Into Thin Air Read Online Free PDF Page A

the unliving. Whilst you were alive, you proved to be a most fierce warrior, and since that time passed, you've done a fine job as Guardian."
    He patted Gawan's shoulder and cleared his throat. " 'Tis why you've been bestowed such a challenge. I've no doubt you'll manage Ellie's affairs with genteel propriety, as well."
    Gawan gave a curt nod. "I thank you for such a loyal endorsement, my friend. But those charges in the past whom I could not save were completely dead, not just somewhat dead, floating about from one existence to the other. Not remembering." He frowned. "Nor can I recall any of them being quite so fetching."
    Nicklesby chuckled. "So you'll have to, say, modify, your design. Aye?"
    "Indeed." Gawan turned and started for the kitchen door. "I suppose being an ex-Guardian Knight yourself has lent you the power to interact with Ellie, as well. Aye?"
    Nicklesby cocked an eyebrow. "For a certainty, master. But most who've touched the spirit world can interact with an In-Betwinxt soul."
    "Then I shall need your aid on the matter. I've but twenty-four days until my retirement. I don't plan on having anything go amiss. Now, I'm off. No doubt this modified design will plague my bloody dreams until morn."
    "I truly hope so," Nicklesby said with a grin.
    At the door, Gawan turned and nodded once more. "Nos da, my friend."
    Nicklesby gave a low bow. "And good night to you, young Gawan."
    As he crossed the great hall and jogged up the steps, Gawan recalled his medieval days as Guardian Knight. Scores of fierce knights in just as many battles unknowingly had Gawan watching their backs, making sure they didn't leave their mortal world until 'twas truly their time to go.
    Had he himself but chosen a different path ...
    He pushed open the heavy door to his chamber and stepped inside. Aye, he'd been given a rare opportunity. A gift, really, that few other Guardians received, or even dreamed of receiving: the post of Earthbound Angel. And he was bloody grateful for it. Hopefully, he'd be worthy of accomplishing such a task as Ellie's.
    He closed the door, brushed his teeth with that fine-tasting cleaning paste Nicklesby always purchased, pulled off his clothes, and crawled into bed. On the morrow, he'd have a clear head. Ellie needed his help and he had wings to shed. Mayhap he'd start by returning to the spot where he'd found her.
    After a few moments, the low whistle of the night's bluster seeping into the old castle walls lulled him to drowsiness.
    Thoughts turned to the past once more, and Gawan recalled Castle Grimm right after construction.
    'Twas a sturdy keep, and he'd enjoyed his days here then, as well. Never had the thought crossed his mind he'd be living in the same castle more than nine hundred years in the future.
    His eyelids drooped a time or two, and he was nigh onto giving in to much-deserved rest, until a shiver caused him to open his eyes.
    He'd forgotten to stoke the fire. He'd freeze to death by morn if he let it burn out. Even with the prestigious title of Guardian, he still faced the same comfort measures as a mortal. All except death, anyway.
    With a grunt and several fine Welsh curses, Gawan threw the covers back, raised his naked self from the bed, and crossed the cold floor to the hearth. Grabbing the iron poker, he stabbed and shifted the embers, then set a new log on the grate. As he kneeled before the hearth, he stared into the building flames. 'Twas a generous-enough fire.
    Just as he rose, a small intake of breath from somewhere close behind ceased his movement.
    Ellie.
    Oooh, I shouldn't look but eeek! I can't help it!
    Gawan looked for something to shield himself, saw only the damn poker, then changed his mind.
    He heaved a sigh. "I apologize for my state of undress," he said, peering over his shoulder, "but from the look on your face, 'tisn't overly offensive." He grinned. "Say something, girl, before you make me blush."
    Ellie's cheeks glowed. "Good Lord," she whispered, then blinked and looked