by N R Tucker
Ryan nodded to Montore, and he flew back to the hill with Victoria and Fred in tow.
“Jarvious, you promised to sing another song of past battles fought by Lady Tempest. Let’s go to the bonfire.” Murdoch led most of the others away.
Haven, advisor to the Southern Realm, approached the group. He looked at Lady Dawn, then Lady Faun, and finally at Ryan and Asp who were still holding Pagan and Odell. He spoke to Pagan, “What happened? Choose your words carefully.”
Pagan snarled at his eldest brother, “Odell grabbed Lady Dawn, and I hit him.”
“Advisor, there’s more to the tale.” Asp stepped forward, dragging Odell with him. “Lady Faun and Pagan were walking on the beach. Lady Sara and I passed them a few minutes before it happened. I didn’t see him, so Odell must have been lying in wait to jump them. While I didn’t see the entire exchange, Pagan was protecting Lady Faun, as he always has.”
Advisor Haven narrowed his eyes on Odell. “Did you harm Lady Faun?”
“I was trying to save her from that fool.” He pointed at Pagan.
“I didn’t ask to be saved, you putrid, licentious, disreputable, boorish, miscreant. You are never to approach me again for any reason,” she yelled and then kicked him in the knee hard enough that everyone heard the break.
Ryan pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. Sara walked over and placed a gentle arm around Faun, “Come, we’ll put ice on your arm to keep it from swelling.”
“The sap of the red weeping bush would be better.” Faun took refuge in her knowledge of healing plants as another blush moved up her face. She had caused a scene during solstice. Father would not be pleased.
“Okay, we’ll get some of that,” Sara agreed, walking Faun away from the men.
“Advisor,” Lady Windy approached. “Pagan did throw the first punch but only after Lady Faun screamed when Odell grabbed her arm. The fault cannot be Pagan’s.”
“Truly, I would have done the same had a lady with me been grabbed in such a manner,” Asp commented.
Ryan released Pagan, sure that he needed to keep his mouth shut. He wasn’t certain how fae politics worked in this case, but he felt for Pagan. The kid was just protecting Lady Faun.
Asp released Odell at the same time. Before Asp could speak, Odell tackled Pagan and punched him. This time Asp and Ryan looked on as the warriors broke the two apart.
“Bring them both,” Haven demanded. “We’ll discuss this in my chambers.”
“That’s probably not good,” Ryan commented as they left.
“No, Haven will be hard on Pagan just to prove he’s not biased in favor of his youngest brother.” Asp watched them walk away, “Sometimes family ties are not helpful.”
“I hear you.”
Ryan and Asp joined the group around Lady Faun. She turned on them and glared. “What happened? Where’s Pagan?”
“We released them, and Odell took another swing at Pagan. Haven took them both away,” Ryan said.
“What? I must go. It’s not Pagan’s fault.” She stood to go to the residence.
Lady Windy blocked her path. “If you go to defend Pagan, there are those who will say you protected him because he was too weak to defend himself. Allow him his dignity.”
“I won’t just wait.”
“Yes, you will. You must. Pagan will be back soon enough.” Lady Windy patted her shoulder and walked over to join Murdoch.
Eventually, the crowd lessened, leaving Faun with Sara, Dawn, Asp, and Ryan. Faun sighed, “You guys go take a walk or something. I’m fine here.”
“No, the minute we leave you, you’ll do something truly reckless.” Lady Dawn sat and got comfortable.
Sara looked over at the men and shrugged, “Why don’t you guys grab us something to snack on.”
While Ryan loaded a couple of plates with snacks, Asp gathered up drinks and found two trays, giving Ryan enough room to fill another plate. As they walked back, Asp muttered, “If Odell’s still alive after solstice, I may beat him myself. He ruined a promising evening.”
Thinking about that kiss Ryan didn’t speak, but his head nodded in agreement.
Chapter 41
Riding on Montore’s back, just after sunrise, Victoria was giddy with excitement. She had never experienced giddy before. She liked it. Flying through the Southern Realm on the back of a dragon was glorious. She looked back at Fred. He looked a little green. Surprised, she asked, “What’s wrong? You take a flying form. Surely you don’t get motion sickness.”
