The Heart of the Ancients

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  I glanced at his sweatshirt, jeans, and boots. “Good thing no one cleaned out the closet, otherwise we’d be traveling in tunics and slippers.”

  The tree had served as an outpost and was well-stocked with supplies, including clothes.

  Gavin and I stepped out of our suite, stopping at the stairs and looking at the chaos below. Heavy laden dishes sat atop the long table as warriors took turns eating before heading back out into the field. To the left, Elias and Tark sat across from one another, leaning over a small table and pointing to places on Rune’s map.

  Elias looked up and motioned for us to join him. Gavin sighed as he led me down the stairs.

  “Everything is in order,” Elias said. “We’ll leave as soon as you eat.”

  Weylin came from the soldiers’ quarters and dropped something onto my lap.

  “Here. It’s Ester’s underwear. I’ve got a feeling you’re going to need it.”

  “It’s not underwear.” I blushed as several of the guards studiously looked away. There were two sets of camisoles and leggings, one set larger than the other. The shimmering material, soft and light, lay neatly folded.

  “Why are you bringing these to me now?” I asked, taking the smaller set and putting the others aside.

  Weylin’s brow rose. “Well, for one thing, the mountain grows cold at night, and you freeze when we stand in the shade. The Sfera threading will contain your energy, which will keep you warm.”

  I looked down and smiled. “True.”

  “The other reason has been sewn inside the shirt.”

  I held up the camisole, turning it inside out. Beneath the neckline lay a black feather imprisoned in a chaotic pattern of silk thread.

  “As you can see, I’m not gifted in sewing, but it gets the job done.”

  “How did you know I wouldn’t pick the bigger one?”

  Weylin smirked. “Lucky guess.”

  He was right. The other one seemed to have a lot of room in the chest. I chased that thought away as I went to the bathroom to change.

  A flurry of activity greeted me as I made my way back to the living room and sat on the couch. The front door remained open, warriors milling in and out.

  Rena flopped down beside me, exhausted. “Well, we found one latched stone in the shape of a squirrel.” She shuddered. “Tark and I have gone around the lake twice making sure there isn’t another. The portal’s back to normal, so we think there was only the one.” She playfully smacked my thigh. “You know, every time you splash in that lake something happens. I’m beginning to think you and water don’t get along.”

  “I’m beginning to wonder if I can get back.”

  “Let’s concentrate on one thing at a time.” Gavin came from behind and sat next to me. He unfolded the map, spreading it on the table. “Elias and Elaine have already taken a troop of scouts to make sure we aren’t walking into a trap. They are headed to this point here.” He pointed to the northern section. “That’s where we’ll enter the mountain.”

  Rena’s eyes rounded in surprise. “We’re heading that far north? That’s almost to the Canadian border.”

  My heart sank. Even though Rune had said not to go back home, I thought we may stay close.

  Gavin kissed my head. “Rune will tell us what happened once we see him.”

  Micah came through the front door. “Sire, the captain is making his way through the forest. He says the woods are full of Urisk.”

  My mood lightened. If Rune’s clan was guarding the forest, no Dokkalfar stood a chance.

  Gavin nodded. “Weylin, do we have everything we need?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Good.” Gavin stood. “We leave within the hour.”

  “I’ll order a small contingency to travel with you.” Micah started toward the door, but Gavin put his hand on the warrior’s shoulder.

  “No. Round up your men and head back to Kailmeyra.”

  Doubt flickered across Micah’s expression.

  Gavin clapped him on the back. “Nora’s right. With the Urisk in the woods, we’re well protected. Get back to the Queen.”

  “As you wish,” Micah muttered before he bowed and walked away.

  We ate a quick bite of stew as warriors came to say goodbye. Elaine topped off our packs with a canteen of fresh water and a small covered basket that contained bread and nuts.

  Gavin handed me a thick, quilted vest, and I zipped it up as we headed out the door.

  Pale light shone in the night sky, its glow caressing the evergreens that fringed the field. Weylin walked behind me, and Gavin took the lead as Rena and Tark stayed close on either side. I looked up, finding it strange to see a white moon instead of the vibrant purple of Kailmeyra. The pale light washed everything in shades of gray.

