by Jensine Odom
“Will you tell me what you dreamed?” he asks, kissing my head and pulling me closer.
“I dreamed of the night Drustana was banished with her Acolytes,” I answer, going with the less traumatic memory first, and absently trace the sharp lines of Caedryn’s mark.
“Allowyn was there?” Caedryn sounds surprised.
“Yeah, but not by her choice. I’m pretty sure Sylaena made her go.” Caedryn makes a sound, like a half-laugh, and I look up at him. “What?”
“My mother was always trying to make Allowyn into a proper Royal.”
“Sylaena’s your mom?!” I sit up suddenly. That makes much more sense.
“Yes.” Caedryn laughs at my surprise and pulls me back into his embrace. “She was also the High Royal, as well as the only remaining Elder Royal.”
“I knew she was High Royal, but not an Elder Royal. Because Allowyn had a problem with always doing as she was told, though, I got to meet your mom.” I grin at Caedryn, tightening my arm around his waist, and he kisses me.
“What else did you dream?” he asks, caressing my face.
“I dreamed of the night the dragons went dormant; your last moments with Allowyn, and her death.” I take a deep, steadying breath. “Even on the night that held so many uncertainties, she couldn’t bring herself to say ‘I love you’.”
“She never could,” Caedryn says sadly.
I reach up and stroke his cheek, chasing away his sadness. “I love you, Caedryn.”
“I know.” He smiles, kissing my palm. “I love you, Xerxia.”
He pulls me against him, and I melt into his embrace as he kisses me. I lay my head against his chest, listening to his strong heart and steady breath as we lay in each other’s arms, enjoying the quiet of the morning before everyone else is up, and before we have to begin our journey.
The first person up is Mary. She glances in our room, giving me a wry grin when she spots Caedryn and me, then disappears into the bathroom. I laugh, kissing Caedryn’s chest before getting out of bed to retrieve my discarded clothes, tossing Caedryn’s briefs at him.
By the time we’re dressed and heading out to the living room everyone’s up and milling around, excitement filling the air almost like a tangible thing.
“Look who has finally graced us with her presence! Good morning, your Majesty,” Mary quips playfully, giving a dramatic bow. My brothers join in the fun, nearly folding in half, and I just laugh with them.
“So, what’s the game plan for today?” Tristin asks, his bright green eyes lighting up with the prospect of adventure.
“We’ll have no time for games today,” Turhion answers seriously.
“Want to bet? We can make pretty much anything into a game.” I laugh. “But what Tristin means is what are we planning on doing now, and to answer that question, Tristin, I’m going to go grab our breakfast, then we’ll hit the road. So, wait here, and I’ll be right back.”
“I will go with you,” Caedryn says.
I agree, dropping my bag with the others on the floor, and head outside with Caedryn.
There’s only the slightest chill in the air, and all the snow from the previous days has disappeared entirely, leaving just a few muddy spots here and there. Mules and horses stand around in the yard, their breath hanging in the morning air as they bray and whinny to one another while their people tack and hook them up to carts full of supplies.
“Morning, Scavenger,” Steve greets me as I walk through the door, and his eyes flick quickly to the side.
I glance through the small window in the entryway where Steve gestured. Sitting in the farthest corner of the room are the dragon hunters. Baldure and Alivia, I think were their names. Both have their eyes trained on where I’ll be walking. Well, the huge man only has one eye watching. The other’s milky green, a long-healed scar running right over it, stretching from forehead to jaw.
Steve shakes his head almost imperceptibly, trying to stop me from coming in, but I know that’ll tip off these dragon hunters. Our best chance of escape is to play along.
“Caedryn,” I say quietly, hanging up my jacket. “I know you won’t like this, but go get everyone ready to leave.”
His pang of fear hits me hard, but he just nods and slips back out the door before it closes.
“Morning, Keep,” I reply, walking casually for the bar. “Got what I asked for?”
“Sure do,” Steve plays along, plopping the bag of breakfast burritos on the counter. “Cookie sends her regards.” He nods, sadness in his blue eyes.
