by J E Mueller
“She’s an undeserving brat.” Mother turned on heel and walked off.
Father didn’t even turn to watch her leave. He waited until he couldn’t hear her anymore before speaking once more. “Go enjoy being a spoiled brat at school. May it be far more productive than your time here.”
I rushed over to give him a tight hug. “I hope you have a good day, father.”
“It’ll be quiet by the lake. I believe it will be a good one.” He patted my head before letting me go. “We’ll see you soon.”
Chapter Seventeen
The ride back to school felt slow. Even with the sweets Elsie had left in the carriage for me. My mind kept wandering to what had transpired over my trip home. It was hard to convince myself not to rub my arms raw. Maybe there was a potion to ease this feeling. Something had to work. I couldn’t live with the feel of his hands touching me, his lips on mine. Everything made me sick to my stomach. It was all anxiety, something I couldn’t exactly cure.
The sight of the school eased my stomach a little. It still didn’t feel exactly safe, but it was safer than home had felt the last several days. Who knew dragons would be less dangerous. Instead of going to my room, I opted to walk through the back gardens for a short time before letting myself roam the woods.
The woods always felt safe. While dragon or that cursed Promised could find me in the woods, I knew that I could escape. At least for a time.
I thumbed the necklace Soleia gave me. It was comforting to know that if I put any ounce of magic into it, she’d be here. I didn’t need to now. The symbol and the small weight of protection was enough to keep the panic at a manageable level.
I wondered how their hunt went. Aylum said Soleia could indeed track that dragon, and it sounded like they had a good plan going, even if they didn’t want to keep me too informed. I hoped they were well. My heart ached and I slumped to the ground. I felt like I had betrayed them. Especially Aylum.
“There you are,” I heard Soleia’s voice say but I couldn’t see her.
I glanced around seeing no one for a moment before she appeared in front of me. Without thought, I was on my feet and hugging her tightly.
She was surprised for a moment but hugged me back. “What’s wrong?” Her words were soft and full of worry.
“Going from dragons to dealing with vacation was just too much,” I replied just as soft, hoping my vague words were enough.
“I’m sorry about your trip home.” She moved back enough and took one look at my face before hugging me again. “Usually you’re not this upset about it. What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I replied, meaning every word of it.
Soleia held me tighter. “That worries me more than whatever it probably is.”
“Can we just ignore it for now? How did tracking the dragon go?” I’d much rather focus on that matter.
Soleia sighed and closed her eyes, moving a step away from me. “Aylum will be here in a moment. We can both update you.”
“How do you know that?” I furrowed my brow, confused that she could know that.
“As a group, we mentally connected for a short time. It hasn’t completely faded so I told him where we are.” Soleia shrugged.
“Dragons have weird magic.” I shook my head at her.
“It can be strange, yes, but it's very limited. We have our few gifts and then that’s it. We don’t get full range of white magic, or destruction magic. I guess the extra dragon gifts are more than enough.” She chuckled.
“Yes, the extra strength, invisibility, and wings are a bit overpowered.” I smiled at her, amused. “What can’t you do?”
“Obviously heal, not that it matters if I beat the snot out of my opponent first.” She winked.
Before I could say anything Aylum appeared. I hesitated for a moment before hugging him tightly. It was still good to see him.
“So, will you tell us what’s wrong now?” Soleia asked bluntly.
“Something’s wrong?” Aylum’s confusion laced his voice as he hugged me carefully, as if I was suddenly fragile.
I sighed, letting go of Aylum and glaring at Soleia. “We were focusing on this dragon you tracked.”
“And I'm worried that you won’t tell me what’s wrong.” She shrugged, turning her gaze to Aylum, giving him a pointed stare.
Aylum glanced down at me, his concern intensifying. “What happened?”
I glared at Soleia once more for good measure. “I was just saying I don’t want to think about any of it right now. Now, what’s going on with this rogue dragon?”
Aylum glanced at Soleia. When she shrugged he gave in and sighed. “It’s not much of a tale, but it’s a mess.”
Soleia nodded. “Tracking him was easy. Found him in a cave already beaten and broken. He refused to speak about why he attacked the school group and why he specifically targeted you. So we got creative.”
“And we finally broke him, but it was useless,” Aylum muttered, running a hand through his hair. “They worship this person but they don’t know their real name. Not a clue. They just call her Mistress Ignis.”
“And all he would really say was that he displeased the Mistress and got the punishment he deserved.” Soleia stared up at the sky. “Damn cults. I’ve not a clue how many are brainwashed into whatever is going on, but the adults are working on finding out more and resolving it.”
“We are being told to focus on school and keep an eye on you in case anything else occurs.” Aylum shrugged. “Which changes nothing. Hopefully, we’ll hear more soon, but I’m sure it’ll be several weeks.”
“And then we’ll be on winter break.” I cringed at the thought. “At least I can get this duel over with. My father gave me his blessing.”
“That’s good news.” Soleia smiled. “I’m guessing your mother was less than thrilled.”
“She was, but there wasn’t much she could do aside from yell about it. Father even reminded her it was the king's law so she stomped off.”
