The Blue Flame [Book 1 of the Daradawn Series]

by Barbara M. Hodges

  "Unafraid and filled with sudden peace, Thea advanced on the curled form. She reached out and caressed the glimmering scales. The dragon's large eyes opened and a voice like liquid honey flowed into Thea's mind. ‘Chosen, at last you are here. I am the avatar to the one Goddess. I have a message for you.’ The dragon told Thea that she was blessed with the ability to mind-speak all creatures, both mortal and magic, and that the Goddess wished her to use her powers for good and healing, not for war or death."

  Peter stopped speaking. A log settled in the fire, sending sparks into the air. “Such is the story of Thea,” he said at last. “There has been no other with such an ability."

  Regan jumped to her feet. “I'm beat. Where do I sleep?"

  Kelsey glanced at Regan, then pointedly said. “What a beautiful tale. Thank you, Peter.” And waited.

  Regan's face heated. “Yes, beautiful. Thank you,” she murmured.

  Kelsey nodded, then stood and stretched. “You will share my tent tonight."

  "What about Rourk?” Regan said.

  Rourk stood and smiled. “I have my own tent. A commander needs her privacy."

  "Then I'll say good-night.” Kelsey turned and walked away.

  "Wait for me,” Regan said, and followed.

  Chapter 15

  REGAN SAT CROSS-LEGGED in the middle of her cot watching Kelsey wash her face. While they had lingered around the firepit someone had brought in a twin to Kelsey's cot and relit the lantern.

  Both wore diaphanous flowing robes—Regan's the purple-pink of a summer sunset, and Kelsey's the vibrant yellow of spring daffodils.

  Kelsey tossed a small hand towel at Regan. “Your turn, but I warn you. The water's cold."

  Regan unfolded her legs and crossed to the basin. She glanced at the soap-filmed water, then at the challenge in Kelsey's eyes. Taking a deep breath, she plunged both her hands into the water, then jerked them back with a yelp.

  "I told you it was cold,” Kelsey said with a Cheshire cat grin.

  "You didn't say it was melted ice,” Regan said, reaching for the piece of soap that lay next to the basin. She sniffed the cracked, grayish-white square, then wrinkled her nose. “What's this made of?"

  "Tallow and ash. It's a little harsh, but you get used to it."

  "It smells like dirty socks."

  "It's all we have,” Kelsey said stiffly. “This is a battlefield."

  Regan tossed the soap aside and walked to the tent flap.

  "Where are you going?” Kelsey said.

  "I need my stuff."

  "No.” Kelsey said. “Someone..."

  "I don't need someone else to get it. I can get it myself."

  Kelsey pointed to the cot. “Regan, sit down ... and don't stick your upper lip out at me."

  Regan glared at her sister, then walked obediently to the cot and perched on its edge. “It seems to me that you've gotten quite used to people waiting on you."

  Kelsey's jaw clenched. “Rae, this is a patrolled camp. With Dirkk's latest skirmishes, everyone is extra jumpy. And with the added fear there is a spy amongst us, they might just shoot first and ask questions later."

  Regan, staring down at her hands, frowned. “I didn't think about that."

  "Besides, your bundle is under the bed."

  Regan leaned forward and looked beneath the cot. “Why didn't you just say so?"

  "I tried to.” Kelsey crossed to Regan. She planted her hands on her hips in the same no-nonsense way Regan had seen their mother do countless times, and stared downward. “Let's get something straight right now. Inside this tent, I'm your sister. Outside, I'm the commander of Queen Tessa's forces. What I say, you do, and without question. Do you understand?"

  Regan frowned up at her sister. “You want me to obey without question?"

  "If I give you a direct order, yes."

  "And if I don't?"

  Kelsey's blue-eyed gaze hardened. “I suggest you do.” She turned and walked to her cot, then sat down on the far side of it, her ramrod-stiff back to Regan.

  Regan stared at her sister's unyielding back, wondering why she was being such a hard ass. What had happened to Kelsey these past seven years? She sighed. Well, she's right about the sentries.

