Birth of Innocence: The Innocence Cycle, Book 4

by J D Abbas

  “We will conduct the ceremony at midday for the full benefit of the sun. Elena, would you like some briochellai to attend you until then?”

  “No,” she said without hesitation. “My adai will be with me.”

  The Xiander grew serious. He studied her with a knit brow, nodding slowly to himself. “They have explained our customs to you?”

  Elena blushed. “Yes, I believe I understand.”

  “Does she have the appropriate attire?” he asked Elbrion.

  “Yes. She will wear my mother’s.”

  Elena turned to him with surprise and was about to object when she felt a deep sorrow move through her ada as well as several others at the table whom she could not identify. She swallowed her words.

  “Yes, I am certain,” Elbrion said in answer to her unspoken objection. “And I will explain later.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “Again, I can hide nothing from you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for your generous offer. I will not refuse your kindness.”

  This is preposterous. Her life is precarious at best, and he ... he is beneath her, a voice broke into Elena’s mind. She quickly glanced around the table not knowing the source.

  Silence, she can hear you, another cautioned.

  “Why is it preposterous?” Elena looked at each one of the elders in turn, challenging them.

  Only one lowered his gaze.

  “Speak it to my face,” Elena demanded of Osanior.

  “I beg your pardon, Elena. I did not mean for you to overhear that,” the elder replied with a blush that spread to his ears.

  Fire and water burned in Elena’s eyes. “But I did hear you. What would you have me do? Remain alone and sacrifice myself for your cause?”

  “Yaena, let it be,” Yaelmargon warned.

  Elbrion laid his hand on her head. “Not all thoughts should be spoken aloud, Sheya. It is best to move on.”

  Silvandir studied her with questions in his eyes. She knew he would be hurt by any further discussion, so she backed down.

  “Well then, we will meet at the Falls just before noon tomorrow,” Lamreth continued. “Until that time, guard you thoughts well, Elena. And may you all find rest for your weary hearts.” He rose and bowed slightly toward Elena before leaving.

  The other elders quickly followed, except for Yaelmargon who joined the Guardians.

  “I would like to speak with you and Silvandir regarding the ceremony,” the master said.

  “Can we discuss it at my adai’s home? I want to leave this place,” Elena replied.

  The master nodded and the group began their descent.

  As they walked to Celdorn and Elbrion’s home, Elena noticed that Mikaelin remained alone and had dropped back from the group. She squeezed Silvandir’s hand. “I am going to speak with Mikaelin. I will join you at my adai’s.”

  Silvandir nodded his agreement, but she heard his thought: I hate to let you go for even a moment.

  Elena smiled up at him. She hadn’t told him she could sometimes hear his thoughts. That was something she would need to do soon. “I will only be gone a short time, and I will be quite safe.”

  Silvandir chuckled. “This is going to be an interesting marriage.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t want to bore you,” she added with a mischievous grin. She kissed his cheek and slipped to the back of the group.

  ~

  Mikaelin watched Elena approach, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. He took a deep breath to fortify himself, but when she smiled at him, any effort to resist her dissolved.

  “Mikaelin, what happened?” she asked without preamble.

  He stopped walking and stared at the ground. He didn’t know how much he wanted to disclose nor how much time alone with Elena he could endure.

  She bent low to get in his line of vision. “You have trusted me with many secrets. Talk to me, my friend.”

  When their eyes met, he recalled the regret he’d experienced on the Pallanor Heights for not telling her the truth, for not giving expression to the all-consuming desire he felt for her. But again, she was to wed his best friend tomorrow. The thought was like a beast that ripped open his chest and clawed out his heart.

  “Celdorn took me to Hezhion’s,” he began, choosing the nobler road. “He was able to help me.”

  Elena frowned. “That is hardly an explanation. Please tell me what happened. How did he heal you?”

  “He took me to the Healers’ Pool,” Mikaelin replied.

  Elena’s frown turned to a glare. “And I can’t even read your thoughts, Mikaelin. For some reason you are like a wall to me,” she said with a huff. While this frustrated her, it was a great relief to him. “Please tell me more or I may have to use my trusty dagger on you again.” She patted the sheath on her hip.

