Chapter Twenty-Two: Farewell
Mimio appeared in the doorway of the bathroom, smiling and dressed in a long, flowing robe over her nightclothes. “You look ready. Wearing a skirt instead of jeans today?”
“Yes, I think it will draw less attention.” Lyra sprang from the rock ledge. “Is Yord up?”
“He is. Come.” She motioned into the sleeping chamber. “I’ve prepared a breakfast tray. Get some nourishment, then it will be time.”
Lyra wolfed down the food, gathered her supplies, and followed the sorceress outside onto the wide entry. Hamal commanded her attention, pulsing with unusual brilliance.
No torches lit the small group assembled to send her off, probably to keep her mission secret. Even the Phoenix kept her tail flames darkened.
The Imperial Dragon stepped forward. “Adalyra, it is now time for you to begin your second quest. We wish you a safe, speedy, and successful return.
In turn, each of the other three Guardians approached. The Unicorn touched his horn to her shoulder, the Tortoise rubbed the dry skin of his face against her hand, and the Phoenix flew overhead, draping her tail feathers about Lyra. Last, the golden dragon rested the tip of his wing on her other shoulder. All four maintained their contact; the powers of earth, water, fire, and air swelled her chest, strengthening her resolve to serve them.
“Do you have any questions?” the leader asked as they all stepped back.
“No, I think I’m as ready as possible.” Lyra stood tall before the leader, trying her best to squelch any trembling.
He motioned with his wing to where Yord sat low on the stone floor, ready for her to mount.
She walked to him, shaking inside. Awkwardly, she positioned her foot on his shoulder joint and hoisted her other leg across his spine. Looking down at the assembled crowd, she raised a hand in farewell.
“Wait! Wait! May I go along?” From out of the darkness beyond the ledge, the silver-striped wings of a tiger owl flapped hard toward her. Kenzo landed in front of her on a neck spine of the blue sentry. He faced her with huge eyes stretched wide open. “I know it’s supposed to be a secret, and I shouldn’t have listened when I perched in Cranewort’s branches and the Unicorn began a private discussion about your quest, but I want to help.”
“Of course, I want you to go along.” Lyra grinned from ear to ear. “If that is okay with the Guardians.” She rubbed the back of his neck, how he always liked, and looked up at the Imperial Dragon.
“Allow me to confer with my colleagues.” He turned away and bent his head low into a huddle of the four great minds. After a couple minutes, he raised. “It is our joint opinion he will be an asset to your mission. Sire Kenzo is hereby granted right to accompany our Scribe on her quest.”
With the declaration, the owl’s shoulders relaxed, and he lowered his head to give Lyra greater access to his neck feathers.
“I’m so glad you’re coming along. Thank you,” Lyra whispered, bending next to him. With her arms spread wide to embrace him, she asked, “Will you ride or fly?”
“I’ll fly.” He stepped one spine closer to her, resting his body against hers.
She wrapped her arms carefully around her friend.
Again, she held out an open palm to the small group below. They returned the gesture. A knot formed in her throat as they lifted off.
***
Darkness pressed in on her from land and sky, though her star blazed like it knew its destiny to fuel her power. Lyra felt her purpose, clear and strong.
Yord’s wings beat slowly, gliding easily on gentle breezes.
Kenzo’s ruffled feather tips kept his flight completely silent.
After several minutes, the Sea of Cogadh churned under them, shimmering with reflections of Hamal. Ahead, on the horizon, water droplets forming the mist of Silva Caliga caught the starlight and glistened as though it called an invitation.
She hoped the forest and its inhabitants would accept her as a kindred spirit.
The sentry descended and landed on the shore before the mysterious woods. Waves crashed high over the narrow stretch of coast, perhaps to mingle the water’s magic with whatever the scraggly trees possessed. His talons gripped the few dry boulders to help him step closer to the forest. After some consideration, he lowered for her to dismount. “I’m afraid this is as far as I can carry you.”
Lyra slid off and patted the side of his neck. “I’ll be okay. Don’t worry.”
The owl landed on a limb overhanging them. “If she’s in danger, I’ll be certain to alert you.”
