Journey of the Wanderer

by Shawna Thomas

  Ryliann surveyed the mayhem meant to give him time to retreat. He didn’t give the signal. He knew he should. The battle was lost, but he didn’t.

  He’d heard that members of the desert tribes from beyond the southern mountains, the Heleini, Zorcani and Rabishi, had joined their fight. He’d heard stories of them when he was younger, and Ilythra had spoken of them a few times. With a melancholy fatalism, he wished he could have met them before he died.

  He shook off the feeling. If they pulled back now, maybe they’d regroup, fight again another day, but still his mouth refused to form the necessary words. Dense smoke covered the field, limiting visibility, but he knew Harlon stared at him with expectation. The world shrunk to the sounds of yelling men, the crackle of fire and the occasional ringing of steel. He felt the enemy falter as horses rampaged the field. He shook himself. What was he doing? It was time. He turned south, opening his mouth to call the retreat, but the words died on his tongue.

  Through a break in the haze, two figures galloped from behind the enemy line. As they neared, Ryliann’s heart skipped a beat. Arien carried Bredych’s head on a long stick like a banner; a red stone gleamed from his breast. And next to him rode Ilythra.

  Ryliann’s heart leaped in his chest and new energy surged through his limbs. She was alive and she’d defeated Bredych. A cry rose to his throat. He wasn’t sure if he was the first to yell. It didn’t matter. Soon the shout carried across the field. “Victory!”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The great hall of Edriel bloomed with color. After the colorless grays of the refugee camp, the emotion-filled reunions and the heartbreak of loss on the battlefield, the celebration in the air almost felt foreign, artificial. Flickering torchlight played on dresses and challenged the colors of gems worn by their owners. Ilythra leaned back in the well-padded chair, listening to the chatter and laughter around her.

  Bredych was defeated, the stones reunited. She closed her eyes and sank into Teann, let the joined melodies wash over her. Her heart soared with the sound. Anatar would be rebuilt. Much of it thanks to Ryliann. Why wasn’t she dancing for joy? She stared at the empty dais. She hadn’t had much time to talk with him. On the battlefield, he’d held her, muttering nonsense and promises into her hair as soon as she’d dismounted from Melior. But he’d thought she was dead. It was a natural reaction. She didn’t hold him to anything he’d said.

  At Ewen’s insistence, he’d ridden hard for Edriel with his men the next day. The Riege had congratulated them, and the three embraced. It was a moment she’d never forget. After the wounded had been cared for, most of the Dawn Children rode toward the protected lands. A third headed to Edriel. She’d learned not only had his father died, his nursemaid, Maiya, died in her sleep not long after Ryliann left Edriel. Ilythra could only imagine the mixed emotions the prince was feeling. No, king. She mentally correction. His people had crowned Ryliann king the day before and now they were celebrating victory and peace treaties from one end of Anatar to the other.

  Danladi sat a few tables away. He’d grown. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was a man. At fifteen summers, he was a man full grown, according to the Heleini, but she still remembered the little boy who had begged for luna fruit. He’d told her Tobar extended his apologies, but the One had blessed him with a new child and he could not leave the Faisach. She’d been strangely relieved. She was a different woman than she’d been then. She’d have seen that in Tobar’s eyes.

  For the first time ever, the hall hosted a table of traders. Invaluable participants in the war to win Anatar from tyranny. And from the stories she’d heard, they became more invaluable with each telling.

  Farther down, there was a table full of colorful Benai. She smiled, watching Mohan with his new wife. He caught her gaze, kissed his wife’s cheek and joined her table. “Love, I know it’s hard, but it never would have worked between us. Don’t look so sad.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. A lock of dark hair brushed his forehead. He was a feast for her eyes. Tall and lean with the careless charm she remembered.

  She laughed. “Where did you meet her?”

  Mohan’s blue eyes lit up. “In a forest glen. I tried to steal her horse.”

  She lightly slapped his arm. “Be serious.”

  He laughed. “Oddly enough, I am. It was fated that I would meet the most important women in my life that way.”

