Lara looked over her shoulder at the long line of Kurites walking behind her. The chattering and laughter of both children and kits overrode the sounds of footfalls on the road. Their parents kept them corralled with gentle patience. Excitement and hope hung in the air, and she was careful to keep a lid on her own emotions to not magnify the effect.
Skye grabbed her hand, jerking her back to the conversation they were having. Lara marveled at the gesture. The man had come a long way in the last thirteen months. The first time she had taken Skye’s hand at a public event, he’d jumped away like he’d been electrocuted, giving her a scathing look of disapproval. Apparently, neither Pyrannis nor Kurites held hands or even touched their spouses outside the privacy of their homes. She smirked at the memory and looked down at the ring on her left ring finger. It had made her all the more determined to hold her husband’s hand in public. Everywhere. To say the man was uncomfortable at first still made her laugh out loud. Chion had admitted that their displays of affection were accepted during the war because of the dire circumstances. Normal society had different dictates.
She hadn’t cared. Her persistence had led to success—at least in her mind, for which she was grateful. It was a way to honor her parents’ memory since she had no idea whether she’d ever see them again. Now, Skye proudly took her hand whenever he could.
They were still working on hugging in front of others, though. Baby steps.
Eiren’s giggle let her know she’d been caught not paying attention.
“Sorry, Chion! I missed what you said. The kids still get to me even with my shield in place.”
My Lady, you’ve used the children as an excuse for your wandering thoughts too many times for me to believe you.
She blushed. “Fine, I started off thinking about them. Then I thought of something else. And no, I’m not going to explain.”
Skye squeezed her hand once before he cleared his throat. “We are almost to Gharra. Once we crest this hill, we’ll have a clear view of the city and the castle.”
I’m looking forward to seeing what the Pyrannis have accomplished since the defeat of the Malirrans, Eiren said with eagerness. The city was in ruins.
“From Dane’s correspondence,” Skye said not for the first time, “Gharra has been returned to its former glory.”
“I still can’t believe Pyran is holding a Tal’Ai bonding ceremony. If you’d told me a year ago that we’d be traveling with several hundred Kurites to Pyran with children and kits in tow, I’d have laughed my head off.” Lara couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face at the thought.
Chion’s low chuckle rolled through their bond. I think you are not alone in this instance. Pyran has come far in such a short time.
Skye glanced around to make certain no one would overhear him. “The Malirrans were both a curse and a blessing for my people. Nevertheless, I’ve no doubt that there are still those who will oppose this first bonding ceremony. I worry that one of ours will be hurt or killed despite all the precautions we’ve put in place.”
They all shared a glance, and Lara couldn’t help but look behind her again. “I know, between the four of us, the guards that Dane and Leena has put in place, and the other Ais that we brought, we’ve done the best we can. I’ll do a scan of everyone we come across once we enter the city. The ceremony isn’t actually taking place until tomorrow, so we have a little time to secure the safety of all the people who will attend the ceremony.”
Skye nodded, but Lara could tell he was still worried about their young charges.
Eiren brushed against Skye’s leg. She reminded him, Besides, Pyran is the one who extended the invitation for the ceremony. I think the people are ready to set aside their fears of the unknown. Remember, Dane stated in his letter that there are actually more Pyranni children than available pakas signed up to go through the proceedings.
“And don’t forget,” Lara added, “there are even adults who have asked to take part in the ceremony.” She waved her hand back behind her. “This is the first time that adult pakas have stepped forward to determine whether they will find their bondmates in Pyran.”
Skye huffed a sigh. “I know. We’ve been over this numerous times; I still worry.”
We are prepared, Chion added, though his own determination to keep everyone from harm drifted through the Lan’Ai bond.
“Just think, we started a new trend.” When they all looked at her, Lara shrugged and winked. “We bonded at a rather late age and look at what we accomplished. I never want to dash anyone’s hope to have at least the Tal’Ai bond. Young or old, paka or human, I think everyone should have a chance if that is their wish.” She huffed. “Granted, my life has changed drastically since buying that stupid coil. Now, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
I agree, Lara, I cannot imagine still living on the outskirts of society. We all suffered more than our fair share, but I am happy with our life now. Eiren’s tail twitched with frenetic delight. I am also excited at what the future will hold. I am still shocked that Pyran and Kureto decided to open the second school for Tal’Ai magic in Pyran instead of in Kureto. The two societies have grown these last months. For our Kurite leaders to allow young bonded pairs to travel and train in another kingdom is momentous.
