Why does his voice soothe me at night? I suddenly wondered. The rational voice berated me.
Of course it soothes you, he’s been here the whole time, helping. Don’t over think it, Cat.
Knowing that to be true but still feeling awful about it all I turned to Leseach and impulsively asked, ‘Leseach, would you mind switching with Ignatius for the sleeping arrangements?’ I couldn’t stop the blush that climbed my neck as I explained, ‘I’m having weird dreams and I don’t want to say something inappropriate in front of him.’
Or feel him up again, my rational voice added inwardly and my face turned red making me for once grateful for the darkness.
‘Of course, Your Highness.’
I loved how Leseach stayed so neutral at my requests, not the slightest change in her expression and I breathed out in relief feeling like a weight had lifted from my shoulders.
It’s amazing how such caves form, Sian thought again while she led Sito along and up a narrow ledge. The blue light from the energy she kept extended to see wasn’t enough to annoy the crystal hanging around her neck. The soft blue glow felt soothing against the darkness. Reminded of the lorus crystal, Sian glanced down a moment before looking back up and wondered why she still bothered to wear it. Kassie didn’t bother with hers and Cat’s change to full Elemental meant her energy didn’t trigger the lorus crystals no matter how much she threw out. The only thing the chunk of crystal served as now, was a reminder of the castle and Elena.
Jenviet already knows we’re coming, Sian thought. Alek and Yakov discovered that the hard way.
Knowing that worrying didn’t help, she let the troubling thoughts go. The ledge they edged along was only just wide enough for Sito to narrowly squeeze his feet on and the drop from the ledge sounded endless. The stones that fell took minutes before a tiny ‘chink’ echoed up. No one spoke or sung, Loi had warned them at the start of this cavern that the roof wasn’t stable and Sian could sense Loi’s energy extended and ready, just in case. Her friend stood at the beginning of the chamber they all climbed, with Sabyn and Tomiar at her side, while she waited for them to pass safely into the next chamber.
How you doing, hun? Sian thought to Loi.
Okay. Be better once I can’t see you lot anymore.
How far do we have to go?
A while yet.
The soldiers in front of Sian stopped and they waited for those ahead to navigate a particularly narrow spot. Sian watched closely when Nesha easily stepped the wide gap. She gestured to those near Sito to climb onto the dragon’s armor and stepped lightly onto one of his front feet, hooking an arm behind the armored plate.
‘Holding on tight?’ Sito thought.
‘Super tight,’ Sian assured.
The moment Sito stepped slowly across Sian leaned out, unable to resist the lure of staring down into that cold, black abyss and a shudder ran through her at the thought of dropping. With all four feet on the other side, Sito stopped to allow her off. She waited until he fully cleared the gap, tail and all, then motioned the others down. At the very back of the line a group of centaurs and Nyjens made the most of the challenge, leaping the gap and silently cheering each other on. Sian let Loi know they’d made it across, now that they were out of sight, and she felt it when Loi started her way up.
The light from the torches ahead continued up and around the massive cavern, like they climbed an enormous staircase. Curious, Sian brightened her hands to stare at the wall while they climbed, looking for some evidence of tools or a clue as to how this staircase came to be. The truth revealed itself to be the one thing Sian hadn’t considered. The walls were smooth, almost like glass and each step looked like the wide lip of a glass jar. Intense heat had created this stairwell.
Holy crud, Sian thought to the other girls. This was a volcano!
Is. Cat corrected in a blasé tone. But the magma beneath isn’t very active at the moment.
Can you feel it? Kassie demanded.
Of course, Cat sounded amused. I can feel all the hotspots.
Hotspots?!
Don’t panic, Kass. If any are too active I’ll point them out. Promise.
The rational part of Sian’s mind knew, without a doubt, that they’d be fine. But having a live—okay, so not active—volcano beneath her feet made her want to walk faster. Keeping pace, she began to chant the periodic table in her mind to occupy herself while following the silent train of soldiers.