“I’m glad your father is on your side. You should have family on your side.” Aylum smiled for a moment before his own words caught up with him. “But he won’t absolve it himself.”
“No, I’m sure it would cause too much of a fuss and trouble with the council, but if I beat him myself, it won’t get brought up again. I doubt the Lari would want the entire council to hear his shame.”
Aylum shook his head. “I don’t like his methods, but I’ve no doubt you’ll be ready.”
“And if not, I’ll kill him.” Soleia shrugged.
I nodded. Eastyn deserved no less, but I didn’t want to think of him right now. “I hope we can focus hard on this. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“We certainly can.” Soleia smiled. “I take it your father already has offers and that is part of his lack of concern.”
“An entire list.” I shrugged. “I only saw a glance of the paper and couldn’t read any of the names. It was surprising.”
“Why surprising?” Soleia laughed.
I shrugged. “I just wasn’t expecting it, I suppose. It’s not like it’s a subject that’s regularly on my mind.”
“Not like collecting ingredients.” Soleia smiled knowingly. “So, what did you bring from home?”
“Enough ingredients and potions to cause concern if anyone bothered to snoop through my bags,” I replied innocently.
Aylum and Soleia both laughed.
“We should head inside.” Aylum stretched out his arms. “They’ll have dinner ready shortly.”
“Food sounds good. Flying always makes me extra hungry,” Soleia agreed.
I walked in between them as we headed inside, glad that they were both back safe and sound. Even if they didn’t get all the information everyone wanted, I didn’t exactly care. Not right now anyway. Their presence was soothing. I’d have to make sure that at least Soleia accompanied me home next time. She’d understand even if I didn’t tell her everything.
We walked in a comfortable silence. The schoo
l was slowly filling back up, voices echoing down halls and out of sight as people reunited after a brief break. We waved and said hias we made our way through the dining hall. The food options were smaller tonight due to less people being here, but I didn’t mind. Lemon garlic chicken with roasted veggies and potatoes sound perfect.
We grabbed food and sat down. There were several table options with everyone not back yet. Some opted to have dinner with their families before returning. It didn’t keep things any quieter. Everyone was happily reuniting with friends, refreshed from several days apart.
I listened to bits of Soleia and Aylum’s adventure, glad they didn’t stop as Delmar joined. When they were done, Delmar got into a rant about how his parents were annoyed about different things in the kingdom boring him to tears with their endless tirade of politics.
Delmar threw me off when he turned the conversation to me. “How was the visit from the Lari? I heard father say when the council let out for a break that they were heading your way.”
I forgot that they were related. Pervical was the Lari of Bouldercove while Delmar’s father was the Lari of Lindbrick. “It went as one could expect,” I replied neutrally.
“So, that’s what you’ve been hiding,” Soleia was quick to jump in. “What happened?”
I didn’t budge. “He was rude and I will speak no more of it.”
Delmar gave a small laugh. “Yeah, that isn’t likely to change, but Aylum said you were planning to duel him so you’ll be free from it soon enough.”
I glanced at Aylum who just shrugged. “It was easier to have Delmar cover for me at night than to make up stories.”
I sighed and nodded at Delmar. “It’s true. I hope to win. Any tips I might need to know?”
Delmar shrugged. “He’s strong, but he isn’t particularly good with fencing nor magic. I’ve bested him quickly several times over the years. Eastyn projects his moves. If he is going to strike right, he’ll be leaning and moving that way well before he should. It’s rather dull. Eastyn can harness mild fire magic, which he uses to make his fists or whatever he’s holding light on fire. That’s really it. If he can’t easily show it off, he’s not interested in learning.”
The whole point was to stay away from being hit by the foil and that would easily include his fists. “Sounds simple enough.”
“If you’ve practiced at all, you’ve already got him beat. Serves him right, too. I’ve heard a lot of foul rumors about him. Really, the rumors alone should be bad enough to strip one of their title but darn politics won’t do a thing about it.” Delmar shrugged. “I won’t be surprised when someone stabs him.”
“That’ll likely be me.” Soleia beamed as she rubbed her hands together gleefully. “I can hardly wait.”
Delmar chuckled. “By all means, please do. We got into a slight game of fisticuffs in our last encounter and the man-child went crying to my parents after I bloodied his nose. As if he didn’t know what he was getting himself into. This was just last summer, not some small childhood brawl. He knew what was coming.”
Aylum snorted. “What sort of person is he if he can’t handle a little fight?”
Delmar laughed. “Not everyone fights like your people do. We tend to punch each other a little less. Broken bones and all that.” Delmar nudged him. “But you’re right. He can’t even handle the messes he gets himself into. He won’t be a good Lari and if there's a way to remove his title, I’ll find it.”
It was nice to hear that no one seemed to like him, though I knew Delmar had accidentally given Soleia the fuel she needed to hound me for answers later. I doubted Aylum would be far behind her.
Delmar stretched out. “Anyone want to go for a walk before they lock us up for the night? I feel weirdly stiff and tired from all this travel.”
“That sounds good to me,” Soleia agreed. We were all done with dinner anyway, might as well enjoy some of the evening.
