by Tamie Dearen
“And your opinion, Morvaen?”
“I don’t like it.” He accented his words with heavy stomps. “But I see no better choice.”
“Then we’ll set course for the mountain pass as soon as you’re prepared,” said Graely.
“I’m ready now, but our horses will need a bit of time to recover,” Jireo declared.
“We’ll make better time if both you and your horses have recovered from your vigorous rides. Go and take your rest.”
“I’ll spread the word and make preparations,” said Nordamen.
Arista bounced on her toes. “See, Jireo. Aren’t you glad I came? If it were only you, they’d send you back to Laegenshire. My first expedition! I’m going to be a great warrior some day.”
“We do prefer warriors who’re obedient to their superiors,” Morvaen commented.
“So much for you, Arista.” Jireo bent, adjusting the leather binding on his boot. He straightened to find Arista’s tongue outstretched again. In a flash, his hand swept across her wet tongue, depositing a fistful of dirt.
“Ahhh! Pthu! Pthu!” She spat. “Jireo, I’m going to kill you!”
*****
“Go ahead and ask your questions,” said Raelene after Alora had successfully transported the two of them to the end of the driveway and back three consecutive times. “I sense you have many concerns. I will answer anything I am able.”
“Okay,” Alora said, taking a deep breath. Indeed, her mind had been swimming such that concentration was quite difficult. “First, how did I take Kaevin and me somewhere I’d never been when we left the lake and went to Laegenshire? That was the first time I’d ever traveled. Before that I just brought Kaevin to me.”
“Bringing someone to you is the easiest transport to accomplish and the most common to occur accidentally. When you transport yourself to another place or send someone to another place, you either identify the place you wish to go, or the person you wish to be with. Since you’d never been to Laegenshire and didn’t know anyone there, there are two possibilities. Either you reversed your last transport or you gave control to Kaevin and allowed him to image the place.”
“I can do that? I can give someone else control of the transport?”
“No. That’s not precisely correct. If a strong relationship of trust exists, such as the one you have with your Uncle Charles, you could follow someone’s guide to a destination. But this is a difficult skill to master. In this case, you undoubtedly reversed your last transport. That explains why you arrived on the same bed from which you transported Kaevin.”
I can reverse a transport, and I can let someone else direct the destination. Alora filed this information away in case she could use it later.
“Okay, next question. Why Kaevin? Why did I contact him to begin with? It started with images when I was in the shower. I’d never seen him before, and I had no idea who he was.”
“I’ve puzzled over that myself. I’m certain your mother would have attempted to leave you with an impression of your home in Laegenshire. Wendelle must have left a latent impression that would be revealed to you when you came of age. I believe when your mind traveled to Laegenshire, Kaevin was the first person you saw. It could have been me or Graely, or anyone else in Laegenshire.”
“Kaevin says it happened because we’re soulmates,” she mumbled.
“Alora dear, I know you both believe you’re soulmates. But trust me when I tell you that’s simply not possible. You will see the two of you can function quite well apart from each other.”
“Yes, but only since we’ve contacted each other on a daily basis,” she argued. “Before that, we were both in pain.”
“How can I put this delicately, Alora? It would be extremely difficult to survive as soulmates when you’re unmarried. It takes more than holding hands for a few breaths once a day to avoid the affects of separation sickness. You’ll soon see you won’t suffer from separation more than any other young couple in love.”
Alora’s cheeks heated. “We... we’re not...”
“It’s perfectly fine, dear. Young love often blossoms into a real long-lasting relationship. But there’s no need to rush things. Let it happen naturally.”
Alora chewed the inside of her cheek. Her grandmother’s argument was persuasive. Could she be right? She decided to tackle a more comfortable subject. “If my wander-jewel is more powerful than others, what will I be able to do? What could I do beyond what I could with a normal jewel?”
“Well, obviously you can move yourself and two other people at the same time. That alone is amazing. You might be able to move two people without transporting yourself. That’s the most I’ve ever heard of. Your mother could do that as well.”
