Halfway up a ridge a figure crouched, and apprehensively watched the dawn break upon the ruin and carnage below. She had managed to escape the destruction of the Institute only moments before the hidden ones had attacked, and had fled, unnoticed, into the bush and scrub beyond. Over her shoulder, she slung a backpack crammed with a few hastily gathered essentials: some money, one or two relics belonging to the Artificers that she had been able to locate, a change of clothes, and most importantly, a mobile phone with a certain number on it.
She knew that it was not safe to move about openly here, and understood that she should remain hidden until the police and cars moved away. She realised that soon enough that the police would overrun the valley, and very likely the military as well, so remaining long was not an option.
No, she had to climb to the road above, and then flag down a passing car. Once off the Hinterland she could phone that number and receive assistance from her own people.
Until that time, she was on her own. Doggedly and determinedly, Artificer Olivia Price climbed up the scrubby ridge and to the safety beyond.
**
End of Book Two
The third, and forthcoming title in ‘The Darkening’ trilogy is ‘Dark Destiny’.
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Other fiction titles by Rosemary Fryth
Heroic Epic Fantasy trilogy ‘RIOTHAMUS’:
Book One ‘Arantur’
Book Two ‘The High King’
Book Three ‘Warriormage’
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Contemporary Dark Fantasy Trilogy ‘THE DARKENING’:
Book One ‘Dark Confluence’
Book Two ‘Dark Destination’
(Forthcoming - Book Three ‘Dark Destiny’)
Other titles by Rosemary Fryth:
‘Elemental’ (A book of poems)