The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1)

by Nicole MacDonald

  I passed the bread along to the others and we slumped to the ground, leaning on each other. Exhausted, we chewed while watching the men set up the shelter.

  Lucky crept down the trunk of the tree then flew across the site to Kassie, startling one of the men. Audi got up from Cat’s side to examine her friend and gently rolled her over, snuffling her to see that she was okay. The cat started to purr as the dog settled down to clean her.

  ‘That cat nearly gave me a heart attack,’ Gredel thought to Phroma, she chuckled.

  ‘Yes, cats are vicious scary creatures, you should be grateful you still have your feet.’

  Gredel gave her a narrow look and removed the tent poles from her harness, while Rumal, Sabyn, and Daron set out the large tent.

  Rumal had to reassure Kerak that he was safe. The young griffon varied between bravado and pride at being a member of the Guard and then nervousness about the storm. As a pup he’d been struck by lightning and his tail bore the white mark. Rumal distracted him with suggestions of how impressed the women were by him, which had him fluffing his newly grown (and truth be told still a little sparse) mane.

  Gredel picked up flickers of the conversation in his head and chuckled at it, exchanging an amused look with Phroma.

  ‘Am glad you’ve never been inclined to vanity,’ he thought.

  ‘Oh give me time,’ she smirked at him. ‘I’m sure I can work on it.’

  Alek left the other men to set up the tent and ducked out of sight behind some trees. Leaning back against one, he relaxed his mind then threw out a thought to her.

  ‘Elena, can you hear me?’

  A few seconds passed then her voice came to his mind.

  ‘Loud and clear, Alek, are they okay? I saw some serious fighting in my vision and we need them safe and whole.’

  He peeked around the tree, showing Elena the image of the four women and two animals slumped against one another in exhaustion.

  ‘They’re fine Elena, just exhausted.’

  ‘Good. Get them to bed; there are clean robes in one of the bags that will fit. Keep them healthy, Alek. If they’re the ones I hope, then they’ll need all their strength for the months ahead.’

  ‘Certainly. We’ll begin the journey home tomorrow, I expect it’ll take us a week. The griffons found the leap hard work.’

  ‘Of course, Alek, keep everyone healthy. Tell the women as much as is necessary. I’ll clarify the rest with them when you arrive.’

  Alek bowed his head in farewell and felt Elena’s presence vanish from his mind. As he stood to move back to the camp Loushka’s thought came to him.

  ‘What did she say, Alek? Are they the ones?’

  ‘She hopes so, Loushka, we must make sure they get their strength back. You and the others too, I know leaping like that is hard work but you did well. Elena is delighted.’

  Alek could feel Loushka beam with pride and in a moment he picked up the same emotions from the other griffons.

  As he walked back into the campsite he noticed Catherine and the one called Kassandra had nodded off, slumped against each other.

  Daron approached him to let him know that the tent was set up and the cot beds ready. Alek turned to Sabyn and asked him to look for the robes Elena had mentioned.

  I was stuck in a dream where horrible little creatures tried to chew my legs as I attempted to beat them off, but my arms were too heavy. I tensed, ready to whack one, when a firm hand on my arm startled me out of sleep and I jumped.

  Alek’s blue eyes once again stared into mine. I blinked rapidly and tried to collect my thoughts.

  Alek smiled at the confusion in Catherine’s eyes.

  'The tent and beds are ready,' he said to her. 'C’mon, let’s get you and the others into bed.'

  Nodding dumbly, I allowed him to pull me up. I staggered alongside Alek and he kept a firm grip on my arm as he led us into the tent. The sight of four cots set up with blankets almost made me cry in relief. I made a beeline for the closest cot and was about to fall into it when Alek’s voice interrupted me.

  'Sabyn is bringing in a bucket of hot water for you all to wash, as I can imagine you’ll want to, and you’ll see there is a robe you can change into. We’ll talk properly after breakfast tomorrow.' he smiled at us, 'Sleep well.'

  Sabyn came into the tent with a large bucket of hot water and pointed out the soap and drying sheets on the small table beside my cot. Loi thanked him and he wished us a good night's sleep as he left.

