Crane

Crane fled to her room for solace. She wasn't mad at Cadrin; not exactly. Well, she wasn’t super mad, anyways. She just felt confused. Disoriented. As if someone had told her the world was actually upside down and the sky only looked blue and was actually vibrant pink.

She curled up in the middle of her bed and focused on breathing.

In…

…. And out.

In…

…. And out.

She squeezed her eyes shut against the reality of the world and tried to think. But all she came back to was Creel.

Cara.

Her sister. Her sister!

Crane heard Cadrin stop outside her door. She knew he was hesitating, debating whether or not to knock. But the knock never came, and his footsteps continued past.

For some reason, she was almost sad that Cadrin hadn’t come in. Sure, he was annoying, and he had hidden this whole thing from her… and sometimes he stunk to high heaven.

But he was the only one who knew. Who really understood.

Crane felt tears pool in her eyes beneath clenched eyelids. Don’t cry now. But it was like trying to stop a flood. She pressed a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle her sobs so Cadrin wouldn’t hear.

The world as she knew it was gone. That’s all she could reason in her mind. A sister. A twin sister, no less. On the wrong side, because of the royals. Who took two-year olds from their parents?

Vensgone royals. Crane hiccupped on a sob and curled tighter around herself.

Why do they destroy everything?

The next thing she knew, Cadrin was there. She hadn’t even heard him come in. He whispered soothing words that Crane didn’t hear, but she didn’t need to. Cadrin was there, and he understood, and that’s what was important.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Rysind was nearby too, pouring strength through their bond. Surrounded by love and strength, Crane fell asleep.

* ●●

When she awoke again, eyes stinging and head aching, the house was empty. Cadrin was probably off on another meeting.

Crane slid off her bed and went to the kitchen. A swarm of dragons flew overhead and chirped to her. Rysind was waiting on the table and let out a trill when she saw Crane.

“Hi, Rysind.”

Rysind chirruped and shook herself so hard that she nearly fell over. A plate with still-steaming porridge and sausage was left at her chair.

Oh, Cadrin. That’s so sweet.

Crane practically inhaled the food. After all, she hadn’t eaten last night. She’d been too excited to know about-

Well, about Creel.

There had to be something they could do.

I’ll talk to Cadrin about it when he gets back. Crane took out some jars and dried herbs. Nothing has changed. I’m still going to do exactly what I do any other day.

Rysind let out a hearty agreement, and Crane set to work.

* ●●

Creel

Ineera knew almost every Lowlander secret there was, or so she claimed.

Creel fidgeted impatiently as Lord Forden went on and on about some legal things. Despite being bodyguard to the rulers daughter, Creel retained very little of the terms and strategies for ruling a kingdom.

At last Ineera turned to her. “What can I help you with, Creel?”

Creel sighed. “There was this boy who attacked Lady Sheena at the banquet several nights ago. I need to find him. I have reason to believe that he is connected to the Lowlander who attacked Lady Jasa yesterday.”

“Oh, you mean Cadrin. Yeah, I can get you to him, but it’s going to cost you.”

Creel huffed. “Fine.” She dug into her satchel and pulled out a stack of coins. “How’s this?”

Ineera smiled. “That’ll do nicely.” She quickly snatched them out of Creel’s hand and pocketed them.

“Now, Cadrin lives with his sister Crane in a tiny house in the Lowlands, in a glen just inside the forest border. It’s a good thirty mile walk there.”

Creel felt her pulse spiked in excitement. “I’ll ride. Uh… with your permission, milord Forden.”

Lord Forden nodded absently and waved a hand in her direction. “ You may go. Find the boy and bring him to justice.”

Creel bowed and hurried from the room.

* ●●

The trip was a long one. Creel’s horse was nervous, spooking at bushes and prancing sideways as squirrels ran across the road, but at last the Lowlands came in sight. The rolling hills forming the valleys of the Lowlands were a beautiful sight.

If only I could enjoy the scenery.

But she was not here to look. Creel spurred her horse down a hill and towards the dark line of woods that made up part of the border of the Lowlands.

Several miles later, a small house became visible through the trees. Cadrin and Crane.

Crane. Creel couldn’t believe that she’d fallen for the name Rain. She snorted in disgust and stopped her horse outside the house. She dismounted and strode up the porch steps. Time to get down to business.

She hesitated only a second, then raised her fist, and knocked.