The Water Queens (Keeper of the Water) by Kevin George Read Free Book Online Page B

though she’s as tired as I am. Even though John’s water – technically our water since he was never an Amazon – could give us the strength needed for our long journey, I refuse to accept anything from him anymore. Just knowing that my mother could still be alive if given that water makes me so angry that –
    “I didn’t have it then,” he says. “I didn’t just let your mother die.”
    I turn back around and rush toward him, fully intending to attack. I’ve had enough of his lies. He must sense I’m about to strike but doesn’t even put his hands up to defend himself. He’s lucky Amelia grabs me from behind before I start swinging.
    “You’re a liar!” I yell. “I guarded that water more than a hundred years – Amazons have been protecting it for thousands of years before that. Do you really think I’m foolish enough to think you just happened to stumble upon a vial of it laying around?”
    “I found it in the pocket of the queen you shot!” John yells back.
    I’m surprised by the way he explodes; apparently I’ve pushed him too far. When I look into his dark fiery eyes, I can see Ponce de Leon, I can see the former conquistador. A part of me is concerned by his change in demeanor; a bigger part of me is drawn to him even more. Either way, his words sink into my mind and my anger instantly deflates.
    “Elizabeth the First,” Amelia says. “Catherine must’ve made sure everyone in the Queen Clan brought an extra vial for protection.”
    “She must not have had the chance to drink it and save herself,” John growls, still staring daggers through me.
    Amelia must feel my body relax because she lets go of me.
    “She wouldn’t have had the chance since Sacajawea shot her,” Amelia says proudly.
    John doesn’t look impressed. I should apologize but… I don’t know… I just don’t. Maybe I’m embarrassed. Or maybe I’m not used to apologizing because I’m not used to having so many things to apologize about. I hope my calmer exterior is enough for him to know I’m sorry.
    “Why didn’t you tell us about it until now?” I ask, careful to avoid sounding accusatory.
    “I knew how desperately you wanted to gain revenge on Cassie,” he says. “I didn’t want you to drink all the water and try running through the swamp on your own. We need patience for the long journey back to the jungle; I figured we could save the water in case of emergency.”
    “And does this qualify?” I ask.
    He glares at me before flipping off the vial’s lid. He puts it to his lips and for a brief moment, I worry he’s going to drink it all. But he only sips his share before handing it to Amelia, who takes her own sip. She gives me the final third, which I drink in a single swallow. It’s not much more than a tablespoon of water but it doesn’t need to be any more. Its effects hit me like a tidal wave. At first my body hurts, pain of the water healing the rest of my injuries. Luckily, the worst of my wounds were already mended so the pain isn’t so bad and doesn’t last so long. John and Amelia also look uncomfortable but not for long.
    A refreshing blast of coldness surges through my veins. In an instant, my fatigue is gone, my lingering pain is gone, my humanly weakness is gone. Strength and energy exude from my body. The sensation is awesome; it’s a feeling I was afraid I’d never experience again.
    Without another word, I take off running with the other two close behind. This time, we run like the wind and none of us tires. It’s not long before the country dirt road turns to pavement. We approach civilization and more vehicles on the road. I realize we should slow down in public – or do whatever we can to remain hidden – but I don’t even care. Seeing other cars motivates me to run faster; hopefully, we look like nothing more than strange blurs to anyone that happens to spot us.
    The rest of the world passes around us in a blur but it’s hard to miss several areas on or near the road that