Free Keeper's Knowledge (Balancer's Soul cycle) by Lee Morgan Page A

eyebrow. “Kara you also need to know tha t you cannot change into a wolf or fly as a Fwen. ”
    “Why?”
    Mark answered. “Because it’s hunting season and if human hunters saw us in our transformed states… What would you think would happen? Plus this is a long journey and we need to use the least of our abilities as possible. Lastly, some of us cannot fly and it wouldn’t be right to be rude and leave them behind. ”
    “Oh…” She wen t quiet as she started using her vivid imagination.
    Jack spoke “Your sister has the right idea , Son . The sooner we arrive , the less we will have to worry about. Less human interaction is the key. ”
    Connor shifted his gaze upon Sarah. She said “The quicker we get there, the quicker we can get out of the cold weather .”
    He smiled. “It’s settled then.” Connor said as he put the map and compass back into his pack. He slung it on easily and clasped the clip over his sternum. “Let’s get started!” He said with a playful smile and closing his cloak.
     
     
     
     
     
    Below and Above
     
    The very first thing they did as they finally stared the journey was to leave the parking lot. Sarah’s f ather shut and locked the gate behind them . When he walked back over to the group he closed the front of his cloak. Sarah saw that he had a strap over his left shoulder , indicating his ancient iron club lay against his side.
    They all started walking together and with their mate ’ s. While walking along the sidewalk Connor said “If we take a left at the corner it will get us under the cover of the forest quicker than if we keep walking in this direction .” No one argued his assessment as they followed him around the street corner.
    For t he next seven miles Connor and Sarah walked in front. Mark and Kar a took the center and both of Sarah’s parents took the rear. The sun eventually picked itself up off the ground and brightening the sky. The snow constantly crunch ed loudly under their feet with each step. The businesses and homes ha d become sparser for each mile they walked at a normal human pace . Soon the concrete sidewalks came to an end and utilizing the road became the only option . Cars didn’t bother them and went around , slowing for a simple act of courtesy so as to not splash them with snow and slush .
    About a mile away the six of them sighed in relief when they finally saw the thick tree line.
    Sarah tightened the front of her cloak as they crossed the street and entered the trees. She originally feared Fangs would get in her way as she walked, but they didn’t even come close to hindering her natural gait . Then they all disappeared into the forest , still walking , until they were clear of all traces of humanity and technology . Connor stopped as did she and the rest of the group. His expression remained calm as i s his covered body. He said evenly “I think we should run, but at a pace that won’t wear us out too quickly.”
    His proposal lingered for a minute until Mark said “I’ll second that. Do you think we should run in a ny particular order?”
    “Yes, I do actually .”
    “We’re listening, Brother.” Kara said , opening the front of her cloak t o flip the hood over her head. Sarah saw that her ears were pink and her own probably looked the same. It was really cool this morning and the wind wasn’t helping .
    C onnor stood closer and looked her in the eye for just a moment and then he looked at eve ryone else who had suddenly beco me closer. They all stood in a loose circle. Connor stood close to Sarah’s right and to Kara to her left. Mark , her mother and f ather were all shoulder to shoulder and standing before her . Connor started with “Mark and Jack will take lead. The girls will take middle and I will take the rear. Does that sound reasonable?”
    Before anyone could speak up Sarah asked her relatively calm mate “Why can’t I run with you? Why should I take middle?”
    He smiled softly and spoke to his love in his