Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  The cold river soothed her burning body. Something whizzed past her head. She stopped paddling. Hiss, hiss, hiss, from the right shore was followed by a plunk, plunk, plunk. Sharp pain tore across her thigh. Water swamped her mouth when she cried out. When she came up again, the Racan soldiers disappeared as the river careened around a bend and swept her past the smoky forest. Blackness threatened to overtake her.

  Her body connected with something hard. A rock? Mind reeling, she struggled to stay conscious. She coughed, trying to replace the liquid in her lungs with air.

  “Kick your feet, Alyra.”

  Was that Tarek’s voice?

  “Come on, kick. Help me. Swim across.”

  Her aching legs moved. Tarek’s arm circled her waist, keeping her head above water. She kicked harder, feeling them make better progress as she relaxed and allowed him to guide her across to a low hanging limb. She grasped on. He ducked under, but hung on to the other side, clasping her hands in his.

  “Don’t let go.” He gasped between deep intakes of breaths. Tendrils of drenched curls fell in his eyes. The bruises on his face stood out clearer against the pale whiteness of his wet skin. “Soon as you can, let’s start edging toward the shore.”

  Her heart raced. He’d saved her again, but at what cost?

  “Come,” she gasped, “with me.”

  He didn’t answer. Keeping his hands over hers, he moved them along the trunk a few inches at a time. Her feet finally touched the bottom, but her leg was too weak to support her weight.

  One of the enemy’s arrows plunged into the water inches from Alyra. She cringed, almost losing her hold on the branch.

  From their side of the river, another group of soldiers burst from the woods and covered the shoreline. Archers, dressed in gold armor, sent hundreds of arrows across, driving back the enemy.

  “Who are they?” Tarek asked, mouth hanging open.

  One glance and Alyra knew by the tree on their breastplates. “Alburnium warriors.” But they were different than Marcel’s troop. These human-like beings seemed to glow.

  “Alyra,” called a familiar voice. She found the Guardian, Issah, standing on the shore. He was dressed like the warriors, instead of in the brown traveling clothes he’d worn before. Or, maybe it was someone else who looked like him.

  “Come,” He reached out his hand, the same hand that had beckoned her before. She’d spurned him then, but not this time.

  Using the last bit of her strength, she flung out her arm. His fingers clasped around her wrist and pulled her to safety. She flung out her free arm for Tarek.

  He was gone.

  Chapter 17

  “Nooo!” Alyra cried, trying to dive back in, but something restrained her. “You have to save my friend.”

  Her vision blurred, and everything went blank as she collapsed. The next thing she knew she was on dry land. Rohond perched right above her head. “Is she hurt?”

  Alyra opened her eyes. The Guardian they’d also called Issah, crouched beside her. He checked her arms and legs. Next to him stood two of the most beautiful warriors she’d even seen, with pale skin and flowing hair. Their gear sparkled with newness. Behind them, a group of centaurs stood partially hidden in the bushes.

  “Nothing too serious.” Issah lifted her in his arms. “She’s going to be fine.” Alyra gaped at the white-clad warriors, the centaurs, and then Issah’s kind face and wondered if she’d fallen into an even stranger dream than Lord Darnel could conjure.

  “Tarek?”

  “He made a different choice,” Issah whispered, his voice sorrowful.

  Why hadn’t he held on? They would have saved him, too.

  Issah carried her to the stern-faced centaurs. Lotari stood beside Wyndham.

  “We must get her to safety.” His gaze locked on Lotari. “Will you take her to the next stream that crosses the Highway?”

  Lotari turned so she could be placed on his back. Wyndham scowled, but said nothing.

  The hawk flew down and landed on the man’s shoulder. “Rohond,” Issah pointed. “Lead the way for them. I’ll see what I can do to calm this situation. Go, make haste.”

  Lotari took off without a second glance. Alyra wrapped her arms around his waist as the trees turned into a blur. The hawk stayed a few feet ahead. Head swimming, she feared passing out.

