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Chapter 113
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The Birthright Series Chapter 114
MY MIND DRIFTED WHILE MAERI laced me into a gown. Alek didn't force conversation, simply offered his arm and we walked to the dining room. Sian, Kassie, and Loi wore the same look of resignation and acceptance that I knew I bore.Dinner wasn't awful but occasionally, when the conversation paused, I needed to squeeze a hand tight under the table, nails cutting into my palm, when my mind conjured up images of Deas.He was only fourteen.As old as my cousinsorry Alek's cousinon Earth. I knew that boys and girls too, were expected to grow up fast on Gar'nyse, but a fourteen-year-old fighting for his life against that witch? The image brought unwelcome tears to my eyes and I quickly glanced high, staring at the lamps hanging above while blinking the tears away. Anger simmered within me. Before this, I had intended to fight for Gar'nyse because it was the right thing to do. Now, however, it was fast becoming personal.*****AFTER BREAKFAST THE NEXT MORNING, and the debriefing in the lib
The Birthright Series Chapter 115
LOI BIT BACK A GRIN when Iggy smiled charmingly at Cat. Sabyn brushed against her and she turned, exchanging an amused glance with him. As soon as the Lieutenant had been informed of Cat's lineage his attitude toward them all had done an about face, and he seemed rather genuine about it. Meanwhile, his attitude toward Alek had cooled considerably.A snob, Loi thought watching the man. And one who doesn't appear to like aliens either. They all set off into groups of three, one woman to two men, so to teach them how to fight against two opponents at once. Something they would likely encounter in Jenviet's territory.'Actually,' said Rashid grimly. 'It will likely be three or four to one. Two is wishful thinking.''And an excellent way to learn,' Ignatius added smoothly.WHATEVER IGGY'S REASON FOR BEING more pleasant, I wasn't going to complain. Training was hard enough so I didn't miss the malicious undertones at all. Although the friendly, charming Iggy took some time to get used
The Birthright Series Chapter 116
IT APPEARED THAT THIS STYLE of gown had been my mother's favourite. The high neck at the back of the dress brushed against the bottom of my ears if I slouched at all and the sweetheart neckline revealed a tad more that I normally liked. It seemed I was better endowed than mother had been. That word still sounded so odd.My Earth mother.Alek's mother, echoed my rational voice.Right, Alek's mother, had been bigger than me in the bust and I'd felt rather silly when I first tried to squeeze into one of these gowns. Normally when I borrowed Mum's clothes they were loose, not tight. Thankfully Ada and her magic touch had seen to all the dresses and now I could breathe while wearing them.I have to admit, as annoying as it was to have to dress up for dinner, having such a selection to choose from was fun. A bright side to Alek having never seen hismymother in them meant he wasn't creeped out by it, because if I paused long enough to think about it, it started to creep me out. Falling in
The Birthright Series Chapter 117
AT THE END OF THE discussion, everyone headed their separate ways. Rumal arched a brow at Kassie while she regarded him with a stern expression. 'What?''Explain. What is a syren? How do you "survive an encounter" with one? Why don't your siblings or parents have the same eyes?'Her questions came thick and fast. She clambered onto the couch and held him by the shoulders while peering at his eyes. Rumal laughed as she held his face, and took the opportunity to wrap both arms around her and kiss those pouting lips.'NOW, WHICH QUESTION DID YOU want answered first?' Rumal asked as Kassie caught her breath. The sudden urge to drag him to their room almost overcame her curiosity. Almost. The night is still young, she thought. Plenty of time for that later.'What is a syren?''A syren is a sea creature. It comes ashore when it's ready to mate and takes the form of a humanoid creature. Then it mates with the first male it can find. When a syren peaks, it screams, and that usually kill
The Birthright Series Chapter 118
