Blood Of Fire (The Blood Burden Series)

by Wenona Hulsey

  We're on it, replied Scott in Nicole's mind. Instantly she felt the trio join together then dart in her direction. The air around Nicole was becoming dark and the orange glow from the fire crept through the cracks of the old floor. Time was slipping away fast and there wasn't enough left for her to pull water to help them. She aimed her hand at the wall on the side of the room that was opposite to Scarface and fired. Splinters of wood blew out into fresh air but a fire ringed hole remained. "We've got to jump."

  "The fall will break our legs." Shala was hesitant but she moved toward the stream of fresh air that was taunting her just outside the room.

  Nicole tackled her sending both of them out the hole, "Trust me." Nicole grunted as they began to fall. Just as they cleared the building Nicole called wind to them and it pressed against her feet slowing the fall. They hit the ground smoothly in a cloud of dust and smoke without a sound.

  Though they made a silent escape the place sounded like a war zone. The roar of the burning building, the blast of fireballs as they collided with stone and wood, and the shouts of Claude all rumbled into one, loud inferno of chaos. Black smoke was blotting out the sun allowing them to see only nondescript shapes and dark shadows a few feet ahead of them as they blurred forward.

  We have to circle around.

  Why? He's trying to kill us. We should just keep going until one of the others takes him out.

  No, he's trying to kill me, not you. You can go on but I'm heading back to finish this. Nicole started to veer left but was pulled to a stop by Shala.

  Do you really think I would let you go back in there alone?

  "This isn't a training game anymore, Shala." Nicole blurted out loud. "You don't like me so I wouldn't expect you to fight by my side." Nicole was honest. The game was great training for war but she never was delusional enough to believe any of these warriors would obey her let alone be loyal. She was sure the first clear shot any of them had they would make her a bad memory.

  Shala leaned in close with a hard look in her eyes. She spoke with just her mind, I don't have to like you or what you are but I do care about what you're trying to do. Not right now, not in this stupid standoff with Brien—I'm talking about you uniting the races again and putting an end to this ridiculous feud.

  Nicole studied Shala suspiciously. Why?

  Shala laughed, You really don't have a clue what this bitterness has done to everyone do you? I lived in the kingdom too. I grew up there with my family. I had friends that were fae—best friends. Then everything fell apart. I was forced to go or risk looking like a traitor to my people but I never wanted a war. I only longed for my life back.

  Genuine pain clouded Shala's face. Nicole could tell the memories of her past hurt her as she replayed them. She patted her on the shoulder, Glad to know I've got one person on my side here.

  The edge of Shala's lips turned up slightly, You have a lot more than you know. Scott, Rain and even— The hiss of a fireball streaking through the air above them cut her short. They moved forward again to where the battle was playing out.

  Nicole threw out an arm, "Stay behind me," she yelled as she called wind to her. With a whip of her hands she sent the wind rushing forward clearing away all the thick, choking smoke. Once the world around them was clear again Nicole's eyes locked onto Scarface as he deflected Scott's blast with his own orb. Nicole and Shala ducked as the rogue blast streaked over their heads. The time to end this was now, while Brien was on the defensive. Is the other twin still alive? She could feel his presence on the edge of the field but he wasn't moving in on the action.

  No, he's out of the game. All of the blue team is out except for Brien, replied Scott telepathically.

  Okay. Wait for my signal to fire again. Nicole took off running but only at a human speed. She dodged around a burning pile of wood and several mounds of dirt until she was in front of Brien. "You tried to kill me," she yelled.

  He smiled smugly, "It's all just a game, doll. But sometimes there are accidents." He threw flames in a blur of movements but Nicole was faster. She deflected the fire with a whip of wind then sent the gust out to wrap around him like a cocoon.

