ARELYN AURORA

The answer to that was simple but she wasn’t ready to admit to him that she’d come here to die. He wanted an answer so Lyn would use one of her many talents: words.

“I’m from the southern continent. My people are peaceful and all of us possess magic. Relskald was from the north, his people generally aren’t magical. I’m not even sure how a wizard was born in the north or how he learned his magic but the man opened a portal into my village and…” Lyn took a breath and a moment to get her emotions in check, it was hard not to let them get the better of her when she was reminiscing on the pain and death she witnessed at Relskald’s hand but she managed to do it.

She told him without getting into the details of who she personally lost. Lyn spoke of how she opened a portal for her people to escape and how some stayed behind to defend her.

Finally she said, “When I let go of the magic holding the portal open I was prepared to die. Relskald’s men had captured some of the women and instead of killing me, he took me too.”

Her voice was tight with emotion and tinged with fear as she said, "I was his… personal slave. He…" She paused for another moment, she wasn’t ready to reveal that to this man. Instead, Lyn said, "I finally let him think he broke me. He made the mistake of removing the collar that prevented me from using magic and not putting it back on."

When she looked up at Kayden, Lyn let as much of the truth spill out of her lips as she dared. "I escaped because it was either that or continue to suffer at his hands until he eventually killed me. I came here because I wanted to be warm." She added to the list she was keeping from this man. She only hoped that when he found out he didn't harm her for keeping them.

There was a pause, he'd let her get her story out but, when he spoke, she was surprised by the coldness to his voice. Was it directed at her or at Relskald?

"No matter which country you choose, you won't be enslaved." Kayden glanced at her. "This land isn't ready for another war. We're still recovering. If it was up to me, I'd give you back to avoid more deaths. It's nothing personal."

Nothing personal? Lyn’s words were mixed with anger at the audacity and fear at the prospect. She hadn't thought about the possibility that they might be able to open a portal and send her back. Maybe she hadn't heard him correctly? Her words were disbelieving when she said, "Give me back?"

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He reached for his flask and took a sip of water, then offered it to her, she took it because she needed to drink. Sipping as he spoke, "Yes, but lucky for you, it's not up to me. The new agreements are clear on threats from other worlds. We stand united." He shrugged. "And the others are soft."

Basic human decency meant that someone was soft? Her heart hurt at that thought and that hurt made her even more angry but she couldn't lash out at him. Right now she needed him to get to safety. She tried to moderate her tone, keep her emotions to herself but even to her ears she heard the sarcasm as she said, "Yes, lucky me."

She needed to get away from this man and his people as quickly as possible. She thought he was troublesome not seeing women equally but to be willing to give someone back into slavery simply because it was more convenient, that was beyond her comprehension.

"Hopefully you won’t have to worry about another war, this world is far enough that it took all my skill and knowledge to get here. I doubt that his wizard is strong enough for that. It was another part of why I chose to come here of all places."

"The war cost us about four million people. Another few thousand deserted. When Alexander saw his end coming, he burned and salted most of the lands. We can’t allow another war." Kayden's anger bled through his words. "I'm surprised we don't have rebellions all over the countries. Especially since Estrary’s leadership has failed."

He shook his head. "It's not your concern. But you've picked a world which is still healing. If you don't want to come home with me, you can stay here. Nolan is a great king." She could almost hear the smirk in his voice. "Equality isn't perfect here either. Women and common people have less rights than men or nobles."

Lyn softened at his words, he cared about his people and he thought he was protecting them by sending her back. Perhaps she could help? She shook that thought away, why would this man, who admittedly doesn’t see women as equals, want her help?

"Four million people is a high price to pay and more people than in my province." There was something else bothering her. "Why would anyone destroy lands just because they are losing doesn't make sense to me?"

"He destroyed the lands because if he couldn't have them, no one could."

"My people have an affinity with the land, to think of destroying it would never cross our minds. We use our elemental magics to work in tandem; earth replenishes the soil, water makes certain the grounds are hydrated, air helps circulate and pollinate plants. Fire and spirit have their uses as well and do their part."

Kayden nodded but that was the only sign of him acknowledging what she said. They rode in silence for a few moments but she had so many questions and concerns and she needed to know what her fate would be. He spoke of giving her back but he also acted kind at times.

Not bothering to worry how her questions sounded, Lyn asked, "What do you plan for me once we get to your kingdom? You say women are not equal but what awaits me if I go with you? Will I be living on the streets begging for scraps if I don't wish to be someone's possession?"