“That is likely wise,” Obsidian agreed.
Together they headed toward the eastern tree-line. Skirting the worst of the crowds, Obsidian homed in on a campfire where a dryad was tossing pieces of cut-up vegetables and meat into a cauldron suspended over a large bed of embers. When they reached the cookfire, Obsidian released his shadow magic but kept his one wing mantled around Anna to hide her from the rest of the gathering behind them.
The dryad didn’t halt her work, merely nodding at Obsidian and then finished slicing a few more tubers and tossing them in after the rest. She moved with the natural grace all dryads possessed, but that wasn’t what seized Anna’s attention.
This dryad’s eyes missed nothing. And while her body might appear relaxed, she contained a shimmering intensity all predators, or highly skilled warriors, possessed.
Upon closer examination, the other woman was taller than Anna, wider across the shoulders, and had more muscular arms. She was a positive Amazon. Close cropped dark hair and a lack of adornments suggested this woman wasted very little time on vanities.
Anna liked her already.
When at last they reached the campfire, the Amazon looked up and smiled at Obsidian, transforming her somewhat strong features into something softer.
“My heart, I’m glad you came to me. I’d be hurt if you’d gone to Rook first.”
“I know you and Banrook keep some kind of point system as if to discover which of you I adore more. It’s pointless. I love you both equally.” Obsidian leaned down, giving the woman an affectionate nuzzle.
In return, she reached up into his mane and gave him a good head scratch. Obsidian purred happily. Eventually, he turned back to Anna.
“I’d like you to meet Master Maradryn. She was one of the first island residents to take me in and mother me. She is also one of our greatest dryad healers.”
The Amazon was a healer? She looked like she’d be more skilled at breaking people open than stitching them back up again.
And master, not mistress? They must not differentiate between the genders. Could this society be a study in true gender equality?
Interesting. But perhaps not so surprising. Both species were a single gender. Anna supposed that meant dryads and gargoyles might lack the usual gender bias.
She scanned the woman, her magic stirring to aid her study. Looking for she knew not what, but if she was to guess, it was to discover if this woman was worthy of Obsidian’s evident devotion.
Anna stepped out from Obsidian’s wing and then held out a hand.
The dryad’s expression was inscrutable as she stared at Anna’s offered hand. She didn’t take it. Instead, her gaze followed the hand up the arm and on to her face. Maradryn’s gaze searched Anna’s, studying her in the same way she’d studied the dryad earlier, seeking to find something that would prove Anna was worthy of Obsidian’s devotion.
“Anna Mackenzie at your service.” Anna gave the other woman a nod of respect. “Previously known as Shadowlight’s big sister, protector, and doer of whatever nasty things that needed doing. Don’t quite know what I am now, but willing to help out in the war against the Battle Goddess in any way I can.”
The other woman’s dower expression melted away into delight and she laughed. “Anna Mackenzie, your role will not change. You will become Obsidian’s Kyrsu, as Lord Death decrees, and continue to protect your gargoyle partner ferociously and do great violence to his enemies. Which is a great and noble thing, but before we go into all that, I wish to thank you for protecting my much-beloved Obsidian when he couldn’t yet fully protect himself.”
Anna bowed her head. “I will strive to make everyone proud.”
“Good. Continue to keep a sharp eye out. While there’s no darkness here, not like there was deep within the Battle Goddess’ domain, there are still a few who do not trust Obsidian’s power or how swiftly he has advanced. They would have preferred he developed slower to more fully examine his nature. You understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes.” Anna did, completely.
“Good, because those resentments will only flare up brighter when our strong young gargoyle here takes his Adept Trial. So, Anna Mackenzie, snarl and bite, prowl and hunt. Take down anyone who is foolish enough to raise a hand against your Rasoren.”
The older woman fell silent for a moment as she gave the fire a stir. When she looked up again, it was to smile good-naturedly. “But for now, eat and grow strong once more. You will need it.”
Chapter 10
Obsidian glanced at the woman he viewed as a mother and then back at Anna. He probably should be more insulted than amused that the two women thought he needed protection. Hadn’t he been looking out for himself for many years now?
In truth, he looked forward to paying Anna back for her protection and guidance when he’d been a child. He’d start by helping her navigate these new waters.
Surprisingly, her concern also made him happy. It meant she was relating to him like she’d used to when he was Shadowlight, her beloved little brother and teammate.
Maradryn gestured for them to sit and eat, which he was always happy to do.
Anna didn’t turn down the offer of food either. Maradryn happily kept up a one-sided conversation as they ate, filling Anna in on some of what she’d missed while asleep. Like a proud mama, the woman took particular pleasure in telling stories about his prowess as a hunter and warrior.
She even mentioned how many of the dryads had been so impressed they sought him out over older gargoyles. The praise and commentary made heat suffuse his cheeks, but he didn’t rise to her baiting. Especially since she had her own agenda about whose affection he should return.
The Council of Elders had, upon occasion, saw fit to interfere with his life, but mostly, they butted out of his personal relationships. Though, clearly, Maradryn would like to have more influence.
“Well, you’re no fun,” she said with a grin.
