The Knight

by Kayla Eshbaugh

  Emma was indeed stunningly beautiful, but she was also so much more than that. She seemed so much more put together than I had ever seen her before. I waited for her to walk down the pool steps and ease her way in, but she just stood there, looking into the pool as if she were looking into her soul. I moved around the pool’s edge and grabbed her foot pulling her into the depths of the water. As she popped her head out of the water, she looked terrified, and I was afraid that I had made a mistake. Maybe she was not well at all, I thought.

  “Ryker you almost killed me!” she spat, splashing water into my eyes.

  We joked for a moment. “We just got home, like an hour ago,” I lied with a smile. “You seem better, Emma.” That was the truth. One lie, one truth; that was a good balance.

  “I feel a little better. Every day, it’s a little more bearable,” she shrugged.

  “I hate that I was away for so long. My dad really wanted some quality time as a whole family,” I lied as I pulled her into a hug, resting my chin on top of her head. My melody hummed inside of me, and for a moment, I let it float around us, and she leaned in closer to me, no doubt to feel the pull of warmth from our connection.

  “Where did you guys go again?” she asked, her body leaning in closer and closer to mine. It was hard for me to breathe. The pull I had for Emma was so strong.

  “Camping,” I said with a laugh, trying to pull my feelings back and also my melody back, to avoid releasing them fully and ruining everything.

  “What! That’s funny: you and camping,” she giggled, looking at me with a bright smile, and I knew that if I wasn’t careful, I would bend down and touch my lips to hers, and that was not a good idea, not yet. So I moved my arms from around her, releasing her.

  “Hey, I can camp. Seriously, I have skills,” I retorted as I splashed Emma with water.

  “I vaguely remember a boy who looked like you, trying to build a fire back here in the fire pit, and—” I swam closer to her and placed my hand over her mouth. I shoved my melody back, shielding it again.

  “Okay, okay, so I am not good at making fires; I get it.” I looked into her beautiful, green eyes. They seemed to glow as I gazed into them, entranced. I couldn’t look away. I wanted to tell her everything, to confess all to her, but I knew that she needed time, and I had to do what was right for her. Her melody sent her thoughts about me, right to me. She loved my blue eyes—they looked like an ocean after a storm. I was so surprised by her feelings about me. Grey eyes came into my mind, and I quickly shielded my soul again. I had forgotten that I had even let it free just a little. I felt Emma's emotions change. She moved away from me, and my hand dropped from her mouth.

  “I came out here for a swim, so if you don’t mind,” she said, taking one last look at me and then diving under the water, and then her feelings were that of escape; she wanted to escape me. I wanted to die, knowing that because that's not what she needed from me, so I had failed her. I had failed her once again.

  Chapter 9

  EMMA AND I SPENT THE rest of the short summer together. We watched movies because it was so hot that we didn’t dare go outside for more than some quick dips in the pool. I did not unshield my soul again around her. I was frustrated. I had let my guard down, and I wouldn’t do it again.

  School was about to start, and Glasson had filled me in on Ashlyn. Ashlyn was going to seek us out so that I could help guard her, too. I sighed, just thinking about it. It was enough that I had my hands full with Emma and this possible Terran wanting to kill her, and that Shadrict was here, who I had yet to speak with, for obvious reasons: I was avoiding him—but Ashlyn, too? Not to mention, the box in my brain, which kept threatening to unlock at any given moment if I were to even think of the blue oceans of the first kingdom or of grey eyes—these were things I tried not to think about—trigger images. I laid on my pillow a bit longer than usual after my alarm went off. I stared at my alarm before finally getting up and getting ready for school.

  After I showered, I picked out a pair of pants and a shirt, slung my backpack on my back, and that's when I heard it—Prince Shadrict’s melody—for the first time in a long time, and it was close. I looked out my window, and there he was, crossing the street and heading right for Emma’s house. What was he doing? I darted down the stairs and out my front door. The pull to keep my vows and to protect Emma was pushing me toward the prince.

  “Prince Shadrict,” I called. He looked up, and our eyes met. He looked pissed, more than pissed, actually—enraged. He walked up to me, and I groaned as I realized that he had a few inches on me. But he was slim, and I was strong from years spent training, and more recently, playing football. If I needed to, I could take him down. He was also younger than me, I reminded myself.

  “Shielded soul, huh?” Shadrict said as he placed his hands behind his back, scowling down at me. I tried not to laugh as I noticed that he wore a suit, an actual suit.

  “You going to a wedding or something there, prince?” I asked with a laugh. His brow furrowed, and I would never tell anyone this, but I felt like taking a step back; he was actually pretty intimidating. I told myself that it was just because his melody was so strong, not because of the look on his face.

  “I am attending school.”

  “Well, you might want to check in with the times. Teenagers here don’t wear that,” I said, motioning to his clothing.

  “Knight, if I cared what you thought, I would have asked you, but alas, I do not. I am a prince of the first kingdom of Terra, and I will dress as such.”

  “Whatever you say, prince.”

  “If you could, please call me Shad. That would help me blend in better.”

