Four days later found Lara in a medium-sized room a short distance from the main thoroughfare. She screamed, “Come on,” releasing some of her pent-up frustration.
It felt good. For all of two seconds.
As she waited for the echoes of her temper tantrum to trail off, she felt about two feet tall.
The four of them had commandeered the room for their own use. Lara still felt a little guilty about throwing her new popularity around to attain the space, but both Skye and she had needed a room to practice their magic.
Well, Skye practiced. The man’s control grew by leaps and bounds. He still struggled with magnifying specific areas though. Skye had told them yesterday that he never could place the image of a crystal at the exact angle necessary; however, he could move the mirrors with more efficiency, removing the irrelevant data in a nanosecond. He now worked on shrinking his range when his full power was superfluous in any given instance. Skye’s headaches were still a major cause for concern. Eiren monitored him like a mother hen. They all hoped by shrinking the area his second sight processed would help him extend the time he could use his magic. Lara also prayed that it would help reduce the abuse his brain took. With the coming battle, Skye strove for perfection, and every day showed improvement on his part.
Then there was Lara.
If she wasn’t so excited for him, she would despise the man. For the last two nights, while lying curled next to Chion’s sleeping body, Lara thought of different ways to prank Skye. It was childish, she knew; except, she looked like a fool in comparison to the man. With her frustration getting the better of her, it was easier to blame him for everything. Lara mentally crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
Chion, the only one in the room with her, heaved a sigh. Solara, your growing frustration blocks your ability to determine what the Lan’Ai bond gifted you.
Uncaring whether the red dirt stained her pants, Lara sprawled on the ground with a groan. “I know. I can’t help it, Chion.” Her back popped as she sat back, her elbows on the ground. “I spoke to the other Ais as you insisted. I’m pretty sure it was a waste of time. I don’t understand why the Tal’Ai magic was so easy for me to find, yet I can’t make heads or tails of my Lan’Ai magic.”
Chion walked on silent feet to her side. Plopping down beside her, he settled his head in her lap. My Lady, your situation is a direct reversal of Skye’s struggle. He spent over a month searching for a hint of his Tal’Ai magic. We determined yours by accident when the scout came upon you while I hunted. From there, the difficulty came from attempting to gain control of the emotions.
Shifting her weight to her left side, Lara skimmed her right hand over Chion’s nose and brow line. She next tugged on his velvety ears. He emitted a soft, contented purr, tilting his head so she could scratch behind his ear and the soft skin around his jawbone. His solid presence calmed her, and Lara’s breathed slowed, syncing with Chion’s.
Several minutes later, she picked their conversation back up. “The irony hasn’t escaped me. I’m glad Skye is gaining confidence in his magic, I really am. I just…” She sighed, then sat up and squared her shoulders. “No, I need to uphold my end of the Lan’Ai bond. I mean, we all assume the Lan’Ai bond formed to fight against the Malirrans. For that reason alone, shouldn’t I have at least a small notion of what my secondary magic is? Like I said earlier, I’ve talked with the other Ais. Most of their magic doesn’t suit me.” She lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “Despite knowing their type of magic doesn’t fit me, I still tried it. I’m that desperate, Chion.” She pointed to the wall and said, “Believe me. If I marked the wall for every technique and magic I’ve attempted in this room, I swear the wall would be covered. It is getting ridiculous.”
I have also communicated with the Ais answering the war council’s call for warriors. As Skye’s second, stronger ability is connected to the Tal’Ai magic, I believe yours is the same. As for your concern regarding your ability to fight by Skye’s side as his equal, My Lady, your Tal’Ai magic is fearsome.
“Will it be enough?” she asked, digging her fingers into the loose skin on his neck.
Do not invite trouble where there is none, he admonished. I have faith in you. Do not lose confidence in your abilities.
Lara yawned and leaned against Chion, feeling drained from everything that had happened recently. “I’m sorry for dragging you to this chamber for the last four days. You must be bored out of your mind.”