Skye tapped his leg with one hand. “I realize we’ve discussed this months ago. It bears repeating, though. The Kurite training ground will have about half the bonded pairs there than normal, but it should not take too long for those numbers to increase.”
“Yeah, well, I still can’t believe we agreed to live in Gharra to help train the new Tal’Ai pairs. At least Audren and Tryvor will be there with us.” Lara groaned. “What were we thinking? I can just see how I’ll screw up the kiddos and kits more than helping them. I’ve just managed to figure out how to handle my own powers, and they thought it was a good idea to put me in charge of others?”
Skye’s laugh got caught in the wind. “Your ability to sense emotions will be helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing the training grounds and barracks that Dane built for the new Tal’Ai school. Cai and Neal brought back a sketch for us on their last trip, but knowing Dane, it should be incredible. At least we have several days to finalize the grounds’ security before the training begins.”
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“Tryvor and Audren and the others have been here for the last couple of months getting everything ready. The others have been teaching Tal’Ai pairs and protecting the Kurite school for years before we ever showed up. We should have some faith. They know what they’re doing. I doubt we have much left to do except get settled in our own rooms. Remember,” Lara teased, “we’re the newbie trainers.”
She wasn’t able to finish her train of thought once they crested the hill. Skye’s awed whisper, “Oh, Goddess…” said it all.
They all stopped to take in the sight. Those behind them came up to stand beside them. Nothing remained of the Malirrans’ invasion. The Malirran ships, along with its accompanying army, had long since left the continent. Now, the city practically sparkled. The city’s walls were bedecked with banners along with row upon row of torches. All three of the city gates were open, and Pyrannis waited for them by the side of the road, forming a human corridor into the city. A cheer rose up from those waiting for them, and the sound of trumpets reached them.
Lara looked up at Skye and asked, “Are you still worried?”
The grin that stretched across Skye’s face was one she’d never forget. “Definitely, though perhaps not as much as I was.”
Ever the practical one, Chion stepped forward. Let us not keep them waiting. I believe I see Dane and Leena waiting just inside the middle gate.
Lara squinted. “You can really see that far?”
Of course, My Lady, he said with a haughty sniff.
She snorted before she bumped him with her hip, making him stagger a little. Behind her, she felt the excitement grow in leaps and bounds along with nerves. Focusing inward, Lara drew in a slow breath and sent out a sense of calm to counteract the young ones’ nerves. She wanted them to enjoy their time here.
Eiren looked over at her from the other side of Skye after studying the young ones. You are getting better at controlling it.
A few of the older Kurites behind her murmured their thanks.
“I still have to be careful I don’t share my own nervousness. I think I’m more nervous than anyone here.”
Chion leaned against her, and she dropped her hand to her favorite place, giving him a good scratch. You will be fine, My Lady. We are the guests of honor, and this will be our home for the foreseeable future.
“Exactly why I’m so nervous.” She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth. “I hate being the center of attention.” Both Chion and Eiren purred through their bond, and it helped calm her a little. She took a deep breath, held it, and then blew it out right before they reached the first group of people standing in front of the gate. Okay, okay, I can do this. With you guys with me, I can do this.
Skye observed, You weren’t this nervous when we went against the Malirrans.
Hmph, the Malirrans were homicidal cannibals and completely evil. All I had to worry about was killing them to save everyone’s life. This is another matter entirely. You know me; I tend to open my mouth and stick my foot in.
All three of her bondmates chuckled through their link. When Dane and Leena met them in the middle of the road, the crowd quieted. Lara had never felt so underdressed in her life. The queen and her consort were dressed in flowing robes surrounded by their guards. They both looked stately and poised. The Kurites were dusty from days’ worth of travel. Skye and she both wore their trainers’ attire along with their weapons. All their nicer clothes were packed in the caravan of kotis located at the rear, along with all the other belongings they owned.
