Read Online Shieldwolf Dawning by Selena Nemorin - Free Book Online

breathe?"
    "Negative," Merganser replied. "They are released from their material bonds."
    "Merganser Ravenhair." Samarra detected a smile in Irik's voice. "You have once again demonstrated your worth as a Shieldwolf."
    Croak spoke again. "What is the status of Gaia-1?"
    "The planetary ecosystem has collapsed." Merganser sighed bleakly. "Gaia-1 is on course for an ice age."
    Samarra heard the shuffle of footsteps. A door opened and closed. Time passed. Still no sound. They must have gone outside. Samarra crept back to the living room, hobbling awkwardly down the hallway until she came to an open door. She snuck outside and past the verandah. Keeping low, she followed the trail of pines that shielded the cottage from fierce ocean winds. The crashing waves were of monstrous proportions and raced for the shore like a mad bullrush.
    In the distance three figures stood in a huddle, talking. Merganser's face was luminous in the moonlight. Her two companions were also well lit, but their hooded cloaks covered them from head to toe. One of the figures was powerfully built and towered above Merganser. The other was much shorter and puffier around the middle. Samarra wanted desperately to see their faces and moved as close as she could without losing cover. She strained to hear what they were saying, but the waves drowned out all conversation.
    The taller hooded figure cast a green flare into the sky, and two winged horses appeared above them. The creatures circled the area and glided to a stop nearby. Merganser threw up her hands, spun on her heel, and stormed back the way she had come — toward Samarra. The cloaked figures watched Merganser for a moment before they jumped on their mounts. They spurred on their beasts and flew into the dark night, growing smaller and smaller until Samarra could no longer see them.
    When she finally realized how fast Merganser was approaching, Samara panicked and raced back the way she came. She went up the stairs and told herself that if she made it to her room she would be fine — nobody would know she had been investigating the area. Samarra bolted through the hallway, slipping and sliding on the rugs that decorated the floors. As quick as a flash she dove into her bed, pulled the blanket over her head, and closed her eyes. She would wait until Merganser had fallen asleep before she went looking for Cassian.
    "I see you have been exploring my cottage," a voice said.
    Samarra's first impulse was to run, but there was nowhere to go. When she peeked out from under the blanket, a robed woman was standing by the bed. Merganser clicked her fingers. A flame appeared in her hand and she lit the candle on the nightstand. Samarra blushed with embarrassment at being caught out.
    "I knew this would be a difficult journey for you." Merganser sat down in the armchair by the bed. She rested her hands in her lap. The candlelight cast an eerie glow on her blind eye.
    Samarra averted her gaze. "I guess it must have been rough. I don't remember much."
    "That might be a good thing. Do not trouble yourself with the experience. The first phase through the Reflection can be a challenge." Merganser's gaze was penetrating. "For some, it is quick and memory free; for others it can be the most horrific nightmare. One can never be sure about what to expect. Your ability to phase through the Reflection will improve with practise. You will not have to phase again for some time." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the green tablet.
    Samarra reached for the tiny machine. "That's mine."
    Merganser swatted away Samarra's hand. "This machine belongs to the Shieldwolves. I have purified the central processing gem and updated all relevant programs. The time and date are reset. All information in the database is current." Merganser handed Samarra the tablet. "You may use it to learn about Kairuhan."
    Samarra turned on the machine. She grimaced when she saw the date flash in the bottom corner. Day: 3/Lunar Cycle: Kanya