  Somehow I managed to undress, clean myself, and put on my robe without falling over, or asleep, in the process and it was the best feeling in the world to fall into that cot. It even had a pillow. Bliss.

  When I woke, the sun shone hard on the tent and it was warm inside. The others were still asleep. It sounded as though the men were up. I couldn’t hear them in their part of the tent. Audi, hearing me shuffling, crept out from under my cot and stood next to it laying her head beside mine and gave me little kisses on the nose. I giggled and rubbed her ears then she started to whine at me.

  'Shhhh, we don’t want to wake the others,' I scolded in a quiet voice and sat up slowly in the cot, not wanting to tip it over.

  I eased around so my feet were on the ground then groped for my boots, slipping each one on then lacing the backs.

  'It’s much easier to do when you’re sitting,' I whispered to Audi. Her tail thumped on the ground.

  Grabbing my pants and top, I hunted down the bar of soap. After noticing the rather nasty looking daggers and sword I scooped them up too, they could definitely use a clean. Pushing our way out of the tent, Audi and I stopped as the sun hit us. It was a truly stunning day, such a good omen after last night. A voice called out and I turned.

  Smiling as he strode toward me, Daron spoke softly so as not to wake the others.

  'Good morning, we thought you might all sleep the day away.'

  'It was very tempting, but my stomach’s growling and I’d like to wash these,' I held the washing pile away and wrinkled my nose at it.

  Daron laughed.

  Nice smile. It was a good thing too. The guy was built like a WWF wrestler; I'd bet a scowl from him was scary.

  'Gragnoll gunk isn’t nice, but it does wash away easily and as for food, Gredel and Sabyn cooked a giant breakfast and left some aside for you all.' He looked down at Audrey.

  'And even some for you,' he cooed at her.

  Audrey ducked her head at his voice and gave him her best coy look then rolled over demanding a belly rub.

  'Honestly, Audrey,' I scolded teasingly. 'You’re such a flirt.'

  Daron looked up from rubbing her tummy and laughed, 'She knows a sucker when she sees one.'

  I grinned then spotted Sabyn and headed his way.

  After breakfast I sat, sipping a cup of water, while I observed the griffons and their humans. Masters? I wasn’t sure of the proper term yet. Kerak must be younger than the others, I thought, his mane was so sparse in comparison. It looked like they all had manes whether male or female.

  Rumal gave Kerak’s neck a good scratch and the look on the griffon’s face had to be seen to be believed, it was hilariously comical. Rumal glanced up to see me watching and laughed his white teeth bright against his dark skin. He was a striking man. I couldn’t help but stare at his eyes.

  They look like molten gold. I'd never seen an eye color like that before. He was the shortest of the men. I’d hazard a guess of around six feet.

  I felt positively tiny in comparison to all the men. They looked like guys that would deal with an opponent easily, even without their spectacular sidekicks.

  I continued to observe as Gredel and Phroma appeared to communicate while the strawberry blond man fussed over her forepaw. Phroma seemed to talk to him but didn’t make a sound. You just got the idea from the way Gredel would glance at her and she’d cock her head or appear to nod or shake it. It was fascinating to watch.

  Gredel turned and noticed me watching, so I wished him a good morning. Out of the corner of
my eye I saw Rumal and Daron stiffen as Gredel turned a puce color at my greeting.

  Weird, what was his problem?

  As I was about to turn to Sabyn who was close behind me, Gredel suddenly belted out, 'I’m married!' and rushed off into the bush.

  I sat in open mouthed astonishment while the three men roared with laughter.

  'What on earth was that about?'

  Sabyn still chuckling, explained, 'Gredel was recently married and his father-in-law made a big deal about warning him that once he was married all women would find him far more attractive and he’d be keeping an eye on him as Citaan is his favorite daughter. The old man’s known for being incredibly protective of ‘his women’. We’re pretty sure he’s just teasing Gredel, but Gredel does have a tendency to be a bit gullible, especially where it concerns Citaan.'

