“Yes, it appears they drank bad water. I was telling the colonel that we always carry our own supply.”
“Earlier this morning, I saw men bring water up the hill and load it into our wagons.”
“What?”
“When I visited my crew, I passed the middle of the line. There were soldiers, hoisting barrels of water.”
“Did you see what they looked like?”
“I thought they were warrior monks, because they were dressed in black. But when I approached, they turned and walked down the trail.”
The prince turned to the colonel. “This sounds like sabotage. See if our supply people have any information.”
“Right away, Your Highness.”
Aisling recalled her recent incident. “You know,” she said to the prince, “the other night, when I was pushed off the ledge, I landed near the water. There were animal skeletons surrounding the pond.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I believe that source is tainted. Perhaps the same people who harmed me are trying to weaken our forces by infecting the men.”
He nodded. “You might be right. Either they’re trying to slow us down or attack when we’re debilitated.” He turned to the healer. “What’s the cure?”
“They need fresh water.”
The colonel rode back up to the front. “The whole supply is bad, judging from its color.”
“How long before the men are out of danger?”
The healer looked grave. “Your Highness, we don’t have much time. They need to rid their body of toxins now.”
“All right. We’ll stop here. Warn the troops to be alert.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As the men rode away, Aisling turned to the prince. She took a deep breath. “I may be able to help.”
He swept her off the horse, his expression curious. “What do you propose?”
“If you have any unused containers, place them on the ground and remove their covers. Keep them separate from the others. Empty the contaminated barrels. If the men can make a fire, we’ll sterilize them and replenish the water.”
“How?”
“Leave that to me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. I’ll need to climb the ridge over there, so I’m away from the soldiers. I don’t want to be seen.”
“I’ll send a team for back up.”
“No, we need to be discreet.”
“All right. I’ll have an assistant go with you, but he’ll keep his distance. Will that work?”
“I believe so.”
“What else can I do?”
“Create a distraction. Perhaps Colonel Lex can issue commands at the back of the line. That way, no one will see me leave.”
He nodded and summoned his team. They conferred in low tones. The officers headed to the rear of the formation. As they delivered their updates, all eyes turned to the colonel. The prince watched as Aisling and the sentry rode in the opposite direction, toward the valley.
The climb was more difficult than she thought. One arm was immobile, so she was forced to use her injured hand. She moved up the rocks, grasping the boulders for balance. Many of the slabs were smooth, so it was difficult to get a firm grip.
At the top, she inhaled and looked out beyond the ridge. There was a flat expanse of land, followed by a wave of undulating slopes. Aisling surveyed the peak and removed the dagger from her cloak.
The sentry was focused on the arduous climb, so Aisling took advantage and moved behind a large fir tree.
“With all my might, I command a thunderstorm.” She waited a few minutes but nothing happened. Perhaps the injuries are reducing my power, she thought. “That can’t be it,” she muttered. “I’ve been hurt before and it worked.”
She looked around at the landscape. Much of the surface area was cracked. There had been a drought in the region for some time. To create rain, moisture was needed in the atmosphere. It was probable that the mountains blocked the air needed to enable a change in weather. She thought about the men who needed fresh water, and felt a surge of power. She held her dagger up to the sky.
“With all my being, I command the perfect conditions for a massive storm.”
With eyes shut, Aisling focused on her wish. There was a sudden collision of warm and cold air, creating a violent updraft. Clusters of anvil-shaped clouds formed above her. As the wind speed shifted direction, bolts of lightning shot into the ground. The swirling accelerated, howling as it coursed through the skeletal trees.
Aisling secured her wand and steadied herself against the rocks. She fastened her coat and grabbed her wild hair. As she spied the sentry on the ledge below, she began her descent.
Drayaen conferred with his officers. He had been informed that several more men were incapacitated. He tried to focus his attention on the conversation with his solders, but his chest tightened as he worried about Aisling in the woods with one sentry. Given the recent attack, he didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. If she didn’t return soon, he would have to send reinforcements.
As he thought about his next move, there were loud rumblings of thunder. He looked up to see flashes of lightning through the trees. His head tilted to one side as he realized that a major storm was brewing.
He signaled the colonel. “We need to take cover.”
“The best place is underneath the rock ledge, in the cave formations.”
“Move the entourage there. Protect the wagons and supplies. Have the healer set up a resting place for the sick men.”
“All right, I’ll talk to the doctor.”
He turned around to scan the rock face and could see Aisling in the distance. His heart pounded as he watched her trying to navigate the cliff. He berated himself for not thinking about the danger. She had been so matter-of-fact about the potential solution that he assumed there would be minimal risk. He’d have to be more cautious next time.
As the winds accelerated, the clouds opened up and the rain battered the ground. He issued instructions to collect the water. “As soon as it’s available, give it to the healer. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Do you need some men to go with you?” Colonel Lex asked.
“No, I’ll be fine.”
