by D E Boske
“Thank you, Darian.” She caught his hand as he turned to go. “You have my blessing. I know you will take care of her. Please forgive me. And Darian, please don’t tell them what
happened.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Get some rest, Tiriel.” Then he was gone. Once he was out of her line of sight, the things she’d been feeling diminished.
“How is she Darian?” asked Galavad as soon as the Mage entered the room.
“She’s fine. She’s experiencing severe mood swings because her hormones are out of control. I’m leaving you with a packet of herbs. Put it in her tea at night, only a pinch, no more. It should help her. Go be with your wife. After the twins are born, there will be little time for intimacy.”
“Twins? She’s having twins?” asked Galavad with a smile.
“Aye.”
“That explains a lot, doesn’t it?”
“Yes… it does,” Darian mumbled, deep in thought. As if he were answering some silent question he’d asked himself. Galavad was so happy that he paid them no more mind, but Kyler noticed. The monarch went right in to see his wife.
“Darian? What is it?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing. Let’s go get the girls.” He began walking, not waiting for a response.
“So, what did she say? Did she apologize to you?”
“Yes,” the Mage replied without stopping.
“Darian, what is it? What’s bothering you?” Kyler stopped him, turning him about.
“Do you feel differently when you’re around me than when you’re not?” asked the Mage.
“Well it depends on what I’m doing. If I’m with Nephraete of course I feel different. I’ll never feel that way about you,” Kyler said with a smile, hoping to lighten up his friend’s mood.
“Takasha! Let’s hope not. I don’t have to stick a sign on my ass that says exit only. Do I?” They both laughed. “Thanks for talking to her for me. Maybe now everything will be back to normal again. She gave me her blessing.”
“She damn well better have after all you’ve done for her today.”
“Be easy on her my friend. She’s having a hard time.”
“Did she ask you for your counsel?”
“Yes. She is concerned because her past pregnancies have not caused so much trouble. She is concerned and does not know what to do. She told me she’s been trying to avoid everyone because she never knows how she’ll react.”
There was something Darian did not want him to know. Something had happened in there. Why would he ask if he felt different when he was around the Mage?
He was about to ask something more but they were back at his room. He opened the door to find Calisha there with Nephraete. He did not know why, but it bothered him more than a little. They were both relaxed and did not jump when they entered so they must not be hiding anything.
“Kyler, how’s the queen?” asked Nephraete.
“She’s fine. Darian gave her something to put into her tea to relax her.” He kissed her softly. “Are you ready?”
She looked at Calisha. He never thought it would be so hard, but he hated that she looked to Calisha first. They had the day already planned.
“I would like to spend some time with Calisha if you don’t mind. I haven’t seen him in days.”
“Calisha, why not come with us?” invited Kyler, more so he could keep an eye on them than anything else.
“Sure, thank you.” He took Nephraete’s hand and they went to get Tynuviel.
Darian knocked on her door. When she saw him, she smiled, throwing herself into his arms and kissing him. He put his hands on her ass, pulling her closer. Kyler cleared his throat.
“Sorry,” the Mage said without a trace of remorse. Tynuviel handed Darian the basket of food and drinks as they left the palace. They intended to go to a secluded spot where they could be alone and enjoy each other’s company.
Tynuviel walked with her arm around Darian. To the others, it seemed so weird yet so right. Darian put his left arm around Tynuviel, resting his hand on her behind.
Kyler felt like an outsider. He was upset with Nephraete, but he was trying to understand. He really was, but it was getting more difficult. Nephraete held Calisha’s hand and they talked quietly as if he wasn’t even there.
They walked for a little over an hour before they found the spot they’d chosen. It was far enough from the center of the forest, yet farther still before they would reach the elven outpost.
The girls spread blankets on the ground for them to sit on. While they worked, Tynuviel spoke quietly to her friend.
“Nephraete, what’s with you and Calisha? Do you realize you’ve ignored Kyler this whole trip so far?”
