Challenging Saber by S. E. Smith Read Free Book Online

stared up at the sky. She swore she’d stay there all night if that was what it took.
    “What are you searching for, Taylor?” Scout asked, coming to sit on the bench that wrapped around the tree.
    “A falling star,” she replied, not looking at him for fear of missing it.
    Scout turned on the seat so that he could see the stars. Taylor could hear the confusion in his voice. A sad smile curved her lips when he finally looked back at her.
    “I’m afraid I do not understand how a star can fall,” he finally admitted.
    “They don’t really,” Taylor replied in a soft voice. “We call meteors falling stars back home. If you see one, you are supposed to wish upon them and if you are lucky, your wish will come true.”
    “Ah, yes, I am familiar with meteors,” Scout said with a nod, turning to stare back up at the stars again. “And what would you wish for?”
    “I can’t tell you,” she whispered, tears burning her eyes. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
    She blinked rapidly when she saw Scout rise from his seat and walk over to her. She nodded and scooted to the side so he could sit down next to her on the swing. A trembling sigh escaped her when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and began to slowly rock them.
    “From the day I met you, you captured my heart,” Scout admitted. “I love your sisters just as much, but you reminded me of all the things a warrior fights for.”
    “What do you mean?” She asked as she leaned her head against his chest.
    “Jesse knows what it is to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders,” Scout explained. “She is tough on the outside, but feels the pain for those that she believes she must protect alone. Jordan is different. In her eyes, I see the birth of the universe. She is an old soul. One who has lived over and over and over again, but who never quite forgot her previous life. She sees both the beauty and horrors in the world around her and fights to keep the balance.”
    Taylor swallowed. “What do you see when you look at me?” She asked in a soft, trembling voice.
    “I see the birth of a star,” Scout murmured. “I see beauty and passion and love. I see curiosity and innocence, but most of all I see a force that won’t be denied what she wishes for the most. You are what a warrior fights for, Taylor. You are the hope for a better world.”
    “I love him,” she whispered. “Oh, Scout, I love him so much that it hurts.”
    Scout hugged Taylor. “As he loves you, little star,” he murmured. “Look! Make your wish, Taylor. Hold it close to your heart.”
    Taylor looked up in time to see a meteor streak across the sky. She held her breath and made a wish as it flashed across the heavens above. Biting her lip when it faded, she turned her head into Scout’s chest and cried.
    I wish that Saber would come home like he promised, she thought.
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    A month later, Saber rose up, reaching for the light of consciousness, only to sink back down into the dark pit that refused to release him. The only rational thought that flashed through his mind was the knowledge that at least the unbearable pain was finally gone. Even that thought didn’t last for very long.
    It took him more than a dozen attempts to finally reach the surface. The first thing that came back was his hearing. He could hear the quiet voices. They sounded like they were far off at first, but each time, they came closer and closer. He was able to pick out a word or two that stuck in his brain, playing over and over like a broken vidcom.
    “Shattered…”
    “Should amputate…”
    “Not worth saving…”
    “No, you will…”
    He heard Hunter’s voice. His friend sounded angry. Another rumble of voices, but it was too difficult to piece them together.
    “Live…”
    “Maybe… Not sure yet…”
    “I’m not leaving,” a young voice said. “Get lost or I’ll kick your balls to the next star system.”
    “I don’t care! I know he can hear me,” she