Running with the Wolves (The Chronopoint Chronicles Book 1)

by J E Reed

  “Maybe we’ll get another party.” She tried to lighten his mood, but he was having none of it.

  “If you ever do anything like that again—” He clenched his fists, unable to finish the threat. He’d been worried about her; she was sure both had. Kikyo walked away after that, leaving her to believe he was too angry to be in her presence. Perhaps she’d crossed a line with him, but he returned a few minutes later with a horse in tow.

  “It’s one of the few that didn’t take off,” he said. Elliott helped her stand, but didn’t let go as she staggered back.

  “You’re riding so don’t argue,” Kikyo stated. She shrunk from his command. Elliott hoisted her up, but she tottered, and he had to steady her again.

  “Are you going to be all right up there?” Elliott held her arm. Her first reaction would have been to say yes, but she wasn’t sure. Her mind continued to tilt. Walking seemed an issue, let alone riding.

  The saddle shifted, and someone took the reins. “I’ve got her.” Kikyo sat behind her, reins in one hand, the other wrapping her waist.

  “I can just try to walk…” she trailed off. Her cheeks flushed from his proximity.

  “Don’t make things weird, I’m only up here for your safety, if you weren’t such an idiot, you wouldn’t be in this situation.”

  They started north, led by those who knew the way. Awkward silence filled the space between them, but despite Kikyo’s anger, she was happy. They’d rescued these people from unknown amounts of torture at the hands of those despicable men. Simply seeing the few children smiling about their freedom was enough to lift her spirits.

  The sway of the horse turned her stomach, and Kikyo held her when she retched over the side. She couldn’t count how many times they asked if she were all right. Kiuno nodded and told them to keep going.

  After an hour, her vision cleared a little, but the throbbing pain in her head wouldn’t subside. She finally allowed herself to relax and leaned into Kikyo. The warmth of his body helped fight the chill creeping in.

  They were determined to reach the town by nightfall and placed several children on the remaining horses so they wouldn’t have to stop. After what they’d been through she understood the urgency.

  The ride was long, and her body ached with every minute that passed. It wasn’t until the sun started to set that wooden walls came into view.

  Many ran ahead and greeted those at the gate. She wondered if they would be hesitant to welcome such a large group, but none were turned away.

  An older man approached Elliott. “Are you the leader of this group?”

  “No, we helped them escape an unpleasant situation, but they’re the ones who guided us here.”

  The man glanced at the others, seeming to take in the magnitude of their condition before turning back. “What happened?”

  “I’m sure they’ll be happy to recount the details, however,” Elliott turned to her, “we’d like if our companion could find a place to rest first.”

  The man looked at her, and she wondered just how bad she appeared. “Of course, please come this way.”

  They followed him into a bustling town, the noise making her head pound all over again. It pulsed with life, just as the previous one had. She tried closing her eyes, to drown the stimulation that added to her pain.

  Elliott wrapped his arms beneath her own and helped her down. He kept a firm hold on her as a violent chill raked her form. She missed Kikyo’s body heat.

  A woman led them through the crowd with Elliott practically carrying her. Too much was happening for her to keep track. The most she could focus on was not throwing up again.

  “Two rooms?” Kikyo questioned.

  “Yes, one for the girl and another for you men.” She peeked her head up to find an older woman giving her a sympathetic smile.

  “We’ll just take one,” Elliott said.

  The woman looked ready to protest, but Kikyo’s menacing glare silenced her. It wasn’t fair for him to do that to everyone.

  Elliott carried her up the stairs and through a door. She’d never been happier to see a pair of beds. A small wooden table sat between them, and there was a fireplace in the corner.

  “You have doctors here?” Kikyo asked before she could leave.

  “They’ve been sent for.”

  “Thank you.” She nodded and left with Elliott in tow.

  Kiuno sighed. She hated doctors. It wasn’t as if Kikyo couldn’t take care of her.

  “Why did you ask for one?”

  “Because you’re injured.”

  “You realize I’ll have to explain my magic.”

  He scoffed. “With your display this morning I seriously doubt anyone in this town won’t know before tomorrow.”

  Hatred still lingered in his voice. Had Kikyo been afraid of the flames? Is that why he was so agitated? Had he gotten hurt? She couldn’t tell. They were all covered in dirt and blood. Hopefully more of the enemy’s than their own.

  “Hey Kikyo?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Um, will you stay?”

  He seemed perplexed, but didn’t protest. “Lie down, I’ll wake you when they get here.” Kiuno glanced at him once more, but he averted his face. Time must have passed, but it seemed only seconds later he shook her.

  In the doorway stood a tall man with short brown hair and a bag slung over one shoulder. She sat up, and Kikyo moved from the bedside to make room.

  “So, this is the fire girl?” She cringed and Kikyo gave her a knowing look.

  “It’s just Kiuno.”

  “A pleasure to meet you, seems you’re already a celebrity here. What hurts?”

  What doesn’t?

