The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,4
school to learn how to become a defender of good, but the entire time Michael had another agenda. One that involved Gabe fulfilling a destiny as the protector, and sacrificing his life.
At last, Gabe spoke softly, “Wouldn’t you be afraid?” He had never admitted to even himself that he was afraid, but in that second, with all those memories flooding back, he at last was truthful to himself. He didn’t want to die. Life had been far from perfect and held few joys for him, but it didn’t mean Gabe was ready to sacrifice it.
Uri thought about his question. “I suppose, but there are some things that are more important than our own fear and desire for survival. This is so much bigger than you or me. Do you know how many have died for the cause?”
“Uri!” Gabe yelled. “Don’t you get it? You don’t know you’re going to die. You risk your life knowing it’s a possibility, but you don’t know you will be killed as a certainty. The prophecy tells me I will die. I help, and I am giving my life.”
“That’s just it; I’m not asking you to do that.” Uri added.
Gabe shook his head looking at Uri with a puzzled stare. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m not asking you to protect the prophet. I’m not asking you to even stay involved. I just need to leave Rachel with you until I figure all this out and find a place to hide her. The prophet hasn’t been born. Hell, she isn’t even pregnant; there is no risk to you based on the prophecy.” Uri explained his reasoning.
“Except for the army of demons hunting her!” Gabe exclaimed.
“Alright, I admit, what I am asking is not without risk. I wouldn’t ask you if I weren’t out of options.” Uri explained.
“You found me, how safe can it really be for her here?” Gabe asked, doubting Uri’s reasoning.
“The only way I found you was the trinket Dina put on your bag when you left Rampart years ago. Had I not used that to track you, I don’t think I would have ever found you. What are the chances Baal or any of his followers will discover you? Think about it, it truly is the perfect hiding place.” Uri urged.
“I don’t know…” Gabe said. A moment later, the front door creaked open. Rachel stood there, clothes damp, simply staring.
“Rachel!” Uri gasped. “Are you alright?”
“I slipped.” Rachel replied flatly. The men looked to each other, each one unsure what to do.
Suddenly, Rachel burst out in a full and jovial laughter. The men soon followed in a similar fashion, all amused by the humor of the situation.
“Come over here and get warm,” Uri said while motioning to the nearby stove that was still warming a pot of water.
As she did, Uri looked over his shoulder to Gabe who simply nodded. With that unspoken agreement, Gabe would participate in the fight just a little longer. He would watch over Rachel at his home until Uri could return and retrieve her. Uri didn’t utter a response; instead, he walked up and patted his friend firmly on the back in gratitude.
Gabe could feel the joy in Uri’s presence. He hoped his friend didn’t misunderstand his level of commitment. He would make sure it was clear before Uri left. He was willing to watch over Rachel for a short time, just long enough for Uri to find a place safe enough for her. After that, he was out, for good.
CHAPTER TWO
“Remember, if there is any sign of trouble to head straight for Dina and the others.” Uri reminded giving Gabe a hug.
“Yeah, yeah,” Gabe chimed, smiling at his friend. “I think I know by now how to take care of myself. Don’t stay away long.” Gabe’s request was also meant to inform his friend that he did not expect to become the permanent care taker of this girl he had been saddled with.
“Don’t let him scare you, Rachel, he’s a sweetheart under all the prickly layers.” Uri advised looking at the girl.
“I think we’ll be just fine.” Rachel replied, a slight blush on her cheeks.
Uri smiled, cocked his head in the goofy way he was known for, and with a half wave he disappeared into a cloud of smoke.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to that.” Rachel said in reference to Uri’s transportation spell.
“I thought the same thing, but you do.” Gabe replied flatly, turning and walking back to the cabin.