Authors: Devri Walls
Tags: #young adult, #ya, #Magic, #Dragons, #Fantasy, #shapeshifters, #Adventure, #angels
Wings of Arian (54 page)
Kiora felt better knowing that he would be at least be near.
Eleana continued. “We will be passing closely by Dralazar’s territory. Kiora and I will take turns bubbling to get us through.”
Aleric stepped forward. “I have something to offer before you leave. Holding up an oval shaped amber amulet, he held it out to Emane. “I would like you to take this.” Emane reached out, taking it by the chain. “It will alert you to the intentions of those you interact with. Amber is a friend, red is not. I don’t have much use for it here, not with threads. But for you...’
Emane turned the amulet over in his hand. “Are you sure, Aleric? This was your grandfather’s, wasn’t it?”
“I am sure. You are in need of it much more than I am. My grandfather made it to be used, not to be remembered by.”
Eleana looked around at the group. “Are we ready?”
There were no words, just solemn nods of heads. Everyone felt the danger that awaited them on this journey.
The sound of the horses’ hoofs was the only sound amongst the band of travelers. All were silent as the plodded across the valley. Eleana was bubbling all of them to keep their travels from being known. They had moved through the remaining forest and onto the meadow-like grasses and then finally into the rocky covered land that preceded the mountain range.
Kiora,
Eleana called her.
Again Kiora gripped her head.
Why are you so much louder than the others when you talk to me like this,
she thought back.
I apologize.
The voice came much softer this time, bearable. Kiora let go of her head and sat back up.
I didn’t realize I was hurting you.
There was a long pause and Kiora looked sideways to Eleana. Her shoulders were hunched forward, head down.
Kiora, I am so sorry for everything. If you could find it in your heart to forgive me someday, I would be in your debt.
Eleana, I do not need to forgive you. This is not your fault.
It is my fault! Epona must not have explained.
No, she did. She told me of the man you loved.
She glanced over at Eleana who was riding with her eyes forward.
Grief is powerful.
A single tear slid down Eleana’s cheek.
You made a mistake,
Kiora thought gently.
When you realized your mistake you did everything within your power to fix it. I could not ask anymore of you than that.
Turning her head, Eleana finally looked at her.
Truly, Kiora, you are remarkable. I find you more remarkable every time we speak. It will be an honor to see what the years will bring.
As they approached Dralazar’s lair, the landscape continued to change. The earth here was rocky to say the least, covered in large black rocks and boulders, some the size of houses. They glanced nervously around, waiting for a dragon or Fallen One to fly into sight. Kiora took over the bubble; Eleana had held it for well over an hour.
“We are getting close,” Eleana announced to the group. The mountains were looming in front of them.
A flurry of movement caught Kiora’s eye. Glancing around, she saw a figure moving between the rocks. Squinting she tried to make it out, but it kept appearing and disappearing into the rocky landscape. And then, just for a moment, it was out in the open. A small dark haired girl. “Layla,” she whispered. Her sister turned and ran behind another rock and was gone.
Shortly after, the group turned the final bend coming to the great iron gate that had occupied so many of her dreams. The lines were fading now, the two halves shrouded in mist.
“The spell is fading,” Eleana told her. “Before long they will be gone.”
Where the gates had once stood was now a canyon, stretching out before them. Cutting neatly through the two mountain peaks, it marked the way out of the valley and into the unknown.
“This is where I must leave you. Go with speed and caution.” Eleana shimmered and was gone.
Don’t stray too far from me,
Kiora thought to Arturo.
I will stay as near as possible.
“Are we ready for this?” Kiora asked Emane and Drustan.
“I have been waiting for this day longer than you can possibly imagine,” Drustan said, throwing a wicked grin back at Kiora as he spurred his horse forward.
Kiora looked to Emane, “What about us? Are
we
ready for this?”
“Does it matter?” He smiled. “The Solus is going through that pass, isn’t she?”
Kiora stared forward at the new path before her.”Yes.”
“Then her Protector is going, too.”
“Alright,” she sighed. “Let’s go.” Kiora took one last look back before urging her horse forward, leaving the valley that had held them hostage.
About the Author
Devri Walls lives in Kuna, Idaho with her husband and two kids. She has worked as a music teacher and currently, a preschool teacher. She majored in theater and her love of a story still drives her today. Thankfully, she has finally found an outlet for all the voices in her head. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, on her blog;
www.writingmyfuture.com
and Goodreads.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 13: Shapeshifter's Alliance
CHAPTER 19: The Beginning of the End
CHAPTER 20: The Valley of No Magic
CHAPTER 21: Return to the Hollow
Preview of Book Two: Wings of Tavea
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 13: Shapeshifter's Alliance
CHAPTER 19: The Beginning of the End
CHAPTER 20: The Valley of No Magic
CHAPTER 21: Return to the Hollow