Drayaen swung onto his horse and rode across the valley.
As the storm intensified, the rocks became more slippery. Aisling shook her head. “I should have walked farther west, where the descent isn’t as steep,” she muttered. Well, it was too late. The sentry tried to help her, but she was unsteady, making it more difficult for him to navigate.
“Aisling.”
She thought she heard a voice in the distance.
The guard turned around. “It’s the prince.”
“Stay there, I’m coming to get you.” Drayaen motioned for the soldier to descend.
She continued to navigate the slope.
He held up his hand. “Don’t move!”
She clutched the rock face for support. “All right, I’ll wait.”
As Drayaen tried to secure his own footing, he worried about her safety. He moved closer and saw that she was grasping the rock with her injured hand. How would he get them both down? Sometimes, he thought, you have to move backward in order to make progress.
“Aisling, it’s too treacherous for us to go down now. We’ll climb up and find another place for our descent.”
“At the top of the ridge, I saw a nearby trail.”
“We’ll try that then. I’ll move next to you.” He gripped her arm as they moved up the side of the cliff.
When they reached the top, Aisling was looking exhausted from the effort. He pulled her out of view.
She turned to him and smiled. “Thank you for coming to get me. I didn’t realize it was this steep.”
He moved closer. As she looked up, he grabbed her by the shoulders. “You can’t keep putting yourself in danger,” he barked, his dark eyes flashing. “You could have re-injured your arm. Or worse.”
&nb
sp; Aisling wrenched away from him and took several steps back, holding her hand up as if to ward him off. “I was sent here to help, and that’s what I intend to do. We both know that our enemies are trying to kill us. And they won’t stop until they get what they want.”
“You could have fallen,” he said, his tone escalating.
“Whatever we do is risky. I’m sure you know that.”
He muttered under his breath and ran his hand through his hair. “From now on, I’ll take the lead. You can help behind the scenes.”
She shook her head. “No. You and I are working together, whether you want to or not.” With that, she turned on her heels and started down the treacherous path.
Drayaen stood on the cliff, arms crossed over his chest, and watched her navigate the rock face. He regretted his outburst and wondered what had come over him. He’d always been able to control his emotions. She was igniting his worst fears. It was too late to keep her out of danger. They were surrounded by powerful foes, and the threat was too real.
He shook his head as he paced. This latest incident confirmed his suspicions. He realized, with growing trepidation, that Aisling possessed some rare powers. First, there was the fire, then the violent wind in the woods, and a treacherous fall. With the latest feat, she had saved his men by making it rain. When he put the pieces together, it became clear.
He felt his chest tighten. Now, it seemed, the enemy lurked around every corner. If he had uncovered secrets about her abilities, then they were bound to follow. Of all the people who could help him, why did it have to be Aisling?
He scrambled down the rock face in pursuit.
They rode back to the camp in silence. He didn’t need to be grateful, Aisling fumed, but at least he could have acknowledged her effort. She dismounted and sought shelter against the rocks. After her foray on the ridge, she felt depleted. She sighed and reached for her dagger. In the distance, she heard the colonel shouting orders. At once, the prince’s men mobilized. Aisling looked across the valley and was stunned to see a wave of enemy forces advancing toward them.
Was she strong enough to create a diversion powerful enough to thwart the attackers?
“I know I can,” she declared. She recalled the wizard’s insights. “With all my being, I wish to save the prince and his men from harm.”
She ran into the hollow den beneath the rocks. As she looked beyond the entrance, she could see hundreds of enemy soldiers coming their way. The men in the front were riding with swords in hand.
She set aside fear, anxiety, and doubt. Raising her dagger to the sky, she declared, “With all my power, I command increased winds and hail to defeat the advancing forces.”
As soon as she heard her words, Aisling realized they would change the course of the battle. It was a decree as forceful as it was fervent.
As she gripped the dagger, her hair flew in the breeze. Branches were ripped from trees and flung through the air, and large pellets of frozen crystals hurled from the sky. The rain came down in torrents while the hail bombarded the attackers.
There were cries and shouts from the field as the charging troops stopped their advance. She realized there was no perfect solution. Her powers had landed on top of the prince’s men as well. A number of his soldiers who were closest to the front lines were hit by large chunks of ice.
As the storm raged, the rebels retreated back through the valley. She scanned the prince’s soldiers. It looked like there were no serious injuries. She exhaled a deep breath and made another mental note to improve her skills. Aisling secured her dagger. She felt exhausted. For the first time, she had commanded two major consecutive events with her magic. This last one had required a high degree of precision, leaving her weak and vulnerable. For several minutes, she sat against the stone wall and focused on regaining her strength.
A short while later, she ventured out of the cave and looked up to see the prince gazing back at her from across the field.
He hurried toward her, his black cape billowing in the wind, the hood obscuring his face. As he drew closer, she saw his intense, determined expression. She was about to speak, but he pulled her into the cave and spun her around to face him.
