Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

Even though we could walk away from each other–it was rarely done–my soul would still call to his because the bond couldn’t be broken. Still, that’s what we’d chosen. What I’d live with.

I turned my mind from Silas, focusing on the land as we neared the river. Glorious fields of green, the mighty river rippling in between it all, pulsed with life. Ducks and birds took flight along the waterway, sweeping low into the rushes either side with a cacophony. Thousands of head of cattle grazed into the distance.

My heart lifted at the sight, giving me a sense of freedom from my desolate thoughts.

We strived to provide for our people back home when they could not. And for Saunder to have his father back meant I could live with any decision I now made.

Goldie pointed north. “Maslin’s coming.” She lifted her Stetson and waved it. “Why don’t you talk to him of your idea for the water barrels? I’ll check out the river levels and take a depth recording.”

“Sure.” Pressing my knees into the horse, I rode toward him.

Maslin galloped on his horse with a freedom born of his love of this land, and it was impossible not to grin at his enjoyment. Riding free across plains untouched by civilization was sheer magic. Dralion was of a similar landscape. No high-rises or cities of concrete there. Our people simply didn’t harbor technology as those on Earth did. Instead, we adhered to the older ways, where everyone in the village raised our children. Our people didn’t physically age past our eighteenth year and we lived easily to one-hundred and twenty. Our lives were simpler, yet fuller and enjoyed with more youthfulness.

Sitting in his saddle, Maslin lifted his stone-colored hat and whooped it up, his bold copper hair blowing in the breeze as he rode in beside me. Breathing fast, he pointed out the new area he’d flooded. “That field will be sprouting strong in two weeks. It will be a beautiful sight. The waterway system is cranking all the way north of here too. The cattle are in heaven.” He slapped his well-worn blue jeans.

I beamed. “It’s wonderful.”

The systems were in place to flood the lower fields, but Maslin used his skill to send precious water further inland than what was physically possible. Because of him we’d managed to keep at least eighty percent of the cattle on the station.

“I should tell you the watering holes are low.” I sat higher in my saddle. “Goldie and I spoke about some of the warriors ’porting in water barrels. Perhaps we could talk more about that strategy tonight at dinner. Will you come?”

He stared, the freckles on his nose prominent. Then he smiled. “I’ll be there. I’d like to talk to you too.”

“Sure.”

He cleared his throat and continued, “I saw Lieska this morning in her search for Guy. I heard about your mother, Kate Sol, and your sister, Faith, as well as the protector foretold to come. That’s not an easy task Alexo’s set you, so if you need help or to talk, come to me.”

“I will.” Maslin was loyal to Goldie and me. Working together on this station had cemented our bonds. “In that case...”

My stomach tightened into a tight knot, my thoughts returning to Silas. “I met my mate. He’s the protector.”

His eyes widened. “Shoot. Keep going.”

“He spoke of what he knew then he released me from our bond, only before I can accept I made a deal. I’ll let him go, provided he returns Saunder’s father.”

“Whoa, I don’t know what to say, but you can’t be mated to one of them. Donaldo will never allow it.”

The wind lifted, blowing blades of green grass in a rippling wave. It was beauty in its purest form, calming my mind a little.

“Think of the positives.” He wore a small smile. “Imagine Saunder having his father back. That’s a sight I long to see.”

His words made me smile. “Me too, and I will focus my energy on the job Alexo’s left me. My sister has the ability of mind-merge and Silas told me what he knows. I have to piece together what I can of my mother’s Sol line.”

“Sol is a common name. That will not be easy.” He glanced toward the river and with two fingers between his lips, sent out a hearty whistle to Goldie. “I’ve measured there, Goldie.”

Stepping away from the bank, she acknowledged his words with a wave. Back on her horse, she let loose, riding along the bank’s edge. Ducks hidden within the reeds cackled and took flight, their wings brushing the glistening surface as they swept across the river to the other side.

Her horse’s hooves pounded over the earth as she rode in. “I love this spot.” Her eyes shimmered brightly. “I took the secondary recording down further.”

“Great. That was the one I missed.” Maslin prodded the horse with his heels and turned his mount. “Back to the homestead.”

With a nudge to my horse’s flanks, I followed them, my thoughts on Silas. Always on him. When would he return with Carlisio’s decision? Would he bring our warrior with him?

I picked up speed as Goldie and Maslin edged further ahead.

Why couldn’t I get Silas off my mind?