The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1)

by Nicole MacDonald

  Kassie sank to the ground.

  'What are we supposed to do? How do we get home? What about our families? Are we stuck?'

  Her voice rose with each question.

  'How did this happen? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?'

  The three of us winced at the noise level and Audi cowered behind my legs. Loi looked at Sian.

  'Why don’t I feel bothered by this?' she seemed perplexed. 'I should be terrified right?'

  I nodded in agreement. I had just wondered that.

  Not that I’m not upset, but I’m not having a mini melt-down like Kassie.

  Sian walked over to Kassie and sat down, wrapping her arms around her.

  'It’s likely you’re in shock,' she said, ever practical. 'Your body is designed to run on auto-pilot in a situation like this. Give it a few days before really considering it.'

  A few days, Loi flinched at that thought. What next then?

  She spoke up, 'Then let’s focus just on us for the moment. I think we should make a meal, food helps shock right? And then we should think about a shelter.'

  Sian agreed.

  'Yep, food will help and a shelter’s going to be necessary.'

  We grabbed our packs and pulled out our food. I was surprised to see we had different foods. Kassie had some vegetables instead of the bread I had, Sian some dried beans and Loi had a water bag, made out of an animal’s stomach. The four of us stared at it. Loi prodded it gently with one finger and we watched it jiggle.

  'Is anyone else mildly grossed out by that?' I queried.

  The other three gave tiny nods.

  'Jellybelly,' sung Sian, eliciting a hint of a smile from Kass. Sian gave her a hug.

  Please don’t be too angry, she thought, I really didn’t know this would happen.

  Kassie turned and gave Sian a proper hug back. 'I’m sorry,' she muttered thickly. 'I know it’s not your fault.'

  She wanted to say more but her throat seized up. She gave Sian another hug and they both turned back to the pile of food.

  'Okay,' I pretended to roll up invisible sleeves. 'Let’s make a meal. Now who’s got matches?'

  'Oooh,' Kassie started rooting around in her pack.

  'Is that what these are for?' She held a piece of flint and a piece of metal.

  'Yes!' Sian said excitedly. 'Lets see if we can do it.'

  While Sian practiced striking the flint, which wasn’t as easy as it looked on T.V, we hunted around for sticks and dry leaves. After we’d scraped out an obvious circle of dirt, we set up the wood with the dry leaves underneath.

  Leaning close to the base of the fire, Sian struck the flint again. A spark flew but hit the dirt and burnt out.

  Urrghhh not again, she grumbled to herself and she changed position, then tried again. This time the spark hit a leaf. She leaned forward and blew on it gently. The leaf was absorbed by the flames which spread until the stack of wood burnt merrily.

  We cheered for Sian who blushed, but looked pleased.

  About an hour later we lay on our cloaks, full of food and feeling rather satisfied, all things considered. Audi and Lucky seemed happy enough with their meal of beans and dried meat and we knew we had enough to last a few days.

  'What do we do next?' Loi asked.

  There was silence as we considered this.

  'Shelter,' I said.

  'Let’s explore,' suggested Sian.

  Kassie sat up, 'We really need to find a town or city, our supplies aren’t going to last that long.'

  We sat up and got in to an earnest discussion of survival when Audi gave a sudden low growl.

  Huh? I turned to her and stiffened. The dog was crouched low; hackles raised looking very wolf like.

  Uh-oh. I started to look around, the others too.

  Kassie gasped when she spotted it.

  'THERE.' She hissed, feeling her stomach drop. The others froze.

  'Oh God, what is that?' Loi whispered.

  Sian shook her head, mute with shock. The creature didn’t budge. It just stood there, observing them. It was at least six feet tall, with long limbs and brown green mottled skin. It didn’t look like anything she’d seen before, not even in movies. The creature had a horrid, humanoid face with a hint of protruding muzzle and a heavy brow ridge.

  Softly I said, 'I think we should pack up. Quickly and quietly guys.'

  They nodded and we shuffled around, stuffing everything into the packs, somehow Kassie ended up with a full one. The snap of twigs alerted us to another of those creatures quite a bit closer.

