I stayed silent while I thought about it all. What an incredible history. What if we were gifted like she hoped? How would you cope with such a gift? And Alek watched his dad die when he was just ten, that would have broken my heart. Not that it wasn’t at the moment, knowing I’d never see my parents again. I breathed through the pain when my chest seized again at the realization.
'What will Jenviet do if she succeeds?' Sian asked.
'I expect she would side with a family, as my family did. Once she had control of this realm she would take over others. The DeNagas desire power and dominion above all else. They appear to thrive on it.'
'So a truce isn’t possible?' Loi asked.
Elena gave her a sharp look and a long pause before she answered. 'No. She would never consider one.'
Loi held her hands back. 'I didn't mean to be rude, I was just curious.'
We sat there silent, until Sian spoke. 'What do you want from us?’
The Sorceress looked pleased to get the conversation back on track. 'As I suggested before, a one month trial. We would begin your training in a couple of days and continue until the time of Alek’s birthday ball, after which you would make your final decision.'
'Why a couple of days?' asked Kassie.
'I thought two days would give the men some time to show you around the castle and such.' She smiled. 'Once we begin training you will have little time to see much of it.'
'Elena, couldn’t you fight Jenviet?' I asked, curious about her abilities.
'Yes, I could, but that would leave Alek and Elion unprotected. It's too big a risk and my siblings are too young to help me.'
'You have siblings?' Sian asked.
'Yes, a brother and sister. They both study in other realms. It takes many centuries to come into our full powers you see, unlike the Elementals.'
Many centuries… How old did that make Elena? Or Jenviet for that matter? Now I began to understand what formidable enemies they must be. We were good fighters after ten years of training. Imagine what someone with centuries of experience must be capable of. So, what to do? I could see from looking at them that the others were thinking the same thing and we stared at one another, reading expressions. Finally, I gave a tiny shrug. After all, if it didn’t work out we could call it off at the month end. The others gave minute nods and I turned to Elena. 'Okay we’ll help. However, we will hold you to your one month agreement if we find it’s not what we want.'
Elena visibly relaxed and a genuine smile lighted her face. 'Thank you all so much. Why don’t you join the men in the solar, I am sure they’ll be delighted to show off the castle.'
We passed others in the corridors while we carefully followed Elena's directions. Our greetings were always responded to, followed by curious glances and whispers when we went by. It seemed as though most people at the castle had heard of our arrival. I enjoyed the slower pace compared to the night before, pausing to look at some of the paintings and tapestries on the walls. The need to distract myself felt strong, to stop the awful panic that threatened. Kassie stopped with me and we stared at a beautiful tapestry of a unicorn silhouette, standing before the setting sun. 'Do you think they’re real too?' she asked while studying it.
'Probably,' Loi peered over her shoulder. 'It seems that anything we consider mythical exists here.'
Sian leaned against the wall. 'I can’t wait to see a dragon up close.'
'They might not be friendly in real life,' I warned.
We continued down the corridor, pausing at an enormous set of doors with a guard in front.
I WONDER IF that’s the throne room, thought Loi, staring at the doors. Made of wood they were a proper work of art. At first glance she’d thought them stone, due to the highly polished surface. The doors arched and had ornate pillars at either side. Carved vines trailed the length of the pillars and tiny gems glittered down the edges of each vine. It created a beautiful image and made the door shimmer.
The guard beside the door wore the castle livery of rust red with light tan accents and held a poleaxe upright. His smile of pride at their obvious delight as they studied the doorway seemed at odds with his fierce appearance. 'Would you like to look at the throne room?' he asked and pushed one door open.
JUST THE WORKMANSHIP of the doorway alone was incredible. I watched the way the immense door silently swung open. We stepped into the room and stared about in awe. The throne room had a dark polished wooden floor from which thousands of tiny gemstones glittered, embedded within it. I had to resist the urge to kneel and run my hands over the enchanting effect. The large room could easily accommodate a throng of people. At the head of the room sat two thrones that looked to be made of the same white stone as the castle, heavily inlaid with gold in an intricate pattern that offered flashes of the white underneath. Draped high above the thrones, a canopy of purple silk framed them beautifully. Positioned above was a large black ornamental shield with silver edging; in the center a painted deep red rose appeared to bloom. On its right, a gold and crimson phoenix perched with its wings spread, ready for flight while on its left sat a proud griffon in shades of tan and bronze, its beak glinting. The images had a beautiful luster and depth to them.