Not at all, he negated, his growl shaking her body. Before I met you, My Lady, I spent the majority of my time alone, traveling the tunnels for months at a time. It was rare to meet another along my route. Indeed, my days were once filled with only my own thoughts to keep me company. Meeting you changed my life in more ways than one. Our journey has not bothered me as I am accustomed to the hardship of living without comfort. However, I find I struggle with the crowds we encounter. I dislike strangers surrounding us, for I distrust their intentions. Solara, the time we spend testing your new powers is a blessing for me.
“The calm before the storm?”
His ears twisted around, showing his confusion at the phrase. Of course, her bondmate had never experienced a storm; he’d always lived underground. Lara laughed, sending a burst of happiness through their bond.
“What I meant is that you are enjoying the lull before we start fighting again. It is a saying on Earth. I like it in here simply because no one fawns over me.” She shuddered, a grimace crossing her face. “I show my face outside this chamber, and the commoners all go gaga. I also feel like I’ve spent hardly any time with you since that stupid trial in Malkese.”
Chion shifted his body until he had wrapped himself around Lara. The trial is done and no longer an issue. My memory of your capture is what haunts me. Time in your presence without threats to your life has brought back my usual composure.
“I’m glad. I know you and Eiren worried. You’ve been more tense since my rescue. Quicker to anger, I think. I’m glad you’ve had a chance to return to normal. I missed your calm vibes.” She tossed her loose hair over her shoulder. “I’m hungry,” she admitted, “and I don’t feel up to facing the scrutiny.”
You should have packed food into your bag this morning, he said, his tone mild.
“I know,” she mumbled. “Do you mind if we wait until there are fewer Kurites eating? Or are you too hungry?”
I am fine, My Lady. If we are ignoring why we are here, I have a question for you.
“Yeah, denial is about all I can handle right now. As long as your question isn’t about magic or my apparent rise to sainthood, I’m open to a change in topic.”
Chion appeared to choose his words with care, leaving space between every two to three syllables. Two nights ago, while you and Skye cleaned your weapons, you spoke of your parents’ sacrifice.
“Sacrifice?”
He nudged her leg with his tail. Yes, My Lady, their sacrifice. They offered their words of wisdom, knowing that their advice would cost them their daughter. Is that not a true sacrifice from a loved one?
“Okay,” Lara agreed, nodding her head. “I still don’t know where you are going with this.”
You showed me the bonding rings, Solara. We do not have the same show of binding, but I grasped the reason your parents gifted you the rings. Your father hoped a bonding ceremony would take place between Skye and you. Skye told us how each ring was sized to fit one specific finger. You accepted the rings, did you not?
“I did. My father knew I would offer Skye the larger ring when I was ready. In my culture, the rings signify an oath, a long-term commitment to love and honor the other person. Although many people break their wedding vows and go their separate ways, I want my marriage to resemble my parents’. They love each other, and I can think of no better way to honor them than to make certain my own marriage lasts until one or both of our deaths.”
You do not feel as if you are ready to take that step?
When her father gave her the rings, Lara had had a bout of nerves, embarrassed by his presumption. Chion’s question, although similar to her father’s, did not have the same effect. Instead, she took a moment to consider why she hesitated in expressing her love to Skye. “I think, if our lives weren’t in constant upheaval, I would feel more certain about my choice of partner.”
Do you not believe the Lan’Ai bond ensures that you are perfect for each other?
She thought about his question for a minute. “For me, the Lan’Ai bond causes the exact opposite reaction. I don’t want to marry someone because fate, or the Goddess, tells me we should. I think the Lan’Ai bond makes it easier to understand and love Skye, no question. I mean, since we formed the four-way link, misunderstandings have practically disappeared. If I cannot see what the man—who, by the way, expresses almost no emotions or thoughts in front of strangers—thinks or feels, I only need to reach through our bond to understand his motives. Although your people believe fate is the ultimate determination of what should happen, I believe choice is far more powerful. From where I am from, we have a weird view of fate, destiny, or whatever you want to call it. We believe we must put in the blood, sweat, and tears to succeed in life. Life, or our destiny, is what we make of it.”
