The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1)

by Nicole MacDonald

  Kassie shifted closer to my back as we prepared to cover each other. I pulled the other dagger out and crouched, ready. The creatures in front seemed to take that as their signal and surged forward.

  A huge sword, possibly a claymore, swung toward her. Loi jerked back out of its arc and before the owner could swing it again, lunged, thrusting her sword into the creature. Shuddering in disgust at the sensation of penetrating live flesh and the splatter of blood, she wrenched the sword out watching as the creature fell, dead, to the ground.

  Adrenaline flooded through her, blacking her vision for a moment and she fought hard against the urge to run screaming from it all.

  Kill or be killed, that's the way it works.

  Keeping that grim thought at the forefront of her mind, Loi swung her sword at the advancing creatures and focused on the boulder.

  Got to reach it!

  Sian released an arrow and felt, rather than heard, the thud as it struck a creature’s forehead. A wave of nausea swelled at the sudden realization she had just killed a living being.

  Snap out of it, her rational voice roared, this is survival of the fittest. Kill them!

  Thoughts on track, she wrenched another arrow from the quiver and shot a creature advancing on Loi. The boulder was close enough now. With a quick, cautious glance around she sprinted the final distance, scrambling up on it.

  Just in the knick of time, she thought, as she released a volley of arrows at the creatures surrounding Loi.

  Loi looked astonished at the sudden collapse of her foe and squinted in the semi-light at Sian.

  'Thanks.'

  Kassie and I fought back to back, with Audi ducking around, snapping at legs and darting away. I wished she’d stay out the way, but knew she wouldn’t. Kassie hissed in pain. Alarmed I twisted to check on her.

  'Kass! You right?'

  'I’m okay,' she grunted slashing out with her sword, removing a creature’s arm. 'Lucky just took off up a tree and used my shoulder as her launch pad.'

  I barked a laugh of relief and noticed Audi bound away to the base of the tree where Lucky was.

  Thank God.

  Loi appeared at my side.

  'Glad to see you two are okay,' she yelled over the din of the battle.

  'We’re good, so far. And Sian?' I hollered back.

  Loi began to reply when a flash of lightning lit the forest.

  Oh crap, she thought, as the rain started to pelt down.

  'Sian’s good,' she bellowed and at that moment two more creatures dropped dead, the arrows in their heads quivering.

  So I see, I thought, staring at the fresh corpses with revulsion.

  Huh, oddly comical looking, commented my rational voice.

  The temperature began to drop and the wind picked up.

  All in all, this night was getting darker, longer and nastier. My torso was wet with blood, none of it mine, and my arms seemed almost numb from the weight of the sword.

  If we survive this, my arms are going to be black and blue.

  If we survive this, my rational voice thought, it’ll be a bloody miracle.

  Glancing at the others I saw the same drawn, determined expressions as they fought. The thunder boomed overhead and I ducked without thinking.

  Whoa, loud! Lightning lit the sky and the landscape, illuminating the creatures around us.

  Where the hell are they coming from? For every one I brought down another was in its place.

  'Duck!' Loi yelled as she swung her sword over me, removing the head of a creature.

  I dove into a roll and slammed a dagger into the shank of a creature in front of me. It shrieked and swung an arm out, striking me across the head.

  Cat yelped in pain and Kassie jerked around to see her stagger up from the ground then rip her sword up the torso of a creature. As she turned to retrieve her dagger from the body, Kassie saw blood running down her chin.

  'CAT!' she shrieked in alarm.

  'I’m bokay,' Cat yelled back, her voice oddly thick. 'It bade be bite by friggen thongue.' She spat out a mouthful of blood.

  Sian yanked another arrow from the quiver and set it to the bow. Drawing, she quickly sighted and released, hitting a creature behind Kassie’s back. The feathers that sprouted from its forehead gave her a quick sense of satisfaction. It wouldn’t get up again.

