Keeper of Fire Chapters 6-8

6. City of Vampires 5081

Destiny looked up at the rain as it drizzled miserably. She gripped the side of the ship as it rose up again; she released the side of the ship and made her way to her cabin. Destiny removed her hood and slid it onto the peg to dry. Someone knocked on her door and then it opened. Jaguar stepped into the room,5092

“The captain says that we will be at the city in a few days.” She sighed wearily. 5103

“Are you sure that we have to go to the City of Vampires? I’m only human… and that might raise a few eyebrows.” Jaguar snorted,5114

“We have arranged for you to have employment in a small bar. We hope that you will be able to find a lead on your brother’s location and from there… well we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” Destiny shot him a dark look,5125

“That still doesn’t solve the problem of me being human.” She stated angrily.5136

“Your right it doesn’t, however even though you are human no one will know unless it is night. But your employer knows that you are human so she will keep you out of sight during the night because you are in danger then. She will also make sure that you will be safe during the night. The only time that you are safe at night is when the moon is new. The vampires are affected by the moon cycle.” Destiny sighed in exasperation as she sat down.5147

“Alright… I guess that is okay then.” She told him slowly, Jaguar smiled.5158

“That is good… also beware of the man called Shardow. He is a vampire but he also has an elemental, and unlike most of us, he can wield all of the elements. He will see through your story.” He looked at her; Destiny smiled weakly,5169

“Don’t worry I’ll be careful.” She said quietly,51710

“You better… I think that Evan would have my head if you got hurt.” Destiny placed her hand on his arm,51811

“Don’t worry about me. Besides you can blame me if I get hurt, that way he can have my head instead.” Jaguar laughed as he walked out of her cabin. 51912

***52013

Shardow’s eyes scanned the room in anger. Still he couldn’t find Wick; his son was going to get hurt if he kept running away from him. Someone began to yell and a boy with white blonde hair scrambled away. Shardow began to move towards them when a young woman intervened. The man who had been yelling began to snicker,52114

“A woman? What are you going to do? Kill me?! I’ve squashed bugs bigger than you!” the young woman ignored him and turned toward Wick. The boy went willingly in towards her. The man shoved the woman and she stumbled to the ground a few feet away from him. She merely picked herself up and then took Wick in her arms; the man moved towards her. Shardow stepped in front of him, shielding his son from the man’s wrath.52215

“What are you doing?! Why are you stopping me Shardow?!” Shardow felt the woman stiffen.52316

“Seeing that my son is the one you are threatening, I think that is a good enough of a reason as any to intervene.” The other man stepped back slowly; then he stalked out of the inn. 52417

Shardow turned towards the young woman, who clutched Wick to her protectively. 52518

“I believe I owe you thanks, my lady.” He told her quietly, Wick peeked out at him then held out his arms to Shardow. He reached for Wick and she slid the child into his arms without touching Shardow’s arms. The young woman glanced at the setting sun then back at him; she turned and began to walk away. Wick spoke, startling both of them,52619

“Thank you, Destiny.” The woman stopped walking, her violet hair whipped around as the air picked up speed. She looked over her shoulder, then straight ahead again; the young woman spoke slowly without turning,52720

“You are welcome… but I must go… goodbye.” She hurried away as if the sun’s slow departure spurred her steps.52821

Destiny sighed in relief as the Moonlight Inn came into sight. She knew better than to leave the inn before sunset, but Jaguar had insisted that they meet to today. She sighed, shook her head, no reason to cry over spilled milk. She pushed open the door and walked towards the back room. She released her breath that she had been holding slowly and walked towards her pallet that lay in the corner of her room. She slid out of her gown then into breeches and a sleeveless shirt and then she lay down on her stomach. She closed her eyes and began to relax her muscles starting down at her toes and working her way up her body, she fell into a deep slumber before she had finished.52922

Wick stared at the young woman solemnly then hopped down from his precarious perch. He stifled the urge to giggle; he had found Destiny easily once his father had put him to bed. Wick curled up against her and she sighed and put her arm around him. Wick closed his eyes and blocked out the images that began to appear, he would always felt another’s thoughts when ever he touched anyone. The images faded and he fell into a warm sleep. 53023

Wick snuggled closer to Destiny as the morning light filtered through the window. Destiny turned her head to look at the small boy who was now gripping her waist sleepily;53124

