by Jaime Marks
Marcus rose a brow hesitantly, looking for some other explanation. “Perhaps it was out of security? That she feels safer with you.”
Byryn grunted and shook his head. “If I tell you this, it stays here, and you can never let her know you know.”
“You have my word.” Marcus nodded studying him curiously. He appeared to be bracing for something.
“She tried to seduce me, Marcus. She took me to the point where I almost broke. Her Darkness spurred my own shift and so help me if I didn’t almost give in to her.” His voice took on a tone of respect as he crossed his arms. “No one has ever been able to come so close to breaking me in any respect, ever, especially not that easily and it was what she was after. She knew if she could break me, open me to the Darkness, I’d give her what she wanted…but it was what made me realize how close she truly was. It’s why I took it all from her. If it hadn’t been me, it would have been her. I could hear her every thought and desire. She was breaking me so that I would break her and take her in Darkness.”
Marcus cursed. “This does not bode well for either of them.”
“No it doesn’t.” Byryn shrugged, “I don’t know what’s going to come of this. She’s predisposed to Darkness, Marcus. I know Reyana is her Mother and you’ve all assumed that she was born Fae but I’ve known her as unawakened Shade from the moment she touched me. Her human side was very dominant, but never once did I feel the Light within her until we exchanged essence in the hall and I’m sure we’ve exchanged essence accidentally before. We’ve always had some sort of connection that drew us to each other. It’s almost as if my essence is drawn to hers. I’ve never been able to get close to her without feeling the pull and I know she’s felt me.”
Marcus sighed trying to figure out the best course of action. “We will have to keep a closer eye on her but I don’t think the answer is keeping her separate from the unawakened Shade. In fact, it might be good for her to see just how many are in hiding, trying to change their fates to escape the tyranny of it. Would it help if I assign Ryo and Tryxia to work with you as well? In whatever capacity you need.”
Now it was Byryn who sighed. “I’m not even a Guardian, Marcus. I have yet to set foot into the Realm of Light. How could I be any sort of liaison to it?”
Marcus approached him resting his hand on his shoulder. “Your instincts are good, Byryn and no one will be able to see issues with the unawakened Shade as you. I can try to manage them but they will only feel oppressed and trapped. They look to you for guidance, it was obvious in those cells. Some of them are already accustomed to it. You may not wish to be in a leadership role, son, but I do not think that either of us can avoid it, even if we want to.”
Byryn chuckled, “Well you certainly can’t...” He breathed deeply and nodded. “If you think it’ll smooth things over, then I’ll do it, but if it gets to be too much…”
“If it gets to be too much you will come to me and I will help you, as will Grifyn.”
The boy looked distant as he looked to the sky, “Grifyn….I don’t deserve his faith. Actually I don’t deserve any of you. You don’t know me Marcus, the things I’ve done. I’m not sure you would trust me with any of this if you did.”
“Do you regret them Byryn, your former actions?”
“Yes.”
“Would you take them back if you could?”
“Of course!”
“Then our faith is wisely placed.”
He shook his head with a groan but Marcus merely smiled seeing the boy clearly. “We have far more in common in this world than you would think. You have to have faith in yourself, Byryn. I know this is difficult and some of the things you face in dealing with the unawakened will test you, but we will be there to help you, always. We are family now son. This is what family is. We aid and protect one another. We love one another.”
Marcus swallowed hard trying not to think of Cymeryn lying so vulnerable on that bed. It was difficult, feeling any connection to his twin after all this time. He needed time. Time to reconcile the anger and hatred he’d harbored for nearly a century with the reality of what occurred.
Byryn turned with his usual resolve pulling him back from his thoughts, “If I wanted to get others, to offer them the same choice, would I be allowed?”
“Do you mean as in seeking out individuals?”
“No, the girls, if you noticed there were only a handful in the cells. There are schools, homes and familial groupings. I know where some of them are.”
Marcus shuddered, “Do I want to know why they are grouped separately?”
