Shades of the Past_ Book Six of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [37]
“Wait a minute!” he hollers, hoping she will pause long enough for him to reach her. But she fails to respond to his plea in any way and continues toward a ride at the edge of the carnival.
No matter how fast he runs, he’s unable to close the distance before she reaches the ride. It’s the Tunnel of Love. She hands her ride ticket over to the carnie and gets in one of the boats which will take her through the entrance.
“Hold that boat!” he yells, trying to increase his speed. Then he watches in frustration as the boat carrying the girl leaves the loading dock and sails upon the water toward the entrance to the ride.
He reaches the loading dock and the carnie asks, “Ticket?”
Holding out his hand, he realizes his ticket is no longer there. Looking around in anxiety, he discovers the ticket lying on the ground back the way he had come. He runs toward it just as a gust of wind picks it up and blows it still further away. Running, he finally reaches the ticket and grasps hold of it.
Turning back to the Tunnel of Love, he sees the boat bearing the golden haired girl has just passed through the entrance. He hurries back to the loading dock and gives the carnie his ticket.
“Step carefully please,” the carnie says as he takes the ticket and motions for him to step into the first boat.
Moving into the boat quickly, he takes his seat. The carnie pulls the lever releasing the boat and he begins drifting along with the current toward the entrance. He peers inside but is unable to make out the boat bearing the golden haired girl, or anything else for that matter.
Upon reaching the entrance, he’s able to see inside a little and upon the right side of the tunnel is a large, heart shaped picture with two white lights shining forth. As he passes through the entrance, he’s able to see the golden haired girl far ahead of him.
“Excuse me sir.”
Feeling as if he’s being wrenched awake, he yells, “No!” He glances around and sees Devin standing there at the tent flap, a worried expression upon his face. The dream begins to slip away though he tries to retain the memory.
“Are you okay sir?” asks Devin.
Trying to recall what it was that was so important, all he’s left with is a feeling of loss. Looking to Devin, he says, “Yeah.” Sitting up, he puts his head in his hands and feels the last vestige of the dream slip from him.
“Illan’s returned,” he tells him.
“Thank you,” he replies.
Devin then steps back and closes the tent flap, leaving him alone once more.
Sitting there in the darkened tent, he tries to recall the dream and why he had cried out but the memory is gone. Shaking his head, he gets to his feet and leaves his tent.
Chapter Seven
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Stepping from his tent he finds Illan surrounded by the others, telling them in part what he’s learned. When he sees James exit, he ceases his conversation and moves toward him. “We should talk in your tent.”
Coming to a stop, James nods his head and then returns inside. He’s followed in by Delia, Jiron, Miko and Ceadric. Illan pauses a moment at the tent’s entrance and says to Devin, “See that we’re not disturbed.”
“Yes, sir,” he replies as Illan enters the tent.
They’re crammed inside the small tent which had never been intended to include so many at one time. “We’re going to have to get you a larger tent,” Jiron says with a grin.
“Feel sorry for poor Devin if we do,” jokes Miko.
“Enough of that,” Illan says. “There’s much to talk about.” When he has everyone’s attention, he continues. “From the reports gathered today, it would seem we face anywhere from fifteen to twenty thousand troops.”
James’ face falls and Delia gasps.
“Can we handle that many?” Jiron asks.
They all look to James and the doubt crossing his face tells them he doesn’t think so. “So many,” he says. “I never thought to have to face so many right away.”
As James sinks into silence, Illan