Hunted: The Warrior Chronicles #2 by K.F. Breene

breeze, infusing her with strength. The grasses gently tapped her legs, grounding her. The minds of animals moved deep in the dense foliage way ahead of them. Shanti and her party would be joining them. She felt it. The Elders were guiding her feet this day. They would not let her fail.
    She brushed Rohnan’s mind and was immediately merged with family. Shanti glanced at the old man, who was squinting at the Graygual. She waited until he caught her stare with intense, calculating eyes before she said, “You don’t want to be captured—both for your benefit and ours. You might’ve been treated reasonably well so far, but that won’t last. If we start to lose, you had best run. Freedom is more than a state of mind.”
    He nodded, almost imperceptibly. Then, in her and Rohnan’s language, said, “You are a rare creature, and the loyalty you inspire is legendary. I am seeing but tiny glimpses of the fruits of your labor, but it is enough to nod to the Divine Leader—or the Elders, in your case. They’ve chosen correctly. But you are a long way from your journey’s end, and you have yet to balance with the Left Hand. An exciting prospect—I am eager to meet the prophecy.” He put his hand to his chest. “I have been selected to guide you, Wanderer. I have waited long for my path to intersect with yours, and now that it has, we have much planning to do. So please, continue. I will ensure we move forward.”
    Shanti couldn’t help the gaping stare.
    “Here they come, Chosen,” Rohnan said as he kicked his horse to a trot.
    Shanti ripped her gaze away from the old man. There were questions that needed answers, but first there was a battle to win.
    “Told you he wasn’t mad,” Rohnan yelled over his shoulder as his horse carried him away. “I’m right, admit it. I know everything.”
    Shanti started to run. “You still got captured with no hope of escape. Being right doesn’t mean you’re not stupid.”
    She heard Rohnan’s snort, but felt his mirth drip away. The Graygual on the ground started to run, too, their feet thundering on the dirt as they increased their pace. The horses trotted behind them, but Rohnan was closing the distance. They’d go faster soon.
    The Sarshers stayed where they were, no doubt waiting until she was good and close before unleashing their nasty tricks. She didn’t wait. With a sharp blast of power, she aimed for the Sarsher in the white shirt. Her mind slammed against a tight block, sending the man a step back into one of his comrades.
    Didn’t expect that much power, huh?
    The first Graygual fighter met her, then. She slashed down with her sword. He raised his weapon for a block. Her arm vibrated from the clash. Without losing speed, she stepped to the side and stabbed with her other hand. The blade of her knife jammed in his eye. She pushed him back with her forearm and yanked her blade free. Tossing it up, she caught the tip and threw it at a Graygual with a face ruined by a wicked scar. His throat blossomed around the hilt and blood poured down his neck.
    She threw another sharp mental jab at the Master Executioner. Her power smashed into his mental block, again. She sent another pulse, battering at him. Trying to break down his shield. Weakening his defenses.
    A sword whipped by her head. A quick feint and rapid feet had her at the Graygual’s back, deftly stepping over the dead bodies from moments before. She stabbed through the center of him and whirled to three oncoming figures. She slammed down her mental shields, knowing this was the perfect time for the Sarshers to attack.
    She blocked a sword strike from a thin man while dancing left. She kicked high, catching one of the three in the face. His jaw cracked. She snatched a knife as she spun. The blade sliced across a vulnerable throat. The follow-through had her arm even with the thin man’s neck. She stabbed, only to catch air. He’d ducked.
    She took two fast steps and struck, her sword slashing through the