by Nikki Landis
“I can’t speak to that. All I know is my experience with him, but…he has always been loving and kind to me, from the beginning.”
She smiled at that. “You know…he is absolutely hilarious and adorable the way he falls all over you. I’m taking great joy in teasing him about it. The wonderful part is…he is enjoying it too. We are very close Rhiannon, being twins and all. I feel the happiness he shares with you. I feel his peace and joy and devotion. So thank you, for making my brother whole again.”
I was touched by her words and affirmation.
“Oh Kayleigh, if only you knew. If only I could explain to you…how much he has changed me too. I’ve never been this happy or alive. We belong together, our future interconnected and joined, like there’s a reason we found each other,” I shook my head, “I don’t know how to make you understand…he was destined to be my Guardian…and I am destined to save him too. In more ways than one. Does this make sense?” I wasn’t sure if I was describing it accurately.
“Yes, in an odd way. I feel it too. So does Kellen. He can hardly part from your side. Funny thing is, I never felt like I should get to know Renee. Something about her attitude and insincerity made it difficult for me to like her. But you…I’m hoping we will be very close friends.”
I smiled at her. Yes, we would be close. I felt it, knew it, and she did too.
“Yes, Kayleigh. I want that very much. Your friendship and acceptance means so much to Kellen and to me. Let’s make a promise to always stay in touch. I have every intention of making this my home someday…don’t say anything but Kellen has already told me he will propose as soon as he can,” I told her smiling.
“Yes…I know. I also know that he would have done it when he brought you here but he can’t as long as he is your Guardian. He told me in confidence himself. Even if I didn’t know, it wouldn’t have changed any part of this conversation. So…I’ll just say it now. Welcome to the family Rhiannon.”
“Thank you Kayleigh! I can’t imagine a more loving and wonderful family to be a part of.”
We hugged again and changed the subject, noticing the guys were staring at us again. Kellen’s expression had been curious and determined. He would want to know about our conversation later. I’m sure Kayleigh and I would both fill him when we were ready.
I looked around me now, thrilled to be in this awesome and magical place, surrounded by people who loved and accepted me so easily. The family of the man I loved. Life was near perfect, how could it ever change?
Chapter Seven
After dinner, before the gathering, Kellen took my hand and led me along a new pathway close to his home. It was one of the few I hadn’t walked on with him yet. Slowly and leisurely we strolled along, quietly observing the view. All along this path were flat stones that led up and around the garden behind his house and passed a large windmill and granary.
“This windmill gathers wind power and stores it for future use. It is also a large grain and lumber mill, separate from each other of course. Our family has had this in our possession for generations. It provides wealth for the community and helps sustain our lives here. I guess by now you have noticed we do not use very many modern conveniences?” He asked curiously.
I nodded and he continued. “We use oil lamps, brooms and mops on hardwood floors instead of vacuums, ride on horses and oxen instead of driving vehicles, and rely on fresh water from wells and local lakes. Obviously we have running water and toilets but we use as little of these things as we can. Our kitchen has large brick ovens that use coal, wood, and other means to heat food and we use our fireplaces in the winter. There is a cellar with a large ice block storage from each winter, thanks to the lake. The only part that is difficult is the lack of air conditioning but the forest almost always has a light continuing breeze,” he explained.
“I thought about all of that. You know what is interesting? I don’t even miss it or notice. Life is so much nicer and simpler without all of those things to depend on. I’m quite content and completely enamored with this place. Thank you for bringing me Kellen.”
“Rhiannon, do you really love it that much?” He asked me anxiously.
“Oh yes, I feel like I stepped into a romance novel in medieval England or the like. And the clothing…I love the dresses Kellen,” I told him, spinning around for him to see.
He laughed and hugged me close, bending a kiss to my lips.
“Is that what you were telling Kayleigh this afternoon?” He asked curiously.
Ha, he did not waste much time at all getting to that.
“I…we were discussing a few different topics actually,” I responded lightly.
His eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed. I shrugged my shoulders, walking away toward the nearby lake. It shimmered in the late evening light. I saw logs floating on the water, bobbing on the surface. They must be from the lumber mill.
Kellen was silent and stared out at the water. I could tell he was getting impatient when he started clenching his fists and tapping his fingers against his leg. I smiled and pretended not to notice.
Eventually he scowled and turned me around to face him. I could see the determination in his eyes. He wanted to know and wasn’t going to give up.
“Rhiannon…”
“Well, to be honest, the first thing we talked about was…Renee.”
I watched him closely for his reaction. His arms tightened around me and his face became a deeper scowl than moments ago.
“Why would she tell you about that?” He thundered.
Oh, touchy. What was the big deal?
“Oh you better stop right now. You know why she told me. I have a right to know what happened. You refuse to give me any details at all. She was quite informative,” I told him defensively.
I tried to break out of his arms but they surrounded me like steel cables, holding me there.
He grunted. “Rhiannon, I don’t think it is valid. Why tell you all of the details about a past relationship that was really nothing at all? I didn’t even love her. I thought I did, for a time, but that was before I met you and knew what real love felt like.”