“Thank her for me, will you?” I incline my head, picking up the bag, and covertly glance at the duo as they watch me like hawks.
“Will do. Where’ll you be heading today?” he asks.
“I thought we would try the northeast plains, so don’t be too worried if we’re not back for a few days.”
“I know you can handle yourself.” I tiny smile tugs at the edge of Steve’s lips, nearly hidden by his bushy beard. “Be seeing you.”
“See ya.” I salute him loosely with two fingers, turning to leave as if Baldure and Alivia didn’t just stand and start to stalk my way.
“Xerxia,” Baldure’s voice booms like thunder in the fairly empty room.
It wasn’t a question, either; he knows who I am.
“We have some questions for you,” Alivia finishes, her voice raspy.
I stop in my tracks, adrenaline pumping through my veins, and bravely turn to face the quickly advancing pair. Baldure’s just as tall as they say, his head nearly hitting the vigas in the roof. That puts him at over seven feet. Alivia’s not so small herself, standing nearly as tall as her brother. Both have rough clothes, made mostly out of various leathers, and both sport deep brown dreads.
They’re closing in quickly; escape isn’t likely now. Then Carl and Cookie appear like magic from the kitchen, intercepting Baldure and Alivia, pretending to fawn over them and ask about the dragons they’ve hunted.
“Xerxia,” Todd says brightly, showing up beside me and hooking his arm in mine. “I need to ask your opinion about this new horse.”
My eyes meet Baldure’s cold green one, and I can’t help a triumphant smirk as Todd pulls me out the door, grabbing my jacket along the way.
“Go, Xerxia,” Todd says, letting me go just outside and pushing me. “We’ll cover you.”
“Todd,” I call as he turns to go back inside, and he looks at me. “Thank you.” Tears spring to my eyes, threatening to blind me. “I’ll never be able to repay you for this.”
Todd grabs my face and kisses me hard. “Save the world. That’ll be payment enough.” He smiles knowingly and runs back inside.
“Just don’t die for me,” I call on his heels, not caring if Baldure and Alivia hear. “I’ll never forgive myself,” I barely whisper, and stand there for another moment, stunned, then run as fast as I can for the apartments.
Caedryn’s face floods with relief as I slide around the corner, and he holds me tight for a moment before handing me my backpack. Everyone stands ready, including Alarr.
“Let’s go,” I say, and everybody starts for the driveway. “No, this way.” I gesture to the fields beyond the Inn, making sure everything’s secure. That’s when I notice Sitrian, standing off beside Turhion. “Decided to join us, did you?” I ask, almost immediately knowing she’s not here to stay.
“I will cover your tracks and lead them off your trail,” she answers, and points away from the Inn. “Go!”
“Thank you.” I nod and lead the way as we run for the lesser known exit, the old dirt tracks nearly completely taken back by the grasses.
The Journey Begins
WE don’t stop running until we reach the foothills and the trees that will give us cover. My lungs burn, but not nearly as bad as they should after running a mile or so, and I walk around, hands on my head as I take gulping breaths.
When my breath finally evens out, I yank off my jacket and shirt, letting the morning breeze cool the sweat on my skin, and cut myself on
one of the blades from my bow as I heedlessly stuff the garments in my bag. I scream in anger and pain, falling to my knees in the soft dirt beneath a wispy cedar, tears running down my cheeks as I hold my hand to staunch the bleeding.
Alarr’s form appears in my fractured sight. Let me heal you, he coaxes.
I simply hold my hand out and his nose brushes warm against my palm, the tingling energy tickling as it mends my flesh. Caedryn hauls me to my feet and draws me into his arms, holding me until the tears subside.
“I wanted to say goodbye to the few people I’ve come to call friends, but now I don’t even know if they’re alive,” I say, my words muffled against Caedryn’s chest, and turn to look back at the Inn, now just a small dot in the landscape. At least it’s not burning.
