Then We Fly

by Rebecca Salas

  “Byron doesn’t think Blake capable of winning against Oran, and” here she spoke on a sigh, “hopefully that will be enough to deter him.”

  “Do you believe that?”

  “I believe that without real external motivation, manipulative and violent people do not become less manipulative and violent over time, only more so. And Blake has been given no reason to change his ways.”

  Cora

  Sitting alone in the courtyard, watching water twine its way up my arm, I wondered what else I could do with it. I hadn’t known that I could just show my memories like that a few days ago, and I had only thought to try because I had seen someone else do it. What else might I be able to do that I simply hadn’t imagined yet?

  “There you are Cora!” I turned to see Dorian’s smile turn guilty when I looked behind him hoping to catch sight of Fynn. I hadn’t seen either of them since returning from my trip. “He’s doing Fynn stuff.” Dorian waved his hands around in a mock mysterious gesture. I nodded and looked back to the water. I was all too accustomed to Fynn’s disappearing act. “I do have some good news.” He offered. “I found her mother, the naiad. You should seek her out as soon as you can, she has a history of bouncing around it seems.” He handed me an envelope. “This is everything I found.” I took it with my dry hand.

  “Do you know how long Fynn will be? When we might be back?”

  “I’m afraid that Fynn will be occupied for some time.” Ell’s clipped voice came from the entrance and her shoes clacked along the stone pathway. “However, Oran” she practically cooed his name, “is anxiously awaiting your return. He has arranged for your arrival this afternoon, after you meet with the queen. She wished to speak with you.”

  Giving Dorian an apologetic smile, I left him and followed Ell down the hallways until she led me to an opulent sitting room where Iolanthe was waiting. Ell left us with a bow and Io gestured for me to sit, a warm smile on her lips.

  “I have heard that you will be leaving us shortly.” She said as she placed a pastry on a plate and handed it to me.

  “I’ve just heard the same thing. Though no one seems to care about my opinion on the matter.”

  Io looked up from her teacup.

  “Would you like to stay?” She smiled.

  “I would like to have Fynn with me when I leave. I’m not really confident about making the return trip without him.”

  “I see.” She nodded, disappointed. “Do you trust his friend? Dorian? I could arrange for him to escort you, or perhaps Ell?” She raised her eyebrow.

  “Dorian would work.” Ell was genuinely nice to me, but I couldn’t get past her distaste for Fynn.

  “Then he will go with you. Now, for my business with you. In a month we will be having a particularly important ball here at the castle. I have already secured Zoya’s attendance and I am anxious that you will attend as well.”

  “Would you be able to arrange the transportation?” I didn’t want to assume, and I knew I couldn’t make the trip by my own means.

  “Of course!” She looked at me conspiratorially. “And of course, Fynn will be there, and Oran.” She trailed off. “Oh, and Dylan! I would like you to bring your brother as well. It is going to be a big night.”

  “What is the occasion?”

  “The king will be publicly announcing Oran as his heir. He has decided that it is time.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize it worked like that. Isn’t Blake the older son?”

  “He is, but Byron made the decision a long time ago that Blake would not be a suitable ruler. He loves him, but he will do what is best for his kingdom. Blake has known it for a long time. Now, so will everyone else.”

  “Blake really doesn’t like me.” I offered weakly. I wasn’t sure how to tell her the extent of his dislike.

  “You don’t need to be polite about it for me, dear. I am not his mother. And while I have my misgivings about Oran in regard to you, I know that Blake is plain awful. I know what he tried to do to you, Cora. I’m glad that you have so many people watching out for you. You should continue to watch as well. Amnesia or not, I do not trust the boy.”

  I sighed, happy to have that out in the open. “I will be happy to attend.”

  “Good.” She stood up as Ell reentered the room.

  “Everything is prepared for Cora’s departure.”

  “Please, assure that Dorian escorts her back.”

  “Of course.” Ell disappeared again out the door.

