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Chapter 92
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The Birthright Series Chapter 93
Book Two: AwakeningTHE LAUGHTER, LIGHT AND JOYFUL, echoed beguilingly, skipping off the bedchamber walls. Loi woke with a gasp.Was that Cat?Sabyn snored quietly while she lay tense, waiting for another hint of it.Oh, stuff it.She slipped out of the warm sheets and quietly lifted her robe from the chair. The silky fabric whispered around her shoulders and she tied it firmly at the waist before easing the door open and sneaking out. Loi hurried along the silent corridor, bare feet slapping against the smooth wooden floor. In the dull light, the white stone walls appeared almost silver. Around the corner the guards on either side of the Royal Chamber doors exchanged a glance when they spotted her. Audrey, who'd been dozing at their feet, sat up wagging her tail in greeting. Loi gave the dog's head a quick pat and nodded to the men before easing one of the doors open.The instant the door clicked shut, she knew the answer.Other than their slow, steady, exhalations, the two pro
The Birthright Series Chapter 94
'SSIIAANNNN?''Coming!' Sian answered automatically and sat up in bed, blinking.Oh shoot! I've overslept again.Throwing some clothes on, she hurried to Citaan and Gredel's bedroom. When she entered the room, Sian found her blue-haired friend struggling to get slippers on.'Don't! Let me,' Sian said, while fumbling for the slippers.Once they were on, she stood and offered both hands to Citaan, carefully easing the woman up from the bed, helping her to the bathroom.You wouldn't believe Citaan is seven months pregnant, Sian thought. Not that the end is far away, but she looks huge, though if you consider Gredel's height and build, as well as Citaan's siblings and father, it isn't surprising that the baby is big.Sian met the whole family the previous month at a ceremony for the unborn child. Every culture has its own traditions and for those of water-sprite heritage, like Citaan, a blessing ritual for the mother-to-be at six months along, was required. Meeting all of Citaan's f
The Birthright Series Chapter 95
'ZEYNON, NO!!' KASSIE SHRIEKED AS Rumal's little brother hurled himself off the roof of the shed. With a flick of her fingers, mind focused, she caught him mid-air with her energy and carefully lowered the little imp to the ground. As soon as his feet touched the dirt Zeynon made to flee, but his brother, who rounded the corner at just the right moment, caught him by the back of his shirt.'Zeynon,' Rumal looked very unimpressed. 'We've had this conversation before. Kassandra's gift is NOT a toy. Now get on, you can help muck out the stalls.''Awww, Rumal,' whined Zeynon.'Get going. You knew the consequences after last time.'The child hung his head while he trudged off, but Kassie caught the mischievous glance he shot her, his lips trembling with suppressed laughter.I'll bet I'll end up having to do that again, Kassie thought while exchanging an exasperated look with Rumal.The last time had been off the cliffs by the beach.Since arriving at the family estate on Delanta, Kas
The Birthright Series Chapter 96
SHOCK RANG THROUGH ME AS I stared in confusion at a strange ceiling.Where the hell am I? Why can't I move right?All my limbs felt oddly heavy, and I wasn't sure if I had the strength to push up, to look around. A scrabbling noise somewhere beyond my feet distracted me, and a frantic feeling of panic began to swell in my chest when I struggled to move again.Why am I in bed? What's happened?The sound of a door swinging open and male voices made me freeze in terror at the unknown.'Hold on a moment!' a voice commanded, and a man's face appeared, staring down in astonishment. I recognized the uniform with a jolt; a guard of the Royal Chambers, that Yakov showed me.Yakov. Oh god, I'm not on Earth.The guard carefully eased me up to a sitting position. When someone reached to adjust the blankets I flinched, the motion too close for my current state of mind. Words and images flashed through my head, like a movie reel on fast forward, and my body shook with shock while I tried to p
The Birthright Series Chapter 97
EVERYONE STAYED STILL, WATCHING WHILE Cat processed Yakov's words, her gaze locked on Alek. The adviser exchanged a glance with Elena. She made a small gesture at the others and he turned to Sabyn. 'It's time to leave the girls be.'They left the chamber, closing the door behind them. The guards outside appeared bewildered at the day's sudden change of events. When they came to Sabyn's chamber down the corridor, Yakov went straight in and had a seat at the table in the lounge area.Sabyn shot him a curious look and joined him.'Yes?'After a moment's pause Yakov began.'What I'm about to tell you is to remain secret until Elena, herself, announces otherwise. Understand?'Sabyn stiffened, regarding Yakov with apprehension then with a sigh, nodded, and shifted a little closer.ONCE THE MEN LEFT, LOI and Elena helped Cat out of bed, getting her washed and fed before revealing anything else. Poor Cat seemed bewildered at her lack of strength, and Loi bit her lip hard to stop from
The Birthright Series Chapter 98
LOI STARED AT CAT WHO simply sat there, staring blankly at Elena. Nervous, Loi squeezed her hand.'Cat? Are you okay?'Cat began to laugh.THEIR EXPRESSIONS OF SHOCK AND concern while I laughed amused me even more, and I laughed harder. How could I not? What a truly ridiculous concept.'Why are you saying this, Elena? I've seen my baby pictures, from when I was born. This is absurd!'The anger caught me off guard, but I went with it. Seriously, I just wake up from a two-month hiatus and they try to pull a prank on me?LOI SHOT ELENA A LOOK. 'You're going to have to show her, and explain. I told you so.''Thank you, Laura.'Loi ignored the curt reply and settled into a better position. This might take a long time, she thought.The more Elena spoke, the more Cat withdrew. Her face grew whiter and whiter, her eyes vacant with shock. Loi hugged her tighter, wishing desperately that she could dull the pain.Kassie and Sian snuck into the room during that long afternoon and Cat
The Birthright Series Chapter 99
THE NEXT MORNING, ELENA DECIDED Catherine had had enough alone time. While the girls felt she should be left for as long as necessary, it was no longer Cat's right any more. Whether she recognized it yet or not, she would never again be simply Cat, but Princess Catherine. A Princess of the Blood and she had to be prepared for that.Perhaps Yakov would be better suited for this Elena suddenly thought. 'Did you want to try talking to her, by yourself?' She glanced at the adviser who walked beside her.Yakov looked surprised. 'Why?''The two of you got close before the ball and I thought she might find it easier to learn from you. She may not see me in a favourable light yet, and I really do need to let the Lieutenants know about the situation.'YAKOV NODDED, AS REGENT, ELENA needed to inform quite a few people of the situationespecially with the possibility of the announcement to the citizens causing a major upheaval. The citizens of Elion were very loyal to Alek. The betrothal wil
The Birthright Series Chapter 100
WE BOTH STARED ACROSS AT Alek and I took a moment to re-adjust the pillows behind my back. Audi shuffled around, getting comfy and I stroked her silky ears. 'Elena?''Hmm?''What were my parents like? Do I have any family now?'Anxiety at finally asking the questions that echoed in my dreams made my stomach ache and I shifted again, making Audi grumble.Elena began to describe them and listening to her words sort of made them more real. The Sorceress's face grew animated and soft when she alternated from talking about my father and mother. Those words though, mother and father, still felt awkward and forced.For the moment, I could still only picture my Earth parentsAlek's parentsas family; trying to envision those people in the paintings throughout the castle as my parents still felt unbelievable. But the funny anecdotes Elena remembered did help. It felt easier to believe when she switched to discussing the family I did still have.CAT'S FACE LOST SOME OF the wary look when E
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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
