by M. R. Polish
“It’s time. I’m strong enough now.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded and took both of his hands. The water churned around them in a whirlpool, and she felt the pull of Aridam call out to her.
Azul paced by his newly erected tent outside the small town where Magnus lived. “I can’t believe she didn’t come with you.” His voice rose with each word. He was furious. All he could think of was that if Brady let anything happen to her, he would kill him.
“Sir, there wasn’t room, and Coron’s men were approaching.” The man tried to reason with Azul, but his words held no comfort.
Azul’s head shot up. “Coron’s men were there? Why didn’t he make her go?” Thoughts of Karis being held as a prisoner—or worse—plagued his mind. He needed to get back and find her, but where would he find another person who could create a portal?
The wind picked up, and sand from the desert floor whirled around them. “Someone approaches, a portal is opening up!” someone from the back of the tents called out.
Azul drew his sword and ran to the front with everyone else. If Coron followed them there, he would be ready. He would defend Karis’s memory and their people.
The wind picked up so much that it became almost unbearable, and he shut his eyes. A mist of water sprayed him, and he could feel cold air as the wind began to die down. He squinted and made out two shapes on the ground. One had long black hair and a pink tail.
“Get a blanket,” he shouted out to whoever would listen. He darted over to where Brady laid upon Karis, covering her changing body. Azul ripped off his vest and tried to help shield her modestly.
Someone threw a grey wool blanket over both Brady and Karis. Azul took a step back and watched as Karis blushed.
He spun around. “Alright, nothing to see. Karis has made it safely, but we must give her some room. Head back to the tents.”
Karis looked up at Brady and blushed even more. He dug for his pack and found her wet pants and sandals. She covertly slipped them on under the blanket and Brady did the same, although he was not nearly as smooth about it. She giggled and finally sat up to place her sandals on her feet.
She held her hand up to her eyes to shield from the afternoon sun and looked around. Many erected tents were lined up outside the city. Azul had his back to them, and she smiled.
“It’s okay, Azul, we’re clothed.”
He turned quickly and strode over to her. Holding out his hand, he helped her up. “I thought I lost you, that Coron had taken you, killed you…” He twisted to Brady, who was trying to dust the sand off his wet pants. “And you! Why did you not force her to leave with the portal? She could’ve been killed.”
Brady glared at Azul. “She can’t make a portal by herself, and besides, she was too weak to even try another one. She would’ve died if I made her go. Besides, I already told you I’d never let anything happen to her.”
“You say that, but I doubt you mean it. The first chance you get, you’ll probably head back to Earth and leave her to fight off a broken heart.”
“Enough!” Karis squared her shoulders and stood next to Brady. “Brady would protect me with his life; he is who I choose. Not you, Azul. If we’re to win this war, we all need to get along. Now, are you going to put away your hatred long enough to help?”
Azul clenched his jaw. “You'll be my Queen. I will do what you ask.”
“Thank you,” she spoke quieter. “Now, where is Magnus?”
Azul nodded to the city. “He went to have his wife accrue some help to have a banquet dinner.”
Karis folded her hands together in front of her. “That’s great. The people need to be able to relax for once.”
Brady’s hand brushed across her back. “I think we all could use some R and R.”
The sun began to set, leaving the desert sand shimmering with bronze and gold flakes. The night sky loomed over Karis as she sat outside the tiny outside room she shared with Brady. The sound of a door closing made her drop her gaze from the sky to Magnus’s house. He trailed his wife to the tents. She couldn’t help but smile at them as they passed her.
She should be with her people, but the weight of her world felt heavier than before, and she could feel it pushing down on her. She needed to find a way to defeat Coron and find out what was actually going on. What did Marin have to gain by helping him? Why was Tharious so scared of him? So many questions plagued her mind.
A few pits were dug, and some of the men lit fires to ward off the chilly night air. The flames licked the air and cast shadows around the large group. She could hear the crackle as the wood caught fire from where she sat. The sun was almost gone, and dark took over. Karis shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms, but she didn’t move from her spot. Sitting on the steps of her small room, she could see out over all her people.
Azul walked up beside her. “I thought you’d be the first to join them.”
“I just have a lot to think about. They’re all counting on me, and I can’t help but feel that I’m disappointing them.”
He sat down next to her. “I’ve known you a long time. We have a history.”
She held her hand up. “Don’t. Please don’t go there.”
The corner of his mouth raised, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I was just going to say that I know you better than anyone here, and I know that you would never disappoint anyone. Not without a fight anyway.” He picked up a pebble and tossed it out past their feet into the sand.
“You don’t know me.” She shook her head. “Not anymore. I’ve changed, you’ve changed.”
“Are you saying you won’t fight for your people?”
She shot him a stern stare. “Of course I’ll fight.”
He stood up and dusted off his pants. “Then you haven’t changed too much. The Karis I knew fought for what she believed in, she fought for her people, and she fought for love.” He stepped down the small set of stairs.