  “I’ll be fine; I think I just need some rest—”

  “She’s dizzy, her head is throbbing, and she’s thrown up several times. I don’t know how serious her other injuries might be.”

  “I see, may I?”

  Kiuno nodded. His fingers felt around her head, neck and ribs, cold and unwelcoming. She winced when his hands went over places she hadn’t even realized hurt. She had several shallow cuts but none he deemed serious. He had her follow his finger and do some other odd things before stepping back.

  “You have a few bruised ribs, something you’ll feel more of in the morning, but nothing is fractured or broken. That bump on your head and your symptoms indicate you might have a concussion, but that could be the magic’s fault as well. We’ve come to learn that when working with magic, the body can get overtaxed. We’re unsure why this is as we lack the use of modern medical equipment. From what I’ve been told you created quite a stir, so it might be best to refrain from it for a bit. Let your body recuperate.”

  “You’ve experienced this with others?” Kikyo asked.

  “A few times, especially with those that have been with us from the start. They’re always taking things too far.”

  “There are others here that can use magic?” Her excitement grew. Kikyo had been the only one she’d encountered that could use magic, aside from the man back at the camp. Maybe they could learn a few things.

  “Yes, in fact, they’re quite fascinating. You seem to possess a natural talent as well, just be careful not to overdo it.” He gathered his things and left, closing the door behind him. They sat still for a few minutes, neither speaking

  “I’m going to go check on Elliott, I’ll let you know if we find anything useful.” He turned to leave.

  She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want him angry with her, she didn’t want to look back and regret, not after what they’d just been through.

  “Kikyo, do you hate me?” He paused with his hand on the knob and for a moment she thought he might just walk out. Had she really pushed him that far? Had she ended their friendship? Silence lingered, but he remained still.

  “Kik—”

  “I thought you were going to die,” he whispered. “I watched a man raise his blade over you and wasn’t sure I could make it.”

  “You did and I’m thankful—�
��

  He spun, voice raising. “What happens when I’m not there next time you do something so reckless? What would you have done if you’d been captured or Elliott and I killed? Don’t you think about the consequences your actions could have held? You almost died.”

  She stared, eyes wide. He never yelled, not like this. He was right of course, she’d acted on a whim, hoping her actions would turn out.

  “And the fire,” he continued. “It burned so strong around you that we couldn’t get close. Had you not followed us out,” he paused, shaking his head. She tried to fight the tears as her thoughts flowed to his mother.

  “I’m sorry.” She looked away, afraid to see that anger or fear. Kiuno wasn’t sure which was worse.

  “You’re not allowed to cry.” She didn’t realize the tears were slipping down her cheek. “And I don’t hate you, I could never hate you Kiuno. Elliott is pissed too; he just won’t show it.”

  “I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

  Kikyo smirked. “I can only imagine what Elite goes through with you. I think if I were him, I’d be out searching as well.”

  She risked a glance to see sorrow behind the anger and worry, things he normally kept hidden.

  “Now lay down and get some rest, we won’t be far.”

  REALM: 3

  DAY: 67

  When her eyes opened, Kiuno was glad to see solid outlines rather than blurry figures. Her body protested each movement, but the raging headache had finally passed. She remembered the inn and turned her neck to see dim coals flickering in the fireplace. The moon shone in the room through a small window. She supposed she’d been out a few hours.

  In the bed parallel to her own slept Elliott, his larger figure giving him away even in the darkness. A quick spike of panic flew through her, but she relaxed seconds later seeing Kikyo silhouetted at the foot of her bed. He sat on the floor, his back leaning against the frame, head down and arms crossed. Despite the anger they had regarding her actions, both still cared for her deeply.

  Elliott stirred. “You’re finally awake.” Kikyo moved at the sound of his voice.

  “How long have I been out?” Her body was stiff, and she still felt drained.

  “A little over twenty-four hours.”

  She’d slept an entire day? Was this a side effect of the magic?

  “How are you feeling?” Kikyo asked, sitting beside her.

  “Better, but I’m really thirsty.”

  Elliott stood. “Hold on, I’ll go grab you something.”

  Silence filled the room and Kikyo placed a hand on her forehead. “You started a fever while you were sleeping,” he explained. “It appears to be gone now.”

  Her heart ached. She hated to worry him. “Sorry.”

  “There’s no need to keep apologizing. What’s done is done. I’m just glad you’re better.” He smiled, and she relaxed.

  “You said it was the middle of the night?”

  He looked to the window before responding. “Probably closer to morning now.”

  “Then how is Elliott getting something?” She assumed they’d lock the place up.

  “The doctor has been here a few times to check on you. The people who run this place offered anything we needed once you woke.” She had hoped to avoid the attention of too many, but it seemed everyone would know her before she even introduced herself.

  Elliott was back minutes later, carrying soup and bread. It didn’t matter at this point if it were cold. She was famished. They waited for her to finish.

  “We’ve discovered some interesting things while you were out,” Elliott said.

  “Like what?”

  “The people here are teaching others how to use their magic properly.”

  “Really?”

  “There are several who have mastered their elements. As least as far as their knowledge goes.”

