Elemental Rising (The Elemental Trilogy Book 1)

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Elemental Rising (The Elemental Trilogy Book 1) Page 34

by Toni Cox


  “Did he hurt you?” Silas then asked quietly.

  Maia stopped dead in her tracks. The people around her carried on walking and after a while it was just the two of them standing on a field half a day’s march from home. The buzz of the insects was overly loud to her ears. Midnight looked on from a distance.

  “No,” she said softly.

  How did he know? By now, she wasn’t even sure herself that it had been real. If it wasn’t for Midnight’s behaviour, she could easily believe it had only been a dream.

  Silas touched her arm. “Maia, look at me.”

  She looked up, fearing reproach, but found only concern in his eyes.

  “I can only speculate on why such things occur, but the fact that a Life Prime and a Death Prime have come together has saved our people yet again. Whatever happened, I am sure it was all part of the magic that the two of you wrought to defeat the Vampyre army. Remember, I am always here if you feel the need to talk about it.”

  The stone was dug deep into the fissure between his toes and he was growing angry. He was not used to spending this much time on the ground. If Bright-Shining-Silver-Star would just consent to flying with him, then he could have her home before the sun touched the mountains. He had asked her time and time again, but she insisted of walking with her injured. He understood her worry for her people, even if they were all insignificant to him, but he knew it was not the reason she did not want to fly with him. He worried about her. She was in such deep turmoil, he was afraid she would not be able to find her own way out of it.

  He growled and a puff of smoke rose from his nostrils, making the nearest horse whinny in fear.

  Dark-Silver-Moon was the reason she was feeling like this and he had a good mind to tear him to pieces should he ever catch him. However, Dark-Silver-Moon had eluded him twice already. He was cunning and dangerous. He would have to keep a close watch on Bright-Shining-Silver-Star, so Dark-Silver-Moon could not take advantage of her again.

  Another puff of smoke curled from his nostrils at the thought. Even Red-Angry-Flesh would be preferable. Although, he had to admit, the Human’s colours had faded somewhat since he had arrived. His red that had looked like blood when he had first seen him had gentled to the soft red of a sunset in the time that he had been here. Maybe Red-Dusky-Sunset was a name more appropriate for him now. He had never felt anything but disdain for the man that had such strong feelings for his Bright-Shining-Silver-Star, but in light of these new developments, he might be preferable to the alternative.

  He would think on it some more. If Bright-Shining-Silver-Star was to mate, then she should do so with the right male. Suddenly, the affairs of the Shining-People were of more concern to him than they had ever been before.

  They reached home without further incident. The warriors from the other clans returned to their cities and life in Shadow Hall took on some semblance of normalcy once more.

  Shadow Hall had lost many. Three hundred and twenty-three, of which one, Lenoro, was Guard, and many were of the Warrior Houses. Once the people that had been sent to Tarron Heights returned, they held a great ceremony, mourning their dead. In total, including the people from the other cities, there had been over three thousand dead. It was a dark time for Maia.

  Watch rotation was arranged between the cities of Grildor, and Greystone was now under guard night and day. Scouts, Trackers and Hunters were out in the mountains and forests every day, searching for the escaped Vampyres and their beasts. They still kept double Night Watch and no one was really at peace. The threat remained and everyone was on edge.

  For Maia, every day was torture. Was Silas right? Had what happened between her and Blaid just been a result of the magic they created? It did not feel like that to her. She pined for him every day. She felt her life was somehow emptier without him. Knowing that being with him was not only against their laws, but would also alienate her from her people, made her infinitely sad. One did not associate with Death.

  She kept herself busy throughout the days that followed the War of Greystone and cried herself to sleep every night. She spent much time with Aaron and his children, but could find no solace in their company either.

  By the time the first frosts came over the land, she resigned herself to the fact that she meant nothing to Blaid and that what had happened was only the result of their magic.

