Past of Shadows

by Colleen Connally

  Slowly, she edged upward off the soft mattress on which she lay. She realized her welfare had been attended to, but little else.

  The room was as she had never known. It was large and had hanging tapestries of flying Sordarins in battle flowing down the sides of the walls. A fire blazed in the hearth alongside of glass double doors, which opened to a great balcony.

  Washed and dressed in a misty gown of pale silk, she loved the feel of the silky material against her skin. Her hair hung long down her back, brushed to a shine.

  She eased down onto the thick rug. For a moment, she clung to the bedpost. She was dizzy, her head hurt. Her arms ached.

  “Take care.”

  Kela turned to the sound of the voice.

  Twiten walked into the room, smiling broadly. She could not remember Twiten ever smiling.

  “Where am I?” she asked in a low, crackled voice.

  “At Hovoamia, King Edulf’s manor in Lanka, the farthest east point of Scarladin. It was the closest to the Payelaga Desert. You were flown here when the battle was over. You have slept for well over five days.”

  She looked up at Twiten, waiting with expectation. Holding her breath for a word, a sign, the least a hint of satisfaction.

  He pressed his lips together tightly, carefully considering his words. “King Edulf has acknowledged your bond with Cono and is persuaded that the actions of the other night has deemed well for Scarladin. The Arachnidans attacked with the desert storm at the most inopportune time. It seems evident that they had waited until such an opportunity. If not for your actions, the whole of the army would have been wiped out.”

  “What of your objections?”

  “Without question, I find that my misgivings were unfounded and unquestionably you are stronger, much stronger, with Cono by your side. Do you realize what you have done?”

  “No, I reacted only,” she answered honestly. She moved out to the balcony. Twiten walked behind her.

  Gripping the railing, her breath was taken away. The balcony towered over the grounds of the manor. She saw everything; an array of gardens, the wings of the manor, and the people coming and going from the hall.

  She took a deep breath. The air was brisk and clean. Much needed to settle her stomach and mind.

  “The reach of your shield exceed any expectation, Kela. The magnitude of the thrust on the ground crumbled the earth, crushing those within the tunnels and allowed the other Arachnidans to be picked off with ease,” Twiten said, standing behind her. “There are still questions. To do so, without training alongside Cono, King Edulf feels that your bond is instinctual. It does not need to be reinforced but will, when together, protect.”

  Confused, she turned back to the wizard. “I don’t understand.”

  “I believe it will be for King Edulf to tell you what he has planned, but he is happy, extremely so.”

  Her heart raced. “Then I can return? I can be acknowledged once more?”

  “I am certain King Edulf has a plan.”

  Her heart burst with joy. “And Cono?”

  “It is not for me to say, but if it was, I would not separate the two of you.”

  “Where is Cono?”

  “I expect he will be here within the day,” Twiten said. “He has sent messages for you. I have told him you hadn’t awakened, but seemed in good health…and was in good hands. He seems to care for you deeply. It is good. Is it not?”

  She turned back to Twiten, astonished by his words. “Truly,” she admitted. “I want nothing more.”

  * * * *

  Shortly after Twiten left, Turstan burst into her room. After making sure she was whole, he gleamed with pride and had her recite the entire venture. He told her that rumors abounded about her performance.

  Though, it was not glory that she desired. King Edulf had not promised to confirm her existence, which she found strange. She cared only if she left the Forbidden Forest and took her place that her birthright demanded.

  “Falco has no knowledge that you knew I lived.”

  “I told him after he discovered the news,” Turstan confessed. “He understands I had no choice but to keep the secret. Your life depended upon it.”

  “You could have told me why I had no contact with my siblings.”

  “If I had, you would not have been able to keep quiet. You would have found a way to let Falco and Sareta you lived. If that had happened, you would not even have had I.”

  She nodded, not wanting to admit the truth in his words.