  CREATED BY JUTOH - PLEASE REGISTER TO REMOVE THIS LINE

  Chapter Eleven

  I was getting used to Dorian’s lighthearted personality, and he made the trip back easy, even if Fynn was gone. Sitting in the shade covering a portion of the ships deck, Dorian spread out a collection of maps.

  “Here is where Clytie was last seen.”

  “Clytie?” I asked, the name unfamiliar.

  “Naida’s mother. The naiad.” Dorian explained matter-of-factly.

  “Is Fynn going to be back soon do you think? I don’t think I can do this without him.”

  “I don’t know, Cora, but Fynn gave me the impression that you don’t have a lot of time.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to be available?” I asked in a joking tone trying to hide my anxiety.

  “I have other errands for the king, unfortunately, but given what I’ve heard about Oran’s current… state, I’m sure he could help you arrange things.”

  I nodded. Noncommittal. “Maybe.”

  Dorian spent a good portion of the return journey showing me the maps and giving me instructions. I was grateful that he took the effort to write everything down, I was sure I couldn’t remember it all, but I tried anyway. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have backup for this task. Despite Dorian’s recommendation, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of taking Oran along with me. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to open myself up to that much one on one time. Maybe I could bring Zoya along instead.

  When we arrived at the Seal Islands Dylan was there waiting for me. I was surprised, but happy to see him. Maybe I could bring him, but no. I didn’t want to put him in danger. Our experience with Tanwen from when we first arrived had left me feeling overprotective, even if I didn’t know what he was up to most of the time. I wouldn’t actively put him in dangers way.

  “Cora!” Dylan hugged me enthusiastically as I walked off the dock.

  “It’s good to see you baby brother.” I teased. Dylan eyed Dorian with curiosity. “Oh, this is Dorian. He’s a friend of Fynn’s.”

  “Who is just dropping you off before heading back out.” Dorian added. “Be careful.” Dorian said setting my bag down beside me and patting my shoulder. He nodded his goodbye to Dylan and me before turning back to the boat.

  Dylan eyed me with curiosity. “On dangerous missions without me?” He said with a teasing smile. I tried to blow it off with sarcasm.

  “Super dangerous.” I smiled.

  Dylan’s face turned serious. “I think it’s time that you let me in on what you’ve been up to.” He picked up my bag and started walking toward the castle. “A little bird tells me we need to talk.”

  “A little bird?”

  “Well, more of a very little mermaid.” He eyed me sidelong.

  “What did she say?” I asked.

  “It was more than what she said, Cor, it’s what she showed me. When are you planning on leaving?” He asked. “I’m coming with you.” He added, not leaving room for argument.

  “As soon as possible. I just need to arrange transportation. I was actually thinking I could ask Zoya to come along. She would know more about naiads than either of us do.”

  “Nope.” He said matter-of-factly. “Only you and me this time.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “What did you see?”

  “I’m not entirely sure, to be honest, but I was left feeling like I should trust the little girl.” He said quietly. I felt like he was leaving something out. How much did he know really? “Cora, I can help. And I think you need some reliabl
e help. That’s what super amazing brothers are for.” He brightened.

  I laughed. “Alright.” I said, looking around at the crowded castle hallway. “But let’s go somewhere we won’t be overheard.” Dylan looked around and nodded.

  After we dropped off my bags in my room we headed for a quiet place on the beach where we could talk. While I hadn’t been sure where to start, once I did, the words came out in a rush. I told him all of it. The nightmares, Violet’s request, Dorian’s help, Fynn’s unavailability. I told him about Oran’s introduction to Ophelia and what I had been learning. But there were other moments when my tongue wouldn’t work. And that was when I realized that I physically couldn’t tell Dylan everything. Whatever the king had done had made telling him everything impossible, but I still tried, testing the boundaries of my confinement. I managed to be able to tell him that there were other things going on that I physically couldn’t tell him about. I was able to tell him about my trip to Ellinghead Isle and Cainhorn Palace, about the ex-sea witch. It was so liberating to have it out in the open. I didn’t realize how much I had needed this, a moment to be open and close to my brother again. He nodded and smiled, occasionally asking questions, sometimes frowning, but mostly letting me talk and listening thoughtfully. When I had talked for a good hour, and I thought I had said all I could, I was quiet.

