Into the Wastelands: Book Four of the Restoration Series Read Online Free Page B

up. She would have gladly killed someone for a glass of water. She had not had much to drink before they left the city, as she heeded Aldric’s advice. Between not drinking much and sweating all day, she found that not being able to visit the bushes was not too much of a problem.
    She believed they were maintaining a fast pace, but she could not see out of her little box and she could only guess on how far they had come.
    Gradually the heat disappeared and Heather knew the sun was going down. It made her want to cry with delight.
    Finally the caravan came to a stop. The wagons quit moving and the horses were unhitched. There was an enormous amount of noise as the Waggoner’s began setting up camp.
    Heather listened to the hubbub and began to fear that the camp was being set up right beside the wagons. Despite the assurances of Aldric, she feared they would not get away unseen.
    Sighing, she put her mind at ease. Even if they had to fight their way free of the wagon drivers, they were out of the city and surely they could get free on their own.
    Remaining silent, she listened as the sounds slowly died out. Soon, she smelt smoke and knew the wagon drivers were preparing the evening meal. It was hard to make out what was being said, but there was quite a bit of laughing. This actually made her feel more at ease. If the guards were far enough away as to not be heard clearly, then they would have difficulty hearing the Guardian’s escape.
    Gradually all the sounds disappeared. A quietness descended on the caravan, broken occasionally by a horse stomping a hoof.
    Heather lay there breathing slowly, trying to remain calm, but all she wanted was out of that torturous box. What is taking Agminion so long? She thought. Twice she nearly opened the door on her own, but she stopped at the last moment, remembering the words of Aldric; “The sorcerer will know when it’s safe to leave the wagons.”
    Sighing again, Heather lay her head back and waited. Sooner or later Agminion would think it safe.
     
    A small tapping on the underside of her wagon jerked Heather from a fitful sleep. She moved too far and smacked her head against the wooden slats again. Silently cursing, she undid the three latches and practically fell onto the ground.
    Blessed cool night air flowed over her and she took in deep gulps of air, enjoying the open feeling of the night.
    Agminion stood before and, even in the poor light, he looked terrible. His skin was blotchy and red, his eyes looked swollen and puffy, and his hair stood out in all different directions.
    Heather nearly laughed at the poor man’s appearance, but then she realized that she must look as bad if not worse. She bit back her laughter, climbed to her feet, and looked up at the sky.
    Agminion moved up close and spoke in a low whisper, “We have several hours until sunup.”
    “Where are the others?” Heather asked, realizing that the other Guardians were no where to be seen.
    The ghost of a smile played across the sorcerer’s face and he pointed, first to the left, “The men are relieving themselves behind those wagons.” He then pointed to the right, “Mikela and Cassandra are behind that one.” He smiled at her and waited.
    It took a moment, but Heather finally realized what he waiting on, “I don’t need to join them. Is there any water?”
    The sorcerer handed over a small canteen of water and Heather turned it up. The water was lukewarm and smelled musty, but it seemed the greatest thing she had ever tasted.
    Agminion waited until she was through drinking before he spoke again. “Are you ready? We need to start moving.”
    Heather lowered the canteen and appraised the sorcerer. “Along the road?” s he asked.
    He shook his head and pointed behind the wagons. “I suggest we move back into the woods. We need to sleep and we can avoid the guards.”
    Despite her little nap, Heather was exhausted and agreed without another word.
    Agminion led the two of them westward, making sure to