The Aurora Stone by G.S Tucker Read Free Book Online Page A

would even still be edible. Getting up and handing the slightly squashed lump to Caleb, Eve smiled at him.
    “Here, if it’s not green with fungus and mould you are welcome to it,” she laughed. Caleb unwrapped the cheese; it had indeed seen better days, though surprisingly; it was still fresh looking. Smiling like he had just received the best gift ever, Caleb tucked into the soft, creamy offering.
    “Oh, my Goddess this is amazing!” He exclaimed through a rather full mouth. Eve went to the stream to wash her hands and face while Caleb finished up his meal.
    “How much further is it to the border?” Eve asked Caleb once they were ready to go. The sky was now the palest of blues, almost white.
    “I am not sure; it can’t be too far.” At least that’s what he hoped. Caleb had left out one tiny detail about the border. He didn’t know exactly where it was located. Deciding now was not the best time to divulge this rather inflammatory piece of information, Caleb put on his most charming smile.
    “Come on then; the day is young and I want to reach Olia before tea time,” he bolstered.

    “You have no idea where we are going, do you?” Eve seethed. It was now twilight, and they still hadn’t reached the border. She was so angry right now, bone weary and dirty with a combination of sweat, wolf blood and forest derby smeared all over her, she was ready for a bath and clean clothes.
    “Not exactly…no,” admitted a sheepish Caleb. Keeping his eyes on his shoes, he didn’t dare look Eve in the face. “I know we are on the right track; Olia is north I just don’t know exactly how far north,” he stammered.
    “Wonderful, that’s just great Cal, WELL I AM NOT STAYING ANOTHER NIGHT IN THIS FOREST!” Eve screamed. Oh, how wonderful it felt to scream; she had hated killing those wolves. Not that she had a lot of choice in the matter. What was really bothering her was that she was sure there had been a creature watching from one of the pines by their camp.
    Storming off, Eve picked up a few stones and began throwing them into the forest ahead of her; she could hear Cal running to catch her up, still mad at his dishonesty, she didn’t slow her pace. It was almost too dark to continue, and she was not looking forward to the prospect of another night in this forest Eve threw her last stone as hard as she could. Sighing, she was about to declare that they would have to camp here when something hit her hard on the forearm.
    Instantly alert Eve reached for her dagger. Looking for what had hit her, she was surprised to see the stone she had just thrown sitting by her right shoe. Confused, she picked it up and was about to throw it again when Caleb stopped her.
    “Wait, someone is using magic nearby,” he told her.
    “You can sense it?” Eve asked, slightly astonished that this was even possible, but then she wasn’t a witch, why would she know about such things. Nodding, Caleb took the stone and threw it ahead of them, with a lot less force than Eve had used. This time, Eve’s keen hearing picked up a slight popping and then a hum, a few seconds later the stone landed about a foot away.
    “Interesting,” Eve murmured, as she went to retrieve the stone.
    Curiosity getting the better of her; she moved further into the forest. Caleb caught up with her, putting a finger over his lips. They moved stealthily through the trees, the moist loam underfoot aiding them. Soon they were facing a rather impressive wall. It was made of tree trunks that had been tied together with the thickest vines they had ever seen.
    “The border,” they uttered in unison. Pleased to have finally reached their destination, Eve walked forward to see if there was a gate nearby.
    “Eve don’t go any….” Caleb warned, but it was too late. When Eve was a meter from the wall, she hit an invisible barrier, she was momentarily held in place then there was a loud pop, and Eve found herself being repelled from the wall at high speed. Caleb made