  “You know I’m not actually a baby anymore, right? You can tell me these things. You shouldn’t have to go through all of this on your own. I know mom and dad are gone, but we still have each other.” He paused and I waited. I had done more than enough talking and now was his turn. “Things are going to get harder before they get easier, I think. But still, we’re a team.” He put his arm around my shoulder and again I wondered when he had gotten so tall. He was right, he wasn’t a baby anymore.

  “Fayre’s missing.” When he paused, I knew he wanted me to say something, but I wasn’t sure what.

  “For how long?”

  “A few days. I’m not sure exactly.”

  I knew truly little about the mer girl he had been spending his time with, and not for the first time I was left with a feeling of guilt for being so wrapped up in myself. “I’m sorry.” Was all I could think to say and I leaned into his shoulder. He took a breath and sat up taller.

  “Let’s talk to Oran. We don’t have to tell him everything if you don’t want to, but we’re going to need him to help set up our transportation.” Dylan said.

  “Dorian said that I might bring Oran along for help.” I added without enthusiasm.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I know how he feels about you, or at least I can guess, but I don’t think we should. Nerine seemed to think it was really important that it was just the two of us for this.”

  “Nerine?”

  “That’s her name. The little mer girl with the purple hair.”

  “I’ve met her.” I said, remembering my own run ins with a peculiar little mer child with light purple hair. “If it’s the same girl, then I would agree that we should do what she says. I think she has some of the same abilities that I have.”

  “Well, we know what we need to do, so let’s get to it. Do you want me to come with you to talk to Mister enamored-pants?” While his tone was light, I could see that he wasn’t enthusiastic about the scenario.

  “No, no. It’s alright. I can handle Oran.”

  “Great!” Dylan said, patting me on the shoulder. “I’ll go pack. Come and find me when you’re ready.”

  “Right.” I said, turning from Dylan and squaring my shoulders to the castle.

  Oran wasn’t hard to find, pacing the pathways surrounding the castle, I had the impression that he had been waiting for me. His back was to me as I approached, but he slowed and began to turn even before I spoke.

  “Oran.” I called out as he turned to face me. His face lit up.

  “You’re home.” He smiled and quickly closed the distance between us, he took my hands and kissed them, but quickly released them. I wondered at his use of the word ‘home.’ Was this home for me? I wasn’t sure. I had been here for a long time, but I still thought of the house I was raised in as home. My mind drifted to the house that would be so bare now, dad wasn’t there and Dylan was here. That house really didn’t hold the warmth that my home once did. “How was your trip?” Oran asked and gently pressed a hand to my arm leading me to a bench surrounded by an arch of fragrant flowering vines to sit. I let him lead me, glad to be off of the path and away from curious eyes.

  “It was interesting.” I took a deep breath searching for my voice. A vine curled around the wooden armrest and I ran my fingers along it. When I looked back at Oran, his eyes were intense, searching. “Your father seems to have plans for me.”

  Oran’s face dropped into a scowl. “I’m sure he does.” His tone was irritated. “Did he parade you about then? Show you off to the court and visiting dignitaries?”

  “A bit.” I allowed. “But it really wasn’t awful. I met some very pleasant people.”

  Oran scoffed. “I’m sure there were plenty of people who were eager to get on your good side, especially with your new title.” His manner turned falsely submissive as he bowed his head to me. “Lady Reed. Favored of the king and his heir. No doubt my father was eager to spread word of your importance so as to lay all the necessary inroads for you to help him.”

  “You seem well informed.” I answered, unused to his annoyed tone.