  I could see this one more clearly and the sight made my blood run cold. The skin looked clammy, like an amphibian and its hands were tipped with talon like nails. I shuddered in disgust. It stayed where it was, silent and observing, like the other one but you could sense their intent.

  A strange predatorial energy seemed to resonate off them. Audrey kept up her low angry growl, eyes fixed on the first creature. The weapons made sense now.

  'Strap on your weapons,' I insisted and we set to getting them on.

  Loi’s sword was impressive, it was a long sword and strapped across her back. My sword scabbard was a similar style and Sian helped me get it on. Loi had hers on in a flash, but then, she’d worn them before.

  I hastily buckled the daggers onto my arms and Loi fastened the strap that ran from shoulder to shoulder.

  'Thanks.'

  Kassie moved slowly to Loi’s side.

  'Loi, can I pop Lucky in your pack?'

  Loi quickly lowered the pack to the ground, keeping her eyes on the creatures. Kassie opened the pack and tried to get Lucky in it. The cat was not impressed and protested loudly. They winced at the sound but the creatures didn’t move. More forceful this time, she stuffed Lucky in, snapping the cover shut. Loi slipped the pack on.

  'I think its time to go,' Sian said as she strapped her bow to her back.

  'Where?' I hissed.

  She inclined her head in a direction and staring hard, I saw what looked like a trail.

  Sian looked at us.

  'Guys, we’re probably going to need to run.'

  We gave tense nods.

  'Okay Kassie and Loi will lead; Cat, you and I’ll take up the rear. Loi, keep your sword drawn. You too, Cat, and give one of your daggers to me.'

  I nodded as I slipped a dagger out of its sheath handing it over, and then drew my sword.

  Not as easy as it looked in the movies. The scabbard on the back would take a bit of practice. My heart pounded in my chest. The rush of adrenaline made me dizzy and nauseous.

  I want to run!

  Loi stepped up to me.

  'Hold it low with the point raised slightly, remember to lift it as you go over things and be aware of where the end is. You don’t want to skewer any of us by accident.' She attempted a smile but it didn't meet her eyes.

  I squeezed her arm gently and met her eyes with as reassuring look as I could muster.

  'I’ll manage.'

  I sounded far more confident than I felt in that moment.

  We shifted positions. Sian glanced around and checked that we were ready, then snapped, 'Go!'

  We raced off. Crashes and furious shrieks came from behind. I didn't dare look back in case I lost track of the end of my sword.

  Sian risked a quick glance.

  'Move it guys!'

  Loi could feel her pulse throb at her temple and she willed the migraine away. That's the last thing I need right now, she thought, and focused on the track in front of them.

  Please, please let this lead somewhere, somewhere safe.

  My breath burned in my chest as I willed my legs to move faster. The track was narrow and veered all over the place; we ducked under branches and dodged around trees.

  Sword up, Cat, watch where the end is. Bloody hell! I tripped but managed to stay up.

  'Careful,' Sian gasped.

  Terror crept into my belly and made my knees feel wobbly and useless.

  No. Pay attention, watch the track
. I kept my view narrow so I was focused on it. The track flew past in a blur of green.

  Please don’t let there be any more of those things out there. There's no way I would see it.

  FOCUS. I brought the thoughts inwards, stuffing them far away in my mind, trying to prevent the hysteria that built.

  Out in front, Kassie stumbled and Loi yanked her upright. Kassie’s breaths were ragged as she focused on lifting her feet high enough so that she wouldn’t trip. She could feel the fear buzzing between the four of them. The disgusting creatures hunting them shrieked again, a hideous sound that made her cringe.

  I am NEVER casting a spell again, she thought, why the fuck is this happening to us?

  It was a love spell for Christ's sake!

  Loi jerked her head out of the way as a low branch loomed. Spying a fallen log ahead she let the others know then hauled herself over and spun back to lift Kassie off.

  'Thanks,' gasped Kassie.

