Kiræ felt on edge, she felt pressured to succeed, she was the only one who could protect her friends and she needed to protect them, she couldn’t let what happened to Tino happen to anyone else. Her breath caught as she thought of her friend, the image of him dropping limply to the ground flashed across her mind and she picked up her pace as if hoping to escape it.
Tom was worried about her, she could tell, he kept telling her she was pushing herself too much and maybe she was, but if she didn’t keep on top of her training, both magical and physical, then she might fail again. Their first year was now officially over, but she had made sure that she continued training, even on her rest days. Sir Nyme had joked that she would be used to help with demonstrations in the second year; at least she had hoped it was a joke.
Kiræ made it back to the Great Hall just as the first morning bell tolled; she washed quickly and by the time she had returned to the large room her friends were waiting for her.
“You’re really taking Sir Nyme’s words to heart,” Tana said.
“I just don’t want to feel like I’m back to square one at the start of the second year,” Kiræ replied.
“I don’t think any of us want that,” Keolan said, “it’s why we still go out and train, but you’re definitely going those extra few steps.”
Kiræ shrugged, “Who fancies trying some mounted combat today?” she asked, sidestepping the conversation slightly. Her friends nodded and she saw Tom look at her with a worried expression on his face, she was going to have to try and convince him she was okay.
She spent most of her morning avoiding her brother and sparring, on horseback with Keolan.
“You better not cheat,” he said as Kiræ wheeled her horse round to take a shot at him.
“Would I do that?” she grinned as he blocked her strike.
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” he replied managing to kick her from the saddle, she slid to the ground with a thud and stared up at him.
“I think you’re the one being underhanded Keo,” she said clambering to her feet to continue the fight; her horse had wandered towards the fence and Kiræ ignored her, focusing on her friend.
“There’s no chivalry in battle.”
“Is that so?” Kiræ grinned mischievously and nudged the air towards Keolan causing him to be pushed from his own saddle.
“I thought I said no cheating,” he picked up his sword and turned towards her.
“You also said there’s no chivalry in battle, I was just trying to level the playing field.” The pair continued sparring on foot for some time before finally remounting their horses.
Exhausted from the morning’s training the group were shovelling down hot stew at the midday meal and Kiræ contemplated flexing her magic throughout the afternoon.
“Are we really expected to keep that up through the winter?” Tana asked her teeth chattering.
“We could probably get away with missing a few days,” Keolan suggested, “it’s not like Sir Nyme actually checks if you’re there.”
“Something tells me he still knows,” Tom said, “he’s probably keeping track to bully people next year.”
“At least we can take the afternoon off,” Aurora smiled, “I much prefer sitting by a warm fire than training in the snow.” She turned to Kiræ and lowered her voice, “I thought I might try and access some of my dragon attributes this afternoon, would you stay with me?”
“Of course, I had thought about practicing a bit myself.” They left shortly after, heading to Aurora’s room and each settled themselves on the floor. Aurora closed her eyes as Kiræ began manipulating water, she breathed deeply and concentrated on accessing her dragon senses.
Draogo had explained that there were certain attributes that could be accessed in her human form; she had on occasion managed to use them, though the majority had been unintentional. She wanted to become more confident using these attributes, knowing full well that heightened hearing would help if their enemy was close and increased strength would be extremely useful in battle.
She breathed slowly and deeply, finding her dragon and human halves inside her. Draogo had explained that there was a permeable barrier between the two and small aspects of each could ‘self’ were able to pass through. This was how she was able to access the dragon attributes in human form and could, if she wanted, access human ones in dragon form, though she couldn’t see what help they would be.
She felt around inside her and managed to locate her dragon hearing, as she embraced it, she heard the thunder of water as Kiræ manipulated it across the room, more faintly she could hear the guards patrolling the walls. She smiled and embraced her dragon smell, instantly the scent of wood smoke filled her nostrils as she identified the fire in the Great Hall. Aurora spent hours blocking and unblocking these senses so she would be able to call on them in an emergency.
She finally opened her eyes and they were bright amber; she had accessed her dragon sight. Kiræ was still manipulating the elements, currently focused on fire, Aurora walked to the window and stared into the distance. She saw the far end of the city as if she were stood by the walls and could make out the fields and plains beyond. Aurora smiled as she watched rabbits scampering after one another in the distance while the sun began to set. She blinked and her eyes returned to their familiar blue.
“I take it you were successful,” Kiræ said as the fire in her palm shrunk out of existence.
“I managed the easy attributes,” she said smiling, “but I’m not sure I’m quite ready for the others.”
“Which ones do you feel less confident with?” Kiræ asked turning her attention to her friend.
“The strength and the claws.”
“What about the roar?”
“That’s another of the easy ones, though I’m not sure it’s something I should be attempting in my room.”
Kiræ laughed and got to her feet, “I wouldn’t worry, you’re a fast learner and it’s not like you haven’t already accessed the other attributes at some point.” The first evening bell tolled and Kiræ yawned. I suppose we should take a break and go find the others, though I’m so exhausted I could easily miss the evening meal and simply fall asleep.
