Aiden

2011-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

You can now connect to the Romany Epistles on Facebook. Talk to the writers (some of them) and see what they have been doing over the years. You can encourage those who are still finishing their stories. Also, you can discuss your favorite characters or fun bits from different siblings' stories. Come, stop by, and join in.

2009-02-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Faithful Aiden Readers!
A quick update on Aiden. He finished his first edit and is now going through the changes that requires. Once finished, he will begin his longer story edit. In the meantime...
Many of you followed Aiden faithfully and now I offer you the chance to follow yet another character on his journey of self-finding. If you have read my book The Guardian Star's True Mark, this is a character you will well be familiar with. His name is Justin and when we left him at the end of that book he was all of sixteen, a new captain of a remarkable ship, and ready to find his way in the world. It is now time for him to do just that. Of course, the story also follows Dabria, Kiliki's little sister.
If you have not read The Guardian Star's True Mark, I would encourage you do to so, however, you will be able to enjoy this story regardless. If you would like to purchase it or others I have written, simply click here.
I will post chapters of Justin's story, titled The Guardian Star's True Captain, on my Dream Mountain Press site and you are welcome to comment as you like! I love to hear your opinions. I have through chapter 10 already written and after that I am working on some editing as I write in new chapters. I will attempt to post every week on Monday. On weeks I cannot I will attempt to let you know about the delay. I have already posted the first chapter there, so please enjoy!
Love,
Charissa

2008-11-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for all your great encouragement on Aiden. I'm so glad you loved this book! Remember, when it is published the final two chapters will be included! So, you will have to buy the book and read the true ending.
I wanted to let you know that if you would like to buy another book by myself you can purchase it at my bookstore. I currently have three available. The first is a three in one fantasy trilogy with castles, dragons, and heroes and heroines. The second is a story of Robin Hood with a LEGO and second world twist. Finally, there is a novel of pirates, high seas, action, adventure, and that touch of romance, called "The Guardian Star's True Mark." If you purchase and read, let me know what you think!
Also, if you would like to take a look at my newest book, I have posted the first chapter on my xanga site for comments. Sorry, Katie, it's not my Liberty series, but a much shorter book. Still, I hope you enjoy!
Thank you again for all your faithfulness to Aiden!
Love,
Charissa

2008-10-08T08:27:00.001-07:00

AIDEN'S FAREWELL

Hello All!

Thank you so much for following Aiden through his journey. I hope that you learned as Aiden did about Deus, love, life, family, and friendship. As you may have guessed, Aiden's story is still lacking some parts. For instance, what is next for Travon, Magnar, and Kristalyn? What else does Aiden need to discover about himself and Deus? And of course, this story could not be complete without Aiden seeing the family he fought so hard for return to their home, including Zoe. Yet, as I know you've noticed, none of these things have happened yet... Nor will they here.

I'm sorry. But if you would like to read the true ending of Aiden's story and his final two chapters, you will have to wait until the book comes out. However, if you would like to see one side of Aiden's welcoming a sibling home, you can check out Zoe's story. I believe she is posting her finale online. Aiden's story contains to much that has yet to be written for the other siblings to share it just yet. But I promise you, when you buy the book, it will be worth your wait. In the meantime, enjoy the other siblings stories and keep in touch. You never know what surprises Aiden might have in store.

From Aiden and my heart to yours, thank you for faithful reading and remember the next story is always waiting.

2008-09-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
I'm trying to post this before my computer dies, so I hope you all enjoy!
Here now is the pretty much the end of Aiden's journey.