The guard noticed my attention on the shield. 'That shield has been with the Thalian line since their inaugural coronation. It was redesigned after the Norard War when the griffons allied with us. It was then they were added to the shield. The phoenix represents the Thalian ability to constantly renew themselves, no matter the situation. The rose is a symbol of their passion for their realm and the griffon, of course, represents strength and friendship.'
I stepped closer to study it.
SIAN WALKED AROUND the room, stopping at the huge portraits of King Nikias and Queen Ariadwen. The King had been a handsome man with dark hair and blue eyes, though not as blue as Alek’s. The Queen had strawberry blonde hair and had been a beauty. Alek didn’t appear to take after either of his parents in particular. Cat wandered over with Loi and Kassie and they all silently studied the portraits.
The guard glanced at the paintings then shook his head. 'It was a real tragedy losing the King like that. Especially for the Prince.'
Sian glanced at Cat, reflecting on what Elena had told them.
'How did the Prince handle it?' Cat tentatively asked.
With a sad sigh the guard shook his head again.
'Not well. Not well at all. The Archduchess immediately declared herself Regent as was expected, but the Prince withdrew. He spent most of the time with his griffon. It’s only in recent years that he’s been back in the public eye. Now of course, he’s head of the Griffon Guard and has refused the crown until he rids the world of those damn evil DeNagas. It’ll be a bloody good thing too. Not a family alive hasn’t lost someone during their schemes to take over our realm. The sooner they’re dead the better!' The man almost snarled the words, his face ruddy with anger. Then he seemed to remember his audience and apologized, the color fading from his face. 'But there’s no need for me to get excited. His Royal Highness always keeps his word, so all will be well.'
It intrigued Sian to see another's perspective on it. I wonder if everyone has such hatred for the DeNagas, she thought.
'We should be on our way,' Loi flashed him a dazzling smile. 'Can you point us in the direction of the solar?'
THE GUARD BLINKED, appearing stunned by Loi’s charms. The rest of us exchanged knowing looks.
'The solar?' The guard suddenly looked more interested and a cunning smile spread over his weathered face. 'So you’re the women close to the Prince and the rest of the Guard.' He made a soundless laugh. 'You’d better watch your backs, all the women in the castle are furious at the reports that the Prince has found himself someone special. They’ve tried to entice him and his friends over the years.'
SIAN NEARLY LAUGHED aloud at the look on Cat’s face and felt amused at the idea of rivals for Daron’s affections. Too late girls, she thought smugly, he’s all mine now. The guard pointed them in the rig
ht direction and they headed off.
'All tried to entice him?' hissed Cat. 'What the hell is that supposed to mean? How hard did they try?'
Kassie started to laugh. 'C’mon, Cat, you’re not jealous are you? That’s really not necessary. We’ve all seen the way Alek looks at you.'
'WELL AREN’T YOU guys bothered?' I demanded, feeling like a silly fourteen year old all of a sudden, who just happened to be crushing on the hottest guy at school.
'Nope,' sang Sian. 'I love it. ‘Cause Daron’s all mine.'
Loi and Kassie gave approving whoops and whistles.
Grow up Catherine, my rational voice snapped, you’ll see soon enough if he has eyes for another. The other voice wailed at the thought of some blonde temptress oozing herself all over him. I pulled myself together when we rounded the corner to the solar. Loi halted abruptly in front of us and I had to stop so fast that Audi ran into the back of my calf with a startled yelp.
'Loi, what the heck?' I demanded.
'LOOK.' She hissed so we all peered around her and gasped.
