Aloft

by J F Rogers

  Kai raised an eyebrow as if to say, “Yeah, right.”

  “Come on.” I grabbed his arm. “We need to get to the war room.”

  Chapter Three

  ◊◊◊

  “THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.” KING Aleksander practically bounced, his ice-blue eyes sparkling. I’d never seen him so giddy. “If this is true, we can dip arrows in the blood, shoot the fasgadair from Turas, and retreat. The blood will either kill the fasgadair or return them to gachen. This option allows us to end the fasgadair problem with minimal losses and save some in the process.”

  The king’s excitement was infectious. Those surrounding the table nodded and grinned and practically bounced with him.

  “We need to test this theory. Collect blood from the redeemed. We’ve been planning to use Turas to spy out Bandia anyway. Let’s fill two holes with one plug. We’ll spy out the land. When we come across a lone fasgadair, we’ll shoot it to see what happens. Are we in agreement?”

  More nods and ayes.

  The king shifted to Wolf. “Collect Evan’s and Torian’s blood. They’ll receive the request best from you, who I assume, is also willing to donate for the cause.”

  “Aye.” Wolf nodded. “Of course.”

  “We’re already certain Fallon and Declan’s blood changes fasgadair. And Fallon still needs to recover from excessive loss. We’ll test the blood first, then plan to reclaim Bandia according to the results.” The king rubbed his trim, blond beard. “Alastar, you’ll be willing to donate some blood to test this theory as well?”

  “Aye.” Alastar scratched his eyebrow. “I’m eager for the results of these tests.”

  “Splendid.” His voice booming, face beaming, Aleksander clasped his fingers together. “Maili, you are by far the best archer in our ranks. Would you be willing to take part?”

  “I’d be honored.” She placed her right hand over her heart.

  “Thank you, Maili. Faolan, collect the blood in the morn. We’ll wait for nightfall to test in real time whilst the fasgadair are in human form to ensure we don’t unwittingly harm an animal. Be prepared to depart for Turas after the evening meal.”

  This was it. Once they used Turas to fight the bloodsuckers, it would be all over. I’d lose my chance to search for the zpět. That was the goal, right? Sully said I would need it to defeat Morrigan. I had to get it. The trip would only take about four hours both ways. Once I was in Turas, searching for the zpět, no time would elapse here. They could live without me for four hours.

  Tomorrow morning. After breakfast. I’d leave whether or not my body was rested enough.

  ****

  After dinner, Rowan and I headed to our room. I’d need plenty of sleep if I might spend days tracking down the zpět. We turned the corner. Evan was leaning against our bedroom doorframe.

  He met us halfway. “Princess Arabella, I apologize for approaching you like this.” He bowed to Rowan. “Might I have a word?”

  What was going on with him? Sweat wetted the sideburns framing his flushed face. He looked like he’d just taken a few laps around the castle.

  “Evan, we’re friends. You needn’t be so formal.” She glanced around the hall. “But our bedchamber might not be the most suitable place to meet.”

  “I know.” Wetness darkened his tunic in patches. Was he ill? He was producing an unnatural amount of sweat. “I wasn’t sure how to meet privately, and I couldn’t wait any longer.”

  “Come.” She ushered him back down the hall. “The former king’s study should be empty this time of day. Do you mind if Fallon joins us?”

  “N–no. Not at all.” He smiled at me as if grateful to have reinforcement.

  In the study, stale air smelled of musky books and smoked fish. Seascapes flanked some kind of mounted winged fish above the fireplace, and slits of sunlight parted the closed drapes. Evan stomped forward, dropped into a chair—the wide back scalloped like a shell—and gripped the arms. His knuckles whitened.

  “Are you sick?” I asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. It was damp.

  “I–I have news of the royal family.”

  Princess Arabella pulled a matching chair next to him. “They weren’t all killed in the fasgadair attack?”

  “The immediate family was.”

  “You know of the extended family?” She settled into the padded pink clammy seat and tucked her feet beneath her. All glowing and pale and golden in its center, the princess could have been the pearl in the oyster.

