Somehow this realization only increased the pain and she felt her legs weaken. Another gasp escaped her and she fell to her knees, unable to restrain the sobs that racked her body. She bent over and covered her face, mortified that she couldn’t control herself any longer. To her surprise, Ky’ara felt Myrnai’s cool hand on her back and somehow the pain slowly faded. It went back inside the barrier she had built and she was able to sit up, taking deep, gasping breaths.
“What…What did you do?” she asked when she was able to find her voice.
Myrnai gazed at her sadly, “I am only able to shield your emotions for a little while. They are so much stronger here and my presence isn’t helping, I’m sure.”
There was short pause, and then Ky’ara gave a shy nod, unsure how exactly to take the statement but unable to deny it’s truth.
“But regardless, I had to speak with you and I have to have you functioning so you can take in what I have to say.” She paused and looked searchingly at Ky’ara. “We need to talk about Taren.”
“That’s his choice to make.” Ky’ara said abruptly, “I can’t…”
Myrnai cut her off, “Taren already chose.”
“I see, and somehow you both decided it would be easier if you told me?” Ky’ara said acidly, suddenly regaining a bit of her anger.
“He chose you, silly girl!” Myrnai’s tone was sharp “I would have thought that was obvious.”
“But, then—why?” Ky’ara couldn’t form a coherent question; she couldn’t quite bring herself to believe this wasn’t just a twisted dream.
“He loves you much more than he ever could have loved me,” Myrnai said, “He knows that. He told me he tried to explain…but I imagine he bungled it terribly. He never has been the best with talking about feelings and he is too honorable to admit straight out that his feelings for me weren’t as strong as he once thought. He’s worried you’ll somehow think less of him for it.”
“He expresses feelings just fine,” Ky’ara protested, coming to Taren’s defense. Myrnai gave her a look.
“Ok, maybe his communication isn’t the best. But I’m probably at fault too…I tend to lock things up inside,” Ky’ara admitted. Something was happening inside her. The weight she had lived with for the last few months was beginning to lift. She looked at Myrnai.
“But then…what about you?” Ky’ara said. Now she could feel her emotions returning from whatever Myrnai had done before, but the pain was gone, in its place was relief—and an inkling of joy. Her happiness, however, was dimmed by the sorrow she now felt for Myrnai, wondering what the other woman was feeling.
Myrnai smiled sadly. “He and I were never meant to be together. I should have realized that when Arys separated us. She knew what she was doing, and I…well, I was just a silly girl in love with the idea of adventure.”
“But you’ve been waiting for him for five-hundred years!” Ky’ara exclaimed, feeling almost guilty, “I don’t know if I could’ve…you deserve to…”
Myrnai gripped her by the shoulders and looked straight at her. “You have to understand!” Her tone was insistent. “Is your memory so dull that you don’t remember what happened seconds ago? The intensity of your pain can only be in proportion to your loss…don’t you understand your own feelings? I COULD NOT LOVE HIM LIKE THAT! The pain I felt when he disappeared entirely was nothing in comparison to what I just witnessed. Besides, in five hundred years you learn how fleeting some emotions can be, and I…well, I’ve done my task, I’ve ensured that he found the bearer of the crystal, even though I didn’t even have to actually do anything…Ah, well, maybe it’s not such a loss. I don’t think he would have been able to fully commit to you if he still had regrets from the past…”
Ky’ara felt confused, Myrnai’s last statements didn’t seem to be directed at her, but she couldn’t ignore their implications. “You didn’t extend your life for five hundred years just because you were convinced he’d come for you?” she asked, unable to restrain herself. She could feel her elation building; it was almost too good to be true.
“Of course not.” Myrnai’s voice was brisk. “That’s just what that silly minstrel put into his song. I was following the instructions Arys left me. She explained everything in a letter that she slipped to me before I left Eléirathös. I won’t lie though…I only followed her instructions originally because I might see him again…”
“How did you…?” Ky’ara left it open, not sure she should ask.
