The Heart of the Ancients

by Elizabeth Isaacs

The kitchen door swung from its hinges, and Weylin and Cali walked out. She smiled as he placed his hand on her lower back, guiding her across the room.

  “Seems like they’ve come to an understanding,” Rena muttered glancing across the way.

  Elias kept his eyes on the map. “Don’t make a big deal of it. It isn’t our concern, and that human is like a wild stallion. If we give any indication that we’ve noticed she’s warmed to Weylin, she’ll rear back just to show she can.”

  My brows shot up.

  His sapphire eyes sparkled as he looked at me. “I’ve had experience giving my warriors council when it comes to wayward young humans.”

  Gavin grinned.

  Molly and Rune rolled up the maps while the rest of us stayed seated, decidedly not looking at the broad-shouldered warrior and petite woman headed our way.

  “So, did we figure out where we’re going and how we’re getting there?” Cali’s eyes held a bright glint that wasn’t there before, and I bit back a grin.

  “Almost.” Gavin stood. “Weylin, you and Tark head to the front of the ship. Elias and Elaine will go to the back. I’ll stay with Rune and the Urisk at the wheelhouse to see if we veer off course.”

  Weylin’s eyes turned to chips of turquoise. “Rena needs to stay with Nora and Cali.”

  “Why is it that everyone thinks we need watching?” Annoyed, Cali pulled away from Weylin’s hand. The table instantly tensed. “We’re in the middle of the sea, for the love of Mike. Where are we going to go?”

  “You have a point,” Rena said, turning in her seat. Weylin frowned, but Rena ignored him.

  “Cali, I’m no longer in the guard, and so I’m not on duty. But we didn’t bring books with us, and I, personally, don’t want to spend the day alone, staring at the four walls of my cabin. So, ladies, how about we find something to do.”

  Gavin’s eyes blanked, followed by Rena’s and then Weylin’s. Elias and Elaine joined in while the room grew quiet.

  Cali looked at me. “This would be that telepathic-trick-that-leaves-the-humans-out, right?”

  “Yep.”

  She shook her head. “How you’ve kept from punching someone in the throat when they pull this crap is beyond me.”

  Rena snickered.

  “Apologies,” Gavin muttered.

  Rena disappeared into the kitchen.

  “I’ll see you later, love.” Gavin bent down for a kiss before walking across the hall. Cold billowed through the room as he, Elias, Elaine, and Tark headed out the door. Weylin hesitated as he looked at Cali. His eyes blanked, he scowled and went through the threshold, closing the door behind him.

  “Well, the hubby’s gone down a little on my likability scale.” Cali crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair.

  Rena pushed the kitchen door open with her hip, her hands full with a tray that held three large ceramic cups. Steam billowed as Rena set the mugs on the table.

  “Thanks.” Cali lifted her mug to her nose and inhaled. “Mmmmmm ... Smells delicious. What is it?”

  Rena smiled. “It’s orange spice tea.”

  “From home?” I grinned taking a sip.

  “Yes, my lady. Although we only have a few tins. I felt like we should get this day off to a good start.”

  Cali took a drink and moaned. “That is pure heaven.” She swallowed again and then set the mug down. “So, what was the let’s-leave-the-humans-out conversation about?”

  Rena’s eyes sparkled with joy and a little mischief. “I’m not to allow either of you to fall into the sea, and Gavin would prefer we not go exploring.”

  “Shoot.” I sat back and frowned. All through breakfast I’d been trying to keep my thoughts on the moment. But the truth of the matter was I still hadn’t seen the entire ship, and I’d spied a series of doors as we walked to the galley.

  Rena sighed. “Gavin’s already forbidden it.”

  “Wait, what?” Cali looked from Rena to me and back again. “We haven’t said anything!”

  “Nora’s mind,” Rena said, like that explained everything. She took a sip from her mug.

  Cali looked at me. “Care to share?”

  “One of Gavin’s gifts is that he can listen to the minds of other creatures and communicate with them. Anyway, he can read humans’ thoughts too, but he can’t speak with them telepathically.”

