Page 97 of Guiding Reason
Getting through Ferrea was as blurry, but Col could tell it was slower, the route they took more winding, possible obstacles more numerous. Before they went through the secure gates of the walls and passed into the long darkness inside them, Col had time to think and bent his head. The angle was only mildly irritating, but he could press his lips and cheek to Hyran’s neck, and that allowed him to channel.I can keep him leveled like this for longer trips.
The darkness vanished under Hyran’s speed, and like that, they were outside the walls again, lush green, strange noises, different, more earthy smells. Like a punch to the gut, Col remembered the ambush, the people that had died, he and Orrey in the car that had flipped over and fallen down a pit made by a tectomancer.
“Col? Hey?”
“Oh? Yes. It’s fine. I just…”
Hyran turned his head to look at Col. “You’re digging your fingers into my chest pretty hard there. We can take a break. We’ll catch up with the others in seconds.” He let go of Col’s legs.
“No, ah…”
Col’s knees went out from under him, but Hyran was right there to steady him, hold him upright.
“You scared that physician into clearing you for this. It’s too soon. Come on, I’m walking you back inside, and then we’ll take an auto-drive back to the Tower, and you can lie down.”
Col shook his head and forced his legs straight. “Fuck. No. This isn’t that. I just remembered the attack. I didn’t think being outside the walls would do that, but it’s nothing to worry about. I’m fine. Let me get back on, and then let’s go. Everyone’s waiting.”
Hyran’s green eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. “Coldis, that’s not—”
“I know. We don’t have the luxury of talking about it now. I’m getting over it. Let’s go.”
Hyran stood frozen for the longest time, but Col did the only thing he could think of doing: he didn’t move a muscle, told his racing heart to slow down, and held Hyran’s gaze.
After a short eternity that felt only longer on account of the fucking goggles, Hyran’s lips pulled tight, and he succumbed, turned back around and kneeled for Col.
“I’ll take care of you out here. And it’s not as dangerous as most people think. I will keep you safe, I promise.”
“I know that. Both of those things.”
“You’re holding on tight?”
“Always.”
Hyran ran. This time, the trip was longer, blurry greens and browns on either side, the rich blue sky above. He stopped right in front of the two vehicles that were waiting on the road.
“I’m letting you down now but keep holding on to me.”
Overprotective Guardian,Col thought, but he found himself doing what Hyran had said regardless. Hyran steadied Col with his hands on Col’s shoulders, and the support was welcome.
Col held on to a strap of Hyran’s harness, his eyes level with his Guardian’s chest. He focused on Hyran’s easy breathing, the steady rhythm of it, to calm himself.He won’t wear this Ferrean uniform for much longer.Col forced himself to let go of the harness and smile up at Hyran who looked concerned, ready to bundle Col up and take him back behind Ferrea’s walls.
Taros was out of the vehicle, and so was Senlas. Like Col, Taros carried a backpack and walked toward them, not looking terribly excited. Col saw concern bloom when Taros looked at him.
“Is it that bad?”
Col shook his head. “Not really. You get used to it. And you really need those goggles.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Hyran said.
The back door of the lead vehicle opened, and Orrey jogged out. Col saw Senlas frown, but his brother made no other comment and walked toward them as well. Karmine and Vin got out too. Col spotted a wide-eyed Lapatea watching through the back windshield of the follow vehicle.I’m still not sure why he is coming or who he told that he was leaving with us. It’s like we accidentally packed our hospitality guide and can’t return him.
“This is the time we really say goodbye then.” Orrey’s rich brown eyes looked moist. Strands of his hair caught in the wind and brushed his lashes.
You found a good one, Senny.Col looked up at Hyran.I think we both did.
“It is. A short goodbye at any rate. Want a hug, little brother?”
Col didn’t get a verbal response, but Orrey hugged him. It was still on the polite side, not too long, not too tight, because Orrey wasn’t that type of person. Col didn’t mind because the other Conduit was family, had easily become family.
