Free Night Angel (Angel Haven) by Annette Miller Page B

hope Cray and Harmon are busy elsewhere today.
    Leaves and twigs crunched under her feet as the trees closed in around her. Sunlight poked holes through the colorful canopy over her head, and birds chirped to each other. She heard crackling and saw a squirrel sitting on a branch eating something it held in its tiny paws. She sighed and wished her thoughts were as peaceful as the area around her. She slowed her steps as voices drifted her way.
    Her heart pounded against her ribs as Randall’s voice reached her. “What else did the water nixies say?”
    A light female voice, reminding Karen of wind through trees, answered, “They caught a glimpse of them further downstream. They couldn’t follow them any further because they went more inland.”
    He snorted. “I’m surprised they followed them as far as they did. What about the brownies? Have they seen anything?”
    “They found a small cabin up in the hills. They say work has been done on it.” Karen crept up behind a large tree and leaned around to watch them. Randall looked so serious and a small woman paced in front of him.
    He rubbed his chin. “It’s got to be where they’re moving the kids to. Ask the wood folk to keep watch on it.”
    The woman with Randall couldn’t have been more than three feet tall. Her skin was light tan, her spring green hair resembled leaves falling down her back, and her arms were thin. Karen couldn’t see the rest of her because she was dressed like the goth teenagers at the mall. She wore large pants that covered her feet and a tight black T-shirt with a pink skull emblazoned across the front. Black studded bands encircled both wrists, matching the choker around her neck.
    The change in Randall was amazing. His voice had lost that hard edge she’d heard when he spoke about Bradford or his men. His body was more relaxed and a heck of a lot more desirable. Karen wished he could be like this all the time, but knew until his mission was complete, there was no hope of that happening. She watched him a few more minutes then stepped out from her hiding place. “Randall?”
    The small woman’s head swung around. She gestured to the trees near Karen, speaking a word in a strange language. Vines snapped to life as leaves flung themselves at Karen’s face, their brittle stems stinging her skin. She dodged the first few vines, but more shot her way, ensnaring her wrists and ankles. She pulled against them, but the more she fought, the tighter they became.
    “Hey, cut it out!” she shouted.
    “It’s all right, Raesheen,” Randall said. “Cut her loose.”
    The woman glared at Karen. “Are you sure? She could be one of Troyington’s spies.”
    Randall smiled, placing his hand on her shoulder. “She isn’t. Trust me.” He headed for Karen.
    The woman scrutinized him, then shrugged. “Suit yourself.” At her command, the vines released Karen, letting her fall to the ground in an undignified heap.
    She rubbed her backside as Randall pulled her to her feet. “What just happened?”
    “My friend. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” He walked her back to where the woman waited. “Raesheen, this is Karen. Karen, this is Raesheen. She’s a dryad.”
    “That explains the plant attack,” Karen said with a smile. “It’s very nice to meet you.” She stuck out her hand.
    Raesheen eyed her warily, then grabbed Karen’s hand in a strong grip. “She’s the one we sensed?”
    He nodded. “Yes, and be nice. She’s believed in us all her life.”
    She narrowed her eyes, staring intently at Karen. “I can’t feel any evil in her, nor can I pick up any hidden agendas. I believe she’s here to help us.” The dryad stood back. “I approve.”
    Randall smiled at his friend. “Glad to hear it.”
    The dryad walked around her and studied her more intently. “The Oracle certainly knows what she’s talking about. The dragon spirit is the very essence of her strength.”
    “I know,” he agreed. “It pulls you in with its power. I