Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Read Online Free PDF Page B

technically-advanced
vehicle.
    Levi chuckled
softly and turned to look at her. “That is part of the reason, yes. Our land is
surrounded by a protective barrier which can only be crossed on our horses.”
    She looked at him
quizzically while contemplating his response. Before she could ask any more
questions, a loud noise echoed in the distance. Out of nowhere, two of the most
beautiful horses she had ever seen came thundering toward them. She watched
with amazement as she observed a cloud of gold dust sparkling in their wake.
    Reece, who had
never cared much for horses, was in awe of the magnificent animals upon their
approach. The two black horses halted a few feet from where they stood.
    “I believe you will
be more comfortable upon Harrison’s horse,” said Levi. In one swift motion, he
mounted the taller of the two horses. It was obviously as impatient as its
master, lifting each leg up in turn and biting down on his mouthpiece, as if
trying to break it in half. “Ready to go?” Said Levi. “Areion tends to be
impatient.”
    Reece looked over
toward Harrison, mounted on the other horse. She walked over to him, trying to
stay out of range of its hoofs. “I’ve never ridden before.”
    Harrison smiled at
her comment as he reached out to help her onto the horse. Once she was seated
behind him, he answered, “I’ll guide him. All I ask is that you hold on, and
not jump off his back. Saracen is patient and calm, unlike Areion. I fear you
would never wish to ride a horse again if your first experience on a horse was
riding him.”
      As she sat into
the swell of the tall horse’s back, she tucked her legs up under the edges of
the tall, black saddle that Harrison sat in. She was reasonably comfortable, if
one could be comfortable while completely helpless.
    Harrison pointed
down the dirt trail. “We will ride through the line of trees until we reach a
great divide. The divide is the location where we cross over into the inner
lands of Pemdas, where we live.”
    She peered around
him. The trail seemed to go on forever.
    Levi, who was
patiently waiting on his impatient horse, moved a few steps nearer and nodded
at Harrison while he spoke to Reece. “You may want to hold on to Harrison.
Pemdai horses are faster than Earth horses.”
    She
nodded. Levi’s horse backed away and reared up. Reece instantly wrapped her
arms tightly around Harrison’s waist.
      Harrison laughed.
“Not that tight, friend; Saracen will not be showing off for you today. Just
keep a good grip is all you need to do.” He turned back to her. “This may seem
frightening at first, but try to keep your eyes open. You will not want to miss
this journey.”
    And with that,
Harrison leaned forward, and his horse lunged ahead. Reece grabbed Harrison
tightly again. Levi’s horse led the way down the trail; the horses thundering
and echoing their way through the trees. Reece could feel Saracen’s muscles
move powerfully under her.
    The ride was more
comfortable than she expected. She began to loosen her grip. Harrison grabbed
her hands before she separated them, startling her. “You’re not going to want
to do that just yet!” He yelled, over the thunderous gallop of the horses.
    Reece clasped her
hands tightly again around his waist. She leaned a little sideways to look
ahead, and felt her heart nearly stop. In front of them, the land ended in a
gray mist. Saracen gained even more speed; then she could feel him gathering
himself. With a surge of muscle, he leaped into nothingness.
    She looked down and
saw nothing underneath them but thick, gray mist. She looked back, and saw a
trail of fiery red leaves slowly falling into the nothingness below.
    The horses landed
gracefully. Their front hooves beckoned the ground as they drew closer to the
other edge of the great divide of emptiness. As they reached it, anxious front
legs grabbed the ground as if they were pulling it beneath them, and grateful
back legs followed. The horses then resumed their