Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 10: Egos Collide

"Please stand back, Troy."

It was Alexander standing between the locked fence and the black horse galloping towards us.

Then a lighter-colored horse appeared in front of the black horse, although the rider of this one had on lighter garments that blurred with the white haze.

"There is a second horse!"

Alexander whipped his head around. "Where? I have only seen the one."

I blinked, and my vision narrowed to just the single dark horse galloping. Perhaps I am just seeing things. Just like my own voice echoing in my head.

Open the gate. Open the gate.

It was happening all over again. The voices. The lighter-colored horse appeared again on the horizon. The scene kept repeating itself like a bad dream. I took off, scrambling to get away from the pen, only to trip on a rock.

Alexander swooped in to pick me up.

I could not outrun this horse if it decided to jump the waist-high fence. Nor could I outrun the flashing images flooding my head like a bad nightmare. Even though I was surrounded by fresh air, it felt like my airways were closing, as if I was drowning in the middle of a sea.

He gripped both shoulders. "I need you to breathe, Troy. Take a deep breath."

I looked up at him, panting. I tried to block out all the noise around me and focus on the calmness of his voice.

Take a deep breath.

Then the pounding hooves came to a halt outside the pen.

He whispered to me, "Do you remember seeing that horse in front of us?"

I peered over his shoulder. I shook my head.

"This was a waste of time. I am sorry for frightening you. Let us leave now."

This is not your fault! Alexander was the only one willing to go further than anyone else to help me uncover my memories. But instead of bringing back complete memories, past voices and images blurred into my present. Seeing the horses ignited some faint recollections. But I was not prepared for the gripping fear it brought. The thought of this rider coming to finish me off brought a fresh wave of nausea.

"Wait! I know you both!"

We both turned to hear the voice of the rider who dismounted the horse.

I turned to go, but Alexander stayed planted to the ground like a tree. Why was he not fleeing?

I looked at Alexander's loin belt for any weapons, but all I saw were brass keys. Why were slaves not equipped with weapons? I was too slow to flee and not strong enough to fight. I hoped that Alexander, who stood approximately the same height as the stranger, would put up a good fight to at least grant me enough time to escape.

The rider took one step forward towards the fence while I took another step back. Then the rider removed his hood from over his face. His deep-set eyes softened when his gaze shifted from Alexander's defensive stance to me, clutching my walking stick.

"Troy. I never thought I would see you again," he said.

My tone turned cold. "Who are you?"

The young man frowned. "Are you blind? I am your brother. Barbarius," he scoffed.

I dropped my walking stick.

I whispered to Alexander, "Is he lying?"

Alexander shook his head. So he was not lying! How was this possible? How did he make it back? I thought he was on the sinking ship.