  “And what makes you think I want, or would, help you?”

  “I assume you do not want to tell Emma about melodies, or you would have already?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well, I plan on telling her—because I do not plan on ever keeping secrets from her, but I will be courteous and let you know when I do.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, I want to get to know her, and that takes time. You must give me time.”

  “What are you doing here?” I tried to keep my voice down, but I was angry. Give him time?

  “What do you mean?”

  “So you think you finally found her?” I whispered.

  “Yes, you know exactly why I am here. Don’t play games with me, Ryker. How long have you known?”

  “Shad,” I said his name with a scowl. I enjoyed the twitch he made at my use of his informal name. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

  “Nothing? Are you serious? This is not nothing. How you could even say that to me, baffles me. How could you not remember what she told us?”

  “Of course, I remember. I know it’s a big deal, okay. I get it,” I said, running a hand through my hair.

  “You have changed; back home, they would not even know you. Do you not understand how important this is—for her, for us, and for our people?” Shad asked. The last part he whispered.

  “You can’t just come here and expect me to do whatever you say, Shad. Seriously—this isn’t the second—”

  “Ryker, I can come here and do what I wish, and you know that I have just as much of a right as you. I have been all over this country, and you knew about it the entire time. I asked about this place, and you told me—“

  “Just stay away,” I quietly retorted. I wanted it to come out more demanding, but I sounded like I was begging, and to be honest, I was. “She doesn’t know anything.”

  “You think after all these years, I’ll just walk away? You have no right to that wish—or warning—especially after what you have done. It was tasked to us both. Sixteen years, Ryker. For sixteen years, you have had your time.”

  “Shad, you don't understand. I couldn’t—things have happened. She is in danger.”

  “I thought you were a guard. What have you been doing? Do you even remember who you are?”

  “You know I’m not a seeker, a
nd I’m not an ancient; I’m not invincible. I need help finding him. I don’t have any more connections, and someone is after her.”

  “I will help. Keil and I have resources at our disposal, and you have had your chance, so now it is my turn.”

  “Well—okay, fine.” I backed down. I needed to remember that it wasn’t about me and the prince; it was about Emma, and as much as I disliked the ancient heir, Shadrict, I couldn’t forget the fact that I needed him. “I would appreciate any intel Keil could give me on this guy. He has been almost impossible to track.”

  “I will update you,” Shad agreed.

  “I guess we have to work together again,” I said, irritated at the idea.

  “Seems so, but you need to give me space. You have had plenty.”

  We were silent for a time. I felt his melody reach out to speak with mine, but I did not dare unshield my soul so close to Emma. Even if walls were between us, I would never do it around him.

  “Why do you shield your melody, Ryker?” Shad asked, and I tried to think of what to say. The truth wasn’t an option at that moment.

  “Emma and I are close. She and I—“

  “Are you fond of each other?” he asked.

  “Yes, we are.”

  “I understand, and although I am more enraged than I can possibly explain in the earthly tongue, I am grateful that she is safe. Even if I didn’t know about her being here with you, her safety is what matters most.”

  “Agreed,” I said, hating that I respected him for that comment.

  “I need to go. I do not wish to be late to my first day of Earth school.”

  “Little hint, your royalness. Don’t call it ‘earth school.’ Call it high school.”

  He nodded and walked across the street, back to his house, and I couldn’t have been happier about that.

  Chapter 10

  “ASHLYN SAYS THAT SHE is going to Emma’s house.”

  “Yes, you don’t have to worry. I will be there,” I said as I closed my computer and rubbed my face. The first day of school went well. I was worried for Emma, but she seemed to handle it fine. I disliked the way she seemed to look at Shadrict, but I figured anyone would be drawn to someone dressed in a suit at a high school. What I did not understand was how everyone was swooning over him. It seemed like it didn't matter if he tried or not, the prince would have no trouble fitting in. I, on the other hand, had worked for years to become well-liked at that school, among the earthlings. Again, I hated him so very much.

  I decided before the day was over that I needed to quit the football team. I didn't have the time for it, and it wasn't really important. It never had been. The idea that I would not play again did something to me, though. But how could I keep playing a game that was useless? I mean, it was useless; in all the worlds—football didn’t matter, really. It had mattered to me, though, and that was the problem; I wasn't fully focused.

  When I told Mary about it, she tried to tell me over and over again that I didn’t need to do it. I didn’t need to quit the team out of guilt. But, that wasn’t it; I couldn’t look at a football, or at a jersey, or at the field without feeling that emptiness of being without Lamont’s melody in the world. The gushings and feelings of horror that endlessly flowed from Emma were what really mattered. Well—I paused, as I listened to her melody right across the street. The notes from her melody played loud like they always did, and I did my best to help tone them down. As a knight, I could manipulate Emma’s melody, but not enough to do much but drown it out or to confuse Terrans who would normally be able to hear her melody from miles away.

  Her soul was happy. She was excited to see Shadrict. I knew what she felt for him. I pushed her melody away for a moment to listen to Glasson. He had been talking to me on the phone, and I was sure he would catch on that I wasn't listening if I continued to daydream. I did not need a lecture.

