Grayson's Veil

Chapter 24

Grayson sipped from a wine bottle as he watched Sister Jane get the new horse ready.

Sleep did not take him like he hoped it would. Instead, he stared at the ceiling, allowing darkness to creep along the edges of his eye sight and seep into his skin. When he was sure he was about to cross the line into hysteria, he got up and went in search of more wine.

Of course, when he found it the nun was already skittering about. Grayson would not have been surprised if the nun did not sleep too.

After attempting several times to help Sister Jane, and each time being shooed away, Grayson leaned against the stable and dazed at the sky. It was a clear early morning; the stars were still out, and the moon was dipping behind the horizon. It was daunting in a way, having such beautiful sight remind you that you are just a tiny piece in the vast puzzle of the universe.

Many of the towns' people near Grayson's home thought the idea of a universe was ridiculous. That there was not more to it than their own lives. Grayson found the idea fascinating. It made his life seem so insignificant. Until this Veil began to become a problem. Now it seems there is much more to learn than just the universe.

Sister Jane cleared her throat angrily, trying to grab Grayson's attention.

He laughed, pushing off the beam. "It's ok, Sister. You can speak to me, I won't bite." He leaned over so he could whisper in her ear, "unless you request me to."

The nun sent a piercing slap across Grayson's cheek, making him laugh again. "I apologize, Sister Jane. I think the morning wine is going to my head."

Lies. He was sober as could be, he just wanted to tease the old lady.

"Well restrain yourself, because next time I will not be so nice." She retorted, lifting her chin up high.

Grayson raised a brow, a smirk pulling at his lips. "I get the feeling you're not as devout as you like to paint yourself as, Sister."

Still holding her chin high, she grabbed the horse's reigns and shoved them into Grayson's hands, nearly making him drop his wine. "Head west, towards the thickest part of the forest. The amulet is within that area." She grabbed the wine bottle from him before he could finish it off.

Grayson scowled at the Nun. "Any other information?"

Sister Jane shook her head, an apologetic look crossing her features before being replaced by her usual glower. "Best of luck," she snarled.

Grayson opened his mouth to respond, but she had already walked away.

Annoyance gnawed at him as he mounted the horse. He was doing these two strangers a favor and yet they were treating him like shit on the bottom of their shoe.

"I will pray for your success," the nun's somber voice drifted to Grayson.

Ignoring her, he lightly kicked the sides of the horse to begin their journey.

The ride was uneventful.

Grayson would nibble on stale bread and cheese that was packed into the saddle bags to pass the time. Every once in a while he would catch something out of the corner of his eye, but every time he looked it was gone.

It did not bother him.

But it started to increase in frequency as he ventured further into the forest.

The clouds moved in front of the sun, blocking the light and warmth it provided.

Grayson shivered, rubbing his arms in an attempt to keep feeling in them.

The horse snorted and started to breathe heavily, puffs of hot air exiting out its nostrils. The hairs on the back of Grayson's neck stood.

'We are being watch,' his demon pointed out.