by Lexy Wolfe
“I am glad knowing you will be here with Aelia to watch over her in my place.” They both looked back to the weakened woman and her lifemate with mirroring expressions of concern. “I have never seen her so weak.”
Lyra peered at him in confusion. “But she has been near death so many times since we met.”
He pressed his lips together for a moment. His pensiveness lifted long enough to express his gratitude to Taylin. “I would chide you for healing me completely, but I understand. I can feel your worry for me.”
“I won’t be with you so you better be careful and come back whole, Skyfire na’Zhekali,” she informed him in tart tones and turned to leave the cavern. “I am going to find my son and husband before everyone leaves.”
Lyra smiled a small smile. “She tries to hide her desire to beg everyone not to go.”
“I like it. She loves so much, she wants us unharmed, but respects us enough not to cage us.” He looked down at the pale woman, his smile fading. “If I could share my vision with you, you could see Aelia’s suffering goes far beyond just her physical form.”
“Share your vision? Like Storm and Ash can do?” she whispered. “We would need to be lifemates to be able to do that. You said you did not want to lifemate because you were afraid—”
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her fiercely tight. “Yes, I am afraid of you or me suffering the pain of separation. But right now, I fear never finding you again if anything happens more.”
“Skyfire,” Lyra began. She stopped when Windsong called for Tyrsan. “We will talk when you have come back.”
“But—”
She covered his lips with her fingertips. “Shh. You will. Because if you don’t, I’ll kill you.” He blinked at her bright, teasing smile. He laughed, hugged her, and hurried to catch up to the others.
Neither noticed as they turned away from one another the tears in the other’s eyes.
AS THE ILLAINI Dusvet approached his sleeping lifemate, he stopped when Lyra stepped in his path. “Ash, please. Don’t wake her.” She glanced at the darker woman. “She needs her rest.”
The man smiled sadly, brushing a tendril of hair behind the slight archer’s ear. “I know better than anyone. But I need help only she can give me.”
She sighed and nodded. “All right.” She looked to the ever-present shadow nearby. “Drizar, would you come with me to fetch water?”
In his beast form, the once-lost Totani’s eyes narrowed. “Why? You are more than capable.”
Lyra averted her gaze. “Because the other Totani frighten me. They glare at me so hatefully.”
The reptilian mount glowered and bared his teeth in a huff. “Just say you want to give them a private moment.” He got to his feet, shaking his head. “The others do not hate you. But I will aid you in this task so the need to be away from her side is lessened.”
Ash watched the two leave, bemused, then sat with Storm, holding her hand in both of his. Her eyes opened and she looked around in confusion. “You put me to sleep,” she stated.
“I did, yes.” He sighed, apology writ across his face. “Forgive me. You were beyond reason at the time.” He reached out to caress her hair. “Your strength needs to be saved for our son and daughter.”
“No. Do not apologize, my heart.” She smiled tiredly at him, her squeeze a shadow of her normal strength. “You are right. I could not think clearly.” Her smile faded. “You are afraid. Why?”
He closed his eyes with a soft sigh. “Nolyn and Seeker went to find Terrence. After the argument we had, I cannot help but wonder if we will have the chance to make amends.”
“Do not worry. Your brother is a strong warrior and mage. Citali does not show his favor to many.” She drew in a deep breath. “I am concerned about not having one of the other Githalin with Star. Nyla is too near the paths the na’Citali use. I do not trust Roshisan not to cause more problems for her. It is difficult to deny a parental figure their demands.”
“I agree. Which is why I have modified our plans.” He smiled a small bit at her suspicious expression. “I am going to have Skyfire go with her. And Tyrsan.” When she did not say a word, he continued. “As you said, Nyla is near the paths where tribes travel. I do not need so much protection in the Blighted Lands.”
Storm frowned, her hand in his tightening. “How do you plan to get there or back without a Githalin? Just surviving will be hard. You remember the land is poisonous to all. And—”
“Trust that I am not totally incapable in the uncivilized lands, beloved. Even toxic ones. But I do need your help in one thing.” He hesitated a moment. “Share your memories of your homeland with me. I need to know them as you do so I can find Etienne.”