  The centaur’s hand grasped both of hers and held them tightly against his chest. “Hang on, little one. We’ll soon be safe.”

  She nodded, burying her face in the thick fur running down his back. She shut her eyes against the motion, hoping to quell the churning in her stomach. When his galloping hooves eventually slowed, she opened one eye. The familiar white stones flash by and she began to breathe easily again.

  Lotari didn’t stop until the river reached his flank. Alyra slid off his back and let the cold water wash over her, soothing the pain in her leg and arm. Unfortunately it didn’t sooth the searing pain inside her chest.

  Tarek.... Disappearing in the blink of an eye. Everyone she had contact with ended up in trouble or dead. Dean killed for helping her. Jerin angry and now lost. Her mind whirled with fear and concern that Many River’s misfortune was her fault. Those soldiers were looking for her. And Tarek... prisoner and forced to hunt her down for fear of what might happen to his family.

  Yet he let her go. Would he suffer for that as well? Her stomach twisted. She crawled to the edge of the stream, fearing she was going to get sick again. She swallowed down the burning bile, blinked away the tears, and held back the sobs threatening to escape.

  Rohond landed on the shore and fluttered her feathers. Boiling clouds obscured the sun completely. Thunder rumbled, followed by heavy sheets of rain, pushed on by a stiff wind. Lotari hurried out of the water and stood beneath a sprawling willow.

  Alyra tilted up her face, allowing the tears to flow now and mingle with the rain pouring down her cheeks.

  “Come under the shelter, silly girl,” Lotari chided.

  She ignored him. The damp air soothed her charred lungs. The pain in her chest didn’t ease, but at least she could breathe again.

  Hands grasped her shoulders, pulling her to her feet. His hooves clomped over the rocky ground as he led her beneath the willow. He pressed his water bag to her lip, urging her to drink. She obeyed. The liquid eased her tender throat. Rough thumbs wiped the wetness from her face. For a moment, his concerned eyes came into focus.

  “I have some berries I collected this morning. Are you hungry?”

  She shook her head, knowing her stomach would reject anything she tried to put into it. He helped her settle down in a crevice formed by the tree’s thick roots. He checked her wounds, wrapping her leg with the torn edge of her charred cloak to slow the bleeding. He then pulled a small wooden instrument from his bag and began playing a calming tune on his pipes. His horse legs folded as he sat beside her.

  Resting against the rough bark, she let the music still her racing heart and anxious thoughts. The downpour lasted for nearly an hour before slowing to a softer shower. The boughs of the tree hung heavy with raindrops.

  Water dripped on her, but she ignored the irritation. She couldn’t feel any more miserable anyway. Her leg hurt from the gash, her arm from the burns, and her heart broke for the people of that beautiful town. Lotari seemed unconcerned over the whole ordeal. A smile played across his usually stern face as he picked a couple of burrs off of his horse legs.

  Finally, as the heavy rain subsided, he asked, “I don’t suppose any of the bread I made you remains?”

  Taken aback at his callousness, she glared at him. He’d seemed kind and caring when she was traveling alone. Did he not care for the townspeople anymore than his clan did? Alyra pulled off her pack and threw it at him.

  He caught it, brows knit in confusion for a moment before his face relaxed. “Alyra , they will be fine. Why did you not stay in the meeting hall like the others?”

  “I didn’t want to get burned up! Why wouldn’t they flee?” Hot tears stun
g her eyes. “All those children...”

  “Foolish child, have you not listened to anything? The white path is safe. The white buildings are safe as well.”

  She shook her head, unable to believe his words.

  He nodded in affirmation. “This is the reason I told you to make haste. The kingdom town offered a protection against the enemy. The only damage was to a couple of buildings and the surrounding woods. We centaurs will help the trees re-establish themselves.”

  Fresh tears pooled in her eyes as she wondered how much more damage she would leave in her wake as she made this journey. Perhaps going back would at least save others from suffering because of her foolishness. She took a deep shuddering breath, sealing her turmoil and confusion inside. At the moment, trying to sort everything out was more than she was able to handle.

