by Jen Wylie
Quite possibly she'd die from the agony of waiting for the day to pass. She could only concentrate on the thought that soon Kei would be by her side once more.
∞ ∞ ∞
Aro guided the horse along paths and through barren, frozen fields. The low hills didn't provide much cover, though she kept to the lower land to stay as much out of sight as she could. Nearer the city, a few others had been out, searching for any missed foods or dried plants to use for fuel.
Only the odd patch of snow remained and she wondered if the prophecy about staying in the city until the snow left the fields still had any merit.
The quiet of the fields helped calm her nerves. The morning had been too chaotic. Telling the boys about her brothers was easier than she'd thought. Perhaps since she'd had practice with such things with Roan. Bo cursed. Both were supportive. They let her quickly change the subject to Kei. That conversation hadn't gone as well. Bo didn't want her to go alone. She didn’t want them to come with her and thought she had a valid argument. Damon wouldn't kill her, but she didn't know what he'd learned from Kei, so couldn't be certain the others would be safe.
Baelan had stepped in then, stating he would be with her. Knowing he'd been listening in, and that he intended to come along, irritated her. However, at least her boys would be safe, and when they actually agreed, she didn't argue. Their mind spoken warnings about the Elf made her feel a bit better. At least they didn't trust him either.
He walked beside her now, dressed in his new clothes, and though not the person he used to be, he at least stood straight.
Closing her eyes, she searched for Kei again. A huff of air escaped, sudden excitement filling her. They'd moved. She was certain of it. She didn't speed up. Where Damon intended to meet remained a mystery. Considering she doubted he wanted to wait very long, he'd likely find a place not far from wherever she was.
"They're moving," she said quietly.
He looked up at her, brown brows drawing together. When she'd found he had a glamor rune, she'd insisted he wear it. The most noticeable change being brown hair now replaced the gray. He hadn't lost the scar, something she found interesting, but didn't ask if the Elves had done something to ensure that or not.
"How do you know?"
The question startled her and she almost panicked. She didn't want him to know everything about her. Tapping the side of her head, she just smiled, letting him assume Damon had told her.
He frowned but looked away.
He hadn't asked who Damon was, and she hadn't mentioned it. Perhaps he knew. If not, he'd be in for quite a surprise.
The silence continued for a while until her thoughts turned again to the various warnings she'd received about the Elf. Silas and Raythe had both come by while she and Bo packed supplies on the horse. Roan had left but sent a package for her. Baelan's weapons. After a talk with the Were, they'd decided she didn't need them to watch over her any more either. She would be leaving soon, and the main reason they'd been protecting her had been dealt with. They did make her promise if she needed help to let them know, as they'd be staying in the city finishing some of Roan's work for a while.
"So," she said suddenly. "How does this work? Do I have to be quite specific on what I want, or don't want, you to do?"
Not looking at her, he nodded once.
Closing her eyes again, she let her mind run free before she started talking. Protecting her family, her friends, and even her allies, would be a good place to start.
∞ ∞ ∞
The sun hovered on the horizon by the time she ran out of things to tell Baelan. He'd stopped answering or nodding, and only let out a faint sigh now and then. Maybe she hurt his head, but she didn't care.
"I believe I understand what you want," he said wryly when she'd been quiet for a while.
"Well, I don't want any misunderstandings because I forgot to tell you."
He rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "You don't seem to understand how this works. I serve you willingly. Angering you, causing you further pain, is something I will try to avoid." His fingers brushed the hilt of his sword and then fell away. "I'd thought…" His quiet voice trailed off as he shook his head.
She'd given him his weapons, though not because she trusted him. She saw no point in him not having them, since he could probably kill her just as easily with his magic.
"I will ask, and await your orders, if that pleases you."
She didn't know if it did or not. Why she agreed to this still caused her no end of confusion. Closing her eyes, once again she sought out Kei. They snapped open quickly in surprise. The dragon certainly traveled fast. She nudged the horse into a faster walk.
Kei? I'm coming. I'm coming.
He didn't answer, though she hadn't expected him to. She could feel him, yet still no emotions came through. He slept or was unconscious, likely the later, since she'd felt nothing from him all day.
Using her sharper Fey sight in the growing darkness, she squinted to see the forest ahead of them and then turned, trying to judge the distance to the road. They'd traveled at least halfway. Had they gone far enough? She didn't know, though at the speed the dragon flew, she'd know soon enough where he'd land.
Baelan remained quiet, concentrating on keeping up with her and not tripping as darkness fell. She knew Elves could see in the dark, though with only the light of the stars, their enhanced sight could only do so much.
She tracked Kei as he drew ever closer, her heart speeding up in her chest. He passed in front of them, continued south, and then came back toward them before suddenly stopping.
She reined in the horse, trying to judge where Damon had landed. Ahead slightly, and to the south. Heading toward the dark outline of another low hill, she struggled to keep calm. Rushing headlong to a dragon wouldn't be smart, no matter how much she wanted Kei back.