“I won’t tell you how I was able to live so long. But I paid a price for it and it’s not a price most people would be willing—or able—to pay. Anyways, none of that matters now. I’m leaving for good soon; I just needed to make sure you understood how the situation stands. You’ve been causing Taren enough pain. It’s time for you to forgive him,” Myrnai smiled faintly.
Ky’ara nodded hesitantly, “Does he know…?”
“That I’m leaving?” Myrnai finished, “Yes, I explained everything to him the first night I arrived. I only delayed my disappearance because I knew that my healing knowledge was needed and because I had to be sure you would understand about Taren…and because of Lauryn.”
“She’ll miss you,” Ky’ara said quietly.
“I know.” Myrnai looked sad. “But she’ll understand. And besides, her destiny lies with you now. She can take care of herself. She just needed a direction…and you’ve given her that, so…she’ll be okay.”
They both paused and the silence stretched around them. Suddenly Ky’ara took a step forward and gave Myrnai a hug.
“Thank you.”
The words were inadequate, she was sure, but somehow they were able to convey the depth of her gratitude.
“Go now.” Myrnai gave her an encouraging smile. “Sleep.”
Ky’ara felt the mist closing around her, her consciousness fading, and she fell into a natural, dreamless sleep beyond the borders of the Dreamworld.
* * * * *
Ky’ara woke slowly, not sure how long she had slept. She sat up and looked to the east; the sky was barely light, a slow pink blush spreading hesitantly across the sky. At the edge of the camp a silhouetted figure sat completely still, keeping watch. A quick glance to her left showed that Joran was still wrapped in his blankets, sleeping soundly. Well, I guess I’d better get this over with…Ky’ara thought, looking back to the silhouetted figure and feeling unduly apprehensive.
She smoothed her hair back silently and straightened her rumpled tunic, suddenly wishing she was still wearing the simple white dress from the Dreamworld. Walking noiselessly across the camp, she made her way to Taren’s side. When she was about a yard away, he rose from the rock he had been sitting on and turned to face her. A look of shock crossed his face momentarily before being hidden away behind the mask. She looked down, suddenly shy. For a moment the world seemed to stop. They stood across from each other as Ky’ara struggled to find the words to speak; both with their eyes averted, neither quite able to acknowledge the other’s presence. The silence was deafening.
Finally, Ky’ara looked up, unable to abide the gulf between them any longer.
“Taren, I…” she started, and he looked up at her, a question in his eyes.
“I’m sorry.” She dropped her gaze again, afraid she wouldn’t be able to say anything else if she looked at him. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting and for assuming things and for not allowing you to explain and for being so, well…”
Taren was unable to hide the shock this time, surprise and relief and a million other emotions flitting across his face as Ky’ara apologized. Emotions poured through him unexpectedly and he wondered what had finally brought her out from behind her shields. He didn’t know how to respond. Ky’ara trailed off, looking up at him hesitantly, and he realized that she had tears in her eyes.
Instinct took over and he took two steps forward to gather her into his arms. She stiffened momentarily in surprise, then relaxed into the embrace and laid her head against his chest, tears streaming do
wn her face.
“It’s not your fault,” he said softly, “it’s mine, I should have…” He broke off abruptly as she began to sob uncontrollably and he just held her, letting the remaining pain bleed out with her tears. Finally, her shaking stopped and the tears dried on her cheeks. She leaned against him and he pulled her closer, closing his eyes.
They could have stood like that forever.
The sun rose in the east. The blush of rose turned to a brilliant crimson light that flooded the land around them and then seemed to fade as the world brightened, till the sun just kissed the hilltops with its light. Birdsong filled the land around them and flowers regained their color as the world came to life again after the long night of darkness.
They watched the sunrise till the colorful light faded and the sky turned a brilliant blue. For the first time in months, Ky’ara really smiled. Taren looked down and smiled too. Then, suddenly giddy, he laughed and caught her up, lifting her from the ground and spinning her around, then he set her down and gently kissed her surprised mouth.
“How stupid we are,” he murmured, letting go of her completely and turning to stare at the distant mountains.