“The girls are often kept pure until they awaken while the males are either trained as warriors or priests depending on their lines. Females that are isolated and trained fetch better prices. The schools also serve in some respects as stores. Sires bring Shade there to choose ones that are close to awakening sometimes as fresh slaves. They are groomed in many ways, kept meek and timid.”
“I will never understand…some of their best warriors are female! Why would they oppress them so greatly?” Marcus shook his head. “I will provide you whatever you need but we must get set up and have room for them first.”
Byryn nodded. “There is also the issue of my sister’s Mother. I promised her I would attempt to find her and if I can’t, then I need to find what happened to her. I owe her this. I have to see it through.”
“I can respect that. You don’t have to explain it but if you think she might make an issue of it at some point I would let Star know so she is not taken off guard.” Marcus paused waiting to see if he had any other concerns.
“Then I accept the position as liaison.” Byryn nodded firmly.
“You and I, Byryn are going to have to work closely together to protect the Fae we love. My door is always open to you. I expect you to use it.”
“It goes both ways, Marcus. I realize I’m young and I don’t expect you to tell me everything, but with what you told me I can only image what Cymeryn pulled. The Shadows never joined in the battle which means he never released them. He had to be pretty damned distracted and I know no one can get close enough to put a dagger in that Shade’s back unless he allows it. Cymeryn was Trevyn’s sire. I’ve seen the lengths he is willing to go to, but I also know he is a master of manipulation. If you ever wish to talk, I won’t judge her…or you.”
Marcus took the boy in. He was indeed young, but he had lived lifetimes in his short existence. “You are the only one who has any idea. I may take you up on it if not out of want, out of necessity.”
They clasped arms. “I’ll wait ‘til we’re at the cottage so it isn’t noticed but I’ll spend time with her and see if I can pick up on why she sleeps like this.”
Marcus nodded. “Come, can’t keep his highness waiting.”
Byryn chuckled as he shook his head following Marcus back into the shielding.
Marcus walked up to the group, “My lord, might I present Byryn a Grifyn, newly appointed Liaison of Unawakened Shade and Head of the Personal Guard to the Princess Staryana. Should it please you, your highness, of course?”
Mythos gave him a shrewd look, “Watch your tone, Marcus. Kato, as former Praetor and respected Guardian do you so witness this appointment?”
Kato grinned biting back his humor as he watched the interactions between Marcus and Mythos. “I so witness, my lord.”
“So be it. The appointment is accepted, with the condition that you start private tutelage to prepare for the Academy. Marcus and Grifyn will train you. If you are going to hold these positions, we must make an attempt to get you proper status.” Mythos replied.
“Yes, your majesty. I will comply with whatever is provided for.” Byryn bowed respectfully.
“The boy catches on quickly, Grifyn, now perhaps he could teach our Praetor some manners, hmmm?” They all chuckled.
“Grifyn, I want you to hand out assignments. We need a contingency here to guard against attack and the first contingency sent should remain in the Sanctuary with the arrivals. Un
til we can make other arrangements they will have to camp in the forest outside of the cavern with the Guardians positioned around them. I want the youngest groups first and the oldest last. If you need to insert some of the oldest in with the little ones so be it. Confer with Byryn on who could be trusted of the older unawakened Shade.”
They all paused looking around at the snap of a twig, all except Byryn who chuckled shaking his head. “Kylion?”
They heard a giggle and Byryn held up a finger moving silently. He disappeared behind a nearby tree and then there was an eruption of giggles. He reappeared with Kylion slung over his shoulder giggling gleefully. “Am I in tubble?”
“No little one, its fine, but no sneaking up when there are meetings taking place, you know better than that.” He scolded
“I know, but you were takin’ so long. I didn’t think I wud be beat this time.”
Byryn exhaled on a grimace. “No Kylion, no one is going to hurt you like that again, ok? But there are still rules to follow.”
“Ok.” Kylion giggled. “Can I get down now?”