Her expression faltered a fraction. “Do you know what you are asking of me? You would have all the memories of my life as if they were your own. Including…” Her voice cracked. “To make that horror yours...”
“It would only be fair.” She looked at him in puzzlement. “Aelia, I may need to ask you to share my own past one day soon. If you allow me to share your deepest fears, I will not feel as guilty giving you the burden of my own childhood once I banish the block that hides them from me.” He explained to the question in her eyes. “I must return to Andar.”
Her expression darkened. “Where my torturer dwells.”
“No, Aelia. Not your torturer. Zhekali’s. The one she forgave.”
“Ash, Zhekali forgave no one. She thought only of the great balance.” Her eyes had the merciless hardness of the bird-of-prey adopted by her former incarnation. “She knew if the ancient trinity sealed all of the Trisari away as They intended, without even the minimal contact that the imprisoned Roylat have with mortals, it would only unbalance the world more than it had been.”
His worry deepened as her moment of roused emotions waxed into exhaustion and pain. “Aelia, stop. You are going to hurt yourself if you get too agitated.”
Storm shook her head. “You must understand what I did in case I do not—” Her words stopped at a light touch of his fingers on her lips.
“Don’t speak as though you may die,” he whispered with urgency. “Please. I cannot allow despair to distract me from what needs to be done.” He pressed her hand to his forehead, voice cracking. “Please.”
Tears glittered in her eyes as her smile trembled. “In case I forget.” Their gazes met. “There are seven Trisari remaining in the world. Once they are all found, I must find it in my heart to forgive them because I had been Zhekali.” Her smile faltered as she looked away. “But I cannot. She forgave Kendel once and he still betrayed her. Endarian...he-he...” She shook her head. “I am not strong enough to forgive, Ash. Betrayal hurts more than I can—”
He hushed her, giving her a sad smile. “One thing at a time, beloved. Regain your strength from childbirth. There is time enough to worry about them. Only one Trisari has been found. Right now, we have our tribe members to concern ourselves with. Most especially the ones who have waited the longest for us. Star will find Nyla. But only you know where Etienne is.”
“Yes,” she murmured. “You are right as always.”
“I am not always right, my heart. Just this time.” He smiled at her weary laugh as he settled beside her and gathered her in his arms. “I love you so much. I do not know if Avarian deserved Zhekali, but I am so glad you thought I deserved your trust.” She blinked at him, then wrapped her arms around him as they pressed their foreheads together, immersing themselves in the sharing of memories.
Terrence tumbled out of the vortex and terrible winds assailed him, stinging sand scouring his exposed skin. He could barely see the glow of the dropped crystal and for a moment thought of nothing other than grabbing it. Pulling it close, the same strange bubble that protected him from the lava shielded him from the winds.
He managed to get to his feet and staggered a few steps. He squinted at a figure in the swirl of dirt and sand. “Hello?” He reached out when the person flinched and began hurrying away. “Wait!” He grimaced when hi
s foot slid into a hole and twisted his ankle. Blood covered his foot where the rock had gashed him.
He jumped when the cloaked figure was by his side, the whirling wind battering an invisible shield surrounding them. A delicate feminine hand touched the injured site, and soothing warmth flooded the injury, banishing the pain. Before she could leave, he grabbed her wrist.
She panicked. “No! Let me go. I am not supposed to be seen!” Her hood fell back, revealing a young woman of ethereal beauty. However, she had strange striations on her skin that went into her hair, giving it a brindle patterning. Her soft brown eyes had gold edging the irises.
Terrence stared in wonder, reaching up to touch her cheek. He shook his head sharply, stopping himself. “We need to find shelter from this wind.”
“No, you need shelter. I can protect myself.”
“Help me?”
She pressed her lips together a moment. “Very well. This way.” They had not taken more than three steps when Nolyn and Seeker fell from the vortex. They looked up in surprise when the wind stopped battering them but did not stop howling in fury as her shield encompassed them as well.