  “Sure, and how is that supposed to help me not to worry? She is going to be around numerous earthlings.”

  “Yes, and what is different about a party versus school on a daily basis?” I asked, confused at his reasoning, yet understanding the need that he had to protect Ashlyn—like I had a need to protect Lamont, and now Emma.

  He sighed, and I wondered—not for the first time—more about him, more about what he was doing on Earth in the first place, and why he was guarding Ashlyn. I knew she was Terran. I could hear her melody, but I never communicated with her through it before. I rarely let my melody out anymore. I wasn’t supposed to. I couldn’t let Lamont down again. He wanted me to shield my melody, and I would. I would not fail him—at least, in that way.

  “Please, Ryker. Please make sure she is safe.”

  I felt, for the first time, the desperation in his voice. He seemed tired and worried.

  “Are you well, highness?” I asked, turning to face my bedroom. I looked out the window to the tree outside and watched as the wind made each green leaf move back and forth. The phone I held to my face felt hot in my hand, as if the battery was overheating from overuse. I quickly looked at the screen to see my battery slowly depleting. Earthlings made some cool technology, but most of it was seriously flawed.

  “As well as one can be while away from home, Ryker.”

  “I see,” I said, nodding to myself. I understood the longing in his voice. I felt that, too. I missed Terra. I didn't say it out loud. There really was no point; he would know I felt it, too. It was safe to assume that all Terrans stranded on Earth missed Terra.

  “Do you ever—” he paused, and then cleared his throat. “Okay, thank you for your help, knight.” Then he hung up. After knowing him all these years, I would never get used to his mood swings.

  I HEADED OVER TO THE pool party after I had finished one of my last football practices. I knew I was going to quit and soon. I just didn't know when, so for that moment, I kept up appearances.

  “So why doesn’t Emma know?” Ashlyn, or Ash, as she had asked to be called, questioned me as she tossed a beach ball at me.

  “Because her parents didn’t want her to know. They wanted her to be raised like an Earthling.” Almost as soon as I arrived at the party, Ash pulled me aside and started bombarding me with question after question. I could not blame her. I doubted Glasson ever gave her any solid information. He was Glasson, after all—and, in being Glasson, he was extremely difficult to talk to, let alone be around. I took pity on her for a few moments. He sure was rough around the edges.

  “Yeah, but she should know—I mean, I would be pissed at Glasson if he never told me who I was.”

  “Who exactly are you?” I asked, my interest in her peeked. She shrugged her shoulders, her straight red hair hung wet around her face.

  “I am a Terran, same as you.”

  “Yes, but what kingdom? What loyalties do you have?”

  “How should I know? That dude doesn’t communicate well. I mean, he talks when he has to, but other than that, I don’t get much out of him,” she tried to explain—but I could sense a lie. Terrans rarely lied. It was so easy to spot a Terran lie. All a Terran had to do was shield their soul for the telling of the lie, and then let it out again after. Ash moved her hair from around her face, and I saw a flash of light which caught my attention. I moved closer to her and saw a gold chain around her neck with a tiny stone at the bottom. I reached for it, and she didn't stop me as I held a clear seeker’s crystal in my hand. The power within it hummed warm against my skin.

  “Glasson? Did he give it to you?”

  “My parents gave it to me.”

  “Why?”

  “How am I supposed to know? I haven’t seen them since I was a child.” She looked into my eyes. So much sorrow was there, and I could feel her melody hum within the sorrow. Crystals were interesting. Some could guard or shield a soul completely, and some just dulled the melody. It seemed that the crystal that she wore was one that only dulled her melody.

  “I am sure you know how to shield your soul?” I asked, letting the crystal drop from my hand.
r />   “Don't we all learn as children?”

  “Yes, so why don’t we give this crystal to Emma, who has no idea how.”

  She grabbed the crystal. “I like Emma; I do, but Ryker, this was the only thing I still have from Terra, from my family. I have to believe they gave it to me for a purpose, and anyways, Glasson said never take it off. I know you are looking for one. I’m sorry that Roseville's crystals are all useless now.” She paused and looked away from me. “He really likes her.” She motioned to Shad who sat by the side of the pool with Emma. The way her soul was blaring to life, I was surprised that I had not been distracted by it. She was so enraptured by him.

  “I really dislike that prince.”

  “So he is truly the second kingdom’s prince? I’ve heard rumors about him.” Ash looked at Shad with interest in her purple eyes—her very purple eyes, which I had seen somewhere before.

  “Yes—“ I paused. It was so obvious. How had I not noticed before?

  “Seeker?” I whispered. Ash snapped her head back to look at me. Terror flooded her face.

  “No, I’m not.”

  Clearly, it was a lie.

  “You have seeker blood. How else would your eyes be purple?”

  “My mother,” she said, whispering. “Please, will you be quiet about it?”

  “Is this why Glasson is guarding you? Because you are a seeker?”

  “He is worried about what Terrans would do with someone like me.”