  “What have they told you?”

  It was Kikyo who answered. “It’s more complex than I thought. The color of our stones only indicates the element we are most apt to use, if you look at the underlying shades, more are possible. Everything varies of course.”

  “Is it possible someone could use all of them?”

  “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, however most can only manipulate one element effectively. More interesting than that is their method of creating a barrier.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Those able to use an element can create a shield against it. Again, this differs based on their abilities. If one weren’t very good with fire, for instance, they wouldn’t be able to guard against it.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “It is. Most using magic have moved toward the front lines or rotate in and out. Having the ability to fight and defend from a distance is a great asset.”

  He was right, there would be less casualties that way, but did it drain them as it did her?

  “They can shield and use magic at the same time?” she asked.

  “Sort of. It takes a great deal of concentration to block an attack.”

  “I’d like to meet some of them.”

  “You will, they’ve been asking about you. They want to see what you’re capable of.” Kiuno wasn’t sure how she felt about that. None would get a display like before.

  Elliott added. “I’ve also heard rumors of those able to heal injuries, though I’m not sure to what extent.” He paused. “Something else you might want to consider is hiding your stone. I asked around, and no one has seen one like it, but they’re looking.”

  “Don’t you think they might be able to tell me what it means?” she asked.

  Elliott sighed. “It’s possible, but if they react as Tyler did they might be desperate enough to force you where you don’t want to go.”

  Kikyo smirked. “I’d like to see them try.”

  Kiuno’s pride swelled. She wasn’t helpless anymore but still. She wasn’t excited about the possibility of things turning sour. People were looking for a way to survive. They were desperate.

  “Maybe there’s something wrong with me. Whatever happened back at the camp clearly had nothing to do with fire from any sky. Plus, it left me knocked out cold.”

  Elliott chuckled. “No maybe about it. There is definitely something wrong with you. You went after a camp full of men and burnt it to the ground. Most would call that suicide.”

  “It worked out all right.”

  A warning flashed through his eyes. “We got lucky, nothing more. Had Kikyo not been watching your back, you’d be dead. Without that crazy magic you possess, it wouldn’t have been possible at all. It’s critical you realize your decision was a foolish one.”

  Kiuno remembered Kikyo mentioning Elliott’s anger. She had been stupid. Even so, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it and couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen again.

  The memories came flooding back. Each scene replaying in her mind. Every swing. Luck. That’s all it was. Kikyo saved her more than once, and it’d slipped her mind until now.

  How many people had fallen? How many had she killed? She looked at her trembling hands and clenched her teeth as she remembered that first sickening blow. The blade pierced cleanly. So many bodies. All of them motionless.

  “Kiuno?”

  She looked into soft, brown eyes and wondered how such a kind person could have fought in a war.

  “I killed them,” she whispered. She’d only hesitated once. Thereafter the fire burned without remorse. Their screams echoed in her mind. Was there another option? Could a larger group have forced them to surrender? Would the captives have lasted that long?

  Elliott sighed. “It’s not something I wanted you to experience. Most aren’t proud of it. The act of killing takes part of your soul.” He placed a hand over hers. “Don’t linger on their faces. Those men had no honor. Be glad you had the strength to come out alive.”

  Tears fell, and Elliott held her. She wasn’t sure why she cried now. Maybe it was the act of killing. Maybe it was how cl
ose she’d come to messing everything up. Or maybe it was how close she’d come to death.

  ONCE SHE’D calmed down and the three ate breakfast, Kiuno followed them into the icy air. Kikyo ensured the cloth covered her wrist, but she doubted anyone would see it with how tightly she held the cloak.

  It was freezing.

  People rushed by them, eager to do their chores and return to a warm fire. She wondered if they were happy with their new lives or pretended for the sake of their sanity.

  Once through the main gate they followed a trail that led to the rear of the village. Frozen grass crunched beneath her feet as they neared a group of people, the spectacle they created leaving her in awe.

  Despite the cold, plants grew all around them, the vines rising to capture their opponents, snaking up their legs. Water formed as if drawn from thin air. It flowed around the manipulator with little to no form and shifted to jagged spikes of ice that crashed into tiny shards.

  Fire burst out and around the arms of those controlling it and burned as if the user were its breath of life. Wind ripped through the area, lifting people off the ground and forcing other elements to do its bidding.

  It was beyond words.

  People sparred using both blade and magic alike, but no harm came to any of them.

  Kikyo pointed to the sideline. “They’re blocking the magic. Each focuses on an individual. It lets them practice without hurting one another.”

  “You know,” Elliott said, “we could stay for a bit, let you two pick up a few tricks. They’ve already offered.”

  Kikyo scoffed. “They just want to see Kiuno’s fire.”

  His uncaring attitude didn’t fool her. Curious eyes darted from one person to the next, wanting to ask a million questions, yet refraining. After their recent encounter, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea. She had strength but with no control or skill, it did little good.

  “I think that’s a good idea.” She dreaded wasting more time, but this was something important. Their survival was important.