“Try not to be.” His tone mimicked one he’d heard Anna use many times.
Maradryn rolled her eyes and then gazed at Anna. “I should likely refrain from questioning you until the rest of the Elders arrive. However, I have a few subjects I’d like to broach before the rest of the council sidetracks you with yet more questions.”
Obsidian drew breath to interrupt and was waved to silence before he’d even uttered a word.
“Yes, yes. You’ve told us everything you knew. However, you were a child. Anna will have a different outlook on events. Perhaps she even caught nuances that went over your head.”
Anna nodded slowly in agreement though she didn’t look like she welcomed an additional line of questioning before the official debriefing.
When the two women sat down across the fire and discussed past events, his thoughts turned inward.
When he was younger, it hadn’t once occurred to him that Anna might not want to be a gargoyle, that she might seek to return to her purely human existence if that had been an option. He had been so starved for love, and Anna was the only one with the time or inclination to lavish it upon him, he’d taken her love as a sign of acceptance of her fate.
But as he grew older, he realized that it wasn’t acceptance so much as it was her innate nature to look ahead, survive, escape, endure—all without whining about what fate had thrust upon her.
That didn’t mean Anna was happy with her situation.
Now he only hoped she didn’t grow to hate him for what he’d done to save her life all those years ago. And that she’d be willing to be his Kyrsu and fight by his side until they defeated all their enemies. He didn’t know what he’d do if she asked to return to her life on Earth without him.
Anna glanced sidelong at him and patted the ground, her steady presence reaching out to him as Maradryn continued to ask questions. Not needing a second invitation, he sat and then scooted closer, using one wing to hide her from view of anyone passing by.
“Relax, I’m not going anywhere without you. We’re a team. I made you that promise
, and it doesn’t have an expiration date. Lifelong, my friend. Get used to it.” Humor accompanied her thoughts.
The tension between his shoulder blades eased. Grinning as foolish exuberance gripped his soul, he leaned down and gave Anna a gargoyle kiss.
“Gross,” she muttered and wiped the back of her hand across her cheek. “But it’s true. I’ll always have your back, and I won’t even mouth off to the elders like I did with that Reaver jackass. Promise.”
A snort from the other side of the fire drew his attention back to Maradryn.
“You do the nonverbal communication better than Rook and me. And we’ve known each other close to nine hundred years.” She looked at Anna. “You really are his Kyrsu. That’s the only time I’ve seen such a natural, unified front. Did you know you move together, mirroring each other? By the light, your resting breath and pulse are the same. You’re completely attuned to each other, and you don’t even realize it. No wonder Lord Draydrak is so keen to groom you both to be his war leaders. On the field of battle, you’ll think as one mind but possess two bodies. You’ll be lethal.”
Maradryn continued to scrutinize them until Obsidian had the urge to squirm under her gaze.
At last, she changed the subject. “Oath tells me you’ve already had to drive off that thick-headed Reaver.”
He growled, his earlier good feelings vanishing. “Yes, Reaver came upon us on our way here. Predictably, he insulted Anna.”
“That boy will never make Adept if he doesn’t learn humility, compassion, tolerance, and patience.”
‘I’d settle for basic intelligence,’ Obsidian thought.
“I fear one or all of those objectives may be beyond him.” Maradryn’s expression darkened. “If he continues to give Anna trouble, I will speak with the other Masters. We’ll act to discipline him.”
“Thank you.” Obsidian bowed his head in respect. “However, Anna cut him down with a few verbal spars and soon had him in retreat.”
The memory of Anna winning the skirmish with words alone still made him ridiculously proud.
Meadow returned and politely bowed to Maradryn and then informed the group that the other council members were on their way.
“Stay,” Maradryn told the other dryad. “Obsidian’s friends are always welcome at my fire.”
Meadow murmured her thanks before settling to Obsidian’s left. He nodded to her. When he glanced back Anna’s direction, it was to find Oath lying on the ground, his head resting on his forearms and his tail coiled around him as he looked upon Anna with absolute adoration.
“You won a fight against Reaver using words alone?”
“Wasn’t that hard. He’s not that bright.”
The worshipful look in Oath’s eyes almost made Obsidian laugh. She may not even realize she’d gained her first admirer among the citizens of Haven.
Others would soon see all the qualities that made him so proud of Anna. She would win them over—the ones worthy of the effort. The rest, like Reaver, Obsidian would break to his will or simply break them.
Maradryn soon turned the topic to Earth, and Anna explained about such things as politics, military, and various technologies with broad, sweeping hand gestures.
Partway through the conversation Meadow rummaged in a woven basket she’d brought with her.
From inside, she removed six of the clay-fired urns used for storing wine and other fermented drink. The tops were sealed with wax stamped with her family’s mark. It was one of her family’s specialties and was always in demand at the festivals. “Banrook said I should bring some of these in case the council gets thirsty. There is enough for everyone.”
Meadow offered Anna the first goblet, showing Obsidian’s Kyrsu the respect she was due.
Anna smiled her thanks and took a careful sip. After a moment, her eyes lit up. “The good stuff. Don’t be surprised if I come begging for more at some later date.”