“I… No, I did not mean to…”
“I know, but you’re hurting him and making him extremely jealous. He and Darian put a lot of thought into today and you were just going to blow him off. Nephraete, do you love my brother or do you love Calisha?”
“I can’t believe you would ask me such a thing. You know I love Kyler.”
“Then please show him. This was supposed to be romantic.”
“Sometimes, I do not realize how much I cling to Calisha. We were bonded at my birth. We’re so close… I did not mean to hurt Kyler. I will pay special attention to him for the rest of the day.”
They sat there for some time talking. Nephraete made it a point to speak to Kyler and hold his hand. Calisha took his leave, saying there were things he must see to.
Darian was laying down, his hands behind his head. Tynuviel lay down next to him, resting on her elbows.
Nephraete looked at Kyler. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt you Kyler. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it. I did not know his presence bothered you so. I will try to pay more attention to you when he is around.” She kissed him softly.
She felt a little strange showing him such affection in front of others. One look at Darian and Tynuviel told her they were not paying them any attention. She let him take her in his arms. He kissed her urgently, full of need. She found she wanted him again. Pain or no pain.
Calisha watched for a time. He smiled to himself. Kyler was good to her. He knew his presence was not easy for the elf prince to deal with. Calisha would always be there. He told Kyler as much, but he knew it was hard to accept. He politely excused himself, making his way back to the elven city. He wondered if Khazzuri had any plans…
34
Tynuviel brushed her lips on Darian’s and she felt his tongue slip past her weak defenses. He took her in his arms, kissing her softly. She caressed him teasingly as he kissed her neck. His body responded to her touch immediately and she wanted him more than ever. He slid his hand up her inner thigh, touching her, needing her. He put his hands on her breasts, kissing her, his tongue demanding her attention. She filled him with such incredible longing. It felt like it had already been a year. Takasha! How he wanted her right now.
She slid on top of him. Her body, her scent driving him wild. He was ready to take her now, he didn’t care who was there. He rolled her onto her back, undoing the top buttons of her shirt. His lips kissed her hot skin, his silken tongue turning her nipples hard. She touched him and he groaned. He was about to relieve her of her breeches when Kyler broke the cocoon of passion surrounding them.
“The sun will set in another hour. We should go.”
“Damn you Kyler Brighton!” The Mage said half-seriously.
“Why don’t we have dinner together since lunch was so much fun?” Kyler retorted.
“That sounds lovely, but Kyler is right. We have lingered here too long. The Monarch will undoubtedly come looking for you…” She swayed on her feet.
“Nephraete, are you alright?” asked Kyler, but it seemed from far away. A blinding white-hot light enveloped her as the vision took hold of her.
Kaleika Bay became clear in her mind’s eye. A larger force of Gor Li’ Khan were being dispatched to Kiri A’ Nouell. She saw it so clearly. She could name most of those sh
e saw. All battle-hardened killers. She needed to speak to Kryndale.
She knew the moment Darian touched her. No more was she in Kaleika Bay. She was in Mogan Dar. In the lair of the Breeders. The one she saw was stunningly beautiful. Trembliss was her name. She was with child, ready to give birth. The labor was difficult, nearly a full day. The Order rejoiced when the babe came forth. A boy. They named him Darian Brade.
She saw his rise through the ranks. The teaching, training, and punishments. She saw the hatred, fear and loathing they had for him. They dare not move against him… He was too powerful. The last time he was beaten, he’d killed his aggressor. Obliterated him completely.
She saw the rewards as well. Her cheeks burned hot with embarrassment. She gasped, covering her mouth. He was with three girls at once! And he was having no trouble satisfying all of them. They always said Kyler was blessed by the goddess and that was certainly true. But Darian must be held in high regard with Delvishan the way he was blessed!