  Oysters—I suppressed a smirk as her coaxing tones reminded me of the silver-tongued walrus in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland leading those animated little oysters to his pot.

  “I do.” Evan leaned into her entrancement. He scrubbed his hands together. His fingers had left indentations in the soft leather.

  “I came to you,” he continued, “not only because you’re a friend, but also because you might understand.”

  “You?” She gasped, hiding her mouth behind a spread hand. Wide blue eyes staring.

  He dropped his gaze to his fidgeting hands.

  “You’re a selkie?” Not just any selkie—part of the royal family. My gut squeezed. Like those foolish Wonderland oysters, he was about to leave the safety of his oyster bed for unknown. And, if it was in my power, I wouldn’t let whatever he faced swallow him up.

  “Not exactly.”

  “Tell us your story.” Rowan grasped his hand in hers. Blonde curls fell forward.

  I dragged a heavy driftwood chair closer to them and plunked onto its bleached seat, my nose crinkling. The thing still smelled like salt and kelp. I smacked my lips. At least, they weren’t making me gnaw on it like that nasty medicine. I could still taste it. Ugh. Focus, Fallon. I knew some of Evan’s story. How he became a fasgadair. Royalty had never been mentioned. And his being even part selkie? I’d say no way, but before I arrived in selkie territory, he was the only person I’d met, besides his brother, who spoke Cianese.

  He pulled away from Rowan’s grip and took a deep breath, leaning back into the clamshell. “My father was Ryung, King Jum’s second son. His older brother, Da Bin, took the throne—his family was the one killed.”

  “Are you the only living heir?” Princess Arabella’s voice came as a whisper.

  “If the fasgadair killed Da Bin and his family and there are none left in his line, then yes, I believe so.” He slouched in his chair and rubbed his temple, his miserable expression suggesting he’d be quite happy if the clam-shaped atrocity came alive and clamped shut on him. “But my father’s totem wasn’t a seal, so his father banished him. He married my mother, a gachen woman.”

  That explained why he looked part selkie and part gachen with his dark skin and hair and light eyes. A stunning combination.

  “How did you come to live in the west?” Rowan adjusted herself in her seat and smoothed her dress.

  “My father wasn’t content to remain on selkie lands. He lived in his totem form as a whale. When he arrived on the mainland to the west, he returned to his human form and explored the land. He traveled north to Reòdh. The Olwen found him on the verge of death. He wasn’t suitably dressed for the unseasonably harsh weather. They took him in. Then he met my mother and never left.”

  “Did you come to me because you’re afraid to come forward and claim your birthright?”

  “If anyone could understand, you could.” He scoffed. “Before banishing my father, King Jum gave him the royal seal to mark his children, should a threat ever arise against the crown. My father branded both my brother and me.” He loosened the string on his tunic, shoved it over his shoulder, and showed us the mark—a circle with strange etchings in its center.

  He pulled his sleeve back up and tightened the cord. “My brother is dead. I’m the last of my father’s line. But I’m the half-breed son of a banished heir. A former fasgadair no less. I know little of my heritage and nothing of the selkie lands. Nor of ruling a country.”

  I blew out a breath. “
How is it I happened upon and redeemed two displaced royals?”

  Rowan and Evan both gave me looks as if to say, Seriously? You’re making this all about you right now?

  I wriggled. Ouch. Something splintery on the seat stuck me.

  “It’s no coincidence but part of God’s divine plan.” Waving my comment away, she leaned closer to Evan. “I’m glad you came to me. If anyone understands feeling unworthy of the crown, I do. However, God saved you for a reason. There’s no other heir for a reason. And there is discord among your people as to which family to raise up for a reason. You are the answer. Will there be those who oppose it? Yes. But you are the only remaining rightful heir, returning at a time when your political system is changing, realizing their error, and God is with you. So, if you came seeking my advice, you have it. Claim your right. Fulfill your duty. I will do what I can to help you.”

  Evan stood and threw Rowan a grateful smile. His face was almost back to his normal color. “Thank you, Princess.”

  “I’ll ask my father to call a meeting with the leaders after breakfast.”

  Perfect. Everyone will be distracted. No one to stop me from going to Turas.

