by Krystal Wade
Arland releases another arrow into the center of the target. “I believe we have found a weapon you are not skilled with. It is a good thing, too. I was beginning to feel like you might not need me.”
“Of course I need you,” I say, putting a double meaning on my words.
Arland smiles wryly. “Would you like to try again?”
I glare at him.
“It was just an offer.” He puts up his hands in surrender. “We do not have to continue. You will be much better off with a sword. But I will never leave your side, so the likelihood you will even need to use it is slim.”
Arland points me toward the weapons table.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I tease.
We leave my bow behind, and I re-arm myself with the claymore. Arland holds my hand as we exit the center; his thumb caresses mine. Every time he shows these simple little affections, my heart hurts for more of him—for us finally to take that step. But, then I worry about Perth, and I try to push the longing away.
Halfway between the training center and the base, Arland stops.
“What is it?” I ask, as quietly as possible, afraid something might be following us.
Arland faces me. His jaw is set, his eyes serious. “I need to share something with you.”
My heart skips a few beats. “Is something out here?”
Arland puts his hands on my shoulders and gives them a slight squeeze, dissolving my tension. He pulls me against him and wraps his arms around me. “Everything is okay.”
With us this close, I think he’s right—everything will be okay.
“Kate, I pray to the gods this does not come across the wrong way.” Arland looks up to the black sky, then returns his burning green gaze to me.
I tip my head back to see him; our faces are so close.
“The last few weeks, since you arrived, I have changed. I never in my life expected to feel so connected, so in-tune, so close to someone. I have not been this happy since before my mother was killed.”
Arland doesn’t have to say anything else; my feelings equal his.
I smile up at him. “Me, too.”
His confession was much nicer than mine was; I’m afraid if I try to speak, my words will all come out in a jumble. But I think what I said was enough for Arland to understand my feelings.
Our bodies press against each other, sending excitement over every inch of my skin. He uses one hand on my back to pull me closer to him, as if I’m fragile, while his other hand cups my cheek. I’m surrounded by Arland’s warmth. He gazes into my eyes—into my soul—and my pulse races. I wrap my arms around his neck.
Arland takes his time, giving me time to memorize this moment, as he leans his head down, closes his eyes, and presses his mouth to mine. He parts my lips, slowly and sweetly. I ignore the fact we’re in a dark forest in a world full of turmoil, ignore everything while we kiss. Arland digs his fingertips into my back, pulling me even closer, stealing my breath away, and making me want this to last forever.
My body is on fire; everything I’ve felt for Arland, since meeting him in real life and from years of dreaming of him, all flows freely out of me and into this greeting of our lips.
Arland’s kiss deepens, becoming more intimate. He moves his hand from my face to caress my shoulder. Tracing his fingertips down my arms, Arland sends chills along them. He takes my hands into his own and moves his head back.
“Mmm,” he manages to say through my favorite wide smile.
“Arland—” I begin, but he cuts me off with another sweet kiss, making me gasp for air.
His lips are so warm, so soft, so gentle; I’m totally lost in this moment. I have no idea what I was going to say to him.
He pulls back with another smile.
“You wanted to say something.” His voice is low, throaty, flooded with seduction.
“I-I—” I’m unable to formulate a coherent thought. There is so much I want to say. I want to tell him we should stay this way forever, that we should run away together, that I’ve fallen head over heels for him, but my brain melts into mush, leaving me flustered by his kisses.
He squeezes me in his arms. “You do not have to say anything.”
This moment is so much different from what I experienced with Brad. There is no confusion for me or Arland; we both wanted this kiss. I’ve wanted to share this exchange since the first night we bathed together. The buildup of anticipation wasn’t ever there with Brad. When he heals—if he heals—this is going to break his heart, but I push these thoughts from my mind and enjoy myself.
Locked in an embrace, Arland and I stare into each other’s eyes. There are so many unspoken words and new concerns, but I try not to worry. I stand on my toes to kiss Arland again.
The bushes rustle.
He tightens his hold on me. “Move away slowly. Remember, the daemons cannot see us, but you will be able to see them.”
We turn and walk toward the base, but I look over my shoulder.
A coscartha emerges from the Darkness.
I close my eyes. “I-it’s behind us … .”
“Open your eyes, Kate. It has turned off the path,” Arland says, rubbing my hand.
Trembling, I glance around and take a deep breath. “I-I’m sorry. I don’t have any idea how I’m supposed to save everyone when one daemon scares me so much.”
“We will—”
Shrieks come from our right.
Arland stops and stands still.
“What? W-What is it?” I look everywhere, at everything.
Arland is listening. Is he afraid? Has the spell broken?
A twig snaps, echoing through the forest.
He jerks his head toward the sound.
“Run,” Arland says, pushing my shoulder.
The blood in my hands runs cold; my knees wobble. I can’t run. I look up at him. “Ar—”
A lone coscartha jumps at Arland from behind a tree, claws poised to kill.
I push him to the side, and in one concise motion, remove my sword from my holster and stab the daemon through the chest.