“I don’t when I’m doing the flying. This isn’t flying. This is riding.” Fred burped, looking greener than before.
Montore dove and landed on a mountaintop, commenting dryly as Victoria and Fred disembarked, “If you must be sick, please do so on the ground.”
Ryan, in dragon form, landed. Once Lady Dawn was on the ground, he shifted and handed Fred a root. “It works like ginger in the Seen. Chew on it. You’ll feel better.”
Fred accepted the root, and while chewing, stood on the edge of a cliff. Now that he wasn’t riding through the air he could look at the scenery. They were on a mountain peak overlooking a valley north of the Southern Realm where a river forked in two directions. The one closest to them was the widest. While he tried to decide if he was looking at sea or river merfolk playing with the hippocampus, he saw an odd-looking dragon approach. “Hey, Ryan, you know him?”
Ryan looked down at the long, thin, jewel-toned green dragon flying up the side of the mountain. “I might.”
The dragon landed as far away from Montore as possible. Montore didn’t attack, and the green tucked his wings and spoke, “Wielder of the Patron’s Sword. You are the first, since Valiant the Bold, to whom the sword has sworn allegiance. It chose you, and therefore, I choose you. I am Kulvir. The sword will call to me each time you enter the Farseen. If you desire my presence, think my name and I will come. I have had many centuries since Valliant the Bold’s death to hone my skills. I am pleased to be of service.”
“Well met, Kulvir. I’m Ryan, perhaps we could meet once my solstice obligations are completed.”
“That will serve us both well. Remember, think my name and I will come.” Kulvir dove off the side of the mountain and flew away.
Lady Dawn watched Kulvir fly away. “The songs I’ve heard said he died when Valiant the Bold did.”
“He did not die. He was, as he said, honing his skills.” Montore’s claws scraped the rock as he moved to stand by Ryan. “He is now powerful, and few dragons will aggress against him. While he looks weak and frail, he is neither. His magic is more powerful than most.”
“But he watched you warily,” Fred commented, looking a little less green.
“It is said he does not enjoy killing. Had I attacked the half-breed, he would have killed me with ease. Ryan, wielder of the Patron’s Sword, you have acquired a powerful ally.”
Ryan watched Kulvir disappear. Reading Val’s journal just moved to the top of his to do list after the solstice. Hopefully, it had the details he needed. He clapped his hands together once, “Okay folks, the sunrise ride is over. Let’s head back for breakfast on the beach.”
They landed on the hill overlooking the revelers. Many had taken sunrise walks on the beach. Victoria smiled, wondering how many were walking to reduce speculation on where they spent the night, or with whom. She turned to Montore, “I enjoyed the ride. It was wonderful.”
“Yes, the ride pleased me this day,” Fred added. He felt silly using the phrasing of the fae, but Tempe had told him it would be expected.
“I found it interesting as well. I had never had a two-legged on my back before. And Ryan, know that I will speak of your conversation with Kulvir.” Montore lay down on the hill, to resume his vigil of the revelry.
Ryan nodded. He wasn’t surprised.
“Come, we must hurry.” Lady Dawn ran down the hillside. The others followed.
Ryan didn’t know what was so urgent until he saw Faun yelling at Odell, who was walking with a ca
ne. Faun moved fast and cracked Odell’s good knee.
“Is there a reason for this display?” Lady Dawn slowed to a walk and moved to stand beside her sister.
“Yes, there is,” Lady Faun snarled. “This…”
“Lady Faun, Odell is surely worthy of the words you are about to say, but I would prefer you refrain from saying them at this time,” Lady Saffron walked up to stand between the sisters.
The crowd quieted. Lady Saffron had displayed more power of late, and many were waiting to see if she would rival Lady Tempest for mastery of her gifts and displays of temper.
Lady Saffron glanced at Phoenix, “Brother mine, take Lady Faun for a short walk to cool her understandable temper.”
Phoenix didn’t bat an eye at Saffron’s order but rushed to comply. He had never been called brother by Saffron before, but in this setting, it did make sense.