  Warmth infused her chest. “Well, I suggest you don’t attempt to steal any more horses from women.”

  Mohan tilted his head. “Odd, that’s what Bella said.” Mohan smiled, revealing dimples on either side of his mouth. His eyes were full of mischief and promise.

  “I have missed you,” Ilythra said.

  He reached out and touched her hand. “As I have you. I would love it if you would deliver my child this winter.”

  “Your child?” Ilythra hugged Mohan. “Congratulations. You are going to make a wonderful father.”

  He nodded, but his face grew serious. “Everything I ever wanted, I now have. In part I owe that to you. Thank you.”

  Tears pricked her eyes. “I have just as much to thank you for, my friend.”

  Mohan placed a hand on Ilythra’s. “Why are you sad? You have accomplished everything you set out to do. The stones are reunited. Anatar will be rebuilt. Bredych is dead. And I am avenged for my brother’s death.”

  Ilythra glanced down. Why was she sad? She looked up into Mohan’s blue eyes. “Maybe that’s it. What’s left? What do I do now?”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You don’t have to be the Wanderer anymore. Remember, I know your real name. You do anything that makes you happy, Sara.” He rose and returned to his wife.

  Ewen and Manu sat near her once they’d made their rounds of the room. The Elderborn provided conversation when called for but respected her silence. Ilythra gripped her wineglass, bringing it to her lips yet not tasting the rich burgundy liquid.

  The center of the hall was bare, save for a large circular hearth with a blazing fire. One end of the large room held doors twice a man’s height, the other, the dais with the empty throne where Ryliann would sit. On either side, tables, laden with delicacies of all kinds, were occupied by lords and ladies of court. Dark wine filled golden goblets, raised often to ready servants. A joyful current permeated the air. It was hard to believe this castle had been bereft only a month ago.

  Aware that people spoke of her, she kept her gaze averted from direct contact with the guests. Even now she was an oddity. Anger, desire, fear and confusion passed rapid-fire through her consciousness, blurring into a sense of expectancy. She lacked, she craved, but what? She observed the smiling faces around her, but felt isolated, alone. Ilythra couldn’t remember ever feeling such a sense of restlessness.

  What am I waiting for? Ryliann? Ilythra twirled the goblet’s stem between her fingers, watching the liquid swirl, rising at the edges, threatening to overflow. She could admit, at least to herself, that she’d been waiting to see him since entering the room. When they’d arrived in Edriel a few days prior and he hadn’t sent for her, she’d been disappointed, then chastised herself. She wanted to be the one to comfort him, to mourn and celebrate by his side, but she wouldn’t hold him to his promises. He had a father and nursemaid to bury, a wounded kingdom to lead.

  Ilythra sensed change and scanned the room. Her breath caught when she spied him. Ryliann entered from a side chamber. Dressed in a richly embroidered velvet tunic with a high collar, his hair pulled back from his face, he exuded authority. He inclined his head. Dedrick, the Alerran king and Ewen moved to join him. They were soon followed by Danladi, Mohan and two other Benai she didn’t recognize.

  They made their way to the dais. She felt Ryliann’s gaze from across the room, searching, questioning. Ilythra smiled automatically.

  The murmur of conversation died as Ryliann step
ped forward. He stared out over the crowd. His face was pale, but Ilythra sensed a new strength coursed through his veins. He was a king.

  He swallowed. “I have never been gifted with words. That was one of my father’s talents I didn’t inherit.” A cloud passed over his features. “But one my people might soon be thankful for.” His smile was sad. “It is a new day. A new dawn that at times I doubted I would live to see.” He gestured to the men beside him. “Anatar is once again whole.”

  The crowd applauded. Someone started chanting “Long live King Ryliann,” but Ryliann waved them down. “It is not my victory. Had any part of the puzzle not been in place, we would not be standing here today. The traders, the Benai, the Dawn Children, wave riders, every man and woman who chose to fight for their homes are the victors this day.” He settled his gaze on Ilythra. “The ancient stones are rejoined. The Dawn Children once again walk among us. It is time for us to rebuild. Time to set aside all misgivings from the past and forge a new day.” He dropped his gaze and then turned to Ewen. They exchanged quiet words and Ewen stepped forward to raise a cup.