  Once she was sure she had him completely under control she allowed the wind to open just over his face. The hard lines of his forehead and snarl of his lips made Nicole smile, "Accidents are very unfortunate but when it's at the expense of one of your own people," Nicole pointed to Shala, "It becomes cold and pointless don't you think? You were willing to sacrifice a fellow warrior just to kill me," Nicole commanded the cocoon to tighten around him until she could see the panic building in the tightness of his face. The fight went out of him and fear replaced the hate as he struggled for breath. "Lucky for you I am just playing a game." She commanded the wind to open up at his chest then nodded at Scott. He sent a small fireball into the target that quickly burned away the outer layer of Brien's jumpsuit exposing blood red material. "Game over."

  Chapter 23

  The day replayed over and over in Nicole's head as she stared at the white wall. So much had played out on that field but one fact was keeping her heart drumming in her chest—she wasn't alone here. There were warriors within Loch's ranks that are rebels. And, more importantly, these warriors didn't want a war.

  A knock at her bedroom door didn't pull her from sorting her thoughts. It was time for dinner so it would be someone bringing a tray of food on a silver cart. "Are you hungry?"

  Nicole spun around on the couch, "Shala, my new servant girl. Has a nice ring to it," Nicole teased.

  "Very funny. You don't know what I had to go through to get in here." She groaned and motioned back toward the hall. "I now have a date with your very nice smelling guard."

  Nicole snickered at the image of Shala being forced to walk hand and hand with the man standing outside the door. She had been going out of her way not to be near the man with a wild growing beard who had the scent of dead dog following him around. Any woman agreeing to a date with him was desperate. "Whatever the reason you agreed, you have my permission to fake being sick." Nicole wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

  Shala smiled weakly glancing around the room. She locked eyes with the guard on the balcony. She smoothed out her uniform pants before sitting next to Nicole. "I hate that you're locked up here alone so I came to visit." She cut her eyes toward the balcony then back to Nicole.

  Nicole had gotten accustomed to being watched all the time but she was guessing by Shala's reaction that now was a time for a private chat. "I'm actually very content inside my own mind tonight but if you like we could put a movie on." The movie would give them reason to be quiet and not speak and at the same time giving them the perfect cover to link minds.

  "Sounds great. Here," Shala went to the shelves of stacked with movies, "I'll pick."

  Nicole glanced back at the guard. He was still watching them but seemed more interested in the television being turned on for the first time since Nicole arrived then the actual actions of the women. Satisfied that the cover was working Nicole pushed her mind out to Shala's, What's happening?

  Loch has given the go ahead for the attack.

  "Attack?" Nicole whipped her head around to study Shala. Her mouth gaped trying to cover her blurted word.

  "I've heard that's a good movie but how about this one?" Shala held up a movie with a forced smile.

  "Fine with me." Nicole was a horrible actress but she leaned back into the couch trying to pretend she cared about whatever flick was about to play on the screen. I thought there would be an agreed battle, not a secret attack. Isn't there some rules of engagement that everyone has to play by?

  Shala's eyes saddened as she took her spot next to Nicole, Normally there would be but we know Loch doesn't play by the rules. He wants to burn the town down. Step one in the purifying stage.

  When? Nicole fought the rigidness of her body trying to seem like she was relaxing but rage was winning.

  At midnight.

  Everyone will be asleep! They won't have a chance
of surviving, Nicole chewed on her lip to keep from screaming. There are innocent children in that town. Shala nodded but didn't say a word. Nicole knew she was thinking of the people from her past, maybe her best friend from childhood that might be killed. All Nicole could think of was Zeva's sweet smile when she handed her that beautiful flower. How could anyone disregard the life of a child without a thought?

  Nicole….Nicole, Shala grabbed her hand. You're going to give us away with your glowing eyes.

  Nicole hadn't realized that she had a death grip on the couch with both fists. She released her hold and closed her eyes to hide the fire burning in them, Sorry.

  I'll go before we raise suspicion. You need to rest.

  Wait. I need to know something before you go. Who all is on our side?