“Not an option,” Aurora said dragging her friend from the room, “we’ve got magic training tonight so you need to keep your strength up.” Kiræ sighed.
Chapter 24
It had been an incredibly slow journey back to Caan due to the increasingly hostile weather and Vala and Seb’s injuries. As the weary warriors finally passed the large eastern gates, their dishevelled appearance shocking the guards, Vala signalled for her warriors to get rest as she knew they would most likely be on the move again in a few days. She asked a couple of men to accompany Seb to the hospital, knowing he wouldn’t go otherwise and began walking with Julen towards the castle.
“Don’t you think you should have accompanied Seb?” Julen said looking at her battered exterior.
“I’ll get checked out later,” she replied but Julen knew she wouldn’t, “it’s more important that the king is informed of recent events.” They walked up to the large castle doors and Julen explained their urgency to the guards outside, one of the men bowed quickly and almost ran into the large building leaving Vala and Julen outside. Vala leant against the doorframe and closed her eyes feeling suddenly exhausted and longed to lie down just for a moment.
It wasn’t long before the guard returned, he explained that the king was waiting in his study, then he turned back inside, indicating they should follow. The guard walked quickly ahead of them and began to ascend a large staircase; Vala winced in her attempt to keep up.
They eventually reached and knocked on a dark wooden door that was slightly ajar; a deep voice call for them to enter. The guard stepped in first and announced Vala and Julen who followed him into the cosy study where the king was busily writing at a small desk. As Vala and Julen bowed, Vala realised the queen was also in the room, she wore a simple dress and was sat in a large armchair near the
fire reading a book with her feet curled up under her. Vala finished her bow and apologised for their appearance, the king smiled and waved for them to sit in two of the vacant chairs. Vala looked down at her dirt and blood stained clothes and politely declined; the king however insisted.
“Please do not take this the wrong way Lord Vala but you look half dead,” the king said, a frown crossing his weathered face as Vala perched uncomfortably on the edge of one of the large armchairs.
“I’m sorry for my unacceptable appearance sire,” she replied trying to rearrange her shirt so she looked more presentable. The king ran a hand through his neat greying hair and laughed a deep laugh; the queen looked up from her book and noticed the look of confusion on Vala’s face.
“It was not a criticism Vala,” the queen said in a light but slightly gravelly voice and Vala turned towards her, “he doesn’t voice it very well but it was meant out of concern.” The queen placed a naturally bronzed hand on Vala’s slightly paler one and smiled warmly from behind pale brown eyes causing the younger woman to stiffen, unsure how to react.
“Sire, my lady,” Julen said rising from his chair, “I’m afraid we bring bad news regarding a former ally.” The statement jolted Vala out of her stupor and she remembered why they were there; the king’s laugh died away on hearing the urgency in Julen’s voice and he turned fully to face them.
“What’s happened?” he asked becoming serious, he gestured to Julen to sit back down; the queen removed her hand from Vala’s, brushed her paling red hair behind her ear and returned to her book.
“It’s Yutshan,” Vala said, “they’ve turned.” The king, who had been gently stroking his short beard, froze.
“By the Gods are you certain?”
“I’m afraid so,” Julen replied, “and what’s more, it seems that Myrtan, in Eriba has also turned,” the queen looked up sharply.
Vala turned to her reassuringly, “Your brother is safe my lady,” she said softly, “and I believe he’s doing all he can to save those who have fallen under Bælana’s influence.” The queen relaxed but did not return to her book. Vala and Julen recalled the events of their journey starting from their meeting with the other army leaders and ending with Vala explaining how Yutshan now worshipped Bælana and an apparent new God known as Malum.
The king was silent for a long time after they had finished, his brow was furrowed and he stared into the distance, his dark blue eyes slightly unfocussed as he digested the information.
“Our allies have been informed about Yutshan?” he finally asked and both Vala and Julen nodded.
“We sent messengers to them detailing what we knew at the time, I believe our allies will rally their armies to attack.”
The king nodded slowly, “Normally with information as sensitive and important as this I would consult my advisors on the most appropriate course of action.” He rose from his chair and walked to a long window, looking out and clasping his hands behind his back, “but I think it will be obvious to everyone that we need to join our allies as soon as possible to minimise the threat.”
He turned to look at Vala who nodded and rose from her seat as if she intended to gather the warriors immediately. The king held up a hand and she paused, “you must rest for a few days first.” Vala opened her mouth to speak but the king continued, “Vala, I know you, you’re strong and determined, it’s why you’re the head of my army, but I also know that you’re stubborn, so I’m ordering you to rest, you’re no good to us half-dead.” Vala said nothing, she just nodded; Julen rose and the two of them walked towards the door.
“May the Gods be with you,” the king said as they bowed and left the room.
As they left the castle Julen began walking towards the hospital, stopping after only a few paces when he realised Vala wasn’t following, walking instead in the opposite direction, he ran after her.