  A hard slam to the back sent her sprawling off the boulder onto the ground. Sian jerked to the side just in time as a mace smashed down. Grunting, she heaved herself to her feet and whipped out the dagger Cat had given her, thrusting it into the throat of the mace wielder. Blood spurted from its mouth over her arm and it slumped to the ground dead. Grimacing in disgust she pulled the dagger out and spun around.

  Nope, nothing on my tail yet.

  Glancing at the others, she saw a creature draw its sword back about to skewer Cat, whose attention was elsewhere. Cursing, Sian seized an arrow and had it off in a flash. The creature slowly toppled to the ground, revealing a surprised looking Cat.

  Noticing Sian with the bow drawn, Cat gave a nod of thanks, then moved back into the fight beside Loi.

  Damn Sian's quick with that bow! That was too close a call for my liking. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kassie feint a high jab then drop low with a slash and the innards of the creature she’d attacked spilled out. It uttered a horrific snarl. I felt Loi close to me.

  'This isn’t going particularly well,' she hissed at me.

  No really, I thought, I hadn’t noticed.

  'Any better ideas?' I snapped.

  We looked at each other for a brief moment and saw the answer we already knew in each others eyes. Unless something drastic happened shortly, we wouldn’t be here much longer.

  What happens if we die here? Do we return home and if so, are we dead?

  Hearing an odd noise from above, I risked a glance up. Lucky clung in the branches of a tree, hissing and spitting at the creatures below.

  Audi resumed her guard at the base of the tree, her fur fluffed up like a mane around her shoulders and neck. She snarled fiercely at any creature that came close, but they appeared far more interested in us.

  I hope we survive I thought feeling desperation creep in. I’d feel so guilty if those two were left by themselves.

  Kassie could hear her sensei’s instructions running through her head like a chant. Thrust, block, step backward, step forward, duck, thrust, lunge, as she went through the motions, taking down creature after creature, relying on her quick instincts to move out of the way in time. An arrow whizzed past and a creature on the left toppled over dead. She turned to see where Cat and Loi were and then gasped when the lightning illuminated their surroundings.

  Directly in front of her, a creature swung a huge battle axe closer and closer. She jerked back instinctively.

  Kassie bumped into my back.

  'Sorry, Cat,' she gasped as we both threw ourselves out of the path of a massive axe.

  'Take that side,' I yelled and we both lunged, hamstringing the axe holder.

  It uttered a horrible moan then toppled forward and Loi brought her sword down, beheading it. Above the din of the screams the creatures kept uttering, I heard something strange. It almost sounded like a horn.

  I kept my focus on our surroundings, swinging, slashing, ducking and lunging; feeling like I was on autopilot as we continued to fight. Then a creature in front jerked its head away.

  Excellent. I swung the sword around my head to build momentum. The creature’s attention snapped back to me and I only caught a glimpse of what might have been fear in its eyes, before I removed its head.

  'Something’s happening!' screamed Loi and she backed next to me.

  Sian and Kassie moved in too and we stared as the creatures ignored us. Keeping our weapons ready we watched in astonishment as those remaining pulled away. Loping on all fours, like gorillas, into the forest, screeching in alarm. There was a strange noise and we looked around in confusion. I heard it again and froze while listening. It was a deep rhyth
mic thudding sound.

  Not good, I thought, I can’t see a thing in this storm. Even the moonlight wasn’t visible now, with the thick clouds that had rain pelting down.

  'It’s getting closer,' Kassie whispered hoarsely.

  We stared at each other as a sense of dread crept through me. Audi had frozen at the base of the tree and Lucky was silent. We realized the sound came from above and craned our necks, staring upward. Straining my eyes against the darkness I couldn’t see a thing. Then a flash of lightning lit the sky.

  HOLY HECK.

  My jaw dropped and I gasped in horror as five massive creatures landed around us, shaking the earth beneath.

  'OH MY GOD. They’re griffons!'

  All coherent thoughts went out the window. My eyes felt like they’d pop out of my skull.

  Griffons.