She saw Morphindinaetlus up close. So near was he that she could feel his hot, fetid breath on her cheeks. He was healed now and leaving his lair. He took to the air coming…
The ground began to tremble. A demon! Fighting side by side with… Darian? They were fighting other Mages. The school of Piri-Tuma. He… they were trying to bring down The Order! A filmy shape was beside… No that wasn’t exactly correct. Inside fit better.
A filmy shape was inside Darian. She could not make out the identity. Then he looked at her and she knew. It was in his eyes. Darian’s eyes. Delvishan god of Mages! He was working through Darian.
She saw the one commanding Morphindinaetlus. He was inside Piri-Tuma. His features were shadowed. She could not make out anything…
Al-Dan-Tir and the Knights of Shorlan. Calisha! She felt him near. Her eyes were open wide, but saw nothing. She was still lost in the vision.
She saw Tansher Morningstar. He was angry and upset because he could get nothing from Nereina. He knew the Mage was responsible but could not prove it.
She saw a contingent of the Knights of Shorlan thunder across the plains to reach Kiri A’ Nouell. Then blackness.
When she awoke, she was in the bed she now shared with Kyler. He and Calisha were sitting on the bed anxiously waiting. Kyler let Calisha control the situation as he’d had more experience.
“Nephraete, are you okay? Can you sit up?” asked Calisha.
“Yes. I think so.”
“That was a very powerful vision you had,” the Crebellan remarked.
“Yes, but the pounding in my head is quickly receding.”
“Do you feel up to having company and telling us what you saw?” asked Calisha.
“Yes. Darian, is he here? I must speak to him, Cal.” She gripped his hands tightly.
“Shhh, it’s alright.” He spoke to her soothingly.
“Calisha, thank you for coming back to me. How did you know…?”
“Nephraete, I feel you at all times. I always know where you are. I felt the vision taking hold of you and came as soon as I could.” She held her hand out to Kyler.
Calisha went to get Darian and Tynuviel to give Kyler and Nephraete a few moments alone. Kyler held her small hand in his. She was trembling and she looked terrified.
“Kyler, please hold me.” Her whole body shook. What had she seen? He wondered. He wrapped his arms around her, laying her in his lap. He stroked her hair and ran his fingers over her soft, silky skin.
She sighed contentedly and her trembling began to subside. She sat up, kissing him. His lips were soft and warm. He made her feel safe. She rested her head on his shoulder as he held her.
Calisha returned with the others. As soon as Darian entered, she held out her hand to him. He could feel her despair and fear so strongly it threatened to overwhelm him. What the hell had she seen? He sat on the bed next to her and held her hand.
“We must tell Galavad and Kryndale they are coming. They will be leaving soon to depart from Kaleika Bay. He sends a larger force of Gor Li’ Khan,” she shook.
“Why? Why would Thelarki do this? Does he come for you?” asked Kyler in a rush.
“I cannot think of another reason why he would dispatch them to Kiri A’ Nouell. I do not want to go back there!” she began to cry.
“Do not worry, they will not take you,” said Darian, with great conviction.
“They are Gor Li’ Khan. Do you know the things they’re capable of? They can blend in with their surroundings. They can…” Darian cut her off.
“Nephraete, have you seen the things I’m capable of? I say to you now; they will not take you. I will bathe in their blood before that happens.” He gripped her hand firmly. “What else did you see?” the Mage asked.
She looked at the others. “Please, leave us. This is for Darian alone.” They left, closing the door behind them. Darian could sense her panic, her fear. He held her tightly and bade her to continue.
“I saw Mogan Dar. I saw the lair of the Breeders.” Darian’s heart began to pound at her words. “I saw Trembliss. Do you know her?”
“I know of her. I never saw any of them.” She knew that was a touchy subject. He had a look of distaste on his face.
Her vision had given her a vague understanding. And it was bleak, dark and utterly terrifying.
“Why do you ask?” he wanted to know.
“Trembliss is your mother.”