There—not six meters from us—sat a dragon. We hastily backed up to behind the corner, just our heads peeking around. Even Audi peeked, crouched beneath me.
'OH MY GODDESS,' breathed Sian, watching the creature who fussed about the fireplace. Just a bit bigger than Audi, the dragon could apparently switch from all fours to its hind legs with no discomfort. Its forearms had dexterous claws that it seemed to use like fingers. The dragon paused in its grumbling to glance their way and the women froze. Muttering to itself, it turned back to the fireplace, using its long tail to prod at it like a poker.
IN THE SOLAR, Rumal heard something and walked to the doorway. A bizarre sight greeted him. The four girls and Audi stared around the corner at Nnelg, the fire dragon, their eyes as wide as saucers and Kassie’s mouth hung open in amazement.
He leaned back and called quietly to the others. 'Come look at this.'
Alek, Sabyn and Daron walked over. Rumal held a finger to his lips then pointed out the doorway. Peering past him, they caught sight of them. 'They’ll be sorry,' Daron said in a quiet sing song and the others chuckled, knowing what came next.
I COULD HEAR Sian whispering to herself while we studied the little dragon. It had the most beautiful blue scales—dark blue at the base, they lightened toward the ends creating a stunning shimmer. It was so fluid and graceful in its movements. I leaned forward to see it a little better.
A strange voice grumbled in my ears. 'Nosey creatures, I’ll teach you.'
I turned to Kassie in confusion. 'Did you say something?'
She looked surprised and shook her head. I turned my attention back to the little dragon, when it twisted to look at us and then—vanished!
'What?' We cried in surprise.
'Where did it go?'
Sian looked up at the ceiling while Kassie and Loi crept forward to look. Audrey cried frantically while spinning round and around, hunting for it. I stood with my hand against the wall staring in disbelief at where it’d just disappeared from when—
WOOOOOSSSSSHHH!
We screamed in shock and dove out of the way as a blast of fire roared over our heads. Kassie and I, jammed up against the wall together, stared at each other in shock when that strange voice spoke up again.
'That’ll show them, bet they won’t forget that anytime soon.'
And the little blue dragon sashayed past.
LOUD LAUGHTER CAUGHT Kassie’s attention and detangling herself from Cat she sat up. The four men must have watched the whole episode from the solar doorway because they laughed so hard they almost fell over.
'Very funny,' Cat grumbled as she straightened up.
'Are you going to introduce us?' Kassie demanded to Rumal, while Cat coaxed Audi out from under a chair. Sian and Laura dusted themselves down and watched the dragon cautiously.
Rumal stepped forward. 'Ladies, may I introduce you to Nnelg. Our castle’s esteemed fire dragon, and, Nnelg,' he said with a firm look. 'May I introduce you to Kassandra, Catherine, Sian and Laura. Elena’s special guests.'
'Humph,' huffed Nnelg. 'Where did they get their manners from?'
'They’re new to our world,' Alek said. 'They mean you no harm.'
Audrey crept toward Nnelg on her belly and he spun to face her.
'What does the dog want?' he asked in an alarmed tone.
'Just to be friends,' Cat said, watching Audi continue in her commando crawl. Nnelg regarded the dog suspiciously for a moment then leaned forward when she was within reach and the two touched noses. He jerked back and cocked his head while regarding Audi with a curiously playful look and swish of his tail.
'Catch me if you can.' Nnelg’s voice flashed out before he vanished again.
AUDREY LET OUT a yelp of excitement and shot out of the room. The silence after her piercing bark felt striking and we stood motionless for a moment. Then Sabyn said with a teasing smile, 'Other than meeting Nnelg, did you girls want something?'
'YOU BOYS ARE supposed to be showing us the castle for the next couple of days,' Sian smiled sweetly at the men, who all blanched at the term boys. Daron feigned annoyance while he stared at her but an adoring smile quickly spread on his face. Yes, thought Sian with pleasure. All mine, and she beamed back.
IN THE SILENCE while Daron and Sian gave each other mushy smiles Kassie, Loi and I rolled eyes at each other before Kassie raised hers to the ceiling then winked at Rumal and Loi just wrinkled her nose at me.