“Where are you going?” he asked falling into step beside her, “You said you would get checked out.”
She snorted, “Julen did you honestly believe I would?”
He shook his head, “No, but I had hoped you would.”
She laughed, “I need to see the twins, I can’t even remember the last time I saw them.”
“Make sure you at least get some rest,” he smiled, “and a bath.”
Vala shot him a look but smiled almost instantly, “I promise,” she stopped and turned to him, “thank you Julen, for everything you’ve done, if you’re willing I’d like you with me when we return to Yutshan.”
“Of course.”
“Then go home and get some rest,” Julen smiled and parted from her, walking towards his home in the warriors sector. Vala, although she also lived there was not going home, she headed towards the learners dormitories in the hopes that Kiræ and Tom would be there, or perhaps at the training ground. There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground but she knew that wouldn’t prevent them from training, it was however now mid-afternoon, so there was a good chance they had already left.
She reached the training ground first and found it empty as she had expected so instead walked to the large building that housed the learners. She glanced into the great hall as she passed and although it was full of chattering learners she couldn’t see the familiar red of their hair. Vala tried both of their rooms to no avail and eventually set off towards her own home, thinking that perhaps they had gone there, but the house was empty.
She sat disheartened at the kitchen table, hunger and fatigue were beginning to take over and her head slipped from its resting place on her hand as a wave of tiredness swept over her. She shook herself awake, rose from her seat and began to pace the room, where could they be, she thought leaning against the counter.
“Perhaps they’re with Sara,” she said to no one and after another few minutes of unsuccessful thinking left the house and began walking towards the old library. She heard quick footsteps behind her and swivelled round thinking it might be the twins; it was Alten.
“Vala” he said stopping in front of her and taking in her ragged appearance, “you look like hell.”
“So I’ve been told,” she replied with a smile, “is everything okay?”
Alten nodded, “I’ve just seen my father and he told me what happened, are you okay?” His eyes moved over her cuts and bruises, she nodded and he continued to look at her with his caring, concerned eyes. She looked away unable to hold his gaze and started walking again; Alten followed, “are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure,” she replied abruptly, “I’m alive aren’t I.”
Alten stopped and grabbed her wrist forcing her to stop, her hands clenched, “Vala, talk to me.”
She breathed slowly and deeply as if trying to maintain her composure, “I thought I was dead, I thought I’d never see them again.” Alten tried to wrap his arms round her but she pushed him away, “I’m okay,” she said forcing a smile, “just a little tired, that’s all.” Alten cocked his head, “I promise you I’m okay, I just need to see the twins and get some rest.” He nodded slowly but she could tell he wasn’t convinced, she never had been able to lie to him.
“Look,” Alten said before she could leave, “I wanted you to know I’ll be coming with you to Yutshan.”
Vala’s eyes widened, “Do you think that’s wise?” she asked slowly.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s wise or not, I need to help protect my people.” Vala said nothing but nodded slowly and turned to leave, “I still love you Vala.”
She froze, “I have to find the twins,” she said not daring to look at him and walked quickly away.
Once out of sight, Vala ran to the old library and leant heavily against the door, exhaling deeply before walking inside. She paused in the doorway staring round the cluttered room as the heavy silence settled around her, she heard muffled voices from across the large, crowded room.
Vala made her way carefully through the maze that was so unfamiliar to her, tripping occasionally over half hidden piles of books and cursed at least once as she
walked into the corner of a heavily book laden table. The voices were coming from Sara’s workroom and the door was wide open; Vala could see the twins sitting in front of Sara’s desk while Brean, Sara’s colleague, sat behind it; Sara was absent.
Vala leant against the doorframe and knocked lightly on the door, the twins turned, their eyes brightening as they saw her and they ran to hug her. She squeezed them both with just as much enthusiasm, realising how much she had missed them and felt a sinking feeling as she remembered she would have to leave them again, with the strong possibility that she wouldn’t return.
“When did you get back?” came Kiræ’s muffled question as her head was buried in Vala’s shoulder.
“A few hours ago,” Vala replied releasing them from her grasp, she stepped back to look at them and smiled, “I had some important information for the king, but I came to find you as soon as I was done.”
“Clearly,” Tom said grinning mischievously, he raised an eyebrow at her soiled and bloodied clothes, she cuffed him lightly, then placed her arm round his shoulders and squeezed him again.
“You look exhausted,” Kiræ said leading Vala to one of the chairs, Tom leant against the edge of the desk, letting his sister take the remaining chair.
“It’s been a long and eventful journey,” she said sighing, then turned to Brean, “is Sara not here?”
Brean shook his head, “She has gone to Olai.”
“So I was right, she could read the language.” Brean nodded again, “how long has she been gone?”
“Just over three weeks,” Brean replied.
Vala looked confused, she turned from Brean to look at the twins, “What are you two doing here if Sara’s away?”
Forgotten Magic (Elementals Book 1) Page 20