Feel the Burn

by MacDonald, Nicole

  I gestured the man. ‘Why isn’t he using his gift? If it works so well?’

  Ignatius leaned close, his mouth to my ear so not to shout over the noise.

  ‘Because he’s practicing. If he were actually fighting Leseach he’d just blast her with his voice and take advantage of that. The Nyjens are incredible fighters, but without a gift Leseach is better. Now they’ve realized that they’re using her to learn from,’ Ignatius winked, flashing a dimpled quirk of a smile. ‘Just don’t tell Leseach I said so.’

  I nearly laughed and smirked cheekily at him. ‘Are you getting soft, Ignatius?’

  He laughed then and it transformed his face; the stern lines vanished and his brows lifted, his eyes looking lighter all of a sudden. It took five years off him, easy.

  Catherine stared at him with an expression that made his throat feel tight all of a sudden, her eyes warm. Ignatius shrugged, unable to think of words but returned that warm look. They both turned their attention back to the fight. It looked like the Nyjen had the upper hand when he hooked Leseach’s bandi sword, but the Northerner wasn’t out yet. Ignatius watched in admiration when she let her arm loose, her grip on the bandi sword easy and it allowed the hook to slip straight off even while the Nyjen attempted to correct his move. Then, with an abrupt twist of the Nyjen’s arm using the tense hold he had on his sword against him, she hurled him to the ground. A smattering of applause from those watching broke the tension in the air and Catherine stood to go heal the fighters.

  Later, after the Princess retired to her room for her evening solitude, Ignatius took the time to talk with Belsesus and the chiefs of the Nyjens, the Ihali and others. Discussing past battles, methods and techniques that brought victory offered a sense of comfort. Part way into a discussion of a different technique Ignatius realized he’d left the Princess for longer than usual and excused himself from the room, heading for the kitchen. Walking toward Leseach’s room, keeping a cautious eye on the mug of nellor, he jolted in surprise at the sound of a male’s voice and nearly dropped the mug.

  ‘Do you find it difficult to be so far from the North?’

  Rashid, Ignatius realized, and he moved silently to the corner just before Leseach’s door, stealing a look. Rashid stood just within the Northerner’s doorway. Leseach kept a safe distance between them, watching Rashid with a still but threatening gaze. The Lieutenant didn’t appear concerned, smiling pleasantly at the woman who considered him with a mix of conflicting expressions.

  ‘It isn’t difficult. I have my orders and I obey.’

  A grin broke out while he watched the two, drawn to the irresistible spectacle as Rashid calmly asked questions, ignoring the way the Northerner paced like a confused lioness, unsure of her prey. Ignatius watched the exchange for a little longer before clearing his throat and stepped into the room with a nod to Rashid.

  ‘Lieutenant.’

  Rashid stared at him for a moment, the brief flicker of a frown on his brow before he turned and inclined his head to Leseach then exited without a word.

  ‘Good evening,’ Ignatius said, unable to prevent a smirk. The Northerner’s eyes locked on his and any confusion in them vanished, replaced with anger and annoyance.

  ‘Lieutenant,’ she snapped with a toss of her head, turning her back on him. ‘You’re late.’

  The moment of admiration he’d had for her while watching the alien fight the Nyjen vanished and a very real urge to put her in her place hit. Ignatius plunked the mug on the table and stood back, crossing his arms while resolutely ignoring her. Rustling in the medicine basket she kept by her bed, Leseach found the vial of poison he’d given her and walked to the table, her eyes dark as she muttered.

  ‘Some men need to be taught their place.’

  With a derisive snort, Ignatius retaliated, ‘And some females should be taught theirs.’

  She turned on him in an instant, striped eyes narrowing and the pupils grew sharper. She stepped close, her angular face only a foot from his.

  ‘Do try,’ she snarled.

  His fingers bit into his arms while he glared but resisted making a move. Rashid’s annoying comment about diplomacy echoed and he breathed hard through the nose while envisioning lashing out with a fist and knocking that bloody creature back several feet. The desire only increased when she gave her own derisive snort and turned her back on him again, stirring the poison into the nellor.