“Thank you for accompanying her, a task I would give my life to do.” Yord bowed his head to them. “Adalyra, it is time we part, but I pray it will be only for a short while. If I receive any word, from Sire Kenzo or Gatekeeper Cranewort, I shall be at your side.”
She hugged his neck and pulled away. With a couple of steps, she reached the first trees and turned to wave. Looking up at the owl, she asked, “Are you ready?”
He saluted a wing to the dragon and sailed a short distance into the woods.
Lyra followed. The mist grew thicker the farther into the forest they traveled. Ahead, tree trunks disappeared into the haze. She paused and looked back; through wisps of fog, turquoise light of dawn silhouetted Yord’s frame flying away.
“Lyra! Help!” Kenzo yelped from a perch in a nearby tree. “The bark’s grown over my feet.”
She raced closer and pointed a hand at the branch. “Liberatio!” At her command, the tree released its grip.
The owl sped a safe distance, panting. “Thank you. Trees have never minded me before.”
As soon as he said the words, the offending tree, a tall exaggeration of a fir, flailed its limbs in his direction.
“Watch out!” Lyra screamed.
He sailed out of reach, the twigs missing him by inches. “Yeow! That tree is fast! I can miss magic bolts with more distance. Why is it pursuing me?”
“Don’t know, but let’s move away from it.” She motioned along a path.
He didn’t waste any time and soared ahead about a hundred feet, hovering in a small open glade while he waited for her to catch up.
She chased after him, looking over her shoulders at trees on either side. Turning to face forward, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
Trees on the perimeter of the clearing moved their roots through the soil, closing in on Kenzo. Two wound around his ankles and he hooted.
The roots lifted him upside down as several branches took hold of him. They vied to claim him by cementing him in place with extensions of their bark. The skin of his talons lay shredded and bleeding.
“Liberatio! Liberatio! Liberatio!” Lyra yelled, turning on her heel. Directing the incantation through an outstretched fist, she waved violently at each attacker. As soon as one branch recoiled, stung by her magic, another took its place. She spun in circles, screaming, “Cesso! Cesso! Cesso!” to force dozens to withdraw. Soon, branches and roots outnumbered her.
She needed to blast the trees with powerballs, her weakest skill. One last try—one more incantation. She squared off against the largest tree at the forefront of the attack. “Aboleo!” The three-foot wide trunk sliced in half, and the gigantic mass fell forward toward the two of them.
Kenzo, now free, perched on Lyra’s shoulder. He dug talons into the layers of her clothing, scratching her skin. With hard down strokes of his wings, he whisked her clear of the falling tree.
Once landed on the ground, she looked around. “The whole forest is closing in. What do we do?” Her pulse raced. She kept a hand on the owl, now at her side.
“I might be strong enough to fly us above the canopy, but no farther.”
“They’d capture us before we got there.” She looked to the sky for Hamal to gain strength and guidance. The leaves and mist blocked all but tiny spots of light, and even those were quickly covered by trees lurking closer.
In desperation, Lyra created a small protective ward around the two of them. Twigs scratched its sur
face, and she reinforced the shield with more power.
Eventually, one found a weak spot and sliced inside, grazing one of Kenzo’s feathers. His whole body shook.
They crouched lower and held each other.
Out of the shadows, a man appeared in front of them. Without a word, he planted black boots solidly outside their ward. The jagged hem of his dark cloak twisted in front of them. A hood covered his head, keeping it from view. He carried a heavy wooden staff carved with effigies and topped with a horned skull.
Lyra’s heart thudded in her chest—the rider of the cimafa. Silva Caliga lured her in order for him to collect her aura. But, Elisabeth’s message—she was destined to know the happiness that escaped her ancestor. What was that happiness? Did it include knowing this evil man? She stared at the darkness under his hood. At least Elisabeth wished to stay alive. So maybe destiny would be in Lyra’s favor to spare her.
The mysterious man strode over to the nearest tree and placed a bare hand on its bark. He leaned his body into the trunk, resting the side of his head against it. The gnarly branches jerked and shrugged, succumbing to his control.
