Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora Series Book 1) (6 page)

“No. I guess she’ll just ride over on Petra.”

“Can I get you something else to eat or drink?”

“No. I drank a cup of tea already. I’m going to try Beth’s formula and drink a Coke. But I’ll get it myself. Maybe I’ll feel better if I sit by the fire.”

An hour after swallowing four ibuprofen tablets and two Tylenol along with a coke, Alora’s head was no better. She retreated to her bedroom and closed the shades to darken the room. Sleeping fitfully, off and on, images of Kaevin dominated her dreams. A sense of dread settled in her stomach. He’d seemed so ill in her last vision. Was her compulsive worrying causing this awful headache? Maybe she needed to try some meditation or relaxation exercises. She grabbed her laptop with the intention of searching for methods of meditation, but the letters swam on the screen before her face. Admitting defeat, she put the computer aside, struggling to ignore her throbbing head before slipping back into welcome unconsciousness.

“Alora? Hey, Sweetie. Beth is on her way here, so I’m heading into town. I’ll be back in an hour and a half or so, and I’ll bring something for your migraine.”

“Uhmm, okay,” she mumbled, gazing at him through sleep-glazed eyes. “Thanks, Uncle Charles.”

“Do you feel any better at all? And are you hungry?”

“No and no. I’m definitely not hungry.”

“You need to drink something, though. You haven’t touched this water.” His scolding tone didn’t hide his concern.

“I’ll drink some water. At least, I’ll try.” Pushing up on her elbows, she managed two swallows before her head flopped back onto the pillows.

“Okay, I’m leaving you here with Boze until Beth comes. I won’t lock the back door, so she can come inside when she gets here.”

“Thanks.” She squeezed her eyes against a new spike of pain as she tried in vain to relax. She stared at the ceiling while the room spun around her, forcing her to close her eyes against the vertigo. Unbidden, thoughts of Kaevin assaulted her mind again. A strong feeling of... what was it? Worry? Fear? Foreboding? Hopelessness? Her breaths came quickly, and the room swirled around her. Her heart raced, her head pounding with every beat. She moaned with the pain and fought the nausea welling in her stomach. How could she be nauseous? She hadn’t eaten anything. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe she needed to force herself to eat something.

She swung her legs around to the side of the bed, gradually pushing into a sitting position. Her head was throbbing, but no worse than when she was lying down. She stood, bracing herself against the bed, and took a few wobbly steps toward the kitchen. Just short of the door, her knees gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. She might have hurt something during the fall, but she couldn’t tell because her head demanded all her attention. Lacking the strength to move, she lay where she’d landed, drifting in and out of consciousness.

“Alora!”

She heard Beth’s voice through a dense fog.

“Wesley! Help me!”

She was vaguely aware Beth and someone else were lifting her by her elbows and walking her toward the bed. Over the hammering of her head, she was overwhelmed with desperate thoughts of Kaevin. She pried her eyes open, struggling against the arms propelling her forward.

“No. Wait.” Her voice sounded weak in her ears. “Please don’t take me to the bed. I have to go outside.”

Beth and Wesley exchanged a troubled glance. “Alora, it’s cold outside. There are two more inches of fresh snow.”

“Please. Please, it’s important. It’s a matter of life or death, I think.”

“You’re not even making sense,” said Beth. “Did you even notice Wesley came with me today?”

Alora tried to focus her eyes on the tall boy holding her right arm. “Please, Wesley. I have to go outside. If you don’t help me, I’ll crawl out there myself.”

“I think she’s hallucinating,” whispered Wesley.

“Let’s humor her,” replied Beth. “Once she steps out the door and the cold hits her, she’ll come back to bed willingly enough.”

With her two friends supporting her weight on either side, she made it to the back door. Wesley kicked it open, and she pushed outside, into the freezing cold.

“Don’t you want your coat and boots?” asked Beth.

“Ah!” She cried out as an icepick drove into her head. “Please. We have to hurry, or I’m going to pass out.”

“Where do you want to go?” asked Wesley, jutting out a determined chin.

“Anywhere out in the yard, in the middle of the snow.”

