| Chapter 19 A million things were tracking through the young queen’s mind as she galloped her horse along the open plain. Little Bear was keeping excellent pace alongside of her. Hannahoko looked over at Erin and thought once more how beautiful her friend was, even amongst all of her armor. “Erin,” Hannahoko yelled loud enough for Erin to hear over the hoof beats, “What do you believe is going to happen?” “Well, I think we’re going to find Dylan, and he is going to take us to Ginny and the hidden citizens...” “Yes,” said Hannahoko, “But I mean in the long run, you know, past today.” “Hmm,” Erin thought for a moment, “Russia will eventually leave us alone and we’ll run off Mona, or imprison her, or do whatever it is you do to evil tyrants.” Their conversation ended there because in the distance someone was yelling for them to stop. As they drew nearer to him they made out a young man with brown wavy hair, it was Tyler. The two young women brought their horses to quick halts. “Tyler!” Hannahoko exclaimed, “Where have you been?” “Hi, cough cough gimp cough cough,” Erin said under her breath. Little Bear whined and ran up to Tyler. Tyler allowed the large dog to happily lick his hand. “Uh,” said Tyler, “I’ve been, y’know, around. But guess what I found out! Erika is planning to attack you today!” Hannahoko looked over at Erin and made a funny face. “Wow Tyler, how did you ever figure that out?” “Anyway, do you have a secret hide out somewhere or something like that?” “Are you alright?” asked Hannahoko. “Is he ever alright?” said Erin too quietly for Tyler to hear, or perhaps he didn’t care what she said. “Yes, I’m fine, why do you ask?” “No real reason, just the fact that you were missing for so long, Tyler.” “Yeah, hey do you suppose I could ride with one of you to wherever you’re going?” “Sure Tyler, just let Erin and I talk here for a moment.” The young women stepped their horses off to the side. “Do you think he’s even trustworthy?” Hannahoko asked Erin. “I think he’s too stupid to be too much of a threat. All we have to do is give him a shiny object and he’ll be entertained for hours.” “Remember what happened last time we gave a shiny object to someone to amuse them?” Hannahoko said this with a grin. ********************** The psychologist walked vigilantly down the darkened hallways. There was a very little light given by the occasional light on the wall. Was it his imagination or were the shadows themselves collecting together? His steps began to slow, he felt something he did not like. H barely had enough time to deflect a fiery mass that exploded at him from, or was it actually the shadows? Matt zipped to sand opposite of where he was attacked. When the cavern cleared from the explosion the retired psychologist saw a dark figure standing several yards away from him. This man stepped out of the dark and into the very dim light. He wore a black cloak and dark clothing. In his off hand he held a short sword. His hair and goat-tee matched his clothing in color but his eyes were blue and cold. “Will,” said the psychologist. “Yes,” the man replied, he then proceeded to wave his hand in the direction of Matt’s face and said, “You will put down your weapon. The psychologist quirked an eyebrow and then waved his hand. “No, you will put down your weapon.” Will seemed to ponder this for a moment before waving his hand once again. “You will lose.” ‘No you will lose,” the psychologist mimicked. This battering went on for several minutes before both man stared at the other with a new respect. Will finally moved, he raised his right hand upwards and the shadows gathered around the psychologist. “Your mind may not be easily manipulated, but your skills in battle are quite inferior to mine,” said Will. The shadows grasped at Matt’s arms and legs cutting down his speed severely. |