I tried pulling away again but he held me captive.
“Stop struggling,” he demanded, “Remember when I told you she wanted different things from me? Well, she didn’t even like it here. She hated it. I only brought her once to meet my family but she flirted with Seasnan, argued with Kayleigh, and upset my mother. It was a disaster. I found out later she had only used me. So when I say there is nothing to tell Rhiannon, I mean there is nothing to tell you. End of story.” His voice was tense and bordered on yelling.
“Ah so you don’t think you will bump into her any time soon? Aren’t you staying at her house?” I asked him, annoyed with his little outburst.
“Dammit Rhia, would you let that go? She isn’t even there. She is away at college,” he told me in disgust.
“I know. Kayleigh told me earlier,” I retorted smugly.
His face scowled angrily at me. “Rhiannon…you little minx. You tried to trick me.”
“No, I simply wanted to see if you were going to admit the truth or not.”
He growled lightly in anger. I brushed off the fact that it was sexy. “I never lie to you.”
“Fine.” I smiled sweetly. “Then who took you to dinner at Applebee’s the night you crossed over?”
Kellen paled. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out.
“Who took you to dinner?” I demanded, louder.
He closed his mouth in a thin line. The scowl was back. Uh huh.
“That’s exactly what I thought you would say. Nothing. You may not lie but you omit the truth often enough, especially when it suits you,” I glared at him, “you are behaving quite childishly Kellen. Now let go of me and you can go…kiss a mule,” I told him, scowling back.
Catching him by surprise, I managed to break loose and I stomped off, going back the way we had come along the path. I didn’t get far before I was scooped up in his arms. He carr
ied me all the way to the house, despite my struggles, and didn’t stop until we were passed his family and in his room. He set me down gently and stood in front of the door, his arms across his chest.
“You will not run from me again.”
“The hell I won’t,” I glared at him.
“You will do as I say. I am your Guardian.” He enunciated the words between clenched teeth.
“Ha,” I scoffed, “you have no control over me.”
“You don’t think so?” A threat was in his voice.
I decided to make a run for the window but he caught me before I could climb out, tossing me on the bed. My eyes flashed fire at him in my anger, and I fought against his arms for several minutes until exhaustion won out and I was forced to relax.
“Let go of me!” I shrieked.
“No,” he growled, “stop this nonsense.”
My eyes met his. They suddenly changed from anger to desire in an instant as he looked at me. “Damn, you turn me on.”
His mouth met mine passionately as I pulled his body close, locking my fingers in his shirt. I kissed him with every ounce of feeling I had at that moment, letting go of the silky material of his shirt until I was running my fingernails down his back. He kissed me again, his body pressed even tighter to mine. I felt a tremor run through him. Kellen gasped and rolled over, pushing us apart.
I sat on his lap, my chest heaving with exertion. His face looked surprised for a moment before he regained his composure. He stared at me for several minutes, his eyes betraying a cascade of interesting and fleeting emotions. Finally, his humor returned.
His grip on my arms softened. “Rhiannon, baby…what am I going to do with you?” He asked, laughing lightly.
I frowned, not understanding. I guess my confusion was apparent.
“You are just so loving and passionate…and so enthusiastic. I swear…I have never met a more amazing and beautiful woman in my entire life,” he declared, his eyes darting to my lips. “Your fire, your spirit, it beckons me closer until I lose every part of myself,” he kissed me softly, “until I want to drown in you,” his voice had lowered with the strength of his ardor, “you surprise me, my love, quite pleasantly,” he whispered huskily, his lips moving along the column of my throat.
The moist heat of his tongue traveled along the base of my throat and then to my shoulder. A slip of material and then cool air against my skin, followed by the scorching heat of his mouth as it pressed against me. In desperation I clung to something to bring me back. I was teetering on the edge. If I wasn’t careful, we would both fall.
“Kellen…Kayleigh told me…how much your family likes me. She told me…welcome to the family,” I whispered back, distracted by his kisses.
Kellen looked straight into my eyes. “Are you sure those were her exact words?”
“Yes, of course. She told me I am the first girl to ever meet your mother’s criteria for you.”
“Wow, darling…my sister told me she would never say those words to any girl…after Renee…unless it was going to be my wife.”
“Oh, wow. I guess it is a good thing we decided to be lifelong friends,” I said teasing him, “and better yet you love me…because I am not going anywhere.”
“Rhiannon, this means so much to me. You have no idea. I know my family loves you. This means they are happy for me and accept you. I knew you were the right one for me, the moment I saw you. I knew you would be good for me. I love you, my wonderful darling Rhiannon.” He took my hands and kissed the top of each of them.
“I love you too Kellen, with all my heart.”
He gave me a deep passionate kiss and pulled us up, hugging me tightly for a moment, and leading us back downstairs. His family looked at us curiously, probably wondering why we had rushed up the stairs a few minutes ago. Certainly they heard us arguing and then abruptly stop.
