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Chapter 131
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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
The Birthright Series Chapter 135
RIDING THE HORSES THROUGH THE outer gate felt fantastic. Loi called to Sabyn. 'So, where to?'He jerked his head in the direction. 'This way. It'll be a hard ride for a good hour.'She gave a whoop of excitement when they charged off. The track quickly changed from an easy path to a winding, narrow track, with some decent drops. Their speed slowed as they navigated the trailthe most challenging ride she'd been on in a while, and she rose in the stirrups as her horse readied to jump a log. Jumping had been a particular challenge to learn on Earth and Loi felt a thrill of delight when she aced the landing. Being able to ride in rough terrain, instead of the easy trekking paths on Earth, was something she'd rarely had the opportunity to do.Encouraging her horse after Sabyn's, her long heavy braid flopped over a shoulder as she leaned forward. She flicked it back, while admiring Sabyn. He rode as well as she did. She bit her lower lip while her eyes traced the muscles of his back, visi
The Birthright Series Chapter 136
THE FRESH BERRIES NEARLY TASTED better than the truffles. Loi savoured their crisp, sweet tartness; the perfect end to a meal. She sighed in pleasure after grabbing another handful and settled back against Sabyn. The sun had moved in the time they'd been there. The rays shone fully down on the picnic, making her feel as sleepy as a sated cat while they relaxed there, almost dozing.'Loi.''Mmmm?''Will you marry me?'Her eyes snapped open and she spun out of his lap with a gasp, staring in shock. Sabyn cocked his head, regarding her in amusement, then drew a ring case out from beneath his leg and offered it to her.Frozen to the spot she stared at the case, emotions running rampant through her; delight, fear, excitement, and doubt. With her eyes squeezed closed she squeaked out. 'Why?'He sounded astonished. 'What?'Her breaths came short and fast. 'Why, why me? You could have anyone, why me?'NOW OPEN, THE FEAR HE saw in her eyes had him flummoxed. 'What do you mean why you?
The Birthright Series Chapter 137
ALEK EXCUSED HIMSELF, AND LEFT Cat in his father's study, reading. Our father, he reminded himself; what a strange idea. The first stop was the kitchen. Hiranes listened as Alek explained, a delighted smile spreading on his aged face. 'Yes, yes, I can do that.'Alek grinned, 'Excellent. But don't forgetsecret.'Hiranes nodded then turned and clapped his hands, calling for the kitchen staff. Alek left to find Vesbel, the castle's event organizer.Vesbel was in her room at the other end of the ground floor, next to Ada's quarters. When Alek opened the door, he discovered her four jybois in the midst of joyfully dismantling an object.'Would you get them out of here?' called Vesbel as she wrestled with something. 'I need that in one piece.'A sharp whistle made their heads snap up and eight sets of large, round, black eyes stared at him. Grabbing an ornament off a shelf, he tossed it out the door. The ornament sparkled in the light while it rolled through the doorway. The four jybois
The Birthright Series Chapter 138
'SIAN?'The deep voice stole into her dreams and she sighed in her sleep, rolling over to block it out.'Sian? Friend?'The voice got more persistent and waking up, Sian rolled over, peering sleepily around the room. Daron snored softly beside her, but there wasn't anyone else. Then a dark shape moved outside the window, and she froze. 'Sito?''Friend?'Her heart thudded loudly in her ears and she shook her head, inwardly laughing at her reaction; understandable though, at this level in the castle, nothing should be able to block the windowexcept a certain hungry, stafandral dragon.'Are you coming today? You said you would.''Yes, I'm coming, Sito. Just let me get dressed and grab a bite to eat.''There'll be lots. I won't eat it all. You can have some.'Sian smothered a giggle at the dragon's earnest tone. 'That's okay, Sito, it's not really my thing. But I'm sure you can bring the leftovers home for Nnelg and the griffons.'With a yawn, she climbed out of bed and headed fo
The Birthright Series Chapter 139
THAT AWFUL SMELL SEEMED TO permeate everywhere in the castle, but most people saw the funny side. Loi, Kassie, and I helped Sian to clean the mess up, and teased her mercilessly the whole time. Our brave male creatures, however, made themselves scarce, unable to face the stench without retching. The griffon pups stuffed themselves silly, and most ended up being sick. Loushka, Phroma, and Tomiar herded the now miserable pups outside so Sian could shower them off. Then Loi, Kassie, and I dried them with fluffy towels.Nesha and Kerak helped Sito move the remains of the fish to a field a decent distance away. It delighted the farmer, and we found out that the bones of a numie fish were a much sought-after fertilizer. The older griffons joined Sito in the field for a meal once the courtyard was clean and the pups were asleep.THE NEXT DAY WAS ENERGY training. In the Merrej desert, within Elena's protective circle, Kassie closed her eyes while focusing on Sito. The dragon looked unconce
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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
The Birthright Series Chapter 392
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
