“The veil is covering your sight now.” Damian said. “You won’t be able to find your way back ever again.”
Killian turned away with a strange resignation that dissipated the further he walked until he had to remind himself why he felt sad.
After a time, Damian stopped to let Killian rest. He sank gratefully onto a fallen trunk, rubbing his aching leg. Excited chattering from above made him jump. Two squirrels circled a tree trunk, clambering and leaping on every available limb.
“There goes a faery. Lovely folk!”
“Aye, aye, aye. Oh, brilliant looking nut!”
“Oh, lovely!”
“Did you know Alpin’s family knew a faery?”
“Great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather or something, wasn’t it?”
“Aye, aye, aye.”
Killian stumbled away from the tree, staring at the squirrels as they darted away.
“I can—understand them!” he stammered.
Damian laughed. “Once you hear the language of the animals, you can’t forget it. I think you might find the curse left you with a few gifts.”
Killian shook his head, focusing on listening to the forest. He’d retained the hearing of a wolf, catching the many conversations of the woods.
Including the sounds of horses and men. Killian tensed, a sudden irrational fear gripping his chest.
“Come.” Damian rested a hand on his shoulder.
Damian urged him onward, but Killian fell a step behind. Lars hurried to greet Damian, a question dying on his lips as Damian stepped aside to reveal Killian.
Both brothers froze, staring at one another, until Lars lunged forward to hug Killian.
Lars pounded Killian on the back and held him at arm’s length. “I’m going to miss those cute ears.”
Killian rolled his eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
“I know.” Lars chuckled, pulling him into another hug, before releasing him into their father’s hold.
Killian fought the sudden rebellious dampness in his eyes, swiping it away before his father pulled back. Jonas cleared his throat in a futile attempt to speak, only to be saved by Einar.
“I think you grew a little, lad.”
Killian laughed, but glanced down at himself with fresh eyes. Even just three weeks ago, he hadn’t been able to look his uncle in the eye.
He found Rose loitering a few paces away, respectfully staying clear of the reunions. She cleared her throat and sniffed, eyeing him with barely-shrouded curiosity.
“Hello, Rose.” I can finally greet her properly.
“Hello, Killian.” She gave him a nervous smile. “It’s good to see you.”
“Thank you.” I hope she knows I mean for everything.
Her pale cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at her boots before meeting his gaze again.
“You’re welcome.” She gave a small nod.
He fought quick disappointment at the hesitation that marked her speech. I suppose it is a little jarring. She’s only ever seen me as a wolf.
Killian reached a hand to her father, who stood behind Rose with a protective hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you for your help.” The words hardly seemed sufficient, but they would have to do for now.
“Just sorry I couldn’t do more for you, Prince Killian. Glad t’ see you human again.”
Killian moved to find a place to sit and rest his leg, flinching as he caught Lars’s dismayed stare.
“Killian…” Lars caught his shoulder.
Killian fought the urge to flee at the look of horror on his brother’s face. Killian forced a smile instead.
“It was too late for the healer to do much with it. But it won’t slow me down.”
I won’t let it.
Lars nodded, respect showing in his quick smile. Killian accepted his brother’s help to sit on the ground and resisted the urge to rub his aching calf.
“I’m all right,” he reassured Lars before he could start hovering.
Lars didn’t appear convinced, so Killian changed the subject.
“What’s the plan for going home?”
Lars settled next to him on the grass. “Father wants to leave tomorrow if you’re able to make the trip.”
“Good. I’m ready to go back.”
“Are you ready for the tales of the Wolf Prince?” Lars nudged his shoulder.
Killian tilted his head back against the tree with a groan.
“Well, anything will be better than what people said before. There’s no more curse now.”
“True.” Lars sighed. “Killian, I—I’m sorry there were days I paid too much attention to the whispers.”
“I know,” Killian said softly. “But I won’t blame you. I let it govern my life to the point that changing to a wolf was the first time I’d felt free.”
