Once everyone was gathered, Josian opened a large doorway and we all filed through. Unlike other times, this was almost a direct step from one side to the other. I suppose because the destination was so close. Everyone made it through and managed to stay on their feet.
I looked around. In normal circumstances I’d love it here. We were standing on the edge of a stunning lime-green field, at least four miles in diameter, bordered on all sides by rocky mountains reaching high into the clouds. Some were so tall I couldn’t even see their peaks.
Josian was correct: this was large and isolated, and the mountains should contain any noise of battle. The field was flat, dotted through with tiny white flowers that almost gave the lime-green grass a silver sheen. With the sun shining, I had an urge to lie in the field and watch the world drift by. I couldn’t believe a place of such beauty was to be the grounds for something as destructive as a battle.
My boot heels were wide enough that I didn’t sink into the soft ground as I stepped forward. Of course I didn’t have to worry as my feet were swept out from under me and Brace threw me over his shoulder. He sprinted across the field until we were standing right in the center. Despite the jostling – his shoulder wasn’t exactly comfortable – I loved the speed. Leaning over, I kissed his cheek, letting my lips linger on the semi-smooth skin there. Brace never let his facial hair grow, just a fine stubble I barely even noticed.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice soft.
He set me down, without releasing me. I stayed plastered to his front.
“What for?” I said, confused.
“For being you. For being here. For making this a better day despite Que’s attempt to destroy everything.”
I clutched at his shirt as my heart melted. Pretty soon it wouldn’t even be an organ anymore, just a love slush pile in my chest.
“You’re turning me into a sucker for your words, Brace. You better not go and die today, taking them away from me.” My tone was light but I meant every word.
“I second that, and add your ass into the equation. It’s just too perfect for me to live without.” Brace slapped one of his huge hands on my butt.
It was gentle enough that I barely felt it, but I couldn’t let that slide. Without pause I swung around and landed a closed fist into his delicate lower ribs.
With a slight wince, he clutched my hand before I could smack him again. His little half-smile came out to play.
“There you are, Red. I wondered where my hard-ass girl was hiding. I need you to be tough today. Que loves weakness, and will exploit any and all of them.”
His words had their desired effect. I was feeling decidedly less sappy and romantic and more annoyed and ready to kick him in the jewels.
I wasn’t pouting, I decided, as I turned my back on him and watched everyone else cross the field at a slower pace. My head spun around as he chuckled.
“You’re a funny girl, Red.” He watched the same thing as me.
“Do you have any friends, Brace?”
He looked at me strangely. Yeah, the question was a little left-field, but I’d been wondering for a while. He always seemed so strong but a little removed from everyone else.
“Not really. Never had any time. My life was training and battle, and I’ve been stationed here for the past decade.” His eyes held a weariness I didn’t like. “Samuel was a very good friend to me over the years, but I always had to remember it was never more than a mission.” He muttered something else but I missed it. He took my hand.
“I had one true friend, a Walker. We were the same age, and both of us were part of the training program. He’s the only one I would trust with my life.”
“Would you trust him with my life?” I joked.
He turned hard eyes in my direction and stepped closer.
I forced myself not to back away.
“I wouldn’t trust the gods themselves with you, Abigail. My hands are the only ones that will ever keep you safe.”
“Arrogant Walker.” I shook my head, ignoring that secret part of me that loved it when he went all caveman.
A distraction appeared then in the form of a Walker doorway. It was about fifty yards from us. I’d never seen one from this angle; it was strange to see the Walkers start small and slowly get larger as they moved from one side of the doorway to the end.
“Are they the Abernaths?” I attempted to hide my unease.
“No,” Josian said, “that’s the Relli clan. Grantham’s leading them through.”