  Cali flushed bright red. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”

  Rena grinned over the edge of her mug. “Why? What have you been thinking?” She took a sip. “Or rather, who have you been thinking about?”

  “The point is,” I said, coming to Cali’s rescue. “While Gavin struggles with most humans’ minds, he sees mine as clear as a bell. I can’t block my thoughts from him.”

  Now Cali really seemed uncomfortable. “You mean he can hear us now?”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “Oh, no.” She covered her face with her hands. “That means he heard our conversation this morning.”

  Rena laughed. “Surely it isn’t that bad.”

  Cali reached for her cup, her face still beet red. “Sheesh, Nora. How do you stand it? Don’t you ever get so mad you say things in your head you don’t want anyone else to hear?”

  Rena grew cautious. “An uncontrolled mind is a dangerous thing.”

  “No one can control what they think.” Cali picked up her mug.

  Rena’s brow rose. “Humans have so little understanding.”

  Cali’s lips thinned.

  I tried to explain. “The Alfar control their minds in all things. Thoughts are directly linked to emotions, which give off energy. Remember, that’s how the Alfar draw their strength. If I were to think horrible thoughts, it would weaken Gavin. I’d never do anything to hurt him.”

  Cali took a sip of tea. “Well, personally, having someone listen to my thoughts would drive me nuts. I don’t want anyone in my head.” She blanched. “Wait. Weylin can’t do that, can he?”

  “I’m not sure.” I looked at Rena. “Do you know?”

  She shrugged. “He’s the only one who knows his gifts, and he usually isn’t very forthcoming when asked.”

  This seemed to distress Cali more.

  I set down my mug. “The tea was delicious. Now, what are we doing the rest of the day?”

  Cali closed her eyes and clasped her hands in front of her. “Please don’t say art, please don’t say art.”

  Rena laughed. “How about we walk around the deck. With a storm coming this way, we should enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.”

  I stood and stretched. “Seems like a plan. I’m used to working out first thing in the morning. It’ll be good to get a little exercise.”

  Cali playfully grinned. “Oh, you do yoga, right?” No, wait!” Her hand flew up like she’d had an epiphany. “You have your own personal Pilates instructor. They make sure your stomach stays flat and your butt tight, so your man won’t lose interest. Gotta feel the burn here,” she smacked her lower belly, “and here,” she grabbed the back of her thighs and shook.

  Rena’s features turned hard as stone. “I’ll never get used to human’s shallow understanding of beauty. Love is seen through the eyes of the spirit. It matters not whether the Princess is slight of frame or large, fair or plain. The Prince sees the beauty that is seated in her soul. This workout she speaks of has nothing to do with keeping a pleasing form. Not at all. Nora usually trains with the guard.”

  I stopped in my tracks. Gavin asked that we not mention it, and Weylin would hit the roof. “I really don’t think—”

  “Train? How?” Cali’s eyes sparked with interest.

  Rena grinned, grabbing her coat. “Well, we usually start with hand-to-hand combat and then we move to weaponry. Of course, no one can get past Nora’s shield. At least, no one but Weylin.”

  I fumbled with my life jacket. “Rena, I really think that—”

  “Shield? What shield? And I thought Weylin and Nora were a team?” Cali said, putting a sock cap over her head. Wild c
urls sprang around her neck as if to protest.

  “Oh, they are now.” Rena shoved her arms through her coat sleeves. “But Weylin earned that spot by besting her. Isn’t that right, my Lady?”

  Not knowing what else to do, I nodded. “Hey, I wonder what we’re having for dinner.”

  “Everything I know about fighting, I learned by trial and error.” Cali started toward the door. “Well, and from an old mountain man.”

  “Oh? That is most interesting.” Rena trailed after her. “Who was he?”

  Neither of them noticed I wasn’t following.

  “Back in West Virginia, I met a blacksmith. He had an old sickle blade in his shop, which he helped me turn into my scythe.” Cali chatted on as she and Rena navigated through the maze of tables.

  Frustrated, I stood, fumbling with my jacket. We had to get off this subject, and soon.

  “He calibrated the handle for my weight and height so that I could swing it for hours.”

  “Whatever happened to him?” Rena asked, reaching for the doorknob.

