FIC: Destiny's Refuge Chapter 6a

This is just one part of chapter 6. The second part will be posted soon.


Title: Destiny’s Refuge Chapter 6
Characters: Elden/Misham
Series: Another Life
POV: Misham

Misham pushed back a low hanging branch. He was careful not to let it go until Elden had taken hold of it. He was guiding them through the dense forest to the path that traveled the base of the mountain. Had he been alone, he would have enjoyed the silence within the woods. Almost every place he’d been held the spilled emotions of those that had come before. Muted emotions that were tolerable, unlike being face to face with another being. Then the emotions were violently loud.

Like the emotions of those who were following him. Worry, frustration, fear, and something he couldn’t quite name tumbled into him from the three men. The worry and frustration that rolled out of Sander felt an awful lot like anger. He wanted to stop and rest yet wasn’t willing to risk turning the frustration Sander felt into anger.

Sander’s anger wasn’t the only threat, the wind had gained in strength. Even with his head cover on, Misham heard the ominous creaks of the tall trees. A strong gust of wind brought freezing rain down upon them. Along with the ice, the wind knocked Misham to the ground.

Before he could even try to right himself, Elden dropped to his knees beside him. “Be still!”

Misham froze at the barked command. He’d never had anyone speak to him in such a tone. Except for a few disastrous attempts, Misham had lived his entire life only coming into contact with his parents. The emotions of others overwhelmed him, confused him. He was often left unable to function as the feelings of others disoriented him.

Yet the dominance surging through Elden washed over him like the warmth of the southern seas. Instead of the sick coil in his stomach that strong emotions often brought, the power felt soothing to Misham. It brought a weight to his core that stilled the alien feelings.

“Is he hurt?” Rastus leaned down next to them.

The worry that came from the older man tried to slip into Misham. But the power of Elden’s emotions left little room for anything else.

“No. Just tired,” Elden said.

“We can’t stop. The ice is starting to cover everything. Soon, the snow will fall and we won’t be able to travel.” Sander was standing over them, trying to shield them from the worst of the storm.

Elden stood. “Here, take our bags. I’ll carry him on my back.”

Misham was horrified. He wanted to protest. Tell them he could walk on his own. But deep inside, he knew he couldn’t keep up with the three strong men. He’d slow them down and they would all find their death in this forest.

“Misham. Take my hand.” Elden stood before him, hand outstretched.

When Misham obeyed, when he took the hand, that surge of power intensified. He felt as if Elden’s essence was bonding, twisting, with his own. Standing, Misham met his eyes. Then Elden turned and bent slightly. With the help of Sander and Rastus, Misham was lifted onto Elden’s back.

“Point the way, Misham. There’s no path to follow.”

Misham obeyed Sander’s command and pointed toward the mountain. The icy rain was falling harder, soon the snow would be upon them. Hopefully, they’d be close enough that the snow wouldn’t hide the mountain. Wouldn’t hide the entrance to safety.

TBC