  ‘Human males, pathetic creatures. So easy to kill.’

  A sense of calm and amusement rose at that and now feeling in control Ignatius stepped to the table and lifted the mug with a mocking bow to Leseach.

  ‘Anytime you have the desire to test that theory, let me know.’

  Walking to the Princess’ room gave him the breather he needed to compose himself and after rapping on the door, he opened it, finding her at the table like usual.

  ‘You’re late,’ she commented.

  Funny how the same words from her lips seemed far less offensive, coy almost, with the sideways hint of smile and sensual green eyes.

  ‘Apologies, Highness.’

  The next morning I sat in my usual spot with Loushka, watching the choppy waves with a dubious stomach.

  Really hope I don’t get seasick…

  I watched everyone on the main deck, spying Kassie and Rumal tucked into a discreet alcove by the covered entrance to the decks below. Rumal caressed Kassie’s hair while they stared over at Loi and Sabyn’s ship. Watching the way they moved together, the constant touches, always aware of the other, produced a hollow sense of longing. In some ways it felt like Alek sat with me constantly and I directed my thoughts to him while the often present but unwelcome tears crept down my cheeks.

  Miss you. I guess before too long I’ll see you again.

  Religion wasn’t part of my life. I was too suspicious of organized religions that required so many rules yet the mere humans that followed them frequently adjusted those rules however they liked, all too often at the command of the power hungry leaders. But I recalled Elena and Yakov teaching us about rebirth, at least here on Gar’nyse. If true, then at some point I would be reborn.

  Hopefully here, hopefully with you.

  Without meaning to I found my eyes drawn back to my gorgeous wee friend and the painfully sad smile she gave Rumal when he wrapped both arms around her solidly.

  I’d give anything to feel your arms around me again.

  Death. The word floated around in my mind while the acknowledgement of it as my, probable, outcome occurred to me again. I kept waiting for a reaction to that idea—fear perhaps, panic, a sense of incompletion? Not for myself, but the longer I watched Kassie and Rumal and the more I thought of the others, the greater the fear I felt for them. I’d wait for the right moment, keep them as far away as possible. Mustn’t let them near her.

  The anxiety the thoughts provoked got me up from where I sat, cocooned warmly between Loushka and Kerak, and over to where the allies and soldiers sparred.

  All practice ceased when Catherine started to utilize her gift. Always impressive to watch, even from the first moments when she learned to handle it, now it bordered on terrifying. Ignatius watched, feeling the prickle of fear at the ease with which she turned herself into a living flame. The memory of clutching that fire creature and getting her to Elena still haunted his dreams. All those on deck scurried out her path when the fire creature casually wandered around the deck, the heat emanating off her was formidable yet she left no singe or burn marks anywhere. Even her clothes remained intact when she returned to normal.

  It took no effort, just a tiny thought, then whoosh, the flames engulfed me. I played with it, flicking the flames on and off like a switch and threw them wider before drawing them in. Oomoth and Belsesus stared with intent expressions, watching avidly while I walked the deck. I rather enjoyed how everyone leaped out the way. Even the tiny but deadly Halenine fae kept their distance. Leseach, her face impassive, observed me from a distance, Rashid a couple of meters down from her. I ign
ored them, fascinated for the moment with the change and strength of the energy within. Extinguishing most the flames, I kept some just on my palms, admiring the effect, then stretched both arms out to either side and arched those flames overhead, taking particular pleasure in flaring them excessively wide.

  The sound of hooves behind made me twist. Oomoth stood nearby and I spun on the spot allowing a swirl of fire to flick up around us. The sudden surge of his life flame sung out to me like an intense sugar rush and I froze, staring at the vivid red light within him.

  He’s scared of me.

  I dropped the flames, feeling sickened at my little power display.

  Showing no outward sign of fear, Oomoth bowed at the waist, extending a foreleg.

  ‘Your Highness, can I suggest practicing at withholding the heat while keeping the flame? So you might ride successfully in your true state; without frying Belsesus.’ He cut a sly look at the other centaur nearby.