But the God and Goddess have proclaimed your bond to all others. Our Lan’Ai bond is available for all to see upon our brow.
“Exactly,” she exclaimed, looking into his eyes. “I want Skye to choose me because he loves me, not because it is expected of us to marry. In the scheme of things, we haven’t known each other long. We’ve also gone from one catastrophe to another. If I offer the ring to him now, and he accepts it, I will never know whether he married me for me. In the future, when we are old, I never want to hear him say he regrets our marriage.”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
We see the bond as preordained, ensuring that a life bond is merely an extension. He blinked his eyes before tucking his head closer to her hip. Upon hearing your reasoning, I am not altogether certain which is better. You might consider giving Skye more credit for his respect and feelings for you. He looks at no other woman. The way he explains it, he has no room for any other woman in his life since he has you.
Lara was grateful Chion had his eyes closed because her blush crawled down her chest. “Well, nothing is going to happen between us until we’ve sent the Malirrans packing.”
His noncommittal hum was not lost on her. I advise you share a meal alone with him. The time you spend with him is always in a group, whether it be with Eiren and me or others.
“You want me to go on a date with him?” Lara squeaked. Lara wasn’t sure she should feel horrified or excited and nervous at the thought.
A date? I am unfamiliar with this word. Nevertheless, you need time alone with young Skye.
“I can’t believe you want to set up a date for me,” she muttered. In a blatant effort to shift the focus away from her, Lara asked in a louder voice, “What about you?”
Chion’s head jerked up to stare at her. You will never lose me, Solara. My essence is tied to yours for eternity.
“Uh, I’m glad? That wasn’t what I meant. I’ve seen how you and Eiren act together.”
She thought he’d deny the connection the pakas shared. Instead, he wacked his tail against the floor several times in agitation. Eiren is an enticing mixture of naivete and old soul wrapped in a small, graceful body. As Skye is for you, I believe Eiren was chosen for me.
“So, what are you waiting for?” she insisted, smoothing the hair down his back with her fingers.
It is a simple answer, yet not. She is not ready. My Lady, Eiren is older than you, but she is inexperienced in a way you are not.
“Yeah, well, I’m older than Skye,” she grumbled. Lara poked Chion in the side before threading her fingers through his coat. “I love Eiren, but I think you are right. She is perfect for Skye. Her gentleness has smoothed some of Skye’s sharper edges. For you, I imagine Eiren brings light to your serious outlook.”
Indeed, but—
Lara? Chion? Skye interrupted, his urgency increasing the volume of his call through the link. A messenger is about to enter the war room. Eiren recognized the paka as one of the five charged with warning us if the Malirrans left Gharra’s walls and advanced toward Kureto’s border.
Chion jumped up, and Lara scrambled after him a second later. She ran toward the wall where she’d left a small pack and her weapons. Buckling the sword on, she sent back, We’re on our way. Eiren is with you?
Skye’s snort came through loud and clear. We were practicing maneuvers with a few warriors. We trailed the messenger after Eiren recognized him. When they wouldn’t allow me entrance, claiming I might somehow share the information with Pyran, Eiren snuck inside. So far, no one has seen her.
Wait, Kurites still don’t trust you? I thought it was better, Lara said, indignant on his behalf.
No, Skye said, clearing up her confusion, the commoners and warriors trust me. I have not had enough contact with the commanders and councilors to alter their perception of me.
That’s ridiculous, she said, racing behind Chion through the tunnels. Okay, let Eiren keep you updated on the news. We’re almost there. I doubt they will let us in, but we can at least be nearby.
Lara almost ran into Chion when he checked his stride at the end of a long hallway. Looking around, she realized soldiers leaned against the sides of the tunnel, waiting for the latest news. Some men and women were still covered in sweat from running drills inside the large but low-ceilinged cavern Chion and she just passed. The wide room always made her claustrophobic, which was ironic since almost everything in Kureto was underground. The ceiling gave the soldiers barely enough room to swing their swords and spears. She much preferred Malkese’s and Areth’s layout.
