The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,71

we transport, the tracers won’t be around long enough for a tracker to pick up on them.”

“Whoa, no way!” Gabe exclaimed. “You saw how hard transporting was on Rachel last time. We can’t do that. What if we landed right in a trap? She would be completely defenseless.”

“That’s what I have you for darling.” Rachel said walking over to Gabe’s side and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Whatever we do, we need to act fast.” Haim insisted.

“Why? Do you see something?” Uri asked, jumping to his feet.

“Only about half a dozen Wintoks entering the inn. How long do you think it will take before the innkeeper tells them about the new guests in the cottage at the end of the street?” Haim suggested.

“Good point.” Uri answered, patting Haim on the shoulder. “Everyone, grab your gear, we’re going out the back.”

“Wait, we haven’t even decided what we’re going to do yet.” Gabe insisted.

“Do you really want to be here when a mob of Wintoks come busting through the door?” Uri asked. The thought of it made Gabe’s scar along his hip ache.

Gabe was on his feet in a second, rushing past Rachel and into their bedroom, throwing whatever he could into their bags as quickly as possible. Rachel followed close behind.

“Gabe, if you would just think about this logically for a moment, you would see I am right.” Rachel pleaded.

“Really? Now is not the time.”

“Then when? While we’re out there running for our lives?” Rachel argued.

“What am I supposed to say? I tell you that Oracles are bad news, you can’t trust them, and to avoid them at all costs. You apparently don’t believe what I say, so what else is there to say?” Gabe snapped, his voice now elevated.

“It’s not a matter of believing or not believing you, Gabe; I didn’t hear any other suggestions out there. We can’t just stand around doing nothing.

“So that’s what you think I do? I stand around and do nothing.”

“I didn’t say that.” Rachel could feel the conversation spiraling out of control.

Zipping the last bag shut, Gabe rushed to the door. Stopping in front of her, he grabbed her wrists, and looked into her eyes. “We’ll do this your way, and when all of this blows up in our faces, maybe then you’ll believe me.”

“Gabe, please.” Rachel begged, but he was already at the back door, waiting for the others.

Rachel followed, pleading with him, but Gabe was done talking.

“Is everyone ready?” Uri said, peeking out the back door, ensuring the coast was clear. With a few mumblings, things were set into motion. “Ok, stay near to the tree line as we head out of town. As soon as we get far enough where nobody can see us, high tail it south to the center of the forest. Once we get a couple of miles in it should be safe to transport.

Gabe grabbed a tight hold of Rachel’s hand, growling, “Don’t let go, whatever you do.” Rachel couldn’t help but smile, even when he was angry with her, his top priority was to keep her safe.

The door was flung open the rest of the way, and the group was off. The four travelled as quietly as they could with all of their gear, attempting not to garner any unwanted attention.

Gabe sighed a breath of relief as they emerged over the hillside at the edge of town, certain they were past the worst. Just as the breath left his lips the situation turned for the worse.

“Hey, you there! Stop.” Gabe heard a voice shout just ahead of them, his stomach sank.

The entire group slowed until finally halting. Gabe looked over his shoulder; from where they stood they were no longer visible from the village.

“Uri.” Gabe whispered, motioning over his shoulder to show they were hidden from the village now.

Looking back at Rachel, Gabe handed her the bags and firmly insisted. “Stay here, if anything goes wrong, you run. Do you understand me?”

“What are you going to do? No, please don’t.” Rachel begged.

“Everything will be fine.” Gabe reassured her. He then began to walk towards the distant voice, Uri and Haim joining him. As they came closer, their opponents came into better view; Gabe’s heart began to pound. The one shouting was an oversized Wintok, the spiky turtle like shell on its back showed signs of many battles, it’s wide scaly foot planted in the earth as though it were an immovable force. Standing near him were three other Wintoks, they were younger and stared intensely