by D. E. Morris
“Why are you helping us now?” he asked, hesitant to trust her.
She glanced at Mairead, her eyes honest and her palms up. “I do not pretend to understand much of what is happening right now, but I do know that there is honor in you.” She nodded to Cailin. “Especially when you bear the mark of the Keeper. The way Hideo reacted tonight, the anger and the hatred with which he looked up at his own daughter, and how he felt he could treat me will not be tolerated. If it is as you say, that he hates all dragons, then he must be stopped before he uses them to start a war. My people fly with him because they trust him. They trust him because I told them to. This is a wrong I must right, by any means necessary.”
Connor grinned at her, arms crossed over his chest. “I always knew we could count on a fellow dragon lover like you.”
“We should go,” Jaryn put in. Cailin and Mairead hastened down the beach and away from the others to find a place to shift, while Misuzu turned into a bird, then, once high enough, into her true draconic form.
Gianara watched it all, then returned Connor's smile, small but genuine. “Thank you for trusting in me, Connor. You have my word that I will fight on your side as long as we both fight for the same thing.”
He beamed. “That sounds like a good plan to me.” Hesitating, he narrowed one eye. “So...can I ride with you?”
~*~*~*~
The sun was rising over Altaine, but Ashlynn had long been awake. She and Elas had been walking together outside, neither of them able to sleep much these days. They were both struggling with anxiety, though for different reasons. It was no secret that Ashlynn was worried about her husband and friends as well as the future of her reign and Siness as a whole. Elas was struggling with accepting the fact that his disfigurement looked like it refused to be disguised by magic any longer. The scales that covered his neck and arm were not yet as thick as they had been, but the scars returned to pull back the side of his mouth in a permanent sneer. Even his eye was losing its color and appeared nearly as faded as Rowan's.
Out on the parapet, they strode side by side, Ashlynn telling him everything she'd been keeping to herself about Killian, his former position in the secret army, and the connection he had to her parents. Since he and the rest of her family had come to Altaine, she'd found him to be one of the easiest people to talk to. Unlike many in her council, Elas never shied away from disagreeing with her or challenging her, and oftentimes would give her a perspective on matters she wouldn't have considered before. Even now as they spoke of Killian, he remained hopeful, but objective.
“He is still too new to trust overmuch,” Elas stated, his gaze on his feet as they moved. “Take what he says with a grain of salt until his story can be confirmed. I am certainly not one to ask to validate his story since I was hidden away in the tunnels under the monastery for so long, but I'll see what I can find out. I may have been alone most of my time in Caedia, but the few friends I did make took great pride in their ability to remain hidden in plain sight. They heard and saw things very few others did.”
“When Jaryn and the others are home and safe, I just may take you up on that.” She looked sideways at her new brother-in-law. “I know your stay here isn't permanent, but would you consider a seat among my councilors while you are?”
He grimaced, breathing deeply through his nose. “My gut reaction is to say no...but...I will consider it, yes. I'm surprised to find I'm actually starting to enjoy all the politics of high court.”
Ashlynn laughed. “Try wading your way through them for a few years and see how you feel.”
Their shoes clicked over the stones, paces matched without even thinking of it. Each time the sun rose, the air felt a little warmer. Though Ashlynn still needed her winter cloak in the early morning hours, Elas had already taken to walking in just his shirt and a thick jerkin. It was a wonder he didn't freeze.
In the distance, the trumpeting cry of a dragon echoed off the faraway hills. Ashlynn paused to look over the wall, leaning against it with a longing in her heart. “That came from the north.” Elas stared in the direction of the sound, his spiky blue hair swaying in the slight breeze around them.
The call came again, mixed with that of another dragon. The blood in Ashlynn's veins froze. “Yes it did.” She hastened along the parapet, eager to get closer to the direction from which the sound had come. With her skirts in her hands, she ran as quickly as she could, drawing the gazes of those inside the castle who were just now waking and moving about to begin their days. She couldn't have cared less. With Elas fast on her heels, she reached the corner of the parapet wall where the north wing met the east, nearly flinging herself over the edge when the sound of a mighty lion on the wind was mixed with the urgent trumpeting of a dragon. There were shapes far off in the sky, indistinct for the distance, but her heart beat fast in her chest. “It's them. It's Misuzu and the others.”