As we headed out into the hall Gawin stepped in front of us. “What do you think you’re doing?” he spewed venomously, pointing an accusatory finger at me, causing me to flinch back.
Aylum and Soleia stepped in front of me before he could utter another word.
“She is enjoying time with friends,” Soleia replied.
“Well connected friends, who are not afraid to take care of one another.” Aylum’s voice held the air of a threat.
Gawin seemed oblivious. “She is Promised, the whore should have mentioned that.”
Aylum slapped him across the face. “We can do this right here, I care not. Either leave now or I will defend her honor.”
Gawin moved to get up in his face for a moment before moving to step around us. “She’ll be locked up where she belongs soon enough.”
“Can I stab him too?” Soleia asked.
“Even Eastyn doesn’t like him. No one would miss the lot of them,” Delmar admitted.
“Do you like any of your family?” Aylum chuckled lightly.
“My immediate family, yes. Isn’t that enough?” Delmar shrugged.
“I think I’m going to retire early instead. Excuse me.” I moved around them and rushed away.
“Kareia wait! What’s wrong?” I could hear Soleia run after me.
“I don't want to talk about it,” I replied tightly, keeping up the brisk pace.
Soleia growled. “Fine. Don’t tell me, but please talk to someone.”
“No.”
She followed me back up to my room where she shut the door behind us. “This isn’t like you. What is going on?”
“I’m tired.” It wasn’t a lie.
Soleia closed her eyes for a moment before heading over to the balcony, letting Aylum in. “Please tell us,” she begged.
Aylum looked equally concerned.
“No,” I grumbled before going and locking myself in my bathroom.
“Kareia, that's very childish,” Soleia stated loudly from the other side of the door.
“I don’t care.”
She let out a sound of frustration. “Okay, I’m going to break down the facts. Your Promised visited. It was a surprise, otherwise I know you would have mentioned that. Something happened with him, and now you don’t want to talk. My mind can come up with a million reasons why, but that doesn’t let me help you.”
“How bad was it?” Aylum asked quieter, just on the other side of the door.
I didn’t reply. I couldn’t. My throat felt tight and locked up as I slid to the floor.
There was silence for a moment before Soleia spoke. “You know whatever happened, we’re not going to be upset with you.”
“I just need to beat him and everything will be alright. Winning this duel will fix everything,” I spoke softly, not sure if they could really hear me. I needed to beat him, to know I had some power over him and that this could not, would not happen again.
“What does it need to fix?” Aylum asked, keeping his voice low.
“I’ve heard rumors,” Soleia stated, voice guarded. “He can be very grabby, and I know from his letters he thinks he owns you. Did he touch you?”
I didn’t reply.
Silence.
More silence.
“Win or lose I’m going to kill him,” Soleia finally stated.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but if it wasn’t me, it would be someone else.
“Kareia, please let me see you,” Aylum asked, an edge of begging to his voice.
“I don't want to…” I wasn’t sure how much I meant that.
“There was only one other time I’ve seen you lock yourself away,” Soleia stated plainly. “Remember how I resolved it?”
I let out a sigh. “You broke the door.”
“I broke the door,” she agreed.
I did not want to try and explain that to the school. “Please don’t break the door.” I reached up and unlocked it.
There was a pause. “You’d really break her door?” Aylum asked.
“For something like this? Yes.” Soleia chuckled. “It’s replaceab
le. It’s not like this is a stupid fight. Something serious is going on.”
“What happened last time?” Aylum sounded concerned.
“We don’t talk about that,” Soleia replied with ease. “Some memories don’t need to be rehashed.”
“These fit into that category,” I called to her.
“I believe you.” Soleia nudged the door open the small bit it could before it hit my back. “But, we don’t know what’s going on and therefore can’t help. Once we know, we can fix it and drop it.”
“There’s nothing to fix. It can’t be undone.” I shook my head.
Soleia used force to shove me and the door open enough for her to stick her head in. “Will you let me in?”
“I don’t see how I have any choice whatsoever in this matter,” I grumbled and scooted forward enough for her to get in.
Soleia scooped me up before I could react and moved to toss me on the bed. I let out a small yelp of surprise before glaring at her.
“You can’t win something like this against a dragon.” She raised an eyebrow at me.
I glared at her, casting silencing magic on the room. “You are mean.”
Aylum moved to sit next to me. “Please tell me what happened.”
His voice was soothing, but if anything it made me feel worse. He didn’t deserve to hear this. Soleia, I knew, wouldn’t let up though. She was relentless when her mind was set to something.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head on Aylum. For a moment I didn’t say anything. “Do I really have to?”
Soleia sat on my other side and leaned her head on me. “Please.” Her voice was soft, sadder than I was expecting.
So, I talked. I explained everything about the garden, and glossed over my mother tricking me to spend more time with him because of the injury. They got the gist of it, that was all that mattered. They didn’t need more.
I refused to move, to open my eyes and look at them. Neither talked, but I remembered Soleia mentioning they still had a way to communicate, at least for a little while.
It felt like a long time before Soleia finally spoke, “You can have your duel. Then I’ll be his problem.” Soleia squeezed me tight before she got up and I heard her leave.