“Okay! Hang on!” Suddenly, she was scooped into his arms and carried out into the fresh untrodden snow. “Here?”

“Yes, lay me down. Right here,” she croaked.

He lowered her to the snow. She welcomed the numbing cold of the snow on her bare feet and arms, seeping quickly through her flannel pajamas and distracting her from the pain in her head. Again, her mind flooded with her last vision of Kaevin, his eyes glazed with sickness, barely able to focus on her.

Wesley yelped. “Who’s that?”

“Where did he come from? Is he alive?” asked Beth.

Alora cracked open her eyes, but a wall of snow blocked her vision. “Where is he?” she gasped.

“Right next to you. On your left.”

With the last of her energy, Alora stretched her arm out blindly across the snow. She felt an arm and followed it down to grasp his limp hand. And then the world was black.

“How could thi
s
happen?” Graely held onto his self-control by a narrow thread. “I thought you had him safely warded.”

“We did,” Nordamen insisted. “I placed the wards myself.”

“Perhaps you’re losing your power,” suggested Laethan. “Perhaps Bardamen—”

“I haven’t lost my power,” growled Nordamen. “He couldn’t have transported with my wards. I warded both him and the room. Did you move him? Or perhaps he was kidnapped?”

Raelene spoke as she entered the healing house. “The fault is mine. It was Alora—her gift is strong. She must have broken your wards with the strength of her red-heart wander-jewel. I simply didn’t realize she would be capable at such a young age. I should’ve predicted we would need extra protection. He should’ve been belted with iron.”

“Of course.” Morvaen flailed his arms as he paced the room. “Our armor has always protected us from unwilling transport. I should have suggested it myself.”

“No, the responsibility lies with me. I could easily have added a metal shield to the wards.” Nordamen lowered his voice. “I beg your pardon, Graely. I hope... is it possible he’s unharmed?”

“His condition had worsened despite every remedy I tried. He was so weak I dare not hope he survived the transport. But barring a miracle, he would never have lived more than a few days once he quit drinking water, as he did yesterday.” Laethan grasped Graely’s elbow. “I am so sorry, Graely. I have failed you.”

He wrenched his arm away and stepped back, slamming his fist into the wall, glad for the sharp pain distracting him from panic. “He’s not dead! I refuse to believe that. I knew the instant Denalae died while I was holding the babe in my arms in the other room. I would know if his spirit was gone. He must be alive. He must be with Alora. But she’s never kept him this long before.” He turned questioning eyes to Raelene as he gingerly touched his bleeding knuckles.

Her forehead creased and she pursed her lips. “If we assume you’re correct and Kaevin survived the transport to Alora, I can think of several possibilities. Upon his arrival in such poor condition, she might have feared to transport him again. But the most probable explanation is she doesn’t know how to send him back to Laegenshire.”

“But she returned him two other times,” Darielle reasoned. “She must know how to do it.”

“It’s difficult to explain.” Raelene twisted her lips to the side. “The first two occasions Alora brought Kaevin to her, it is probable the transports were never completed. For eighty breaths or more after a sending, the transport remains open. Any strong emotional response, such as fright, will cause the transport to reverse. Only after years of training can a bearer control her emotions and prevent accidents.”

Graely asked, “So the transport closed, and she’s unable to send him back?”

“No, she is able,” Raelene said. “But if, as I suspect, she hasn’t been trained, I hope she will not make the attempt. She could send him anywhere.”

“I don’t understand how she can access her gift at all. Didn’t we decide she could only have fifteen years?” asked Nordamen. “She shouldn’t come of age until she has at least sixteen years. Even then, the gifts are usually sporadic until the maturity of eighteen years.”

“I’ve been pondering this question as well. Wendelle’s father died so long ago that most of you didn’t know him. But...” Raelene paused, swallowing hard before she continued, “But he was not from Stone Clan.”

A collective gasp echoed in the room.

“Now you see the reason we hid this fact. The prejudice against other clans is too great!” Raelene’s glare swept around the room as she crossed her arms. Most of the group had the good grace to appear embarrassed by their reaction.