Kellen grabbed my hand and squeezed it, his eyes caressing my face. I know Kayleigh and his parents noticed. I think Kellen was completely oblivious to everything but me. I smiled and put my hand on his arm, leaning my head against his shoulder.
“Ready for the meeting, my son?” Kedehern asked, clearing his throat.
“Ready for anything, Father,” he responded, his eyes never leaving mine.
Chapter Eight
Hand in hand, we walked with his family, and made our way to the gathering. His eyes left me only once, to nod at Kayleigh and flash her a huge grin, before his full attention was on me again. Once we were at the clearing, Kellen’s attention shifted to the meeting.
He led me to a gazebo, complete with wooden benches, several feet away, overlooking the proceedings. A long strand of white twinkling lights were hanging around the top, intermingled with ivy.
“Watch Rhiannon, now it begins.”
My eyes were open wide as I watched the gathering in front of me. From all areas of the forest they came. Representatives from every species and group were there. One by one they came forward, giving their greetings first to Kedehern, then to Kellen, and finally to the women. Many were also happy to extend those greetings to me. I noticed some of them were still a little apprehensive, especially the gnomes.
I was happy to see a familiar face in the crowd when Fidget Goblinwand approached. He came bounding up to us, clearly pleased to see me.
“Hello again, Lady Rhiannon. Kellen, happy to be here.”
He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it, tickling my skin lightly with his rough crimson beard. I smiled widely at him.
“Lord Goblinwand, so wonderful to see you again. I am glad to see a face I recognize.”
“Please, milady, call me Fidget.”
He had grinned proudly at my welcome and took his place with the others. I noticed some other faces whose names I did not know. The elves and the wood sprites I recognized from our journey to Kellen’s home. They nodded their salutations to me as well as Kellen.
The most interesting greeting came from the centaurs. They had galloped in impressively stamping their hooves and rearing their front legs up into the air. I recognized the one who had spoken to Kellen before. He came over to us and grasped arms with Kellen, exchanging a friendly hello and then he turned to me.
“Greetings milady, we have not been properly introduced. I am Padraic, leader of the centaurs. We welcome you to Karmelo.” He bowed slightly and straightened up.
“Thank you for your warm welcome Padraic. My name is Rhiannon. I am very happy to meet you.”
He nodded and smiled and took his place among the others. I was completely in awe of him. The centaurs were the most fascinating of all of the creatures there. Of course, they were all interesting in their own way. The elves caught my attention with their regal beauty and distinguished looks. I especially loved the dwarves, with their gruff voices and stiff demeanors. Fidget was so funny. I knew we were already developing a fast friendship.
“Kellen, how are all these creatures here?”
“The dark shadow is the demon essence that you’ve seen before, during the attacks, remember? Well, the creatures of darkness and evil can assume any form in the flesh,” he answered, “and so it is with those that are made from light. God in his wisdom is capable of creating any creature and all life. Do you doubt it because it is different than what you know?”
“Perhaps,” I agreed, “or maybe because I was raised to believe it was all myth.”
“Let your heart be open to every possibility here. Your people will love you for your acceptance.”
Kedehern called the meeting to order, and all conversation ceased. As the head of the guard, he was in control of the gathering. The others straightened and turned their attention to him. His voice rang with power and authority as he spoke. I also noticed that it was kind, not intending to dominate those around him.
“This meeting has been called to order at the request of the council and at the request of many of you. The threat against our world is growing. The enemy is becoming bolder. The attacks are increasing, not only in our wor
ld but in the human one as well. There have been breaches across the portal. The enemy has crossed during daylight hours. The lives of our civilization as well as the human people are at risk. If we don’t prepare ourselves against attack, I fear we may find our land under siege. We must decide what course of action to take, and soon.”
He sat down, and gesturing with his hand, he opened the floor for discussion. There was a light rumble of voices as they murmured to each other. Then Padraic spoke.
“These things are all true as we will bear witness to. The centaur army patrols the borders of our lands. We have seen the enemy gather. An army is being raised, to what purpose we do not know.”
Murmuring rose within the crowd and Padraic raised a hand to silence it. “There is also another matter to take into consideration. The chosen one has been targeted by the enemy for destruction. She is no longer hidden from them. Kellen has been assigned as her Guardian as many of you know. But she needs our allegiance and protection. You all know the legends, she must be kept alive. She must be protected at all costs. It is our duty.”
He had been speaking urgently at those gathered and turned to look at me for a brief moment. Then his attention was back at the table. My eyes had widened in surprise and I was looking at Kellen with shock.
“Was he talking about me just now?” I whispered to him.
“Yes,” he whispered back, “I have always known that you were special.”
“Be serious, please,” I told him, squeezing his hand.
“I am, Rhiannon, you are special. Chosen, my darling, for a greater purpose. I told you before, remember?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Pay attention now, there is a lot to hear,” he replied, putting his arm around me.
There was a lot of discussion going on. The representatives were deciding on their position. Fidget stood up. He looked around the table and spoke forcefully.