I suddenly remembered something. 'Oh! Where are my manners?' I cried and I bowed elaborately to Alek. 'Your Royal Highness.'
ALEK WINCED AT the tone of Cat’s voice and closed his eyes for a moment. Damn it! He’d meant to mention it to her. A little voice in his head sang out—you’re lying.
Alek opened his eyes. Cat still bowed low and now the other three girls joined her. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips and the four of them looked up, eyes alight with mischief, while his so called friends gave him I-told-you-so looks as they stood back.
ALEK STEPPED TOWARD me so I straightened up and widened my eyes into a look of vapid idolization. Alek stopped short at the expression and his eyes narrowed. He snapped, 'Cat, I’m sorry. I should have told you.'
Matching his tone I replied. 'Yes, you should have,' and returned the annoyed look. The others in the room drifted off with mumbled words, leaving us glaring at each other.
Chapter Twenty
'REALLY, WHAT DID you think I would do,' I demanded, feeling my annoyance grow. 'Fawn over you because of your title? I’m a Kiwi, Alek. Titles have little meaning to us.'
Alek looked confused. Oops, he won’t have a clue what that means. Oh well, I’m sure the inference is the same. I crossed my arms while waiting for his response. Those dark blue eyes stared down at me with little expression.
ALEK CONTINUED TO study Cat, mentally berating himself for acting like a child. Then he noticed her eyes looked red. Forgetting the silly argument in an instant he stepped closer and caught her chin with his fingers, tipping her face up. 'Cat, have you been crying?'
OH MAN, WHY did he have to say it like that? I went to turn away but he kept a firm yet gentle hold on my chin.
'Cat.'
Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. Dammit! A tear escaped and slid down my cheek. 'No.' Gulp. 'A little.'
Alek pulled me into his arms. 'Why? What’s wrong?'
TEARS BEGAN TO pour down her cheeks and he hurriedly grabbed a seat with her cradled in his arms. 'Cat, tell me. What’s wrong?'
She gave a big sigh and shifted on his lap, her forehead pressed to his chest. In a choked quiet voice she replied, 'Elena told us we can’t go home. It’s not possible.'
Alek froze, unsure of what to say. Two conflicting feelings flooded through him; relief that she wouldn’t leave, quickly followed by guilt. How could he be so selfish when she’d literally just lost her world. Not wanting to put his foot in his mouth with the wrong response, he hugged her close pressing a kiss to her
head.
'I’m sorry, Cat.' The words felt wholly inadequate. It brought him back to losing his father and the useless comments people had made. Remembering what she’d said to him before he changed the subject. 'What’s a Kiwi?'
Cat blinked and looked up in surprise. 'Oh. Umm, a Kiwi is a little brown bird that can’t fly and has feathers that are long and hair like. They have long thin beaks to dig up grubs. And they lay enormous eggs in comparison to their body weight.'
Whatever answer he’d expected it wasn’t that. 'Why did you say you’re a Kiwi?'
She grinned at him, green eyes dancing in amusement at his confusion. He felt a thrill of delight at the smile.
'The Kiwi only lives in New Zealand which is the country, or realm as you call it, that we come from on Earth. So I’m a New Zealander, but we are known as Kiwis for short,' she announced proudly.
ALEK GAVE ME a funny look after my explanation so I just gave him a wide, cheesy smile. He chuckled and the sound pleased me. I threw my arms around his neck and pulled his head down to mine; might as well distract myself in the best way possible.
ALEK WAS HAPPY to oblige and pressed his lips to hers. Feeling her tiny sigh of pleasure, he tightened his arms around her. Finally, with no one around to disturb them he could kiss her thoroughly.
MY HEAD DID some serious spins by the time Alek pulled away and I’m pretty sure I had one of those silly grins plastered over my face. He chuckled at the expression and stroked my cheek. 'I’ve been waiting for a good moment to do that.'
I laughed and felt my cheeks flush. 'Worth the wait.'
The Arrival Page 21