  It wasn’t only the moonlight, though. Earth wasn’t the way I remembered it.

  “The land weakens,” Rena whispered. “I felt it as soon as we came through the portal. I fear it will only get worse the farther we travel.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Rena pointed to the top of the trees. “The new growth withers. We’ll know more by the light of day, but I feel it. The forest is in pain.”

  My stomach dropped. “Why would you think that?”

  “Look.” Rena pointed up ahead.

  Mounds of dirt rippled like a wave along either side of the path. The scent of death and decay forced me to breathe through my mouth. Barren underbrush around the mounds had long since died, leaving shriveled leaves and naked branches.

  “Rena, what’s caused this?”

  “I don’t know,” she muttered. “The place smells as if we should be surrounded by the enemy, and yet none are here. It’s odd that the problem seems to stem only a few hundred yards on either side of the trail. See the trees to the east? They still thrive.”

  She was right. Although thrive didn’t seem like the proper term. More like survived.

  “Quiet,” Gavin growled, bringing our group to a halt. Bushes rustled to our left. My heart almost jumped out of my chest as Weylin grabbed my arm, pulling me to him. A plume of black feathers quivered as a Urisk made his way from the tree line.

  Gavin visibly relaxed, but Weylin stayed crouched as if he were ready to attack.

  The Urisk was similar to Rune in stature and coloring, but his eyes were black as midnight, not the color of mountain stone. His long feathers flattened, as his gaze lowered. A tartan pattern of blue and black hung from his shoulder, emphasizing his unique, muscular frame. He bared his gray teeth in what I hoped was a smile.

  “Come. We’ll be guidin’ the Nora to our leader.” His voice was nothing more than a few low grunts.

  I smiled at the Urisk. “What’s your name?”

  His feathers bristled as he scowled. “We’ll not be havin’ time to sit about and chat. I’m to be gettin’ the Nora to safety, and that’s what I’ll be doin’.” He darted ahead of our group as several Urisk followed behind.

  “He’s a little scarier than Rune,” Rena whispered as we picked up the pace.

  The Urisk’s feathers ruffled. “That’ll be because your Rune’s been whilin’ away in paradise for the last millennia or so, now hadn’ he?” His words flew over his shoulder as dust ruffled around his hooved feet.

  Rena’s eyes narrowed, but she wisely decided to stay quiet.

  The night filtered into dawn, and then into day. I tried to ignore my aching feet as we kept at a steady jog. Weylin periodically would hand me a bottle of water or a small bag of nuts, demanding I eat and drink. Even though I had on sturdy boots, they weren’t made for this grueling pace, and a few hours back, I’d lost feeling in my last three toes. Cool air chilled the sweat running down my back.

  “Nora needs a minute,” Gavin called to the Urisk up the road, and he stopped.

  “I’d be forgettin’ she’s of this world. She’s better than them nasty humans livin’ here.”

  The muscle at the base of Gavin’s jaw jumped. His eyes narrowed, and I placed my hand in hi
s.

  “I’m not going to apologize for being born human.” I met the Urisk’s gaze with a cold stare.

  Guilt flashed in his eyes. His feathers flattened as his ears tucked back, reminding me of a scolded dog.

  He bowed. “Nay. I’ll be the one apologizin’. I’d be meanin’ no offense.”

  Gavin’s emotions still burned through me, and my hand tightened around his.

  I sighed. “It’s been a long day for all of us. How much farther is this place?”

  “We’ll be travelin’ through the night and well into the day afore reachin’ the caves.”

  I silently groaned.

  “She’ll need rest, then,” Gavin snarled.

  The Urisk nodded. “Aye. I’ll be tellin’ the others to make camp a few miles up the way. There’s a freshwater stream, and we’ll be findin’ shelter. We’ll wait until she’s rested enough to travel on, but we’ll not be dilly dallyin’. Our leader’s expectin’ us by nightfall tomorrow.”

  And with that, the Urisk bolted ahead to the top of the hill. Several others came from the forest, nodding and then looking back before they disappeared into the night.

  I plodded another mile or two more, my feet growing heavy with each step. Finally, Gavin picked me up and carried me the rest of the way as I dozed in and out.

