“What do we do, John?” Giant asked the chief, the deep rumble of his voice quieting the crowd.
“I’ve been talking to Theo and Damien here. We have no choice but to leave the village. Apparently the prince is capable of sending an army at us or… make accidents happen.”
Theo nodded his assent. “That’s right. I’m sorry this has befallen your people, but it was good to see someone finally standing up to him, even if it was only a child… maybe even better. But I’m even more pleased that you stuck by each other.”
“We have to.” John shrugged. “We depend on each other’s help and not the royals. We’re a family.”
“A family about to be broken apart…” Giant added solemnly. “Not that I regret anything.”
“It’s the best thing to do. You must spread out, at least for a while. He won’t be able to track down each and every one of you, but a whole village would be much easier to find.” Theo explained.
“That makes sense.” John sighed, already weary. “I guess we’ll have to do that. A lot of us have families elsewhere. We have places to go, but what of the rest?”
Theo scratched his head in thought as he looked at Damien. He really didn’t want to get involved in any of the details. This was his and Damien’s chance to finally hide and settle down. They weren’t afraid of Magnus finding them. They were good at laying low.
“Maybe…” Damien started, drawing everyone’s attention instantly. He smiled at Theo, who instantly knew that he would not like the suggestion but would probably agree to it in the end.
“We know some people to the west, near Remor. We have some friends there. Hopefully they should have returned by now... If not, their people might still help you out.”
“You’re willing to help us even more?” Giant said.
Theo and Damien shared a look and then both nodded. Their settling down could wait a while longer. They would escort the people seeking refuge and then be on their way.
“Yes.” Theo confirmed.
“Thank you! We will be ever grateful. I will be traveling with you, as will Aimee, Millie and their mother. A few of the others will join us as well. I will go and inform them. I presume we’re leaving on the morrow?”
“Yes, the sooner the better.”
“Alright, we have much to do. You are welcome to stay the night in my house and share my meal.” Giant offered.
“That would be great.” Theo responded with a smile.
Chapter 29
Charlie woke up before the sun lit the sky. The fire crackled steadily in the hearth, providing illumination in the room.
She sat up on the couch, the blanket sliding behind her. Palms rubbing her eyes, she yawned, then looked around.
Kaden and Olivia slept snuggled up in front of the fireplace. Last night the three of them had gone to sleep in the den while Bast and Cassiel slept in the kitchen.
Kaden cracked his eyes open to see what the quiet commotion was about. Charlie smiled warmly down at him. He nodded his head in acknowledgment then spooned closer to Olivia, burrowing his face into her hair.
Wide awake now, Charlie went to see if Bast or Cassiel were up. She might prepare breakfast.
A quiet zing, a buzz, the hum of metal met her ears as she stepped into the kitchen. She was surprised to find Bast alone. She sat on a chair facing away from the table, sharpening her weapons. When Charlie appeared in the doorway, Bast stopped, her hand in midair as she looked up.
“Good morning,” Charlie mumbled. She raised her arms up, stretching.
“Good morning,” Bast said as she put her weapon and the whetting stone away.
“Where is Cassiel?”
“They… Cassiel and Sophie are out in the barn,” Bast said averting her gaze, but the image was still there; Charlie leaning against the doorframe, her face soft with remnants of sleep.
“Do you know how to braid hair?”
Bast looked up at Charlie in surprise. Their eyes locked.
Bast noticed Charlie’s pupils dilating and her natural rose-tinged lips parted on an inaudible gasp. But it was Charlie’s eyes that kept Bast mesmerized. The green of the forest in them, reminding her of home and providing comfort.
A lock of red hair fell over the green and Bast’s eyes followed the lock flowing into the rest of the flames dancing around Charlie’s face. The color reminded Bast of fire, precious fire that had saved her life a few years back.
Looking into Charlie’s eyes again, Bast noticed the edges crinkle as contentment and happiness shone through.
It seemed as though Charlie was smiling, which was confirmed when Bast’s eyes landed on Charlie’s mouth. There was a self-satisfied smile gracing her lips, acknowledgment of Bast being caught staring.
