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Chapter 126
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The Birthright Series Chapter 127
ANXIETY NIGGLED AT IGNATIUS WHILE he waited for the girls to arrive for training. He couldn't decide if a headache threatened, or if perhaps something he ate caused it. Rashid and Patel selected various weapons for the training session as he paced the floor. The door opened and Sian, Kassandra, and Laura entered, but no Catherine.'Where is the Princess?' Ignatius demanded.'In a Council meeting,' replied Sian, walking past to greet the other Lieutenants.Impatience boiled within Ignatius and he snapped at Rashid. 'I'm going to collect her. Those Council members will spend hours talking to her otherwise. This is more important.'Rashid flicked him a flat look then shrugged. 'If you like.'Patel tossed the Princess' throwing sleeve to him. 'Take her to the range and have her practice it with her gift. We'll come down in a bit and you can switch to swords then.'Ignatius nodded and left the room.THE DOOR SLAMMED SHUT BEHIND him, and all those in the room flinched.'Determined
The Birthright Series Chapter 128
WE ALL MADE AN EFFORT to shake the serious mood off. Elena closed the circle, signalling the end of training. Yanking off my boots, I tossed them to the side and helped Sian spread a blanket. We laid the food Hiranes had packed out over the blanket, and everyone grabbed a plate. Sito suddenly looked more interested.'Food?' Came the loud, hopeful thought.Sian gave him a look. 'You ate just the other day, and I know that'll satisfy you for at least another week.'He huffed and lay back down on the black sand, his huge eyes doing the best puppy dog expression ever. 'Meanie.'Loi choked on a mouthful when she laughed, and I thumped her on the back. It wasn't what I'd expected from a dragon either, well maybe from Nnelg, but from a beast that looked like it could inhale a griffon in a breath? Not so much. With my legs outstretched in the sun I began to feel sleepy and lay back to enjoy it. A tug on the ankle had me peering down at Loi, who studied my anklet.'How does it actually wor
The Birthright Series Chapter 129
LUCKY WOKE KASSIE THE NEXT morning. The cat's tiny feet pounded across her head a good couple of times before she woke enough to push up and glare at the feline. Lucky stared back nonplussed when Kassie groaned, and the cat marched over, purring while rubbing her head on Kassie's.'Lucky,' she moaned.The instant she said the cat's name, Lucky darted off the bed, straight to the door and uttered a pitiful meow. After letting the demanding critter out, Kassie staggered back to bed and turned the glow lamp up to peer at the clock. Nearly two hours until she had to get up.'Damn that cat,' Kassie growled.Going back to sleep was a lovely idea, but not possible now she was awake. Resigned to being conscious, she turned the lamp up full and decided to have a long, hot shower. Afterward, she went to the bookshelves Rumal had had installed and selected a couple of books to read. Time flew while she read, and a knock on the door startled her.'Kass?' Sian's voice floated through. 'It's ti
The Birthright Series Chapter 130
THE NEXT DAY WAS FINALLY the rest day. Alek still slept when I snuck out of the room. The two guards shadowed me as I walked to the library. I thanked the one that opened the library door and paused, staring at all those shelves packed with books.I intended to spend the day reading up on my realm. Not the romantic rest day I'd envisioned at the beginning of the week, but it had to be done. I had so much to learn.'Morning, Cat.'I jumped. I hadn't spotted Kassie on the far couch, tucked up with a blanket and surrounded by books. 'Kass, you're up early.'She smiled at me then pointed to the mezzanine level. 'But not the earliest.'Leseach's melodic tenor voice called out quietly, 'Good morning, Your Highness.'I climbed the short, narrow staircase to her level. 'Good morning. What are you studying?'She stood bent over the table looking at a large map of Elion and glanced up. Those vivid green and yellow, inhuman eyes stared as she flashed a smile. 'Looking at where else the Sor
The Birthright Series Chapter 131
AT THE USUAL, UNGODLY, HOUR that we got up to run, Audi leaped on the bed and ambushed Alek. For some reason she did it just to him. I woke to his cursing as he swatted the dog off the bed. 'Cat! Can't you do something about her?'I blinked sleepily and chuckled at his sour, unimpressed expression. 'Sorry hun, she loves you. That's how she shows it.'He grumbled while he headed for the wardrobe.We met Yakov at the inner gate. He laughed at the red stripe on Alek's face. 'Did she get you again?'Alek smiled ruefully, 'One morning I'll be quick enough.'The three of us chatted while we followed the trail between the inner and outer gates. Every so often calls rang out from above, as the guards tracked our progressthe only way we could run without an escortto be observed from above.When we got back to the castle, Alek and I had to boot it to get ready. We had a Council meeting to attend and an earlier start than usual, as the men had to leave with Leseach after lunch. Alek lounged
The Birthright Series Chapter 132
ALEK WOKE TO THE NOISE of the birds clattering over the roof of the house they slept in. He shifted in the narrow cot bed, twisting to lift the curtain a little and peered out; the sun had just started to rise. With a yawn he sat and slipped his boots on, the other men snoring when he ducked out the back door with a towel.'Going for a swim?' Loushka appeared silently around the corner as he walked toward the river.'Yeah. A moment's peace before the day begins would be nice.'They continued to the water's edge; the dirt-track wide enough for Loushka to walk alongside him.'Missing Cat?''Yes, but it's good to have time with just the guys, like we used to.'A sound behind them caused them both to turn, and Kerak sauntered up with the languorous grace of a lion. Alek greeted the griffon then dropped the towel to the side and stripped his pants and boots off. The river had a bend not far down with a deep swimming hole tucked in it and an overhanging tree that had a rope hanging fro
The Birthright Series Chapter 133
YAKOV WENT TO WATCH THE girls at practice with the Lieutenants the next day. They all paused mid-strike when he entered, then set back into it. Today was staff practice. Kassie sat out, waiting her turn while the other three trained.The petite brunette smiled at Yakov as he had a seat next to her. 'Good morning, Kassie. How are you?''Good. Just waiting my turn.'A loud crack and thump made them both look up in time to see Cat stagger back, staff broken in two and a shoulder oddly low. Ignatius, who'd appeared to have assigned himself as her personal trainer, caught her good arm and slipped a hand under the dislocated shoulder. 'Ready?'Everyone paused. The other girls wore stoic expressions as they felt Cat's pain through their link. Cat, her face grey, gave Ignatius a terse nod. In a swift move he seized her wrist and flicked the arm high. It slipped back into the joint, and the girls breathed a sigh of relief while the grey colour vanished from Cat's face.'Thanks,' she said t
The Birthright Series Chapter 134
IGNATIUS KEPT A DISCREET WATCH over the Royal couple while they chatted with courtiers. It was one of the rare occasions that they had eaten in the Great Hall, and they appeared to be making the most of the evening. A delicate touch to his arm caused him to glance down. The Lady Roscel gazed up and met his eyes with a mischievous lilt to her lips. 'My lady?'It wasn't until she gave him a coy glance that he noticed and he reached out to catch her chin, tipping it up. Roscel flushed and her painted, full, red lips parted invitingly. The same red that resonated from her normally blonde hair. 'What's this, Roscel? A charm?'She giggled, and her eyes creased in mirth. Usually brown, the green tint they now bore shimmered.'It won't last long, the night perhaps?' she said invitingly.It fascinated him and he stepped closer, pressing against Roscel. She tried another of the Princess' expressionseyes wide and curious with a naughty, seductive glint.Desire rushed through him, and he suck
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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
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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
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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
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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
