I am providing this book for free here on Royal Road because I love my fans! If you wish to buy to support me, or want physical media, buy books from my Gumroad shop (some are free!), or support me on Kofi. It would be so appreciated! I want to make a living off doing what I love. Windchaser specifically is in print!
----------------------------------------
The minty fox moved ahead and waited close to the tracks as everyone around him boarded until the group of people thinned and the last passenger section pulled up; this meant that they could hop into the storage expeditiously, without drawing notice.
Like a creature latent in the foliage, one with its surroundings, the bounty hunter did what he did best; he hopped onto the train and disappeared into the blackness of the car, the starry blue fox girl with, in a matter of a single second. There was a low chance that anyone had noticed, and if they had then they’d likely think it was their imagination.
The rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels echoed through the metal confines, creating a soothing symphony of motion. The air was heavy with the scent of oil and machinery, an olfactory testament to the relentless pilgrimage ahead.
The storage compartment, though dimly lit from outside, offered a haven of respite. Boxes and crates were neatly stacked, their contents secured. Kieran motioned for Tessa to find a quiet corner to sit and relax in with her dragon guardian, as the train's steady acceleration sent a subtle vibration through the floor.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Tessa settled against a stack of crates, her eyes reflecting a blend of fatigue and exhilaration. The blue fox took a deep breath, attempting to steady her racing heart. Perseus curled around her but kept his guard up, sniffing the air. He remained tense.
“Good riddance to this place,” Tessa giggled happily, clearly feeling a huge weight off her shoulders. “It’ll be nice to see new places, far away from the people who are hunting me.”
Kieran, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings before joining his travel partner. He sank onto a pile of sacks, his minty fur absorbing the gentle hum of the train's movement, shaking now and again.
The measured click-clack of the wheels on the tracks became a lullaby, soothing the edges of their nerves.
Kieran and Tessa exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment of the difficult circumstance that they had overcome together, and of the force propelling them into the unknown territory far away. The veracious wheels of the Veridis Express spun tales of new horizons and undreamed dangers.
The landscape outside blurred into streaks of green and gold, a visual testament to the alacrity of their departure. The occasional jolt and sway became a natural cadence, lulling them into a transient reprieve.
The whistle of the wind went on and on, creating a relaxing atmosphere. As the Express gathered speed, hurtling through the landscape, getting further and further from the dense city, Tessa and Kieran huddled near each other attempting to fall asleep for a nap.
It was comfortable enough with there being hay scattered about.
However, Kieran, ever vigilant, surveyed the surroundings with the instinctual caution of a seasoned bounty hunter.
The open door framed a rapidly changing land, a blur of hills and wildflower-painted fields that made a picturesque scene outside.