“Baldure and Alivia won’t harm your friends, Xerxia,” Turhion assures, stepping up beside Caedryn and me. “It would serve no purpose. They may be Honorless, but they aren’t senseless.”
“Thank you.” I smile at Turhion, sniffling as I dry my eyes. “So, is anyone hungry yet?” A choked laugh slips out.
“I am.” Tristin raises his hand.
“You’re always hungry.” I laugh, a little hysterically this time, leaving Caedryn’s arms to pick up our food.
I open the bag, the smell of breakfast burritos wafting up and making my mouth water. There’s more than enough for all of us, and when I finish handing out the burritos, I find a large package of Carl’s signature deer jerky. Fighting back fresh tears, I tuck the jerky in my bag, and we eat in a contemplative silence.
I only make it half way through my burrito, stuffing the rest in my backpack for later, then walk around, stretching out my legs while I wait for Zebulon and Tristin to finish eating. I know Turhion said the Inn would be fine, but I can’t help watching for smoke to start billowing from there.
“Here,” Mary says when I pass by her, handing me my bow and quiver. “How long do you think it’ll take them to find us?”
“Quite a long time, if we’re lucky,” I answer, strapping my quiver around my hips and sliding my bow into its spot on my backpack. “I told Steve we’re going northeast, and Sitrian will hopefully lead them in circles for a while.”
“I take it we’re not really going northeast?”
“We’re going up the mountain.” I tilt my chin towards Sandia Peak, directly west of us. “We need to get a bird’s eye view of the world; see what’s happened outside of our valley. Is everyone good to go?”
Zebulon and Tristin hop to their feet, nodding with excitement, and we head out, sticking to the cover of trees as much as possible, just in case.
✽✽✽
Despite our rough start, the day proves to be a beautiful one, with no sign of the blustery wind that had come in the night and a warm sun shining down on us. The smell of sweet cedar and pungent juniper fills the air, a little stronger than I remember, and cicadas begin to hum louder than usual to my ears.
The trees stand out in sharp relief, vivid reds and greens with stark grays and blues, and every little movement catches my attention, from a jay flitting in the treetops to a small lizard scurrying at my feet. Everything else unseen I can sense, seeing them with a different sight; just a slight radar-like blip in my awareness.
The ever-present tingle in the back of my neck waxes and wanes as Alarr circles, and I close my eyes, focusing on that bond. There’s a slight tug in my mind, and I open my eyes, surprised I can actually see a thin chord of golden energy leading to where Alarr walks just beyond the line of trees beside the road.
Well done, Alarr praises in my mind like a thought with its own voice. You can also speak with me through this bond. Try it now; simply think what you would say while focusing on me.
Like this? I ask, focusing on the line of energy that connects us as it wiggles and sways.
Yes. Alarr steps from the trees ahead of us, and I smile, petting his warm, scaly neck as he falls in beside me. I am impressed you learned how to sense me yourself, without being instructed. It usually takes some time for a Royal to sense their draquus, and even longer for them to learn to speak across their bond.
I was just following my instincts, I say, dismissively lifting a shoulder, humbled by the pride in Alarr’s voice.
When you say you followed your instincts, what do you mean? Alarr asks.
I think for a moment, finding the right words. It’s a feeling inside that urges me to try. Some part of me that knows what I’m capable of, I guess.
I feel Alarr’s contemplative agreement in my head, then his golden eyes flick to something beside me. I know who it is without even looking, the new sensation that has taken up residence in my chest having grown stronger since this morning pulling me to Caedryn like a compass points north.
“What are you doing?” he asks, half worried. “I called for you, but you didn’t answer.”
“Oh, sorry. I was learning to speak with Alarr in my mind,” I answer, the sound of my own voice strange after only hearing my thoughts, and I give him a sheepish grin. “I must have been a little too focused. What did you need?”
“We’ll be starting Tristin’s lessons now.”
“Alright.” I shrug. “Have fun.”
“There will be one of us with you at all times,” Caedryn assures me.
“Why?” I ask, looking up at him in confusion.
“To keep you safe,” he says, gently brushing fingers across my face.