  “Each of us pledge our loyalty to Anatar and to one another.” He said a blessing in Siobani and each of the leaders took a turn drinking from the cup. The peace treaty was complete.

  “And what do you think of it?” Manu’s voice broke through her thoughts.

  “Of the treaty? It’s a good thing,” she said.

  The elder placed a hand on her arm. “And where’s your mind, child? Far from contentment, it would seem. We’re here to celebrate. This victory would not be possible if not for you. The stones would not be united if not for your courage.”

  She smiled at the elder. “I only did what needed to be done.”

  “As all must do, and the wise often.” He set down his goblet. “You’re troubled. A burden weighs you down. Perhaps it’s not yours to bear alone.”

  “Don’t we always ultimately bear our burdens alone?”

  “No, child. There are moments when two open themselves to each other so completely that for a moment in time, they’re not alone. The memory of that joining can sustain you in the darkest of circumstances. It’s a risk to trust another that much, but great gains are found in the greatest risks.”

  Ilythra gazed into Manu’s deep eyes and placed her hand over his. That kind of relationship was not for her. But she was tired of feeling melancholy. She had Arien and Ewen. A great change was taking place among the Elderborn. She would be there to facilitate it. Some even spoke of building a city on the plains south of the chasm. They would need her and Ilydearta. And in the winter, she would help bring Mohan’s firstborn into the world. “I’ll consider your words. Thank you.”

  Music filled the great hall. Dancers spread around the room like butterflies in a cage. She accepted Manu’s hand and joined him on the dance floor. She’d worn a long silken coat over her leggings so that from behind, it appeared as though she was wearing a dress, but without the discomfort. Aimena would have laughed at her. The Dawn Child would love it here. She’d have to send her for a visit.

  After the song ended, Manu led Ilythra off the floor and returned to the table. She spoke to a portly man, patiently replying to his many questions. A hand touched her shoulder. Shivers traced down her arm. She turned to Ryliann.

  He was silent for what seemed an eternity, and then smiled at the man. “Excuse us, please.” The man stuttered a reply then blended into the crowd. Ryliann searched her face. Silence stretched its wings, testing the air around them tinted now and then with expectation. “Ilythra, we never got a chance to talk.”

  Ilythra schooled her features. “You’ve been busy.” She smiled. “Should I bow, King Ryliann?”

  A shadow crossed his fingers. “When I thought you were dead...”

  Ilythra shook her head. “It was the battle, stress, relief. It’s okay. I understand.” She struggled with the sorrow building in her breast. When had Ryliann come to mean so much to her? But he was a king, and in the human world she was nothing. Among the Dawn Children she was a stone keeper. That would have to be enough.

  He grabbed her hands. “No. It wasn’t stress or relief or battle. When I thought you were dead, something inside me died too. But even before that...” He ran his hand through his hair, causing a few stray pieces to fall into his eyes. “I am not saying this at all well.” His eyes begged for understanding. “I love you. I love everything about you.”

  Hope swelled in her breast and then plummeted with reality. “I am no match for you. I have no title.”

  “You are a stone keeper.” Ryliann’s eyes blazed.

  Did he even know what that meant? Were she to join with him, she’d watch him grow old and die. “And because of that, I will outlive you by several lifetimes.”

  Ryliann swallowed. “It’s true then. You live forever?”

  “Not forever, but longer than a normal human.” Sorrow weighed her chest. This was what was left undone. This was why she didn’t feel the joy she thought she should feel. She loved this man.

  Ryliann shrugged, his eyes glistened, highlighting the green. “If I can have you for one lifetime or ten, it would not be enough. One thing this war has taught me, none of us know how long we have here. This day I would spend with you. Tomorrow I hope to spend with you and every tomorrow after this. I know you’re afraid. I am too. I don’t understand this depth of feeling.” Ryliann stepped closer. “Ilythra.” The word was a caress. “I know you love me as I love you. It’s written in your eyes. Don’t be afraid of that love. Dream a new dream.” His voice cracked, and emotion shone from his eyes, electrifying the air around them. “I love your strength, your weakness, your stubbornness and your kindness. I love that you are a warrior and a woman. I have a kingdom and a title. All of these I would give you if you’d have them. Stay with me.” He pulled her closer. “Please.”