Sliding through groups of people, nodding at a few faces she recognized, Lara joined Skye against the wall. Without a word of greeting, they all stared across the large, open area toward the war room.
Still hidden inside the room, Eiren reported, It is worse than anyone expected. The Malirrans left Gharra two days ago.
Skye scowled and crossed his arms. Why are we only now receiving word?
From what the male reports, the paka scouts were not yet in place. The last remaining scout heard Cai calling out for any roaming scout close enough to hear. Cai had left Neal at the entrance under Gharra and was already a day’s journey away from his bondmate. After he passed on the message, Cai returned to protect his Ai.
So, they aren’t too far behind the messenger, Lara concluded, rolling the bottom of her shirt with both hands.
The army does not move fast; there are too many parts, Skye refuted, though worry leaked through the link. Eiren, has the messenger stated whether the Malirrans are using supply wagons?
After a long pause, Eiren said, They are discussing scenarios. Yes, the supply wagons are pulled by kotis, but the paka does not have information regarding how many are in the train. Cai believed at least two-thirds of the Malirran army exited Gharra. They are headed straight for Luthis.
Chion asked Skye, How much time does that give Kureto if they use supply wagons?
From what we have learned, the Malirrans are well versed in battle tactics, sieges, and war. The army will move faster due to this experience.
Lara agreed, The Malirran army is a well-oiled machine. Each person completed their tasks without much, if any, supervision.
Nodding his head, Skye took over, While I searched Gharra for signs of Lara, I noticed patrols were completed in roving patterns. The Malirran guards were all attentive to their duties. I saw no signs of infighting or drunken behavior within the city walls. If we take all this into consideration, I calculate they are only a day to a day and a half behind the messenger.
The war council agrees, My Lord, Eiren said. They are now splitting up assignments. I heard your name offered to lead a group, but they did not expand on where or what they plan for you. Several argued against the suggestion. She fell silent for several minutes, causing Lara to twitch from the growing tension. This will take time to sort out, and they have not yet determined when orders will be given to the warriors. It is too chaotic for me to gather any useful information here. There was another long pause. I do not understand. They are considering splitting the Kurite army? Perhaps you would understand what they speak of, Skye. Apology coated her last statement.
Lara watched as Skye took a step forward before stopping himself. The man glared at the door separating him from his bondmate. The conversation and the way Skye curtailed his usual actions rubbed Lara wrong. Although she couldn’t figure out why.
Throwing her hands out to stop everyone from saying another word, the only thought that rebounded in her was that this was wrong. She whispered, This is wrong. What are we doing?
Both Skye and Chion jerked their heads toward her, and she even felt Eiren’s unspoken question through their bond. Unable to stay still, Lara rocked back and forth, frowning, her brain churning, attempting to explain her own uneasiness.
My Lady? Chion asked, his voice barely breaking through her scrambled thoughts.
Skye flicked his gaze toward the door that hid his gaze from his Ai.
Her heart speeding up to match her thoughts, Lara’s mind kept circling back to Ais. But why had that word caught her attention?
Their bond felt almost as if it thrummed through her, announcing its presence. Tal’Ai. Lan’Ai.
She whispered, “Of course.”
With sudden understanding, she said with an edge of command, Eiren, stay where you are. We are coming to you.
Eiren’s shock flowed through the link. Skye straightened to confront her, but before he could open his mouth, Lara asked again, What are we doing? Skye is a Pyranni warrior who was cast out of his homeland. I have been brought here from another world. When I had the chance, I decided to come to Kureto to fight. We came back, Skye. We returned to this messed up world. We both made a choice. She stared up at Skye, seeing his expression change to comtemplation. She continued, Eiren, you’ve constantly thrust our unique bond into our faces at every turn, telling us that the God and Goddess don’t make mistakes, that we were brought here for a reason.