  “Such a beautiful place. What a waste.”

  He shrugged. “Never a waste. Before they established Many Rivers, we fought all sorts of evil pests polluting the woods. Those bred in the evil lands. We spent most of our days keeping them out. But once the kingdom people moved in with their white roads and safe houses, the mutated beast retreated.” He opened her pack. His brows shot up in surprise as he dug through the contents.

  “They will rebuild. We are a marvel at tending the forest and helping them re-grow. This bag must be Logorian made. Nothing is damaged or wet.” He took one of the cakes for himself, and tossed the hawk a chunk. “What do you think, Rohond?”

  She pecked away the treat. “Most rebuild. Some may give up and return to the safety of Aloblase. Usually, they are the ones who weren’t ready to go out in the first place.” She grew quiet for a moment, her head bobbing and tilting as if listening. “I must go now. I’m needed at this time. Good bye for now.” Spreading her massive wings, she took flight, heading back toward the town.

  Lotari sighed. “Nothing in here will help with your burns.” He searched through the surrounding plants and trees. “Perhaps I can find something…”

  “I didn’t hear anything, did you? Why’d she leave?”

  His shaggy brows knit in consternation. “I am not her keeper. How am I supposed to know? Rohond serves as a messenger and scout for the Guardian, though she’ll help anyone who asks.”

  Alyra wondered if she had seen Jerin anywhere.

  The rain stopped, the clouds evaporating as rapidly as they formed. Lotari stepped from under the willow into the warm sunshine under a bright blue sky. Alyra could only stare in wonderment. The centaur turned back toward her with a wide grin. They both burst into laughter.

  Lotari lifted his arms and shouted, “Praises to King Shaydon, protector and provider of all his people.”

  Another person’s laughter joined his. “And many thanks to the Great King for hearing the request of his beloved children.”

  On the bridge, stood the man who’d saved her from the water. He no longer looked like the warrior she’d seen next to the river, but rather like the simple traveler she’d met the day Jerin and her split.

  Lotari walked into the water and looked up at him. “You’re not even drenched from that downpour?”

  The man shrugged with a mischievous smile.

  Lotari’s eyes narrowed as a crooked grin crossed his bearded face. He gave the water a kick, sending spray up onto the bridge and wetting the man’s feet.

  Issah looked down at the spots on his brown pants. “Really now?” With that, he leaped down about four feet into the river. The splash fight began.

  Alyra crept back beneath the willow to watch in safety as the man and beast battled with much laughter and shouting. The man had the centaur in a headlock and attempted to wrestle him down into the water. The centaur spread his four legs apart, wrapped his arms around the man’s waist and both tumbled over together.

  She couldn’t help but laugh at their play. They seemed like good friends. Part of her wished to jump in and join them. Yet the larger part held a cautionary fear of lowering her guard. Then she noticed blood had soaked through the bandage around her aching leg. How would she continue like this?

  “That looks painful.” The man wiped wet hair back from his face.

  Lotari came over, shaking the water from his horse body. “I had no supplies to repair the gash, so I wrapped it as tightly as possible.”

  He knelt beside her as Lotari added, “I considered pine sap for the burn, but it’ll take me a while to prepare a concoction.”

  “You’ve done well taking care of her, my friend. I may have something that will help.” His brown eyes looked intently at her. “Will you trust me to tend to your wounds?”

  Did he know she was frightened of him? She put on a brave face and shrugged, “Sure, if you think you can.” Show no fear, she reminded herself. It only makes things worse if they know you are afraid.

  He removed the bandage then tore back the cloth of her pants. They were singed anyway. “This water will help a great deal’” He filled his cupped hands and washed off the blood. Alyra cringed and turned away. She’d be left with a terrible scar once it finally healed. From a bag slung over his shoulder, he pulled out a small wooden cup, which he filled with water. “Drink this. You’ll get the best from within and without.”

  She looked from the man to Lotari who nodded for her to accept. When she sipped, though, she tasted not water, but a rich, thick liquid that went down her throat like warm oil. She spat the potion out quickly and handed him back the cup.