“I had no idea,” Lars murmured.
Killian smiled wryly. “Who was I supposed to tell that to?”
“You should have been able to tell me.”
“Forget the past, Lars. We can’t change it. I’m just grateful you won’t have to sneak off to visit your wolf brother.”
“Don’t tell me you were planning on staying in the forest?” Lars raised an eyebrow.
Killian rolled his eyes. “It would have been more than a little awkward to have me wandering the castle as a wolf.”
“But state and family dinners would be less boring.”
Killian shoved his shoulder. “I thought you were being more responsible now. You can’t call them that.”
“No change of heart is going to make them interesting.” Lars punched his arm.
Killian chuckled and settled back against a tree.
“Though, if things get too tedious, I’m sure there are plenty of Baedon sightings to investigate,” Lars said.
Killian laughed. Although the next time he’d have weapons in hand, he’d be happy to never face one again. “Think Rose will go with us?”
“It’s going to be quiet without her.” Lars smiled. “But I had an idea.”
Chapter 33
Killian sat back and watched everyone pack up camp with a certain degree of helplessness. He had nothing to pack. It was an odd feeling to have nothing but the clothes on his back.
The horses murmured to one another, speculating on the journey home. Killian made a pointed effort not to look their direction. He hadn’t let anyone know yet about the residual effects of the curse.
His enhanced hearing picked up three different sets of whispering footsteps. He was familiar with the faeries’ tread by now and pushed to his feet, debating on alerting his father until they were closer.
Kaspar beat him to the news. But he couldn’t have heard the faeries yet.
“I don’t know how he does it, either.” Rose stepped up beside him, following his gaze to her father.
“How did…?”
Pink tinged her nose. “You tilt your head a bit t’ the side when you’re focused on something. You did it before, too.”
He raised his eyes to the sky. “Perfect. Now I’ll have to figure out if I did that before the curse or if it’s another charming residual trait.”
She giggled. “Don’t worry. I don’t think anyone’s noticed yet.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Lars will eventually.”
“Sorry?” She lifted one shoulder.
A smile teased Killian’s lips. “No, you’re not. You probably think it’s hilarious.”
She had the grace to add a hint of apology to her wide grin. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Lars paused beside them, rubbing his side. Their father had forbidden him from helping break camp at the first sign of a grimace.
“Agreeing that you are getting ridiculous about your tea drinking.” Killian easily ducked Lars’s swipe.
“What? No, I—he’s not wrong.” Rose took a step back as Lars turned on her. “You know my grandmother loved tea.”
Lars shook his h
ead with a rueful grin. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea you two can understand each other.”
Killian and Rose shared a laugh.
“You tell her yet?” Killian tipped a nod in her direction.
Rose stiffened, glancing between them. “Tell me what?”
“You may or may not recall a conversation when we first met where you called me ignorant.” Lars crossed his arms.
Killian bit the inside of his cheek to stop his laugh. True or not, it wouldn’t do to ruin the surprise.
Rose opened and shut her mouth a few times, then squeaked, “Yes.”
“I think we can all agree you were right. You also happened to mention Ranger law.”
Her eyes began to widen, and she looked back and forth between them.
If he doesn’t hurry up and tell her, she’s going to burst.
“I spoke with your father last night to make sure there was nothing that would prevent someone, say a young woman, from joining.” Lars struggled to contain his grin. Killian made no effort to hide his own smile as Rose searched for something to say.
“You mean…?”
“I mean that when I need a Ranger I can trust, I’d rather call on you.”
She clapped a hand to her mouth. “Lars, I—”
“I’m also going to need some good Ranger captains one of these days,” Lars said.
“Captain? Oh, I don’t know if I’d make it that far.” She shook her head. “I have t’ make it through training first.”
“Why not? I bet on you becoming commander.” Killian smirked. “You’ve gotten enough practice bossing us around this trip.”