  Regan reached beneath the cot and fished out the wrapped bundle. She opened it, searched until she found the sliver of scented soap, then stood and crossed to her sister. Holding out the soap, she grinned. “Peace?"

  Kelsey glanced down into her sister's hand, then looked away nonchalantly. Too nonchalantly.

  "Hey, I'm sorry. I just didn't think. Truce?” Regan said.

  Kelsey met Regan's imploring gaze. “Apology accepted, but Rae, you've got to remember this isn't San Francisco."

  "I'll remember. I promise. Now take it. I know you want to."

  Kelsey snatched the soap and lifted it to her nose. “It's Tika soap. Where did you get it? Never mind, I don't care. I haven't had a decent wash in days.” She walked to the basin, wet her hands, and rubbed the soap between them. “This doesn't do it justice, but it's the best we have.” She worked the soap into a lather and spread it up her arms. “You know, sometimes out in the field I'd almost do anything for a bathtub full of warm water."

  "How long have you been away from the castle?"

  "This campaign? Five weeks."

  "You haven't bathed in five weeks?” Regan said, holding her nose.

  Kelsey stuck her tongue out. “Of course I've bathed. Whenever we've been near the Queen's River.” She rinsed the soap from her hands and arms, then reached for the towel. “You know, Rourk hasn't seen me in a dress in months."

  "You never liked dresses."

  Kelsey smiled wistfully. She lifted her arm to her nose and inhaled. “Occasionally, even I like to feel beautiful."

  Regan crossed to her and stared into Kelsey's face. “You love him, don't you?"

  "Yes."

  "Does he feel the same?"

  Kelsey frowned. “I don't know. He loves sleeping with me, but that doesn't mean he loves me. I'm not sure he's over the death of his wife and child."

  "Rourk had a family? What happened to them?"

  "Ru'taha and Black Vipers murdered them."

  "I think it's time I heard the rest of your story."

  "Fine, but this time we do it my way. I don't feel like living through it all again.” She pointed at Regan. “You, into bed."

  Kelsey waited until Regan crawled beneath the covers, then turned the lantern down until it winked out. “Where did we leave off?” she said.

  "You'd just rescued Rourk and he'd introduced himself."

  Kelsey settled back into her pillows, then took them back to the story, drifting into it where she'd left off.

  * * * *

  "Where in God's name did you come from?” Rourk asked.

  Kelsey pointed toward the ledge, then realized he couldn't see her hand in the dark. “I came down from the ledge."

  "How did you get up there?"

  "Is that really important?"

  He glanced over her head frowning, but all was quiet. “You are right. This is not a place to remain.” He turned and, without another word, walked into the darkness.

  Stunned, Kelsey watched him disappear. What an ungrateful ass, she had time to think before he reappeared.

  "Are you coming, woman, or will you disappear as quickly as you appeared?"

  "Somehow I don't think so,” she said under her breath.

  He turned his back to her. “Lace your fingers in the waist of my trousers so I do not lose you."

  Kelsey hesitated for a split second, then inserted her index finger inside the waistband of his pants.

  Rourk led her through the trees, weaving first one way, then another, making her wonder if the woods would ever end.

  Suddenly he stopped, and she plowed into his back. Jerking her finger from his waistband she took a quick step backward. “Sorry."

  He turned to face her, then looked beyond, rubbing his thigh.

  "How bad is it
?” she asked.

  "What?"

  "Your thigh. I saw what they did."

  "It is not broken. That is all that matters for now. I think we are safe here. We will rest until morning.” He dropped to the ground, and was soon snoring.

  Kelsey sat beside him, staring into the dark. She tried to think, to reason, but her brain refused to cooperate, jumping from thought to thought, as if each was a red-hot coal. Sighing, she shrugged. In the words of Scarlet O'Hara, she thought, ‘I'll think about it tomorrow.’ She rolled onto her side and closed her eyes.

  * * * *

  A rough shake woke her. “We must go,” a masculine voice said.

  "Right, right, just let me get my camera,” she mumbled. Pain lanced through her cheek and she snapped her eyes open. She gasped and then scrambled to her feet, the top of her head butting something hard in the process.

  "Hell's fire, woman. What is your problem?” The red-headed giant of a man stared at her, rubbing his chin.