CHAPTER 40 ~ FINISHING IT
TWO YEARS ELEVEN AND
A HALF MONTHS AFTER BANISHMENT
AIDEN
I was up on the roof patching a hole we had discovered the other night in a downpour. The rain had come hard and fast, forcing everyone inside early in the day. It had almost been like the cabin again, except that the horses were in the stable and Duard was in the house with us. Egan had managed to get a fire started, despite the fact that all the wood was now wet. With all the repairs I had been doing, it was the one chore I had neglected and now we would be using wet wood until Travon and I could hunt up some dry stuff. Meanwhile, a not so small hole in the roof had made the night even more miserable.
“Aiden!” Kristalyn’s voice called from below.
I moved to the side of the roof and glanced down at her.
“I think I just used the last of the meat. At least, I can’t find anymore.”
I sighed. We had enough to last us for days. “Magnar must have needed a snack. What do you want me to do about it now?”
She looked at me, green eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “Well, getting more would be a good idea.”
Grumbling, I made my way down. The hole was almost fixed anyway. I landed next to Kristalyn, who gave me a smile.
“Thank you.”
I shook my head at her. “You enjoy this way too much.”
“And you don’t enjoy things enough. I haven’t seen you smile since the night before we got here. What happened to the Aiden who was telling us stories of the family he loves so much?” Her voice was soft, but her eyes penetrating.
I sighed. “He grew up.”
She watched me for a moment then spoke gently, “He was already grown. He just knew how to laugh as well as carry a heavy burden. Now, instead of releasing the burden, you’re carrying it tighter. Why?”
“I know it. It’s what comes next that I’m not sure of.” I glanced at the house. “He’s still alive. I failed in that. So, do I dare call my siblings home? What of Arnan?”
“Did you fail, Aiden? Or did you find a different way to succeed?” She asked pointedly, before turning and reentering the house, where I could hear Duard beginning to groan. I had yet to even speak to the man.
A different way to succeed? What did she mean by that? Duard still held power over us. I hadn’t beaten him as I though, so didn’t mean I had failed? How could I succeed and he still be alive?
The thoughts danced in my mind as I gathered my gear and headed into the woods, but not before I called Magnar and made him head the opposite direction. My mind flickered back to the subject at hand.
I could have killed Duard and we both knew it. It was only Deus voice that had saved him, not my mercy. Deus had said that by killing Duard I would become him, someone I wanted to murder. That was what had caused me to pause and ultimately the sword had plunged into the ground instead of Duard’s throat. I hadn’t taken that path of revenge, but what path had I taken?
Aquila’s river was now in front of me. It was quite here, and just downriver I could see a bridge going across. Instantly, I decided to cross and try my luck on the other side. The water was calm here, but down stream it would enter into the larger river and become quite violent. Between there and where I now stood, was a good place to find some larger prey.
It wasn’t the path of peace. I had felt no such thing since I had allowed Duard to live. It was as if my very soul cried out for something that I had failed to give it, but no matter how much I search my mind and heart, I could not find that answer and I could not find the peace that Wren talked about.
I slowed down as I heard voices up ahead. Slowly, I moved in closer and shook my head at what I saw. Two men, who looked very much like the Wild Men from the north, were standing having a rather heated discussion, while a woman was seated on the ground, watching. None of them seemed happy, but neither did the woman sound like she was in danger. I backed away silently and headed back to my hunting. Whoever they were, didn’t concern me unless they came to the clearing. I would dispatch them then if I had too.
I kept moving until a flash of brown to my left caused me to pause. Whatever it was, had to be large and that meant good food for a few days at least, providing Magnar got his own meat for a change. I crouched lower and made my way towards our soon to be meal. As I moved though, another site caused me to take a step back and freeze in a shock that shook my whole body.
Squatting down, behind a bush, was a man only slightly smaller than me. His brown hair was longish. His bow and arrow were at the ready. Obviously, he hadn’t seen or heard me yet. It had been so long, almost three years now, but I would know his form anywhere. Crouching in front of me, oblivious to my presence was my brother Taerith.
Taerith.
I hadn’t head from him in all this time, yet he had been my other half in so much during our younger years. It was us together that had stood between our family and Duard and it had been us that had raised the family with Daelia. I had no idea who he was now or how he would react to who I had become. But this was my brother. My brother had come home.
I reached out to him and had to stop my hand from trembling before I placed it on his shoulder. My mind now blank, except of the knowledge that my brother had come home.
He turned fast, his bow out and ready to release and then his eyes met mine and he froze. I watched as the recognition dawned on his face. A face that was older and had seen more than it should have in the three years of separation. Yet, his consistent calm and thoughtfulness was still well maintained in his eyes.
“You look well, Taerith,” I spoke first.
“You look awful,” Taerith replied, visibly still trying to process what was happening. He always had thought things through longer than anyone else.