“What else could she do?”
“Most transports are done to yourself or away from yourself. Your mother could transport a person to or from any place she could see with her eyes. So, she could find me in Laegenshire and transport me to the top of that hill over there. Or from that hill to Laegenshire. The danger is the farther away you are from their landing place, the less control you have on the landing.”
“If you were in Laegenshire, but then you went on a trip somewhere, could I send Kaevin to you? Where would he go?”
“Yes, you could do that, and he would go to me, wherever I was; but you could only do that if you could form an accurate image of me in your mind. So, I could describe Kaevin’s father to you, but you wouldn’t be able to send him to his father—”
“Because the image wouldn’t be accurate. I’ve got it,” she said, nodding her head.
“The danger comes if you succeed in sending someone to the wrong place. For instance if you meant to send me into the house and you accidentally sent me to the middle of the lake. I have no way to let you know I’m not where you meant for me to go.”
“So I have to be able to concentrate...”
“Yes, it’s imperative you concentrate, no matter what’s going on around you. Imagine trying to help in the midst of a battle and sending someone to the wrong place. Of course, when a bearer is present in battle most soldiers wear metal belts so an enemy cannot transport them against their will. But there have been no active bearers for several years now, so we’ve abandoned that practice.”
“Oh, I didn’t know bearers were used in battle.”
“That’s why you’re so important right now. You’re the only active bearer in all of Tenavae. And the power of your red-heart jewel transcends protective wards. Only a shield of iron can protect someone from your assault.”
“But I’d never transport someone against their will, at least not in a bad way. I’m not that kind of person.”
Raelene’s eyes filled with sympathy. “I hate for you to lose your innocence at such a tender age, but consider this. What if someone were holding a knife to Kaevin’s throat? Or to your uncle’s throat? Would you still refuse to use your gift?”
Alora swallowed hard. “I... I hadn’t thought... I don’t...”
Raelene hugged her tight, and her voice trembled when she spoke again. “Don’t worry, Alora. We will take every precaution to prevent you from ever facing such a terrible choice. But I hope you will be able to help us in battle after you’ve become proficient with your gift. Your mother could heft huge boulders and drop them on the enemy. But moving lifeless objects is the most difficult skill to master. You may have eighteen or twenty years before you can predictably accomplish such a feat.”
Alora was swallowed by a sudden exhaustion. And it must have shown on her face, because Raelene said, “I think we’ve trained enough for today. Kaevin mentioned going on a hunting trip tomorrow. Perhaps that would be a good time for us to practice again.”
“That sounds good, Grandmother. My head is starting to hurt.”
When Alora entered the house, she found Kaevin on the couch watching television with Charles. When their eyes met, he gave a weak smile.
“I’m not certain I have the energy to attend the dance tonight,” he said.
“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings today.” His quiet voice barely reached her ears.
She locked her fingers with his, murmuring, “It’s all right, really. I’m confused and emotional right now.”
“You have just cause to feel that way. I can learn to be more sensitive, if you’ll be patient with me.”
Her residual anger melted at his sincere tone and sweet intent. She leaned her head against his shoulder until she noticed her uncle’s glare.
“Hi, Uncle Charles.” She stiffened, lifting her head. “Did you have a good ride this morning? How did Gwendolyn behave with Grandmother?” Luckily, her distracting question seemed effective, as his scowl disappeared.
“Your grandmother had no trouble making Gwendolyn perform. She’s got a way with horses, for sure—didn’t even use a bridle.”
“That’s simply the way of things in Laegenshire, but I could easily get used to the way of things here. Pushing a toggle to get water—it’s wonderful.” Raelene lifted the glass in her hand, taking a long swallow.
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. We’ve got plenty of room.” Uncle Charles lowered his voice, bestowing a warm smile.
“Thank you, Charles. You’re so generous.” Her cheeks flushed.
“I feel like I have more energy than I thought.” Kaevin squeezed Alora’s hand.
