Page 35 of Ever Dark Academy: Volume 6

“Up ahead is an army,” Ryder said.

“An army?” Fiona’s brows furrowed. “But I don’t hear any–”

“Not that kind of army,” Ryder said.

“What kind then?” Charlie asked.

Grimly, Ryder said, “An army of the dead.”

Faith

Grayson hunched down in the grass. His breathing was heavier than he would have liked, but his strength was at a low ebb and everything–even hiding and crouching–was wearing him out. He really wasn’t keen on being human any longer. As an Immortal, he could have passed through the Ever Dark with absolutely no issues. Hell, he would have been able to easily face down the Kaly slices. Well, some of them in any event. He had died here before. But now, as a human, as a sick human, things were not looking good.

To the left! Go now! Eyros hissed.

Are you sure? The snorting is coming from the left, Grayson pointed out, staying still despite Eyros’ command.

No, the snorter is on the left… ah, my left so your right, Ashyr, Eyros sighed. I’ve never done this before! Located minds of nasty beasts and given directions over eons of space!

First time for everything, Grayson smiled.

He hustled to the right just as something crashed into the area he had just been. It let out a disappointed squeal. It had hoped to find something tender and juicy to snack upon. Grayson could hear it snuffling the ground. It would catch his scent any moment.

No, no, I might not be able to fully mind-control the beast, but I can make it think your scent is off in the other direction! Eyros sounded triumphant.

Grayson grinned. Eyros’ triumph meant he was going to live and not be something’s food. At least for now. He heard the beast crashing in the exact opposite direction from until the sound of its snorting and squealing drifted completely away. Grayson let out a breath and slowly stood up. His knees creaked and he felt quite a bit heavier than he had before. He really needed to rest for a moment. He looked ahead of him. The treeline to one of the vast forests was just twenty feet away. While the forests weren’t safe in the Ever Dark, they were better than being out in the open like this and there, hopefully, wouldn’t be as much mud. He started to slog forward.

Straight on now, Eyros said. There’s nothing nearby that can hurt you.

Good. I’m relieved. And Lasting is in this direction, right? He asked as much as stated.

Ah, yes, a good few miles from where you are, which in your shape, you will be as likely to make it alive as a climb up the tallest mountains without a coat, Eyros replied breezily.

Grayson let out a breathy laugh, O, ye of little faith!

You never had faith before, Ashyr. Cold, hard facts and the pessimist’s view were how you always approached things, Eyros reminded him as Grayson took step after heavy step. But maybe that soft, squishy body is causing you to believe in such things. I would imagine one would have to or give up in despair!

Grayson knew that the odds were against him. Hell, there likely weren’t any odds in his favor. But he believed in Seeyr. She’d gotten them all this far. He had faith in her.

It’s not that bad being human, you know, Grayson said as he huffed and puffed from the simple act of walking. There are interesting benefits. I’m glad I got to experience them.

Only so you’ll appreciate being Immortal and free from those “benefits” any longer, Eyros laughed.

Maybe a little bit, yes. But it’s good to be reminded of the benefits of one’s existence, Grayson said.

Better you than me! Eyros scoffed, clearly not liking the idea of being mortal and breakable. Considering what had happened to Balthazar, he had no idea how right he was.

A few more tiring steps and Grayson crossed into the tree line. He let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. His lungs, however, did and he drew in deep draughts of air and rested his back against one of the tree trunks. He longed to just sink down and sit there for a while, but resting for any period of time was dangerous. Being off his feet while doing so would be an even bigger mistake.

I’ve tried to remember what it felt like to be Immortal and all I can really recall seems too good to be true. Do we really never tire? Grayson asked as he sagged.

I’ve experienced tiredness through human minds and I can assure you that we never do that, Eyros told him.

And everything is so easy?

What do you mean by easy? Ah! I see, you feel the effort merely putting one foot in front of another. Yet the Ashyr I know could rip that tree up by the roots without breaking a sweat and not use his power, Eyros said.

Well, that must make getting firewood easier.