  His brow furrowed. “Alyra, the drink will help ease the pain.”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine.” Darnel had often treated her to drinks that brought on unwanted sleep and frightening nightmares. She’d not be gullible now.

  Lotari muttered, “Stubborn child.”

  What did he know anyway?

  “Should I find something to tie her leg with?” Lotari asked. “Seems like the only way we’ll get the bleeding to stop.”

  “No, not the only way.” He pinched the skin together, brows knit tight in complete concentration as he whispered, “Renew.”

  A warm sensation flowed through her thigh that joined the warmth emanating from her belly.

  Tearing strips of linen from the bottom of his shirt, he tied one around her leg. He took the other, dipped it into the water and covered the burns on her arm. His touch was gentle and words soothing. “It’ll be as good as new very soon, precious, you’ll see.”

  Alyra watched him intently, shamed over her behavior toward him. She wanted to apologize, but couldn’t make the words form in her mouth.

  “You have nothing to be sorry about.” He tied the wrap into a small knot.

  She gasped. Could he read her thoughts like Darnel?

  “I know your heart, Alyra.”

  Now she found her tongue. “Have we met before? Is that how you know my name?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who are you, really? Lotari says you’re the guardian of the white road. But you called yourself teacher. You look like a simple traveler to me. But then, in town, I heard someone call you…Issah?”

  “Yes. That’s one of the many names I’ve had over time. I would like it very much if you simply called me friend.”

  “Friend? That’s it? Just friend.”

  He nodded with a playful smile. “Yes, exactly. And my friends call me Issah. You can too, if you’ll call me friend.”

  She wasn’t sure how to respond. If he saw into her heart so well, then he’d know she feared him. How could someone you fear be a friend? Yet deep down the desire to trust him was there. Covering that desire was a suspicion that he was so like Master in his abilities, he might be in actions as well. Plenty of people who followed Lord Darnel thought he was wonderful. Just because people followed someone didn’t make them good.

  His penetrating gaze bore into her as he nodded silently.

  Almost proving her suspicions, he said, “Trust isn’t to be given carelessly. Sometimes it comes with time and with a sound relationship.”

  He stepped out of the water and
Lotari helped her to her feet. The stinging pain now felt more like a dull throb, especially when she put too much weight on her leg. At least blood no longer seeped through the bandage. Issah offered his arm for her to use as support but she limped past on her own.

  “Sir, the man I was traveling with… Jerin... do you know what happened to him?”

  A shadow crossed Issah’s face. “Jerin has not returned to the path and has not responded to those sent to redirect him. Hope remains though.”

  She considered asking about Tarek, then decided against it.

  When she gazed at Issah, his mouth turned up in a crooked grin. “Don’t give up hope on your friend, either. Like you, fear drives his choices.”

  Lotari’s brows knit in confusion. She didn’t want to tell anyone about Tarek, yet Issah seemed to know of her worry for him. Were her choices really driven by fear? Maybe he was right about that, too. She was so scared of not only what pursued her, but what lay ahead.

  As she hobbled a few steps along the rocky path, she realized this would slow her progress even more. Biting her lip against the ache, she determined to make it on her own. He said nothing, but stayed close anyway.

  Lotari disappeared into the woods and returned shortly with a stick. “Use this. If it gets too painful, I’ll let you ride.”

  She took the stick and used it as a cane. “No, this will work.”

  “Good.” Issah’s voice sounded sad, yet he smiled anyway. “That should get you to our destination. I will go with you to the healer’s house. You can stay there until you’ve mended enough to continue your journey.”

  Lotari’s legs pranced like a young colt. “You’re going to go see Marya? Wonderful!”

  Issah laughed at his excitement. “Yes, my friend, and you as well. Though Marya is a talented healer, I know she will appreciate your help.”

  He stopped bouncing for joy and the smile on his face faltered. “Oh, yeah I’d love to help. If they’ll let me.”

  Chapter 18