“Me too. I’ve kind of gotten a second wind. Do you want to go to the dance after supper?”
“Certainly.” His dimples flashed as he winked. “You can teach me the Cotton-Eyed Joe.”
Chapter Seven
“Why have you returned so early?” Vindrake demanded. “You should be miles from here.”
“Yes, Master Vindrake.” The short man shuffled from one foot to the other, staring at his feet. “But we’ve heard something that seemed too important to wait. A man told us Graely had been through his shire yesterday afternoon inquiring about a girl of fifteen years.”
Abbadon observed the interchange with interest, always alert for an opportunity to promote himself to his unpredictable master and guard against his ire. In recent times, he’d grown increasingly short-tempered, apt to kill anyone who displeased him without a second thought. No one wished to be the bearer of bad news to the master of Water Clan.
“So... it is as I feared. Graely must know about Lena, and now he is searching for her as well.” Vindrake’s jaw muscles bulged as he clenched his teeth.
“But ... there is more, Sire.”
“What more? Don’t waste my time. Out with it.”
“The man reported seeing a young girl of about that age riding fast and alone on a white horse some half-day behind Graely’s party. She was wearing a green cloak. He assumed this was the girl Graely had been searching for.”
Vindrake released a string of curses. “How has Graely managed to draw the girl to him?”
“If I may, Sire,” Abaddon said, “Graely has merely done our work for us. We need only take the girl from him while they are on the road.”
“I fully intend to take Lena from Graely. We will follow and strike when this vile potion has run its course,” declared Vindrake. “We will need our gifts.”
Abaddon fought against a growing dread. His prosperity, and perhaps his life, hinged on the success of his potion. He had to convince Vindrake the bloodbond mask was essential for Lena’s capture.
“But Sire,” Abaddon reasoned. “This can be accomplished easily while we are masked. Graely’s men won’t sense the bondmark, so he won’t be on alert. Two men can walk into the center of camp on pretense of hunger. When they locate Lena, they simply put a knife to her throat and walk away with her. Graely wouldn’t risk her life by attacking them.”
“And Graely? You suggest I miss my opportunity to kill him?”
“On the contrary, I believe you should kill him when he comes to retrieve the girl, after the potion’s effect is gone and we have regained our gifts.”
“Yes.... Yes, this could work,” said Vindrake with increasing excitement. “Lena must have reached him by now. There is no need to chase after them. We can simply wait for Graely to return on the road to Laegenshire while the potion wears off.”
“However, Graely might not return to Laegenshire with Lena. He might attempt to hide her farther away from you. Perhaps you should send some men after Graely’s group to ensure our success.”
“No, he will want to train Lena to use her gift. Only Raelene can teach her, and we know Raelene is still in Laegenshire.” He rubbed his hands together. “They will return with her, and we will be waiting.”
“Still, it can’t hurt to send four men to chase them. If they find Graely’s party is returning this way, they can merely allow them to pass to us. But Lena is too valuable to risk losing should Graely not behave as anticipated.”
“Very well,” Vindrake agreed with an impatient wave of his hand. “Make the needed arrangements to send a small party after them.” His black pupils dilated, almost covering the dark blue of his eyes. “Soon I will have Lena in my grasp.”
*****
“Are you sure they’ll let Kaevin into the school dance?” Alora asked Beth, glancing at the teachers standing by the entrance.
“Just let me handle it. Mrs. Parker is manning the door, and she and I are like this.” She held up two fingers and crossed them. “I bring her chocolate chip cookies about every other week, so she loves me.”
“I need to try that trick with Mrs. Bennington. I’m doing terrible in Pre-Calculus.” Wesley laughed.
“What’s chocolate chip cookies?” asked Kaevin.
“Kaevin, you poor deprived boy. You’ve never had chocolate chip cookies? I’m going to make you some, I promise.”
“And Beth’s are the best. You haven’t lived until you’ve had her chocolate chip cookies,” Alora declared.
