“Ooh, that sounds exciting. How many people will be coming along?” Aspen crawled in front of her uncle’s chair.
“There will be about forty Power Walkers and thirty Fire Walkers. Some Water Walkers want to come too.”
As Leeman spoke, Dylan packed his books away and picked up Aspen’s homework as well.
“I’ve asked the Fire Walkers to create a diversion while we enter the castle. I want to get as many Chancellors away from the castle as possible. You can both come along, but you’ll have to hide outside the castle. I don’t want you inside.”
With pouty lips, Aspen frowned. “You know we can help too.” Even though she was only five foot two and looked fragile, she was still powerful. She knew she still needed training, but once she was ready, not many Dream Walkers would challenge her.
“I know, Princess, but just stay close to the Fire Walkers and don’t enter the castle—under any circumstances. Am I making myself clear?” Leeman stared at her with mock severity, and she couldn’t help but smile.
“Yes, sir,” she said and gave him a mock salute. A second later, she jumped up and sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Your mother is cooking chicken for dinner, so put your books away and wash your hands and we’ll eat. Dylan, you’re invited. You can leave with us afterward.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’ll show you which bathroom to use if you’d like to wash up,” Aspen told him as her uncle lifted her off the chair and onto the floor. Her hair was loose, and she brushed it over her shoulders and away from her face before leading him up the staircase.
Once upstairs, she grabbed a towel from the linen closet and handed it to Dylan. A gentle current flowed from his skin into hers as their fingers touched, and he seemed to savor the feeling. He breathed deeply and a strange look flashed briefly over his face.
“I’ll be down soon.” His voice was gravelly and lower than usual.
Reluctantly, she let go of the towel and rushed to her room. She didn’t say much while they had dinner later, and was relieved when Leeman said that it was time to go.
The three Dream Walkers said good-bye to Norma, then clutched their dream catchers as they disappeared in a warm glow of light.
? ? ?
Lanta was bathed in pale yellow, and the whole village was a hive of activity. The sweet sounds of a wooden flute piped through the balmy air.
With a quick wave, Leeman strode off to his house to get prepared. Ginny stood talking to a man Aspen hadn’t met before, and she and Dylan walked over to greet them. Tracing her hands along the seam of her jeans, Aspen was glad she’d changed her clothing at her mom’s house.
Ginny dragged the man over by the arm to introduce him. “This is my dad. Dad, this is Aspen, and you know Dylan.”
Ginny’s father was tall and thin, and his eyes glowed with pride as his arm circled Ginny’s shoulder and he dipped his head in respect. He had shiny black hair like the rest of the Power Walker men.
“Greetings, Princess. I’m honored to meet you, and doubly so because I’ve been told that you helped save my precious daughter’s life.” With that, he hugged Ginny close to his side and shut his eyes.
“My life would be worthless if you didn’t find her,” he went on. “I’m forever in your debt, and if you ever need anything, no matter how small, please let me know. I’m your loyal servant.”
Nothing could stop the rush of heat that flooded Aspen’s cheeks, and she didn’t know what to say.
“Thank you, Arthur,” Dylan said on her behalf. “I’m sure that the princess appreciates your kind words.”
“It was my pleasure,” she managed to say.
Once Ginny and her dad had turned around to leave, Aspen ducked behind Dylan’s back. “That was awkward,” she whispered.
“Arthur loves his daughters more than he loves himself. He’s a good dad.”
As she raised her eyes to look at him, someone called his name.
“Dylan!”
He spun around. “Wait here,” he ordered, and walked over to a man who bore an incredible resemblance to him.
Aha, Aspen thought. This had to be Dylan’s dad. He had the same unruly dark hair and striking blue eyes. His jaw was wide, and he was about six foot two with a broad chest and long legs. He must have been just as handsome as Dylan when he was younger. The two spoke for a bit and then walked toward Aspen.
People gathered in the area around them, children ran past her, and raised voices could be heard everywhere. Dogs barked, and men shouted orders as supplies were bundled up and packed away. Excitement was almost tangible in the air, and she took a deep breath to settle her nerves.
As soon as they reached her, Dylan made the introductions. “Aspen, this is my dad. Dad, I’ve told you about Aspen before.”
With a low bow, his father looked up at her with twinkling eyes. “I’m David. I’m so glad to finally meet you, Princess. My son can’t stop talking about you.”
A mortified look crossed Dylan’s face before he clenched his jaw and stared into the distance.