  Soft lips caressed my forehead.

  “Wake up, love.” Gavin’s arms tightened around me, and I opened my eyes. He set my feet on the ground, not letting go until I found my footing.

  I stared at a small clearing encircled by trees. Flames danced in a makeshift fire pit.

  “It’ll be waterproof if rain comes.” The Urisk grumbled, pointing at several lean-tos, which rested between the low branches of the evergreens. “And it’ll be close enough to the fire, so you’ll not be catchin’ a chill.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  He grunted and walked away.

  “What a sunny disposition,” Rena commented. She patted the spot next to her on a log. “Here. Come sit. You must be starving.”

  My stomach growled, and I eased down next to Rena, trying to ignore my aching feet. Gavin sat on the other side while Weylin stood behind.

  Rena lifted her pack, but a smaller Urisk rushed forward.

  “No need to be usin’ your stores. Rune’s left a list of things the Nora enjoys, and we’ll be makin’ the supper this evenin’.” This Urisk was definitely female. Her small bone structure held delicate features. Silver feathers framed her face, though the rest of them were black.

  Several others brought large strips of bark filled with salad and berries from the forest. They placed the makeshift plates on our laps and hurried away. The smaller Urisk smiled before following the others.

  “Wait, please,” I said.

  She stopped and tilted her head. Silver gleamed in the firelight.

  I stuck out my hand. “I’m Nora. Thanks for dinner. It looks wonderful.”

  “I’ll be Kyla. And I ...” She hesitated, glancing at the leader, who scowled. She swallowed before looking back at me. “I’ll be pleased t’ be meetin’ ya.”

  “Please,” I scooted toward Gavin, making room between Rena and me. “Have a seat. You’ve shared your food with us. I’d like to share ours with you.”

  Shocked, Kyla’s mouth dropped open. She looked at the leader; he shook his head no.

  “I insist.” My voice deepened as I tried not to get angry. Really, why was this guy so aggressive?

  The leader must have felt my intent because he bowed. “As you wish, my Nora.”

  Gavin stiffened at the term. Nora meant Light in both the Ancient Language and English. Gavin’s emotions let me know that he wasn’t happy that the leader had called me his Light. I was Gavin’s Light and no one else’s.

  Hearing my thoughts, he smiled. “You got that right.”

  Kyla sat, and Rena handed her a chunk of pink Elvin bread. The Urisk sniffed the food before tasting it. She took a bite and closed her eyes.

  “This’ll be heaven, now wouldn’ it? ‘Tis the best bread I’ve tasted. What’ll it be made of?”

  I smiled and picked at the food on my plate. “It’s a fruit that grows in Kailmeyra. Do you like it?”

  “I love it!” She growled, finishing off the bread in two bites. “And this?” She asked, taking a piece of dried fruit and popping it in her mouth.

  “It’s the same fruit, only it’s been dried so it’ll keep longer.”

  I took dandelions’ leaves the Urisk had brought and wrapped them around a raspberry. Even though the leaves were still wet from where they had been washed, they had a metallic taste.

  “You do not remember, my lady, but that is the taste of pollution,” Rena mumbled, smiling as she said it in an attempt to not offend Kyla. “Although you did not taste it after you moved in with the Prince. You see, I healed a patch of ground around the mountain house, and we grew our own produce. It still was not as clean as the food in Kailmeyra, but it was better than the standard fare served on Earth.”

  “You’ll be the land healer?” Kyla’s brow rose in surprise. “Rune’ll be havin’ stories about you. He’d be callin’ ya ‘the happy one.’”

  Rena grinned. “Rune likes to create nicknames. I’m Rena.” She held out her hand, and Kyla took it.

  “Can ye be healin’ the mountain then?”

  “I’m not strong enough to fix all that is affected by man’s greed, but yes, I can heal enough to grow fresh food.”

  “Now, that’ll come in handy, it will.” Kyla smiled.

  “Sentinel,” growled the leader. “If you’re done socializin’, you’re needin’ to stand to post.”

