significant amount of distance from Iron Gate. Gabe estimated if they could keep the pace up, besides camping, they would reach Luxom in two days’ time. Luxom wasn’t the richest area in copper, but the earth was still littered with the resource, and Gabe knew it would help in shielding them from trackers. He was sure it would be a delicate balance, and someone would always have to be on watch, casting protection spells, until they reached Luxom. But with Uri and Haim along for the ride, he was confident it was a very doable task.
“Gabe, we’re going to have to take a rest if it’s alright with you.” Drachon called over his shoulder to his riders.
“Of course, whatever you need.” Gabe replied, motioning to the other members of his party.
As the Dramares kneeled, Rachel awoke, slightly startled by what was happening.
“Where are we?” she gasped.
“Hey, everything ok?” Uri asked, leaping from the back of his Dramare. Haim followed suit.
“Everything’s fine everyone, just taking a quick rest stop. Stretch, take some water in, and we’ll get back on the road in about thirty minutes.” Gabe explained, helping Rachel down.
“Gabe, can I talk to you for a second?” Uri requested, motioning for Gabe to follow him away from the group.
“Rachel, are you alright?” Gabe asked, looking at his wife that was still clearly waking up from her nap.
“Yes, of course, go.” she reassured him.
Gabe walked to where Uri waited for him. He could tell his friend was clearly concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“Have you thought about what we’re going to do if we can’t hide?” Uri asked, an urgency to his tone.
“I’m sorry, what are we talking about? This conversation is taking me completely by surprise.” Gabe answered.
“Do you have any kind of plan? I’ve had the past six hours to really think about this. What happens if you’re wrong? I mean, at most, in the valley, there were three people? Now we have four and Luxom isn’t as rich in copper. Maybe it’s not enough to block our signature. Or what if we’re recognized? What’s your plan?” Uri was careful to keep his voice low so the rest of the group would not hear.
“Calm down, alright? Freaking out isn’t going to do anyone any good.” Gabe urged. “What do you want me to say? No, I don’t really have a backup plan. I’m just hoping we figure out a way to defeat Baal before he finds us, I guess. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Not exactly—” Uri said, then hesitating briefly. “Look, I know how you feel about some things, but I’ve been thinking.”
“Why does it seem like I am not going to like what you are about to say?”
“Just hear me out. Sophie is at home trying to come up with a way to defeat Baal and that’s great. Not to mention, you have Haim and I am thinking about the problem as well. Let’s say, for arguments sake, I knew someone who could help.”
“Help what?” Gabe asked.
“Figure out a way to destroy Baal.” Uri replied.
“You know someone who can help us figure out how to vanquish Baal and you haven’t told me about them yet? I have to assume there’s a reason.” Gabe continued.
“Well, sort of— I know how you feel about Oracles.” Uri began.
“Nope, stop right there. I don’t need to hear anymore.” Gabe replied, his voice increasing in volume, turning to walk away and ending the conversation.
Uri reached out grabbing Gabe’s arm, and spinning him around before pleading, “Will you just wait and hear me out?”
“Really? You can’t be serious, you know my history with Oracles. They are simply trouble makers! Neutral my ass, I tell you what they are, they’re twisted, they get off on treating people like they’re toys, there to manipulate for their own amusement.” Gabe didn’t care if Rachel heard at this point. He was not afraid to explain and defend his position on Oracles.
“I get all that, I do, just listen, please!” Uri begged.
“Fine, you have sixty seconds.” Gabe offered, crossing his arms in disapproval.
“Have you heard of Mirada?” Uri asked.
“Yeah, sure, everyone in the Guardian world has. She used to work with the elders, but decided it was shifting the power in favor of good and has since refused to help either side. I thought she was killed though?” Gabe asked impatiently.
“Not exactly. First, you have to believe me, she’s not like the other Oracles you’ve met. She has no desire to see you in pain, she really is neutral.