Without incantation or powerbolt, the ancient tree relaxed its outstretched limbs and eased backward in retreat.
Lyra quivered.
Kenzo remained low, huddled to her. Apparently, this man was a stranger to him also.
She twisted her head to watch the cloaked figure. With wide strides, he approached a dozen lead trees, touching each in the same personal manner.
When he seemed satisfied, he held his hand in the air, facing the circle of trees, and slowly stepped around their ward.
The trees obeyed his command and moved away, leaving Lyra and Kenzo in a mist-filled glade. Hamal twinkled violently. Too frightened, she couldn’t read its message.
Then, the man positioned himself before them and grabbed hold of his hood. Black, straight hair spilled out as he drew it back. A face she knew, handsome with angular features—Revelin.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Silva Caliga
Lyra sat motionless, her eyes glued to Revelin.
He set his heavy boots wide apart and flung his cloak behind one shoulder, its hem twisting and turning of its own volition. A violet-gemmed pendant glinted, reflecting the angled rays of dawn. His black eyes rested upon her, silvery streaks in the pupils worked some magic to capture her attention.
She forced herself to look down, but felt his energy pressing upon her. Her eyes rested on the ornate buckle of his belt, silver with more purple stones. Black leather pants fit tight, inviting her to look lower over the bulge of his male package and strong thighs. Heat crawled up her neck, and sweat beaded along her hairline. She clenched her jaw and balled her fists, preparing to draw her inner strength for quick use. She scanned her memory of the texts she studied without any success. Could he strip her aura like the cimafa?
A loud squawk sounded in the distance, from a bird apparently much larger than the chittering forest warblers stirring on the branches.
Beside Lyra, Kenzo jerked. “Hoot!” blurted out, causing Revelin to grab him by a wing.
At the same time, he snatched her arm. His strong hand dug painfully into her flesh.
She winced as he dragged them out of the clearing. Resisting, Lyra twisted to see what creature made the noise. Her guess proved correct—a giant crane, one of Cranewort’s, heralding in the new day, looking for those in need of power from departed souls. She planted her heels into the ground, wanting the great bird of the Alliance to come to their aid.
The call grew louder and more familiar, followed by a shrill cawing. The tiny songbirds nearby flitted noisily in all directions.
“Lyra, please come with me,” Revelin pleaded. “I can give you safe passage through Silva Caliga, but we must hide now.” He kept his voice low and encouraging, but his grasp remained fierce, clamped onto her shoulder tendons.
She wedged her foot against a rock, hoping he couldn’t command it to move away.
He released his grip and offered her an open hand. “An avril follows us. Please come with me. I can help.” He had dropped the magic in his eyes.
Lyra unlocked her extended legs and glanced around for the tiger owl.
Kenzo’s face turned away from her, searching the sky.
She scanned Revelin’s expression and gestures. He used no craft on her, only an imploring look and an open hand.
Cawing resounded off tree trunks, and Lyra’s peripheral vision caught a large shadow of a bird—an avril, the scout bird of the Black Dragon. She accepted Revelin’s hand without hesitation.
Kenzo’s head whipped forward, and he flapped and hooted wildly.
In an instant, Revelin whisked them behind a wide tree trunk. He placed her and Kenzo next to the bark, the hard wall of his chest squeezing them so tight Lyra couldn’t breathe. Grasping the sides of his cloak, he pressed glowing hands against the bark on either side of her head.
The tree creaked and popped, and a host of tiny screams and moans reverberated in her mind, increasing in intensity until it crowded out most of her own thoughts. Noises her ears didn’t hear confused her so much she couldn’t access her aura. She panicked, thinking somehow Revelin claimed her power. But the press of his body upon hers meant she remained alive and her aura was intact. Her fists beat unsuccessfully against his muscled chest.
“You’re safe. Keep quiet,” he whispered, his breath hot on her ear.
Seconds later, the trunk behind her shifted and slowly engulfed the three of them inside its vascular tissue.
Kenzo squirmed at her side, uttering a series of trilled whimpers.
Lyra reached a hand to steady her friend.