Going up and up felt strange, I kept expecting to go back down at some point the way you did with tramping, where going up usually always meant going down too, but that wasn’t the intention here. Especially not with the molten rock I could sense beneath the ground.
Pity it doesn’t at least warm this horrid chamber, I thought with a shiver and then retracted that thought when I realized what it would mean. Better to be grateful for the cold.
‘How many days do we have left?’ I thought to Loushka.
‘Loi said twelve, right? That would mean seven.’
‘Ugh. Seven too many.’
The lights of those ahead of us started to vanish and I felt relieved at leaving this ancient chimney while at the same time a sudden pang for sunlight hit. Any novelty of caving felt long gone now; I wanted fresh air and the blue sky. Not a permanent darkness. We followed the widening ledge into a corridor and further still until it opened into a spacious, low cave. The griffons were short enough to clear the ceiling but Sito needed to hunch and creep in. The soldiers and allies made the usual check of the room with the Halenine fae whooping in and out of all the tiny crevices. The sheer number of tiny creatures they found to consume surprised me, the caves felt like dead space to me. However, watching Loi commune with the plants above, and within the earth, showed they weren’t silent to her. More like a giant womb within the planet, protected from the elements. While I mulled this over I noticed Ignatius heading for me, his face stiff with concern.
Crap.
‘Your Highness, may I have a moment?’
From across the cave Leseach paused in the midst of putting the tent up, her vivid eyes assessing me. I made a tiny gesture to show it was fine and nodded to Ignatius.
‘Certainly.’
He bowed graciously at my acquiescence, staying there until I rose from where I’d sat with Kassie. I felt her amused, curious shove through my energy but ignored it and indicated an alcove away from everyone. We walked in silence until we reached the alcove then Ignatius asked in a quiet, mild tone.
‘Have I offended you?’
In the dark corner his eyes looked as deep as Al’s and the hurt expression made my stomach twist.
‘No, not at all,’ I assured him then stopped when I tried to think of how to explain. He stepped much closer than I expected and my heart thudded rapidly, my body responding to his presence. A sense of shame and disgust curled around me and I shook my head, stepping back when I recognized the sense of attraction between us. Squeezing my eyes shut, I mentally berated myself and stepped back again, coming up hard against the cave wall.
How the hell could you let this happen, I growled at myself. He’s not Al. He’d never replace Al and now you’ve projected those thoughts onto him. This isn’t fair, Cat. Think of how guilty it’ll make him feel with regards to his wife.
‘Catherine,’ he said it softly, his voice full of affection as I opened my eyes and stared shamefaced at him.
The ashamed, apologetic expression caused both joy and pain.
‘I’m sorry. This isn’t fair,’ she whispered.
Ignatius reached to cup her face but stopped when she flinched and turned away.
‘It’s okay, Catherine. I don’t mind, I’d never mind.’
Was that too much? He stared, waiting for her to look at him. Staring at the floor she shook her head then looked up and met his gaze. The regret in those green eyes caused more pain than he’d anticipated. Her lips trembled and she shook her head again.
‘I mind. You’ve been faultless in your duties and this isn’t p
art of them. I didn’t mean to offend you. It seems more appropriate to have Leseach be the one to sleep in my tent.’
Arguments and reasonings jumped to his lips but he resisted them. Instead he stepped back and schooled his expression to one of affectionate obedience.
‘Of course, Your Highness.’
With no more to say she gave him a quick smile and he stepped aside so she could pass, watching her walk to Kassie. Then his gaze slid higher, settling on the Northerner, observing the tall blond as she finished setting the tent up.
Sian yawned and paused to stretch onto tip toe, feeling her back give a satisfying crack, then walked to breakfast. The same food for every meal got old fast; dried meat, gruel and the hard bread to gnaw on. At least dinner felt more bearable with the addition of the nellor to sip on. If only there was coffee, she thought to herself.
