Warren gasped at the sight in front of him. His stallion picked up on his excitement and started prancing anxiously. Warren whispered something into his ear, and then the horse and boy took off, sand flying from beneath Kastriel's hooves.
Alanna bumped Darkmoon with her heels to catch up to the boy, but he was too far ahead. She pursued him, laughing, but worried at the same time. The Bazhir weren't very hospitable to strangers with unknown intents.
Wind whistling past her ears and her copper hair flowing behind her, Alanna crouched close to Darkmoon's mane, goading him to go faster. She passed the tents of the Bloody Hawk, noting that Warren was still racing after the man on the horse, barely visible at that distance.
Someone in the village spotted her and realized who she was. The Bazhir man shouted something to their tribes-people. Soon most of the tribe had cumulated in the area in front of the village, cheering at the return of the Woman who rides like a man. Several of the men hopped onto their horses and followed her.
A quick glance over her shoulder told Alanna that Halef Seif was one of those behind her.
"Halef!" she called, before urging Darkmoon to his greatest speed.
Miraculously, the headman caught up with her, staying at her side as the two galloped across the sand. At long last, Alanna started to gain on Warren. Suddenly, he started to glow a bright silver. Heat lightning lashed through the sky, illuminating the sand in a ghastly sense.
"Warren!" Alanna yelled. The boy had reined Kastriel to a stop, and was, by all appearances, conversing with the man on the horse. Warren raised his hands, magic lancing from his fingertips. A brilliant flash blinded Alanna momentarily, and when her vision cleared, Warren was riding towards her. The man on the horse was nowhere in sight.
"Warren, what is going on?" Alanna demanded.
The boy shrugged. "This is exactly how I imagined it in my dream. When I saw the man, I knew it was him. I found him Alanna!"
"Kastriel?" she whispered. "Well? What did he say?"
"He told me that I had finally found my place. He said that my destiny would be fulfilled, and that I belong here. I would be safe and happy," said Warren.
"Kastriel? The Protector of those in need? But, he is but a myth!" said an awed Halef.
"Some believe in him, and follow his ways," argued Hakim.
Alanna ignored them. "And now you're satisfied? Was it worth it?" she asked Warren.
The boy nodded. "I finally found my place."
(A/n: I know, the chapters r getting short, but I'm pressed on time. AND the story isn't over! The main action is still to come. PLEASE review!)