ALEK SWEATED WHILE WORKING AT linking with the girls. I hate how much effort this requires, he grumbled to himself. The girls make it look so easy.He just needed to relax, but the competitive edge to his nature made it difficult. Taking slow breaths, he ran through Elena's instructions again and worked at relaxing his mind and releasing the tension from his arms. Finally, the energy that had hesitated responded with a jolt and linked to the girls' energy.'LOOKS LIKE HE'S DONE IT.' Sabyn said, pleased to see Alek's gold energy blend in with the others. Rumal and Daron smiled as they watched.'That's fantastic,' Tomiar thought to Sabyn and she padded across the sand to stand beside him. 'Elena will be thrilled.' 'She will be.''It will be invaluable to them.''Can you sense it? Like the girls' energy?''Not as strongly and it registers quite differently. Now that they're linked, it's coming through loud and clear. This will guarantee a win against Jenviet.'The sense of reli
The Birthright Series Chapter 119
ELENA APPEARED DELIGHTED WHEN WE reported the progress to her in the library after dinner. It had been a productive day for her too, and she announced that the men would drop Leseach at the first village in two days' time. Alek, Rumal and Daron would go this time, so we'd be left to practice with the Lieutenants for possibly three days.'I hope it's only two,' I said to Alek as we climbed into bed.'Me too. Though it'll be interesting to see how she does it. And it's always good to meet more of our subjects.'I nodded against the pillow, feeling that odd anxiety at the words "our subjects"; still such a strange concept. Alek reached out, his large hands clasping my hips and dragged me back against him.THE SENSATION OF HER BARE ass against his thighs tempted him. Such a pity I'm so tired from the day's training, he thought and pulled Cat closer still. Just the thought of leaving her for three days made him want her.Cat gave a satisfied sigh when he gently kissed the back of her
The Birthright Series Chapter 120
CAT APPEARED IN THE DOORWAY of the kitchen, looking a little frazzled. Alek smiled at her, and she gave a vague nod before her eyes settled on Gredel. 'Gredel! You're wanted.'Gredel, Citaan's father, and brother, all paled visibly at the request. Rumal stood to hoist Gredel out of his seat. 'Go on, you can do this.'The rest stood and walked the three men to the bedchamber, ushering Gredel along in front. When they arrived, everyone stood in the corridor, except for Elena, Leseach and Citaan's mother.Sian opened the door for Gredel, and Daron shoved him in when he hesitated. Everyone laughed as the door closed.'Men.' One of the sisters shook her head, two others nodding with her. 'Always so brave till something like this.''We're just showing the proper respect,' Daron teased.Enclosed in Alek's arms, Cat chuckled and he smiled down at her. 'Agree do you?'She shrugged. 'I guess I have yet to see.'The sudden image of Cat, belly swollen with his child, gave Alek a rush of jo
The Birthright Series Chapter 121
SIAN GAVE NESHA A FISHY look at his line "in the trees" and Daron winked at his friend.'It'll be fun to surprise her.''Make sure you memorize it well; I'll want to see it on the way back.''You aren't staying to see yourself?'Nesha gave him a small nudge. 'No, you two will want alone time, I know I do. I'm going to hunt in the mountains for three days. I'm tired of the domestic lifestyle.''Fly safe, friend.''Always.'Daron unfastened the saddle, leaving Nesha wearing just the leather harness that crisscrossed his broad back and the man stood back when the griffon launched off the platform, swooping through the forest before disappearing up into the canopy.Sian watched wide-eyed. 'Why is he going?'Daron glanced at her. 'Did he say goodbye?''Yes, but why?''He just wants some alone time. Griffons are more solitary than people realize and living with four others in close quarters can be tiring. They love to hunt in the mountains, and that's what Nesha will do. He'll com
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The Birthright Series Chapter 393