  Chapter Four

  ◊◊◊

  WITH A FULL STOMACH from a hearty breakfast, I headed to the kitchen, trying to ignore the dull ache behind my eyes. I wasn’t hungry now, but what if I spent many days searching for the zpět inside Turas? Hunger made sense when I traveled in current time, but it wasn’t fair that I’d get hungry when visiting the past for too long, even though time wasn’t progressing for me. I could return to the present time, and my hunger would vanish. But I needed to heed the angel’s warning. The last thing I wanted was to come across any more demons. I never wanted to endure such complete and utter despair again. Ever. I mean, what if they managed to cripple me, and I got stuck in Turas forever? Or worse, left the protective circle and handed myself over to the demons?

  I shuddered.

  Wonderful aromas met me as I descended the stairs to the kitchen. My sneakers slapping against stone steps, I sniffed and slowed. The yeasty scent of fresh bread reminded me of the holidays at Stacy’s house when her mom baked bread from scratch. My mouth watered for a warm slice straight from the oven.

  I hesitated at the kitchen entryway. Unidentifiable spices and broth intermingled with the bread and wafted my way. My stomach growled despite its fullness.

  Servants wearing black aprons rushed about carrying dirty dishes. Cooks and food prep staff wore white aprons. They already seemed to be gearing up for the next meal.

  One cook inspected a giant pot on a stove. He dipped in a spoon, gave it a taste, wrinkled his nose, and motioned to a boy who hustled over with spice jars.

  Flour littered a wooden table where a man and two women pounded dough. Feeding so many people multiple meals a day must be an endless chore.

  One woman kneading dough flipped her lump over and was about to give it another whack when she spotted me. She wiped her hands on her apron and rounded the table toward me. “Can I help you, young lady?”

  “I need to go out for a while. Is there some food I can take with me?”

  The cook curtsied. “I’m sure I have something.” She snaked through the oncoming traffic like a pro to a counter along the back wall, hauled a clay lid from a platter, revealing a wheel of cheese, and set it aside. She cut off a generous portion, then wrapped it in a cloth and thrust it into my hand. “Take this.”

  “Thank you.” I put it in my satchel while she fished out a couple pieces of dried meat from a canister. She wrapped those and handed them over. “The king always enjoyed this on his hunting trips.” She pinched her fingers and touched her forehead. “May he be at peace.”

  “I’m—” I almost told her I was sorry for her loss. But I much preferred the Ariboslian saying. “You are loved.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, young lady.” She shot through the bustle once more, reached into a basket full of rolls, and returned with two larger than my fist.

  They were still warm. I fought the urge to tear into one now as I stuffed my bulging pack with the food. “Thank you.” She’d given me far more than I would’ve asked for. This should be enough for me and Kai. Assuming he came with me. And assuming it didn’t take too long to find the zpět.

  She waved me off with a smile and returned to her blob of dough.

  I made my way to the upper levels and knocked on Kai’s door. No answer. He hadn’t been in the kitchen, so no point checking there. I trudged down the stairs toward the dining hall. Empty.

  Might he be in the infirmary? Guilt wrenched my gut as I picked at a hangnail. I should be helping. Why did I keep thinking like that? Finding the zpět was helping. And necessary.

  Still, I’d leave the infirmary as a last resort. Better to check outside first. I stepped through the grand doors into the courtyard. A breeze swept my hair back. I inhaled the sweet gardenia scent and shielded my eyes from the bright sun as I crossed the cobblestones. They’d done a good job cleaning up. The courtyard glistened. Though last night’s rain helped.

  Kai stood in a small garden with two guys.

  “Wait until Ji Ah finds out you’re here. She’ll be so excited,” one said.

  Ji Ah? Who was this Ji Ah?

  “Fallon!” Kai beckoned me with a wave. He closed the gap and pulled me to his friends. “Fallon, I’d like you to meet Minho and Tae.” He pointed to both guys in succession. Each bowed as Kai spoke their name.