I laughed at his comment, but it sounded hollow even to me. I could well imagine why I looked awful. Kristalyn had said almost the same thing earlier. I had been this way since I had failed. Out loud, I answered, “I should. I failed our family again.”
“Why are you here?” Taerith asked.
He couldn’t guess? “Why else? I’m here to kill Duard,” I paused then added, “and I failed.”
He was quiet for a moment, processing as usual. “You went home?”
“If you can call it that,” I answered, thinking of all the work that still had to be done and Duard being tended in the front room.
His next words stopped my thoughts. “I’m not alone.”
I looked back and studied him for a moment. So, I wasn’t the only one to bring people back with me. Well, that was interesting. It appeared we had much to catch up on and we hadn’t even said hello yet. The thought amused me for some reason.
“This is one strange way to talk for two brothers together again. Hello, Taerith. It’s good to see you.”
Taerith smiled and we clasped arms in the typical warrior fashion.
“Tell me,” I asked, suddenly remembering the people I had passed, “it’s not those other three you brought with you. You have more sense than to attach yourself to that.”
Taerith opened his mouth to answer, when his eyes snapped, “Who?”
“Wild men,” I replied, not liking the look in his eyes. “Warriors; they smell like trouble.”
The words hadn’t left my mouth, before Taerith was gone. It would take much time to get things all sorted out. Taerith had brought more than just people with him, but also the problems of his three year past. As he and the woman, the same one I had seen earlier, worked together, I left Taerith with instructions how to get to the bridge and then left for home. Kristalyn would want to know of my brother’s arrival and I had some things to think through.
I arrived back and paused to take a good look around. Travon had been working to clear all the foliage that had grown wild and the pathways between the buildings could now be clearly seen. The roofs were no longer leaking water and the doorways were sound again. Wild vines had grown up all over, but in most places it didn’t really look bad. Sam’s garden was still a mess, but I had no idea how to fix that. Almost all of the work now was on the inside of the main building. It didn’t look perfect, but it was ready to Taerith and our other siblings to see.
I moved to the door of the main house and stepped in. Kristalyn was sitting beside Duard’s bed as usual. Kurioden beside her. Both looked up at my entry and I walked over to them. Duard lay still and pale on the bed. His wounds from our fight had all been dressed, but were slow in healing. I looked to Kristalyn.
“Taerith is here.”
She looked at me in surprise. “Taerith? Isn’t that one of your brothers?”
“Yes, second after me.”
“Why has he returned?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t speak to him very long before things got rather confusing.” I shook my head as I remembered the scene. “He had some things to take care off, but he should be here in the morning.”
She glanced down at her self and then up at me. “Are you ready for that?”
I studied her for a moment. Her movements pretreated nothing, but I could see a slight nervousness in her eyes. Why would she be nervous now of all times? “Kristalyn, you don’t have to worry. Taerith is a good man. He’s brought back some people with him as well. I think he’s gotten married and had a kid.”
She smiled and relaxed some. “Okay.”
I nodded then glanced at Duard. “You hear that, Duard? Taerith came home! You didn’t stop up.”
But the old man didn’t move.
“He’s been silent all morning. Not even a single hateful word or order.”
“You’re being too good to him,” I muttered. If he said anything to hurt her and I found out, I’d finish the job I’d started.
She laughed softly. “I’m fine, Aiden. You have other things to think about besides me.”
“You don’t want me to think about you?” I asked, for a moment enjoying teasing her again. It had been a while.
Her eyes jumped at the familiar teasing, but she answered seriously. “You can think about me all you want, as soon as you’ve figured out everything else cluttering up your thoughts right now.”
I shook my head at her. Leave it to her to remind me I still hadn’t forgiven the man on the bed. “I’ll be close if you need me.”
“I’ll be here,” she responded, smiling at me. I hadn’t realized I’d missed it so much.
I nodded and exited the door. I could still get some work done before Taerith showed up.
***
I stayed close to the house the next morning. Inside, I could here Kristalyn talking to Kurio about all different things. Her voice was low and had a familiar humming to it that I had long ago grown use too. Occasionally, I could hear Duard giving orders or calling out something nasty. It took all my strength not to barge in and wring his neck. But Kristalyn always managed to silence him with only a word or two and so I didn’t intervene.
Taerith would see him for the first time in three years today. Of our whole family, it had always been the two of us who had stood between them and Duard and we had done it again on that day so long ago. Somehow it was fitting that the two of us had come back first. Taerith would want to talk to him, but I had already said everything I intended to say to that monster. Except for the one thing Kristalyn and Deus were waiting for.
I simply couldn’t forgive the man for all he had done.
Taerith and his following appeared at the edge of the clearing. I watched Taerith approach slowly, his eyes fixed on me as I leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. I wondered briefly what he saw as he studied me or if he really saw me at all. After all, Duard was who he had come to challenge.
“He’s inside,” I informed Taerith as he drew closer. “She’s with him…Kristalyn.”