“Her father was not Water Clan; I am not as reckless as that. He was Forest Clan, the lighter color of green in his eyes not distinctive enough for people to suspect.”

“Why reveal your secret now?” asked Graely.

“I believe her mixed parentage contributed to the strength of Wendelle’s power.” She leveled her gaze at Graely. He inclined his head and nodded, accepting the truth of her words.

“Ages ago when the clans were at peace, the clans intermarried freely, and the gifts were much stronger. Since we have separated ourselves, only allowing marriage within clans, the gifts have been diminishing, both in frequency of occurrence and potency.”

“So Alora has blood from three different clans—Stone, Forest and Water. Her gift could be much stronger.” Nordamen’s eyes were bright and he danced up on his toes.

“Yes,” confirmed Raelene, “and perhaps she might come of age earlier. Also, Kaevin said she seemed quite tall for a girl of fifteen years. That could confirm she has matured more quickly than expected.”

“And once again, we come to the consensus we must find her. I think we shouldn’t delay the expedition any longer. We leave to cross the mountains tomorrow,” said Graely.

“Can you help us communicate?” Bardamen asked Darielle, who had observed the proceedings without comment. “We plan to split into three groups once we are through the mountain pass. We will need to know if anyone has located the girl or if we should continue our search.”

“If someone in each group is wearing a sightstone, I will be able to see through their eyes.” Her lips curved into a smile. “You should keep that in mind if you desire privacy. Perhaps it should only be worn part of every day. If any of you were gifted in farsight I could speak into his mind. But as it is, I can only give an impression to continue or to come back. I can practice with three of your choosing before you leave in the morning.”

“The plan is excellent,” said Graely. “Darielle can remain here in Laegenshire and beckon us back if Kaevin somehow returns with Alora on his own.”

“You are still assuming he will recover from his sickness and the ill-timed transport,” said Laethan.

“He
will
recover. He is not dead and he will not die. He simply cannot die.” Graely’s voice cracked. “For I do not believe I could bear it.”

The other council members exchanged wary glances, but no one spoke in rebuttal.

*****

“You wouldn’t let go of his hand,” said Beth. “It was like there was glue between your fingers. Wesley finally got the idea we could roll both of you onto a blanket and drag you inside.” She looked pointedly at Alora’s hand. “You could let go now,” she suggested. “He seems to be breathing.”

Alora lay on the floor in front of the fireplace, next to Kaevin, who was still unconscious. She noticed for the first time her hand was gripping his so tightly her knuckles were white. And her headache was
gone
. She relaxed her grip, but left their hands intertwined.

“Or I guess you could just keep holding his hand.” Beth’s eyes roamed the ceiling. “If you let go, is he going to disappear like he appeared in the first place?”

Alora blinked at Beth. “I don’t know. I’m kind of afraid to find out.”

“Ahem.” Wesley cleared his throat. “Hi. How are you feeling?”

Alora felt the blood rush into her cheeks. She’d almost forgotten he was in the room. “Thank you for saving me. You’re my hero. If you hadn’t carried me out there, I’d never have made it in time.”

Wesley’s face turned beet red, and he muttered something about “no big deal.”

“In time for what?” Beth asked, her forehead creasing. “What’s going on here? This guy’s had his eyes closed since he got here, but I’m betting they’re green. Right? I see he’s tall and has long brown wavy hair.” She put her hands on her hips. “So what did you do? Dream up some guy and then conjure him out of thin air? Are you a witch or something?”

“No,” croaked a faint voice. “She’s a bearer.”

“Kaevin!” cried Alora. “Are you okay? I was so afraid when I saw you last night. I could tell you were sick, and you couldn’t even hold your eyes open.”

“I’m pretty sure I was dying,” he rasped. “My head certainly felt like it was going to split open.”

“Mine, too—but it’s gone now. I think it was a migraine.”

“What’s a migraine?” he asked.

“Forget that!” Beth waved her hand in irritation. “How about,
what’s a bearer
? And
who are you
? And
how did you get here
?”

“I’m so weak. I think I may have been unconscious for a long time.” Kaevin struggled to sit, still keeping his hand clasped tightly around Alora’s.