“Can you be quiet and behave as I taught you?” He asked lowering the boy to look at him and the young nodded. “Alright, then you can stay, but up on my back, spider monkey. I don’t trust you not to find trouble.”
The boy’s smile was so large Marcus couldn’t help but smile himself. His innocence and joy at the smallest gestures was infectious.
Byryn shrugged as he came back to rejoin them. “It was useful to teach him how to be sneaky at one point. Maybe I taught him a bit too well.”
Marcus chuckled, “Apparently as he evaded my Guardians.”
Mythos and Kato smirked stifling their laughter but Marcus was well aware what he had said. “Is Trina well enough to assist you with the preparations, Grifyn?”
Grifyn smiled, “Yes Marcus, she is much better than expected.”
“Good, that’s good news. Involve her if she is up to it. I’m sure you would feel better with her by your side. Can you find the entryway now that I have shown you?”
“I think so. I would want to try on my own first to be sure.”
Marcus nodded, “Go, give it a shot. Come find me if there are issues. The rest of us will prepare to return to the Sanctuary. You can bring Kylion with you Byryn but if I don’t get you back to Star she will likely lose it. I’m sure she’s probably climbing the walls as is.”
“Who’s Star?” Kylion chimed in.
They couldn’t help but chuckle when Byryn blushed and stumbled for words, “She’s um, Staryana is my, ugh Kylion you were supposed to be quiet.”
“You will meet her soon enough, Kylion. I have a feeling she’s going to adore you.”
Marcus smiled as the boy grinned from ear to ear. The young would definitely be good for her. Likely he would be good for all of them as Marcus couldn’t see Byryn allowing him to be far from his side. He’d been virtually attached to him since they got to the camp.
“Byryn, why don’t you go with Grifyn now so you are ready when it’s time to go. You should learn how to find the entryways yourself with the work you wish to accomplish.”
Byryn looked at him sheepishly. “I could see them before once we were inside.”
Marcus raised a brow, if the boy could see them, so could Star. “Now, I’m glad I left two guards.” He grumbled and saw realization hit his face.
“Shit, I’m sorry Marcus. I didn’t realize that wasn’t the case with everyone and I hadn’t even considered that when you’d gone to show Grifyn and I realized that it was hidden.”
“Ryo and Tryxia are both vigilant. Even if there was an issue, she should be fine,” Grifyn reassured them, “but it’s definitely a good idea to head back shortly. Come on son, let’s get the young sorted.”
“I take it you were unaware he could see the entryway? Do you think there is anything we should be concerned about taking so many through to the Sanctuary?” Mythos asked.
“No, if you remember when the three of us entered Reyana could see it. It likely has something to do with her essence. Even though Byryn was awakened by Grifyn, Staryana’s essence is still within him, and her essence holds traits of her Mother. You can feel the bond growing between them, Byryn and Star. If he can see them, so can she.”
Kato chuckled, “I must be frank, Marcus. I am shocked you have not skinned that boy alive.”
Marcus smiled slyly, “He’s not that bad. He actually reminds me of somefae.”
Mythos scoffed, “He definitely should. Especially the way he courts my niece.”
Kato and Marcus laughed.
“I am beginning to understand your animosity towards me when I was courting Reyana. If I didn’t see so much commitment and respect towards her from Byryn I very well could have skinned him alive.” He chuckled, “You should remember to ask Grifyn about when I first met the boy. Come, there is a lot to do and I wish to get back to Reyana.”
Chapter 14
Byryn walked as close to Marcus as he could without being obvious. He tried to sense Reyana, who lie sleeping in his arms but he wasn’t able to focus enough with Kylion moving around on his back. He felt something stirring within her, and a lot of Darkness, but there was no way to know what the cause was without going deeper.
He would have to find a way to be alone with Marcus and Reyana so that he could talk him through how to reach her. If she was indeed warring within herself it was imperative that Marcus be the one to aid her. It was a technique that Cymeryn knew well. If he was in her head, there was no telling what games he was playing. God, if Cymeryn knew of Reyana’s feelings, if she was the reason he had turned? This was dangerous.
