The Temple - YA Novel (Fantasy)

Chapter 26: The Temple

Keelee had the same dream she'd had regularly since becoming the Keeper. She was surrounded by fire, two swords in her hands. The swords were covered in blood, and she was overcome with the feeling of being utterly alone. Voices and faces surfaced in her dreams. Some she recognized and some she didn't. The strange man who had led her to Uriah's swords would appear intermittently, tell her to "Beware, Keeper. Beware," and then some unseen person would throw a book at him and he would disappear.

Keelee tossed about restlessly as she had every night since they had discovered Bryan was being poisoned. Her joy at her brother's impending full recovery could not ease the burden of having to discover a way to save them all from the enemies that lurked in every shadow, both of her dreams and when she was awake. The Temple, that had once been a refuge, was now a prison where everyone was a potential threat—even those who acted like friends.

They had to get away. As soon as possible.

This thought was foremost in Keelee's mind when she awoke before the sun had risen. Her heart was pounding and a feeling of unease was knotted in the pit of her stomach. This unprovoked feeling of apprehension had served as a warning before, but she hadn't known what it meant. Now she saw it as a sign that their time was up. They must leave. Today was the day, if they could manage it. A plan started to form itself in her mind. It was full of risk and could potentially hurt some people, but it was the only way. Her sense of urgency told her none of the others would protest.

She climbed out of bed, dressed quietly, and stoked the fire one last time before she left her room. Inez seemed to be sleeping soundly enough, which relieved Keelee to some extent. At least one of them would be well-rested when they started their journey.

The air was cool and Keelee shivered as she walked to the overhang. The sky was a faded gray as the sun came closer to surfacing from behind the mountains. Keelee sat down, draping her legs over the overhang. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. But she knew it was going to work. It had to.

Someone cleared their throat behind her. She turned and saw Lawerence standing several feet away. He looked shy, as if he was embarrassed to be disturbing her. "Are you all right, Keeper?" he asked.

She smiled sadly. "I am well, thank you, Lawerence. What are you doing awake so early?"

He raised his eyebrows. "I'm always awake by this time. I have many duties, but I wanted to make sure you were taken care of. Do you need anything?"

Keelee shook her head, feeling torn as she weighed the risk of her decision.

"Well, if you need anything, let me know. Anything at all. I want to help in any way I can," Lawerence said earnestly. He started to walk away.

"Lawerence," Keelee stood to her feet. "Bryan doesn't have much time left," she said flatly. "I promised the others that I wouldn't bring you with us unless they agreed, but I want you to know I want you to come with us. I just have to wait and see what Rafe and Inez say."

Lawerence grinned.

In that moment, Keelee knew she could trust him. She beckoned to him. "Come here, I need to tell you something."

Keelee and Rafe willed their minds to focus on training. They didn't want to give any indication they were distracted or that anything was amiss. They left the circle about the same time as they usually did. Keelee had informed the others of the escape plan over breakfast. With some hesitation, she informed them of her plan to include Lawerence.

Rafe looked stunned, but Inez and Bryan did not look surprised. "You did the right thing, Keelee," said Inez. "I think it will be nice to have him with us." Bryan nodded in agreement. Rafe simmered.