  Memory flowed and she looked around. “My God, it's true. It actually happened.” The side of her face flared pain with each word.

  The man—Rourk, she remembered—backed away from her. “We have to get moving. The King's Road should be close by."

  Kelsey touched her face with her fingers.

  "Yes, it is bad,” he said. “But an elven healer can fix it so there will be no scar."

  Elven healer? Biting her lip against the pain, she asked. “Would you mind telling me just where I am?"

  "Right now we are where we should not be. We must go.” Rourk turned away from her and limped into the lead.

  * * * *

  They stepped from the middle of the trees and out onto the bank of a river.

  Rourk looked at the river and nodded. “At last we are in Vilsathor. Margeaux will help us."

  "Vilsathor? Margeaux? Just where the hell are we?"

  Rourk looked down at her. “You do not know of Vilsathor? Just where are you from?"

  She turned away from him and murmured under her breath. “I think I may be from a world away.” She turned back to him. “Last night, where was it we slept?"

  "The wrong part of Daradawn,” Rourk said, “although there are very few parts that are right now.” A whippoorwill trilled. Rourk turned and looked across the paved road. “It is Darrian."

  From the trees across from them a figure stepped into view. He walked toward them, then stopped and stared at Kelsey.

  "Darrian, it is good to see you,” Rourk said.

  "The news of your troubles reached us last night. We thought you taken by the Ru'taha."

  "I was, but this woman rescued me."

  Darrian stared at the side of her face. “And paid a price for doing so."

  Kelsey stared, blinked, and then stared again. The man had pointed ears. His skin was pale, and long white hair fell past his shoulders. His almond-shaped eyes, with their winged eyebrows, were as blue as a summer's sea. He looked familiar to her, then she realized why and took a quick step back. “He's one of them,” she said. “Why did you bring us here?"

  The elf's blue eyes hardened. “I am not Ru'taha. We are nothing alike. Can not even your weak human eyes see the difference?” he said coldly.

  "Dirkk formed Ru'taha in the elves’ image,” Rourk said.

  "Inferior imitations, and for that alone he will die,” Darrian said, his gaze wandering over Kelsey's body. “But you are new to our land and us, so I will forgive you.” He turned to Rourk. “Your woman dresses strangely."

  Kelsey glanced down at her jeans and green T-shirt. “Not for where I come from."

  "And where are you from?” Darrian said and then stepped forward and touched her short blonde hair. “Do all the women there dress as such and crop their hair?” His gaze fell to the curve of her breasts and lingered. “Not that I do not like it, for it does let one see what is offered."

  Kelsey felt anger course through her and took a deep calming breath. “I—offer—nothing,” she said, stressing each word.

  Kelsey saw Rourk glance at her face and grin. “Darrian, we have need of Margeaux."

  "She is with Mage Peter."

  "Where?"

  "They are across the river, at Peaks’ Pass, but please allow me to offer you and your friend the comfort of my home."

  "I must decline. I have information that cannot wait."

  Darrian frowned, and Kelsey thought for a moment he would insist. “Then at least let me offer you mounts,” he said, snapping his fingers toward the trees. Two men—she refused to think of them as elves—slipped from the trees. Each led a bridled horse. They advanced until they stood before them. “Allow me,” Darrian said placing his hands at Kelsey's waist. Kelsey gritted her teeth and let him lift her onto the back of the horse. “Until we meet again,” Darrian whispered to her. “And we will. I will see to that."

  Rourk swung up onto his borrowed mount. “Thank you, Prince Darrian. I will see the horses are returned,” Rourk said, then leaned forward and whispered into the horse's ear. The horse moved toward the river. Kelsey, avoiding the prince's eye, followed.

  * * * *

  They crossed the river and rode into a grove of trees.

  First the demons and snake things, and now elves, Kelsey thought. Just where in the hell am I? Or am I anywhere? Did I fall and hit my head in that cave? Am I still lying there? I know it's been more than three hours and John Smith has long since gone. She looked at Rourk's broad back. He seems real and I've never dreamed of a man like him before. She thought back to her headlong dash into the cave and the dark void she had passed through. If it was some kind of gate to another world, then it's no wonder no one ever returned after they entered the cave.

