Wings of Arian (37 page)

“Thank you.” Her shoulders relaxed. “I think we should get back to the tree and get some rest.”

Chapter Twenty-one

RETURN TO THE HOLLOW

KIORA AWOKE, FEELING SOMETHING wrapped around her waist. Looking down she smiled, sliding her hand across Emane’s and snuggling back into the warmth of his body.

“Good morning,” he said.

Turning her head, she smiled sleepily, “Good morning, what time is it?” She yawned. “I’m not sure, the sun’s been up for a while.” Leaning around her, he yelled, “Hey Drustan, any chance you could turn yourself into a pocket watch?”

Drustan strode over carrying breakfast. “This Protector of yours fancies himself a comedian.” He said, handing her last night’s rabbit.

Emane stretched out like a cat after its morning nap, “It was just a question Drustan,” he said through a groan.

Kiora grinned but decided not to fuel either of their fires. Taking a bite, she grimaced. Rabbit never had been her favorite. Leftover, cold rabbit was much worse. She swallowed with some effort and had just torn off another piece as a thread came within range. She focused in, trying to recognize it.

“What is it?” Drustan asked.

Kiora didn’t answer but held up her hand. A moment later she swallowed and breathed out a sigh of relief. “Sorry, someone is coming, one of yours I believe,” she told Drustan.

One large bushy eyebrow rose in surprise, “I haven’t felt anything yet.”

“You will,” Kiora answered, going back to her breakfast.

She watched with some amusement out of the corner of her eye as Drustan sat searching for the thread. After a couple of minutes he shook his head. “I cannot believe you felt it that much sooner than I did. Remarkable.””

“It is one of yours, right?”

“Yes, it is Orrin.”

The name immediately conjured sadness. “How is he doing? He seemed close to the other Shifter that was guarding with him that night.”

“Yes,” Drustan said with a thoughtful nod, “It was his mate.”

Kiora suddenly felt infinitely worse. Not hungry any longer, she set down her barely touched breakfast. Orrin had lost his mate trying to protect her.

“She was a wonderful girl,” Drustan added. Noticing Kiora’s saddened demeanor, he placed his hand on her shoulder, “They knew what they were doing when they went out there, and they went willingly.”

Knowing there was nothing that could change what happened, and nothing that would make her feel better, she changed the subject. “Drustan, where did the other Shapeshifters go when we left?”

“The Merfolk had offered refuge if needed, they went to stay with them.”

“Merfolk?””The Merfolk of the Garian Sea.”

“So, when you say Merfolk,” Emane interrupted, “you mean head of a man body of fish right?”

“Of course, what else would I be referring to?”

“I don’t know, just making sure I had the right story, that’s all. Your people all turned into Merfolk?”

“Some did, I am sure. But, as long as it was something that could survive underwater they would be fine. The lake probably has a larger than normal assortment of ostentatiously bright fish and lake monsters, I would guess.” A sparrow burst through the branches of the tree. “Hello Orrin.”

“Drustan,” the sparrow nodded in his direction and turned to Kiora. “We need you to return to the new Hollow, there has been a development and your presence is requested.”

“When?” Kiora asked.

“Immediately. You are to follow me back. Drustan, I assume you have enough magic to change into something suitable?”

“Of course. Kiora, any requests?”

“As long as it’s not pink,” Emane interjected.

Kiora shook her head and laughed, “I give you free reign.”

Drustan rubbed his hands together with glee. “Free reign?” he asked, his eyes locked mischievously on Emane.

“Whatever you want.”

Drustan began to change before their eyes. Legs growing, body elongating. Wings exploded out of his back and hoofs appeared in place of feet. A pegasus.

“Thank you!” Emane exclaimed, throwing his arms to the sky.

As a final touch, Drustan exploded into color, Emane’s arms dropped back to his side in defeat at the now purple pegasus.

“Purple? You had to make him purple?” Emane said in disbelief.

He stomped past Kiora who had resorted to leaning against a tree because she was laughing so hard.

“It’s not funny, Kiora, he did that just to torture me.”

“I know,” she said through hysterics. “That’s… what makes it… so… funny!”

The pegasus smiled at Emane, “Climb aboard your majesty.”