  Sabyn winked, 'You’re the fourth woman he’s done that to since his wedding.'

  I stared at him for a moment, 'Well I’m glad it’s not just me.'

  Gathering the pile of stuff I wanted to wash, I queried the direction to the river and Rumal showed me the track.

  Before I headed down it I asked, 'Are there any water creatures I should watch out for?'

  He shook his head, 'No, not in this area, you’ll be fine.'

  Sabyn and Daron exchanged a glance as Catherine headed off to the river. Gredel was their second in command and normally steady and dependable. Then he’d met Citaan.

  Sabyn liked Gredel’s wife, as did all the others, and he firmly believed she was Gredel’s true mate, but he couldn’t understand why Gredel’s brain seemed to stop functioning at the thought of her.

  He sighed as he followed Daron into the bush after Gredel. It was time for a talk.

  The track quickly led to the river and I dropped my stuff near the edge. Kneeling, I dunked my top in the water and scrubbed it full of soap. I heard some splashes and smiled, Audi’s such a water baby and as long as it was by choice, rather than me giving her a bath, she would swim anywhere.

  It sounds like she's having fun. I swished the top under the water, rinsing the soap out.

  The splashes sounded closer and I glanced up.

  Alek stood in the middle of the river, the water lapping mid thigh on him.

  I froze.

  He was magnificent. The water cascaded down his taut, muscular body, his blue black hair shoved back out of his eyes and his white essentially see-through undergarment.

  My jaw dropped. I don’t think I’d ever seen such a fantastic specimen in real life before.

  Alek was surprised to see Catherine at the waters edge. He’d thought all the women would have slept for a few more hours, at least. About to call out a greeting, he stopped when he noticed her slack jawed expression.

  It was at that point I could suddenly make out the rational voice in my head.

  It was screaming; STOP STARING, HE’S LOOKING RIGHT AT YOU.

  My eyes jerked up to dark blue ones, regarding me in amusement, one eyebrow arched.

  OH MY GOD.

  And in the manner of any intelligent, attractive, level headed, sensible female who had been caught out…

  I promptly blushed beetroot, muttered something unintelligent, snatched my things and bolted for the tent. I hurtled past Daron who was headed toward the river.

  Alek stared after Catherine. She’d turned a rather remarkable shade of red then run off.

  Not far off the color of her hair, Alek mused in amusement. She obviously approved of what she’d seen; he chuckled, recalling the shocked expression in those wide, green eyes when she realized he’d seen her.

  'Alek! What’d you do to Catherine?' Daron appeared at the end of the track, a concerned expression on his face.

  Alek smirked.

  Uh oh, thought Daron.

  I know that look. He stopped in the track and gave Alek a look of his own.

  'Explain. Now.'

  Alek arched an eyebrow at Daron’s tone.

  'I did nothing to her,' he struggled to keep a straight face.

  'She simply didn’t realize I was swimming here and seemed a bit,' he paused as he gave Daron a crooked grin. '…surprised to find me.'

  Daron envisioned the scene and gave a snort of amusement.

  'You do know your drawers are essentially see-through when wet, Alek.'

  'You know, I do believe Catherine noticed that. Anyway, I thought they’d be asleep for at least a few more hours and it’s not like I thought to pack my other shorts,' he shrugged.

  I burst into the tent, scaring Lucky, and dropped on my cot, burying my face in my pillow.

  Oh God, oh God, fuck fuck fuck. I can’t believe I just did that!

  'Cat, what’s wrong?' Loi leaped out of her bed and rushed over to Cat who’d just thrown herself on her cot, her face bright red. Cat mumbled into her pillow.

  'Cat, we can’t understand you.'

  Kassie and Sian had joined her by Cat’s bed and Sian stroked her trembling back. She sat up, still bright red and either about to laugh or cry.

  The girls stared at me in concern.

  'Are you okay?' Kassie hesitantly asked.

  I nodded my head then shook it, 'Yes…No…Ohh I’m so embarrassed.'

  I buried my face in my hands for a moment then took a deep breath.