  With a sharp intake of breath, she sat up straight on the horse and pulled back on the reins. Her face paled and a shiver shook her body. No one ever returned? No, if I came through, I can go back, but how? When I turned around, the mountain was solid rock. I don't even know where the cave is. It was dark, and we've been traveling away from it for hours.

  The man riding ahead of her stopped and turned in the saddle to face her. “Why have you stopped, woman?"

  She jerked her gaze to his. “It's Kelsey. Don't call me ‘woman’ again."

  "Sorry, Kelsey, but we must keep moving,” he said, facing forward again.

  "I'm going back to the mountain."

  Rourk's back stiffened. “No, you are not. Darrian would have you before you traveled one mile. Did you not see the lust in his eyes?"

  Kelsey scowled. “I can handle Darrian."

  "Can you also handle Ru'taha and Black Vipers?"

  Kelsey's chin trembled and she bit her bottom lip to control it. “But if I don't go back now, I'll never find my way again."

  "Without help you wouldn't find the ledge."

  "Then you will take me."

  "I will not. I have to find the mage. Just come with me. Peter will know how to help you."

  "Peter, mages. Are you crazy?"

  "Lives depend on what I have to tell Peter. You are just one of many. Ride with me now, and you have my promise that I will do all I can to get you home."

  Kelsey's gaze rose to the trees that surrounded her. She'd never find her way back to the ledge and mountain by herself. “Ride on."

  * * * *

  Questioning eyes lit by flickering flames followed them as they rode through the quiet camp. “Why aren't there any guards?” Kelsey said. “Anyone could ride in upon them."

  "Peter has wards set."

  "What are wards?” she asked.

  "Magic boundaries."

  "Then why weren't we stopped?"

  "We ride elven horses."

  "Anyone can steal a horse. They should have sentries posted, at least at the entrance."

  Rourk turned and gave her a measuring look. “How do you know so much about camps?"

  "Army reserve and ROTC,” she said.

  "What?"

  "Never mind."

  Rourk reined his horse in before
a scarlet tent. From its peaked top a triangle flag waved. The banner's background was white, and in its center a black unicorn pawed the air. A gold circlet rested between its ears.

  "Let me guess. The queen's quarters? Why don't you just paint a black “X” on it?” Kelsey said.

  Rourk frowned at her. “What do you mean?"

  "Look around you. All the other tents are tan. You're broadcasting to your enemy, whoever that is, that someone of importance is inside this tent."

  "But there is. Queen Tessa is inside. That is her banner."

  Kelsey stared at him in silence, then slowly shook her head. “You really don't understand, do you?"

  The tall man slid from the back of the horse and turned to face her. His green eyes glittered. “I do not know what you mean but, from your tone of voice, I do not think it is a compliment."

  "It isn't."

  "I think you should know more of our ways before you insult them further,” Rourk said. He turned his back on her and walked into the tent.

  "Well,” Kelsey mumbled, sliding from the horse. “I wonder if I'm supposed to wait until I'm announced or what?” She looked at the flap of the tent. “I don't think so.” Pushing it aside she walked in.

  Inside, the tent glowed with lantern light. Standing in its center with Rourk were two women and one man. The taller of the two women had her arms around Rourk's shoulder. The other held both his hands in hers.

  "I am so sorry,” the tall woman with the long silver braids was saying.

  "Are you sure?” the other asked.

  Rourk nodded. “When I arrived, the Ru'taha had the house surrounded. I saw them come out of the house with Caitlin. She was crying and holding Patrick in her arms. As I watched, one of the hell spawn raised his club.” Rourk stopped, his eyes blindly staring through Kelsey. “I screamed and ran toward them, then something slammed against my head and I knew no more until I woke tied to a tree."

  The man placed a hand on Rourk's shoulder. “You did not actually see them fall. Perhaps they still live."

  Rourk shook his head. “While they had me tied, they taunted me with two fresh bloody hearts, one large and one small, and we know Ru'taha have none...” The big man covered his face with his hands and shuddered.