As Emane pulled himself onto the purple pegasus, Drustan turned his head to look at him, “Isn’t purple the color of royalty anyway?” When Emane ignored the jab, Drustan chortled through horse lips, “Maybe not, it’s just what I heard.”

Kiora launched into another fit of laughter, gripping her side in pain.

“Come on, get control of yourself.” Emane snapped. “They said our presence is requested
immediately
.”

Taking a deep breath, Kiora pushed off of the tree and walked over, trying to stifle her laughter, but still couldn’t manage to stand up straight.

Emane pulled her up in front of him and wrapped his arms around her as she wrapped her fingers through Drustan’s mane. Orrin took off like a flash, darting out through the branches. Drustan followed behind, nearly swiping Emane off with a thick weeping branch. Kiora heard Emane grumbling behind her, something about him doing that on purpose, but she chose instead to focus on getting one last look at the Valley of No Magic, that was ironically, the most magical place she had ever seen. Glittering trees, all too green grass, blue and green beetles. Something was here, and she believed it had everything to do with magic.

They flew for some time back over the Sea of Garian and over the top of miles of forest before Orrin darted straight down.

“Hold on.” The pegasus dipped into a dive.

The trees were set closely together here, so even despite Drustan’s best efforts this time, Emane and Kiora were both almost ripped off his back by the branches. When they landed Aleric, Malena, and Eleana were both waiting for them. Eleana’s eyebrows rose at the sight of the purple pegasus.

“Interesting choice, Drustan,” Eleana commented as Kiora and Emane slid off his back.

“He did it just to tick me off,” Emane grumbled.

“And it was a smashing success,” Drustan added as he morphed back into his preferred human shape with a flourish.

Eleana, glittering in gold appraised them, “You two are quite a sight.” She tried to sound stern, but her blue eyes betrayed her amusement.

Kiora looked down at her torn and bloody dress. “It
was
a beautiful gown,” she said sadly.

“I will have to take your word for that. Malena, please escort Kiora and Emane somewhere they can get cleaned up. And please find them something else to wear.”

“Come with me,” Malena said, floating into the Hollow. Emane put his hand in the small of Kiora’s back and led her after Malena.

***

Drustan didn’t take his eyes off Kiora as she walked away, “Have you seen the battle yet?” He asked Eleana through the side of his mouth.

“No, although Malena had expressed interest in seeing it.”

“I suggest that you watch it. She is growing, rapidly.”

Eleana, Drustan, and Aleric gathered around a large silver basin in the meeting tent. Eleana waved her hands over the top and the water began to ripple in response. Soon the image, a mountain lake, came into focus.

They watched the lake beginning to bubble from underneath, the waters rising, splitting around a central point. Kiora appeared in the middle dropping her bubble. The water flexed and moved around her, growing until it towered several feet over her head. Kiora’s hands pushed the water out, and with complete obedience it went hurtling out into the meadow, covering everything and everyone. She then masterfully pulled it back, restoring the lake as it was. Nobody spoke. Aleric’s mouth was agape, his eyes bulging. Eleana had a look of surprise and pride. Drustan just shook his head as if watching it again had been just as amazing as watching it the first time.

Aleric finally broke the silence, “How is that possible, so quickly?”

“How long exactly since she discovered her magic?” Drustan asked.

“Maybe a month,” Aleric said, still in shock.

“I’m surprised she hasn’t had any consequences,” Drustan looked to Eleana. “Has she”

“Not yet,” Eleana said, her eyes still fixed on the basin. “But I am sure she will.” Looking up she motioned to the chairs, “Please sit, I need to discuss something with you before they arrive.”

Aleric gladly dropped into a chair, glad to be off of his shaky knees.

“The prophecy states that this will be the final battle, that if evil is defeated this time it will never return. It makes sense that the Solus for this battle would be the most powerful of them all. Kiora has no idea what she is capable of, and we are just beginning to see it. Her powers will exceed anything we have ever seen.” She explained “And because of that, I believe it puts her in more danger.”

“What kind of danger?” Drustan questioned leaning back casually in his chair. “From what I have seen, she handles herself well.”

“She does. But… this much power… in one person?” Eleana shook her head. “It will make Dralazar drunk with desire. He will want her more than he has ever wanted anything.”