  She had taken to sleeping in Silas’ cave, craving the solitude it provided. Silas would often sit with her in the evenings, but then left before the moons were high, so she could be alone. It was how she wanted it.

  Maia now climbed into her furs, for it was cold in the cave, and dimmed the shutter on the lantern. She was tired, always so tired. She would toss and turn all night. Nightmare after nightmare would wake her and she would sit up, screaming. She was so tired. She put her head on her pillow and closed her eyes.

  !!! Midnight’s thought came crushing down on her. Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she was instantly alert.

  She sat up and in the half-light of the shuttered lantern, she found herself looking into Blaid’s deep blue eyes.

  Epilogue

  Things had changed. Aaron could not quite put his finger on it, but something was fundamentally different. It wasn’t just that the whole city was on edge with those Vampyres still at large. It wasn’t even the fact that most people were still in mourning and the general atmosphere within the community was subdued.

  No. The change had more to do with him, and he now also believed, with Luke and Jasmin. He felt different. More part of the whole. He felt a kinship with the people that had not been there before. He felt their loss and their suffering as his own; he shared their concerns and worries.

  Most of all, he felt it within his body. There were changes. Subtle at first, but he noticed them more and more. His eyesight became keener, of that he was sure. He had built muscle and, in a certain light, it looked like he had a ribbed stomach. His skin was smoother and the wrinkles on his face were barely visible. He even sometimes fancied that his ears now had a slight tip to them.

  Since the war, his confidence had soared. He felt bold and brave and would now often do things that would have been out of his comfort zone before. He had fired Jasmin’s crossbow on more than one occasion. He had picked up a sword and hewn at a straw dummy until it was lying destroyed on the floor. He had cooked and, with Jasmin’s help, served some tasty dishes.

  He also finally understood why he often had difficulties expressing himself, even though the thoughts were clear in his head - he spoke a different language here. Elvish, he presumed. Therefore, when he wanted to talk about an item that did not exist on Elveron, for example, a car, then he would have to use the English term. Sometimes, it was hard to remember, but Luke and Jasmin made a game out of it and they now had a repertoire of about fifty words.

  The best part of all of this was how he felt about Maia. The war had changed her as well. She was quiet and restrained. Often deep in thought and unapproachable. She had changed her attire from the soft suede pants and loose cotton tops she used to wear, to black leather pants and a black leather jacket, over a fitted cloth shirt. She now always wore her weapons. It made her look strong and in control, and incredibly sexy, but he knew she felt vulnerable and scared. It enhanced his feelings for to such a degree, he could almost not contain it.

  However, he bided his time. He knew it was not yet. Slowly, with much care, he spent more and more time with her. He came to realise that something had happened out there by the Gate, which had shaken her to the core. He worked every day to gain her trust and, he was sure, one day, she would know that it was him that had stood by her through this difficult time. Then, and only then, he would make his move. He was hers and, one day, she would be his.

  Glossary of Names

  Shadow Hall

  The Royal House of Longshadow

  Jarra Longshadow - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Jadae

  Algen Longshadow - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Jadae


  Jadae Longshadow - Maia’s grandfather, father of Jagaer

  Ikari Longshadow - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Jagaer

  Jagaer Longshadow - Maia’s father, Lord of Shadow Hall & Elderlord of Grildor

  Malyn Longshadow - Maia’s mother & wife to the Lord of Grildor

  Jaik Longshadow - Maia’s twin brother, prince of Grildor & Commander of the Guard

  Maia Longshadow - Princess of Grildor & Life Elemental

  Wolf - Forest Wolf, honorary member of the Longshadow family

  The Noble Houses of Birkenheart & Elderken

  Maël Birkenheart - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Malyn

  Alandrien Birkenheart - Maia’s grandfather, father of Malyn (deceased)

