Broken Prince (The Broken Ones)

by Jen Wylie

  Aro stared after him. Her mind remained a chaotic mess of thoughts. "Did that go well, or not?"

  Bo snorted. "The question is whether he wants the Fey to rise or not. It sounded like he did. If so, we may have a new ally."

  After checking the bird and finding it done, if a bit charred on one side, she pulled it off the fire to cool.

  "About where we came from, was he just telling stories?"

  "No, child," Prince said quietly. "Our histories say the same. He is much older than I. His father was one who came over."

  "Wither me," she whispered, shaking her head. She had enough things to worry about. Monsters and Rifts and other worlds were too much for her.

  "Put it from your mind, Aro," Prince offered. "It is of no concern to how we live. We are all here. We all struggle to survive. That is the way of it."

  She tried to take his advice, but while attempting to sleep after they’d eaten, all she could think about was all of the differences which suddenly made sense. Humans were the only ones without magic and immortality. They were the only ones on the western continent. Her thoughts spiraled about, keeping her awake for some time until weariness finally had enough and pulled her down to sleep. Her last thought was wondering where, exactly, she fit in.

  Chapter 20:

  The Ravine

  Distant howling and snarling echoing down the ravine woke Aro. The hard ground did nothing to help her get back to sleep once it stopped. The stars showed it to be early in the morning. The sun wouldn’t rise for some time yet. Bo’s snoring rumbled from across the fire. Beside her, Kei’s even breaths proved he’d fallen back asleep as well. Sitting up quietly, she found Prince’s curled up form.

  He hadn’t tried to sleep next to her that night, though she wasn’t sure if it was because he finally understood how uncomfortable it made her, or if it had something to do with the watching Were.

  More than likely the latter, she decided. He’d been different that night when Rhee-En had come. More…noble. She allowed a soft sigh to escape. The way he acted with them certainly wasn’t how he interacted with the nobles at home.

  Putting a little more wood on the fire gave her something to do. Once it burned low and soft, she moved beyond the ring of sleeping bodies and paced along the ravine edge.

  Her head pounded with too many thoughts. Pacing and sorting them out helped to pass the time.

  Humans being from another world? Not something she really needed to care about. It was history, nothing more.

  Monsters attacking from the mountains? More worrisome. The little she knew didn’t provide her enough information to decide on any course of action. They’d have to be careful on the rest of their journey. After that…well since she had no idea what they would be doing it wasn’t something she needed to worry about now either. What she did need to know was how to fight them. She’d have to ask when everyone got up. Perhaps Garen or Prince knew.

  As for Prince… Her steps faltered and she stopped. Though it hurt to admit it, she’d have to let him go. Both physically and with her heart. He wasn’t hers and he never would be. He could not survive in her world. That much was obvious.

  As for his…she would never know. He didn’t love her, he would never ask her to go with him. She would only be a burden. One he didn’t have time for, not with being a prince. After being gone so long surely he would be immensely busy. Not to mention anything he might need to do in regard to the monsters. War did not leave time for love.

  "Did you swallow a bug?"

  She jumped and blinked. She’d been staring right at Prince, but her thoughts had taken her so far away she hadn’t noticed him wake and sit up.

  "The look on your face," he continued when she didn’t answer.

  "Oh. No. I was just…thinking." She forced a polite smile, hoping he wasn’t irritated she’d been standing there watching him sleep.

  He tilted his head to look up at the stars. "The sun will rise soon. How long have you been awake?"

  "For a while," she admitted ruefully. Crossing her arms over her chest, she stared down at him. "You should go back to sleep. You need it."

  "You are not my mother, Arowyn."

  She snorted.

  He grimaced. "She would never do that, for one."

  Somehow she managed to keep her sudden laughter quiet enough she didn’t wake Bo or Kei.

  He patted the ground beside him. "Come, sit with me."

  Hesitation warred with the desire to be closer to him. Desire won, though her steps were slow and once seated she kept her distance, close, yet not touching him. Staring down at her fingers, she picked at her dirty nails. The silence was uncomfortable and uneasiness began to twist in her stomach.

  "We should talk," he said finally, his voice quiet and strained.

  "About what?"

  "Whatever pleases you? I believe…it would help."

  She bit her lip, wondering what they could talk about. Certainly not them, the nonexistent them. "Tell me about your home," she said suddenly. "What it’s like there."

  A light laugh spilled out of him and she looked up to see him smiling at her warmly.

  "That I can do, with pleasure. However," He held out his hand. "I can show you much easier. If you will allow it."

  She stared at his hand for a moment before slipping hers into it.

  "Go into yourself, I will join you there."

  She closed her eyes and pictured her inner spot. When she opened them again she stood on the barren land before her fortress.

  Prince appeared a moment later and she forced a wavering smile. He walked up to stand beside her and turned her to face away from her towering walls.

  Now watch. He spread his arms and the bleak landscape suddenly shimmered to be replaced by an image from his mind.

  Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes widened at the beautiful scene of forests and lakes, rivers and meadows and in the distance the largest and most beautiful city she’d ever seen.