He would feel much better when he could hold Staryana in his arms and reassure himself that she was alright. This entire thing worried him. Even if she appeared alright he wanted to reach within her, merge with her so he knew what was going on with her heart and mind. He’d fought too hard to keep her safe, he wouldn’t lose her to the Darkness now.
He took the lead as they entered the cave and rushed ahead, making it to the cottage first. No one was there. He looked around the small space and came out to meet Marcus at the door.
“There’s no one here.” Byryn stated as he tried to hold back his alarm. Kylion was graciously quiet, but he generally knew when Byryn’s mood was off and was used to behaving when things got…stressful.
“Perhaps they are on the other side of the forest. I did tell them she was free to explore the Sanctuary provided she didn’t try to leave it.”
Byryn nodded scanning the cavern. There was no sign anyone had been there for hours.
“Looking for me?”
Her voice came from above and he almost had heart failure as he looked up to see her standing at the lip of the opening in the ceiling above them. She leaned over waving and his heart dropped but Ryo pulled her back.
“I really do wish you would move back, Princess.” Ryo groaned.
Mythos’ voice rang out, “It would also please me greatly, Staryana, if you would take a few steps back.”
“I’m fine, Uncle Mythos. Would you like to come see what I found?” Her voice held an edge of excitement.
“However did you get up there, Star?” Marcus asked staring up at her in shock.
“Well I climbed up, but I guess I could let you take the stairs.” She laughed as his face paled.
“You let her climb up the cliff face? That’s a good fifty foot drop!” Marcus glared up at the Guardian.
Ryo cleared his throat, “Your orders were very specific Praetor and her arguments had valid points that tied my hands. I suggest we talk before you next issue orders for her care. She can be quite…innovative.”
Byryn shook his head with a smile, “Always the handful, Brightness. How do I get to you? I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Tryxia open the passageway for them, please.” She called over her shoulder before turning back with concern. “Is my Mom alright, Marcus?” Staryana asked staring at Reyana in his arms as t
hey heard a rumbling in the wall behind the cottage.
Byryn walked around it and found a staircase leading up into the cave wall.
“Over here.” He called and headed up the stairs unwilling to wait a moment longer to reach her.
When he got to the top, she was waiting for him and he pulled her into his arms holding her close. He kissed her head. “I missed you, Brightness.”
“I missed you too, though I had a bit of adventure myself.” She smiled mysteriously. “And who is this little ball of cuteness?”
Kylion giggled as she poked his side. “Are you Starry?”
“Hmmm, yeah, I guess you could call me that.” She smiled warmly.
“This ball of energy,” He leaned down letting Kylion scramble off his back, “Is my little brother, Kylion.”
“No wonder he’s so cute.” She leaned down and ruffled his hair as he giggled.
Byryn studied him a minute, the kid did look a lot like him in all honesty, but most of the Brood held some resemblance. It wouldn’t matter anyway, Kylion had always been special to him. “I hope you don’t mind if he tags along with us for a while.”
“Not at all. It’s nice to see your softer side.” She leaned into him and kissed him lightly. “Just so long as we can sneak away once in a while.”
He reached into her letting their essences merge, sensing her as he pulled her into a tight embrace. She was in control, excited to show Marcus and Mythos what she had found, nervous about her Mother, but there was a lot of Dark essence swirling within her. He knew the moment Marcus crested the stares with Reyana in his arms because it surged forth as her fear spiked. He released her but stayed close, slowly drawing it from her. It couldn’t hurt him and he’d be damned if he let it poison her.
“Is she?” Her fear was palpable and Mythos came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders as Byryn clasped her hand.
“No, Star. She is only sleeping, but we haven’t been able to wake her. I can sense her, she is in there. I think we just need to give her time to heal and rest.” Marcus nodded to the castle behind her. “Why don’t you show me what you found, hmm? We could all use some good news.”