  I made an attempt at a smile and nodded. ‘Good idea.’

  The Cavalry Lieutenant trotted over and extended an arm, I swung up onto his back then hesitated. Belsesus too showed that nervous red energy flickering within though externally he kept his expression calm. But it allowed me to see something I hadn’t noticed previously; the outline of his life flame. Focusing, I traced that line with my energy and felt a jolt, nearly like I’d linked with him even though he had no gift of that manner. A strange understanding ran through my body and mind and I knew, without a doubt, that my energy now wouldn’t harm him.

  Kassie watched Cat with a frown, wondering again why her energy sounded so different now. Seated on Belsesus’ back, Cat closed her eyes then threw her energy out. A loud gasp rose from those watching and everyone moved back several steps from the inferno that engulfed the two.

  ‘Doesn’t look like it’s hurting him,’ Rumal called over the roar of fire.

  Cat extinguished the flames and climbed down from the centaur’s back. Belsesus stood there looking frozen in shock, his jaw working with no sound at first.

  ‘I didn’t feel a thing,’ the centaur finally exclaimed. Those closest stepped forward to examine his armor for scorch marks, yet found none.

  They spent the afternoon testing Cat’s developed gift and when Kassie’s turn came about she regarded her flaming friend in apprehension. This test was to see how close Kassie could get with no harm. Rumal and Rashid received singed clothing and scorched skin from their attempts. Cat healed them before they felt the injuries and now they watched Kassie with expressions of confusion and speculation.

  Kassie stared at Cat whose figure shimmered before them, a beautiful mix of reds, oranges and yellows with a touch of white on her outline. Taking a steadying breath, she inched closer, not yet feeling any heat.

  ‘You’re nearly there,’ Cat said encouragingly, offering a hand.

  The hairs on Kassie’s arms seemed to flinch at the thought and she nearly shut her eyes when she reached for Cat’s hand. The solidness of the grasp and lack of heat made her gasp in surprise and look up. Cat’s green eyes slanted through the flames that transformed her face and Kassie glimpsed a flash of white teeth.

  ‘Well done, Kass!’

  Not long after dinner the Princess feigned tiredness and excused herself, but Ignatius knew better. The days of practicing and conversing with those aboard wore her down. Waiting for another quarter hour he caught Leseach’s eye and excused himself, heading to the kitchen where the cook had the mug of nellor waiting. Ignatius took his time walking to the Northerner’s room. Their spat the other evening went unmentioned by either of them the next day and they managed to reach a sort of equilibrium. She appeared to respect him for his devotion to the task and he, well, he could appreciate some of her skills if not her personality. A yawn hit when he rounded the corner, in time to see Rashid walking away from the room.

  You better have not annoyed her, he thought too tired to be really irritated. I can’t be bothered with that this evening.

  Leseach appeared at the door with a calm expression and gestured for him to enter. Ignatius shook his head and motioned for her to go first. The courtly gesture annoyed her and he knew it. After a moment’s hesitation and a frown, Leseach turned, walking stiffly into the room and to the table. Her sense of unease amused him and he hid his smile while she selected various herbs from the medicine basket.

  ‘The other herbs should help keep her strength up and the wormal will hopefully stop the nightmares.’

  ‘That’d be good,’ Ignatius said wryly, rubbing a hand over his face. ‘I could use a full night’s sleep. The screams and singed sheets don’t make for a restful night. I can’t believe she never actually wakes up during them, half the ship does!’

  Leseach didn’t answer, focused on measuring out an amount of the poison.

  ‘Is that a larger amount than last night?’

  Leseach glanced at him, eyes widening, and in a surprised voice said, ‘Yes. Not much, but enough to allow her to sleep a little deeper.’

  ‘Not twelve hours, though?’

  The Northerner’s lips twitched, the closest to a smile she came with him, and she shook her head.

  ‘No, not again. Rashid couldn’t handle it.’

  Ignatius laughed then.

  ‘Neither could I.’