  She barely noticed his arm slip over her shoulders as the scene changed from one beautiful view to another. With his other hand he pointed out special features; a waterfall, a massive tree, gardens. He took her into his city and showed her the beauty there. Towering buildings of fantastic architecture, monuments and fountains, and more gardens.

  The people were even more startling in their beauty. They wore clothes she didn’t even know how to describe, precious metals and jewels draped from necks and hair. She glanced over at him. What would he look like when he was healed and as he once had been? She thought him beautiful now, even pale and thin and dirty. Dark rings smeared beneath his sparkling blue eyes. He looked so tired. Was doing this a strain on him?

  Thank you, she whispered. She noticed his arm around her then and heat crept into her face. Quickly, she lowered her head.

  Aro. A finger lifted her chin. Gentle fingers brushed hair from her face and he smiled, looking into her eyes.

  She stiffened, her breath catching in throat.

  His eyes searched hers for a moment. She hoped he didn’t see the pain still lingering in her heart. He sighed and looked away, yet tightened his arm around her, pulling her close to his side.

  She didn’t understand those strange looks, not at all. With a shaky breath she raised her chin and put an arm around his waist. Leaning against him, she stared out at the last image he’d shown her. Things were as they were. Perhaps, he gave her what he could. She would take that, and cherish it.

  He gave her a brief squeeze and she looked up. Though staring out at the image, he was smiling.

  * * *

  She opened her eyes to the sound of quiet voices. The dim light of dawn turned the sky pale pink as the last stars faded away. Had she fallen asleep? Blinking rapidly to wake up, she suddenly stiffened. She’d somehow gotten close to Prince and fallen asleep against his chest.

  Scrambling to her feet, she fought back embarrassment. It was no one’s concern who she used for a pillow. She headed toward the trees to relieve herself.
<
br />   Bo walked past, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful, pup."

  Her cheeks flamed but she nodded. "I am." She’d barely gone two steps before Kei caught her eye. He didn’t say anything, but his tight jaw and drawn together brows spoke volumes. He wasn’t happy with her.

  She hurried into the shadows of the trees. "Wither me." She couldn’t do anything right.

  Returning to the fire, she sat down next to Kei as Bo handed out their portions of last night’s leftovers. The cold meat sat heavily in her stomach. They only had four or five days left until they reached the gates to Rivenward. She could do this.

  Kei reached out a hand, his greasy fingers twining into hers. Will you leave me for him?

  Her eyes widened in surprise. Kei…

  The pain on his face, in the tone of his mind voice, tore her heart apart. She squeezed his fingers. Things haven’t changed. You don’t need to worry.

  He nodded and looked away, his look of pain turning to annoyance as he glared over at Prince.

  Despite being surrounded by them, she didn’t understand men at all.

  Rhee-En arrived as they loaded the packs onto the horses. "Follow me. The way down is not far."

  Prince and Bo mounted, the rest of them following on foot. They reached the trail down as the sun peeked through the mountains.

  Aro stepped up to the ravine edge and peered down. "Is it safe?"

  "For the most part," Rhee-En answered. "You will have to lead the horses and go slowly. Single file."

  The narrow trail didn’t look safe. The steep slope was littered with debris and rocks. At least she didn’t have a problem with heights.

  "We’ll go first and clear the path as much as possible for the horses. Remember, don’t rush." Before anyone could answer at least a dozen giant wolves bounded past them and began the descent. The clatter of falling rocks and branches quickly met their ears.

  Aro peered over again, watching the Were swipe the debris off the trail as they made their way down. They didn’t seem to have any worries.

  Garen headed down the trail as Bo and Prince dismounted. Kei walked past her. "Me next." He flashed her a grin. "I’ll catch you if you fall."

  "I better not fall," she muttered.

  Bo followed Kei, moving very slowly with his reluctant mount.

  Aro turned and Prince motioned her to go next. "Do you want me to take the horse?"

  "I am fine. Go on."

  She frowned. He seemed paler than he had the day before. Maybe he just hadn’t gotten enough sleep. Heading down the slope she kept looking back to check on him. He seemed to be doing well enough, watching his step, with one hand on the rock for balance.

  They all made it down safely and waited while Bo checked the horses’ hooves for stones. The Were circled restlessly around them until they started on their way again. They set a fast pace and Aro wondered if they worried about more monsters attacking them in the ravine. She wished they weren’t moving so quickly, she still needed to ask someone how to fight them.

  A large black wolf fell in beside her. You run well for a human.

  I run with a Fey.

  Rhee-En’s deep laughter echoed in her mind. Though still beautiful, she found it wasn’t quite as distracting as it had been. Maybe she was getting used to his lovely voice.

  The route up is not far. But come ahead with me. I wish to show you something.

  She increased her pace, passing Kei and Garen. When they finally stopped ahead of the others her breath came in quick gasps. She needed to run more. Her nose wrinkled at the sudden rotten smell. "What is that?"

  One of the Vor. Not too large. But troublesome enough.

  Stepping forward, she found the carcass in the shadows. What it had looked like while living she had no idea. "Do they smell like that alive?"