Phoenix took Lady Faun out of sight. Only then did Saffron turned on Odell. “I cannot say there are no males so foolish in the Northern Realm, but I can say most would plan their actions better. If a lady rejects you by breaking a kneecap the night before, do not expect her to embrace you the next morning. I tire of this foolishness. Nephew, I will be satisfied if you remove this male from my sight. Asphodel will surely assist.” She turned and walked over to a table laden with fruit, devoting her full attention to the culinary options before her.
Asp grinned and walked with Ryan to where Odell was hugging the knee that didn’t have a cast. “I, for one, wish to see your aunt satisfied. Ryan?”
“I try to keep on the good side of all of my many aunts. Makes life easier.” Once Ryan explained the method to Asp, they seized Odell, lifted him in a fireman’s carry, and headed for the residence. Once they were out of earshot, Ryan groused, “Why are we always cleaning up after this fool?”
“Perhaps your aunt believes we will not kill him for ruining our solstice, but if I see him again this day, I shall demand reparation,” Asp said. Odell whimpered, and Asp squeezed the leg tighter as they approached the guards. “This only hurts half as much as it could.”
Features schooled into a mask, one of the guards asked, “Did he approach Lady Faun again?”
“He did,” Asp smirked. “Is Advisor Haven available? If not, can we dump him in the dungeon?”
“Bring him and follow me,” Haven snarled from the open door, followed by a mumbled, “Thank the five realms solstice has only one night remaining.”
Asp and Ryan exchanged grins and followed.
Once inside his rooms, Haven pointed to the far side of the room. “On the lounge.”
Asp and Ryan dropped their burden and stood back to make room for the healer who had arrived.
“You may return to the beach.” Haven watched the healer work.
“Advisor Haven, perhaps Pagan could return with us?” Ryan asked.
“Pagan could benefit from new surroundings. He left for PAC HQ at sunrise.”
Ryan would have responded, but Asp shook his head slightly. While he didn’t trust Asp, he was willing to concede that any fae better understood their rules of conduct. They bowed and left.
The duo walked past the guards and were on the path to the beach before Asp explained, “As punishments go, PAC HQ is a reward. It is well known that Pagan desired a post there. Most will think his brother removed him from Lady Faun’s sight because they are so young. Many will wonder if Lord Elros approved of Pagan’s actions and recommended the assignment.” As they moved closer to the revelers, Asp said, “As Lady Faun will be displeased to hear of Pagan’s assignment, perhaps you could tell Lady Dawn. She can inform her sister.”
Ryan nodded, “I had the same thought, but I think we’re doomed.” He pointed to where Lady Faun, followed by Phoenix, rushed toward them.
Lady Faun came to an abrupt stop in front of the duo. “Where is Pagan?”
“Don’t you mean how is Odell?” Lady Dawn murmured.
Lady Faun shrugged, “I don’t care about Odell.” She glared at Asp, “Where is Pagan? You would have taken Odell to Haven, and surely one of you thought to ask.”
“They are male.” Amusement from the gathered crowd greeted Lady Windy’s wry response. “Perhaps they were thinking of their empty stomachs.”
Asp grinned, and said, “Ryan asked. Pagan left for the Seen this morning. He finally received approval to work at PAC HQ. I return there myself tomorrow. If you desire, Lady Faun, I can deliver a message to Pagan.”
She turned and stomped away.
“I’ll go after my sister. There is no reason for you to bestir yourself, Phoenix. Lady Sara, it would please me if you made sure those three ate.”
“Will do,” Sara grabbed Asp’s arm and walked toward the tables, ignoring Ryan and Phoenix.
“Hey, why did Sara just grab Asp’s arm?” Shawn approached the group, unconcerned that Lady Snowbell held his arm in the same manner. He glared at Ryan, “And why aren’t you doing anything about it?”
“Asp’s not so bad, and I tire of taking fools to the Southern Realm advisor. Don’t start anything.” Ryan followed Sara and Asp. Food was sounding pretty good.
Phoenix clapped Shawn on the shoulder and followed Ryan.
Chapter 42
“Where are your guards?” Joey frowned. He and Sage had finished a planning session, and she prepared to leave for a meeting, wearing full battle gear.
Sage crossed her arms, “I don’t need guards to meet with one prif.”