Terrence offered his hands to the men as he helped them to their feet, his expression one of surprised happiness and chagrined embarrassment. “Nolyn! Seeker! What are you doing here? Come to save me from my stupidity?” They all looked up when the vortex closed, taking some of the howl from the winds.
“If you want shelter,” the cloaked young woman stated in cold tones, strain showing around her eyes, “follow me. I cannot keep a shield this large up forever.” The three men did not argue, despite their questions.
By the time they reached a small cavern, the minimal light had faded as the sun set. Nolyn cast a spell to create several balls of magelight that clung to the ceiling. The young woman fell to her hands and knees. Terrence knelt by her, reaching out to put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
“No!” She jerked back, her eyes wide in alarm. “Do not touch me!”
He frowned, perplexed. “It is okay. No one is going to hurt you.” He reached out again. “We are friends.”
“I do not know you.” She stumbled backwards. The defensive swing of her arm dislodged her cloak, revealing pale wings banded with dark browns and brilliant golds. She held a short sword in shaking hands. “Stay away from me!”
Petal and Nim’s wings began buzzing in excitement and confusion. Seeker and Nolyn traded bewildered looks. “Trisari?” the Swordanzen asked at the same time as Nolyn asked, “Totani?”
If Terrence heard them, he did not show any reaction. His and the winged woman’s eyes locked on each other’s. He held his closed hand toward her. “I think this…is supposed to go to you.”
Her eyes went wide in shock, lowering her sword in uncertainty. “What…is that? It feels like it is…a part of me.” She reached out a trembling hand, but as it closed over top his, her eyes rolled back and she collapsed.
He caught her, never taking his gaze from her. “She is as light as a bird,” he murmured, dazed and numb.
“Terrence, are you okay?” the older mage asked, frowning at the other’s bewildering behavior.
“I don’t know,” he replied, his voice matching his distracted demeanor. “I feel rather strange at the moment.” He eased the winged woman down, then looked up at the other mage. “Nolyn, could you make sure I don’t crack my head open?” Before Nolyn could ask what he was talking about, Terrence’s eyes rolled back and he pitched over.
He barely got his hands under Terrence’s head to cushion it. He exhaled in relief before looking up at Seeker. He slid his hands out and sat on his heels. “I know it’s probably asking a lot, but you wouldn’t happen to know where we are, would you?”
The Swordanzen crossed his arms with a grunt. “I can tell you where we are not.” He looked toward the entrance. “This is not Desantiva. Or anywhere I recognize.” He explained to the quizzical look given him. “Each land resonates with the god that holds dominion over it. I have touched the energies of Vodanya, Sevmana and Forenta. This is not any I have been to.” He closed his eyes. “This isn’t even a ragewind. It is just…wind.”
“Leave it to Desantiva to have winds with emotions, too,” Nolyn muttered. He took off his robe, arranging it to put under Terrence’s and the winged girl’s heads. Seeker grinned at him. “So, I suppose these portals to the Rumblelands don’t occur outside of His territory.”
He closed his eyes, expression tightening for a moment as he communed with his Totani. “Anibu says they do, but they are rare.” He settled on the ground, studying the unconscious pair. “All we can do right now is wait until they wake up.” He sighed, resting his head against the rock wall. “I do wish we had gotten supplies.” He shook the waterskin on his belt. “I did not have time to refill my water.”
Nolyn smiled. “I can manage a supply of water. There is some underground nearby.” He went to the back corner, murmuring words of magic. Rock changed shape and a small trickle of water filled the hollow he had created.
“Hm.” As Seeker refilled his waterskin, he observed, “Your skills are useful, treewalker. I suppose my sister chose well enough.” They shared a smile that faded when Seeker’s expression turned grim.
“What is it?” Nolyn asked. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes. Anibu says Dusvet Ash is not waiting for us to return. He’s sent Star and Skyfire to find Nyla. Along with the other Swordanzen and the large Sevmanen Dusvet.”
“Really?” Nolyn tilted his head, expression confused. “He’s going to wait for them to return to find Etienne? I’m surprised, given the eldest is the one with the secrets to undoing the spell that trapped them all.”