“Are you sure?” Elas squinted, his vision not as strong as it had been when he was temporarily healed.
“Misuzu doesn't sound like everyone else, her cry is more like that of a feral cat. Didn't you hear it?”
He didn't answer, only stared at the shapes that kept drawing closer as the sky grew lighter with each passing second. Most of the black forms had wings, all but one, who looked like a water serpent who'd figured out how to swim in the clouds. “There are three of them,” Ashlynn muttered, confused. “There are three other dragons with Misuzu when there should be only two.”
“Is it possible that Connor is a Gael?”
She blinked, one brow lifting. “I suppose so, but that would make him a bastard and give him no claim to the throne. Neither Donnchadh nor his wife were Gaelic.”
“That you know of.” Elas leaned his elbows on the wall. “If meeting Hideo has taught me anything, it's that sometimes it isn't smart to share all of who you are with someone.”
It was Ashlynn who now remained silent. So many emotions ran through her at the thought of those who had been gone too long finally returning home. Of course she was glad Cailin and Misuzu were safe and well, but the thought of being able to feel Jaryn's arms around her again made her as excited and nervous as she had been when they had been parted during their engagement. That had been nearly a year and this, not even two weeks. She knew it was silly to have butterflies like that, but there was no way around them.
“I don't recognize that orange dragon,” Elas murmured as the group closed in on the castle.
“Neither do I, but look! There is Jaryn with Cailin, and that must be Connor on the back of that other dragon!” She waved, giddy like a maiden waving to her favorite knight before a joust. Even from so far away, she could see him wave back and felt her heart beat faster. “They'll land in the bailey. Let's go.” There was no thought of caution as she hurried inside, taking the stairs quickly to bring them to the lower levels, but the faster she moved, the more she felt an increasing pain in her abdomen and had to make herself slow down. Elas asked no questions, only steadied her when she paused, then kept up the fast walk she chose to resume. By the time they reached the out of doors again, both Connor and Jaryn had their feet firmly on the ground, and all of the dragons were shifted. Now Ashlynn had no care for her pain. She ran at Jaryn, a sob building in her throat, and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck as his arms encircled her waist and lifted her off her feet.
“It's all right,” he soothed, whispering in her ear. “It's all right, love. I'm here now. I'm home.”
“I was so afraid I would never see you again.”
“Do you really think I'd ever let that happen?” He was gentle as he set her down, extracting her arms from around him so he could take her face in his hands. His own eyes were watery, but still he smiled down at her. “Look at you...more beautiful than I remembered.” He kissed her, but Ashlynn pulled back all too quickly to look at the cuts and scrapes along his face and hands.
“What happened? Are you hurt?”
He shrugged off his injuries with a quiet laugh. �
�Not anymore, not now that I'm here with you.”
“Where's Hideo?”
The unfamiliar voice made Ashlynn aware once more that there were others with them in the large open courtyard. Though she desperately wanted nothing more than to press herself into the arms of her husband, she turned to give the boy who had spoken a cautious glance. “Hideo has not been here for several days.” With question, she glanced at Cailin and Misuzu before looking once again at Jaryn. “Was he supposed to be here?”
He didn't answer directly, his eyes going over the top of her head to look at the strange woman with the colorful mohawk standing beside Connor. Her lips were pursed. “He said this was where he was coming.”
As Jaryn stepped away from Ashlynn, she watched him in confusion. He called for the men at arms within the castle to search every room, every nook and cranny. Even if people were sleeping, they could suffer the intrusion if it meant keeping everyone safe. Without another word to her, he walked with wide, purposeful steps inside the castle, ordering for even the village to be searched for anyone new or unfamiliar. Left to watch him leave, Ashlynn finally took the two newcomers in with an appraising gaze. She cleared her throat and smoothed her gown, turning to fully face the boy who seemed torn between staying where he was and following after her husband.