  Loi nodded, and Kassie ran on while Loi waited for Sian and Cat. Once they were over she raced back to Kassie's side.

  The log had slowed us down a little and the crashing footsteps that followed sounded closer. Adrenaline seared through my veins as I caught a glimpse of one of those things, it had gained on us.

  'RUN!' I screamed.

  Audrey darted past and launched herself at the thing, snarling. It shrieked and jerked away. The sense of relief nearly tripped me, my focus on Audi as I lurched over a root. I managed to keep upright and she appeared at my side again, no worse for wear.

  Suddenly the forest disappeared and we sprinted across open grass land, buildings visible about a mile from us. I stumbled at the change in ground under foot and the almost debilitating sense of relief at the sight of civilization. A surge of fear ran through me.

  Do NOT fall, I growled in my mind, we are so close.

  Sian could see the buildings more clearly now. They were surrounded by a high, oppressive looking fence for good reason, she thought. Panting hard as they neared the buildings, she could make out people—men—standing in front of the gates gesturing at them to hurry. She mentally rolled her eyes at them; it wasn’t like they were going slow.

  The buildings are a strange design, she observed as she pumped her arms harder.

  We so aren’t in Wellington anymore.

  'Push it!' shouted Sian.

  My body screamed in protest as I forced longer, quicker strides. Men armed with cross bows, spears, and swords, stood by the gates waiting, watching the things behind us. We shot past them, straight into the arms of others who rushed us into a nearby building. I staggered, bent over my knees and gasped for breath as my head spun. The sense of relief was insane.

  We’re safe. Safe.

  My knees buckled and strange hands supported me, leading me to a bench. Kassie was next to me with Loi and Sian beside her, all gasping for breath. Audi was under the bench, waiting. Finally, we could draw normal breaths and sat up, looking around.

  At least sixty people, mostly woman and children, stared anxiously at us. The few men in the room were armed and kept a close watch out the windows. I went to slip my sword back in its scabbard but my hands shook. Kassie guided the sword in.

  'Thanks.'

  I swallowed hard, willing away the tears that threatened.

  It’s just shock Cat, breath, relax. You’re okay. You’re safe. The words echoed in my head as I looked the others over. All red-faced like I must be, with the fear slowly fading from their eyes, accompanied by the realization that a room full of strangers stared at us.

  Kassie gulped. No one seemed to look at them in a bad way, most just looked concerned. A strange sound caught her attention.

  'Lucky,' she gasped.

  Loi’s eyes went wide.

  'Oh shit!'

  Loi hastened to open the pack and Kassie wrenched the top of it wide. They peered in. The cat was huddled at the bottom, her eyes wide in fear. She whimpered at Kassie.

  'Ooooh Lucky,' whispered Kassie her heart going out to her tiny, normally feisty cat.

  Easing the cat onto her lap, she wrapped her arms around the shivering animal. Loi draped her cloak round Kassie’s shoulders shielding Lucky from everyone’s view. The cat relaxed a little and stretched; now she was on her mistress's lap. Kassie winced as claws dug into her thigh but didn’t scold Lucky; just cuddled her until she started purring.

  Loi leaned over.

  'Kass, is she okay?'

  Kassie nodded as she hummed, soothing the cat.

  'She’s starting to purr, so I think she’ll be fine.'

  Cat and Sian leaned over, reaching under the cloak to stroke Lucky’s head, which made Audrey creep out from under the seat to see what everyone was looking at. The dog gave her friend a gentle poke, causing the cat to purr louder.

  A voice piped up.

  'What are you doing?'

  Turning away from Kassie I saw a little boy, his eyes wide, trying to see what we were up to.

  Smiling at him, I explained, 'Our cat was in one of the bags when we had to run and we’re checking she’s okay.'

  He crept closer.

  'Why did you bring your cat?'

  He reached Lucky’s side and gently stroked her, she purred up at him through half shut eyes, adoring all the attention.

  Kassie gave a light laugh.

  'Well we didn’t intentionally bring Lucky; she just snuck along with us.'

