Fulcrum of Light (Catalyst Book 2) C.J. Aaron (unputdownable books .TXT) 📖

the body of his friend lay still on his back. Ryl raced to Elias’ side, leaning his head close to his face. His heart soared as he felt the soft passing of air against his cheek. The breath was alarmingly cold.

Ryl looked down at his friend. The Elias he remembered was still hidden behind a shadow of what he once was. His clenched eyes were sunken; his skin wrapped tightly around the sharp features of his face. The black stains that had spread up his neck, stretching out across his face had lightened—their jagged, hungry tendrils now flayed as they retreated downward. Ryl experienced a momentary pinching sensation akin to the poke of a needle on his left arm as he watched the black line fade and recede.

The realization of what he’d done was astounding though there was so much he was yet to understand. Had the light completely banished the darkness that corrupted his friend? Would the hatred and the malice remain? Would his friend ever wake?

If he did, what version of him would it be?

Ryl was snapped from his thoughts as the horror of the present situation set in. It was a miracle that he and his companions had survived. The overwhelming force of Lei Guard could have easily ended their pursuit to free The Stocks. Could have, and nearly did, end their lives.

The entirety of their party was yet to be pulled from the fire.

Andr and Aldren were still in harm's way.

Ignoring the pain, Ryl surged to his feet. His balance corrected as he wobbled unsteadily. Without delay, he collected The Leaves that lay dormant on the remains of the bridge. It was with a feeling of profound satisfaction that he returned the weapons to their holsters. As he did, he viewed the gap separating himself from the shore with appraising eyes.

Nearly fifteen meters separated himself from the shore.

Ryl closed his eyes, inhaling a deep breath, holding the air in before letting it pass through his lips. The calm that filled his body with its passing was exhilarating. Without another thought, he bent down at the knees, hoisting the withered frame of Elias onto his left shoulder. He was shocked at how light his friend was. To an extent, all tributes were emaciated; an expected result of the paltry rations they were forced to survive on. The haggard shell of his friend was far skinnier than any he’d seen in The Stocks. His weight felt negligible draped over his shoulders. Ryl backed cautiously to the edge of the crumbling stone walkway on the forest side of the remnant of the bridge.

He closed his eyes one last time, envisioning the events to come. Time slowed again as he lunged forward. He could see the wide-eyed expressions turn to shock and horror as the realization of his actions dawned on his companions.

Ryl crossed the remains of the bridge in an instant, the wind swelling with the speed of a tempest around his right arm. His left leg coiled like a spring as he planted his last step along the crumbling edge of the walkway. The stones and debris rained down from the underside of the bridge as he exploded upward. His right arm thrust violently toward the ground, expelling the gout of wind that had collected. The force of the blast combined with the speed and strength of his approach propelled him out over the water.

For a moment, he was weightless as he floated in the air, his grey phrenic cloak billowing out behind him. As gravity regained its hold, the water and the earth below rushed toward him. His legs churned in the air subconsciously as if the act would propel his body further. It wasn’t until the last moment that he was convinced his attempt would succeed.

As the fractured stones that remained a broken marker of the last few meters of the bridge rushed forward, he tossed the still body of Elias to the ground. He hoped the impact wouldn’t further damage the uncertain condition of his friend. Ryl hit the ground on his feet, immediately pitching forward into a roll. His normally controlled tumble fell apart as his body spilled over for a second time. His wounds tore as his body slammed into the ground, coming to a final stop face down on the hard road. Ryl sighed a breath of relief, kicking up a small cloud of dust and dirt into his face.

Ramm and Kaep were at his side in an instant. Dav, Nielix and Soldi were only a few steps behind. The strength of the large phrenic effortlessly scooped him to his feet.

“What were you thinking?” Kaep scolded as she slapped him on the chest. Her momentary anger reverted to relief as she embraced him, squeezing hard enough to elicit a wince of pain. The feeling, however, was electric. The overpowering sensation of their contact momentarily overwhelmed any discomfort in his body.

“Now’s not the time for explanations. We need to make haste,” Ryl responded as he regretfully broke off the magnetic embrace. “Andr needs us. Kaep, can you help Vox?”

She backed away, and a puzzling expression crossed her face before she nodded, hastening off to collect the elementalist.

“You’re hurt, Ryl,” Ramm noted.

“Aye,” Ryl admitted. “We can dress it on the way.”

The tone of his voice came out harsher than he’d intended. He was sorry for having admonished his friend.

“I’m sorry, Ramm,” Ryl said. “I fear for their safety. We know not what awaits them behind those gates. Can you carry the Lei Guard? I need him close by.”

“Who is he?” Ramm asked as he nodded his head.

“He was my friend,” Ryl whispered. “Though I don't know who or what remains.”

His voice trailed off as he finished his statement.

Ramm patted him on the shoulder gently as he hastened to collect the body now lying motionless in the road.

The village had come to life as the battle ended, the citizens now lined the sides of the buildings, choking the street to the west. The majority stood