True to her promise, Beth finagled Kaevin’s entrance to the school dance. They stashed their coats, and Wesley wandered to the refreshment table with Kaevin in tow.
“Don’t look now,” Beth whispered to Alora, “but Shanna Wallace is checking Kaevin out. I guess she’s tired of Justin and ready for a new challenge.”
Alora felt a surge of irritation at Shanna’s blatant appraisal of Kaevin. The insipid girl even nudged several of her cheerleader friends who joined her in ogling him. Had he noticed her assessment? He seemed oblivious, talking and laughing with Wesley, sampling the snacks. She had to admit, he looked good. The muscles on his broad shoulders were trying to burst out of his shirt. His long hair somehow suited him, framing his strong square jaw and emphasizing those amazing green eyes. As if he felt her gaze, he turned his head toward her and gave her a devastating smile, displaying a set of adorable deep dimples.
She’d only known him for a week, and she was already obsessed with him. Maybe her grandmother was right. Maybe they weren’t soulmates, as Kaevin had insisted. Maybe she was just head over heels in love with him. Or was it infatuation? Her grandmother had called it “young love.” Well, whatever it was she was feeling, it came with a healthy dose of possessiveness, because she was about ready to sock Shanna Wallace in the jaw. Shanna and her friends surrounded the two boys, and Shanna flirted with him, using exaggerated laughter to accidentally brush against him.
“Well, don’t just stand there,” Beth teased. “Do something.”
She blinked, and Kaevin was standing beside her. His surprised expression changed to a grin. “If you’d called my name, I would’ve come of my own accord.”
Shanna and her cronies were staring, slack-jawed.
“I didn’t actually mean to do that.”
Beth laughed so hard she couldn’t catch her breath. “Oh. My. Gosh. I wish I’d had a camera to snap a picture of Shanna’s face.”
Wesley joined them, hiding his smile behind his hand. “I think Shanna would probably rather know you snatched him magically away instead of thinking he left of his own free will. Nobody’s ev
er walked away from Shanna Wallace.”
“I’m sorry.” She tried to hide her heated face. “I don’t know what came over me. I didn’t think I was the jealous type.”
Kaevin put his arm around her waist. “I plan to be jealous if the need arises.”
“No worries. No one’s going to be flirting with me. Guys don’t like me. I guess I’m too tall and awkward.”
“Is that really what you think?” Wesley frowned. “Plenty of guys like you. You just don’t ever talk to any of us. I only got the courage to come to your house this week because Beth talked me into it.”
“I don’t believe you.” Alora knew it couldn’t be true. Not a single guy had ever asked her out.
“Alora, you can be so dense. I don’t know how we can hang around each other all the time and be so different.” Beth grabbed Kaevin’s hand. “Let me borrow Kaevin for one dance, to teach him how to two-step. Don’t get mad and send me to the middle of the lake or something.”
“I won’t. I promise.” She stood beside Wesley in uncomfortable silence. “Ahem. Why did you say that... about guys liking me?”
“Why wouldn’t guys like you? Except you refuse to give any guy the time of day. Beth had to convince me you weren’t a total snob.”
“A snob? You thought I was a snob? I’m just shy, that’s all. I’m nobody—why would I be snobby?”
“Don’t get mad at me. I know you’re not snobby now. But it’s too late anyway, since you have a soulmate now.” He rolled his eyes before surveying the dance floor and offering his hand. “Wanna dance?”
“I’m not very good, and I’ll probably step on your feet.” She let him drag her onto the smooth polished wood.
“I’m not worried—I’ve got boots to protect my feet.” They joined the myriad couples moving and swirling in rhythm. “I just hope Kaevin doesn’t decide to punch me out.”
“I think he trusts you. Oops—sorry!” she said, missing a step.
He ignored her clumsiness. “Kaevin’s a good guy and fantastic with a bow. He almost beat me on the targets. He says he wants me to meet his friend Jireo and Jireo’s sister, because they’re both even better than he is.”