“So?” Charlie inquired breaking the spell and the tension in the air dispersed.
Bast’s brows scrunched up and she was glad for the confusion that replaced the rising blush in her cheeks.
“Can you braid hair?” Charlie repeated her question.
Bast cleared her throat before answering, “Yes?” She was hesitant and wondered what Charlie was up to.
“Could you braid my hair? Just the sides, it keeps getting in my eyes when I’m riding…” Charlie took a hopeful step forward.
“Ummm…” Bast’s gaze darted around, as if trying to find an escape route.
“Please?” Charlie added in a sweet, polite voice.
Bast didn’t know how to say no… yet again. “Alright.” She inhaled, holding the breath in her lungs as she nodded, whether as a confirmation for Charlie or encouragement to herself, she didn’t know. Charlie, the Spark, made her feel things she had never felt before.
A quick exhale and she said, “Take that stool step and sit here.” Bast instructed as she leaned back in her chair and pointed between her legs.
Charlie was quick to oblige and settled where she was told to. She was afraid to speak up, fearful of spooking Bast, hoping she wouldn’t change her mind.
Combing Charlie’s hair with her fingers, Bast marveled at the soft curls and the color. She enjoyed the feel of the fiery tresses gliding through her fingers for a few moments longer than necessary while Charlie had her eyes closed in delight. Bast braided first the left side, then the right side of Charlie’s hair, entwining them together at the back and tying them up before braiding the leftover. Once done, the braid rested down Charlie’s back.
Hand gliding down Charlie’s hair one more time, Bast said in a hushed voice, “Done.”
Charlie turned and gently placed her hand on the Bast’s knee. “Thank you,” she said with a smile then stood up and went to start on the breakfast. She didn’t want to overwhelm Bast, just give her a push in the right direction.
Bast was glad Charlie didn’t push it any further, she was already in quite a turmoil. Her hands now trembled, and strange flutters tickled her belly, swarming around her heart.
Charlie really enjoyed mundane tasks, especially the ones that smelled as wonderful as food preparation. She never had many opportunities to cook.
“Morning…”
Charlie turned toward the voice. Kaden led a sleepy Olivia into the kitchen.
“Morning!” Charlie chirped in return, and Bast nodded a greeting.
“Is Sophie up?” Kaden said as he pulled Olivia onto his lap. She didn’t mind and cuddled close, resting her head in the crook of his neck, basking in his warmth. He still smelled of sleep, so cozy.
“Sophie and Cassiel are out in the barn. I think he’s checking on the horses and Sophie is getting some fresh milk.” Bast added as she put her weapons back into their sheaths and cleaned up after herself.
Olivia nodded and yawned as Kaden kept her in the warmth of his embrace. “We leave after breakfast?”
Bast walked over to the window and peeked outside. “Yes, the weather has cleared up.” She watched as daylight prevailed over the nighttime and the coming dawn painted the sky and a few lingering clouds a palette of warm colors. Her thoughts and eyes drifte
d over to Charlie again, who was happily bouncing around in front of the stove.
The back door opened. Sophie entered, and Cassiel followed carrying a bucket full of fresh milk.
“Good morning, my sweets!” Sophie strolled toward Charlie. “Breakfast?”
Charlie nodded as she reached for a pan.
Olivia stood up so she could help, even though she knew nothing of cooking.
“Oh nay, child. It’s a small enough kitchen for the two of us.” Sophie waved Olivia away.
“Olivia? While we wait for breakfast, we could start with your lessons?” Cassiel picked up his sword and axe.
“What lessons?” Kaden’s gaze darted between Olivia and Cassiel.
“Cassiel promised he would teach me how to handle a weapon. I want to be able to defend myself. I know that you can keep me safe,” Olivia added quickly. “But I will feel better about myself, not being so helpless.” She hoped Kaden wouldn’t mind, but she would do it whether he approved or not.
