Read Online Elements (Tear of God Book 1) by Raymond Henri - Free Book Online Page A

aspect he hadn’t expected. If he concentrated on a smaller area within his focus, he could zoom in even more on that spot. In this way, Mink discovered the outer wall of Freeland. He noticed a tower built into the wall and focused on the windows at the top. Now seeing into the room, he marveled at the array of lights, buttons, and screens that filled it. A Machinist passed his field of vision, but when he tried to track him, his zoom was reset to an enlarged view of the hazy horizon.
    Thrilled with the feeling that he was spying on the enemy, Mink turned and tried too hard to act casual. He moseyed toward the campsite to see that color had returned to Nyam’s grinning face. Although she appeared to be right in front of him, it would take at least fifteen seconds to reach her. He ran back, now accustomed to his new eyesight. In fact, it felt like he was taking a long time to get anywhere. If Nyam proved successful in targeting Mink with Quick Legs, that would soon change.
    “I think I got the hang of this now,” Mink boasted.
    “Good,” Nyam stood up from her chair by the Fire. “Just in time to tackle the next challenge.”
    “I have got to see if this works.” Juré took a seat by the Fire, fidgety with excitement.
    Nyam chanted.
     
“Target’s Body makes longer strides.
The faster my feet—”
     
    Juré ran his fingers through his hair while Nyam shook her hands and exhaled a long breath. Out of habit, Nyam had started chanting the original version of Quick Legs. Mink let his disappointment out in a groan. He almost regretted it when he noticed the sobering effect his tone had on Nyam, but if it helped her get through the chant, it was probably worth it.
    Nyam began again,
     
“Target’s Body makes longer strides.
The faster your feet, the longer.
The toes push off with great power.
The front leg lands with momentum.
No extra effort required.
Stopping by not taking a step.
Target’s muscles’ Fire Strengthens.
Move great distances when I touch.”
     
    They all held their breath in anticipation. Nyam pressed her palms against both of Mink’s hips simultaneously.
    “Now don’t move an inch,” Nyam instructed. “I have some things to tell you first. We’re going to start off just walking.” Nyam folded her arms, pacing. She tried to act serious and authoritative, but Mink could tell she was beside herself with joy at getting to teach an Elemental use to her son. “Each stride is now going to take you about six to ten feet. You’ll feel like you’re falling backward because your center of gravity will still be far behind you. Always keep your gaze at least two steps ahead.
    “If you feel that your foot missed the ground, that means you are falling on your back. Protect your head by tucking your chin to your chest. As soon as you feel your back hit the ground, do a sit up and roll forward until you’re on your hands and knees. Always, always, always get up with your head pointing where you want to go. Are you getting all this?” Mink had been paying attention. So what if he’d rather watch a beetle struggling to traverse cracks in the dirt instead of his mom’s embarrassing teacher impersonation?
    Mink shoved a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Yeah. I think so. How do I just walk normal?”
    “Moving slowly with Quick Legs takes years of practice. The slowest you’ll be able to go will be twelve to twenty feet per second.” The determination on Nyam’s face could only mean that she felt beyond a doubt that she had successfully put Quick Legs on someone other than herself.
    Mink looked down at his brown lace boots. He tried to imagine what it would be like to run so fast. He didn’t see how his boots could handle it. “This is going to be so embarrassing.”
    “After you meet up with Uncle Durren, just have a Body user Dispel it, or get a Spirit or Soil user to cancel it. You won’t be the only person going through the Capitol building using Quick Legs, I assure you.” A soft smile