  Catherine sat at the table dressed for bed when he entered and they made the usual chitchat while she sipped the nellor. He didn’t speak of the Prince, not wanting to encourage the dreams after the last—interesting—few nights.

  Each night she went to bed and all seemed well, until the early hours, when the whimpering started. It woke him in an instant and Ignatius had been shocked to find her wide eyed on the bed, mumbling Alek’s name, though he quickly realized she still slept. No amount of soothing helped. With Leseach tapping on the door, demanding to know the issue he’d attempted to calm Catherine down; then she’d screamed and everything got very hot, very fast. Thinking quickly that first night, Ignatius leaped at one of the trunks and threw the heavy lid up snatching the first piece of male clothing he found and threw it at Catherine’s face. Those ten seconds or so felt like the longest of his life, knowing he had the fire elemental before him not conscious enough to know better than to set the ship alight around them.

  Thankfully she paused for breath and inhaled the scent. It calmed her enough to curl on the bed crying quietly with her fire withdrawn.

  ‘Ignatius?’

  He jolted out of the memory then realized what she’d asked.

  ‘Oh, ahh, we should see land in around ten days, give or take, Princess.’

  Catherine nodded and swallowed the rest of the nellor, setting the mug on the table with a soft thud.

  ‘I don’t know what it is you’re using to knock me out, Ignatius,’ Catherine said while he gaped in surprise. ‘But I appreciate it.’

  He stuttered an attempt at denial when she sleepily arched an eyebrow at him and stood, making her way to the berth bed. A moment after her head hit the pillow he could hear the breathy sound of her sleeping, that old blue shirt held close in her arms. Ignatius gave a snort of amusement. So much for discreet, he thought, but as long as no one else knows. He stood and cast a protective eye over the sleeping girl then set his bedroll up.

  At around the same time in the early hours of the morning he jolted awake. The dark of the moon meant there wasn’t a hint of light through the windows. He heard the reassuring sound of water while the ship cut through the ocean, and another sound. Rubbing his eyes, he twisted up to look at Catherine, disconcerted at the different noise.

  She murmured in her sleep, the sound pleasing in its happy tone.

  Better than a singed bedroll, he thought in relief and flopped back down to sleep.

  *~*~*

  Chapter Six

  Gredel stood beside Phroma watching the horizon. The main deck bustled with soldiers and allies training but here on the top deck they stood alone, both lost in thought. The clouds overhead grew thicker and darker, the occas
ional splatter of rain drops catching him though the griffon blocked most.

  ‘A storm is developing,’ Phroma thought.

  Gredel glanced up, studying the gloomy looking clouds but didn’t answer, reaching to run a hand down the griffon’s neck, his hand buried in her dark mane. Citaan and Rirae’s faces echoed in his mind, his heart aching at the ever present memories of their smiles and laughter; occasionally punctuated by the god awful screams of Cat that morning. The wind picked up while they watched and shrieked around them. Phroma hunched against it, curving her body and shielded him from the brunt of it. Gredel met her sympathetic gaze with a half smile.

  ‘Looks like it could be a rough ride,’ he thought.

  ‘I don’t know if it can possibly get any rougher,’ Phroma thought in a dour tone.

  ‘While I’d like to agree, we both know it can always get worse.’

  Gredel sunk to the bench seat that edged all the decks and leaned forward, elbows on knees and squinted into the strengthening gale. The icy wind bit at his nose and cheeks but he barely noticed it, his mind on Alek.

  ‘I can’t believe he was taken in such a way,’ Phroma thought.

  Gredel blinked in surprise, eyes stinging from the salt spray.

  ‘Sorry, was I projecting?’

  ‘No, but I’ve known you for a while now,’ she thought wryly. ‘And I can tell from your expression if you’re thinking of your girls, or the men.’

  He made a sound of amusement but couldn’t summon a smile and glanced at Phroma. The griffon’s hooded dark eyes regarded him in sympathy. A sigh slipped out, his chest feeling weighted from the lack of air.

  ‘I just never thought we’d lose him,’ Gredel gave a short dry laugh. ‘Al always seemed indestructible.’