Kaden thought about it a few moments and it seemed that everyone waited for his reaction. He wondered what that was about as well, people always waiting expectantly for his answers.
“I think it a good idea. And Cassiel here is probably the best man for that.” Kaden stood up. “I might need to practice as well. May I join you?”
Olivia was surprised but a smile spread across her face. She approached Kaden, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. His arms wound themselves around her without thinking.
“Of course, I thought you might want to teach her,” Cassiel said.
“No, no. That would be a disaster.” Kaden squeezed Olivia gently. “First, I could never bring myself to swing any sort of weapon at her, and second, I’m not as good.” He pecked Olivia’s nose in affection.
“Thank you!” Olivia unwound herself from Kaden and started for the door.
“Just be careful.” Kaden’s warning was meant for both Cassiel and Olivia. He turned towards Bast. “Mind helping me practice?”
“Of course not!” Bast was quick to respond, unsheathing her weapons. She had been itching for a good sparring.
“Take the axe the chief gave you, Olivia. You need to get used to your own weapon and that one is very finely made,” Cassiel said as he walked back out.
Olivia’s first practice was short and she learned the basics; she got familiar with the parts of the axe, how to hold it properly while trying out a few swings to get the feel of it. Cassiel was a great and patient teacher, able to handle Olivia’s constant questions with ease as he responded to each and every one of them.
Bast and Kaden had a more physically demanding training session. Kaden did better than he expected, using his enhanced senses, speed and strength to his advantage while Bast enjoyed the exercise with a happy expression on her face. She pointed out a few mistakes Kaden made and showed him a couple of new tricks to improve his skill. They didn’t exert themselves but enough to properly warm up.
Disa and Pup stayed close, watching their companions with interest. They had come to a sort of animal agreement overnight, accepting each other’s presence in their own pack or pride.
The sun was up when Charlie poked her head out the back door. “Breakfast is ready.”
It was a bit crowded but they managed to squeeze in around the table and break their fast merrily. Sophie was happy for the company and the stories they brought to her.
Soon enough, they were getting ready to set forth again. Sophie was disappointed that Órva’ar refused to meet her. He didn’t find it relevant and important to meet Sophie, but Kaden lifted her spirits again when he offered to lift her of the ground himself.
“Oh my dragon, you’re making this old lady so pleased. After you’ve lived as long as I have, happiness is hard to come by.” Sophie waited with the others for Kaden to shift into his dragon form.
But before he did, he chuckled. “I know Sophie… you keep forgetting I’m older than I look. I guess I was lucky enough to find someone to keep me going and happy.” Kaden looked toward Olivia with adoration in his eyes. He shifted into a dragon hidden by the cloud of smoke.
“Oh my! Oh my!” Sophie clapped her hands in joy. Seeing the dragon again made her feel like a child, the old memories flooding back. “You’re just as beautiful as I remember.” She walked closer to Kaden while Olivia, Cassiel, Charlie and Bast stayed back.
Kaden lowered his draconic head to Sophie’s height. She put her hand on his cheek, stunned with awe. “Just as I remember.”
“Ready to spread your wings?” Kaden asked amused.
“This old hen was born ready!” Sophie chuckled.
Kaden nodded as he stood tall and proud. He looked over at Olivia and she gave him an encouraging nod. With some hesitation because Sophie’s old body was fragile, Kaden wrapped her in his arms, mindful of his razor sharp claws.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep your paws off me.”
Kaden’s body shook with a quiet chuckle and he shook his head in disbelief at Sophie’s words. “Ready?”
“I was born for this, my dragon. Lift me up, boy,” Sophie commanded with a smile on her wrinkly face as she held on tight.
When Kaden was sure there was enough distance between himself and the others, he beat his wings three times and his legs left the ground. He didn’t fly too high, worried for Sophie’s safety and health.
“Open your eyes, Sophie… look at the world and your house,” Kaden said as he hovered above Sophie’s home.