“What are you doing here?!” She asked as she looked around for Shardow. 53225

“He isn’t here; I snuck away from him…” Destiny stared at the young boy and he grinned up at her wickedly. “For all the stories about dad he never could really keep track of me…” Destiny began to laugh. The boy looked startled then he grinned again at her.53326

Destiny smiled at Wick as he grinned at her as he scrubbed the floor next to her. His dark hair slid into his eyes again as he pushed the rag across the muddy floor; Destiny knelt back onto her knees.53427

“Destiny? Is there always this much mud on the floor?” Wick asked as he stared down at the floor in disgust, Destiny laughed and ruffled the boy’s hair. 53528

“Yes, sometimes more… are you hungry?” she asked as she took the rag from his hands, Wick nodded eagerly.53629

Destiny picked up Wick from where he had fell asleep on the floor; she felt a surge of maternal love for the small boy who had only been in her life for a day. Wick murmured slightly when she pulled the blanket over him, Destiny curled up next to the boy and fell into a cozy sleep.53730

Shardow ran his fingers through his hair in frustration; Wick had disappeared again. He looked up at the sign that swung silently above him, it red the Moonlight Inn. This was one of the last inns that he checked for the day; Shardow shoved open the door and Marie greeted him warmly.53831

“Hello Shardow… what are you doing here?” she asked him huskily,53932

“Looking for my son… have you seen him?” she hesitated, and then nodded.54033

“Aye… the problem is… the person he is with is human. Most vampires can’t control themselves around humans, so I hide her during the night. However if you think that you can then you are welcome to go and see her. She is in the backroom…”he nodded as she brushed past her. 54134

Shardow opened the door quietly and slid into the room. Moonlight spilled from the window and illuminated the two figures sprawled on the pallet. Wick was curled up next to a young woman with long violet hair; Shardow felt his heart contract painfully. Wick snuggled closer to the young woman and wrapped his arms around her waist, her arms slid protectively around him. 54235

Destiny kept her eyes closed even though her heart was pounding; some one was here in her room. She pulled Wick closer to her then she opened her eyes slowly as if she was just coming out of a deep sleep. She stared in surprise at the vampire who towered over her; he seemed equally surprised that she was awake.54336

“W-what are you doing here?!” Destiny tried to hide the panic that was threatening to overwhelm her. He looked down at the boy then at her, Wick seemed to feel her panic because he woke up. The child turned to look at the vampire then he whispered,54437

“Dad…” Destiny stiffened fearfully as Shardow knelt down next to them, 54538

“Hello Wick, and Destiny I believe?” he asked as he reached up to trail his fingers down her face then to ruffle Wick’s hair. She shivered slightly, 54639

“I want you to leave…” Destiny told him coldly. Shardow laughed huskily,54740

“As you wish my lady, however I won’t be going alone…” his gaze drifted down to Wick then up to her face, Destiny flushed. 54841

“No! I’m not going with you!” Wick wailed as he gripped Destiny around the waist. She looked down at him then looked up at Shardow, the air around them seemed to thicken and she heard the boy whimper. 54942

“Stop it! You are scaring him!” abruptly the air became normal and then Shardow moved to the shadows. 55043

The only sound in the room was Wick’s sobs as she buried his head against her body,55144

“I’m sorry… If I frightened you…” Shardow whispered hesitantly. Destiny stroked Wick’s hair gently while humming a child’s hymn; slowly the boy’s sobs died down and he fell into a tired sleep. Destiny laid the child down then stood motioning towards the door. 55245

Destiny turned towards Shardow, anger in her eyes. 55346

“What kind of person are you?! That boy is so scared of you that he runs away!” Shardow folded his arms crossly, 55447

“You have no right to tell me…” his shoulders sunk, “You are right. But…” his dark eyes looked at her in despair.55548

Destiny felt her anger melt away then she felt as if a window of opportunity had opened. Jaguar’s warning flitted through her head but she shoved it away,55649

“I may have a…” she was cut off by screaming in the commons. Destiny hurried past Shardow and nearly walked into two vampires who where fighting; she felt Shardow pull her back. A fusion of fear crawled up her back when both the vampires froze, 55750

“Thank you Shardow…” Marie told him as she walked towards the two vampires. Shardow nodded distractedly,55851

“Would you like me to get rid of these blokes for you?” Marie nodded coolly and then turned her attention to Destiny,55952

“How are you? I see that Shardow hasn’t done anything to you.” Destiny flushed slightly, 56053

“He was looking for his son…” Destiny began as Shardow joined them again, 56154

“There you are Marie, now if you’ll excuse me and Destiny.” Marie nodded and he gripped Destiny’s arm and led her back towards her room. 56255