She watched as he joined a group of men over by the tents. That man infuriated her. She clenched her jaw tight and wondered what she ever saw in him. She wasn’t mad at his words, but that he was right, and that was something she hated.
Brady’s form caught her attention. She tipped her head as she gazed at him. His bare chest looked like the gods had chiseled him out of stone. Firelight danced across his tanned skin and made the Syrenae mark glisten under the light. He lifted his head to meet her gaze. His smile lit up his whole face, and he quickly walked over to her.
“Come on, beautiful, you’re missing your own party.” He held out a silver cup for her to take.
She accepted it, took a whiff, and with a disgusted face handed it back. “Eww. What are you guys drinking?”
He chuckled. “I’m not sure, but it’s the closest thing I’ve had to a real drink in a while, aside from that horrible Mirum stuff back in Perditus.” He cringed with the thought.
“I think I’ll stick with Alexis’s strawberry water.”
He held out his hand. She took it, and he helped her up. He never let go of her as he led her to the rows of tents.
It wasn’t too long before Magnus wrapped an arm around her shoulder. His obvious wobbling told her that he’d already drank more than enough of the foul drink Brady offered her. “You did good, Princess. Real good. All these people are alive because of you.” He pushed in between Brady and Karis, an arm now around each of them. “And you too…you too. Don’t let her go. She’s a keeper.”
Brady tipped his head to peek over at Karis and grinned.
She pat Magnus’s arm. “I think highly of you too.”
Thankfully, Alexis came and helped remove Magnus from their shoulders. Karis let out a small laugh as Alexis fought to keep Magnus up straight as they walked back to their home. She obviously had her work cut out for her.
Azul approached them. “We have something to say to you if you have a minute.”
Karis nodded and walked with Brady to where the entire group waited in a circle around the
largest fire. It was like watching water part as Azul headed toward the middle. Karis and Brady followed through.
Azul stepped up onto a large boulder. “As you all know, we are here because of our Princess’s quick thinking, skills, and power.” He looked down at her. “Thank you, Karis, for your selflessness and your commitment to Shamike. There will be trials that none of us have ever seen before, battles harder than we’ve ever fought, and lives may be lost, but I will follow you. I know you have a fight in you that none of us have, a strength that is unbreakable. I know you will regain the crown of Shamike and will be our Queen.” The crowd erupted into a cheer, agreeing with Azul.
Brady squeezed her hand. She blinked and tried to keep the tears back. Azul stepped down and kneeled before her. Through tear-blurred vision, she watched as the crowd silenced and followed suit like a tidal wave; row by row, they kneeled and bowed their heads. After everyone was down, Brady let go of her hand and stood next to Azul, only to kneel beside him. He gave her a wink before bowing his head.
Karis clutched her hands to her chest. One by one, they all stood back up.
Azul spread his arms out over the multitude of people. “I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we will all follow you.”
“We need to train them. Coron is ruthless and will show no mercy.” Karis looked at all three men.
Magnus was the first to nod, wincing with the movement. Last night’s drinking left him feeling horrible. “I agree. There are many here in Aridam who want to fight also, but we all need a little more training. We’re nothing like Coron or the Syrenae.”
Azul clenched his jaw and turned his head to stare out over the rows of tents. Brady stood up, ran his hands through his hair, and rested them on the back of his neck with his fingers laced together. “I agree, Karis, I just don’t know what else we can teach them. It’s not like we’re back in America and enrolled in boot camp.”
She stood also. “Brady, you have a fighting background. Surely you trained before your fights. Teach them how to fight. Not all of them have enough power to use in a battle. They’ll need to know how to defend themselves.”
He threw his arms in the air. “It’s not the same here. We don’t even have those armor things that Jarion fit us with. What happens when someone uses kinetic energy?”
“It’s the same. You just have to teach them to defend themselves,” she pleaded. She needed him to help her people.
“She’s right,” Azul spoke up as he turned back around. “I can teach them how to harness whatever power they have. At least in what time we are allotted, but you are their best bet for learning up-close defense. As much as it pains me to admit that. As for the armor, we’ll have to make do without, and pray that no one we fight has that power.”
Magnus remained seated but looked up with his hands at his temples. “That’s it. It’s settled. You’re outnumbered.” He looked at Karis. “When should we start?”
“Now. We don’t have time to waste.” She was relieved everyone agreed with her.
Magnus let out a small groan before letting his head fall to the table. Karis placed her hands over his head and attempted to help heal his pain. He raised his head enough to grunt a thank you.
Brady let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know that I’m the right person to teach them. What if I fail? Then all of Shamike will fail.”
She grasped his hand. “Together we won’t fail. You’re the perfect person to teach them. You fought for a living. You at least know what to do. Most of those men out there have never even been in a fight. What would happen to them if you didn’t try?”
He groaned before nodding. “You’re right. I’ll try.”
Magnus got up, careful not to move too fast, and slapped Brady on the back. “Good. Now let’s go. I’m anxious to see what my nephew did back on Earth.”
