The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 12 The Gale

"Is the rover going to make it in this wind?"
Adam, one of the Keepers going with us, asked in concern.

The aforementioned wind howled outside the hanger as we hurriedly made our way across the cement floor to where our transportation lay.

"We'll just have to go slow."
Marshall answered as we yanked open the doors and the six of us climbed in.

Karrie started up the engine which seemed a quiet sound in comparison with the storm. She edged the rover forward, out of the hanger and into the horrible storm. Even the non Wind Wielders could feel the air snatching at the vehicle, trying to drag it off course. I gripped my seat, watching those around me and wondering if I would be the one to save them or lead them to their deaths.

The tension was palpable as we took the main road down towards the city center. Through the windshield I caught sight of a massive steel structure, looming over the top of the homes and business strong enough to remain standing after so much damage.

"How many people still live here?"
I asked no one in particular.

"Several hundred."
Marshall responded.

I exhaled, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment.

"You need to start evacuating while I attempt to direct the storm off the Wall."
I informed the crew.

"We can't evacuate all those people in weather like this!"
Christine complained.

"If you don't and I fail, their deaths will be on your heads."
I spat.

"I thought you were a Wind Wielder."
Leo said in a mocking tone.

"I am, but do remember a single Water Wielder can not stop an entire tsunami. I'll do my best, but this is a feat of I haven't tried before."

"Could you direct some of this wind off the rover?"
Karrie asked from the front, her knuckles white around the steering wheel.

"We might get there quicker."

I nodded sharply and closed my eyes, feeling the raging gusts that tore at us and encouraging them to part to let us through. The rover was fairly small and the wind seemed inclined to listen to me, thankfully. As we rolled to a stop and I craned my neck back to spot the top of the ominous Wall, fear gnawed at my heart. It was far larger than a Land Rover and I could sense the energy of the wind being directed at it the structure with a vengeance.

All around us the storm raged, anything that was not staked down was getting tossed about haphazardly. The Wall itself was swaying back and forth and there was a horrible screeching of metal.

"We can help you stabilize it!"
Adam yelled.

"We can build supports while you hold off the wind!"
Marshall suggested.

"You'll just add more debris to be flung around. Go get those people into a safe zone!"
I shouted at him.

The others looked inclined to argue with me.

"Do as she says!"
Kyle barked.

They didn't dare to question him.

"Good luck, and don't get killed."
He breathed in my ear.

"Same to you."
I replied, but the wind tore the words from my lips before they reached his ears.

The rover drove off and I turned my attention to the task at hand. I felt shaky, so much rested on my shoulders and I had no idea what I was actually going to do to stop the catastrophe. Was it even possible at all? Very slowly I stretched out my hands, my eyes closed and my mind focused. Gently, I encouraged the wind like a stubborn child to direct its fury away from the steel structure.