  He held up his hands in surrender, unable to hold back a grin. “Okay, okay.”

  The two sat down under the shade of a blossom-laden tree, and he explained what he could of all that had occurred with Hezhion, leaving out a few details. Elena, fully engaged, frequently interrupted and asked questions. Mikaelin felt the ease of their earlier relationship return.

  “So what prevented you from being healed the first time you were in the pool?”

  Mikaelin looked away. “I don’t know.”

  “You’re lying to me, Mikaelin.” Surprised, he turned to find her studying him, her brow pulled down in a frown. “I have only sensed that once before from you. Why will you not tell me?”

  He squirmed. “It is rather personal. Can we not leave it at that?”

  Her scrutiny intensified. “It has to do with me,” she said after a few moments. Her eyes narrowed as if straining to see something. “But I can’t make sense of what I am feeling. Did my wounds lay too great a burden upon you even for the Healers’ Pool?”

  Mikaelin sighed. “It’s not your fault, nor the fault of your wounds.” He paused and struggled with himself. “I … I made a vow to you,” he finally whispered, his head down. “And in the end, I broke it.”

  Elena straightened, and her brow furrowed. “What vow?”

  “I told you I would remain in the pain with you until it left you,” he replied. “I know it has not left you, and yet I released it.”

  “Oh, Mikaelin.” Elena’s eyes immediately welled with tears. “I would never condemn you to remain with my pain. You should never have made that vow, and I’m glad it is over for you.”

  Mikaelin could not stop the tears that forced their way forward. He glanced at her sideways, hoping she didn’t notice. “I cherished the privilege of sharing in your pain.” He swallowed hard. “Now I have a hole in my soul where you once dwelt. The healing came at a great price.”

  Elena sucked in a quiet gasp. She reached a shaky hand toward his face, hesitated, then touched his eyelid that for months had drooped from the transfer of her injuries, but was now healed. Her fingers traced where a scar had run down the side of his face and twisted his smile. It too was gone.

  “Your face is flawless.” Her words came out a whisper, her expression filled with a compassion that nearly unraveled him. Suddenly she straightened and leaned back. Her head tipped, and a slight wrinkle formed on her brow. “Were your own wounds healed?”

  Mikaelin blushed and looked away. He gave a quick nod.

  “So, at last, it was your time.”

  Startled by her words, Mikaelin turned back and found tears spilling off Elena’s chin even as she smiled warmly.

  And what good does it do me? It is too late now. He was relieved she could not hear his thoughts, but he was afraid his face might give him away.

  Her eyes narrowed again. “You found no relief in your healing?”

  Mikaelin scrambled to find a plausible explanation. “As you are well aware, the removing of the physical wounds does not erase the pain or the struggle.”

  Elena nodded. “I do understand that, and yet I thought you longed to be whole, to be rid of that stigma and the shame it carried. I’m surpri
sed that you are not rejoicing.”

  “I-I suppose I am ... in my own way.” How could he explain this to her? “It is just that ... I have already chosen my path, and the condition of my body matters little now.”

  Elena frowned. “Oh, so you will remain alone?”

  Mikaelin nodded.

  “I’m sorry for pressing you, Mikaelin. I didn’t understand what you meant until just now.” She stared off into the distance. “Timing and circumstances have certainly not been in your favor, have they?” She gave him a weak smile.

  Mikaelin shrugged. What could he say to that?

  “If it is any comfort to you, know that I would have chosen differently ... had I been given that opportunity.”

  It felt as if a dagger pierced his chest. He closed his eyes and fought back the flood of tears that rose. “Y-you made the best choice, and you will never regret it. Love him with your whole heart.”

  “It was the only choice offered,” she said. “But I do not regret it. I love him as well as I am able, though I doubt I will ever have a whole heart with which to do so.”

  “You will continue to heal.” Mikaelin nodded toward the palace. “And the elders will help you to find some sort of peace.” Then, feeling that he could endure no more, he said, “I need to bring you to your adai’s before they start to worry.”