  No. They have very little scent. Which makes them more dangerous. Rhee-En sat back on his haunches. Vor is a general term for a large number of creatures. They have little in common, except for being dark in nature and appearance, and want for destruction and death. Some have the minds of animals, others are more intelligent. Some work together, others do not.

  "How do you kill them?"

  The usual ways; vital organs, cut off heads. Luckily none carry poisons. The problem has always been in their numbers. They tend to come in groups of various species. The ones to watch out for are the Vor-ai.

  "What are they?"

  I doubt you will ever see one. They are the minds behind the continued attacks, the most intelligent of them all. Also the most deadly, at least for us. They can take incorporeal form. Do you know what that means?

  She shook her head.

  Turn into…something like a fog. They kill in that form, but we cannot harm them. We can only kill them when they are solid. The Fey could bind them. Only the Elves can destroy them.

  "Why won’t I see one? Not that I want to," she added quickly.

  They only come out of the mountains for the major assaults. We call those waves, when thousands come down. It does not happen often. They throw everything at us, we destroy most of them, they go back into hiding to gather their ranks again.

  The thought turned her stomach and she swallowed quickly. "And you think one of these waves is coming? Why? What do they want?"

  There has not been a wave since before the Queens fell. We are long due for one. As for what they want, the Elves guard the Rift that brought us here. It could not be closed. They want to go home.

  Aro nodded in understanding. She wanted to go home, too.

  Let us go, the ravine is not a safe place.

  She followed him back to the others. Why did you show me that? Why tell me everything?

  His head cocked to one side. In case you are the one.

  She was really getting tired of that prophecy.

  * * *

  The Were noticeably relaxed once they’d made it up the other side of the ravine. Perhaps because of the dangers below or maybe they were just happy to be home. They’d finally entered Rhee-En’s pack lands.

  The alpha shifted once they’d all reached the top.

  "Thank you for guiding us," she said formally.

  "I wish you safe travels," he replied. He looked to Prince. "May your journey be swift. Travel southwest and you will reach the river before nightfall. Stay the course and you should find it near the easiest crossing."

  "Thank you, again, for everything." She smiled, looking at the surrounding Were as well.

  He walked up to her, stopping close. "You travel with interesting companions. Stay safe, little one. Perhaps we will meet again one day."

  "I would like that," she said politely.

  Regarding her steadily for a moment, the sudden boom of his mind voice startled her. Hear me all, the human Arowyn is welcome in my lands.

  She blinked in shock, but quickly gathered her wits. "And Bo," she said quietly, tilting her head in his direction where he waited on the horse.

  "Yes, of course." Let that be, the humans, Bo and Aro. He laughed out loud. "Bo and Aro."

  She grimaced, but a smile overcame it. "We’ve heard that before, you know."

  "I imagine so."

  "Why did you do that?"

  He gestured to Kei. "You travel with a Fey. Perhaps one day he will wish to visit Furia. Even in ruins, it is beautiful. You should see it, if you can."

  "I will try."

  He reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. She froze, surprised by his action. His thumb traced a path along her cheek and across her lips. "You are an intriguing young woman. It is a shame you are mortal."

  Sound erupted behind her. Both Kei and Garen growled and she heard two swords slide from their sheaths.

  Easy, boys.

  The Were played a dangerous game. She wondered what he thought to accomplish. Though his motions indicated an interest in her, his face had not been tender or loving, merely thoughtful.

  Her eyebrows rose as she waited for the Were’s reaction to her overprotective friends.
<
br />   He looked over her shoulder and bared his teeth. A low growl of warning rumbled from his chest.

  She laughed.

  Startled, he dropped his hand to stare at her in surprise. You should fear me. You do know this?

  Apparently I’m not like most women.

  A smile twitched at his lips. Apparently. "We return to the pack now," he said out loud.

  She nodded and stepped back, wanting to avoid any further incidents. His actions and words surprised her and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. All she did know, was her boys had not been happy. She almost feared to turn around in case she had done something wrong.

  Watching the wolves fade into the trees gave her some time. Turning your back on a pack was not only bad manners, but not a smart thing to do either. Though they had been nothing but helpful to them, she wasn’t sure how much she could trust them.

  Once the last wolf ran out of sight she spun on her heel. "Ready to head out?"

  Prince frowned down at her. "Arowyn."

  "I didn’t do anything!"

  His frown deepened. "I dislike his interest in you."

  "Believe me, so do I."

  She does not act submissive to the alpha, Garen commented.

  Heads turned to regard him in surprise.

  She hadn’t thought about how the Were worked within their packs.

  Arowyn is our alpha female, but he does not know this. To him she is merely a mortal human. Even so, most humans fear the Were. He is impressed by her bravery and strength.

  "There’s nothing to worry over," she insisted.

  "Very well," Prince snapped. He turned his horse and headed into the trees.

  She fought back the urge to throw something at his back and followed.

  "Be careful," Kei whispered, falling into step beside her.

  "Always."

  Chapter 21:

  A Different Kind of Fighting

  They reached the river Rhee-En mentioned before dark. Garen located the crossing and they stood on the shore debating whether to cross now or in the morning.

  The river was wide and fairly fast moving. The crossing showed shallow waters a good distance out, but they were uncertain if it remained that way the entire distance across.