“Now you where saying before we had to deal with those blokes.” Destiny bit her lip,56356

“I… well what I was going to say was that I could help you if you help me.” He looked curious, even intrigued. “I could help you with your son so he’ll know not to be afraid of you and you could…” Wick came bursting out of her room and gripped her waist,56457

“Destiny I thought you had left me!” she smiled down at him,56558

“No she didn’t leave you… she is going to live with us.” Destiny’s head snapped up to look at Shardow in shock. Wick looked up at her for confirmation; she didn’t want to disappoint him so she nodded. Shardow felt as if the weight on his chest had been lifted; he turned to Wick,56659

“How about you go and get Destiny’s thing while me and her talk.” At the boy’s skeptical look he continued, “She’ll still be here when you get back.” Wick turned slowly and then disappeared. Shardow turned back towards Destiny, 56760

“Now you where saying?” she hesitated as Jaguar’s warning flitted across her mind again. “Well?” Destiny looked over at the door where Wick had disappeared,56861

“I’ll tell you when… well when we might not have other ears.” Shardow raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. 56962

7. Black Ice and Shape shifters 60963

Kyai shifted slightly as the sunlight began to filter through her tent. She heard the rustling of her tent opening and she opened her eyes. Hunter stood holding a plate and a tin cup in his hands, he gave her a lopsided smile as he walked over to her.64

“I figured that since you missed breakfast…” she patted the place next to her as she sat up. The blankets slid down and she flushed, she had forgotten that she had gone to bed in only her under garments. She pulled the blanket up then stammered,65

“Can you give me a minute to become decent?” his face was suspiciously red but he nodded. Kyai waited until he left then quickly reached for her clothes. She called for Hunter when she buttoned up the last button; he returned still slightly flushed. 66

“Have a seat…” Kyai motioned next to her as she began to eat hungrily. Hunter sank down next to her and watched her. He felt the excitement flow through the bond as he picked up her hand and toyed with the golden band around her wrist. She continued to eat, trying hard to ignore him, but it was hard when every now and then his fingers would stroke the inside of her wrist. “Will you cut…” Karol walked in as smiled as she walked in. “Well I see that Hunter is several steps in front of me… Fen’re was looking for you, Hunter.” He looked up at Karol while still toying with Kyai’s wrist and the gold band around it. Hunter looked over at Kyai, 67

“I guess I have to go… try not to get into any trouble.” He stood slowly, but didn’t release her hand, “Come walk with me.” It was more of a command than a request so she stood and followed him out while shooting a confused look at Karol as she walked by. 68

Hunter kept Kyai’s hand in his as he walked towards Fen’res’ tent. He couldn’t shake off the sense of foreboding that had suddenly gripped him. Something was going to happen and it wasn’t good; Hunter glanced up at the black clouds that had begun to gather. He stopped her in front of Fen’res’ tent then pulled her into his arms,69

“Be safe Kyai. Something is going to happen so keep Karol and the children close to you as well.” He whispered in her ear. He quickly kissed her mouth then disappeared into the tent.Kyai stood staring after him and then turned to walk back towards her tent. She changed her course quickly and began to walk towards the infirmary. Karol greeted her warmly, Phoenix and Tom ran to hug her. She smiled down at the boys; Karol raised an eyebrow as if to ask what had happened between her and Hunter. Kyai shook her head and moved further into the infirmary.70

The uneasy feeling that Hunter had began to grow as the meeting dragged on. He was beginning to feel restless and tapped his fingers on the table in front of him causing some of the men to shift nervously, Fen’re turned to look at him and the man who had been talking became quiet.
“Are you alright Hunter?” he asked softly, Hunter narrowed his eyes as he scanned the room. Fen’re nodded then cleared his throat,
“That is enough on the reports. We will continue tomorrow, dismissed.” Hunter stayed seated while the other’s filed out silently.
“Well Hunter what is wrong? I know something is because when you are like this it can’t be good.” Fen’re asked as soon as everyone had left,
“I think something bad is coming… even the animals are skittish. I think you need to anticipate an attack and soon.” Hunter stood and opened the flap of the tent. The black clouds that had begun to gather in the distance crawled closer; Hunter felt his hackles rise. Something wasn’t right about the clouds, “I want you to get everyone into the castle. You need to warn the Reas that something is coming.” Fen’re heard the urgency in Hunter’s voice and nodded,
“Very well… but what will you do?” Fen’re asked, dreading the answer. Hunter smiled humorlessly,
“I’m going to find out what it is…” Fen’re took a deep breath and then nodded.
“Very well… but be safe.” Hunter didn’t say anything but walked out of the tent silently.
Kyai looked up as someone entered into the tent; Fen’re looked grim and Kyai stiffened.
“What?! What is wrong?!” Karol asked sensing her husband mood,
“We need to leave. Now, move into the castle…” he told them solemnly.
“Hunter? Where is Hunter?!” Fen’re didn’t answer and Kyai felt a cold lump of fear form in her stomach. 71