  As in our side do you mean the dark one? Nicole cut her eyes at Shala. A smirk turned up her lips, Okay, sorry. Just trying to ease the tension before you fry us both. Strangely enough the team you led in training today is on your side.

  Have you all been teaming up like that a lot?

  For a few months.

  Don't you think people will notice? Or more importantly that Loch will catch on?

  Shala thought about the question for a moment, I don't think anyone has noticed. Cliques form all the time without much talk. It's normal even in the warrior's world.

  Nicole rubbed her hand across her forehead. Her temples were beginning to pound. The moment she had been preparing for was just hours away and it wasn't going to play out on a battlefield like she thought. Innocent people could die if she didn't act fast.

  "You look exhausted. I'll go so you can get some rest." Shala clicked the remote turning the screen black. "Oh, and by the way, great job today. That was the first time a team has walked off the field without a single injury."

  Nicole smiled weakly. She managed to save a team of ten but just barely. How would she save thousands tonight? "You don't have to go. I won't be sleeping anytime soon. I think my adrenalin is still too high from today."

  Shala stood and nodded toward the bed, "I can help you with that. Go get in bed."

  Nicole's brows knitted together, "What are you going to do? Knock me out?"

  "Kind of," she laughed. "I'm one of a hand full of warriors who can control emotions. I'll have you asleep in seconds."

  Nicole's mind instantly jumped to Luke. He had that gift too though it always seemed to unleash her hormonal teenager side when he used it. But he never told her that the gift was rare.

  "Hey, are you okay?"

  "Yeah…sorry. I was just thinking that I know another warrior who can control emotions."

  "Luke?" Shala smiled as Nicole nodded. "Yes, he and I are the only two that I know of. He always was better at it than me but I'm sure I can help you sleep." She turned back Nicole's covers and motioned for her to get in.

  Nicole reluctantly obeyed. She really wanted to be left with her thoughts now that she knew what the night would bring but her body was tired. She laid her head back on the pillow. Shala took her hand and within seconds she felt the darkness of sleep tugging her under. But just before she slipped away she thought of the royal blue flower Zeva had given her. The creation of a precious child sat wilting away in a tower high above the fae town while the little girl was being tucked into her bed.

  **~***~**

  A hard shove to Nicole's shoulder had her jumping from her bed. Three men stood in her moon-lit room staring at her. They were all dressed in their black uniforms but tonight they wore ski mask covering their faces. "Get dressed."

  Nicole could feel the warriors' unique prints in her mind so she knew the one speaking to her was Kade. She nodded and started for her closet determined to seem like she knew nothing. "Is this some kind of special training?"

  "We'll get our orders when we are assembled."

  "What's that supposed to mean?" she snapped as she pulled her uniform from the closet.

  "It means at this point you know as much as I do. My orders were to retrieve you." The sharpness of his voice didn't cover the unease Nicole could see in his eyes. He knew what was going on but the rest of the group wasn't part of the rebels so he had to remain the perfect solder, always following orders without questioning them.

  Nicole closed the bathroom door behind her and quickly changed. When she returned to the group Kade held out a small, black cloth bag with a drawstring closure. "What's this for?"

  "Orders were to blindfold you so put this on. You're not allowed to see where we are going until we are there."

  Nicole bit on the inside of her cheek to keep from calling him an idiot. Instead she quickly braided her hair then allowed Kade to place the bag on her head and tie it closed. She had to take a few calming breaths to fight off the claustrophobic feeling that was trying to overtake her.

  Soon she was sitting on the back of an ATV and listening to the shuffle of bodies around her. There was no chatter as everyone prepared to leave. Nicole imagined they were under orders to not speak around her to keep her in the dark but it didn't matter. She could feel everything she needed to tell her what she wanted to know. The group around her was the same one she had trained with. Everyone was there from Shala to Scarface. The real surprise was when Nicole stretched her senses farther out. The lights that represented warriors in her mind lit up like a night sky full of stars. There were hundreds of warriors being kept out of her sight and hearing range. A real army had been assembled and was going to war.