Rose laughed as she flicked a hand over her eyes, surprising them both with quick hugs.
“You knew about this?” She glanced up at her father as he joined them.
“I’ve known your dream for a while now,” Kaspar said. “But I was more than happy t’ have Prince Lars help you out.”
Her smile threatened to split her face. “I won’t let any of you down.”
“Hope not.” Lars smirked.
“If you change your mind, we could use someone to hunt Baedons and Wyverns with,” Killian said.
Rose shook her head. “No, thank you. You boys are on your own.”
Kasper chuckled. “Those faeries are here.”
Lars and Rose sent Kaspar a slightly exasperated look.
How could they possibly have missed the faeries’ approach?
Kasper sent him a knowing look and Killian ducked his head. So, someone has noticed.
The faeries entered the clearing, greeting Jonas first out of respect before seeking out the trio for a last farewell. Adela embraced them all, brushing her hand across their foreheads. Killian shivered from head to toe at the touch of her magic.
“I hope this isn’t the last time we see each other.” She stepped back with a smile.
Damian clasped each of their hands. “Remember what I said,” he told Killian. “Gifts shouldn’t be feared.”
He moved to Rose, smiling gently. “Trust your instincts. A Ranger needs them to survive.” Rose smiled and nodded as he turned to Lars. “I’ve no doubt you’ll make a good ruler. Just don’t forget what you’ve learned here.”
“I won’t.” Lars clasped his hand.
Felix hung back, looking a bit uncomfortable as he pulled three knives from the bag at his side. Killian took the blade Felix handed him, rubbing a hand across the embossed sheath before pulling the knife free.
A small wolf, engraved hear the hilt, howled at an invisible moon. On the opposite side, Felix had etched two runes.
“It’s beautiful.” Rose turned her knife over in her hands. A wolf ran along her blade.
Lars tested the edge of his blade where a wolf leapt along its length.
For once, Felix seemed at a loss for words. “The—um—blade will never dull, and you won’t ever lose them.” He fidgeted with the bag’s strap.
“Amazing.” Killian tossed it high enough to catch, and it balanced perfectly in his hand as it landed. “Thank you.”
A smile cracked Felix’s frown as Lars echoed Killian. His smile vanished into wide-eyed shock as Rose surprised him with a quick hug. Even Damian looked stunned, but Felix patted her shoulder.
He finally shooed her away with a barely-suppressed smirk and eye roll. “Just be careful with those.”
The faeries said one last farewell before vanishing back into the forest.
“Part of me still doesn’t quite believe all this.” Rose sheathed her knife.
Killian nodded. The last three weeks occasionally seemed like a strange dream. Except for my new—abilities.
They reached the edge of the forest by late afternoon, entering Moss to obtain four new horses for the trio and Kaspar. The townsfolk threw strange looks Killian’s way and he ducked his head.
Odd one out again. They don’t remember me with any of the others. I hope they don’t put it together.
Lars took the news they could return to Sandnes for Jeppe with relief. But apprehension bubbled in Killian’s stomach as his father gave permission. The village was the origin of the wolf prince tale. He wasn’t sure he wanted to ride back and give fresh life to the story.
Three days after leaving Moss, they splashed across the ford and parted ways with their father and Einar, who, along with most of the knights, would return to the castle in order to placate his father’s anxious council. Killian, Lars, and Rose remained with Kasper and two knights to fetch Jeppe.
Along the river, they found no sign of Kaja, but a mile up from the ford, Lars pointed at the heron that circled above them. Killian shielded his eyes against the sunlight and caught the whisper of a blessing in the wind before the heron dove towards the river, skimming the water and vanishing.
The closer they came to Sandnes, the more Rose and Lars appeared to share the same apprehension. Lars’s hands remained tight on the reins, and Rose’s laugh came too quick or loud.
There wasn’t much to do when the thatched roofs came into view and villagers ran from the field to announce their arrival.