The noises in her own mind changed to gurgles, gulps, and sloshing sounds. Behind Revelin, the tree formed a new wall of bark. They were surrounded by the life force of the trunk, transporting water and nutrients. No light reached her eyes.
Outside, the avril called with its guttural croak, making Lyra’s skin rise into goosebumps. She wanted to ask questions, but feared the bird would detect her voice.
Revelin’s hand inched behind her head and pulled it to rest against his chest.
The sound of his beating heart gave her a comforting focus, amid the onslaught of frightening and strange noises. She relaxed her neck and eased her cheek under his collar bone, breathing in his natural musky scent mingled with traces of patchouli cologne.
It seemed like several minutes passed while the avril circled. The tight space, like a cocoon, grew cramped. Lyra’s limbs ached to move. Wedged between Revelin’s leg and a hard twist in the tree, her right thigh prickled with numbness.
Finally, the forest stood quiet.
“Can we get out of here?” she begged.
“Yes, I think it’s safe now.” He moved his hands along the tree’s fibers. “Ena erumpo stipes para tres trio dista renovo. Gratia agere dena phasma phasmatis.” Aside from a few recognizable words, he spoke in a language Lyra didn’t understand.
Kenzo fidgeted.
The trunk reopened behind Revelin. He stepped out, lifting a finger to his lips, so they would remain quiet while they exited. He surveyed in all directions, then turned back to her. “It’s safe for the meantime. There are all manner of dangerous creatures here in this wood.”
Lyra checked the severity of Kenzo’s wounds. She shook and stomped her numb leg, fixing her gaze on Revelin. “Why did you save me?”
“Why not?” he replied with a short laugh. “Did you wish to be taken to the Black Dragon by a squadron of fire drakes that followed that scout bird?”
“What does it matter to me whether drakes take me there or you do?” she scoffed and stooped beside the owl, coursing her hands along his feet to mend the shredded skin.
Revelin kicked the forest loam with the toe of his boot. “Look, I’m no bounty hunter.”
Kenzo fluffed out his feathers, probably more to look formidable as her protector than to loosen bruised joints.
“Dressed like a cimafa rider�
��seems like the right profession,” she quipped.
“I frequent these parts. I like you, and you need a hand in this wasteland.”
“What’s in it for you?”
The corners of his lips curled. “Maybe I just want a chance to get to know you.”
“I’m taken.”
“Are you?” A sexy dimple formed in one cheek as his smile broadened, and he folded his arms across his chest.
“Just teach me how you handle these trees, and we’ll be on our way. I’d be grateful for that,” she said curtly.
His expression gave no clues why he side-stepped explaining his appearance as a rider. He hid something or lots of things, but she did need to get past the wicked trees to reach the less-guarded border of Silva Nocens. Perhaps she could handle Revelin long enough to learn basic skills.
“Well, that’s a start. After being locked up in that trunk, I’m a bit thirsty. There’s a stream down the path. Let’s rest there for some refreshment, and I’ll be happy to teach you.”
Be careful,” Kenzo whispered as he flapped next to Lyra’s ear.
Lyra gave the owl a slight nod and looked to Revelin. “If it’s not far.”
With a flourish of black cloak and a grin, he pointed in the direction. “Allow me to lead the way.”
When they traversed the clearing, Lyra scanned the sky for the avril, fire drakes, or any friends. The sun, now high in the sky, blinded her. Evidently they were inside the tree longer than she thought. She tried to determine if Revelin led them in the correct direction. The sharp rays obliterated the view of Hamal she needed for navigation, although she still perceived its energy connecting to her own. The evergreen fir-like trees hid the horizon, so she couldn’t find the reddish haze given off from the Dark Realm.
They traveled into a dense part of the forest. Unlike the gnarly trees that attacked her and Kenzo, these trees rose eighty feet on arrow-straight trunks. Lyra eyed those she passed. With their height, they could be more dangerous. Scattered beams pierced the high canopy like spotlights, illuminating patches of ground fog. As they continued, a thin blanket of snow covered the floor. The fog lifted the whiteness to meet the light.
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