  “Alas, I wish things had been different, but I hold faith in King Edulf.” Turstan’s eyes gleamed with the light of a brightly burning fire. “King Edulf is a wise man. He will recall you when it is deemed best for Scarladin. Remember, my child, it is the life of a Euchoun, of a warrior.”

  Kela frowned. “Do you not believe I will return? Pray, what will you have me do? Stay in the forest forever?”

  “Nay, Kela, but within the forest…,” his voice faltered, but his meaning clear.

  Her eyes welled at his response. Turstan’s, her warrior guardian, the hard-hearted soul, concern lay not with the welfare of Scarladin. His worry lay with her.

  In that, she found comfort.

  She kissed his cheek and wiped his eyes, which watered.

  She sat beside him with his arm about her. She lay her head on his large shoulder.

  There she sat until he took his leave.

  * * * *

  It was here Kela was finally able to reunite with Sareta.

  Her heart surged when she finally got to embrace her sister.

  Sareta had come to Hovoamia in celebration of the great victory at the Battle of Payelaga. The whole of the court had come.

  Her sister had been accompanied by Guilda. In which, Kela found she took heart. She had found she had become quite sentimental about her old nurse. Though, Sareta had told her that no one else at Hovoamia knew of her presence, she believed, in time, it would be announced.

  Kela recovered rapidly and greatly enjoyed Sareta’s visits.

  Her hopes ran high that she would be able to start her new life. She waited impatiently for Cono, but said nothing to Sareta of her feelings.

  Sareta said the news of the battle had traveled quickly throughout the realm. Cono’s actions were being sung in praise. Her sister talked excitedly, but seemed to have no idea of the role Kela had in the battle.

  For some reason unknown, Sareta thought Kela would take heart in the fact she felt Cono had a connection to their cousin, Amicia. Sareta’s words exhaled admiration for Amicia’s beloved, which annoyed Kela to no end.

  “Belasquita would not consider a great warrior as Cono for her attached, only a prince or a king will do for her. Amicia cares only that it is Cono. Is that not most romantic? To have a love so deep.”

  “Is it returned? Has Cono spoken those words to Amicia?” Kela’s voice rose higher than she intended.

  “Why no! Kela, of what do you speak? No lady can be alone with a suitor or any man before they are attached. It is not done. Her reputation…” Sareta looked shocked.

  Seeing Kela’s expression, Sareta leaned over to her. “You are different, sister. You are a warrior yourself. Why look at yourself! When you returned as you did, you were dressed as a boy, dirty and filthy! If not for Guilda and myself, you would still be dressed in that dreadful tunic and shirt.”

  Sareta smiled quite prettily. “I imagine that you would be upset. Belasquita’s attachment soon to be announced. Since you are the eldest sister to the heir apparent, it should have been you to marry the Prince of Brixtone.”

  Kela studied her frivolous younger sister. Has she no idea I care not for who Belasquita marries. Does she not understand the magnitude of what had been accomplished? More so than any frivolous talk of illogical matches!

  She drew in a deep breath so not to say the words on her lips. Sareta is a child. She doesn’t know the world as I do. Cono loves me. He could be with no other, nor I could be with any other than he.

  Con
o had no need for another princess.

  No, we are one...bonded forever.

  Union of Promise

  In the still of the night, Kela found no peace. Sareta’s words haunted her. I can deal with all around me as long as I have Cono by my side.

  Yet, in the cold night’s air, Cono was not with her.

  Music resonated down below.

  When the celebration began, she had watched from the balcony. Lights lit up the manor. Laughter and chatter echoed throughout her chamber.

  Doubts had been kindled within her. Should I not be there beside Cono? Instead, she lay alone in bed.

  Unable to sleep, she rose. Once more, Kela found herself staring out over the balcony. Above her, Sordarins were in flight on patrol so everyone could enjoy the party without worry.

  A shadow emerged, softly diffusing the moonlight. She stepped back as the warrior circled. A moment later, he landed.