  “I’ll be takin’ my leave,” whispered Kyla. “But I thank ya for the food. Imagine. I’ll be havin’ somethin’ to tell me friends. They’ll not be believin’ that I took sup with the Nora.” She smiled, but as she stood her black eyes lost their mischievous twinkle and took on the flat, hard quality of the guard.

  The Urisk’s leader faced me. “You’ll be restin’ now. We won’t be waitin’ any longer than’s necessary.”

  I stood and threw the bark in the fire. “Thank you for dinner.”

  He grunted and walked away.

  Chapter 12

  Rune

  It was still dark when I stretched, feeling oddly refreshed and ready to go. Gavin’s palms healed me throughout the night, listening to my thoughts to guide him. I had a vague memory of him massaging my feet as I drifted off, but he must have continued on because my legs and backside no longer ached as well.

  “I enjoyed healing that part most.” Gavin grinned, leaning in for a good morning kiss.

  “How about you?” I whispered with a smile, my eyes not yet ready to open. “Are you tired? I could strengthen you.” I nuzzled close, nipping his ear.

  He scoffed. “Not with an audience you won’t.”

  I froze, my eyes flew open. We were under one of the lean-tos. The fire flickered as several Urisk milled about, getting everything ready so we could leave.

  “I forgot where we were,” I mumbled, letting him go.

  “I figured,” he said dryly.

  “Is the Nora ready?” The leader practically barked as he came from the trees.

  Gavin gently kissed me and reached across, grabbing my boots on the other side. He dusted them off before placing them on my feet. “I believe so.”

  Rena, Tark, and Weylin strapped packs onto their backs while the Urisk snuffed out the rest of the fire with water from the nearby stream. The lean-tos were dismantled and rolled on top of the packs the Urisk were carrying. Soon, it appeared as if no one had ever been there.

  As the sun made its way through the dense clouds, I tilted my head to the sky, letting the weak light shine on my face. I still hadn’t gotten used to the grit and chemical tinge that permeated the air, but it was getting easier. We hadn’t seen anyone, and I began to wonder if we were really on Earth.

  We stopped throughout the day for snacks, and Gavin took the time to eas
e the ache in my feet and calves. Kyla dipped in and out of the forest to smile and wave before their leader finally put a stop to it.

  Well, at least we made one new friend.

  The afternoon wore on, the terrain became rocky. The temperature continued to drop, and I was never more grateful that I’d changed into Ester’s leggings and undershirt. Weylin was right. Without it, I would have frozen.

  I glanced over. Weylin seemed especially jittery today, never straying too far from me. Gavin wasn’t much better, keeping close on the other side.

  Rena took Edna’s quilt from her pack and rested it on my shoulders. Peace enveloped me as it had every time I found myself under the blanket. I smiled knowing a little of Malachi and Edna were still with me.

  Night settled around us as warm firelight rose in the distance. “There’ll be your clansman, Rune.” The leader snarled as he said Rune’s name. He bowed, his head nearly touching the ground. Without another word, he darted into the woods. The flickering light grew as we neared a copse.

  Flames rose from a small pit, silhouetting a lone figure. His long arms stretched over his ruffled feathers in an enthusiastic wave.

  “Rune!” I hollered, speeding to a full run.

  “Aye, that’d be me.” He grinned catching me around the waist. “Yer looking rested, Princess.” His gray rock eyes happily glinted, and he bared his teeth in a hearty grin. “And the rest of the clan’ll be lookin’ good too.” He waved at Tark and Rena as they set their packs down. “The serious one’ll be tellin’ how the Northern Forest is healin’. I’m glad t’ be hearin’ it.”

  I smiled at the saying. I’d never heard Rune call Elias by his name. It looked like he wasn’t about to start now. “I believe you’ve seen more of Elias and Elaine than I have. Where are they?”

  “They’ll be gettin’ things ready in the dwellin’. I’m sure they’ll not be takin’ long.” Rune jerked his head toward Weylin. “And I’m glad t’ be seein’ yer bringin’ extras along this time.” He reached out, shaking Weylin’s hand. “I’ll be rememberin’ this one on the battlefield. I’ve seen with me own eyes what yer capable of. I’ll not be worryin’ s’ much now.”

  Rena frowned, but Rune chuckled and patted her shoulder.