  They looked like they escaped from an anime comic. Their chocolate eyes, sparkling with excitement, peeked through wisps of ebony hair. Their perfect cinnamon complexion begged me to ask what they used for skin care products. Both were cute, but neither compared to Kai. They were a little shorter, with less defined muscles, and missing whatever it was Kai had that made my stomach flip whenever I looked at him. More evidence the gachen-selkie attraction was a ruse.

  “These are my classmates from primary school.”

  “Ya. Before the elders banished him.” Minho grabbed Kai’s shoulder and gave it a shake, his dark eyes twinkling. Then his face turned serious, and he bowed to me again. “I can’t express how appreciative I am for what you’ve done.” Tousled hair nearly poked his eyes. “My brother returned home, thanks to you.”

  “Ya.” Tae nodded, his eyebrows disappeared behind thick bangs. “My little sister reached her totem three moons back. She’s an otter. We’ve been hiding it from the authorities. I couldn’t imagine her surviving on her own.” He grasped my hand in both his and shook, a wide grin overtaking his face. “Many thanks.”

  “It wasn’t me. It was all God. But I’m glad the segregation has ended.” Knowing I’d helped accomplish something so major warmed my heart. The elitists’ plots wouldn’t split up any more families.

  Like Kai, his friends had two faces—a smiley, puppy-dog face begging to be cuddled and a tough face making you think twice before getting too close. In mere minutes, I’d seen both in Minho and Tae. Their faces were so expressive.

  Kai threw me his tough face. Stunning. “If only everyone were as pleased.”

  “Who isn’t?” I asked. “Didn’t most people lose friends and family members? You’d think they’d be happy to have them back.”

  “You’d think.” Kai frowned. “It’s mostly the authorities and some older folk.”

  “Well, then. Why don’t you banish them?” My old snarky attitude reared its vengeful head.

  Kai’s friends perked up, glancing at one another. Their eyes, resembling the seals they turned into, widened as if I’d said something brilliant.

  “Great idea.” Tae tipped his head. His fingers to his temple, thumb to the hollow in his cheek, he squinted as if deep in thought.

  “I wasn’t being ser—”

  “My father is a high-ranking official. I’ll ask him to speak with the chancellor.” Minho waved Tae forward. “Let’s go.” He bowed. “Thank you, Fallon.”

  Tae gave a
hasty bow, then tromped after his friend.

  “But I—” I held my hand up as if I could stop them.

  Kai nudged my hand back down. “Let them go. They’ll realize soon enough that will never happen.” He laughed. “They’re very excitable. But you should be careful what you say, particularly around youths. Your words carry a lot of weight.”

  I grimaced. Being careful with my words? So not my strong suit. “I’ll do my best. What do you mean youths? Aren’t you all the same age?” Then again, Kai never told me his age.

  “Ya. We are twenty.”

  “Twenty?” Two years older than me. “That’s considered a youth?”

  “Ya.”

  “Hmph.” Why did I come out here? I touched my overstuffed satchel. Oh yeah. “Want to help me find the zpět?”

  “You want me to go to Turas with you?”

  I smiled a wide, Cheshire-cat smile.

  He waved me forward, flashing his dimple. “After you.”

  Chapter Five

  ◊◊◊

  “WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?” KAI swooshed a branch out of the way and held it for me to pass through. Trudging through the woods was much more pleasant with him than Pepin. My little not-so-considerate friend would’ve let the thing smack me. “Are you going to take over where Cairbre left his quest in the Cnatan Mountains? Or go back to the women who used it to resurrect Morrigan?”

  Either he had a remarkable ability to recall everything people say to him or he was a good listener. Or both. Impressive. “Well, if I look for Cairbre and follow whatever lead he had, there’s two potential problems. One”—I held up my pointer finger—“I don’t know that Cairbre actually knew where the zpět was. And two”—I lifted the next finger—“I’m not sure how to get what he knows from him since I can’t talk to him.” I let out a deep sigh. “But, if I find the women, I don’t know that the zpět is still wherever they put it. But at least I’ll have a starting point to track it down.”

  “So, you’re saying this could take a long time.”

  “Yeah. But if we have anything on our side”—I pushed through the brush and beheld Stonehenge across the green plain—“it’s time.”