  Kian Elderken - Maël’s life partner

  Danyar - Giant Hare, honorary member of the Birkenheart-Elderken family

  The Noble House of Chesterfort

  Emrik Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Maël

  Maraël Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Maël

  The Noble House of Moonswain

  Ramaer Moonswain - Elder & father of Riker

  Lilonda Moonswain - Wife of Ramaer

  Riker Moonswain - Son of Ramaer & member of the Guard

  The Noble House of Nightshield

  Silas Nightshield - Healer, Elemental, royal advisor & mentor to Maia

  Elders of Shadow Hall

  Jadae Longshadow

  Emrik Chesterfort

  Ramaer Moonswain

  Lamar Oakencrest

  Dictennia Hollowberg

  Eilin Shallowaters

  Livarion Summerlot

  Janeke Oldenrift

  Beccithalia Nordenfall

  Falorien Deepsword

  Baltor Owen

  The Guard of Shadow Hall

  Jaik Longshadow (Commander)

  Argar Fairwen (2nd in Command)

  Riker Moonswain

  Boron Flowersfield

  Filithrin Overmer

  Munnar Shallowaters

  Tallson Robynreed

  Lenoro Woods

  Somas Birkenstock

  Aari Fyrlane

  Glark Gnarkstrov (Dwarf)

  The Warrior Houses of Shadow Hall & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Jaik Longshadow

  The Regiment - Commander Rowlean Ridgewell

  The Legion - Commander Calemir Willowbay

  The Sentinels - Commander Livan Summerlot

  The Night Watch - Commander Herrod Goldsbane

  The Scouts - Commander Aduial Mellowood

  The Horse Guard - Commander Caran Kastenbrink

  Death

  Blaid Elderbow - Death Elemental

  Braérn

  The Noble House of Swiftfisher

  Kyreon Swiftfisher - Lord of Braérn

  Amandel Swiftfisher - Wife of Kyreon

  Kanarel Swiftfisher - Son of Kyreon

  The Noble House of Sparrow

  Elothrin Sparrow - Elder of Braérn

  Soniana Sparrow - Wife of Elothrin

  Siya Sparrow - Daughter of Soniana & Jaik’s love interest

  The Noble House of Falconfall

  Burindor Falconfall - Owner of The Falcon’s Nest guest lodge

  Selest Falconfall - Wife of Burindor

  Selena Falconfall - Daughter of Selest

  Elders of Braérn

  Solara Coldfire

  Kaidan Darkblood

  Florian Moongloom

  Ciël Ravenken

  Ilaya Countbay

  Asgarr Redbrook

  Zevrion Hightop

  Atras Eaglesea

  Ikanin Ebongrove

  Athras Locklan

  Dorien Ivyson

  The Guard of Braérn

  Liatriël Sweetsky (Commander)

  Masa Frostwell (2nd in Command)

  Shiril Forgehammer

  Menna Havenvoid

  Kenyla Silverson

  Fille Lyrpalm

  Josrion Redwallow

  Huralan Countbay

  Namall Fallhill

  Ashavan Cavevault

  Uthorim Emberbury

  The Warrior Houses of Braérn & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Liatriël Sweetsky

  The Regiment - Commander Lenall Neverstar

  The Legion - Commander Ghenon Bridgeburgh

  The Sentinels - Commander Nenren Millshear

  The Night Watch - Commander Misa Freyfair

  The Scouts - Commander Pasiara Rosehaven

  The Armada - Commander Ihsh Drymore

  Thala Yll

  The Noble House of Hazelwatch

  Skylor Hazelwatch - Lord of Thala Yll

  Kariana Hazelwatch - Wife of Skylor

  Sky Hazelwatch - Son of Skylor

  Elders of Thala Yll

  Emorion Sunwell

  Sasuna Timberhold

  Kaneki Rimesalt

  Nerube Stormfreeze

  Brivra Farmeadow

  Fenlen Overland

  Lerdon Pondmaw

  Javen Horseborn

  Savin Oxenyoke

  Vardor Oldgardens

  Ashalora Grimcall

  The Guard of Thala Yll

  Elandor Arkenbay (Commander)

  Riro Feyhorn (2nd in Command)