Taerith nodded and moved past me. I heard the door open to his hand, but didn’t turn around. I couldn’t make myself face whatever would happen inside that room. I could hear the low murmurs of conversation, but I didn’t try to discern the words. Instead, I closed my eyes and allowed my thoughts to return to my larger problem.
My stubbornness in refusing to forgive him was hurting her. I could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. That was why she tended to him. She was giving me more time. She wanted me to take Deus path, but just as Deus, she couldn’t force me. I had to choice to do it, to give up what I had worked these last three years for. I had to choice to give up my need for revenge.
Taerith left the house and glanced around. When he saw me, he took a step forward and said in a quite, but firm voice, “No vengeance, Aiden. It’s over now.”
I felt myself nodding to his words, as if I was giving my agreement not to take revenge, to betray my family again. Taerith’s words ‘no vengeance’ sank into my spirit and I knew I would not be taking my revenge, no matter how much I wanted it. “I know.”
Taerith slapped me on the back and then moved past me, towards the garden. I watched for a moment then turned to face the house again, frustration building inside of me. I would not be taking my revenge. I would not be killing Duard. What good was I? How could I call myself an older brother to my siblings when I couldn’t even fulfill my job to bring them home and guard them from this man who could still, even in a weakened state, hold such power over me?
I raced my fist and smashed it against the stone wall of the house. Inside, I heard something crash to the ground. Turning, I moved quickly away. Behind me, I heard Kristalyn calling my name, but I didn’t stop and I didn’t slow down. I moved past the buildings and into the forest, my mind too full to form thoughts and only my feet knew where they took me. It wasn’t until I recognized the tree in front of me that I pulled to a stop. I stared at the it.
It was older and wider than two arm lengths now. But up and down its trunk were deep scars. Some larger and some smaller, but most had the look of fury. It was the tree Ilara had taken out her anger on when we were told we would be separated in three days. Slowly, I made my way to it and my hand felt the deep grooves. Some of the bark broke free at my touch. It was hard and rigid.
A squawk sounded above me and then Magnar landed next to me. A moment later, Kristalyn broke through the trees.
“Thank you, Magnar,” she said.
“Welcome,” Magnar spoke, but his voice said he was looking at me. Suddenly, the wind picked up and I knew Magnar had taken off once again.
Kristalyn stood somewhere behind me and I waited for her to speak, but she stayed silent.
“This was Ilara’s tree,” I finally spoke. “She took her anger out on it that day.”
“When you were told you would be separated,” Kristalyn clarified and I nodded. “What did you think that day?”
“That I had to watch them. I had to make sure they got off okay.” I dropped the bark in my hand and touched the tree again.
“Were you the last person they saw?”
“Yes. I said goodbye to each of them the final morning.”
“And did they hate you then?” The question was asked in a gentle low voice, but it still surprised me.
I thought back to that moment. The sadness and uneasiness was easy to remember, but I could not recall any hatred, except perhaps my own for Duard. Finally, I answered, “No. They only wanted my reassurance.”
“And did you give it?”
“As best I could,” I answered.
“Taerith said something to Duard I think you should know about, Aiden. It was the end that really surprised me. Despite Duard’s rib to take vengeance, Taerith told him, ‘we release and forgive you and you’ll have to find a way to deal with that.’ He made it your decision as well as his to release and forgive Duard and put an end to the cycle of vengeance.”
I sighed. “I won’t be killing Duard in his sleep if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“But have you given up your thirst for revenge? Have you forgiven him?” Kristalyn focused on my face and I couldn’t look away.
I didn’t answer for a moment, searching inside me for the thirst that had fed me for so many years. It shocked no one more than me when I realized I couldn’t find it. When I had told Taerith no vengeance I had meant it and the feelings had slipped away. But where did that leave me? I felt weak with the knowledge that a portion of my life, my reason for life, was gone.
“Aiden?” Kristalyn’s voice was filled with concern.
I answered slowly. “I won’t take revenge on him, Kristalyn, it is over. But I don’t know how to forgive him.”
A smile gently appeared, making her face even more beautiful. “One day at a time, Aiden. You have to ask Deus to help you.”
I shook my head. “If I forgive him, I’m left with nothing.”
“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”
I turned back to Ilara’s tree and put my hand on its angry marks once again. “All my life I have hated him for what he’s done to my family. For the past three years, I have fought to learn how to take him down and correct my mistake, my betrayal. You and your Deus are asking me to give all of that up.”
“No, Aiden,” Kristalyn whispered, coming to stand directly behind me. She placed a hand on my shoulder and I felt her lean her head between my shoulder blades. “We are asking that you follow a different path and leave justice to Deus. Your life has never been worthless. You’ve done so much since you’ve been gone, including freeing an entire nation. You chose a different path when you didn’t kill Duard. Now, take the next step on that path and forgive him.”
