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Chapter 29
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The Birthright Series Chapter 30
BACK AT THE CAMPSITE RUMAL and Kassie sat deep in a conversation about which creatures that she knew of that existed in this realm. Kassie felt vaguely comforted to discover lions, tigers and bearsoh my!existed here. Cats, dogs and chickens did too. Ridiculous as it might seem, but right at the moment Kassie needed those familiar things, little as they were. The sky still showed blue and the people seemed normal-ish. The enormous griffons lazing around them, enjoying the sun, thrilled one part of her mind and terrified the other. What else could be here? What if we can't get home? What's happening at home?'Pigs?' Rumal suggested breaking her panic for an instant. Kassie blinked then nodded with a half-smile, relief and fear making her more anxious. Making an effort to relax, she let a breath out.'Yes. We have them too.'RUMAL SMILED AT KASSANDRA, AMUSED at how relieved the girl looked to recognize some of the species he'd rattled off. Is where they come from so very different, h
The Birthright Series Chapter 31
TOMIAR SEEMED TO REGARD HER in amusement which made Loi feel a tad uncomfortable. Then Sabyn came back out the tent, carrying something. He gave her a broad smile.'Why don't you place your findings over here,' he indicated and he dug a hole in the ground with the heel of his boot. 'Then I'll walk with you to the river so you can wash your hands,' he waved the soap he'd fetched at her.She gave him a long look, then gingerly dropped her findings in the hole and resisted the urge to wipe her hands on her pants. 'Okay what are they?' She demanded when he covered the hole over.'Ifanip droppings; rather noxious. Next time you spot funny coloured stones, I suggest you leave them where they are and ask one of us to identify them for you first.'Her look of disgust made those watching laugh. Sabyn bowed to her and said. 'I would offer you my arm but-'Rolling her eyes at his bad joke, she grabbed the offered soap. 'C'mon then, walk me to the river. You can mock me on the way.'THE OT
The Birthright Series Chapter 32
THE NEXT MORNING GREDEL WOKE us before dawn. The burly man had gotten over his nerves around us and we'd discovered he had a pretty good sense of humour. We simply weren't in the mood to appreciate it first thing in the morningsure, we may have had eight hours sleep, but a dozen more would have been nice.Waking to the sudden clashing of two tin plates wasn't the best start to the day. Gredel retreated from the room at a decent pace when all our heads jerked up at the racket. Loi growled some not-so-polite words after him and a pillow flew from Sian's direction but fell short, bouncing off the edge of my cot. I dropped my head back with a groan and grinned when I heard Kassie do the same. It took another five minutes of grumbles and groans before we reluctantly climbed out of bed and shuffled around our small tent space, getting dressed and packing up.Keeping busy almost allowed me to ignore the annoying voice in my head that mumbled about flying and heights (and lack of safety belt
The Birthright Series Chapter 33
ALEK SETTLED INTO THE FRONT seat and reached back to pat Catherine's knee. 'Okay?'Two arms encircled his waist and he felt her press her forehead against his armour, mid back. She sighed. 'I'll do. Are we ready to go?''Almost, Gredel is finishing strapping Audrey in.''Where's Lucky?'Loushka informed Alek that Kassandra had her in her bag. Just when he told Catherine this, they saw Lucky poke her head out the top of the pack and give a pitiful meow. Gredel then looked to Alek and nodded. Alek called out, 'All ready then? Let's go.'I FELT LOUSHKA'S MUSCLES BUNCH and kept a tight hold on Alek's waist while I watched the griffon tuck her wings in. Then whoosh, Loushka sprang off the ground and clear into the sky, snapping her wings open the moment we cleared the canopy.Holy COW! Breathe, breathe!My stomach felt like it shot to my feet. I pressed my head firmly against Alek's backplate and held on tight. I heard the other griffons burst through like Loushka had and for a cou
The Birthright Series Chapter 34
ALEK FELL SILENT, lost in his thoughts and Loushka let him be. She knew where he'd like to set up camp for the night so continued on while chatting with the other griffons. The conversation stayed firmly on their four guests, each griffon voicing different theories as to why Elena wanted them, and where they came from. Phroma felt grateful that Gredel had his lovely wife to go home to and a little concerned at the intensity already being expressed between some of the couples.'After all,' she reasoned to Nesha 'We only met them the other day. We still don't know what their powers are. For Elena to be so interested they must be either very valuable, or very dangerous.'Nesha politely acknowledged Phroma's concerns, though personally felt the women weren't dangerous to them.Kerak butted in, furious that Phroma would insult Kassandra. 'I think the women are really niceI like Kassandra.''Settle down, Kerak,' admonished Tomiar gently. 'Phroma's not saying Kassandra or the others are
The Birthright Series Chapter 35
LOI ARCHED AN EYEBROW as Cat came over. Almost skipping, she noted.'Enjoy the flight?'Cat looked guilty for a moment. 'Errr, yes,' she gave a sheepish cough. 'It was pleasant.'They looked knowingly at her.THE FOUR OF US, WITH Audrey, had to collect the firewood and I could see the rebellious looks on Sian and Loi's faces. They didn't like being delegated the easy work, just because we were women. I was happy to do it. It meant we could talk without being overheard by the guys. The instant we were out of sight the questioning began. Sian seemed certain that Daron could be someone special, and Kassie felt the same about Rumal. Loi appeared to like Sabyn a lot but didn't want to commit herself just in case. I knew how she felt.'Although I really don't understand why we're being so skeptical,' I said when I stopped to sit on a fallen log. Audrey sat between my knees and I fussed over her, it'd been strange to spend the entire day without her, though Gredel said she'd enjoyed th
The Birthright Series Chapter 36
SABYN AND LOI TALKED THE whole flight, leaning backward or forward to speak in the other's ear. He told her all about his family, she learned he had two younger sisters who commandeered much of their parents' time. The twins, Lenia and Franti, were just sixteen and at that boy-crazy stage.'It made the last visit we had at my family's home embarrassing,' Sabyn shook his head at the memory.Loi laughed at the thought of the teenagers trying out their charms on the boys. 'I'll bet that doesn't go down well with Gredel,' she spoke in Sabyn's ear.He roared with laughter.'WHAT? WHAT'D SHE SAY?' DEMANDED Tomiar.He relayed Laura's words to her. Tomiar chuckled and sent him an image of the last time Gredel had visitedit showed the large man pasty white while the two girls closed in on him, their eyelashes fluttering and hands clasped demurely in front. Gredel told Sabyn afterward, in no uncertain terms, that he would never again visit without Citaan.AUDREY SEEMED TO LOVE THE view
The Birthright Series Chapter 37
LOI DECIDED SHE'D HAD ENOUGH of standing and with Sabyn gripping her hips again, she lowered back to the saddle.'How are you?' Sabyn spoke into her ear.'Shaking,' Loi said in surprise. 'It's a lot harder than I expected.' Her legs trembled as though she'd done hours of training.He laughed softly. 'You were up longer than I managed my first time. Shows how strong you are.' He wrapped both arms around her.Loi felt flattered and relaxed back against him with a smile. 'Thanks.'I COULD JUST SEE THE village in the space between Loushka's wing and neck. It didn't have a fence like Lothost had. I leaned back against Alek's chest and he obligingly ducked his head so I could speak into his ear. 'Why isn't it fenced? Lothost was.''They have a large number of dogs here,' Alek said. 'Audi will be popular. They also regularly host griffons and their riders. That'll scare off most of the carnivores.'That idea intrigued me and I asked, 'How many griffon riders are there? What makes the
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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
