The Soothing Scent Of Earth (Elemental Awakening, Book 2) by Nicola Claire Read Free Book Online

close to Gi land, I could trust it to show care. The Earth was rejoicing in my return.
    I should have been too. But so much had happened to weaken my resolve. I gained what sustenance I could from Earth's delicate touch, but my mind was replaying my captivity relentlessly, like a horror movie that just wouldn't stop.
    Davos was dead, but I couldn't take solace in that fact. He got what he deserved, but I knew there were a hundred more Davoses out there, ready to step into his evil shoes. I'd never met the Basilissa , but Davos had mentioned her once or twice. From what he'd said, I'd gathered he answered to her and her alone. And if it was her instruction that led to my captivity and torture, then meeting the Queen was the last thing I wanted to do.
    And yet I couldn't help thinking she was hot on our tails, breathing down our necks. About to burst out of the foliage, scattering small creatures in her path, and blazing green from her eyes as she brought me to my knees. She was a shadow, a threat, that wouldn't go away.
    So, I kept putting one foot in front of the other, accepted what the Earth offered in support, and followed behind Noah the Doctor with ever increasing drooping lids.
    The sun set at some point, turning the forest into a foreboding and darkened place. Noah became a little edgy, but even without light to mark our paths, I felt at ease. My natural affinity to Earth, and all its abundant plant and animal life, setting my nerves to rest. Strangely Noah didn't share that same affinity. I wondered if he was a weaker Gi. Theo had said I was exceptionally gifted. Something like the direct descendant of an elder. Noah was probably nowhere near as old as Theo; probably only a fifth, sixth or further generation of Athanatos .
    By the time we'd come to a vine covered opening, in what appeared a rock face surrounded by tree life - something that simply appeared out of nowhere before my eyes - I had stopped thinking and was only operating on automatic; one step in front of the other. I was exhausted. Battered and bruised still. My body succumbing to fatigue, my mind already lost some time ago.
    "Here," Noah said, lifting the branches of the vines and ushering me inside. "This is far enough away from the compound for us to be safe. It's also shielded against Gi detection. Make yourself comfortable while I gather some food." His eyes flicked over my weary body. "I suggest you feed your Stoicheio ," he offered.
    "What about yours?" I mumbled, as I shuffled past.
    "Mine's fine," he said dismissively, and then let the vines fall once I'd crossed the threshold.
    Inside was damp and musty, a sweet cloying smell that I associate with vegetation mixed with the clean scent of spring water. I heard the trickle of a stream come from the back of the cave, and watched, mesmerised, as the light from fluorescent algae along the back wall, above the running water, gradually brightened.
    I sank to my knees gratefully on the edge of the stream and dipped my hands into the clear liquid, splashing my heated face and then drinking cupped palmfuls to slate my thirst. I felt a million times better immediately. So didn't waste any time using the water to wash the dirt from my hands and feet, and with a quick look over my shoulder to determine Noah was not yet back, proceeded to give myself an impromptu bath.
    I'd had to hand wash myself for the past three months, never knowing if Davos would storm into the room while I performed my ablutions. I'd gotten very good at carrying out my daily hygiene routine in the thick of the night. Davos tended to leave me alone during the darker hours. He was a creature of habit, which thankfully worked to my advantage until today. Where he took things one step further.
    After completing my task and feeling infinitely better for it, I moved my aching body across the dirt and leaf strewn floor to rest again a wall of the cave. The moment my back came in contact with what I had assumed was rock face, I realised I'd