  Ilythra began to shake. “Ryliann...” Tears blurred her vision. He didn’t know what he was asking. She couldn’t separate the stones now that they’d been joined. Now that she’d heard the melodies, she knew what it meant for them to be together. Ilydearta was as much a part of her as her skin, but the stone belonged with the Dawn Children, and so did she. Maybe if Ryliann had been a farmer or even a minor nobleman, he could have lived with the Dawn Children. Maybe she could have seen things as he did and lived one day at a time. But he couldn’t leave his kingdom any more than she could leave the Dawn Children. “I can’t.” She rushed out of the room, seeing only blurred faces. She turned into the first staircase and ran up until she could run no farther. But she couldn’t escape the turmoil inside her heart.

  * * *

  Arien stood as Ilythra rushed out of the room. The anguish on Ryliann’s face extinguished the flame of anger kindled when he’d thought the king had somehow hurt Ilythra. Ryliann stood where she left him, seemingly alone in a room full of people to honor him. He looked like a man bereft of hope. Warring emotions battled in Arien’s heart. He walked up to Ryliann and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t give up yet, my friend.” Placing his wineglass on a nearby table, he excused himself, trailing Ilythra’s footsteps.

  He followed the faint sounds of feet against stone up the nearest stairwell and sifted through Teann to hear Ilydearta’s song. A fresh breeze brushed the hair from his face. She’d gone all the way to a roof terrace. He smiled. Ilythra never did anything partway. Not even fall in love.

  The moon captured her profile, softening lines and muting color. She leaned against the rail, staring out toward the ocean. “It’s strange. I could feel you before, but now, with Crioch, you’re a stronger presence,” she said without turning.

  “I sensed you before I saw you as well. That first day, while you fought the Rugians alone. You were awesome. I’d not want to be your enemy.”

  She turned and looked at him. “You couldn’t be.”

  “I tried.” He n
eared and leaned against the railing next to her. From here, he could see the entire island wrapped in a ribbon of silver that was the river. He followed the river’s progress until it was lost in the mouth of ocean.

  She turned, a smile gracing her features. “You failed.”

  “We’ve come a long way since then.”

  She looked back over the small island. “Teann is satisfied, the stones reunited. I did it. I wish my grandfather could be here to see it.” Her gaze turned toward the ocean. “I’m going to find our island. See if the house is still standing.”

  “If you’d like company, I’d love to see where you grew up. Your grandfather would have been very proud.” Arien took Ilythra’s chin in his hand. “You’re troubled.”

  “My quest is finished. After all this time, I’m done and I don’t know what else is required of me.”

  “Required? Have you considered nothing? Have you thought of your happiness? Or have you lived so long serving others that you’ve forgotten what makes you happy? You told me once that after you reunited the three stones, you planned to find a little cottage somewhere, marry and have babies.”

  She dropped her gaze. “I was naïve.”

  “Were you?”

  She stared up into Arien’s golden eyes. “If you tell me to leave you, Arien, it’ll break my heart.”

  He pulled her close. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Ilythra, you could never leave me. We’re a part of each other, and nothing can sever that bond. Not time, not distance, not death. I only tell you to follow your heart.”

  * * *

  Ilythra threw her things into a leather bag, not bothering with neatness or organization. The sun shone through the window, bathing the room in the soft light of dawn. She hadn’t slept. She loved Ryliann. She could admit that. But she loved Ilydearta. She would never ask him to give up his kingdom. Nor could she give up her stone. It was hers. But as often as the litany ran through her head, it offered no comfort. Was this what Bredych had felt? Had he been so jealous of his stone that he couldn’t see anything else? She shook her head. She had no desire to control the other stones or for power. It was not the same.