(Book 5) Hayden Mackay and The Pride of Haima-Endira

34.1 Persuasion

Muscles tensed and eyes peeled, I tiptoed into Pruthvi's room, making sure not to bump into anyone I wasn't ready to meet yet. Once inside, I went wild, turned his room upside down until I found Hardik perched delicately at the corner of the table. Getting out of the house through the front door could be a little dangerous. Instincts kicked in and I opened the window, admitting the chilly wind into the room. It was crack of dawn, an early morning sun shone behind the morning cloudy mist. I climbed, holding the carpet firm in my hand and jumped out of the window. Staying down there, on my knees, I pulled the hood of the jacket atop my head. Pruthvi had mentioned about the Sergeants waiting to nab me at first glance. I took careful note of the surroundings. And it was a go time.

Quite a few butterflies were dancing against the wall of the apartment. I listened to the steady buzz of the fireflies, flying leisurely in groups. I swallowed and paid no heed to them. Standing amidst the glowing insects, I flipped Hardik open, sat comfortably over it and steadied my balance.

"Hardik," I whispered, clutching its velvety surface, "Let's set out for a northbound trip. Take me to the Cowboy's bar as soon as possible."

And Hardik took off into the cloudy horizon.

I was in the air, traveling on the carpet that was working like a jumbo jet and a sky-born cradle, rocking miles over the ground. 'As soon as possible' I had said and the carpet was taking this flying experience to a whole new level. Racing up through the clouds. Sitting aloft feeling the freezing wind in my bones, my eyes drooped and head lolling down. Knowing that it was going to take a couple of more hours, the carpet now flying with a steady speed, I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Hardik began to descend and that jerked me awake. I scrubbed my face and shook my head to let go of the sleepiness of my vision. I leaned down and watched the cloudy mist gradually disappearing. Sight cleared and the snow-capped chain of hills loomed into the picture. Amidst the whiteness, those hideous beasts were crawling and creeping, like the only unwanted black mark in a beautiful painting. At the base, next to the chain, were the ranches and farms bordering the village of the Clan of Vaquero. Everything, all of this, was a part of Rawat, was it not?

Hardik landed in front of the door of the house. I was nervous at first, so much that I felt prompted to turn around and leave. I pushed myself through anymore. Standing against the entrance, I frowned deeply. A perfumed smell was wafting from inside. It was an overpowering fragrance reminding of the time I spent in the Parallel Universe.

The door was locked. It was disheartening. I could have easily destroyed but I decided to wait and make beneficial use of time. I experimented, until she returned, until evening.

I was slightly fatigued, but a muffled neigh coming from a distance alerted me. Breathing heavily, I looked aside. Far away from the location where the silent village, a horse was rushing towards this way. I took a moment to glance at the rider. Getting a confirmation, I trotted happily back to hide behind the wall of the tiny stable.

I shrunk my eyes, my insides filling up with the warmth of emotions as I watched her approach. Riding the horse, looking like a cowgirl. Short and petite, broad shoulders, toned arms, every movement of hers spilling confidence. Her expression, otherwise, was grim and cheerless which slightly bothered me. Pruthvi had given me the reason and I didn't want to believe that she took herself responsible for Doctor's death.

Her horse reared in sudden terror.

"What the hell!" She exclaimed looking over at a couple of beasts burning in crackling flames in front of the bar. Yeah, I experimented real nice.