  All too soon Nicole could feel the magical power of the gateway getting stronger as the ATV traveled through the woods. Just as she started to feel the power reaching its peak in her skin the caravan stopped. A tug came at her arm as she was guided off the machine to the ground. Kade removed her hood, "Wait here." He didn't give her a chance to answer before he strode away.

  Nicole couldn't help but admire the magical gateway in the dark of night. The electric blue orbs that were beautiful and mysterious during the day were even more enchanting as they danced in the glow of moon light. She noticed a few eyes kept glancing in her direction then remembered how her own skin reacted to this ancient place. Being the only person with fae blood in a group of warriors had never made much of a noticeable difference until this moment. Not only did it make her glow but it filled her with a burning desire to open the gateway to return home as if the realm itself was her mother calling her home from a long day of play.

  Unaware of her actions she found her feet taking her toward the spirit tree. She shook her head and took a step back grabbing onto the rack of the ATV to ground herself. The urge to cross over was so overwhelming. Unable to resist any longer she started to move forward again, this time crossing under the heavy, thick limbs of the willow to where she could see the thick trunk that held the gateway hidden inside. She wanted to enter so bad but why? The pull wasn't like this the first time she came here. Why would she want to open the gateway that would allow pain and destruction to enter the place she loved? Fighting past the craving to run to the tree she spun on her heels and strode away. The desire to run back was eating at her, making her struggle to keep moving, each step like an addict trying to walk away from her drug of choice cold turkey, but why? Then everything snapped into place. Warriors could control people, convince them to do things by playing with their minds and someone was playing with hers. She scanned the group of people. No one seemed to be noticing her as they talked among themselves. But then she saw it…the bright red glow of eyes. Loch's eyes.

  Loch was suddenly standing toe to toe with Nicole. "You are very strong but I should have known that."

  "I won't be your puppet."

  "Yes you will only you will do it on your own. Open the gateway," he demanded.

  This was why he brought her here. Only a fae could open the gateway and she was the only one with that magic blood running through her veins. She was Loch's only hope at getting to his war. "I will not."

  "Have you forgotten our deal, my dear?" The sweetness of his voice didn't cover the d
anger dancing on the edge.

  "Our deal was I would lead your warriors into battle not slaughter innocent people while they slept."

  Lochs eyes glowed brightly and a sickening grin stretched his lips, "You will obey me." The burning desire to open the gateway was back only this time her body was on fire with invisible flames. If she didn't move toward the gateway she would die. Her mind screamed for her to go, to quench the need, to put out the fire that was torturing her. Without thought her feet moved forward taking her closer to the tree. Within seconds her hand was outstretched, reaching to touch the bark that would send the fire away. She needed the relief, she prayed for the burning to stop. She placed her hands on the warm bark. The blue electric glow that lived inside the willow danced all around her hands and along the crevices of the bark as the power pooled waiting for her command but instead she called wind to her and wrapped herself inside of it. It didn't completely chase away the craving but it did weaken it enough that she could think. "Luke," she whispered. She had to warn him. Dropping the shield she sent a wave of fire out from her causing the warriors who were following her to jump back outside the limbs. She didn't hesitate. Opening the gateway just slightly she reached with her mind to the fae kingdom and for Luke. Instantly she found him. Luke, Loch's warriors are trying to break through the gateway. I don't know how long I can keep them away. No response came. Confusion and worry seeped in. She had to close the gateway fast before Loch sent the warriors back in but she needed to know that Luke had heard her. He felt so close so why wasn't he answering? Luke, can you hear me? Desperately she tried again but she could hear the warriors breaking past the ring of fire. Time was up. She pulled her hand away from the tree so the small opening would go away but it stayed. "No, No, No." she patted around the tree trying to urge it to close but the hole was still there and getting bigger.