A fire burned at the center of the camp, looking remarkably real even though Cat set it there. No risk of dangerous gases killing anyone this way, Sian thought and she extended her hands to enjoy the warmth. Her stomach at least seemed pleased with the food and let out a growl at the smell of the gruel. The Medanga centaur playing head chef laughed at her.
‘You sound like your dragon!’
Sian grinned and accepted the bowl he offered. While she ate she watched the soldiers and allies ready themselves for another day of tramping and climbing. The centaurs liked to shake themselves and then stretch forward, legs far out behind and then back. The goblins stretched their limbs by climbing the walls and ceiling, sticking to them like flies and Sian chuckled at the sight. A Nyjen glared up at a goblin that casually clung with his feet to the ceiling and tossed bits of stalactite at the violet eyed warrior. Red flashes in the glimpses of light revealed the Halenine fae while they hunted amongst the crevices. Occasionally a tiny sound like the chime of crystal glasses sang out and all the other fae would whoop over, blurs of back and red, to kill and consume the find. A hum of energy made Sian twist, eyes searching until she spotted Loi. Her friend stood with Sabyn and Tomiar but her eyes looked distant while she communed with the plants. A twinge of envy hit as she watched Loi utilize that clever, unexpected ability. Then Sito woke and instantly looked for Sian.
‘Friend?’
‘Morning, Sito,’ she thought with affection and taking the remains of her breakfast, she went to greet him.
Rashid watched Sian cuddle with the dragon and smiled at the odd couple. Daron, standing nearby bundling the bedrolls up, noticed his attention and laughed.
‘A contrast, aren’t they?’
‘Yes. I don’t think I ever imagined seeing someone make a fuss of such a beast.’
‘I wouldn’t have thought a stafandral could be so affectionate,’ Daron commented and he made a quick neat knot around the bedrolls with a thong, tossing the bundle into the saddle bag that sat nearby on the floor. Rashid nodded before turning to grab a mug. Across the room Catherine emerged from her tent and Leseach spoke to her before coming this way. Collecting two more mugs, Rashid filled them with water and set them near the oddly smooth looking fire. He stared at the flames while he waited then jerked around at the slight scuff and huff of surprise from Leseach. Tripping on a low rise she lurched forward and Rashid caught her by the shoulders then set her back on her feet. The hooded expression she usually reserved for him took a moment to return and she blinked in shock at his sudden proximity.
Stepping back, chin high, she begrudgingly inclined her head.
‘Thank you.’
Rashid kept his face bland and bent to pick the mugs up, offering them to her.
‘Here, for you and Catherine.’
Again her schooled expression wavered when she shot him a suspicious, incredulous look before the unconcerned mask slid back into place and she nodded, accepting the mugs.
Rashid hid his smile and turned back to the fire. He heard the crunch of gravel when Ignatius joined him.
‘Making progress?’
The mocking humor in Ignatius’ question left him disinclined to answer at first, then he glanced at the man with a pleasant smile.
‘Good morning, Ignatius. Sleep well?’
Rashid took pleasure in the ruddy flush that climbed the Lieutenant’s neck. Ignatius muttered something and stalked off.
It nearly felt like you never woke, Sian decided. Going to sleep in the cold dark, waking in the cold dark, and then the day spent walking and climbing in the cold dark. The only thing that improved today’s walk was the intoxicating scent and energy of fresh water flowing beneath their feet, and no one but she and Loi knew.
And Loi only knows because the plants told her, Sian thought smugly, enjoying feeling in touch with her element once more. Somewhere ahead of them that lovely fresh water pooled and their goal today of reaching that underground lake made Sian want to race there now. Maybe it’ll be warm, she thought hopefully.
‘You’re quiet, Pix?’
Daron paused by the entrance to a narrow tunnel while Nesha climbed through and he watched Sian with questioning eyes.
‘Thinking of the lake. And fresh air.’
‘That will be nice,’ Daron agreed before giving her a wink and turning to follow Nesha.
‘You want to get out the caves?’ Sito sounded surprised.