Ky’ara could only nod in agreement, too caught up in the moment to say anything. Taren turned back to her and smiled faintly.
“What is Joran going to think?”
The question caught her off guard, and she gave it a moment’s contemplation before shrugging. “Oh, he’ll probably be horribly confused at first, but he’ll get over it soon enough. I’ll just tell him I finally decided enough was enough. He thinks I’m totally unpredictable anyways.”
Taren furrowed his brow momentarily, serious again. “And did you just decide that enough was enough?”
Ky’ara looked past him, her expression distant. “Myrnai came to me, in a dream,” She whispered softly, “She told me…well, she convinced me to talk to you.”
She gave him an anxious look, but he just nodded slowly and turned back to the camp. “Come on, we should get moving again.”
“Taren.” Ky’ara stopped him firmly. “I know it has to be hard, letting her go. I just, well, I understand you probably want to avoid the topic…”
“I love you, Ky’ara,” Taren interrupted, “Probably from the moment I first laid eyes on you, certainly from the first time I talked to you. Myrnai is a part of my past now, nothing more. Seeing her again…I realized how different my feelings for you are. Deeper, stronger…nothing else matters to me but making you happy and keeping you safe. If I knew back then that you would be waiting for me when I awoke, I’d let Arys seal me again in an instant—I’d beg her to, because it’s the only way I could be with you. I—”.
“Okay I get the picture.” Ky’ara smiled wryly and put a finger to his lips to cut him off. “I love you too. More than you could possibly understand—more than I even understand,” she thought wonderingly, remembering the pain she had experienced in the Dreamworld, “But Joran just woke up and I think we’re embarrassing him.”
They turned to see the boy standing not far away, his hair still tousled from sleep, a confused look on his face. “Are you guys done being stupid then?” he asked exasperatedly.
Ky’ara smiled faintly, taking Taren’s hand firmly. “Yes,” she said calmly, “No more stupidity.”
Joran rolled his eyes, “Thank goodness. I don’t suppose you’re going to apologize to me as well?”
“What do you mean?” Ky’ara asked.
Joran gave her a look. “Being the go-between when you two could hardly even look at each other was not fun you know. Next time you guys want to be miserably-apart-but-still-travelling-together, just let me know so I can find someone else to bring along, ok?”
Taren shook his head at Joran’s impudence and squeezed Ky’ara’s hand. “That’s never going to happen,” he murmured.
“Great,” Joran sighed dramatically, “the first half of the trip I had to deal with you ignoring each other, now I’m gonna have to put up with all the mushiness. Ever heard of finding a middle-ground?”
Ky’ara couldn’t help but smile. She looked up at Taren. “Don’t worry. He’s happy we’re happy together. He just acts like this so we won’t see how sensitive he really is.”
Joran snorted disdainfully, “Can we get packed up and on the road again? The sooner we meet up with Sukylar and Lauryn the better…at least then I won’t have to put up with you on my own!”
* * * * *
They travelled along the edges of the forest, moving easily through the relatively peaceful countryside. It went against the grain, but avoiding the main roads and villages seemed safer from Elrackon and less likely that they would encounter the work of the necromancer. So far the idea had proven valid. On their third day of travel, they entered the town of Veré. The sun was high in the sky, just starting its downward trek. Once they had passed the first few houses, Joran took the lead and soon they were combing down from their horses and unloading the saddlebags in the stable behind an inn.
Suddenly the door banged open and Lauryn rushed in, sweeping by Joran with barely a glance and grabbing Ky’ara’s hand.
“Lauryn, hi, what—” Joran started, stopping abruptly when he realized she wasn’t there for him.
“Thank goodness you’re finally here!” Lauryn pulled Ky’ara to the door as she explained the situation. “Sukylar’s hurt, badly. I don’t know how much longer he can last. You need to come look at him as soon as possible…the boys can do all this.”
Ky’ara looked helplessly at Taren and shrugged apologetically as she allowed the girl to pull her out into the yard and through the door of the inn. Taren put a hand on Joran’s shoulder as he started to follow them.