“You must be High King Connor.” She dipped her head in respect. “Welcome to Siness.”
“Nice to meet you,” he replied, not even looking at her. In the next second, he ran into the castle and disappeared inside.
“He's a bit enamored with Jaryn,” Cailin offered, coming forward to touch Ashlynn's arm. “I don't think he can decide who's more his hero, Gia or Jaryn.” Ashlynn embraced her friend, but held her quickly at arm's length to look at her eye still surrounded by a bruise. “What happened to you?”
“Nothing that won't heal.” She motioned toward the strange woman. “Ashlynn, this is Gianara. She's...a new friend.”
Gianara met Cailin's eyes and gave her a decisive nod of agreement before bowing her head to Ashlynn. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”
“You as well, Gianara.” Ashlynn looked at Mairead and Misuzu next, making sure they were both no worse for the wear. “Misuzu...Mairead?”
“Fine,” Misuzu reported. “I'm going to help search the castle.”
“I should as well,” said Cailin, watching Misuzu leave. She turned to Elas as inhabitants of the castle began moving about in greater numbers. Most of them were still in their night clothes and very clearly disgruntled. “Elas, can you fill me in on what's been happening here?”
“Of course.” Side by side, they jogged back toward the doors to go inside Altaine, Gianara right behind.
Coming up beside her queen, Mairead gingerly touched her arm to get her attention. “There is much I need to tell you.” She glanced around, knowing there was no one close enough to overhear them, yet cautious all the same. “I think it would be best if we went inside.”
Ashlynn nodded and pasted on her brightest smile so that those who would look to her would see her demeanor and be calmed. “There is nothing to worry about,” she promised lightly, working her way through the crowds. “You will all be back in your rooms in due time. You must forgive us this unexpected intrusion, but rest assured, all is well in hand.”
“What is going on?” Cavalon demanded, shoving his way in between confused courtiers. Ashlynn half expected him to be naked as the day he was born, no shame in him, but he'd taken the time to put on pants at least. Instead of answering him, she beckoned him along and together they made their way deeper into the castle. It was only when they found an empty solar did she turn to see Killian following behind them. She bid him enter as well, then shut the door once all four of them were inside.
“Jaryn and the others have returned,” she announced in a calm voice. Her expression, however, was grim when she looked to Mairead. “It seems they bring unfavorable news with them.”
Mairead linked her hands together before her, her eyes downcast in discomfort, though none looked upon her unkindly. She told them all everything that had been reported to Jaryn and the others about Hideo and their journey south to Cieria. Recalling what details she could, she tried to explain the two islands she'd seen, as well as the dragons and those who seemed to train and ride them. Ashlynn sat, feigning confusion about what she was hearing to cover a wince of pain in her lower abdomen.
“You said the first island is to the west of Caedia?”
“Yes, though it is much farther out to sea than the island west of Ibays, and smaller.” Mairead scowled. “Both are large enough, however, to be on the maps, yet neither of them are.”
Cavalon crossed his arms over his chest. “Maybe I should go take a look at these islands for myself.”
“That is exactly what we don't need,” argued Ashlynn. “If Gianara is from one of them, she can tell us much more than we can find out for ourselves. What I'm more interested in is why Hideo spent so much time in Cieria.”
“There is more,” Mairead hedged. “Hideo was not alone in his arrival on the second island. I could not tell you when or how, but...Merrik was there with him as well. Both Jaryn and Misuzu saw him.”
“What?” Cavalon boomed. “How is that possible?”
All color vanished from Ashlynn's face, though she was hardly shocked by the news. “His body was not among those burned after we defeated Laidley.” She looked down, her gaze far away. “I always knew he would return, it was just a matter of when. And now Misuzu's own father has aligned himself with Merrik.” A sad sigh passed her lips. “The turmoil she must be in.”
“Where are Jaryn and Misuzu now?” demanded Cavalon. “I want to talk to them and hear exactly what they saw.”