  Mikaelin rose and offered his hand. Elena grasped it and let him pull her to her feet. For a moment their shoulders brushed, and the world stood still. A blush rose on her cheeks, and she snatched her hand away and stepped back, smoothing some wayward locks that had escaped her braid as if hoping he hadn’t noticed. How could he not? He was on fire as well and relieved that she had turned away before she could see.

  ~

  From Elbrion’s balcony, Silvandir followed Elena and Mikaelin’s approach. His chest relaxed, and he broke into a smile. He had been impatiently awaiting Elena’s return, concerned for her welfare whenever she wasn’t within his sight, so afraid he wouldn’t be able to keep her from harm. As his love and his best friend drew nearer, a sense of foreboding suddenly overwhelmed him.

  Just then, a loud screech filled the air. Elena flinched and grabbed Mikaelin’s arm. She scanned the sky—as did Silvandir. Mikaelin pointed at the cliffs to the north of them, where a red-tailed hawk circled.

  A second screech followed.

  Mikaelin and Elena were close enough now Silvandir could hear their conversation.

  “That would be his mate.” Mikaelin showed Elena where the smaller bird perched on a lip of rock. “It looks as if they might be nesting there, which is odd. Birds of prey seldom nest within this canyon.” His brow wrinkled as he watched the hawks light on the rocks above them.

  “They’re beautiful,” Elena said with all the wonder of innocence. Silvandir’s smile returned. He loved watching her.

  Mikaelin stopped at the foot of the staircase that wound around the outside of Elbrion’s place. “I will leave you here,” he said. “I’ll watch until you are safely inside.” He glanced up and startled when he saw Silvandir on the balcony. “Never mind; you’re in good hands.”

  Elena smiled up at Silvandir as she started to climb the steps. With a quick wave, Mikaelin turned to go.

  A loud screech rang out.

  “Get down!” Mikaelin called from the base of the stairs.

  A dark shadow flew past Silvandir and swooped directly at Elena. She raised her arm just as the hawk’s talons reached for her head. The blow knocked her off balance, and she tumbled down the stairs. Sick with dread, Silvandir leapt over the rail of the balcony and onto the winding steps.

  “Stay down!” He and Mikaelin called to Elena at the same time. Mikaelin raced up the few stairs and threw his body over Elena’s as a second hawk swooped to attack. The bird’s talons dug into Mikaelin’s back and tore chunks of fabric and flesh as it pulled away. A dozen raptors now filled the air, and one after another, they dove and clawed. They tried to lift Mikaelin, but he had wrapped his body around Elena’s until she was no longer visible and anchored them by clamping onto the edge of the stairs. The birds would have to tear him to shreds to get to her. And well they might.

  Silvandir raced down the steps, sword in hand. He heard the door to the house open and Celdorn’s call for Elbrion to follow. Silvandir fought off the attacking birds as they plunged repeatedly at Elena and Mikaelin. Celdorn and Elbrion were soon alongside him, slashing at the aggressive raptors.

  After three of their comrades were slaughtered, the birds of prey withdrew with angry screeches. The men watched them spiral upward until they disappeared from view.

  “That was odd,” Celdorn said. “Do you think they were eidola?”

  “Servants of the Zhekhum at the very least,” Elbrion replied.

  Mikaelin pulled himself to his knees and helped Elena to sit up. “You’re bleeding.”

  Her nose and cheek were scraped and oozing blood. Without a moment’s hesitation, Mikaelin reached out to wipe the flow before it hit her lips. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

  Elena flinched and looked up at him in surprise. Then, her forehead wrinkled. “Mikaelin, now your cheek is bleeding.”

  He swiped at the blood even as his nose started to flow. “Well, we couldn’t have you getting married with a battered face,” he said with a crooked grin and a shrug.

  She met his gaze. “But I didn’t see any light this time.”

  “Mikaelin, your back is torn up pretty badly,” Silvandir said as he knelt next to him and examined the fissures. The vicious talons had taken chunks of flesh. “Dalgo will need to stitch these. They’re deep.”

  “Let’s get you inside,” Celdorn said, helping Mikaelin to his feet.

  Silvandir pulled Elena into his arms. “Are you all right?”