***72

Hunter sniffed the air; it reeked of magic. He stiffened and pressed himself closer to the ground. The smell of rotting meat and death overrode the scent
of the magic; Hunter moved silently and peeked out into the clearing. Huge bloody creatures stood in the meadow, they where oozing onto the grass. It
wilted and then died; two of the creatures where fighting over a still alive animal and Hunter felt sick. He shifted his weight and a twig snapped
under his feet. One of the creatures swung towards him and cried out and charged. Hunter scurried out of the way and felt himself began to change into a wolf. He sprinted as he felt the creature began to crash towards him. He swerved to the left as another one came at him clumsily; Hunter slid to a stop to stop himself from running into the wall of boulders in front of him.
The creatures came out staggering; Hunter tensed and bared his teeth angrily. One of the creatures screeched clicked its long claws together, and then it charged. Hunter moved but he was caught in the air by the other
one that had joined the first; he howled as pain shattered through his body. He was smashed down onto the ground and he tried to get up but he crumpled to
the ground.73

Kyai felt pain move sharply up her side and spread downward, she stopped walking and turned into the other direction. Karol yelled at her to come back but Kyai kept running. Hunter was in trouble and he needed her;
she ran along the wall and she felt Hunter’s presence get closer. She heard a howl and she veered towards that; panic caused her to keep going even though her
lungs where screaming for air.Hunter squirmed as he tried to get out from under the massive claw that held
him. The only thing that kept him alive was the fact the creatures were fighting over him. Their attention was diverted when a sword cracked down into the soft flesh of the arm of the creature. It howled and pulled
away, the other one attacked its fellow when it screeched in pain. Kyai stared at the wolf that shook itself, pain rippled up her body again; the wolf
glanced at the two things fighting and then back at her. It moved towards her and she looked at it then when the two creatures turned towards them, then
pulled herself onto the wolf’s back. Hunter lunged forward ignoring fire that felt like it was consuming his side; his only thought was to get Kyai to safety. The crashing behind them indicated how close their pursuers were, the open gate was a welcome sight. Hunter heard the thwack of bowstrings as they slid into the doorway and as it began to close. Kyai slid off of the wolf’s back as it collapsed, its figure shifted
then became human again. Kyai knelt down next to Hunter and cradled his head in her lap,74

“A-are you… alright?” He said,blood flaking on his lips as he spoke.“Shh no talking…” Kyai placed a finger on his mouth. Someone’s shadow stood over them. Kyai looked up.75

“We’ll take him miss. If you want to save him then you need to let us to take him."76