Killian tugged at the reins until he gradually fell to the rear of the small group.
Adam was the first to greet them with a low bow. “Prince Lars.”
Lars dismounted and clasped his hand in greeting. Adam’s eyes widened, but he returned the gesture.
“We couldn’t believe t’ tale Sir Einar brought, your highness,” he said.
“I had trouble enough believing it myself. You seem to have done well since we left.” Lars glanced around the town square.
Killian silently agreed. The stale scent of fear was gone, and the fields had an ordered look. Killian slid from his horse, catching a young girl staring at him with a frown of concentration. He offered a tentative smile. She frowned deeper and whirled away to whisper something in another child’s ear.
“Ah, Rose! Good t’ see you, lass!” Adam caught her hand as she joined Lars. “Now then, since you’re back…” He looked over their troop and Killian resisted the urge to run. Instead he limped forward.
Can’t put this off any longer. Here goes the rest of my life as just Killian.
“Good to see you again, Adam,” he said.
Adam’s eyes widened. “By t’ Creator!” He bowed again. “Prince Killian! Glad t’ see you alive and—human.”
“Thank you.” Killian nodded as a murmur of surprise ran through the onlookers, as if they hadn’t really believed it was him.
Adam shook his head. “How long will you be here?”
“I’m afraid we can’t stay long,” Lars said. “We leave tomorrow.”
“The inn is at your disposal,” Adam offered. “We’d feast with you again, but knowing you’re royals, it’ll be poor fare t’ you.”
“We’d be honored,” Lars assured him.
He means it. Killian watched his brother with a hint of pride. Though I know I’d rather feast with these people than the nobles at the castle.
A wide smile deepened the c
reases of Adam’s face and he sent a stableboy to care for their horses. Marten pushed past Adam to bow to Lars.
“Will you want t’ see your stallion, sire?”
“Yes!” Lars grinned. “How is he?”
“Recovering well. I took ‘im out for some easy rides t’ last few days. Hope you don’t mind?” Marten winced.
“Not at all. He’s in the stables?” Lars strode towards the building.
Marten nodded, and Killian fell into step beside him, adopting a more dignified pace. Who knows what Jeppe will do once he sees Lars?
The stable shook with Jeppe’s thunderous neighs as they entered.
“You came back! All in one piece? Don’t tell me that was what you were riding?”
“Jeppe!” Lars caught the stallion’s halter, rubbing his broad white blaze.
“You’re not leaving me this time.” Jeppe bumped Lars’s chest with his nose. “Marten says I’m recovered, as if I was injured before!”
Killian bit back a snicker. Lars stepped into the stall to run his hand over the silver scars streaking across Jeppe’s hindquarters.
“How do they look?” Killian stepped up to lean on the stall. Jeppe wrenched his head around as he caught Killian’s scent. He received Jeppe’s nose in his face.
“Killian! You’re back on two legs! Leifr will be pleased.”
Killian scratched under the stallion’s jaw and tried to focus on Lars’s one-sided mutterings.
“They closed well. Doesn’t look like he lost too much muscle. Probably shouldn’t ride him back, though.”
“The other side could use a scratch.” Jeppe butted his hand.
Killian nodded and switched sides. Jeppe’s nose immediately shoved back into his face.
“You can still understand me! Can’t you? Can’t you?”
Killian tried to move away, but Jeppe wouldn’t allow him to dodge his whiskered muzzle.
“Yes, fine, I can!” Killian glared at the contrary animal and shoved its nose away.
“Can what?” Lars looked over in confusion.
Jeppe nickered smugly and Killian’s face warmed.
“Killi, can what?” Lars’s eyes narrowed.
“Nothing.”
Jeppe nickered again.
“Oh, just shut up,” he muttered.
“You can…?” Lars pointed between him and Jeppe, his eyes wide with alarm.
The Wolf Prince Page 20