Maradryn leaned forward, holding out her goblet to fill. Truth, bored with waiting, stole an urn for himself and Oath while Meadow filled Obsidian’s cup.
“Will you and Truth still be coming to my family’s fire tomorrow after the hunt? That is, if you’re not too busy now. Anna is welcome.” Meadow’s ordinarily outgoing and cheerful demeanor was absent, replaced by a more subdued and shy countenance. He thought he knew why, and it sparked a bit of unease in his belly.
“I...” He didn’t want to give her false hope, but she was also his friend and he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “Of course, I’ll come. I’m sure Anna would like to meet your family.”
“Later, for the dancing...” Meadow let her sentence die as she glanced over uncertainly at Anna, where she was still sitting sheltered under his opposite wing talking with Maradryn.
Oh. So that’s the reason Meadow was suddenly awkward. She didn’t know what kind of relationship he and Anna would now share. Or how Anna’s awakening would influence Obsidian’s newer friendships.
Anna was…
She was his… friend.
But more than that, she was his—
Hmmm….
Why was he having trouble classifying their relationship?
Because, whispered a tiny voice in his head, she’s more than just a friend. She’s your trusted confident, big sister, teammate, and many times she was the only safe option to love.
Yet, even though all those terms were accurate, when he’d been younger, he’d also thought once he’d matured enough, Anna would just become his partner in all things… eventually taking on the role of mate.
It was a silly childhood wish.
But none of those terms did her justice. Anna was so much more.
She was his Kyrsu. She completed and complemented his soul. They were two spirits joined by magic and shared experiences. No romance existed to muddy those glorious facts.
But what if their relationship developed and shifted towards something less platonic?
The thought made him flush self-consciously. No. He was being foolish. Anna was just... Anna. A force of nature he needed in his life.
It was better—safer certainly—that she continued to think of him in a brotherly fashion.
His mentors had always warned him not to project his wishes upon his Kyrsu or risk stealing her will and stripping away any kind of choice from her.
Hadn’t Banrook been drilling discipline into him all these years for just this day?
He would do all in his power to keep Anna safe from what his dark gift yearned to do to her.
A hand patted his knee and Anna was suddenly leaning forward to peer around him and meet Meadow’s eyes.
“Shadowlight used to like music. I can’t imagine Obsidian has changed so much.” Anna’s shit-eating grin was firmly in place. “If he tries to chicken out, I’ll make sure he still puts in an appearance.”
Meadow likely didn’t know the meaning of ‘chicken out,’ but the answering smile that lit up her face transformed it from merely pretty into something warm and beautiful. Yet Meadow, lovely though she was, stirred nothing within him. Not knowing what else to do, he raised his goblet for a big drink.
When he looked up again, Anna was still grinning at him.
But a throat being cleared drew his attention back towards Master Maradryn. “Don’t worry. You’ll have lots of time to socialize later, but for now, the council has business that needs tending.”
Meadow and Truth came to their feet swifter than if one of their mentors barked an order. The bigger gargoyle prodded Oath in the ribs when he didn’t move fast enough.
Anna pushed on Obsidian’s wing until he lowered it enough she could look over the top and watch the approaching council of Elders. After noting their position, she leaned in close to his ear. “Meadow, she’s sweet. It’s obvious she likes you. If you two aren’t already a thing, you should be.”
He huffed in surprise at the pleasant sensation of Anna’s warm breath against his ear and where his mind flashed to in that moment.
No, Meadow didn’t stir
him, but his Kyrsu just had.
Chapter 11
Anna didn’t have a freaking clue what had possessed her to add her two cents about Meadow. It wasn’t like she was any good at matchmaking, but there was something about Meadow—a wholesomeness tempered with an inner strength that just made Anna think the young dryad would be a good match for Obsidian.
Admit it, Mackenzie, Anna thought to herself. If he’s romantically involved with one of the dryads, then he becomes ‘safe’ and you like the sound of that a lot better than a bachelor Obsidian who might set his sights on his Kyrsu.
Time to put that whole can of worms out of her mind. She didn’t need further complications until she knew the inner workings of Haven. It had taken her weeks of careful observation to learn enough about the Battle Goddess’ domain to benefit. If she’d been a crier, she might have teared up at the knowledge she was now starting from scratch.
At least Obsidian had a thirteen-year head start. She planned to mine him for intel later. For now, she had a Council of Elders to win over.
The newly arrived council members—there were only three, two gargoyles and one dryad—joined them around Maradryn’s fire.
Banrook she remembered from before. Forgetting someone as big as him was hard. Obsidian was now the larger of the two, but Banrook was one of those types who sucked up all the oxygen in a room just by the magnitude of his personality.
“Anna, you may remember Master Verroc from when you crossed the time portal.” Obsidian pointed to the less muscular gargoyle.
Anna nodded respectfully to the elder.
She’d started picking out other little details that differentiated one gargoyle from another at a glance. Some, like Verroc, wore distinctive jewelry. At least she hoped the silver ear-stud with its pale blue stone was distinctive and there weren’t a hundred others just like it to confuse her.
Legacy of the Sorceress (A Gargoyle and Sorceress Tale Book 6) Page 7