Kyai tightened her arms around him then allowed the three Reas to take him from her. Kyai stared down at the blood that covered her hands; she felt tears burn in her eyes. Hunter was on the verge of dying and she felt helpless, the pain that she had felt before was a dull throb in the back of her head. Kyai stood and followed in the direction that the Reas had taken Hunter. She nearly ran into Fen’re, who gripped her arms,
“Kyai are you alright?! Where is Hunter?!” he sounded panicked and she hung her head, “WHERE IS HE?!” he yelled. Kyai pointed down the hall and then moved around him; as she began to get closer to the infirmary the pain in the back of her head became more pronounced. She slid into the room, Hunter cried out in pain and she hurried towards a curtained area. Two Reas stood over him; one was murmuring something while the other tried to keep Hunter still. Kyai moved around
them and came and gripped his face in her cool hands; he stopped moving.
“Hunter it is okay… you are fine.” His eyes where like gold when he looked up at her but they slowly changed back into their original cobalt blue. He stared up at her and moved his arm up but stopped as fire pulled across his body,
“Where are we?”
She looked at the Reas and nodded for him to continue
with what he was doing. The Reas’ hands hovered over the gaping wound and the other Reas joined him in chanting. Kyai brushed away Hunter’s hair,
“We are in the Reas castle… you where injured and well I guess you managed to get me here before you totally collapsed.” He sighed in relief. He shuddered, feeling as if a bucket of icy water had been dumped on him;
the Reas straightened and nodded approvingly,
“You will be fine… in a few days. We stopped the bleeding on the inside and out. You are a shape shifter so you will heal much quicker than is normal.”
The Reas told him, Hunter tilted his head forward and both of the Reas left.Hunter turned to look at Kyai who was now only holding his hand, not his face. She smiled shyly at him and he looked at there joined hands then
back at her, she flushed.
“You didn’t tell me you where a shape shifter!” she accused, her face still red. Hunter laughed then grimaced,
“I forgot that I’m still injured and that it still will hurt until it heals entirely.” He reached up to finger a strand of her hair; Kyai felt as if she couldn’t move even if she wanted to. The moment was shattered as few
minutes later when Fen’re burst in.
“I forgot that I’m still injured and that it still will hurt until it heals entirely.” He reached up to finger a strand of her hair; Kyai felt as if she couldn’t move even if she wanted to. The moment was shattered as few
minutes later when Fen’re burst in. Kyai pulled her hand away from Hunter’s but stayed near him; Fen’re cocked an eyebrow but didn’t comment,
“Well it seems you found me Fen’re…” Hunter said as he leaned back.
“Ha! You are looking well… I see however that you will be laid up for awhile.” Fen’re quipped. Kyai brushed away Hunter’s hair from his forehead and pressed a quick kiss to it,
“I’m going to go and find Karol.” He nodded and she glided out of the
infirmary.77

Hunter’s eyes followed Kyai until she disappeared from sight, Fen’re chuckled.
“Well my friend it seems that you are beginning to feel something for her.”
Fen’re teased, Hunter shook his head, “You are just being foolish now. I only care about her as a… friend.”
He stuttered over the word as a quiet voice asked him, Really? Now you are just lying to yourself. Hunter grimaced and shoved the thought away; he leaned back and closed his eyes. Nausea washed over him, he didn’t say anything to Fen’re; he didn’t want him to worry.78

***
Kyai tossed and turned in her bed restlessly; her thoughts kept turning to Hunter. She kept replaying in her mind his kiss and all that he had said to her.
“This is ridiculous! Why can’t I get him out of my head?!” she spoke out loud in frustration, maybe you are in love with him? She chided herself even as it continued, why are you denying it? You know it is true! Kyai pushed aside the covers and stood. After pulling on a simple black gown she stepped out into the hallway; she shivered as the cold night air crept through her thin gown. Kyai walked down the winding passage ways until she got the infirmary, she heard someone scream. She hurried towards where Hunter was, three Reas stood over his thrashing body.
“What is going on?! What is wrong?!” panic laced through her voice. They turned to look at her guiltily,
“I’m sorry miss… we must have missed some of the venom. There is nothing we can do for him. We’ll leave you alone to say goodbye.” They shuffled out and Kyai moved quickly to his side.
“Hunter, can you hear me?!” Hunter only moaned and began to thrash more. Kyai felt panic course through her body; she couldn’t lose him not after she had only just found him. She pressed her hands to his face, for the second time that day. Kyai felt as if she had stepped outside of herself, she saw herself lie down next to him and grip him around the waist. She saw him
slowly begin to slip into the endless sleep called death, then she feel into a world of total night.
Kyai gripped Hunter’s hand as he began to drift away from her, she was crying.
“Hunter… please don’t leave me.” He kept tugging on her hand telling her to let go, she shook her head. His hand slid out of hers and she was pulled back into reality. Kyai sat up, her face still wet from her tears; she turned to look at Hunter’s still body. She cried out and then kissed him on the mouth, trying to will him back to her.
“You… can’t… leave me!” she sobbed as she gripped his bare shoulders, her tears made his chest wet, but she didn’t care. Hunter was gone forever, that thought made her cry harder until she fell into a heavy sleep.
Hunter turned his head at the sounds of sobs and a cry for him not to leave someone. He looked down at the beckoning hand of death but hesitated, that voice was so familiar. Kyai… she was crying… she needed him. He turned his back on death slowly and began to walk back towards Kyai’s sobs. Hunter became aware of weight on his chest as he slowly became conscious. He found he didn’t hurt but he did feel as if a weight was sitting on his chest. Hunter opened his eyes slowly and found Kyai’s head close to his; her hair tickled his face but he didn’t mind. She was here and somehow she had saved him; he reached up and wiped away the tear that escaped her closed lids. She murmured and tightened her grip around his neck, then her eyes flitted upward.
“Good morning, Kyai.” He whispered, she smiled sleepily and her eyes drifted back downward. Kyai’s eyes flew open to stare at him, she began to move but his arms encircled her waist to hold her against him.
“B-but… y-you…”
He smiled tenderly, “Died? Well that remains to be seen… I almost did. But I seem to recall you
crying for me. Unless I was mistaken?” he asked gently. She moved her face towards his and kissed him again. He felt her fingers begin to comb through his hair and he tightened his grip around her waist; the sound someone
shuffling their feet caused them so break apart. Fen’re stood staring at them, puzzlement and joy played across his face; Karol merely clapped her hands together.
“Oh, Hunter you are still alive and doing better I see. I’m so glad but how..?” Hunter shifted Kyai so she was nestled next to his side.
“You might need to ask Kyai about that I hardly know myself.” He told them softly.Everyone turned to look at her; Kyai bit her lip then began to speak slowly,
“I think it is something I’ve always had. I have the gift of healing that is the reason I survived the Bloods Vein and why Hunter… came back to me. Though next time I’ll try to get here before you are so close to death,” Hunter smiled warmly.
“Oh… good, as long as you get here before then, now can we eat? I’m hungry.” Fen’re laughed, shaking his head.
“You just brushed death and now all you can think about is food? Goodness you act like you just had a nap and woke up!” Fen’re told him. Hunter protested,
“I don’t just have food on my mind!” he looked at Kyai, she flushed and he smirked, “Well maybe the food can wait if Kyai will stay with me.” She struggled to get up, her face still flaming.
“I’ll get you your food… I’ll be back.” She said when Hunter tugged her back down. Karol laughed and shook her head,
“I think Hunter objects… I’ll go and get the food you stay here. Come Fen’re,” Fen’re hesitated until his wife grabbed his arm and drug him away from the room. 79

