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Chapter 78
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The Birthright Series Chapter 79
ALEK HELPED ME INTO A heavy overcoat when Sabyn and Loi came out of the back room. We could see she'd been crying, but the smile she gave us seemed brighter. I caught Sabyn's eye, mouthing 'thanks' once Loi had walked past.'Hurry up people!'We turned and laughed at Citaan, all ready and waiting on Phroma's back, bouncing with excitement. The heavy overcoat she wore concealed her baby bump and at the moment she looked like an over-tall, impatient child. Alek still hadn't told me where we were going, but if I went by Citaan's reaction, it would be good.ALEK SNAPPED SHUT THE LAST clasp on Cat's overcoat and tossed her up on to Loushka's back.'Hey! Manners much.' Cat poked her tongue out at him. He glowered at her. You can't actually die from sexual frustration, the annoying voice in his mind pointed out. A certain part of his anatomy disagreed.It didn't seem fair that she could strut around in that and still have the go-slow rule in place. Really, those thigh high boots ought
The Birthright Series Chapter 80
THE FOREST WAS MUCH SPARSER here and I could smell salt in the air. I squirmed in the saddle, trying to see more. Alek laughed at me.'Pull Cat up to standing,' Loushka thought to us both. 'It's a good view.'Helping me out of the stiff overcoat, Alek pulled me to my feet. I leaned back against him, looking out. What a spectacular sight. We approached what must be a city. It looked miles bigger than Gartoll and I could just make out a harbour littered with boats. I felt a rush of excitement and twisted to look up at Alek. 'Are we going to the city?''No, we're going to somewhere even better.'We settled back down into the saddle and I stretched my arms out, relieved to be rid of that coat.'Would you stop that?''What?' I looked up in surprise as he stared down with a bemused smile.'I said we'd discuss your outfit later, arching your back like that isn't helpful.'Whoops. I'd actually forgotten how low the v-neck on my sweater was.I laughed at him. 'No-one's making you loo
The Birthright Series Chapter 81
THEY STOPPED AT A WEAPONS stall next and the men watched in amusement while the girls enthusiastically studied each piece. Cat appeared much taken with a sleeve that held throwing blades, while Sian examined an expanding sword with great interest.Daron laughed at her. 'Pixie, I don't think you need that. You've got a sword.'Both Kassie and Cat began to laugh as they exclaimed, 'Pixie?'Sian ignored the girls and gave him her best innocent eyes. 'But this one I can fit in my pocket. It's practically an accessory.'He gave her an exasperated look and leaned forward to bargain with the stall owner.I EXCHANGED AN AMUSED GLANCE with Kass when Daron paid for the sword Sian wanted. She always excelled at getting men to buy things for her, though usually it was drinks not weapons. I looked back at the throwing sleeve in my hands. The stall owner began to run through its attributes, again. 'Extremely durable, the sleeve is made of dragon skin and will last for eons. The edges of the
The Birthright Series Chapter 82
THEY FELT THE FLUSH OF pain radiate through Cat's energy and froze; the three girls stared at each other.'Where the hell is she?''What's she doing?!'A loud scream of pain rang out and a tall brunette staggered out from between a couple of tents, clutching her face while blood dripped down her arms.'Rayna!' Alek lunged toward the brunette but stopped short when Cat stepped out. The angry red mark on her forehead and the red stripe across her chest said it all.'What happened?''Your charming ex thought she'd try accosting me. I wasn't in the mood.' Cat's face looked dark, eyebrows low and lips flat.Alek stared in astonishment, appearing uncertain as to who to help. Sian felt annoyed, she glanced at the other two and jerked her head toward Cat. They moved to her side. 'You okay?' Sian reached to Cat's forehead and gently pressed the piece of ice she'd created to the developing bruise.'Ouch! Yeah I'm fine, I lost a couple of blades.''Not to worry, we'll'The brunette in
The Birthright Series Chapter 83
ALEK HERDED ME TOWARD A jewellery stall while he explained. 'An isanith is a type of faerie. There are hundreds of different types of fae, but the isanith is a pretty basic version. It hunts insects and will even kill other faerie if they're small enough and not quick to get away. They have a nasty bite and a sting.''Eww. They sound like wasps, are they considered a pest?''Depends on where they are,' he smiled at me. 'They can be very useful to farmers if they've had an infestation of wetans or deni. But if they found a hive near their house then they'd get rid of it.''Oooh, pretty.' I forgot the conversation in an instant and beamed at the gorgeous jewellery on display, making Alek chuckle. The girls and I examined each piece, to the obvious delight of the stall owner.THE MEN INSISTED ON BUYING a piece for each of the women, though Cat refused to let Alek. Sian felt bad for him and touched his arm when Cat was preoccupied with examining something. 'Buy her a piece to wea
The Birthright Series Chapter 84
WHEN I FELL INTO BED that night, with Audi already snoring away beside my bed, it hit me. The ball was in just three days. We had weapons training tomorrow and then two days in which the castle became even more chaotic with preparations. On the eve of the second day was the ball, after which, we would start our normal life at the castle and fulfil Elena's expectations, as protectors of the Realm. I could feel the beginning of a panic attack while images of what had happened in the last month bombarded me. I sat up, ripping the covers back.Breathe. In out. In out.I kept the chant up in my head, trying to keep quiet so I didn't disturb the others. Audrey sat upright a moment after I did and cuddled against my leg, her head on my thigh as she studied me with a concerned expression. I smiled down at her and stroked her head. 'Beautiful girl,' I cooed, feeling the anxiety lift a little. Her tail swished and she gave me little kisses on the nose then nibbled it, something she did o
The Birthright Series Chapter 85
When I walked back into our quarters, I found the girls awake and piled onto Sian's bed, chatting.'Where've you been, Cat?' asked Loi.'Yakov gave me a tour of the rest of this floor.'I wandered over and climbed on the bed, then told them about the beautiful picture. It inspired us to make a trip to the libraryfinallyand we spent the rest of the day there. It made for a good distraction with us nervous at the idea of starting our new, official lives and it gave me something else to think about when I fell into bed that night.We didn't say much when we woke and dealt with the usual morning stuff then walked to breakfast together. The Great Hall buzzed with activity as we neared it. Servants worked on opening the walls between the ballrooms and the throne room. The castle had two ballrooms divided by the main corridor, and the walls on the corridor were bi-folding so that the two rooms could be linked for large events. The throne room linked to the outer most ballroom, which overl
The Birthright Series Chapter 86
WE HAD ABOUT AN HOUR to kill leaving me pacing the floor in nervous anticipation. I couldn't lie down thanks to my hair; curled and then pinned so it cascaded down like a waterfall. I was to wear it draped over one shoulder; the stylist had insisted after she gushed over the colour. It made me laugh. Sure, my hair was pretty but with the fabulous blues, greens and violets I'd seen today I didn't think it compared. The stylist had shrugged and informed me red hair was unique. So, I still stood out. Even on a different world. Figures. Audrey could sense my mood and it made her agitated. I studied her for a moment. What will I do with her this evening? As I pondered, a knock sounded on the door. I was surprised to find Ada there. 'What are you doing with Audrey tonight?' she asked, seeming a little anxious.My jaw dropped. 'Do you read minds too?' I asked in amusement.'N-n-no-o,' she stuttered. 'It's just, I haven't a partner this evening and I intend on leaving early. Everyo
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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
