The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,65
laughed at Uri’s childlikeness, coming to a stop as well. Gabe attempted to catch his breath when he heard Rachel gasp. He felt his hair stand on edge, immediately going into panic mode.
“Are you ok?” he asked, taking a tighter hold of her hand.
Rachel’s eyes widened as she lifted her finger slowly, pointing directly in front of her, slightly trembling, “Oh my God, look!”
Pushing Rachel behind him, Gabe searched for the source of her fear. “I don’t see anything. What is it, Rachel?”
“You don’t see them?” she exclaimed.
A deep voice growled from across the courtyard, “I think she means us.”
“It can talk? Oh my God!” Rachel cried.
Gabe began to laugh uncontrollably, causing Rachel to suddenly become very self-conscious. “Rachel, this is Drachon, he’s the leader of the Dramares. He is going to be giving us a ride on the first leg of our journey.”
Rachel stepped out from behind her protective husband, staring at the bizarre creature. At first glance it looked like a horse, but upon further examination she saw they were covered in scales and the feet turned into claws. Perhaps most unsettling for Rachel was that the head of the beast had similarities to a lizard, large slit eyes, its tongue occasionally flicking.
“Nice to meet you, m’lady.” Drachon said, lowering his head and bowing as he did.
“Thanks, I guess.” Rachel replied hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, they don’t bite.” Gabe said, reaching out and taking hold of her arm, leading her closer to the creatures.
“Well, we don’t bite our friends.” Drachon added, breaking out into laughter, smoke billowing from his nostrils.
“What are they?” Rachel whispered, leaning in close to Gabe.
“We have excellent hearing as well.” Drachon added, his scaly lip turned up.
Rachel covered her mouth with one hand, embarrassed by her rudeness.
“Think of them as half dragon, half horse. They can move quickly and are great in a fight. With a cloaking spell, we will not even be noticed as we travel, so you should feel quite safe. You’ll be riding with me, if that’s alright?” Gabe explained.
“Yes, of course.” Rachel answered, still staring in amazement.
“You guys are not going anywhere without giving me a hug!” Dina commanded as she approached the circle.
Relieved for the break in tension, Rachel rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around her new friend.
“I can’t thank you enough for all of your help with the wedding plans.” Rachel said, not wanting to let go.
“Hey, what about me?” Damon asked approaching.
“Yes, you too.” Rachel added, releasing Dina and reaching out for her brother. “You were the best faux bridesmaid any sister could ask for. I am going to miss you so much.”
“We’ll see each other again, sis. Gabe had better make sure it’s soon, too.” Damon said.
“Don’t worry, I promise. I’ll make sure we work something in.” Gabe called out, hearing bits of the discussion going on near him.
The gear was loaded onto the three Dramares, Gabe looked over everything one last time and then walked to Uri. “Last chance, you sure you don’t want to duck out of this mission?”
“Please,” Uri scoffed. “This will be like a vacation for me.”
Gabe smiled, taking a moment to look around the circle and watch the tearful farewells. It was amazing, Rachel had only been around these people for a week, yet she had managed to imprint her life on them so heavily. It didn’t take him long to realize someone was missing, however.
“She’s not here. I can’t believe she wouldn’t even come say goodbye to you.” Gabe said softly.
“Who?” Uri asked.
“Really? You don’t know who I’m talking about?”
Uri thought for a moment before responding, “No, I know. I’m not sure why I asked who. She came to me this morning to say goodbye actually, she spoke to Haim, too.”
“Sophie hates me that much that she can’t even be in my presence?” Gabe questioned, not concealing his shock.
“It’s not that she hates you man, don’t you get it? Sophie thought you’d come running back to her when you knew she had her memories back; instead she got humiliated in public. What did you expect? She’s hurting.”
“I didn’t try to hurt her.”
“I get that, but she’s still hurting.”
“Don’t expect me to feel sorry for her. She has had her memories back for a long time, before I ever met Rachel. Sophie’s the one who decided to keep that information to herself. I told her I loved Rachel and I was going to marry her, she didn’t have to try and break up the wedding. That was her choice.” Gabe defended