Kyai tried to sit up again, “Where are you going? You aren’t leaving me?!” Hunter asked wickedly.
“Will you cut it out!? It is hard to think if you keep doing that!” she told him breathlessly. He looked at her innocently and tugged her closer,
“Stop doing what? From what I can tell you aren’t that anxious to be away from me. Now I want you to go to sleep again, from what I can tell you didn’t get much sleep last night. Just relax and go to sleep; I’ll still be here when you wake.” He told her gently as he slid an arm around her causing; her head slid onto his shoulder. She slowly began to relax and then drifted off into sleep.
Hunter looked up at Karol when she returned; he put a finger to his lips. She nodded then handed him a piece of bread for him to eat,
“Here eat this… you can’t handle two handed things while you have Kyai there.” She whispered he shrugged as he bit into the bread.
“When do I get my own room? Or my tent back?” Karol’s eyes darkened.
“I’m sorry to say that all of the supplies that we had left where… well how do I put this, melted… it became frozen then melted with the ice.” Hunter looked up in surprise. She smiled grimly,
“We got you inside a few hours before this happened. Luckily we only lost horses and not Reas or humans. It seems my brother-in-law has more at his dispense then we first believed.” Hunter nodded then turned to look at Kyai’s sleeping form; he looked back up at Karol questionably, “She doesn’t know… she thought she had lost you she couldn’t take much more bad news. I’ll let you two eat and rest. I’ll see about getting you two rooms. Unless you are only going to need one?” Hunter chuckled quietly,
“You might want to get two rooms until I get around to asking her.” Karol nodded knowingly then left again. Hunter finished his stew awkwardly then set the bowl down on the tray; he shifted Kyai so he could lie down next to her. He ran a finger over her features and she sighed and moved closer to him. Hunter wrapped his arms around her then joined her in sleep.80