“I’ll get you some water.” Wesley dashed off to the kitchen, returning with two glasses of water, passing one to each. Kaevin frowned, examining the glass in his hand.

“What is this?”

“It’s water,” said Beth. “What do you think? That we’re trying to poison you?”

“No, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I’ve simply never seen a clear cup before. What kind of firing process do you use?”

“I don’t know,” said Wesley. “We’ve always just bought them from the store. I’ve never thought about how they’re made.”

“What’s a store?” asked Kaevin.

“Where did you come from?” asked Beth. “I thought we were pretty remote in Montana, but if you’ve never even been to a store...”

“Montana? Is that the name of this shire? Or is Montana the territory, with different shires in Montana?”

“Uhmm, Montana is a state in the USA. What country are you from?”

“My home is Laegenshire, in Tenavae Territory. That’s Alora’s home also. Or, at least, that’s where her mother lived and her grandmother still lives. I am Stone Clan, and Alora is Stone Clan and Water Clan.” His voice trailed off as he looked up to see them staring with open mouths.

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” said Beth. “Alora, can you maybe shed some light on all this?”

“You can make light?” Kaevin asked Alora with wide eyes. “How many gifts do you have?”

“No, I didn’t ask her to
make
light,” said Beth. “I asked her to...
Alora
! What’s going on? Who is this guy, and what’s he talking about?”

“Uhmm, I’m not really sure myself. We really only met one other time.” She purposely ignored their meeting in the bathroom, hoping desperately Kaevin didn’t notice her blushing at the thought.

“Did you guys meet online? Some kind of online dating website?” asked Wesley. “I didn’t even know you had a boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Alora said, allowing a curtain of hair to shield her red face from view.

“No.” Kaevin smiled as he squeezed her hand. “I’m fairly certain we’re soulmates, although no one in Laegenshire believes me.”

“Well, whatever you are, you’re going to be in big trouble when your uncle gets home if you’re still holding hands,” said Beth.

“Oh! I forgot about Uncle Charles.” She turned to Kaevin. “How old are you?”

“I’m seventeen, and you’re fifteen.”

“How do you know so much about her when she doesn’t know anything about you?” asked Beth.

“We simply calculated the probable facts from what we knew. To be honest, the council reckoned the facts. As I told you, her grandmother lives in our shire, and she’s on the council. But when Alora returns, she’ll take Raelene’s place, since she’s an active bearer. She’ll be the youngest person ever to be on the council. Fifteen! Usually one must have thirty years.”

Beth stared at him as if he had four eyes, shaking her head. “Alora, your uncle won’t let you date a seventeen-year-old.”

“What does date mean?” asked Kaevin. “Is that like marriage?” He held out the empty glass to Wesley. “Could I perhaps have some more? And do you have any food? I’m suddenly quite hungry.”

“You know, if you let go of her hand for a minute, you could probably go get it yourself.”

Kaevin dropped his eyes. “I’m sorry. I won’t trouble you again.” He looked at their linked hands. “But I’m not sure we should release our handhold so quickly. I’m uncertain of the exact requirements of the soulmate bond. What I mean to say is, I don’t know how long it takes for one to recover from separation. I suppose we could try it for a blink... letting go.” He regarded Alora with his eyebrows raised in question.

“Okay, let’s try it. Wait—what if you disappear again?”

“I won’t go back unless you send me back.”

“I never sent you back. You just left.”

“No, Raelene explained you sent me back. But I don’t believe you’ll do it again. Shall we try?” He lifted their clasped hands.

Opening their fingers, they slid their hands apart. Kaevin smiled at Alora, and she smiled back. For about five seconds. Then his eyes rolled back into his head as he keeled over onto the floor. And someone stabbed a hot knife into Alora’s head. Frantically, she grappled for his hand, sighing with relief when their fingers connected. Kaevin’s eyes blinked open.

“Ugh! That wasn’t pleasant at all. I think it would be simpler if we were married. It probably takes longer since we aren’t able to... since we can only hold hands.” His face reddened.

“Married?” exclaimed Alora. “I can’t get married—I’m only fifteen. I’m just a sophomore in high school.”