  “The last time I saw him, those black things had already set his shop on fire, but he was still out front, hot irons in hand, swinging at anything that moved.”

  “I’m sorry you lost your friend.” Rena’s tone softened.

  “Nah.” Cali patted Rena’s back. “He was a nice old guy, but we weren’t close or anything. I’ve always wished I could’ve thanked him though.”

  Finally, the pair of them looked around and noticed that I hadn’t left my spot.

  “Nora?” Rena’s apprehension carried across the hall.

  I took a deep breath and smiled. “My zipper’s stuck.”

  “Oh, let me help.” Rena wove her way back through the maze of tables as Cali stayed by the door.

  Rena stood in front of me, easily sliding the zipper to my neck.

  “Rena, let’s get off the subject of weapons and training,” I whispered, making a show of putting on my gloves. Judging by the way Cali’s eyes lit up when she talked about her weapon, I knew that if we stayed on this subject any longer, Cali would be insisting on sparring partners.

  Cali hollered across the room. “So, you think you can show me how you fight? I’d love to get some pointers.”

  Rena’s eyes blanked and then she frowned.

  “Is it Gavin or Weylin?” I whispered.

  “It’s the Prince,” she muttered. “Would’ve been good of him to mention taboo subjects five minutes ago.” Rena tacked on a smile, and I followed her across the room.

  Cali shivered as she opened the door.

  “Here, take my scarf.” Rena wound the thick red wool around Cali’s neck.

  “Thanks.” She looped the scarf into a knot and headed outside.

  The wind cut through my life jacket like a knife, the air crisp and clean. Elaine joined us as sunlight blazed across the water. We walked along the deck, mindful of the Urisk working to guide the sails. Cali asked questions about Kailmeyra, and I told her about Siana and the animals of the land. As we followed the ship’s railing, going from port to stern and back again, Rena and Elaine explained the history of the Dokkalfar and the Great War that killed King Frey. It wasn’t until they talked about the portals that Cali had questions.

  “So why not just seal the way into your world? I don’t mean to sound cold-hearted, but Earth’s not your problem. Why risk it?”

  Elaine studied Cali’s expression. “We are well on our way to sealing the dark waters the Dokkalfar need for survival, but we cannot leave Earth to its own devices. Our worlds are connected.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Rena smiled. “The Creator of all made both Kailmeyra and Earth with one surge of energy, the Breath of Creation. It binds our worlds together. The first Dokkalfar, the clan of Jayril, believed that if they snuffed out that energy, they would become the deity of both worlds.”

  Cali’s eyes rounded. “So, you’re saying that the first of these black things thought they could not only rule Earth and Kailmeyra but if they got rid of this original energy then they would become a god?”

  “That’s what they thought, yes.”

  Cali shook her head. “Man, oh man. Those things aren’t just ugly, they’re straight up crazy too.”

  Kyla came along for a few laps around the deck before Finn barked orders about needing some rope. We walked her to the center of the boat, past the kitchens and to the doors leading to the cargo hold.

  “What’s in there?” Cali asked, pointing to the mysterious doors I had seen that morning.

  “I’m sure it’s more storage,” I muttered, fighting the temptation to take a peek. “Let’s see if there are any whales out today.”

  Rena and I started toward the railing.

  “Tark is pleased with the progress he and Elaine are making.”

  “That’s great news. Will you have—”

  “Hey, Nora.”

  I whipped around. Cali was still a few feet from the mysterious door.

  “Tell the hubby that I’m not his wife, and I’ll go wherever I good and well want to ... other than overboard. I did promise Weylin I wouldn’t go there.” She laughed and lunged for the closed door between the cargo hold and the kitchen.

  Rena muttered something and bolted after her, and I followed close behind. As soon as I crossed the threshold, I hit Rena’s back.

  The place was as large as the dining hall. Even though the walls and floor were spotless, the smell of fish permeated the air. Long wooden poles, swords, and rows of bows and arrows lay neatly on one side. The rest of the room was bare.

  “Holy Mother of Pearl. Look at all the goodies.” Cali whistled between her teeth. “Now this looks like a good way to while away the day.” She turned full circle, taking in all the Alfar weaponry. “What is this place?”