“Oh no you don’t! I’m not doing this all on my own. Besides, it seems like Lauryn’s a little distracted right now. You can talk to her later.”
Joran huffed an irritated sigh, but turned back to Rogue and finished cleaning his hooves before picking up a currycomb to complete the job.
* * * * *
Ky’ara sat next to Sukylar’s bed, carefully examining his wounds. “How exactly did you say he got this?” she asked Lauren, tentatively laying a hand on the black lines spider-webbing across his chest. She was hesitant to use magic on the wound in the ways she ordinarily would, after her other encounters with the shadow magic. Even just touching the affected area made her skin crawl. Could the shadow magic transfer to her without an open wound? She snatched her hand back at the thought, feeling anxiety start to flutter in her chest.
“…and a day or so after it bit him his leg started to look the same way, so I assume this wound is from something similar.”
Ky’ara focused back on what Lauryn was saying. Apparently the necromancer knew enough about their plans to try stopping all of them. That should mean that they were on the right track, but according to Lauryn neither she nor Sukylar had discovered anything useful.
Ky’ara shook her head and turned her thoughts back to the task at hand. Lauryn had been right about the urgency of the situation—if Sukylar didn’t get help soon, he was going to die. She could sense the shadows smothering the life inside of him little by little. It was unlike anything she’d ever dealt with before, and suddenly she wished she knew how to contact Myrnai…surely in five hundred years of experience she had seen something similar.
“Lauryn, what do you know about the Dreamworld?” Ky’ara asked abruptly.
The girl looked taken aback. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Myrnai mention it a time or two, but never in any detail…”
“Think Lauryn! Is there any way that I could get word to her, travel to the Dreamworld to speak with her…something?”
“I didn’t even know that was possible,” Lauryn started, “but it’s called the Dreamworld for a reason right? I’m pretty sure you have to be sleeping.”
Ky’ara sighed. She hated feeling so useless. She was reminded of the first time she’d tried to heal anyone. Her thoughts turned to Owen, the young boy she’d failed to save
…she’d promised herself she would not let that happen again. Yet, here she was, helpless in the face of the unknown once again. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her thoughts. If she could clear her mind, maybe she’d be able to sense something…nothing came except the vague feeling of sickness that she’d come to associate with the shadow magic.
“I don’t know if there is anything I can do. This shadow stuff…it attacks magic, and I’m afraid if I try to heal him it’ll just spread.”
“Well, we can’t just let him die!” Lauryn jumped up, protesting. “He saved my life! Please can’t you at least try using magic?”
“Lauryn, I can’t just…” Ky’ara started, considering a spell momentarily and then rejecting the idea as an awful feeling of dread overcame her.
“Coward.” Lauryn spat the word at her and turned to run from the room, brushing away tears and nearly hitting Joran with the door.
Ky’ara just stared after her in surprise. Joran looked confused and upset. He hesitated by the door, wondering whether he should go after the girl or not.
“Oh just come in already!” Ky’ara told him, “She obviously needs some time alone and going after her is only going to make you upset too.”
“I haven’t seen her in months and she hasn’t even spared two seconds to look at me,” Joran grumbled.
“Well, she’s worried. She grew up with a healer, so she knows when someone is close to death. And I’m sure she feels like it’s her fault, since she knows more about healing than any of us, but she still can’t make him better,” Ky’ara told him mildly.
Taren entered behind Joran, closing the door carefully. “Is he really that bad?” the Keeper asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. Ky’ara nodded and then leaned her head against his arm. It was funny how just days ago his presence had caused her unbearable pain and now just touching him gave her a small sense of comfort.
“What have you tried?” Taren asked, bending over to examine the wounds more closely.
“Nothing,” Ky’ara said wearily, and he turned to look at her quizzically. “The wounds are saturated in those shadows that seem to wrap around whatever magic they get close to. I’m afraid if I try to burn out the infection, the shadows will just get stronger, and if I do a generalized strengthening of his body, I think it could follow my magic and just seep even deeper in. I can’t even treat the ordinary burns on his legs and hand because the shadows would probably be attracted to the magic and infect those wounds too!”
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