Sian twisted and found the dragon hunched over so to study her, the one massive eye she could see looked black in the turquoise glow from her hands and it regarded her solemnly.
‘Caves are nice. Nice and cozy.’
Cozy wasn’t the first word that sprung to mind, but then Sito would have been tucked up in a nest with his mum and brother, Sian thought, and she looked at the cave with fresh eyes. And with dragons having such thick skin they wouldn’t find it cold.
‘They might be for dragons, just not for humans.’
She reached out and rubbed briskly around his scaly ear, making the dragon lean his head toward her for a deeper scratch. A groan rumbled through his chest and she caught sight of the goblins and Nyjens behind them hesitating at the sound.
‘Come on, we better get moving.’
‘Hop on a foot if you like,’ Sito offered and she climbed on, hooking an arm behind the plate of armor that encased his ankle and calf. Dragon—the lazy but fun way to travel. Sian clung tight and giggled when Sito teasingly shook his leg now and then. He moved at a slower pace while navigating the stony surfaces with Sian aboard. The slight breeze created while his leg swung forward felt enticingly close to the real thing and Sian closed her eyes, imagining they walked above ground.
*~*~*
Chapter Fifteen
I walked in front of Loushka flanked by Rashid and Leseach, both of them assisting me more than I needed and neither spoke a word.
‘This silence is painful!’ I thought to Loushka.
‘Don’t you think it’s better than them talking?’
‘No. Well…No, it’s not.’
The quiet felt tangible, ominous, like a precariously balanced glass on the edge of a high table. Perhaps this is the normal way Northerners court, I thought hopefully. But the looks Leseach cast at Rashid each time she turned to help me appeared to suggest bodily harm over affection. We reached a sharp high step up and Leseach took a couple of paces back, about to jump, when Rashid moved forward, close behind her.
‘Uhoh,’ Loushka thought and both of us stepped discreetly back as Leseach pivoted in an instant, nose to nose with Rashid.
‘Lieutenant.’
Rashid didn’t falter at the snarl, instead keeping a calm smile on his face. Leseach’s eyes narrowed.
‘Is there a problem, Lieutenant?’
Though technically a question, her tone didn’t invite a response.
‘Just spotting, in case you stumble.’
‘Oooooo.’
I pressed further back against Loushka as Leseach’s eyes shrunk to black slits, her cheekbones jutting out and upper lip curling.
‘I DON’T stumble,’ she growled.
Just one wrong word or gesture
and we’d be picking up the pieces of Rashid. The space felt far too small for such tension, I half expected Loushka’s fur to crackle.
Rashid kept the calm, easy expression and moved back half an inch.
‘Of course not.’
The long pause made the small space we pressed into feel even smaller and I flattened myself against Loushka, wishing she wasn’t wearing armor so I could hide in her mane.
‘Okay, now I’m not sure what’s worse.’
Leseach breathed loudly through her nose, hands curling and Rashid kept radiating that irritatingly calm persona.
‘Hello? What’s the hold up?’
Ignatius appeared at the top of the step, looking down with a questioning frown.
Ignatius caught a glimpse of Rashid and Leseach eyeballing each other before two hands appeared at the edge of the step. Crouching, Ignatius looked down to Catherine who wore a perplexing expression, eyes creased in a nervous grimace and a smile tugging at her lips.
‘Up!’ she commanded, her hands made a grabbing motion that caused a memory of his eldest daughter as an infant to spring to mind, when she too demanded ‘up’. The vividness of the sudden recollection caused an unexpected pang and he closed his eyes for an instant. When he opening them he saw Rashid and Leseach staring at Catherine in surprise, evidently only realizing now where she stood. Giving a snort of laughter at their slackness, he seized Catherine’s wrists and with a grunt of effort hauled her up. Loushka pushed past the two below them and climbed the step. Catherine moved back against him as they stood aside to let the griffon up.
‘Are you walking with us now?’ he queried.
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