Evmor: The Calling

Chapter 7

Sorry for taking so long to upload a new chapter! I was dealing with school exams and an SAT at the same time. Finally free! Now that Chapter 7 is up, I hope you all enjoy it :)

Chapter 7

The pounding of the hooves echoed across the clearing. As I spurred my horse on with encouraging words and the digging of my heels, the hooves kicked up snow in its wake. The endless expanse of land stretched out before us and it was covered in a blanket of white. In the distance, I could see the faint outline of mountains, a gray looming mass of rock.

So graceful was my horse that it seemed as if it didn't quite touch the ground. I was also certain it was much faster than the horses I was accustomed to, not that I rode very much. The wind shrieked by my ears and tore at my hair that was bound tightly in a ponytail, and the icy cold stung my cheeks. The biting wind brought tears to my eyes but I didn't want to stop. The rhythmic pounding of hooves under me worked to soothe my turmoil of emotions. There was nothing but the wind, the horse, and myself. I was overcome by a sense of freedom that made my heart soar and make me feel as if I was capable of taking on any challenges. It was refreshing after two weeks of constant worry and doubts.

Killian rode in front of me, lying low on his saddle to avoid the biting wind but he didn't slow our pace. He was eager to start our search for the ring, and it would only begin once we reached this town by the sea. It was just as well. I enjoyed the thrill of our reckless speed and it had been my plan all along to find the ring as quickly as possible so that I would be able to go back to my own life. At the thought of going back home, I couldn't help but feel a small pang in my chest. I had only been here for three days and already I was attached to the untamed wildness here as well as the kindness of the people, such as Ilana. I dismissed the uncertainty and resolved to make the most out of the time I was given here.

Killian abruptly reined his horse in, causing my horse to whinny in protest as I tugged hard at the reins.

"What it is?" I asked, instantly on alert.

"Nothing to worry about," Killian soothed, "I just want to show you a neat trick of mine. It will save us a lot of time. It's called the Tursumvola."

"How does this 'Turs—' thingy work?" I asked, raising my eyebrow in doubt.

"I guess you could say I will be folding the distance we have to cover," Killian explained, gesturing with this hands, "That way, it would take us a lot less time to travel the same distance. When I tell you to go just keep riding."

I sat astride my horse, watching in pensive silence as Killian closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. His brow creased in concentration and I watched warily as the air before us seemed to shimmer. It was so faint that I almost dismissed it as a trick of the light. Then brilliant blue light flared brightly and I could clearly see the round portal that had opened up before us.

"Go!" Killian shouted, startling me into action. I dug my heels into the horse's sides and we shot off like a bullet, towards the shimmering portal. I felt a gentle pressure against me as soon as we stepped forward. Then the space around us warped and twisted, becoming almost unrecognizable. I could still see the trees and the mountains in the distance but they were bent and the color faded away, as if I was looking through water.

I looked back just in time to see Killian plunge into this strange space, the barrier rippling around the disturbance. It soon closed back up and I gaped at the space around me, unsure how to feel.

"Is this safe?" I called out, testing to see if my voice sounded different. It remained the same.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine," Killian assured, rolling his eyes at me.