“What?” Darian stood at once, both shocked and hopeful.
“I saw her give birth to the babe. The Order rejoiced because it was a boy. They named him Darian Brade.” Darian was speechless.
“Trembliss is the original Breeder. She is the daughter of the first Shivvendar-elf union,” he replied absently.
“Then you are part elf,” she smiled. “You look remarkably like her. She is stunningly beautiful. I saw your rise through the ranks. Your teaching, training and punishments. I saw your rewards as well.” She caught him completely off guard with her next statement. “The tome, is it safe? No one knows of it, do they?”
She took a great risk in revealing to him that she knew of its existence. He could kill her quickly and easily to make sure she never told anyone. That she knew at all was putting her life in danger. She did not know all its contents. She did not need to. The little she’d seen was dangerous enough.
“What do you know of it?” he asked, grabbing her by the neck. His grip was firm and tight. She had difficulty drawing breath.
“Darian, I am not the enemy. I mean you no harm. You must know this, joined as we are. I am open to you. Search me, read me as I know you can.” She squeaked.
He did. He delved deep inside her. He saw her purity of purpose. He could feel the intensity of her friendship and honesty toward him.
What’s this? He thought. She was utterly terrified to make love to Kyler again. Why? Hmmm interesting, he thought to himself. He stroked her desire and banished her fear. Kyler definitely owed him for that. At least someone would get lucky tonight, he smiled to himself as he released her.
“Sorry,” he quickly apologized.
“I understand. You must protect it at all costs.”
“I know. I linked it to my life force. Should I perish; the tome will be utterly and irrevocably destroyed.”
“Good. I also saw Morphindinaetlus. He comes… I saw the Dark Mage. Not his face.” She told him quickly, so as not to raise his hopes. “All I know and I guess you do too is that he’s in Piri-Tuma. A strange and peculiar sight did I see. A demon fighting side by side with you. You play a dangerous game Darian Brade; trying to bring down The Order.”
“Yes, but it must be done. Delvishan commands it. It is the only way for me to be with the woman I love.”
“I know, but be careful. You have many enemies. An old friend turned against you. You must bring him back again. The demon… that is the necklace around your neck, is it not?”
“Yes.”
“You’re sure you can control it?”
“Nephraete, you know nothing o
f my strength and control.”
“Maybe not. Delvishan is working through you as you suspected.”
“Why choose me?” he asked.
“He is pleased with you. You are the strongest Mage ever born. You were born for this task. He wants you to remake The Order into what it was at its inception before it was befouled. Your intent and purpose are true. He needs you, Darian. You are the only one who can do what must be done.”
“Your news is as bright as the sun today. Anything else?”
“Only one thing more before we recall the others. Tansher Morningstar is angry with you. He knows you had something to do with Nereina’s memory loss, but he cannot prove it. Now go call the others that I may tell you the last thing I saw. And Darian… thank you.” There was no need to ask what she thanked him for. He knew. He nodded and called the others back in.
They were in there for a long time and it rankled Kyler that Nephraete asked him to leave. He wanted to know what she saw of Darian for he doubted either one would tell. At least she’d asked Calisha to leave too. That was very important to the elf prince. Calisha did not seem to mind, so he tried not to let it bother him either.
Finally, the door opened and Darian called them back inside. His face of course, was unreadable. She waited until they were all seated again before she spoke.
“I saw a large contingent of the Knights of Shorlan riding hard across the plains to reach Kiri A’ Nouell. Tansher Morningstar is at their head. I do not know why they are coming. Now please, I need to rest. Kyler, will you stay with me?”
“You know there’s nothing I’d like more. I’ll be right back.” He made sure that everyone
was gone and he threw the bolt into place. When he returned, she held out her hands to him.
“I’m sorry for earlier. I know I hurt you though you will never speak it.” His hands were warm. She kissed his lips and he took her in his arms, kissing her back. Her hands were on him, urgently removing his clothing.