“Does Tempe or Kyan know where you’re going and who you’re meeting with?” Joey planted his feet in a wide stance, blocking Sage from leaving the room. It was a symbolic gesture. If she wanted him out of the way, she could move him easily enough.
“If I say yes, will you move? Or do I need to move you?”
Joey shook his head in irritation, “Dimitriy is not someone you should see alone. I think it’s a trap.”
“Not a trap, a challenge. I need to stop the speculation. As long as Tempe and Kyan stand in front of me, the prifs will not trust me.”
“Then call Ryan. Take someone with power with you.” He cringed. That was the worst thing he could have said.
“Speak to no one about this. I don’t need anyone else’s power, I have my own,” Sage snarled. Using wind, she pushed Joey out of the way and left.
Joey picked himself up off the floor, dropped into one of the chairs, and sighed. How could he get around that order?
*****
“She’ll be here any minute.” Dimitriy reminded the others. He didn’t care if they were ready or not. Though they didn’t know it, they were here to die by the sovereign’s hand while he carried out his plan. If she didn’t kill them, he would do it himself. There could be no witnesses to this deception. The two other prifs were hiding and would join the fight once it started. Three prifs against the young sovereign would be enough. Rafael turned down the invitation, but he would still play a part. The sovereign would die in Rafael’s territory. The alphas would look to him as the killer.
A gate opened, and Sage walked out, in full battle gear. Dimitriy smiled. The child wasn’t as big a fool as he had believed. He bowed, “Sovereign, thank you for coming.”
Sage planted her feet in a wide stance with her hands on her hips. “Let’s get this over with. Say the words.”
Dimitriy straightened his back. “I, Dimitriy, Prif of the Saint Petersburg Clan, challenge you, Sovereign of all shifters, to a duel to the death in the shifter tradition. No seconds, no weapons, except the elements and magic you possess. The winner becomes, or remains, the sovereign.”
“I accept.” As soon as the words were out of Sage’s mouth, Dimitriy threw a fireball. She blocked with water and used wind to toss him into a tree. While he staggered to his feet, a tire iron rushed toward her head. She caught the attack out of the corner of her eye and blocked it with wind. Then she swept up the wielder of the tire iron and tossed him to the ground with the power of tropical storm winds, crushing his body. Her first kill. At least her first as s
overeign. She turned back to face Dimitriy with her shield in place against another round of fireballs.
Stanislav walked out of the woods firing an automatic weapon. The bullets bounced off her shield, and he had to duck behind a boulder for safety. Sage turned back to Dimitriy, “Three against one? This isn’t an honorable duel in the shifter tradition.”
“You are too young to lead. You must be removed. Your family isn’t up to the task, but I am.” Dimitriy walked steadily toward her.
Stanislav left the safety of the boulder once the bullets stopped ricocheting but stopped his approach to watch a motorcycle top the hill. The bike became airborne for a few seconds, crashed to the ground, and slid across the field without a rider. The rider had jumped and landed on Stanislav, taking him down and breaking his neck. After he bashed in Stanislav’s head and heart to prevent recovery, Rafael removed his helmet. He tossed his helmet toward his bike and bowed. “Sovereign, if this is a duel in the shifter tradition, I await your victory. If it’s an ambush, I await your orders.”
Sage didn’t respond but turned back to Dimitriy, “You miscalculated.” She pulled wind and surrounded Dimitriy, once again slamming her opponent into the ground with enough force to crush bones. She looked at the two men she had killed and then at Rafael’s kill, in total, three dead prifs. “Such a waste.”
“I disagree, Sovereign.” Rafael approached with a smooth stride and bowed again. “Today you have become blood proven, a distasteful, yet necessary, step to secure your reign. These three were your major detractors and their deaths, especially when it becomes known they did not follow shifter tradition in the challenge, will ease tension… as strange as that may sound.”
“There are those who say you are my biggest detractor.”
“Like many, I did not think a young adult could successfully lead a clan, much less all shifters. You proved me wrong.”
Serenity and Kyan ran out of a gate, prepared for battle. They slowed to a walk, took in the scene, and realized they had missed the fight. Kyan held out his hand to Rafael, “Thank you for notifying Serenity of Dimitriy’s plans and for being here to protect the sovereign.”