Thoughts tumbled about her closely guarded mind. By the time she reached the hill and pulled the horse to a stop, her neck ached from tension. Slipping to the ground, she rolled her shoulders and tipped her head to each side, trying to loosen up. Grabbing a leather hobble from the pack, she fastened the ends to the horse's front legs so it wouldn't wander off. Bo's idea, they'd lost enough horses before, and here in the fields they didn't even have anything to tie it off to.
Brushing off her hands, she turned to Baelan. "I don't suppose you want to stay with the horse?"
"Do I have a choice?"
She scowled. "Of course you do. I just think it would be best if you stayed here."
"I will come."
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Shaking her head, she started to make her way around the side of the hill.
Despite not wanting to hurry, her feet picked up speed. Kei was so close. It'd been so long since she'd seen him and her entire being ached to have him by her side again. Roan spoke of need and want. She certainly wanted Kei back and almost believed she did actually need him. Her brother, her best friend, though not mated, they were still bonded. Perhaps being human, it affected her more.
Light ahead distracted her. Slowing, she stopped suddenly. The dragon had made a nest, cutting out a huge section of the hill. It looked like a giant hand had just swiped the dirt to the side. A fire burned not far from the new dirt wall, a few huge pieces of a dead tree set to the side.
Beyond the dancing flames, the massive dragon curled on the ground by the fire, his monstrous head resting on a forearm. Searching the area, she saw no sign of Kei.
A muffled noise made her turn, and she met Baelan's wide eyes. He glanced to the dragon, and then back to her, appearing to be at a total loss for words.
I did say you should stay with the horse.
I…that's…but…
Keep back, she ordered. Try not to get his attention. It's unlikely he'll hurt me.
Turning back to Damon, she once again searched for Kei. She could feel him, and knew he was close. Ignoring the frightened Elf beside her, she began walking forward. She couldn't bring herself to care how Baelan felt a
nd certainly wouldn't try to comfort him. Hopefully he wouldn't be with her for long.
After half a dozen steps, her feet froze in place as her gaze met Damon's.
Slowly, he moved, pushing himself up onto four legs. Her breath lodged in her throat as he towered above her. She didn't fear him. His enormous size simply stole her breath away.
Tilting her head up, she put her hands on her hips. "Where is Kei?"
Here. Where are your manners?
Grimacing, she tipped her head slightly. "Hello, Damon."
And greetings to you, Arowyn. He turned his head slightly. I see you have a new companion.
Cursing under her breath, she could only watch as Damon took a few steps forward, all he needed once he craned his neck forward and down. Stopping a short distance from the Elf who had so foolishly followed her, a grin spread across his dragon face.
Baelan stiffened. His brows drew together as he stared up at the dragon face so very close to his own. A muscle in his jaw ticked and his fingers curled into tight fists at his sides.
For a long moment, nothing else happened and she let out a brief sigh of relief. Too soon. Baelan suddenly dropped to his knees, fingers clutching at his head.
Damon. Damon! She struggled not to take a step forward and to control the wisps of rising anger within her. Please stop, she finished more calmly.
The dragon snorted and turned his head to look at her. I understand now. I had wondered how it would be with Shael now gone. You have replaced one broken Elf with another.
The anger pushed harder. "He hasn't been replaced," she snapped.
Damon pulled back, settling on his hind legs. Of course he has. Did you really think your prince would return to you?
"Yes, he will," she answered quietly.
Always such a foolish child. He has no reason to.
Her mouth opened and then snapped closed angrily. There was no point in arguing with him.
You may find him to be a bit unstable, the dragon continued.
What?
Though, you aren't exactly… He trailed off and gave her a knowing look.
Mouth tightening in anger, she didn't have a chance to reply.
Perhaps you are a good match.
"What!" She sputtered, both shocked and furious at the idea. Her eyes flicked to Baelan as he stumbled back to his feet. She hoped he'd missed that conversation, but couldn't tell when Damon spoke only to her or both of them. She sent just to Baelan, Can you kill him?
Are you insane? Baelan stared in wide-eyed terror at the dragon towering over them.
Damon roared with what could only be draconic laughter. When will you learn, child? Enough with such useless thoughts. I am not your enemy. Even if I was, you could never destroy me. Nothing on this world can. Not even the Enai could kill a dragon.
Any?
En-Ai, he enunciated slowly. Those who created your magical friends and turned this barren rock into a world. His voice deepened, Also those who created the Vor. The mistake, or madness, of one. Through trickery, the dragons who had been attracted to their powerful world were sent here, trapped here!
She didn't really care about the history lesson. Disappointment overran her anger for a moment. Certainly they had some weakness? Shaking her head slightly, she pushed those thoughts aside. "Where. Is. Kei?"
The sudden appearance of a large taloned fist made her jerk in surprise. The fist lowered and the talons slowly uncurled. Kei's limp body rolled off and across the ground.
Without thinking, she ran to his side, dropping to her knees and pushing him over onto his back.
Even in the firelight the paleness of his skin shocked her. His closed eyes were so dark it looked like he had two black eyes. Shaggy hair matted around his pale face. She brushed it aside with shaking fingers. "Kei? Kei!"