  Chapter 22

  A Warrior of Man

  “It used to be where the fisherman gathered and gutted their catch.”

  I jumped as Weylin’s voice came from behind.

  “As you can see, we’re using it for storage.” He stepped inside.

  I glanced past Weylin’s shoulder. Gavin and Tark were standing right outside the door.

  “Storage, huh?” Cali walked across the room, picking up a wooden rod. One end of the long stick had been honed to a sharp point; the other contained a metal blade, similar to that of a double-edged axe. “What are you doing with these, redecorating?”

  Weylin shuffled forward. “Careful, Kitten.”

  “Why?” The air whooshed as she swung the pole in front of her, letting the blade’s tip hit the ground with a hard ping.

  “That’s more dangerous than you think.”

  Cali grinned, testing the weight in her hands. “Ah, come on. I’m used to a scythe, and this isn’t much different.” The axe blade swooped toward her ear.

  Weylin winced. “It’s very different than any weapon you’ve seen. Put it down.”

  Cali’s eyes warmed with mischief as her smile practically lit the room. “Why? Scared of a scrawny human?”

  Weylin’s tone gentled. “I’d describe you as many things, but scrawny isn’t one of them.”

  Knees bent, Cali shifted her upper body forward, tossing the pole from hand to hand. “I like the weight of this. Not too light.” The blade arced around her as she brought the pole down, then back up. “Not heavy enough to grow tired during a fight.”

  Anxiety rolled off Weylin as Gavin and Tark stepped into the room, closing the door behind them.

  “Cali?” I took a step back. “This isn’t a game. Please, put the weapon down.”

  Cali frowned as something occurred to her. “You think I’m going to hurt you?”

  I shook my head. “Of course not.”

  “Then what’s the big deal? I’m not attacking anyone, and I’d love to learn. Hey, are those arrows made of jewels?”

  “It’s amber,” I answered as calmly as I could. “And they’re from Kailmeyra.”

  “I’m good with a blade.” She
swung the stick in a wide arc, swooshing it on one side and then the other. “But I’ve never tried a bow.”

  Weylin tensed.

  She eyed the arrows again. “Nora, you could teach me to shoot, maybe let me keep a bow and show me some tricks so that after you’re gone, I’ll have a better chance of surviving.”

  That statement caused Weylin’s patience to snap, and he scowled. “Stop swinging that around. And the Dokkalfar will be gone by then so you won’t need to know any tricks.”

  Cali’s expression became bleak. “Men can be just as evil.”

  Weylin growled and stepped forward. He was past mad and in total warrior mode. Not a great combo on a ship.

  “Enough of this. I’m giving you one more chance to put the halberd down.” His gaze locked on hers. “Three.”

  Cali stopped, resting the tip of the blade at an angle on the floor. “Oh, come on, Slick. I’m not hurting anyone.”

  “Two.” Weylin’s eyes became flat.

  Cali nodded toward the sandbags lining the back wall. “Just let me get in a few jabs. I’ll help clean up afterward. You can be my instructor. It’ll be fun.”

  “One.”

  He started toward her, and she stumbled back.

  “Fine.” She glared at him as she threw the pole down. The clang of metal hitting concrete echoed in the empty room. “I may be stubborn, but I’m not stupid. And, for the record, you’re being unreasonable. But I don’t want you to go all Neanderthal on me. I’ll end up hurting you.”

  His eyes never left hers. “If that makes you feel better, go ahead and believe it.”

  Cali started to walk past him, but he shifted his weight, blocking her way.

  “Not so fast, Kitten.”

  Irritated, she sighed. “What now?”

  Weylin glanced over his shoulder. “Prince, I’ll need a minute.” His back stayed toward the door, blocking Cali from view. Rena cleared her throat.

  “We’ll wait outside,” Gavin muttered, shuffling me out the door.

  The wind whipped around as we met Tark, Elias, and Elaine in the middle of the deck.

  “Daughter of Rill, let me be clear.” Gavin’s tone was threateningly soft. “Any information Cali receives regarding warrior training will be done through Weylin.”