  'I went to the river to wash my clothes,' the others nodded, faces intent as they listened. 'And as I was washing my top I heard a splash. I thought it was Audi. I looked up and it was Alek. He was basically naked in the water and I stared and he saw and oh my God, I feel like such an idiot.'

  I didn’t think my face could get any hotter as Sian, Kassie and Loi stared at me.

  'What do you mean ‘practically naked’?' Sian asked curiously as she bit the inside of cheek to stop a smile.

  'White shorts.' I snapped, 'Wet, white shorts.'

  I glared at Loi who silently rocked with laughter, tears running down her cheeks.

  Kassie had a wide smile.

  'And he caught you staring?'

  'Yep…'

  All three of them did the silent laughter now. Until their breaths ran out that is.

  'Oh—My—Goodness,' gasped Kassie. 'I would have LOVED to have seen that.'

  Sian, wheezing with laughter, nodded.

  'Oww it hurts,' she gasped. 'My stomach.'

  Loi made funny squeaky noises as she fought for breath.

  I, on the other hand, simply sat there getting hotter and hotter.

  Kassie managed to catch her breath and glanced up to notice Cat’s rather spectacularly red face.

  'C’mon, Kitty Cat,' she teased which made Cat’s eyes narrow to green slits. 'Isn’t it just the littlest bit funny?'

  Cat stared at her for half a second longer, then started to laugh. Kassie chuckled and climbed on to the cot beside her. This wasn’t the best idea, as it promptly collapsed and caused the hilarity to reach new levels.

  Outside Gredel stared suspiciously at the tent and the hysterical laughter that came from within. He had a sinking feeling it was about him. He felt somewhat stupid after Daron and Sabyn talked to him, he hadn’t realized it until they’d pointed it out. It wasn't like him to act so daft, and to have to have his friends point it out?

  He sighed and stomped over to Phroma, leaning against the violet winged griffon. Phroma arched her head down toward him.

  ‘What’s wrong, friend?'

  Gredel gave her a smile.

  ‘I miss Citaan,’ he sighed again. ‘And I don’t know what the guys are doing and I can’t leave those cackling creatures alone to find out.’

  He glowered at the tent.

  Phroma made a soothing noise, ‘We’ll see Citaan soon and I’ll ask Loushka what the others are up to.'

  Phroma was silent for a few moments as she chatted to Loushka and Gredel waited patiently. As a griffon rider, he’d been linked to Phroma from her birth and was able to communicate with her via telepathy. All griffon riders had this ability once they had linked. The bonus with speaking telepathic
ally was that you could share images as well as thoughts and Phroma was able to show Gredel the image of Catherine’s astonished face.

  Looks like I'm not the only one to make a fool of myself.

  He roared with laughter, loud enough to startle those in the tent into silence, as he watched the flustered redhead run off down the track.

  Finally, we settled down and the others grabbed the things they wanted to wash. This time, we would do it as a group and we’d inform the men that we didn’t need any entertainment.

  Kassie winked at me.

  'No matter how attractive, huh, Cat.'

  I fought back a smile and growled at her, 'Enough. I’m trying to look normal here instead of resembling a tomato.'

  The others grinned at that.

  'Ready, Cat?' asked Loi, her eyes dancing.

  'As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s get this over with.'

  We walked out to the breakfast area toward the men and they all gave low bows as we approached.

  When they straightened up we could see they were trying not to laugh.

  He must have relayed the story well, they all look quite amused. I fought the urge to blush as I turned to Alek.

  'I trust you are done with swimming at the moment?'

  His lips twitched slightly as he gave another bow.

  'Indeed, allow me to return the dagger you dropped.'

  Alek gravelly handed over the weapon.

  Biting my lip hard to stop from laughing, I accepted the dagger.

  'Thank you.'

  Sian watched, amused, as the couple exchanged polite chit chat along with Cat’s dagger.

  I wonder how long it’ll last, she thought. Cat’s awful at holding back laughter, and if she chomps on the inside of her cheek any harder she’ll bite through it.

  Sure enough, Cat gave a gasp and doubled up.