  A few people tittered when they heard Lucky’s name and the little boy smiled broadly at Kassie.

  'She really is Lucky. 'Cause if you hadn’t seen her she could have been eaten by the elgrids.'

  Ahh, so that was what those things are called. I could see the same thought pass through Loi and Sian’s faces. Everyone in the room stared at us still.

  They’ll want to know why we’re here, what do we say? I gave Sian a soft nudge. Our eyes connected and I twitched my eyebrow at her.

  Sian stared at Cat.

  I don’t know what to tell them, wailed the silly voice in her head.

  Man up, snapped her rational voice, no, it wasn’t your intention for the spell to work like this but you are partially responsible.

  Cat gave her that hard look again and Sian gave a tiny nod.

  Fine, let’s get this over with, she thought and sat up, glancing around the room until she met the eyes of a woman who stood observing them.

  Right, here we go—best stick as close to the truth as possible. Sian smiled at the woman.

  The woman stepped forward and the room went silent as everyone gave her their attention.

  'Greetings. Welcome to Lothost. My name is Henja and my husband and I own the Inn here,' Henja smiled at them.

  Sian inclined her head.

  'Greetings, Henja. Thank you for your welcome and for your town’s protection, it’s most appreciated.'

  The girls nodded in agreement.

  'What brings you here?' queried Henja.

  Sian hesitantly began.

  'We’re—searching—for someone who can help us. In a magical matter.'

  She watched, amused as her friends’ faces went blank then changed to apparent knowledge. Good girls, she thought, follow my lead.

  Henja looked fascinated.

  'Oh? Perhaps our town caster can help. What’s the issue?'

  'The shield which protects our realm has dissipated. We’re at a loss as to why. This means now creatures such as elgrids can get into our realm, where as before they couldn’t. While we’d heard of elgrids before, we’d never actually seen one.'

  There was a stunned silence as everyone in the room gaped at them. One of the men stepped away from his position at the window.

  'Never seen one? That must be an awfully strong shield.'

  'Yes, it was. We’ve been told there’s someone with great power in this realm. We hoped to locate them and ask for their help.' Sian mentally crossed her fingers.

  Please let this work.

  'Oh you’ll be talking about Elena the Sorceress,' chimed u
p a little old lady. Henja agreed.

  'Gran Nina is right; the Sorceress would be the ideal person to see.'

  Sian felt a rush of relief, it had worked!

  'Where does Elena usually reside?'

  Henja frowned.

  'Well normally at the Castle, but there have been some serious disturbances in the South and I believe she’s keeping an eye on that. Although that doesn’t mean she isn’t at the castle.'

  I listened to the exchange while observing the people in the room. Their accent was so unusual, like an odd combination of Scottish, American and Asian. I continued to listen as Sian asked Henja where the castle was.

  Their costume wasn’t what I’d expected either. Considering our weapons and outfits, I’d assumed the women would be in dresses and corsets. Instead there seemed to be some variety and absolutely no corsets. A couple of women wore heavy wrap-around skirts tied with a wide belt, paired with knee high boots and a fitted boat neck jersey. I was surprised; I guess our outfits aren’t that unusual then.

  Gran Nina wore baggy trousers held up by a wide belt and a fitting tunic with side splits that fell to her hips. My own pants had a wide band and laced up over one hip and were well made if you took into account the sprint we’d just done. What sort of fabric is it, I wondered.

  It isn't leather, maybe cotton, or something like it. I rubbed my fingers over my knee, trying to identify it.

  'We’d like to stay the night at your Inn if you have room, wouldn’t we, Catherine?'

  I blinked in surprise at Sian’s none too gentle shove.

  'Oh. Yes. Certainly, that would be great,' I assured Henja who beamed at us.

  Right, focus on the conversation Cat. It appeared Sian had arranged dinner and breakfast as well as a bath; I inwardly did cartwheels of delight at the idea of being clean.

  Loi interrupted Sian.

  'Henja, would you be able to arrange us some supplies, for the next few days?'

  Henja lit up, eagerness at the prospect of business apparent on her broad face.