Then he clasped her against his body and wrapped his arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured.
“I’m sorry too.”
“Thank you”—he pulled back to look into her eyes—“you seem to have a talent for fixing things.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
Nestled against his chest, the warmth of his body permeated her own. Her tension eased as he pulled her closer.
After a few minutes, she glanced up at him. She could feel her face becoming flushed. “I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?” he asked, smiling.
“This is my fault.”
“How so?”
“I’ve made us both a bigger target.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Do you remember the battle in the woods with the Sixth Prince?”
“Of course. We were saved by a well-timed windstorm.”
“I tried to help you, and General Neo saw me.”
“What did he see?” His voice was casual, but he tightened his grip.
“I’m not sure, but he stared at me with intensity and hatred.”
Drayaen realized Aisling wasn’t ready to disclose her secrets. But one thing was apparent. He was correct in his assessment that the battle was just beginning.
His misgivings were coming true. He and Aisling were bound together. With her help, they had a chance to restore order to the kingdom. He’d also be that much closer to discovering the truth about his mother and brother. But it meant she would be in danger.
He was consumed by an unfamiliar feeling. He couldn’t quite describe it. Always on edge. Her safety had become more important than his own. Thoughts of her invaded his mind. He wasn’t at ease unless she was nearby.
He swallowed hard as he realized what it was.
When Aisling awoke, it was still dark. She glanced at the sentry who had been assigned to guard her.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Commander. The prince had food prepared for you.”
She looked at the tray beside her blanket, and realized she was hungry.
“Thank you. What time are the troops leaving?”
“Within the hour.”
“I’ll be ready.”
After breakfast, she saddled her horse and rode through the camp, looking for her crew. The colonel waved to her.
“The prince has asked that you prepare for your arrival.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s brought you some formal clothing to wear in the palace. There are two girls, Hanu and Maehwa, who will help you.”
“Thank you, I’ll go see them now.”
The silk fabric that draped around her body made her realize how plain her sailing outfits were in comparison. It felt strange to be, once again, dressed in fine attire. She marveled at the rich colors and detailed needlework. There was a red jacket tied with a crimson ribbon, with sky blue collar and cuffs. The full skirt in royal blue was imprinted with a small floral pattern.
Maehwa created a large ponytail with her white and yellow hair, secured by an elaborate pearl and red jadeite ornament. The girls stood back to admire their handiwork. At last, she was ready.
“You are beautiful.”
“Thank you, it’s because of this exquisite dress.”
Hanu signaled the colonel. The prince rode to the back of the line and stopped. As he glimpsed Aisling, he was unable to look away.
She sparkled like a fine jewel, but it was more than the finery. Her bearing and demeanor had changed, too.
She watched as he dismounted.
“I’m not sure I know how to ride in this outfit,” she said.
“No need, you’re going with me.”
“What?”
“I’ll help you onto the horse, and we’ll b
e on our way. The good news is we’re on palace grounds now. It will be a short ride.”
Her legs felt shaky as she realized how close she was to meeting the king.
“Ready?” he asked, his eyes filled with warmth.
She smiled and nodded.
I believe he’s talking about much more than our entrance, she thought.
CHAPTER NINE
ENTANGLEMENT
The military formation included a sizeable army of soldiers and warrior monks. Aisling scanned the crowd for her crew, but they blended into the other forces. As the procession waited for orders to advance, the prince placed Aisling in the saddle and sat behind her. With one arm fastened around her waist and the other on the reins, he rode to the front of the line. The signal was given and the entourage advanced.
They marched across the field to the outskirts of town. The locals eyed the cavalcade with narrowed eyes and averted gazes, until they recognized the prince. Word had spread that he and the king had replenished the food supply for several regions. As news of his arrival radiated through the marketplace, villagers lined up to jostle for a glimpse of him in person. Stories about Aisling had circulated as well, rumors of a female commander who controlled massive ships in the bay.
The prince was dressed in black, from his long robes to his boots. His long dark hair was pulled back in a queue. Next to him, she appeared in stark contrast, with her green eyes and light hair. It was an unexpected combination. By the time they reached the main road, people were shouting messages and greetings. Aisling smiled and waved. She was happy they understood how much the prince had been concerned for their welfare.
As the size of the throng increased, she could feel his grip tighten. She looked at the sentries standing in front of a large gate. They stood at attention as the army maneuvered its way through the center of town.
At the entrance to the palace, Aisling breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the good nature of the crowd, she was pleased they would be moving into an enclave, away from the press of people.
As they proceeded through the gates and flanking pillars, Aisling surveyed the immense compound.
Cloistered buildings framed both sides of the courtyard. Her eyebrows rose at the number of people lined up to greet their procession. There were guards, and men wearing long coats who looked like advisors.The officials with the most elaborate costumes stood in front of stone markers to signify their position in the government.
Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water Page 10