  They were about the size of an elephant with immense feline bodies and each flash of lightning revealed more. Long tails lashing in agitation and massive wings folded at their sides. Sharp, inquisitive eagle heads surrounded by impressive manes. The five of them eyed us intently.

  Desperation flooded my limbs and my knees turned to water as I struggled to stay on my feet.

  Oh crap. What are we meant to do now?

  I felt the others quiver beside me.

  'Greetings, can we offer you assistance?'

  I gaped stupidly at the griffon.

  It could speak?

  About to lose it completely, I realized I could make out a shape behind the griffon's head. A man slid down the creature’s forearm. The move was fluid, the griffon inclining its leg so he landed neatly on the ground.

  Still frozen in our gathered fighting position, we tensed as he strode toward us. An imposing figure, he was tall and appeared to have dark hair. As he got closer I could make out body armor; high boots and a cloak that flared out from his shoulders.

  Yikes, I must look hideous. Realizing exactly how covered in blood and muck I was, I made a quick attempt to neaten up. Keeping a firm grip on the handle of my sword, I hurriedly wiped at the blood on my face with my free hand.

  Ouch, I winced; I could feel my tongue now. Out of the corner of my eyes I could see the others doing the same. After glancing at Kassie and Loi I realized our efforts were pointless. We looked like actors from a horror movie.

  So much for first impressions.

  The blond man leaned out to watch the reaction of the women as his leader approached them.

  ‘He wants you to join him,’ his griffon informed him.

  ‘Right,’ he thought back and swung his leg over the saddle then slipped down Tomiar’s forearm to the ground. The others moved forward with him to stand behind their leader, quietly observing the bloody and disheveled young women.

  The sudden stop from our frantic fight for survival was mind spinning. Trying to get my brain back to a civilized state proved as successful as straightening my clothes had been. As we stood, still on guard, others slid down from the griffons. I didn’t want to take my eyes off those enormous creatures so made quick glances to see who approached.

  Men—all men. My back stiffened.

  What would any sane person be doing out on a night like this?

  It must be nearly three or four in the morning. The rational voice in my head warned me to be on guard. We heard a whine and turned.

  Audi was on her belly and crept toward us through the gap between two griffons. The griffon, which the first man had slipped down from, turned its head sharply, leaned over and sniffed at her. Audi froze and flattened against the ground, her eyes petrified. A whimper escaped my throat and the others seemed to lean toward her with me. The man laughed.

  'Loushka won’t harm your dog,' he assured us. 'She is very fond of small animals.'

  Loushka gave Audi a gentle nudge with her beak. The dog yelped in surprise then bolted for us, scooting between Sian and I. Everyone froze at the sudden and unexpected movement. Loushka cocked her head at us, peering for Audi and then made a chirruping noise.

  The man smiled and stepped closer, barely an arms width away, then bowed.

  'My name is Alek; I am the head of the Griffon Guard which protects these lands.'

  He turned and indicated to the men and griffons.

  'This is Daron and his griffon Nesha, Rumal and Kerak, Gredel and Phroma, and Sabyn with Tomiar.'

  The men inclined their heads when their names were said, the griffons also.

  Daron fought the urge to roll his shoulders; the tension in the air was strong and uncomfortable.

  'Why are they so silent?’ wondered Nesha, as he studied the women who stared wide eyed at them.

  ‘I’m not sure.’ Daron thought back, ‘I think they’re a little battle stunned.’

  Nesha frowned, ‘Surely this wasn’t their first battle? They’re efficient fighters.’ He flashed an image to Daron of the women fighting when they’d first spotted them.

  ‘Maybe they haven’t faced such a large group of gragnolls before,’ suggested Daron. ‘Or ever, Elena did say they might know little of this realm.’

  There was an uncomfortable silence and I realized it was my turn. I swallowed hard, lowered my sword and forced a smile, inclining my head.

  'Hi. Your timing is impeccable, it’s most appreciated. My name is Catherine; this is Laura, Kassandra, and Sian.'

  The girls managed tight smiles.

  'And this.' I stepped to the side, 'Is my dog Audrey.'