Sophie opened her eyes, clinging tightly onto Kaden. She was speechless. She looked at her small house, the barn and the fields around. Looking farther, she saw the little cluster of trees near her house and the forest in the distance. Glancing back down at her home, she squinted her eyes and checked the roof for signs of wear, then did the same with the barn.
“The roof looks good enough,” Sophie said to Kaden.
“The roof?” Kaden was confused. “You should look at – ”
“Oh look at them down there… they look so small and precious from up here.” Sophie forgot she had been clinging tightly to Kaden when she waved at the little group of people below them. “You got yourself a good woman down there.”
“I know.” Pride and adoration laced Kaden’s words.
“Get me down, my dear dragon. I’ve seen enough and this old body is getting tired… mind as well. I ain’t what I used to be, young and energetic like you young folk.”
Kaden knew it was pointless to remind Sophie he was not as young, and he wondered if she was even able to hear him at all with his wings sending gusts of air rushing by.
The dragon made the landing with ease. He set Sophie down with utmost care.
Soon after, they said their farewells, promising to return as soon as they could.
They stopped in the next town to buy horses for Cassiel, Charlie and Bast. They only managed to procure two, since it was hard to find steeds not afraid of Disa and Pup.
Bast didn’t mind sharing a horse, even if it was with Charlie because she wasn’t much of a rider. She even put up with Charlie’s flirting, finding it amusing but pleased that the redhead didn’t push her boundaries. Bast was warming up to Charlie, who was always happy and smiling, teasing and playful. It seemed that Olivia and Charlie could brighten up even the gloomiest of days.
“I got another one!” Charlie said.
The group was gathered around the fire, two days away from Remor and Olivia’s home. It was the last night they would have to spend sleeping under the stars’ watchful eyes.
Kaden and Olivia were snuggled up on one side; Cassiel was whetting his short sword while Charlie had plopped down next to Bast.
Bast groaned. “Another one?” She pretended to be annoyed but she was secretly enjoying the attention she was getting from Charlie. Her flirting was so obvious it made everyone laugh.
“Aye.” Charlie nudged Bast who shook her head in fake disapproval. “Was your father a thief?”
Everyone looke
d at Charlie as if she was crazy. Bast voiced the obvious question. “You know that my father is Marok… the chief?” She looked at Charlie with a befuddled expression.
“I know that silly...” Charlie rolled her eyes. “Just humor me. Was your father a thief?”
Bast didn’t know how to respond while Kaden, Olivia and Cassiel waited for Charlie’s explanation.
“Because,” Charlie said, “he must have been one, since he stole two of the most beautiful stars from the sky,” she pointed towards the star-filled sky in and everyone looked up, except for Bast, “and put them in your eyes.”
Bast’s eyebrows shot up.
Olivia snorted, then laughed out loud. Cassiel and Kaden joined her mirth. Bast couldn’t help but chuckle as well. Charlie grinned. She was happy it was working, she loved seeing her warrior goddess carefree and laughing.
The walls Bast had surrounded her heart with were coming down, and Charlie wiggled herself in just a bit deeper.
“You really are different, aren’t you, Spark…” Bast simply stated.
Olivia was still giggling at Charlie’s antics when Kaden pulled her closer. They had been on the road for almost a week now, and he was anxious to get Olivia all to himself. Hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, feeling her body pressed against his… it was enough to have him crave her.
He nipped at the skin of her neck and Olivia stopped laughing. “What are you up to, Kaden?” she whispered into Kaden’s ear.
Kaden shivered. “Walk with me.” He stood up and offered Olivia his hand.
Olivia’s forehead bunched up as she looked at Kaden as if expecting an explanation.
“Please, just come with me?”
Olivia nodded and took Kaden’s hand, letting him pull her up.
“We will be right back. We are going for a walk.” Olivia answered Charlie’s unasked question. Olivia shrugged to the other unvoiced question.
Hand in hand, Kaden led Olivia away from their makeshift camp. The stars were bright above them. The air was warm, a slight breeze ruffled the branches of the trees nearby.
Dragon's Prize (Dragons Awaken Book 2) Page 25