He entered slowly, gently, careful not to disturb her. The activity and energy in her brain was astonishing. It was as if every cell was lit up and working overtime. He could see the neurons spread out like arteries, white-hot stars stretching in every direction, flashing and flickering on and off, so bright it almost hurt.
Jonas took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. He needed to connect completely with her, to tap into even one of those white-hot pathways. He did so, using that same gentle approach, sliding his sparking neurons against hers. Immediately, he felt an instant syncing in his own brain.
He became aware of her heartbeat. The rhythm steady. Strong. Powerful. More powerful than it should have been, he realized. He wasn’t just hearing Camellia’s heartbeat. The drumming was deep-rooted, as if the mycelium network had also joined them, bringing with it every tree and bush in the forest. Chemicals dripped through his veins. Through hers. Drained into their neurons and spread through their bodies to move out of their pores. He actuallyfelt small beads of sweat, tiny droplets released into the ground where they were absorbed. Most rushed to his fingertips.
He shifted his gaze to Camellia’s hands—to her fingertips where she pressed them into Kyle’s temples. A single small bead of what appeared to be sweat slipped out from under one of Camellia’s fingers to slide down the side of Kyle’s face. Whatever it was that was moving through their veins, she was sharing it with Kyle.
Jonas tried to remember how the mycelium system worked to bring nutrition to the trees that needed it. He was aware the underground root system ensured the health of the forest, providing a means of communication. He knew that trees could warn other trees of disease or infestations via the underground network. Those warning messages could prompt the other trees in the forest to change their biochemistry, to increase the levels of toxins and repellents in their tissues to deter pests or produce airborne compounds that could lure natural enemies of a particular pest. The trees could also react to the messages in other ways.
The underground mycelium system provided nutrients to the trees in several different ways, threading through their roots or over them. Dying trees could pass resources such as nitrogen and phosphorus to neighboring healthy trees, giving them extra resources to combat any outbreak of disease.
In some way, the chemical Camellia was passing to Kyle was a healing or pain-relieving agent. There was no way for Jonas to directly examine the nature of the compound, but he knew it was moving through his own system and out his pores. That meant, like Camellia, he actually had the ability to produce that particular chemical. How? Even by examining Camellia’s mind, he couldn’t see the how of it. He could see the energy she used. He could see the way she called on the neurons in her body to spread the energy throughout her veins and muscles. He just couldn’t see where the healing agent she delivered to Kyle came from.
The leader and his second-in-command are definitely enhanced.Kyle’s voice broke into Jonas’s thoughts and pulled his attention back to the problem of the threat.The second-in-command is called Dex. He just went vertical about thirty feet and caught a branch, pulling himself into the tree. He’s looking to view ahead. He did it easily. He’s dressed much like the leader, jacket blue and green. Light pack just like leader.
Kyle sounded much stronger. The pain was gone from his voice, and he lifted his head, dropping his hands away from his temples.
The leader is called Crawley. One of his men, a blond, short, with wide shoulders and abnormally long arms, just came up to him and told him he doesn’t like the fog. They’re having a discussion about it now.
Jonas immediately turned to Camellia.Will they be able to figure out that it isn’t normal fog?
Camellia shook her head.No, because it is real. The ground temperature is just a degree or two higher in spots. They won’t be able to figure out the reason for that.
Kyle smiled.That’s exactly what they’re talking about now. The blond—Crawley called him Mott—just told Crawley that there was something strange about the ground, maybe some sort of geological hot spot to make the temperature higher than in other places.
Camellia flashed an answering smile to Kyle.That’s good. If we need the cover of mist, we won’t have to worry about them getting suspicious when we generate it. They won’t consider it strange since they’ve already decided what could be causing it.
Crawley’s getting his team up, Jonas. They’ll be coming our way soon,Kyle reported.
I’ll need you in fighting shape, Kyle. How long of a recovery time will you need?Jonas asked.
I feel fine right now. Before, I was very sick and the pain was incredible. Whatever pressure point therapy Camellia used really helped. I’ll have to learn it.
Jonas let Kyle’s comment pass without remark. Now was not the time to discuss what Camellia had actually done to ease Kyle’s pain.
We’ll head back down the mountain and find a place where we can ambush them. I have to send word to Ryland to get our families ready for an all-out attack.Jonas was the strongest telepath. He would be able to project the farthest.Camellia, if you combine your strength with mine, I think we can actually double the distance. I won’t have to use any equipment that might risk tipping off the enemy.
Camellia nodded. They were all on their feet, ready to move out. Jonas watched Kyle carefully for any signs of possible problems. There didn’t appear to be any. He had pulled back from Gray but was ready to reconnect when he needed to.
We can’t risk leaving any tracks. If they’re enhanced, they could easily spot our trail if we leave one,Jeff warned.
I’ll make certain we’re not leaving any evidence of our passing on the ground,Camellia volunteered.
Jonas realized that was yet another huge asset the underground network could provide his team once he knew how to use it. There would be no evidence of footprints or disturbed leaves on shrubbery.
For now, he let Camellia ensure that their small group left no crushed vegetation as they raced on the narrow game trail back down the steep side of the mountain, weaving in and out of the boulders and trees. He set a brutal pace, but he wasn’t taking chances. They had to warn Ryland and prepare to deal with the eight enhanced scouts.
Camellia, have you been up this far before?
Yes.
Do you know the fastest way down the mountain to our compound? If you do, move into lead position and take over,Jonas instructed.
Camellia did so without hesitation. She stayed on the same course for another mile and then veered off the game trail, movingfast into a section of dense forest with heavy underbrush and no clear trail. It should have been impossible to hide the fact that they had passed through that way, but when Jonas glanced over his shoulder, the brush closed up behind them as if it had never been disturbed.
There’s a ravine ahead. It’s a jump of about thirty feet. Can all of you make it?Camellia didn’t even pause in her pace.
No problem,Jonas answered for all of them.