  Oran eyed me with a patient smile. “Even if it weren’t about you, Cora, I have my ways of getting information. There is no shortage of people who would like to ingratiate themselves to the future heir of the Kingdom of Glieyen, mer and human alike.”

  I nodded, thoughtful. “I need a favor, Oran.” I said after a lull in the conversation, my face apologetic. I hated asking for anything from him. Even if his state was of his own creation, I didn’t want to take advantage of him. And yet, I couldn’t do this without him. Looking at Oran, he didn’t seem annoyed, or even politely patient. He seemed happy, eager. He reached out and took my hand in his. His soft fingers were warm.

  “Say the word my lady.” His eyes burned with intense sincerity, there was no teasing in his voice now. He made it so easy and so difficult at the same time.

  “I need to find someone, a naiad. I think I know where to look, but I need a boat to get there.”

  He eyed my thoughtfully, his smile never leaving his lips. “When do you want to go?”

  “As soon as possible.” I said the words like an apology.

  “I have several boats at my disposal, will you want a full crew? How far will you be going?”

  “I hadn’t given much thought to the crew. It will be a few days of sailing. We will probably want a small crew.” I ceded. Oran’s face shifted.

  “We… Is Fynn going with you?”

  “Oh, no.” I answered quickly. Not wanting to hurt his feelings. He looked down, thoughtful. The sun sparkled on his long blond hair.

  “Do you want me to go with you? To help?” His face held a tentative hope and my heart sank.

  “No, Dylan is going with me. It will be good for just the two of us to do this.” I said slowly.

  “Of course.” His smile returned and he seemed pleased that at least Fynn wasn’t the one I was taking along with me. “Can it wait until tomorrow? It would be easier if I had until then to arrange your crew.”

  “Tomorrow should be fine.”

  “Very well.” He stood reaching out to offer me his hand. “In the meantime, would you care to join me for dinner?” A mischievous smile played across his lips and he had all of his former confidence. His smile widened ever so slightly revealing his perfect white teeth. His smile was like a sunrise and I was momentarily caught in its spell.

  “Sure.” I agreed, taking his hand and allowing him to lead me into the castle.

  {MISSING SYMBOL}

  Oran’s eyes were bright and smiling. It felt like I was seeing him for the first time, he seemed so changed. He was still as beautifu
l as ever, every angle of his face perfect, his ocean green eyes sparkling. And while I wanted to look at him, to stare into his eyes as he spoke, the experience felt more solid, more real than any of my interactions with him had. Something had changed in him. Ever since his declaration that he was going to try to win me over, it seemed. I appreciated this side of him. An open cheerfulness that I had never seen before. I looked away from him for a moment as he spoke, scanning horizon.

  The sky was calm. The waves gently lapping at the shore. We sat at a small table on a paved patio tucked between the castle and the shore, ringed with trees and the not-too-distant call of birds. I looked back to Oran and there it was again. That longing devastation that I was familiar with, but in a moment, it was gone, replaced again by his shining eyes. He reached out, teasing his forefinger against the side of my hand where it sat on the table between us. I held my hand still, neither advancing nor retreating. Desperate to hold the tenuous peace between us. Not wanting to see the need and sadness in his eyes.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” His eyes held a hint of the need that he had tried to hide. “Or anyone, for help? I know I don’t need to tell you that there are dangerous creatures out there. Maybe we could send someone else to find this naiad?” Oran’s grip on his cheery attitude was slipping. “I want to keep you safe.”

  I smiled because I knew he was sincere, even if bewitched, and because I wanted to soften my reply. “Thank you, Oran, but no. Just me and Dylan this time. We’ve learned a fair bit about monsters since we first came here. We’ll be careful.”

  “Cora,” he said, “I know more than what you’ve told me outright.” He shifted, unsure of his next words. “If you need help, you can ask me.”

  “Thank you.” I said simply.

  “Cora,” Oran’s face had turned earnest, “I know that you can dream.” His eyes took on some unspoken significance.