  Cono had come back to her.

  Creating whispers of moving air, he walked towards her.

  All doubts vanished.

  “My lovely Euchoun.” His voice was very low, but he met her gaze. “I have thought of nothing else since that night and have worried endlessly that you spent too much energy.”

  “I have recovered,” she said softly.

  “It is all I need to know.”

  Staring at him, a sudden panic swept through her. Down below, the women were all dressed in their finery. She wore only a simple gown with no jewels to adorn her. Her hair was not in a fashionable twist, but hung long down her back.

  She was no grand lady—only a Euchoun—only herself as she was.

  Her fear was groundless.

  He seized her, crushing her to him. Gone was any pretense of gentleness. He kissed her with a need that met her own.

  She lost herself.

  Her arms came up around his neck and held him fiercely. She shuddered as his lips traveled down her neck.

  She forgot about everything but Cono.

  “All the nights with you at the foot of my bed were torture.” His deep voice vibrated in her ear. “Tonight, there will be no barrier.”

  “You are not going to the celebration?”

  “I have made an appearance. None will miss me.” He paused, pushing an errant hair strand out of her face. “Would you prefer me to leave and let you rest?”

  “No. Don’t leave me.”

  He stared at her for a long moment. “Then let us leave tomorrow for tomorrow.”

  Perplex, she hadn’t a clue of his meaning. He smiled at her confusion.

  “No one knows we are here together. Alone. We won’t have this freedom for many days to come. There will be demands made upon us. King Edulf, Prince Falco…”

  His words hung in the air. He picked her up.

  She should have been ashamed when he pulled her nightgown off. At the least, admonished him soundly. A lady would never accept such behavior.

  Yet, she trembled in his arms.

  Laying her down on the bed, he gave her no more chance to think. His mouth came down hard upon hers, releasing a yearning within him as her own exploded.

  He ravished her. His lips moved from her lips, down to nape of her neck, and ran a hand slowly down her leg. His hands went to her breasts, circling her nipples until they tingled. He played with them, pinched them between thumb and forefinger.

  Flushed and breathless, she was afraid. Guilda had told her tales of fallen women, who gave themselves to men. Had she not seen the whores in the Payelaga Desert? Had she not witnessed Silas fuck one?

  She may have been ignorant of the world, but alarm fled through her.

  With her hesitation, he stopped.

  “I will not know you completely tonight, Kela, but this I know, as do you. We are meant to be together. In my heart I feel it. I want no other but you. You are mine as I am yours. I will never hurt you, but will protect you forever. Tell me you don’t want me to stop because you want me as I want you.”

  She would not deny Cono. “I want nothing more.”

  “Trust me,” he whispered.

  His wings covered them both, his head lowered. He suckled her breast for a long time, shocking her with the pleasure he gave. Sensations piled on one another.

  His mouth teased her while he moved his hand over her flat stomach down to the wetness between her thighs. He stroked her, prodded her to respond.

  She did.

  Stunned, her body exploded with a cascade of sensations. Then, inexplicably, he released her and touched her no more.

  Her body’s pleasure eased.

  She opened her eyes to find him smiling down on her.

  “I went farther than I intended,” he said, furling his wings. He moved quietly to the edge of the bed so he could find comfort on his side as his wings rested off the bed.

  He bent down and brought up the covers around them. His arm rounded her.

  She stared at him. Shame filled her, lying naked in his arms.

  “Kela, don’t.” He read her mind. “I should have never taken advantage of you as I did, but…to all the saints…I could not contain myself. Take comfort your innocence is still intact,” he said gently. “Barely perhaps.”

  “I…” She searched for words. She wanted to say I loved you, for her heart swelled with emotion, but he had not said the words to her.

  “You will not have to worry about my intentions after tonight.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. “I am to ask King Edulf for your hand in marriage in the morning.”

  “You want to marry me?”

  “I love you, Kela,” he answered. “Be prepared, though. I don’t know if you will ever be acknowledged as King Edulf’s granddaughter.”