She chanced a glance at the Pyrannis around them and dropped her shield enough to check their emotions. What she saw and felt made her shuffle her feet and want to hide behind Skye.
Reverence.
Awe.
As Dane stepped forward to welcome Skye with a warrior’s clasp, forearm to forearm, the Pyranni people bowed their heads in respect. Lara clutched at the loose skin between Chion’s shoulderblades, but she lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders, standing proud.
Aleena stepped forward and threw her arms out to encompass all the Kurites. In a voice that traveled, she shouted, “Welcome to Gharra. Our new allies need rest after their long journey to us. Tomorrow we will come together to celebrate our new beginning.”
The cheer picked up speed, and soon the entire city sounded as if it shouted its welcome. Lara grinned, shaking her head in wonder. This wasn’t at all what they had expected.
In a gentler voice, barely heard over the crowd, Leena beckoned to them with a smile, “Come, let me take you and those with you to your new quarters.”
Despite the jubilation occurring around them, Lara still felt the once shy woman’s steel core, which had been strengthened over the last year’s duties. Ignoring the guards and Dane, Lara quickened her pace until she walked beside the queen of Pyran. “Thank you for being so openminded and thinking to hold a bonding ceremony here. You don’t know how long Kureto has hoped for this.”
The blond-haired, blue-eyed woman turned her full gaze to her. “No, you have it wrong. Pyran owes much to the Lan’Ai. I also owe Kureto a great debt. Without you four warriors, I do not believe even the Goddess’s intervention could have saved my people.” The queen glanced around at the faces around them, taking in Chion and Eiren with a combination of sorrow and hope. “Somehow, Lan’Ai Lara, we lost sight of what our God and Goddess wished for us. Centuries ago, we lost our way. It will take years before we overcome our fear and become who we should be.”
Chion nodded his head. It is no small task you have set for yourself. We only hope that our presence will help you achieve your goal.
Lara wanted to laugh at the queen’s startled look. Obviously, Leena wasn’t yet comfortable with pakas speaking their minds. “You know that my magic lets me feel the emotions of those around me, right?”
“Of course, warrior,” the queen nodded once, never breaking her stride toward the castle. “It is what helped save my kingdom.”
“Um, thanks,” Lara blushed at the genuine statement. She cleared her throat. “What I meant to say is that the overwhelming emotion I feel from those around us is hope. I can only imagine that Pyrannis are ready for a new beginning. I can practically feel their hope for something better after so much evil has taken place here.”
Looking at the Pyranni queen, Lara didn’t realize that Skye and Dane had stopped in front of her until Skye’s hands brought her to a halt.
Eiren’s gasp through their bond echoed her own. The building before them was resplendent and new. Without being told, Lara knew this was the Tal’Ai training grounds and barracks. The other Tal’Ai teachers walked out of the double doors and into the small courtyard, already giving instructions to the Kurite families arriving.
A light touch on her arm brought Lara back to the woman beside her. “Welcome, Lara. I look forward to becoming acquainted with both you and Eiren. For now, I will let you settle for the night. We’ve planned a celebratory dinner tomorrow for everyone after the Tal’Ai ceremony.”
With one last wave, the Kurites were left to figure out where everyone was staying. Chion brushed up beside her, his eyes scanning the grounds. His purr left no doubt as to his satisfaction with their new place.
A sense of rightness swept through her. The restlessness that had held her hostage since the war ended was gone. The lights in the windows gave the building a cheerful ambiance. The night’s sky was clear, and both moons were out. The children’s giggles and the kits’ cute growls filled the small courtyard. It was pure chaos, but it was pure and untainted.
She whispered, “Home. This is our new home, isn’t it?”
Skye came up behind her and grabbed her hand. “It is.”
It feels like home, doesn’t it? Eiren asked, her ears swiveling and her whiskers twitching.
Yes, indeed, Chion agreed, I do think we have found where we belong at last.
Who knew that home would end up being in Pyran? Lara couldn’t contain her joy, and soon her bondmates joined her in laughter.