Page 59 of Guiding Reason
Hyran rolled his eyes. “What was in those noodles? You should be more tired.”
Col shook his head, puckered his mouth. “It wasn’t the noodles. You know what helps my energy levels?”
“Sleep and rest like a normal person?”
“Good sex. You are so helpful in the bedroom. And in the shower. I’m sure many other places as well.”
Hyran couldn’t help himself. He knew he should be focused on getting Col back to the suite, but instead, his chest swelled with a sense of deep accomplishment.
The Western Entrance consisted of three archways, three entry points one set next to the other with the tallest one in the center, each wrought from dark stone. It was covered with lush, dark green goron vines. The orbs of goron melons showed through the foliage, golden light in a canopy.
The Entrance was quite beautiful and designed that way, meant to be the last thing those leaving Ferrea saw. Each hospitality agent was trained to tell visitors spotting a goron melon in the green meant they were going to come back to Ferrea, and counting an even number was good luck for moving to Ferrea. No one was even looking at the gorons today.
The center archway served as the main transport route for visitors, missions, and goods. The smaller entrances to either side had become the extras’ entrance over the years, more suitable for foot traffic, and as such, Hyran knew them as surrounded by security bots.
It was odd to see protectors standing guard there now.Not standing guard. Waiting to bring the relatives news and comfort them if they do.Outside the entrance, Hyran saw thehopefulness in people’s eyes.How long have they all been waiting there?
“I think I should have taken us to another entrance. Col, maybe we should take the northern one?”
But Col shook his head and reached for Hyran’s hand. “We’re here now.” He approached a third rank. “Protector? Log that Guardian Hyran and myself are leaving the Grounds, heading to the Judiciary, please.”
The protector snapped to it. Hyran could tell the man was at a loss the way he was trying to catch Hyran’s eye, but Col was decisive, not even stopping.
“That’s Conduit Coldis,” went the whispers through the crowds.
“Of Argentea’s Team Three?”
“The Team Lead.”
“He leads the team?”
“Who is that Guardian with him?”
“Wasn’t he wounded? Why is he here?”
“I’ve been telling you, everyone on that team are idols, even the Conduits.”
“They only have two Conduits, can you imagine? I wish I awakened like Conduit Orrey and got imprinted upon…”
Hyran tried to tune out the whispers from the crowd. Protectors outside the entrance had set up crowd control fences, something Hyran had seen when a very big actor left or came to film here. All those people behind the fences wanted today was news of their loved ones, and Hyran’s heart ached for them, especially knowing what news was likely at this stage. His hold on Col’s hand tightened.
I am so lucky in all this sadness to have found this man. I’ll protect him with all I have, with all I am. Coldis Solara, I love you.He looked at Col in profile, didn’t say the words out loud,but hoped his Conduit would sense them. Would eventually be ready to hear them and accept them.
On their right, on Col’s side, a man with wild blond hair pointed a small camera bot at them and waved. “Conduit Solara, I am Journalist Mikan from the Ferrean Flicker. Would you talk to us for a moment?”
Hyran was prepared to grab Col and speed him away, but no. Col smiled at the journalist and walked over to the man.
“Col?”
Col squeezed his hand twice.
“Of course, journalist, though I can’t think of what to tell the brave citizens of Ferrea on yet another difficult day.”
The cam bot hovered a little higher to catch both Col and Hyran.
The journalist wasn’t deterred. “We know it would be even more difficult if it hadn’t been for your team, Conduit. Can I ask, are any of them injured?”
“Not at all. Guardian Karmine is still recovering from his earlier injuries, but apart from scratches, they are ready to defend the Ferrean Grounds alongside these untiring protectors.” Col indicated the various protectors on the Grounds and the regular side of the Western Entrance. Hyran caught some of them listening with interest.