8. Land of the Forests81

Kyai snuggled closer to the warm body next to hers. A strong arm encircled her waist; Kyai suddenly remember where she was and her eye snapped open. Hunter’s breath fanned her face lightly, mortification spread throughout her body. She had fallen asleep next to a man she was not married to! Kyai began to move away but Hunter’s husky voice stopped her, “Don’t move… Fen’re has already been here. He told me we are leaving. He says that we have put the Reas in to much danger and we must move on in the morning. We are going to be going to my home…” his voice drifted off. Kyai turned in the circle of his arms to look at his face. His face was contorted in pain as if visiting painful memories,
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked quietly. His voice was strangled when he replied,
“I’m sorry… it’s just that. Where I come from anything that is different about you is… well killed off. I got lucky… I don’t think I can go back to that though. My own mother when…” Kyai’s finger traced him mouth then she nodded,
“It is alright I understand. I think that she was very wrong but I still love you no matter what.” Her fingers moved up to flit around his mask. “Is that how you got those scars?” Hunter captured her hand and brought it to his lips,
“Yes, I got the dragons from my father… I guess it is a symbol of Shape shifters.” Kyai pulled her hand away from his,
“I have to go and check on Karol…” Kyai told him, Hunter sighed in resignation,
“Very well… but I want to go with you.” He muttered Kyai shook her head.
“You don’t have to…”
“Sure I do. Fen’re wants to talk to me anyhow, since we are leaving soon. I might as well get up and help him plan our route. Since he has never been in my homelands before,” Hunter cocked an eyebrow as he said this and Kyai laughed,
“Alright! I’ll let you get dressed and meet you there.” She stood and hurried out before he could object.82

Kyai smiled when she heard Phoenix’s happy chatter; she stepped into the room, he squealed in delight and ran to her.
“Kyai! Mama says that you were with Hunter! Are you getting married to him?!” he asked hopefully, “Are you really my aunt?!” Kyai glared at Karol who didn’t look the least bit ashamed.
“Yes… I’m your aunt and I don’t know if Hunter and I are getting married.” She drifted off as she became away of Hunter leaning up against the doorway. She turned towards him as he slowly began to walk toward them,
“If you marry Kyai will you be my uncle?”
“Phoenix! You should not ask…!” his mother admonished, Phoenix hung his head guiltily.
“Yes, I would be your uncle but I first have to ask her… don’t tell her though it is a secret.” He whispered loudly, Karol laughed as Kyai’s stunned look. Hunter grinned then asked, “Is Fen’re around?” she nodded and pointed towards another door,
“He is in there, trying to decipher those maps you gave him.” He nodded then cast a longing glance in Kyai’s direction before disappearing into the back room.
Hunter found Fen’re pouring over maps and muttering to himself,
“Your wife said you need help.” Fen’re looked up sheepishly,
“Yes I do… I don’t know how you could read them!” Fen’re declared in frustration. Hunter pulled one of the maps toward him and pointed to a small dot on it,
“This is where we are going… we are going to need permission to travel safely across these lands.” He told him solemnly.
“There is something bothering you, is there not?” Hunter looked up,
“No… I mean… yes…” he took a deep breath, “I’m worried that I might be putting Kyai in danger. If my mother… found out that Kyai loved me then…” Fen’re finished for him,
“…She might be in danger of being killed.” Hunter’s shoulders dropped, confirming Fen’res’ thought. “Hunter… Kyai risked her life to save yours. She would follow you no matter what, it is best if you marry her so that way you cannot be parted. Your people won’t remove her from your side if she is married am I right?” Hunter nodded slowly, “I have no objections to you marrying her and I think she will be safer with you anyway.” Fen’re told him,
“Alright… you are just as bad a Karol you know that?!” Fen’re smiled,
“She rubs off on me every now and then.” Hunter left, Fen’res’ laughter ringing his ears.
***83

Kyai fingered the silver ring that now rested on her ring finger. She still couldn’t believe that she had married Hunter. Some how Karol had managed to get her into a slivery dress and out into the great hall; Hunter was waiting for them near the king of the Reas. His dark hair was tied back and he held out his hand to her; Kyai took it as she asked,
“What is going on?” he smiled,
“We are getting married… unless you object?” he asked hesitantly, Kyai shook her head in a daze. When the ceremony was over Jack and Karol ran to embrace her happily,
“Jack when did you come in?” Kyai asked warmly,
“I came in right at the end. I was helping load everything up so we can leave as soon as you are done here. I’m sorry that you won’t have that much time together though,” Hunter joined them and slid an arm protectively around Kyai’s waist.
“Sorry but I’m going to take her away from you, I need to talk to her before we leave.” Kyai followed him outside smiling over Hunter’s shoulder as she did so.
Hunter pulled her to a stop and tugged her to his chest,
“I’m sorry that we had to do that before I got to ask…” his voice rumbled above her head and she looked up at him,
“It is alright… why we did we have to marry before we left?” he closed his eyes then exhaled slowly,
“You are safer married to me… if my mother found out that you loved me but weren’t married then you could be taken away from me. I couldn’t let that happen!” his arms tightened around her. Kyai buried her face in his chest, “Now I have one other thing to give you,” he pulled out a silver ring from his pocket; the ring was inscribed with a wolf that had an emerald for an eye. Hunter slid it onto her finger and kissed her quickly, “Go and get ready to leave. We will talk tonight…” he told and walked off. 84