“They're searching rooms with the guards.” The words barely left Ashlynn's lips before the Badarian stalked out of the room. After a quiet moment, Ashlynn offered a wan smile to the younger woman still standing before her. “Thank you, Mairead. As soon as your quarters have been searched, please get some rest. I imagine you haven't gotten much since you left here.” She said nothing, only bowing her head before taking her leave.
“And what will you have me do, Your Majesty?” asked Killian.
She thought a moment, but eventually shook her head. “Nothing. I need to find my husband as well. Mairead left me with more questions than she did answers.”
Hesitant, Killian's lips curved into a frown. “Perhaps you would allow me to find him for you.” When she looked up at him with question, he took a step closer to her and lowered his voice to prevent anyone outside the open door from overhearing. “I have known women who have lost their children before. It is a trauma the body does not so quickly heal from. Stay and rest. I will find the high king and bring him to you, if I may.”
She wasn't sure if he had seen her painful grimace or if he was simply being the chivalrous protector he'd been assigned to be. Either way, she was grateful for his willingness and it showed in her eyes, even if nowhere else in her expression. “Thank you, Killian.” He bowed low to her, then backed out of the room.
The halls were slow to clear as rooms and chambers were checked for any unfamiliar faces or suspicious possessions. Killian searched among those wandering for Cavalon, knowing the hulking man was on a mission and would not stop looking until he found Jaryn. The Badarian, however, was nowhere in sight, leaving Killian to search each room on his own. After a time, he came upon Cailin and Elas, working with a handful of men to clear out the northern wing of Altaine so as to expedite the search and get people back where they wanted to be.
“Killian, good! Just the man I was hoping to see.” He nodded to her, watching as she ordered men this way and that before giving him her full attention. “I need you to take some of the men and search the village. We should have started there and worked our way in, but this will have to do.”
“I will do that just as soon as I find the high king. Her Majesty wishes to speak with him, but she needs her rest. I volunteered to
bring him to her.”
Cailin paused. “Is Ashlynn all right?”
“Would she admit it if she was otherwise?”
The answer she gave him was a frown. “I think Jaryn is in the west wing now.”
Once more, Killian nodded. “Thank you. I will take men to the village as soon as I can.”
“Cailin?”
Hearing her voice, she turned to see Wessely approaching through the grumbling crowd Killian disappeared into. “Your Highness. I'm so sorry. We should be done here soon. There are only a few more rooms left in this section of the castle to search and then everyone can go back to where they belong.”
He frowned, glancing at the disgruntled faces around them. “How may I be of help? Certainly this will cause more chaos than is needed in the long run.” His blue eyes lowered to her face finally, and he gasped softly. Lifting a hand, he was gentle as he touched the skin under her healing eye. “What happened?”
She felt color flood her cheek but didn't move from his fingers. “It's all right.”
“It most assuredly is not.”
“It is.” Without thinking, she wrapped her fingers softly around his wrist. “I'm fine. It's days old and already healing quite nicely.”
If Wessely was bothered by her casual touch, he showed nothing of it. Instead, he met her eyes with a sorrowful gaze. “When we heard you were captured, I secretly feared the worst. For all of you.”
She smirked, even as he lowered his hand. “We're tougher than you might think, Your Highness.”
Wessely looked as though he would argue the use of a title he did not feel belonged to him anymore, but instead he gave into a smile and shook his head. “Yes,” he said softly, “I do believe you are.”
“They've come back!” someone yelled.
The moment broken, Cailin glanced around Wessely with a chuckle. “I didn't realize we were as missed as that.” There was a sudden change in the atmosphere that drained all the levity within her. Wessely must have seen it in her face; he turned around as well to try to see the source of the shout, only now more shouts were coming, screams of terror and a panic rushing of feet. Bodies surged forward with such ferocity that Wessely was knocked into Cailin, and the two of them stood close, holding onto one another for support as they tried to sort out what was going on. Cailin quickly grew tired of waiting and let go of Wessely, shoving herself through the masses. “Get out of the way,” she cried, fighting to get to the hallway that would take her out of the one she was now in.