All around us, the forest lights up with millions of brilliant colors; reds, golds, whites, blues, and so many others. I look down at my sword; it blazes with bright, blue flames, similar to the one Arland created in his hand, but a million times more powerful.
The daemon writhes on the ground, twisting and screaming as the fire steals its life.
The yellow light I followed in the forest, which led me to Encardia, swirls around me, more intense than the other colors.
Arland stares, probably in shock, at the bright forest around us. He shakes his head, snapping out of his trance. “We have to get you inside. Now!”
Turning me by my shoulders, Arland pushes me to run as fast as I can.
More creatures approach behind us. I hear each of their feet hit the earth as they run, trying to catch us.
I count footsteps, making notes about our opponents.
“If we run to the base, they’ll know where we are. Everyone will be at risk.” I gasp for air.
“Let’s turn and fight. There are only three of them.” I have absolutely no idea where this bravery comes from.
Arland pushes me forward. “I do not want you to get hurt.”
“Then help me fight.”
I stop running.
Arland crashes into me, but I move around him and face the daemons.
I’m so mad at these creatures for ruining our first kiss. An angry rage burns inside me, boiling in my blood. I let it flow through me, but instead of being blinded by rage, I feel powerful, capable … willing.
Three of the gray, mangled coscarthas move forward, encircling us as a predator might hunt down its prey.
Holding my sword ready to strike, I close my eyes.
Please help us, God.
Opening my eyes again, I find the world has taken on a different appearance. Everything is filled with bright light. The Darkness above our heads has split open; the sun shines through the
trees, illuminating the brown forest. It’s been so long since I’ve seen the sunshine, I have to shield myself from the blinding rays.
The plants around us don’t waste time—they stretch up their limp leaves and limbs toward the sky, reaching for the same thing from which I’m shielding myself.
Slinking back into the surrounding Darkness, the daemons squint their black eyes and stare up at the sky. They look at each other, then us. Without a fight, they run away.
Arland turns me around again. “Go!”
Reaching the base, I pull up the door in the ground and jump inside with him right behind me. He slides the bar over the door, locking it.
The dark stairwell pulsates with blue light.
I am glowing.
Arland pins me against the wall by the stairs. “You never cease to amaze me. You are Light!” he says, moving in to kiss me again, this time much more intensely. Near-death experiences seem to make people’s emotions run wild.
Pulling away, he breathes heavily. “It would have been much easier if this did not happen.”
“If what didn’t happen?” I ask, just as breathless.
Captivating me with his eyes, he cups my cheek in his palm and rubs his thumb across my skin. “If I did not fall in love with you.”
I smile, but have no words to offer. I am deeply in love with Arland. I’ve never imagined how easy it could be, but here I am, a few weeks into knowing someone, and I’ve fallen for him. No longer am I confused by my feelings for Brad. While I know I love him, it’s nothing like what I feel now. And no longer do I believe these are remnant emotions from my dreams. For the first time in my life, I know what I want, and I have him.
Arland releases me from the wall. The distance between us drains me. “I have to speak with Lann and figure out how we had a perimeter breach. Then we should ride out to the clearing.”
“Why are we going to go there again?” I ask, not wanting to move from this spot.
“The yellow light, your dream about Griandor having a sister, the portal being closed—everything is connected. It was Griandor’s sister who brought you here; I am almost positive. Gramhara is the goddess of love. It is love that brings magic out of you.”
All this time, the answer has been right in front of me. The key to getting Brad home, the key to seeing my sister, my mom, the farm—it all springs from my love for Arland. My dreams—all of the passionate moments, all the I love yous, and the pain of losing him—must have been clues to my magic, my power.
Arland gives me a slight shake. “Kate, breathe!”
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I’m breathing. I’m just in shock. We’re really going back to the clearing? Do you think it will work?” I think of my sister’s witty comments, and my mom, and how much I need to talk to her … and how much I miss them both. We might even have a chance to get Brad home before we have to leave for Wickward. I want to kiss Arland again, but it’s too dangerous. We’ve already risked enough.
“Yes, of course I believe it will work. We will take Flanna and Cadman with us again. Let me go speak to Lann. Wait inside the corridor, so no one sees you.” Arland pushes open the door, pulls me through, then runs to the communications room.
I’ve daydreamed about our first kiss since I arrived here; this was not what I thought we’d be doing after our moment. I definitely didn’t expect to be riding off to the clearing afterward, but I’m excited at the prospect of us getting through this time.
Arland entered the communications room alone, but he comes out with Cadman following on his heels.
“Flanna,” Arland yells.
“I hear we are going to the clearing again,” Flanna says, poking her head inside the doorway.
I smile broadly at my little spy friend.
“Whoa, you are radiant.” She grabs my shoulders and looks me up and down.
“Since you have been eavesdropping, I do not need to repeat the mission to you. Go ready the horses,” Arland barks at her.
Flanna practically skips from the room.
“Cadman, we are riding to the clearing again. I believe we may have found a way to get through.”
Glancing at my glowing body, Cadman nods, then heads up the stairwell.
