash that remind us of our fragility. Somewhere in its depths, bands of lawless highwaymen pillage for goods they can trade at the city-states.
Somewhere beneath it, the Cursed One roams, seeking to devour what little remains of a once great civilization. I just want Dad to make it home in time. Oliver squeezes my arm, but says nothing. I know he thinks Dad is dead. Everyone thinks so. Everyone but me. The thought that I stand alone in my conviction sends a bright, hard shaft of pain through me, and suddenly I need Oliver to understand. To agree. But something must have … held him up. I flinch as it slams shut with a harsh metallic clang.
The guards weave thick, gleaming chains through the frame, securing it until the guards on the morning shift return with the key. For a moment, we stand staring at the now-closed gate. Not now. I use the wooden step box to climb into the wagon that waits for us, and reach a hand back to help Oliver hoist himself up as well.
Oliver reaches out and unravels my cloak from my right hand. His palm swallows mine, his skin warm, the maple-raisin scent of his baking comforting me. I lean into him, pressing my cheek against the scratchy linen of his tunic.
For a moment, I want to burrow in. Soak up the comfort he offers and pretend he can make it better. Instead, I sit up, back straight, just the way Dad taught me. The driver hops down, walks toward the back of the wagon, and jerks the canvas flap aside.
I climb down and watch anxiously as Oliver follows. Though only faint creases mar the brown skin of his face, his hair is more gray than black, and he moves with the careful precision of age. Reaching for him, I slide my arm through his as he navigates his way off the heavy wooden step box. Together, we turn to face the compound. Like the Wall surrounding the city of Baalboden, the compound is a massive expanse of weather-stained gray stone bolstered by ribbons of steel.
Anyone hungry? I told Roland someone would buy it! Moving away from the desk, the girls gave Sophie an unobstructed view of the computer screen. Walking swiftly to her desk, Sophie picked up her cell phone and sent a message to someone. Melanie moved out of the computer chair and let Sophie sit down. A couple of times she frowned and carefully studied a few pictures. Exchanging a look, Ree and Melanie stood silently. When the door chimed out front, Sophie made no move to go and see about the customer, so Ree took over.
Attempting to not seem rude or rushed when dealing with the ancient lady left Ree feeling snappy. After helping the customer out the door, Ree practically sprinted to the back of the shop. Melanie shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. Apparently, the older Guardian had not divulged any of her thoughts while Ree had been counting change out front. After reading the message and sending a quick reply, Sophie leaned back from the computer and looked at the girls.
Are they safe? What I want is an answer to make it easier. I was going to ask for the gods to send some, but now I feel that might be a mistake.
Something is happening, and I have no clear idea as to what is going on. I can tell you that Ares is not the only god in the pictures on that website.
Loki is also listed as a speaker. This cannot be a coincidence. If those two are working together, it spells nothing but trouble. I think you will be safer on the island, where some of the other gods can keep a better eye on you. All bets are off when he shows up. It is worrying that he has shown up in the middle of the last battle. However, it could be completely possible he is here to cause trouble. Why would he want to make it more difficult? Ares took a personal interest in him when he decided to join our fight.
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