Leaning down, she pressed her ear to his chest.
Damon snorted. "He lives. He is still needed."
"What have you done?" Her voice came out a cracked whisper as she took Kei's cool face in her hands. "Kei? Wake up. I'm here."
"Now he is broken, as he was meant to be."
Her head shot up. "He already was!"
"Not enough. What I have done was foretold. His mind is now shattered…and you will now heal him. You will make him stronger than he was before. His new strength will–"
"You rotting bastard," she snarled. The little remaining fury within her sprang free. With its wild anger rushing through her, she pushed to her feet and lunged at the dragon. Reason left her. All she wanted to do was take revenge for what he'd done to Kei.
Arms wrapped around her waist, jerking her to a stop. Screaming in fury, she struggled against them.
Damon’s amused laugh filled her mind and she screeched curses at him.
Not now, Baelan said softly.
Finally jerking out of the Elf's grasp, she spun and smacked him across the face. "Do not ever do that again."
Yet his words calmed her and brought sense back to her mind. Lowering his head, he stepped back. Turning, her hands trembled as she dropped down beside Kei once more.
"Wake up," she whispered. Pulling him into her arms, she buried her face in his dirty hair. "Please, Kei."
"It will take more than that," Damon said into the quiet.
Shifting, she turned to glare at him. "Why would you do this? You aren't Fey!"
He regarded her for a while before lowering his head closer. "Years ago, I held that book in my hands for a short time. I merely flipped through it then, but later…later I took the time to go back in my memories and read what I could. What I learned there, involves me and my kind."
She shook her head in confusion as she continued to try to revive her friend. "What are you talking about?"
"Part of one prophecy says 'and the dragons are singing'. To me, this means more than you could ever know." He paused a moment. "I am not your enemy, Arowyn. Because of Kei, I now understand much more than I did before and know what I must do to ensure the future I want comes to pass."
"The future you want?"
"Where the dragons sing," he said absently, looking off into the distance. "I will gather those of us who remain, and we will support the Fey in the battle to come. It will take some time, but do not think I will not spare time to ensure the prophecy follows the correct path." When she stared at him blankly, he continued, "You will see more of me, little one."
"Go rot. I don't want to see you again."
"What you want matters not," he replied. Rearing back, he spread his massive wings.
As they pounded down and he launched himself toward the sky, she bent over Kei, trying to protect him from the sudden blast of wind and dirt.
When the air once again calmed, she leaned back and looked to the sky, but couldn't see where the dragon had gone.
Baelan flopped to the ground and put his head in his hands.
For some reason, a flash of guilt for hitting him rushed through her. Clearing her throat, she turned her attention back to Kei. "Did he do much damage?"
The Elf sighed. "I'll be fine."
"He…" She paused, her dislike for him warring with the part of her who wanted to be kind. "He's done that to me. I… I always just built my walls stronger."
"Can you keep him out now?"
"I really don't know," she admitted. "I just threaten to fight him to the death. He wants me alive, so that seems to work."
She heard Baelan's soft snort of disbelief but kept her attention on Kei, gently stroking his face and hair. Closing her eyes, she found him within her and tried to reach him, to let him know she was there. She shook and pulled and screamed, trying to reach him through the terrifying numbness.
When a hand gently covered one of hers, she snapped back to herself and opened her eyes.
Kei stared up at her, pupils wide and unfocused.
"I'm here," she whispered.
He blinked and his brows furrowed. "He's…gone."
She nodded, words sticking in her throat as she struggled to keep her com
posure.
"We'll not be parted again," Kei whispered, his voice hoarse and each word coming slowly.
"Never again," she agreed, holding him tightly.
Pulling back, he grasped her face with his hands, staring wildly into her eyes. "Not until death."
"Yes, Kei," she said softly. The wildness faded and he fell back into her.
"Come on," she said gently. "Let's go home."
Unfocused eyes sought hers as she pulled Kei up with her. The confusion in them tore her apart. He was so…broken. But then, that's what they were…the broken ones.
"Aro," he said quietly. "It's almost time." Leaning heavily against her, his shaking hand found hers. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I'm ready," she answered with a wavering smile, knowing he meant it was finally time to begin healing the Fey.
Trembling, he crumpled against her. Baelan took a step toward them, but stopped when she shook her head.
"I'll fix you," she choked out, holding her Fey tightly.
Golden eyes met hers. "I know."
Arowyn's tale continues in the next book, Broken Kei!
Did you enjoy Broken Promise?
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If you enjoyed The Broken Ones don't miss Tales of Ever!
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A few months ago, I was a normal girl. Life sucked, and just like everyone else, I took the simple things for granted. At least until I got this new power, a "gift" my mom called it. Apparently, I'm a firestarter. I didn't want to be. I didn't ask to be. It would be cool if it wasn't so dangerous and I knew how to control it. When an uncle I'd never heard of showed up to take care of me after my mom died, I should have been grateful. As it turned out, my whole family isn't normal and more than a little bit crazy. I thought things couldn't get any worse. I was wrong.