Arland grabs my hand and pulls me toward the communications room.
Lann meets us outside the door, offering a short bow to Arland, but doesn’t look at me. How could he not find my appearance strange?
I stare at my hands for a moment, smiling as the blue fire dances on my skin and up my arms. I find my appearance strange.
“Gather any soldiers remaining outside, and bring them in. Leave only the best fighters to hunt down the rogue daemons, then reset the spell. If we do not return, you are not to come looking for us. If you do not hear from us by tomorrow, send word to my father, then leave for Willow Falls.” Arland’s instructions are clear, as usual.
Lann nods. “I am sorry for failing you, sir. I am glad you two are okay.”
“We were lucky, but I am worried we need to move sooner. We will discuss this upon our return.”
Arland laces his fingers with mine again, and we head down the hall. Instead of him leading me up the stairs into the stables, I lead him. We run up, still full of energy from the kiss, fight, and power—at least, that’s how I feel.
Mirain’s wild neighs fill the stables. Rushing toward her, we round the corner and discover she’s only being miserable for Cadman.
“Mirain! Calm down, girl,” I say, keeping my voice firm.
She looks me over, snorting and shaking her head.
“I’ll take her from here, Cadman. Thank you.”
We all mount our horses and wait for the doors to open.
“Kate, follow close on my right,” Arland shouts. “Cadman, Flanna, I want you two to flank us. Ride fast!”
“Uh, Arland, why are we riding in a tactical formation?” Flanna asks.
“We were attacked in the woods by daemons. I am concerned they will communicate our location to the others. Now, we need to move.”
“Why are we riding to the clearing, if the base may be attacked while we’re gone? What about Brad? The children? If we leave them while the perimeter is down, will they be able to fight off the daemons?” I ask before I can stop myself. More than anything, I want to go; I’m desperate to get to my family, but I don’t want anyone here to get hurt.
“There are plenty of soldiers here to protect everyone. My men are scouring the forest as we speak. They will reset the spell, and everyone will be safe.”
“What if—?”
“I do not know how it broke. Spells can fail, but they can also be reset.” He leans over and presses his hand to my thigh. “And we are going because I promised you would see your family again. If your mother has any shred of this world left in her, she has been waiting for you on the other side of the portal since your sister returned home.”
“The dream I had a couple weeks ago—Mom was the one who told me about Griandor’s sister. She also said she and Brit were waiting for me. Even if that was real, do you think they’ll still be there?”
He nods. “Yes, I believe they will still be waiting for you.”
Anna’s smile, and her big brown eyes, flash in my mind. I cannot risk everyone’s lives for another possible failed mission. They’ve already lost so much. “Do you honestly think this is going to work?”
“Kate, until tonight I did not know how we were going to re-open the portal. The way old magic swirled around you was incredible. It did your will without instruction from you. The daemons were scared. Right now, they are probably telling the others about the incident in the woods, which means we have very little time to test my theory on the portal,” Arland rushes out his words.
Blinking away Anna’s image, I push my reservations aside. “Then, let’s go!”
“Oscailte!” he says.
The doors swing open. We walk the horses out, take our positions, then immediately urge them to a gallop. There are no dae
mons, no sounds other than our horses’ hooves hitting the earth and heavy breathing through their nostrils.
We speed down the trail, the wind blowing past my ears.
In what seems like no time at all, we arrive at the perimeter checkpoint. Any normal horse wouldn’t be able to run at a pace like this, but as with most things in this world, they have to be magical. We don’t waste a moment’s pause to explain to the soldiers what we’re doing.
My body is not glowing as brightly as it was earlier, but my skin still radiates blue light. I wonder what it looks like to the soldiers, or if they notice anything at all. I’ll have to make sure Arland speaks to them about keeping quiet.
At the edge of the forest, he draws Bowen to a stop. The rest of us follow his lead. He looks from me to Flanna to Cadman.
“Ready?” Arland whispers.
We nod in unison.
“Ride as fast as you can.”
We break through the last of the trees into the clearing, stressing the horses to run harder than before.
At the spot where the portal is located, I jump from Mirain’s back.
“Be a good girl for Cadman.” I pat her shoulder.
Arland hands Bowen’s reins to Flanna. “Keep guard over a twenty-foot perimeter. If anything attacks, leave Bowen and Mirain and head back to base to warn the others.”
“We will see you soon.”
Arland takes my hand and leads me to the portal. We fall to our knees next to it. I see the glistening edges better than the last time we traveled out here, but it’s still not open. He pokes his finger at the center, but nothing happens.
This was all for nothing.
Arland smiles. “I want you to concentrate on what you need the magic to do for you. Imagine the portal opening, and seeing your family.”
I close my eyes. I need the portal to open, so I can get home, so I can see my sister and mom again.
Nothing happens.
Please, open the portal, so I can see Brit and my mom again.
Nothing, still.
“I am sorry it took me so long to figure this out,” Arland says.
I open my eyes, looking back into the dark reality of our situation.
The magic may have responded to me earlier, but it certainly isn’t now.