Karis sat down and tried to slow her breathing. Sparring with Brady was harder than she thought it would be. She watched as he took on another group, teaching them the basic moves and posture. She had a whole new respect for him as she watched him expertly throw jabs into the air. That was taxing, and she knew he must be tired, but he never complained and just kept teaching. He never gave up on anyone, and even sought out those who were having a harder time grasping the moves.
Her shoulders ached from the vigorous exercise. She tried to keep up with him, but after two groups she was done. She glanced around at the previous trainees, and they looked just as sore as she did. Many of them were lying down anywhere they could find a spot. Some from the first group were up walking around, rolling their shoulders, trying to loosen their muscles.
Azul was on the opposite side of the tents working with those who possessed a talent or power. He helped them hone in on it and push it a little further, but there were hardly any in that group.
She turned her attention back to Brady and his students. Magnus was in this group, and she smiled at his enthusiasm and ability to learn. His head felt better after he let her work on it some more and was now ready to dive into training. He picked up on what Brady taught quickly, and was soon throwing invisible punches almost as smoothly as Brady.
A light tap on her shoulder startled her. Karis looked up and shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand. Alexis sat down next to her. “I came to watch. Magnus is so set on helping. I’m glad Brady’s teaching everyone how to fight.”
“Me too. I knew that he did it on Earth, but watching him do just the basic things with us here makes me respect him so much more. I can only imagine what he did, or how he did it back there.” Karis sucked in her upper lip and pictured Brady when she first met him on the island, how detached he was and upset. How confused he’d been. She sighed. He had come such a long way since then. She mused over all that happened to each of them and wondered if she’d have been as accepting or even loving if the roles were reversed.
She watched as his back muscles tightened as he showed off an upper cut. His skin glistened with sweat under the afternoon sun. Absently, she rubbed her neck where her pendant used to rest. She wasn’t sure why Tharious stole it, but she felt naked without it. She couldn’t help but think of Tarine, and if he had tried to communicate with her. She knew that one way or another she would find a way to free him from the dark world.
Brady danced around in a tight circle, showing how to keep his body moving at all times while in a fight. She stood back up and joined his group. She needed to train just as hard, if not harder. He glanced up as she took her place in the front row next to Magnus and gave her a tired wink.
“He knows where we are.”
Those words caused her to stop breathing. She looked up from her map into Azul’s grey eyes. “What?”
He swallowed. “Coron. He knows. A messenger came through town and told some others about how he overheard one of Coron’s men in Shamike say that they were leaving for Aridam in the morning.”
“How much time do we have before he finds a way here? I’ve blocked all the portals to Aridam, but it won’t stop him forever; he has Tharious.”
“I know. I gather about midmorning tomorrow that they should be here. I’d say go to him and surprise him, but I’m not sure where he is. His location is fluid and he’s been moving around.”
She waved him off. “It’s okay. Let him come here. If we’re expecting him, then we have the upper hand.” Karis wished Brady were there, but he went with Magnus to hunt with a small group. Feeding a multitude this large had taken its toll on the town and they needed more meat.
She let out a breath and licked her lips. “Set up a watch perimeter of at least twenty men at all times. We can rotate them once night falls.” As she spewed out orders, her heart raced at the reality of what was about to happen. “As soon as anyone spots the slightest change, including an unusual increase in the wind, sound the alarm.”
He brought his clutched fist to his chest, it was almost a habitual action that she’d seen other soldier in her father’s army do, but nothing she’d never seen him do before, then
he turned and left to issue guard duties.
Karis slumped down in the chair and placed her elbows on the table. She brought her laced fingers to her mouth and looked around the room in shock. She hoped she did the right thing, but it would do no good to second-guess her decisions. All week she worked with Azul and Brady to prepare for the fight.
Her breathing hitched as her mind swam with all possibilities. No. She needed to clear her head. She stood up and left Magnus’s house, absently walking to the tents and weaving her way through each row. She needed to know that right now all the people who now followed her were safe. She cringed as she thought of those on Shamike and hoped that they also fared well. Soon, she thought, soon we will all be free.
Brady trailed his finger up and down her bare arm. She leaned back into him, needing his strength and support. “It’ll be okay. We’ll get through it.”
She looked up and watched as his brow line crease, and his eyes fog over. She knew he was just as worried as she was, he just wouldn’t admit it. At least not to her. “What if I lose you, or Coron wins, or…”
Brady didn’t let her finish. He placed a finger to her mouth. Since coming back from his hunting trip, he’d been trying to reduce her anxiety. He knew deep down that there was a chance that neither one of them would come out alive. His gut wrenched thinking of living without her. “Shhhh… right now we have tonight. Coron is not here, and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.” He lightly kissed her lips, and then kissed the tears that ran down her cheeks before brushing them off with his thumbs.
She reached up and grasped his wrists, knowing he was right. They weren’t promised tomorrow, and that was what she worried over. She may never have another chance to be with him, so she stopped talking and just stared into his eyes. She followed the scar under his eye and memorized every part of his face.