  Harsan Lavender

  Leron Redstalk

  Alaros Wiseowl

  Teneroc Dierhall

  Aelythri Thunderdrum

  Agwar Brinkwater

  Genhanon Sunfer

  Mithari Horseborn

  Aracil Oxenyoke

  The Warrior Houses of Thala Yll & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Elandor Arkenbay

  The Regiment - Commander Evandeor Hollowdale

  The Legion - Commander Lyandor Eastmire

  The Sentinels - Commander Owenden Lightfrost

  The Night Watch - Commander Venarel Swiftfalls

  The Scouts - Commander Ranhorn Quickchill

  The Dragon Guard - Commander Vrayla Oldpeak

  Alea Yll

  The Noble House of Plainspar

  Durinn Plainspar - Lord of Alea Yll

  Alena Plainspar - Wife of Durinn

  Dalton Plainspar - Son of Durinn

  Elders of Alea Yll

  Ebligon Duskstar

  Vyrlynag Wildecoast

  Sminda Treeburn

  Brila Cloudcrest

  Panon Freyspell

  Lemmaêl Shieldall

  Riondon Blossomtree

  Lensas Brownhawk

  Ganala Oldwood

  Vasawyn Haretrap

  Onnesh Southall

  The Guard of Alea Yll

  Cencaur Blackcloak (Commander)

  Folwin Shortstep (2nd in Command)

  Iliphar Foxwell

  Gormarden Oldwood

  Veallahan Freyspell

  Sayia Snakefield

  Imucia Woodland

  Leyran Wyrmwood

  Kuchan Cattlecreek

  Dighyll Southall

  Myuen Onyx

  The Warrior Houses of Alea Yll & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Cencaur Blackcloak

  The Regiment - Commander Kayverii Thornbird

  The Legion - Commander Libraanich Redcloud

  The Sentinels - Commander Layciel Pondgrass

  The Night Watch - Commander Nithroël Snowfield

  The Scouts - Commander Imperion Redrun

  The Wolf Guard - Commander Adorellan Hillward

  Tarron Heights

  The Noble House of Tallson

  Cinaed Tallson - Lord of Tarron Heights

  Mikana Tallson - Wife of Cinaed

  Mekindra Tallson - Daughter of Mikana

  Elders of Tarron Heights

  Reandor Lothbrooke

  Haemir Sailbill

  Kymeron Evergreen

  Thalar Carverer

  Varkin Lynxcape

  Theondal Shrew

  Para Deerfall

  Lanné Win
terhare

  Fiora Bluepyre

  Merrinna Ravencroft

  Sorsser Storkbill

  The Guard of Tarron Heights

  Erendal Baywater (Commander)

  Arabas Winterfoe (2nd in Command)

  Argon Strongsteel

  Lemren Cattbar

  Ylthorn Molewright

  Zathraël Bergen

  Taevin Treadfast

  Balaras Oakenkin

  Grendor Creek

  Iolas Yellowfields

  Kellam Northfolk

  The Warrior Houses of Tarron Heights & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Erendal Baywater

  The Regiment - Commander Briedenley Bluetop

  The Legion - Commander Lirethorn Shadowbourne

  The Sentinels - Commander Panthius Houndhill

  The Night Watch - Commander Vichelle Crowlake

  The Scouts - Commander Ziaan Farseer

  Rathaés

  The Noble House of Firestone

  Hanno Firestone - Lord of Rathaés

  Medina Firestone - Wife of Hanno

  Minna Firestone - Daughter of Medina

  Elders of Rathaés

  Bronsen Firehold

  Aghtias Burnwood

  Avatey Hotstone

  Lintey Bogden

  Minaam Coalmill

  Sukitaan Flameshield

  Abantus Ironstar

  Evera Whitecross

  Shigtaan Boneshell

  Cait Crystalvault

  Muisay Lavarun

  The Guard of Rathaés

  Annitue Burnwood (Commander)

  Xiveral Greywolf (2nd in Command)

 

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