  The words hurt her. The dream of being recognized for who she truly was would be lost. Yet, before her was the man she loved.

  “I need only you.”

  He held her until the morning light. They talked the night away. He talked to her of his life: the battle, his home, his grandparents, his mother’s family, Scarladin… At some point in the night, they slept for a time. When she opened her eyes, his were on hers.

  “Kela,” he uttered her name as if it was sacred. “This is what I dream of—waking with you, knowing you are mine…”

  “Always,” she finished for him.

  “Always,” he promised.

  * * * *

  Cono had no qualms about his presence in the morning light. He played her maid, dressing her in a manner that no one would suspect she had spent the night in his arms.

  He even took to her hair, brushing, braiding, and twisting back into a bun.

  Kela laughed joyfully. She was happy, truly happy.

  With the greatest reluctance, he flew off when footsteps resounded outside the door. For a brief moment, she thought he was going to stay, but he kissed her quickly and took to the air.

  She stood on the balcony when Twiten walked in with Guilda.

  Eying the sky before she turned to greet her visitors, Kela stayed within the spot Cono had kissed her. Her face, no doubt, beamed her happiness.

  It could not fail to do so, but then she saw Guilda’s expression.

  Immediately, she knew they brought news, news that had upset Guilda and in turn, Kela comprehended, would herself.

  Cono

  Promises and Falsehoods

  Cono soared high up in the heavens. Exhilarated, he dove down through the clouds along the mountain cliffs and back to the Lonhist River near Hovoamia Manor.

  The battle had been won.

  More importantly—Kela was his.

  Last evening, Cono had been honored at the celebration. King Edulf commended him for his bravery, giving Cono the courage to ask for an audience with the king.

  King Edulf had granted him permission this morning.

  The frustration and stress before the battle had been forgotten as well as the ill-thought out confrontation with Silas. The Prince had chosen to overlook the outburst.

  A severe retribution for the hero of
the Battle of Payelaga would have been most difficult. Cono realized he was well-respected by his men. Moreover, his bond with the most powerful Euchoun Scarladin had ever seen could not quickly be dismissed.

  Yet, Cono was not foolish enough to believe it would be forgotten.

  In that, Cono regretted. He had long served alongside Prince Silas.

  With the early morning dew gleaming on manicured lawn of Hovoamia Manor, Cono landed outside at the steps to the entrance.

  Hovoamia was a small castle, but a lovely one. The doors of the manor rarely opened to the royal court, but served as a retreat for King Edulf. Despite its close proximity to the border, Hovoamia was an idyllic place for hunting and fishing. The woods were filled with antelopes, boar, and tigers.

  “Lord Commander,” one of the door sentries greeted him. “Lord Lothar has requested your presence.”

  His grandfather! Cono grimaced. Without doubt, his grandfather knew the reason for his audience with the king.

  Walking into the open foyer, Cono nodded in acknowledgement. The entrance was drawn in a large circular pattern. Towards the back, there was a wide staircase, but seldom did any Sordarin use.

  Neither did Cono.

  Knowing exactly where he would find his grandfather, he flew to the balcony on the second floor and walked down to the king’s apartments. Once more, he was allowed entrance.

  Through the high wide windows of the vast drawing room, the light of the morning spilled across the floor. The walls were covered with hunting tapestries, vivid colors made scenes come to life.

  His grandfather waited for him alone.

  “Blessed morning, Lord Lothar.” Cono bowed his head in greeting.

  Lord Lothar was dressed in traditional wear of the Lanka clan, a colorful, loose-fitting ornate V-neck shirt. A reminder of his roots.

  His grandfather wasted no words. “Cono, you did not stay long at the celebration last night…given in your honor.”

  “It was unavoidable,” Cono replied. “There was a matter I had to address.”

  “As I know,” Lothar contended. “You were seen flying off from the tower this morning.”