his position heatedly.
“You think any of us want you to feel sorry for her? How about you just try to be a little understanding of her feelings and where she’s coming from. Jesus, man, I know you’ve been a bit of a hermit lately, but come on, is it that hard to be a human being?” Uri snapped back in response.
Gabe fought off the urge to lash back; he was a victim in this, too. He had cared deeply for Sophie for as long as he could remember, there was actually a part of him that considered her offer for a moment. In the end, he knew he was in love with Rachel. It wouldn’t have been fair to Sophie to even consider a future with her. However, taking a step back and a second to examine what Uri was saying, perhaps his expectations to simply put these feelings behind her was too much form him to ask of her.
Before Gabe could confirm verbally that his friend had a point, Michael approached the men, slapping both on their backs. “What’s with all the grim faces?”
“Michael—” Uri said, startled by his sudden presence. “Uh, nothing. Just—”
“We were just going over everything to make sure we are prepared.” Gabe quickly added, not wanting to discuss Sophie’s woes of the heart with Michael.
“I’m sure you guys are more than prepared. The way you’ve been shut up there in the study for the past few days, I doubt you’ve forgotten any detail.” Michael said, watching Rachel across the yard as he did.
Uri looked down at the ground immediately. Gabe assumed he did not want to reveal anything to his mentor unintentionally. He didn’t wish to keep everyone in the dark, but he knew most people would probably not support his decision to turn the tables on Baal. However, he was confident vanquishing Baal would be the only way he could be sure Rachel would ever be safe.
“Ready?” Uri asked, not looking up.
Uri shot off across the clearing towards the Dramares before Gabe could even reply. “Well, I guess this is goodbye.” Gabe said turning to face Michael, extending a hand.
Michael grabbed ahold of his hand, pulling Gabe in for an embrace. Holding him close, Michael whispered in his ear, “I know what you’re thinking about doing, take this with you and talk to me before you make any decisions.”
Gabe pulled away, looking in his hand he saw Michael had slipped him the amulet from when he had first come to Rampart. The memory of Anthony turning to ash sent a shiver through him. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s linked to me, just as it was then. When you need me, you can use it to locate me.” Michael explained.
Gabe thought on his words, “Talk to me before you make any decisions.” Did Michael already know what Gabe’s intensions were with Baal?
“Thank you.” Seemed the only appropriate words Gabe could speak.
Unsure what else to say, Gabe took off in the direction of the rest of the group. Once halfway, he glanced over his shoulder and realized Michael was gone. Turning back around he saw Rachel was staring at him as he approached. Determined not to frighten her, Gabe feigned a smile.
“Hey, husband,” Rachel called out to him. “We were just talking, are you ready to get this show on the road?”
“Why, yes — wife,” Gabe replied, enjoying the playful banter of their new marital status. “I am.”
The final hugs were shared and with a grand line of bystanders waving and wishing them luck, the party was off. Uri led the way on the back of the Dramare named Ba’zak, Gabe and Rachel followed close behind, riding together on Drachon, and Haim brought up the rear on the fierce looking Kraynar. There was no turning back, the group would be on their own, returning to Iron Gate would only put their friends in danger.
With a heavy sigh, Rachel closed her eyes and leaned in close to the man she loved so dearly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The first day was long, a chill in the air caused Gabe to feel as though his bones were brittle. He didn’t care though, wrapped tight around him were Rachel’s arms. He felt the exact moment her body gave into exhaustion and her head collapsed onto his back. It was a peaceful feeling to have her so close to him, to hold onto her hands, and to know she was safe, at least for the moment.
They had been riding for nearly six hours and achieved a