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Chapter 185
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The Birthright Series Chapter 186
THE SHIP ROCKED AS RUMAL and Rashid studied the large map of the Southern territory spread out over the table before them. The sway of the ship when he was beneath tended to give Rumal a queasy stomach. He glanced out the high rectangular windows, focusing on the horizon while waiting for his body to settle.'Cavalry training,' Rashid unnecessarily said.Right, thought Rumal and he glanced at the map, considering. He preferred to go upstairs when they practiced. 'Why don't we work on this later?'Rashid glanced up and smirked. 'Stomach getting to you?'Rumal gave him a narrow look. They rolled the map up and headed to the top deck. When Rumal stepped through the hatch behind Rashid, the Lieutenant jerked to a halt then made an odd fumbling side step. Stretching his neck to see what confused Rashid, he spotted Leseach striding their way and saw the plain look of longing on Rashid's face before he concealed it.With a snigger Rumal elbowed past the man and quietly jibed, 'Stomach
The Birthright Series Chapter 187
LOI FROZE AT THE TOUCH that brushed her energy and completely forgot about Larvaste swinging an axe at her. Her energy deflected the blow and a green charge snapped off, causing the centaur to yell, dropping his axe.'Laura!' Larvaste protested.'At least it didn't break,' Sabyn pointed out, moving past the centaur to Loi's side, and touched her arm. 'What is it, are you okay?'Annoyance flashed through Loi when she tried to focus and she waved a hand impatiently at him.'I'm fine; I think Cat's wanting to link.'Sabyn frowned for an instant then pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, his expression sombre.'Why don't you go sit out? Say hi for me.'Loi nodded and walked to a box seat by the rail. The noise in the background faded while she called her energy up and the tension in her body evaporated as it spread.Your energy seems stronger than before.Loi jumped on the seat. Cat?! Are you there?Yes.That disconcerted her. Loi had thought Cat wasn't there yet. You sound di
The Birthright Series Chapter 188
I'VE HAD ENOUGH, SIAN THOUGHT ironically. Stop the ride I want to get off.It felt truly bizarre to think of what lay ahead. Part of her accepted the task, understanding what risk and danger stood before them. The other part of her felt completely detached like they acted out roles in a strange, surreal play. Sian's mind varied from wanting to scream and panic, to hide under the covers and refuse to come out; to wanting to stick a motor on this bloody boat, get there, deal to the bitch and go home.The frustration at the contradicting thoughts made her flip over in bed and huff a sigh out. Beside her Daron lay silent and she watched the moonlight flickering on the ceiling, reflecting off the water. I know Alek and Yakov are dead, she thought in an attempt to get her head in the right space. Tears welled in her eyes while she stared at the low ceiling of the berth bed. I know we head to a war zone, I know we will fight Jenviet and I know we have to win.Then why doesn't it feel lik
The Birthright Series Chapter 189
HIGH UP ON THE SECOND mast Sian wriggled on her perch, trying to get some feeling back into her numb ass.'Pix!' Daron bellowed from the foot of the mast, standing close to Sito's stomach. 'Don't you think you should come down now?'Sito, stretched out around the base of the mast, glanced quizzically up at her. 'Why is he so bothered?''Probably because we're so close to land, he's worried I'll do something silly like fall.''Oh,' Sito went quiet then thought with an anxious tone, 'Don't do that.'Sian laughed. 'I won't, Sito. I promise.'She could see the cliffs now, massive raw looking faces with waves dashing against the foot of them. White caps showed a fair way out from the cliff too, revealing the coast to be rocky.Rocks everywhere, she thought in concern. Hope the Draoths can handle it. A voice chimed in her mind.Got a nice view at this height, huh?Sian grinned. It is, Loi, how do you find it?Strange, I'm getting a sense of a cave or something.That's right, Kas
The Birthright Series Chapter 190
AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF the trunk I found a tiny drawstring bag. Setting aside the clothes I'd sorted through, I reached for the bag and sat back against the trunk while I worked at the knot in the drawstring. Untangling the cord, the thick fabric opened and I tipped the contents out on my palm and felt my breath catch.The green tourmaline winked in the light from the windows and the diamonds sparkled as the thin silver chain threaded through the ring slipped over my wrist. A piece of paper with scrawled writing I instantly recognized was wrapped around the white ring band. With trembling fingers, I carefully undid the paper and smoothed it out on a knee.For luck, my love.When had he done this? I swallowed hard while tears welled up, and slipped my engagement ring on, ignoring the chain for the moment. I remembered putting it on the dresser at the castle after mentioning I shouldn't wear it. The beautiful tourmaline brought back so many things and I forgot the task at hand, sitting
The Birthright Series Chapter 191
RASHID STEPPED ASIDE, ALLOWING CATHERINE past and waited for her to disappear in the crush of soldiers moving through the corridor.'Rashid.'His ear prickled at the sudden close proximity of the Northerner and he turned to find her vivid eyes on his. 'Leseach.''Her Highness has requested a lesser dosage of her evening drink.'Rashid nodded though the unease rose again at the thought of dosing the heir to Elion's throne drink with that poison. It appears to do her no harm, he assured himself. And Leseach keeps watch of it, not just Ignatius; two sets of eyes are better than one.Rashid hadn't believed Ignatius when first told about the poison. Seeing the package marked with the Sorceress' ring astonished him that first afternoon at sea and then after Ignatius' disastrous first attempt at dosing the Princess' drink. Yes, he thought with a sense of relief. At least Leseach keeps hold of the drug.'Good,' he said aloud when she stared at him, appearing to wait for verbal confirma
The Birthright Series Chapter 192
MY FINGERS TREMBLED WHILE I dressed this morning, the ship still noisy but most of the sound came from above now; the soldiers and allies gathered on the main deck, impatient to get going. 'Crap!'The smooth links slipped through my fingertips again as I attempted to seal the back seam. A loud knock on the door made me jump.'Highness?'I hesitated for a second then shrugged; he'd seen me in less than this before.'Ignatius,' I called and he entered. 'Please, can you help? I can't get the stupid seam right.'HE PAUSED FOR AN INSTANT mind locking away the image of herflushed, both arms reaching back over her shoulders trying to join the seam, the gap in the mail revealing her pale wool undergarments. A tantalizingly erotic pose, defenceless and begging for his help, her figure arched and exposed.He grinned and stepped forward. 'Of course, it's always tricky the first few times.'The seam started at the base of her spine and he took his time, carefully fitting the two sides t
The Birthright Series Chapter 193
'READY?''Go for it.'Closing my eyes and ignoring the noise and anxious energy from those still onboard I drew a bubble of energy around Loushka, then opened them, smiling in pleasure at the ease of it. The bubble, hair thin and sheer, flickered with flames that smoothed over the sphere's surface, just visible to the naked eye. I looked at the shore and saw several long boats landed and a couple more moving back to the ship for their next loads. Watching them I absently lifted the bubble, floating us higher and higher until we cleared the masts. 'About to release.''Excellent!' Loushka sounded thrilled.The instant the bubble vanished she flicked her wings open, the fan shaped metal greaves sounding like blades unsheathing. I sensed Kassie and Kerak coming up beneath us. 'We better move.''Hold on!'Wrapping the saddle straps around either arm I flattened myself to the leather when Loushka rocketed into the sky. We burst through clouds and she climbed higher then in a slow,
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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.
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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