“Oh, yeah.” I smile at him, taking his hand in mine and kissing his palm. “I’m still not used to being important.”
“You’re important to me; never doubt that.” He smiles in return, kissing my knuckles, and walks for Tristin, motioning for Turhion to join him.
Kerric falls back near me while Caedryn and Turhion run off into the woods. My bond with Caedryn grows faint with his distance and I focus on the pull in my heart, noticing the same energy thread trailing towards him, this one a deep red.
I watch for a moment as it gives away Caedryn’s position—he’s sweeping around behind us—then soften my focus, making the line disappear. I don’t want Tristin to cheat.
My family and I have a certain bond, feeling each other’s feelings, and in my case, sometimes seeing through their eyes. It’s subconscious, something that just happens, and it only got stronger after losing Mom and Caitlin.
The pull in my heart gets stronger and Tristin looks to his left just as Caedryn appears. There’s a brighter blip in my awareness directly behind me, and Tristin looks back at Turhion, coming up the road from the back of the group. He stops beside me and Kerric runs to the front, heading off with Caedryn for round two.
So, I can tell the difference between regular creatures and dragons, just not who the dragon is, or if they’re friend or foe. Now, if I could just block my mind from Tristin’s to make sure he’s not cheating. Maybe focusing on something else will work.
Is there some way for me to become fatebound with all the Knights? I ask, focusing on the line connecting Alarr and me as he wanders in the forest somewhere nearby.
Yes. However, there is only one way to accomplish this, Alarr answers solemnly. I can make you a Knight-Royal, but it is no easy task. There have been only five Knight-Royals in all dragon history, the last being your previous incarnation’s mother.
What do I have to do?
You must prove the valor in your heart. Allowyn’s mother had done so by saving the clan from the Honorless raid that claimed the life of Allowyn’s father, but that is an extreme example. Another of the Knight-Royals simply saved the life of their sister when an Honorless attempted to kill her.
That sounds easy enough.
I assure you, it is not. The others did not simply save someone, they gave their lives to do so.
Oh. That’s going to be harder to arrange.
This path we are on will give you many chances to prove your valor. Alarr reassures me in the silence that follows. We shall see what the coming days and weeks bring us.
Indeed. I agree contem
platively, and soften my focus, letting the link between our minds fade.
The sensation in my chest suddenly gets stronger, like a magnet that’s found its polar opposite, and without even looking I loop my arm in Caedryn’s as he takes his turn beside me, sending Turhion off into the trees with a nod.
“Tristin’s not the only one who has been practicing,” I answer the question on Caedryn’s face, laughing at his surprise.
“It would seem both you and your brother are quick studies.” Caedryn flashes a pleased smile. “Tristin can already sense us individually, and is showing signs he may be a Seer.”
“Seer?” I watch Tristin deflect an attack from Turhion that seems to come from nowhere.
“That isn’t simply fast reflexes,” Caedryn points out. “Tristin can see what is about to happen.”
“Did you talk to him about it?”
“He tells me he has the Force.”
I laugh at Caedryn’s confusion, the sound pealing through the trees around us. “Yeah. That’s one way of putting it. We’ve always had that ability.”
“You can do this as well?” Caedryn asks, incredulous.
“Yes,” I answer, not really sure why he looks so perplexed.
“You’re a Mender as well, and I’m unsure as to what ability it is you possess to release the Knights.” He looks ahead of us, staring at nothing in particular as he thinks.
“Is that a bad thing?” I ask after a moment to break the tense silence.
“Not necessarily.” Caedryn gives me a reassuring glance. “It’s simply unheard of for a dragon, even a Royal, to have three abilities. The only other dragon to do so is Drustana.”
“Drustana has three abilities?” I try not to sound worried.
“Yes. She is also a Seer, as well as an Agni, but her third ability is a forbidden magic. She’s an Esper,” Caedryn says, sounding a bit ominous.
“What’s an Esper?”
“An Esper can control minds, and had we known Drustana possessed this dark magic she would have been executed like the others.”