“Surely he will not think that he will be able to beat her, after she has reached her potential?” Aleric said. “He could go head to head with Arian, but he was not nearly as powerful as she will be.”

“He will not wait until she has reached her full potential. He will try to turn her now. Turn her and train her underneath himself,” Eleana said.

There was quiet as everyone mulled over the possibility.

Drustan shook his head. “I don’t believe it. I understand what you are saying, but from what I have seen, I cannot believe she would side with him.”

“I agree. Which puts her in even more danger. When Dralazar realizes that he cannot turn her, he will kill her.”

***

Kiora walked out of her tent in a white tunic and tan riding pants, her hair pulled neatly back in a braid. Emane was already dressed and waiting for her. He leaned casually against a tree wearing pants and a shirt that were almost identical to hers. He looked relaxed, happy and very handsome.

“Do you have to outdo me in everything?” Emane asked.

Kiora cocked her head to the side.

“The clothes,” he waved a hand at her. “They look much better on you.”

She looked down. “I don’t think so. They look very nice on you.”

He grinned, appraising himself as if the sight was new to him, “Do they?”

“Oh, you are shameless Emane!”

He pushed off the tree with a laugh. “Is it so shameless that I would want some attention from you?” Grabbing her hand, he wrapped it around his arm, “Shall we go?”

They walked back through the new Hollow marveling at how much it looked like the old one that had been destroyed— almost identical. The homes looked the same and even hung in the same places. As they came to the clearing in the center of the Hollow, the same tent stood waiting for them. Within they found Eleana, Aleric, and Drustan all sitting around a silver bowl looking somewhat anxious.

“What?” Kiora asked as Emane pulled her chair out. “You all look like something is wrong.”

“Of course not,” Eleana answered smoothly, “we were just discussing Aleric’s recent trip to the village. He went to check if Dralazar’s influence had gained a foothold with the people.”

“And?” Kiora asked.

Eleana looked slightly ill, “He does seem to be making progress.”

Kiora didn’t like the fact the Eleana was clearly avoiding eye contact with her. She was going to push for more information when a host of Guardians floated through the door, bringing with them an array of heavenly foods.

“How is my father?” Emane asked Aleric as the guardians hovered above the table, gently setting down plates and platters in front of them.

“He is fine. Although we do have a...” he stopped mid sentence as he became fully aware of Emane’s thread. Aleric looked to Drustan and Eleana. “What have you done?”

“We have given him a fighting chance,” Drustan answered calmly, taking a drink.

Aleric looked baffled as he asked Emane, “What have they given you?”

Emane opened his mouth with the beginnings of an answer— what had surely begun as a word faltered, and emerged instead a puff of deflated air. Unsure of what to say he looked to Eleana.

“Show it to him,” Eleana gestured.

Emane reached behind, grabbing the back of his shirt and pulled it over his head to reveal the glittering green armband that wrapped around him.

Aleric stood up and walked slowly and deliberately around the table, his eyes fixated on the sparkling snake. Reaching out he ran his finger over it, scowling.

“Eleana what have you done?” his voice strained under controlled anger.

“Aleric, it had to be done,” she said gently.

“Had to be done? You have no idea what the consequences of this might be. There has never, NEVER, been a magical heir to the throne. His father will be furious. You have to take it off!”

“Aleric,” Drustan interrupted. “We had no choice, there has never been a non-magical Protector before. He wouldn’t last two battles. He would probably be dead already for that matter.”

Taking another approach Aleric turned to Emane, “Take it off,” he demanded. “You know as well as I do that heirs to the throne do not do magic. Your father will feel as if you have betrayed him, he will think—”

“Aleric, Drustan is right.” Eleana tried to intervene. “If we allowed—”

“No, I promised to keep him safe, I promised...”

“Enough!” Emane shouted, his chair clattering to the floor behind him as he stood. He glared around the room, taking each in turn. “Why is it that whenever my life is being discussed everyone sits around and talks of it as if I am not in the room?
I
chose this Aleric,” he said pointing roughly at himself, “nobody else. And I will continue to make my own choices as I see fit.” He shoved his finger at Drustan and Eleana. “Had they not done what they did, we would not have made it out of the first battle alive. It was a strategic decision and one that I support.”