章 26: Chapter 26: Ghosts of the Desert

As the horses stretched out in a full gallop under the moon, the pounding of their hooves sounded like an old-fashioned locomotive. Edith dared to look back one more time and saw more shadows rise from the ground.

“Caden!” Edith cried. “What are those shadows? Are they after us?”

Caden reined Bracken in, staring back at the objects of Edith’s fear.

“Just ride!” he commanded. “Ride hard, you’ll see.”

Viktor flew across the sand of the haunted desert, and although the air was cool, there was sweat on the horse’s neck.

Suddenly the ground dipped gently towards a glassy, smooth stream. It was rather wide, and Edith could see a strong current was running under the deceptively calm surface.

“Do we cross?” Edith panted.

Caden looked behind, “No, the river is deep, and the current is too strong for our tired horses, just wait.”

Familiar shapes appeared against the moon, causing Edith to bring her horse closer to the water.

“No, Edith!” Caden grabbed her reins.