  She returned the embrace. “I am now.” But when Elena saw the bloody trenches on Mikaelin’s back, she winced. “Those were meant for me,” she whispered. “Again, he took the wounds that should have been mine.” She reached out and touched his shoulder. Mikaelin let out a yelp, and Elena pulled back into Silvandir’s arms.

  “What did you do?” Mikaelin cried.

  Elena and Silvandir gaped at his back. The wounds were gone.

  “I-I don’t know,” Elena replied, her eyes wide. When Mikaelin turned to look over his shoulder, Silvandir saw his face was restored as well. Tentatively, Elena touched his cheek. “It’s as smooth as a baby’s.”

  Elena had healed Mikaelin without even a thought. Silvandir felt an odd twinge in his chest as he said, “There seems to be a strange symbiotic connection between the two of you.”

  “Yes, apparently we like tormenting each other,” Mikaelin replied with a half laugh, though his eyes did not share the mirth. His finger explored the renewed flesh, and he glanced at Elena then away. “Unfortunately, you weren’t able to heal my clothing as well. I had better go find another shirt.” He hurried down the steps and around the side of the house without looking back.

  Silvandir cupped Elena’s elbow and led her up the steps with Celdorn on the other side. Elbrion grabbed their discarded swords and followed.

  “I’m afraid to let you out of my sight for even a few moments,” Silvandir admitted. “Promise me you will be more watchful.”

  “I was watching. It never occurred to me that the hawks might attack us.”

  “Clearly, there are predators and servants of the Zhekhum everywhere we go,” Celdorn said. “I didn’t anticipate this within the confines of Queyon either. It seems we both erred. We will be more cautious henceforth.”

  A knot formed in Silvandir’s stomach at Celdorn’s words.

  Chapter 20

  When Elena, Silvandir, and her adai were safely inside their home, Celdorn excused himself. “I need to speak with Elbrion, so we’ll leave the two of you alone for a while. I’m sure you have plenty to discuss.” Celdorn patted Silvandir’s back affectionately before he and Elbrion slipped quietly out of the room.

  Silvandir gripped Elena’s chin and exam
ined her face more closely. “Are you in pain?”

  “Not at all. As soon as Mikaelin touched me, it went away.”

  His hand shifted to her belly. “Is the baby all right? Did it hurt her when you fell?”

  Elena stroked the growing bulge. “I think she’s fine. I don’t remember feeling any pain down there, though I did hit the steps rather hard.”

  “I’m so relieved.” Silvandir squeezed her tightly then guided her to the couch and encouraged her to sit. He sat on the edge of a chair opposite her and ran his hands across his knees. His expression grew increasingly somber until a deep frown furrowed his brow. He moved as if he would speak, but nothing came out. Instead, he sat for a time, examining his knuckles. With others, Silvandir was a man of few words, stoic, calm, but with her he had always been more conversant. Truth be told, even that was never quite easy for him, but Elena sensed something different in this.

  “What’s wrong?” she finally asked, nudging his knee.

  Silvandir scooted closer to the edge of his seat and shifted his weight several times before he spoke. “May I ask you something?” She gave an apprehensive nod. “And please, I want the truth.”

  Elena’s chest tightened, and she found it difficult to draw a breath. She studied Silvandir for a moment and then nodded again.

  “Are you in love with Mikaelin?”

  Elena’s eyes went wide, and her heart raced wildly. “What makes you ask that?” She barely managed to force the question out.

  “Just ... just something I noticed.” Silvandir stared at the floor. His mouth moved, but nothing came out. He wiped his hands on his trousers again before he drew a ragged breath and said, “If you are, I understand. I-I love him too, of course. He is a wonderful man. In the last few months as his gift emerged, we have seen the best in him, what I have known was there all along. He has great heart. He is faithful and loyal and would lay down his life for most anyone.

  “And he is far more handsome than I.” Silvandir gave a little shrug and a sidelong glance. “The ladies have always been drawn to him, but he has never shown any interest. Now that I’ve learned more of his history, I think I understand why. But until you came along, I have never seen Mikaelin look at a woman with longing. He ... he loves you; that is clear. He knew you were in danger on the Pallanor Heights before the rest of us, and he fought to pursue you. He heard your unspoken cry, as he has many times.” Silvandir fell silent as his restless hands curled into fists.