Paiga gasped and Mila stiffened. A glimmer of annoyance flashed in Mama's eyes before she reached for Luca.'Yes, they have. But we won't. We're tied together. We will go in together and come out. You have to trust in us Luca. We need your energy too, please keep the right thoughts in your mind.'Luca swallowed, throat convulsing. He nodded. 'Yes, Aunty Dan'iss.''Listen up everyone!'Uncle Harlon's shout made Mila jolt.'Hush, Mila,' Papa joggled her in the sling. 'You're going to be fine, I'm right here.' He wrapped his arms around her. Heart pounding with nerves, Mila pressed her cheek to Papa's chest, listening as Uncle Harlon gave the instructions.A glimmer of eyes appeared by Papa and a moment later she felt the brief touch of Ery's hand to her head.'Bye Ery,' she whispered. The air within the cave started to hum with energy, all the adults calling theirs up. It made the space warm and comforting. Mila started to doze off.'Hold on,' Uncle Harlon called out. 'Here we
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The conversation seemed easy after that.Ery showed the girls' how to swallow the worms whole. Mila screwed her nose up, grabbing her arms and shaking her head. 'No, no, no!'Paiga tried it. With a grimace, both Mila and Ery watching close, she plucked a wriggling worm up then dropped it in her mouth. Her eyes squeezed shut as she gulped the worm down in one swallow.She opened her eyes and stared at Mila and Ery. 'It tasted good!''Really?''Yes, sweet.'Mila shook her head when Ery offered her the last one, motioning it to her. 'No, you have it.' The mushrooms were yum, and the sparks continued as you swallowed it. It was impressive on Ery with her fine almost translucent skin. Mila and Paiga gasped as the sparks flashed in her throat before another dim flash in her tummy. It made all three of them laugh, the two girls giggling away while Ery coughed her laughter.Next was the flesh and berries. Ery showed them how to peel a piece of flesh away from the main then mush the be
The Birthright Series Chapter 391
When the group came across a river, they stopped. After a careful taste test, dipping a crystal necklace in to check the quality, everyone was allowed to drink.Mila and Paiga wrinkled their noses at the odd smell. Like a cup of nellor left out for too long.'It won't hurt you, girls,' Papa said with a smile as he squatted to scoop water to his mouth. 'Drink up.'The two girls' sipped water from their cupped hands, giggling as it spilled out. The adults conversed as the two of them had fun flicking water at each other.An odd sound like a cough made Mila look up, Paiga too.Both girls gasped, stumbling back from the river.'Mila? What's wro-' Mama broke off as she looked up too.Uncle Harlon made a funning clicking noise.The strange looking person that clung to the ceiling with three others responded with clicks and whistles.Mama beckoned Mila and Paiga, and the two girls scampered to her side.'Mama, who are they?' Mila whispered, Paiga crowding close to hear the answer.
The Birthright Series Chapter 390
With that entertainment gone, Mila went back to focusing on her feet. Pull one knee high while keeping balance and drop it. Each step seemed to make her head go lower. But she kept going, with Mama and Papa pulling her along. Finally, after what felt like hours and hours, Uncle Gydon said they could stop.'Take your rest, I'll be waking you in an hour to keep guard,' he motioned an uncle. 'Then you take an hour watch and wake the next. You get five hours rest. Make the most of it.'Papa and Mama and several other adults had bags with clothing. It all got pulled out and spread around the group, trying to provide a little warmth and comfort. Mila curled up between her parents, her head against Papa's chest. It seemed so cold and strange she didn't think she could sleep.Then she closed her eyes.'Mila, lovey, wake up.'Mila stirred at Mama's voice and the gentle touch of her hand on her back. She sat up with a jaw-splitting yawn. Blinking, she peered around in confusion.'Mama, a
The Birthright Series Chapter 389
The air smelled cold, and something else, something Mila found familiar but out of place.'Mama,' she whispered. 'What's that smell?''What smell, lovey?''It smells like,' Mila paused, considering. 'It smells like the kitchen, when cook has fresh rabbits.'Mama didn't say anything but she looked at Papa.'I smell it,' said another voice from within the circle.'Me too.''Carrion?''Perhaps. The scent will carry when the air is still.'Not understanding what "carrion" meant, but glad that the adults appeared to have solved the smell, Mila relaxed a little, nose wrinkling at the sharp edge of that scent.Minutes ticked by as they covered good ground.'We're close,' said the man leading them. A screech flashed past overhead, the group twisting, following the sound.A man shouted.Mila's head snapped in the direction of the shout, just in time to glimpse the man's boots vanishing as something, something with enormous black wings, snatched him up!Shrieks of terror rang out