  Audi wagged her tail at her name.

  'And that,' I pointed upward, watching their eyes follow the gesture. 'Is Kassandra’s cat Lucky.'

  Lucky meowed plaintively from the branches above. The silence happened again while they stared at us and the animals for a moment.

  'Do you usually take your cat with you?' queried one of the men, Gredel I think. He had light hair and was a tall heavy-set man with an open face.

  Kassie shook her head, 'No sir, but then we never expected to be in this situation.'

  There was another silence as the men studied us. They seemed to be communicating though no one said a word.

  More than a little creepy. I exchanged a concerned look with Kassie. What happens next?

  Rumal watched the small woman or girl who’d just spoken. He’d assumed they were older when they first spotted them. They were very experienced fighters but the one that had spoken to Gredel, Kassandra, that was her name, seemed younger now he could see her.

  ‘What’s happening now?’ Kerak demanded, he was excited to be involved in all this.

  ‘Ask Loushka if we should set up camp.’ Rumal requested.

  ‘Loushka says Alek agrees.’

  ‘Thanks, Kerak.’

  Loi shifted her weight to the other foot, the air was still tense though it seemed as though their rescuers meant no harm. Deciding to be direct about it, she spoke up

  'How is it you come to be here? In the middle of a storm? In the middle of the night, no less?'

  Alek hesitated at the blunt demand. He’d expected it but had hoped it might be when the sun was up and they were rested. The Sorceress Elena ordered the Griffon Guard to leap to this place only a couple of hours ago and their griffons were exhausted, though exhilarated, from the feat. They’d never leapt so far before, but Elena was adamant they got here before anything bad happened.

  He stared at the one who’d spoken.

  'We were told that some people were in need of help in this direction. Why don’t we discuss this more when the sun is up? I’m sure you could use a few hours sleep.'

  Loi looked astonished at his answer.

  I nodded, 'Fine.'

  Turning my back on the men and griffons, I walked to where we’d stashed our bags. The others joined me and we began to dig. I heard footsteps and whirled around to find blue eyes rather close to mine, staring curiously.

  'Urk!' I fell on my backside, startling Alek.

  What? Hasn’t he heard of personal space?

  'Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to surprise you,' Alek offered
a hand to the red haired girl, drat what was her name? Oh Catherine, that was right.

  Catherine stared at his hand a moment then took it. He nearly jerked back at the snap of electricity that passed between them, but kept his grip and pulled her to her feet. She came to shoulder height on him, she’d seemed taller from a distance.

  'Sorry,' I grinned up at him. 'I have high body electricity when I’m hyped up.'

  I watched in amusement as he mouthed the phrase “hyped up” then focused his brilliant blue gaze on me.

  Ooooh pretty.

  'Why are you digging?'

  Alek stared at me and for some weird reason I couldn’t seem to get a grip on any words.

  I could hear the rational voice in my head bellowing at me, oh for goodness sake Cat, he’s going to think you’re a total moron.

  Sabyn snorted in amusement at the sight of the redheaded girl gazing at Alek.

  ‘Looks like Alek’s charmed another,’ he thought to Tomiar.

  ‘Leave the poor girl alone,’ Tomiar admonished him. ‘She’s just exhausted that’s all.’

  Sian turned back to see Cat gaze at Alek in a somewhat awed manner.

  Ooh no, she thought and marched over, giving Cat a shake to snap her out of her reverie, then shot Alek a hard look

  'You’ll have to forgive her; she’s useless with lack of sleep. We’re digging our packs out of the shelter we’d been sleeping in when those things attacked.'

  She indicated to Loi who’d just retrieved a bag and tossed it over.

  Packs. Attacked. Right.

  Nodding my head, I got a grip on myself and turned back to help. Alek walked back to the men and they spoke rapidly to one another in a foreign tongue. Our packs now retrieved, I rummaged through mine until I located the loaf of bread and tore it into chunks. I wasn’t about to use the daggers to cut until I’d boiled them. I grimaced in disgust at the muck that coated the once silvery blades.