Seeker shook his head. “No. He’s gone with only Dusvet Jaison and Bella as his warriors. The bard and his son go as well.”
“What?” Nolyn stood up, staring at Seeker. “Is he crazy?” He looked at his right hand with a scowl. “Are you insane? How do you expect to get back to Storm without a Githalin with you? You idiot.” With a growl, he punched the wall. He swore, holding his injured hand against himself.
“He is Forentan,” Seeker observed in droll tones. “You ask a question about insanity and think I would answer anything other than ‘yes’? You are as insane as the Illaini Dusvet.” He smiled toothily as Nolyn directed his swearing at him.
Nolyn frowned as he checked on Terrence and the winged woman. He glanced back at Seeker as the man entered the cavern. “I’m getting worried. They have both been unconscious for more than a day.”
“Nearly two,” Seeker corrected, his voice terse as he placed the bundle he carried on the ground. He opened it to reveal various roots. “There is little edible here. I have found no sign of animal life, few birds. Not even insects.” He closed his eyes. “We will need to move on soon.”
“You are not thinking of abandoning Terrence or this girl, are you?” Nolyn’s eyes widened when Seeker just looked at him. “What is wrong with you? Aren’t you supposed to protect people?”
The warrior focused on removing his waterskin from his belt. “I cannot protect anyone if I die. How long do you think we could survive here on roots? Trust me, between just two of us, we will strip what plant life is here within a moon.” He waved his hand toward Terrence and the woman. “How far do you think we can go with them if they do not awaken? We would have to carry them, and if I am wrong about animal life, we’d be vulnerable to an attack.”
Nolyn scowled, putting his fist over his heart. “I would rather die trying to save lives than so casually giving up on them.”
“You think it is easy for me? For any Desanti?” Seeker demanded, his expression dark with furious anger. “Survival is everything to us and sometimes that means the weak must be abandoned else everyone else’s lives would be threatened!”
“You don’t need to be so ruthless about it!” Nolyn countered, his face flushed with his own anger. “You don’t even consider making the attempt to save someone. You would just—!”
“Keep it down, maybe?” Terrence asked in a weak voice, pushing himself up partway. He squinted at the two men. “Gods, you argue like Storm and Ash, you know? I’m surprised one of you hasn’t cut the other yet.” He laid back with a groan, his hand on his head. “Though I am rather glad you hadn’t. I don’t have Taylin’s touch. And I have a splitting headache.”
Seeker and Nolyn exchanged sheepish expressions before focusing on Terrence. “Glad to see you awake finally. You had us worried,” the mage said. He helped the younger man sit up.
He accepted the waterskin from Seeker, taking a long draw on it before offering it back. “I am surprised you are not angrier at me.”
“I’m not a highborn who gets his underthings in a twist just because I was inconvenienced,” Nolyn pointed out in droll tones.
The younger man squinted at him. “This is a tad more than inconvenient.”
Nolyn shrugged one shoulder. “I might still be angry. I have to understand what the hell happened first.” He picked up one of the roots, sniffed it, then made a face as he took a bite. “Gah. These are horrible.” He offered the other half to Terrence.
He held up a hand. “No use wasting food on me at the moment. Now that I’m sitting up, my head is swimming.” He accepted the pair’s assistance to move to the other side of the cavern. He exhaled in relief once he could rest against the wall, closing his eyes. “Oh, goddess, everything hurts.”
“So what happened?” Nolyn prompted.
“I want to say I made a huge mistake, acting without thinking of the consequences.” He opened his eyes, his gaze unerringly directed to the still unconscious woman. “But I can’t.”
Seeker brought over the roots he had gathered, picking one up to chew on. His expression spoke volumes of agreement with Nolyn’s earlier assessment of their taste. “If she is the one the anchor stone was meant for, I imagine it was something of a shock to you both.”
Nolyn’s head turned sharply toward the woman. “She’s a divine servant?” He started to rise. “Then she must be one of the missing—” He stopped when the Swordanzen grabbed his wrist. He lowered himself to the ground again with a frown. “She isn’t?”