The Birthright Series Chapter 388
Everyone moved. It surprised Mila how many people were here, but so many seemed to be missing too. Mama took her hand. On her other side was her younger cousin Paiga. Normally she annoyed Mila, with all the questions she asked, but the scared expression in her eyes reminded Mila of Addy. She offered her other hand to Paiga, who took it with a tentative smile.The group began to walk.Mila hadn't realized until now how tired she was. She stumbled over the riverbed the rocks stubbing her toes as she held Paiga and Mama's hands. It made tears run down her cheeks, but she didn't stop. On and on, picking her feet up, tripping, Mama's hand stopping her from falling. Paiga tripped and Mila managed to hold her arm high enough to stop her cousin from hitting the stones.'Thanks, Mila,' Paiga sounded like she felt. Ready to cry. So very tired.Around them the adults talked. Mila listened.'Where do we go?''The hidden caves. We can keep underground nearly all the way to the coast.''The
The Birthright Series Chapter 387
Papa's energy sparked in alarm then Mama's too. Mila twisted to stare back at the way the sounds came from and spotted a bobbing light. Torch light.Mama and Papa kept low and began to move again, almost crawling. Mila crunched up against Papa's back, squinting at first then kept her head down to avoid the lower branches.The sounds of those approaching grew. Papa moved faster, Mama right behind. They scooted up higher, scrambling, and tucked against cold stone. Not a moment later the torches bobbed past, following the track they'd been on.The bobbing lights moved closer then away, and closer again. The voices, questioning but too quiet to make out the words, sounded near.Crouched against the narrow stone ledge, Papa and Mama held hands. The soft touch of their energy surrounded all three of them.The bobbing lights came closer, close enough that Mila saw the faces of those who held them. Five DeNaga men, armed with swords, axes, and clubs.Mila shivered at the sight of the
The Birthright Series Chapter 386
Now the puzzle looked a third smaller than when she'd stared, but instead of one beginning point to work from there were three. She regarded the three pieces while chewing on the inside of her cheek. Two circular and one rectangle. The rectangle had a large circular opening, about the size of the smaller circle. Mila focused on the larger circle and turned it around, looking for the switch. It looked different to the previous circles she'd worked with, the markings running out from the centre like a starburst. One line caught her eye. With a finger Mila traced down it then jolted when something clicked. She froze. Heart pounding in her ears, she watched the circle break apart, opening at all the lines of the starburst. With another click it moved into motion, each piece folding down on itself and merging with the next. A moment later a tiny gold ball like had been in the first puzzle piece hung before her eyes.Excitement ran through Mila when she realized how the pieces went togeth
The Birthright Series Chapter 385
An array of squeals, bells, rattles and shrieks rang out. Face white Papa reached for them as something flashed out from amongst the lock trap, winding around his leg, wrenching him off his feet as it wound back in the blink of an eye.Mama gripped Mila tighter, her voice breaking on a note of despair, 'ZAYCK!'In the centre of the ceiling held by his ankles, hung Papa.Mama's energy holding Mila clutched even tighter as Mama set her on the ground then stood and reached out with both hands toward the lock, her energy glowing. Mila stared, waiting to see what happened.Mama stretched her energy out, probing gently.It touched the first puzzle piece. A clattering of chimes and screeches rang out, sparks flying.In the centre of the room, jerking like a fish caught on a line, Papa made an awful shriek.Mila dropped, hugging her knees to her forehead, stomach and mind sick from that sound.Papa was the bravest, strongest man in the world.He couldn't be caught, be hurting.Who wo
