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Chapter 350
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The Birthright Series Chapter 351
WITH A RISING SENSE OF anticipation, we moved between cantering and trotting, making what felt like fantastic time. The last bits of scattered forest gave way to grasslands, alongside which a river in flood raged. I watched it while clinging tight to the saddle, seeing bits of wood wash past, a tree trunk stripped till almost bare. The occasional rumbling thud rang out, vibrating through the earth when loosened boulders crashed along, unseen beneath the water. We followed the river for some distance, occasionally having to skirt higher up off the track as the river ate away at it. Ahead of us, heads bent against the driving rain, the cavalry soldier stopped and Rashid leapt from his back.The sense of urgency in his movements, looking like he searched for something, spurred Mhelyn to catch up. Moments later I slid down and shouted to Rashid. 'What is it?''The bridge!' He roared the words over the dense rumble of water rushing past, pointing at what looked like large lumps of roc
The Birthright Series Chapter 352
THE ROCKING OF THE WAGON put Loi into a sleep like state as she dozed on the top bunk in the full sun. Time passed pleasantly and she daydreamed away, occasionally slipping into real sleep then back. The creaks and groans of the wheels didn't seem as loud as on the way up, or perhaps it was because they didn't have the twins, and their cousins, with their fractious attitudes and clear dislike of distance travel in a wagon. Loi personally loved the experience. Minus those four girls.'How you doing up there?' Sabyn called from the other end of the wagon, stretched out diagonally across the bunks on the other end, propped up with a couple of pillows as he read.Rolling onto her stomach and peering his way with a dozy smile, Loi asked sleepily, 'How do you not feel sick?''What?' Sabyn's eyebrows lifted in surprise.'Reading, with the swaying?'He paused, considering. 'I hadn't really thought about it. I can read almost anywhere, even griffon back though Tomiar is likely to tease me
The Birthright Series Chapter 353
THE RAIN NO LONGER POURED but the drizzle and icy wind we got in exchange felt as bad, if not worse. I hunched close to Mhelyn's back, the shelter of the trees almost entirely gone as we made our way up this windy wet mountain pass.Mhelyn puffed away, sounding like a steam engine and Rashid called for stops more often than I'd seen him do before. Neither him nor the soldier made any show about it so I hoped Mhelyn wasn't feeling self-conscious about it. He'd been employed as my advisor, after-all, not bodyguard.Two days had passed since the river crossing. The only potential sign we'd come across after the pile of poop was a small medicinal container.While I'd agreed that it did look like one Leseach might use, it also looked like one anyone wanting to carry a potion might use.Rashid wasn't about to be persuaded any other way. So onward we went up this rocky path.I cringed, clinging tight when Mhelyn's back hoof slipped, making the centaur lunge forward for better footing. Th
The Birthright Series Chapter 354
I WOKE WITH A JERK, heart pounding, mind sharply aware of a person's hand moving across my leg.'Sorry,' Rashid hissed the word under his breath. I felt the saddle bag he'd grabbed drag across my lower leg. The breath I didn't realize I'd held whooshed out in relief.In the dark of the early morning, with no moon to offer any light, I couldn't see a thing but the warmth of the two centaurs meant there wasn't a chance to feel cold. Listening to their steady breaths I knew they slept. But Rashid lay awake.Finally, he spoke, a whisper of a voice so not to wake the men. 'It wasn't you he wanted. You do understand that?'The words moved slowly through my mind.'It was what you are. You as a person, you challenged everything he was.'I lay on my side, considering his words. He spoke again but in the barest whisper. 'She's broken hearted about it.'The halted tone, and the memory of Leseach's stricken face as she told me, made my throat thicken, tears filling my eyes. With her fac
The Birthright Series Chapter 355
WITH SHUDDERING RELIEF, I FELT them find their own grip on the ledge.Opening my eyes, I stared down to see them standing on the very edge, arms wrapped around each other, their eyes wide as they watched the shingle shoal roaring around them.The centaurs edged their way along the path as far as they could then with the only two lengths of rope we'd brought, tied them together, lowering it to the two on the ledge. While they helped Rashid and Leseach back to the path, I raised the energy sphere with the ardwyr up, bringing it up to rest gently beside me. Releasing the sphere, but keeping a hold of the creature with my energy, I bent while making soothing noises like I would have for Audi. The poor animal looked terrified, huddled within its fur, ears flat back against its wide skull as it whimpered. It crouched low then crept to me, huddling against my legs. I sat, legs spread with it tucked close, cuddling my arms into the dense fur while still making the soothing noises, cooing and
The Birthright Series Chapter 356
SIAN.Sian grumbled in her sleep, rolling over with a huff.Sianny! Wake up.'Cat,' Sian muttered, still half asleep. 'Stuff off.'SIANNY!'Wha' Sian flailed, arms connecting with something solid.'OW!''Oh honey! I'm sorry!' Daron had a hand over his eye as he squinted at her out the other. 'Any reason for thumping me?'A giggle slipped out as she scrambled across to kiss his forehead and brow. 'You said another woman's name.''What!?'She couldn't hold it together, laughter escaping at his horrified expression.SIANNY!'All right already!' Sian half bellowed, straight at Daron's astonished face. 'What the HELL do you want, Catherine?'Shaking his head, Daron flopped back to his pillow as Sian tucked the covers around her waist, sitting cross legged as she linked with her friend's energy.What is it? You just made me belt Daron.Oh, I'm sorry! Apologize for me?I will. Now what is it?I need you to come pick us up.Sian shook her head in confused annoyance. Serious
The Birthright Series Chapter 357
IN THE GOOD HALF-HOUR it took to scrub out all the dirt and grime from my skin and hair, Sian, Loi, Ada, and Elena achieved plenty. By the time I stepped out to dry my hair, Leseach having used the shower in Loi's quarters, they'd packed everything I would need plus the enormous list of items Kassie apparently needed.It made all the stuff I, a Queen, needed look pitiful in comparison.As I exited my quarters and re-entered the common area of the other quarters, a harried looking Ada rushed past with her arms full of fabric, pieces slipping off to the ground. I stooped to grab them up, hurrying after her as Sian and Loi emerged from Kassie's quarters lugging a small trunk between them.'Let's go!' Loi grunted the words as they manhandled the luggage.We made our way awkwardly down the stairs, met half way down the turret by Elena who regarded Loi and Sian as they panted away with a perplexed expression.'Girls,' she said in the manner of a reprimanding school teacher. 'Did we forg
The Birthright Series Chapter 358
IT THREW ME, MY HEAD snapping back in time to see others laughing at something, and I joined in, the laughter hysterical in my mind. Hands pressed tightly between my thighs, my mind went to pieces at that expression.I didn't want to even voice the thought to myself, but- but- I flicked another glance his way.Those eyes, oh those eyes!They creased in affection.I jerked my gaze down, staring at my legs as a shuddering gasp rang through my body.'Lovey!' Kassie's mother squeezed my shoulder. 'Are you okay?'Most at the table gave me only the slightest of glances, tactfully continuing their conversations. Feeling dazed, the sounds and smells not helping, I managed to shake my head at her.'No,' I dipped my head again with a gasp of a sigh, just resisting tears. 'I'm sorry, you'll have to excuse me, my head is killing me.'Leseach started to stand as I did but I shook my head, forcing a smile. 'Don't worry, it's just a headache, I haven't been in such heat for so long!' I en
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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