Chion bowed his head, We were brought together to fight the Malirrans. We have been blessed with an extraordinary bond.
Lara threw her hands up in the air. So? Why in the world are we letting the idiots in there make all the decisions? If we are supposed to be this all-powerful miracle, shouldn’t we be leading this war against the Malirrans? At the least, shouldn’t we be a part of the decision-making process?
They have not asked us for our assistance, Eiren replied, her tone hesitant, though the feeling that came through the bond was one of deep concentration.
Skye crossed his arms, standing straight with renewed determination. He spat on the ground. Lara is right. We are slinking around for information like unwanted beggars, too tamed to show why we were given the powers. We must start acting as the leaders we were brought together to be.
There are those in the war room that will not welcome our intrusion, Chion warned with an added snarl.
Eiren’s smug huff could not be missed. They have yet to notice me. In a way, they are incompetent. Perhaps it is time to change how things are done.
As they talked, Lara noticed that the hallway slowly filled with warriors sensing something was now in motion. Lara decided it wasn’t too difficult to draw that conclusion when an increase in activity in and around the war room could be readily seen. Flustered runners came and went, and first and second officers left the small cavern with scrolls clutched in their hands.
With a nod, as if coming to some internal decision, Skye said, Eiren, meet us at the entrance. We will present a unified front.
I will meet you there.
Skye looked down. Chion, will you announce our presence? Lara, I think it best if I take the lead.
Lara twisted her lips to keep from laughing. Of course, I have no combat training or experience. What I can do is pinpoint the emotions within the room.
It will make us a more formidable power, Chion agreed. I recommend we begin garnering the respect of the warriors in this hallway by how we move forward. Word will spread quickly through the troops. Even now, they look to us for guidance.
Lara glanced around the hall. She counted no less than fifteen men and women shooting them quick glances. She straightened her stance and lifted her chin a notch. How about we meet up with Eiren and give these people something to watch.
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Kurites stand up. Their heads turned to watch the three of them pass, some scrambled to empty the corridor. As they neared the entrance, an expectant hush descended behind them.
At the doorway, Eiren sat, her ears flattened against her head, showing her anger. I was almost to the entrance when I overheard three idiots arguing. I didn’t think anything of it until I overheard Skye’s name. Two argued for his arrest, stating they could never place their trust in a Pyranni. The third man supported Skye’s presence, though his argument left much to be desired. The paka snarled, her body tensing at the memory. He claimed that you would never side with Malirrans when they had destroyed your place of birth. All three councilors forgot our Lan’Ai bond. They could care less whether you die in the coming battle. They are despicable examples of councilors. They care not if you die, taking the Lan’Ai magic with you. They only care whether they can control you for their gain.
“Do not worry, Eiren,” Skye soothed, keeping his voice low. “They cannot harm me. I have too valuable a skill.” He shared another resolute glance with Lara and Chion. “Remember, we’re here to change their misconceptions of our presence. Lara is right. The time for relegating us to the edges of Kurite society is in the past. Our time to lead has come.”
Lara glanced at Skye and checked their bond. He appeared unaffected by the councilors’ beliefs, yet the link proved otherwise. It hurt him that Kurites still distrusted him. In a weird way, Lara and the others all understood. The long, bloody history between Kureto and Pyran made people’s reaction to the presence of the other instinctive. The hate and distrust had thrived for generations. Curbing that instinctive response took time and effort. Change was happening, but not fast enough in the circumstances they found themselves. Lara also thought that Skye’s growing recognition as a swordsman did not help matters. His prowess made him someone to fear, but she kept that to herself.
Lara waved a hand toward the doorway for everyone to enter before her. Let’s hope we can keep this fiasco from imploding, she said with a sigh. Chion entered the room by her side, his head tilted at a regal angle. Chion’s low growl announced their arrival.
The entire room turned with varying levels of displeasure on their faces. Skye spoke into the silence, “I hear you are determining the orders for the Lan’Ai. As a fair warning, we will not follow any orders that we have not approved.”