The horse under Kyai snorted, she moved her hand down to pat the horse’s neck. Her eyes searched for Hunter’s form in the front of the lines. She saw him point towards something and then a small village came into view. Kyai brought her horse to a trot; as they entered into the village, some dirty looking men stood with hands on their weapons.
“Who are you and state your business!” One of them barked, Hunter answered,
“My name is Hunter enra Thaon. It is good to see you again Gawol…” Gawol swung his ax.
“You should not have come back! Your mother will not be pleased!” Hunter looked at him coldly,
“Thank you Gawol. Fetch my mother, now! Kyai… come here please.” Kyai picked her way towards him. Hunter looked at her then whispered,
“I need you to speak for me. I will tell you what to say but here women are the ones who are in charge. No don’t speak… I’m going to establish a mental bond with you so I can help you but my mother will try to…”
“Well Gawol tells me you have returned! It seems he is right!” Hunter turned his attention towards an older woman. Her hair was a stiff gray; she stood in a menacing fashion.
“Hello mother…”
“Silence! You are not to speak! You are?” her steely gaze turned toward Kyai.
“My name is Kyain’ar enra Thaon. We have a request of you ma’am…” she paused waiting for Hunter’s mother to nod, “We wish to cross over your lands, if we may?” Kyai felt Hunter’s voice whispered in her head, Beware of how you word things, she will find a loophole if you aren’t.
“Well we shall see… and what is your relation to him?” Hunter’s mother motioned towards him; Kyai felt her anger spurt, Easy, dear my mother has always treated me this way.
“If you’ll excuse me ma’am I don’t believe that I learned your name.” Kyai told the woman in front of her. The woman stiffened,
“My name is Goval Whiv. What is you relation to…” Kyai interrupted Goval,
“I would prefer if you would address my husband by his given name.” she said dangerously. Goval looked at her with a stunned look on her face,
“Y-your husband?! You married that abomination!?” a look of horror replaced the stunned look,
“My husband is no longer your concern, since you no longer consider him one of your people. We came to negotiate passage across your land.” Kyai hissed.
Hunter stiffened; he knew that the meeting between his mother and Kyai was not going well. Kyai… please calm down! I…, her voice snapped back in his head, be quiet! I’ll handle your “Mother!” It is time that someone tells her that she doesn’t rule the world! Kyai dismounted slowly, Hunter saw his mother stiffen. “Well?”
“You think that I would let you and that…” she motioned towards Hunter, “Across my lands?” Govel hissed menacingly. Kyai’s eyes slid into slits,
“So you are denying us the right to go across your lands.” It was a statement not a question. Govel nodded and began to walk away, “Wait! If you deny me the right to cross then I claim the right of the dragon pass.” Govel turned slowly,
“How do you know of the dragon pass?!” she hissed in surprise, Kyai smiled humorlessly.
“I’ve been here and there… now I believe that since I’ve invoked this right we have may pass through the parts of the land where there are dragons. You cannot deny us this unless you wish to change your mind. You know that the dragons will attack you since we will be long gone.” Govel’s hand tightened into fists,
“I shall talk with you alone.” Kyai nodded and then glanced back at Hunter. He shook his head grimly but she kept walking. 85

Hunter paced impatiently while Kyai was gone. He felt the anger that flowed through the bond then satisfaction. Kyai appeared a few moments later,
“Lady Govel has given her permission to allow the army through her land.” A cheer went up, she held up her hand. “Fen’re, Hunter and Karol… may I speak to you?” 86

***87

Kyai began to fiddle with the ring on her finger again; she turned towards the people who where following her.
“I’m afraid that there are some conditions to her agreement. First, they will provide their own guide.” She held up her hand as Fen’re opened his mouth. “Let me finish, second Hunter and I are not allowed to cross through these lands.” She looked at Hunter apologetically, “I’m sorry but it was either that or not allow the rest of you to cross.” She stated. “We will be going through the Dragon Mountains. We will stop in Garagah for supplies.” Fen’res’ shoulders slumped,
“There is no other way?” Kyai shook her head, “Very well… Be safe you two.” He told them seriously; Hunter clapped Fen’re on the arm then went with Kyai to get their things.
“Will they be alright?” Karol asked gently,
“Of course they will be! They will look after each other.”

88