I turned to face her and caught her arms in my hands. “And where will this path lead? Will my family be able to come home or will Deus require I give that up as well?”
She lifted her chin to stare into my eyes and for a moment, their green depths captured me and I had to force myself to focus on her words. “Taerith is already home, Aiden. And he chose forgiveness. Deus is giving you everything you need to trust him. You have to open your eyes and see it.” She paused and raised her hand to stroke it along my scuffed face. “If you had killed Duard, we would have lost you, Aiden. But now when you family comes home, they will know the big brother they love. Walk the path. Deus will help you.”
With that she took a step back and my hands fell from her shoulders. The look she gave me was one I had only caught briefly once before, right before I had entered my fight with Duard. But now, instead of fear it held hope… and love. Her eyes spoke of it so clearly, whether she was attempting to hide it or not, I couldn’t tell, but it didn’t matter. If I had doubted it before, and I had, there was no doubt now.
I turned away as she walked back to the clearing. Even if she did love me, I still wasn’t worthy of her and she would not be with me because Deus was not first. I had no illusions. Deus was the most important one to her and would always come before me. And I could not even ask his help to forgive, let alone to put him first above my family. Was I so destined to lose everything I cared about?
I knocked my fist against the tree and felt the flash of pain as the rough bark drove into it.
Why, Deus? Why do you require everything? I shouted, but only in my mind.
Why should I require less, my son?
Deus?
I AM here, Aiden, as always.
Why, Deus? Why have you been chasing me?
You already know the answer to that, my child. You gave it to your siblings long ago.
How could a God of love allow all this?
Could you have done better then, Aiden? Could you take every single thread that has occurred here and make it into a masterpiece that works for everyone’s best?
No. But so many have been hurt. I cried out with all the pain I felt inside.
I know, my son. You have been hurt greatly and so have others. But in that pain you have all grown, learned, and done things that otherwise would never have been possible.
Wasn’t there a better way?
Only if I had taken away your power to make your own choices. That you would have hated above all else.
And still you require more. I thought bitterly.
Yes. I require it all.
Why? Why should I follow a God who allows such thing and gives excuses for that?
Aiden, you are so sure of yourself. So sure that you alone know the outcome of all your choices. Have I not already proven you wrong on that? Or have you forgotten Little Emma?
Emma. Her name and face flashed through my mind. I had killed her older brother while she watched. I had left her alone in the world with no one to care what happened to her. I had known that something was wrong with the job, but I had done it anyway. It had been because of her that I had decided I could no longer do jobs the same way.
Is she okay?
Do you care, Aiden?
Yes.
It was you who put her there, your choice.
I made a mistake.
Yes.
No excuses, no comfort, just the cold fact. I had put her there. It had been the wrong choice and I had known that, but I had chosen to do it anyway. Because of my choice, she would forever be without her brother.
Yes, Aiden, because of your choice. I told you it was wrong, but you ignored Me.
You were there?
I’m always there, Aiden, and always watching.
I’m sorry, Deus. I didn’t want her to be alone.
You didn’t bother to check, Aiden. You thought only of yourself and your so called mission. You are sorry, but do you want forgiveness?
Just like that? You would forgive me?
I AM forgiveness, Aiden, just as I am perfect Justice.
Justice? What happened because of Emma?
Find her and you will see what has become of her. As for your justice, Aiden, when you ask for forgiveness I will pay with my own Son’s blood for all your sins. More immediately, it was because My justice that you took on both Travon and Magnar. You have not failed either of them.
You planned that?
Man is always planning his own path. But it is I who direct his steps.
Mine led me back here.
Yes.
But I didn’t kill Duard. I failed in that.
Why do you believe that?
I became strong so that I could defeat him! I let my family down, Deus. I failed them again.
Aiden, my stubborn child, do you not see? Answer this, did you become strong enough to kill Duard or strong enough not to kill him?
Strong enough not too…. I don’t understand.
There is more than one type of strength. You sought to make yourself physically strong and to grow in your hatred. That path can only lead to destruction for all involved. Yes, even your family and you, Aiden. But there is a second type of strength. The strength you and your brother have shown, to end it all without the need for vengeance. You have allowed me to deal justice to Duard and I will. But for you one more step is still needed.
Why do I have to forgive him, Deus?
Because until you do, he will always hold power over you. No matter whether he lives or dies, he will lead your emotions to bitterness. Only by forgiving him can you give that up and open yourself to the love you now push aside.
I sank to the ground, the weight of the two options pushing on my shoulders. I could feel Ilara’s tree behind me and in my mind I could see the angry marks she had left behind. The tree would forever bear those marks. They were a part of it now. Was it the same with me? Would my hatred and refusal to forgive Duard mark me in such a disfigured way?
I didn’t have to ask Deus. I knew the answer, but I couldn’t just let go either.
“I can’t forgive him on my own.” I spoke out loud now.
No.
“I need your help.”
Yes.
“To get your help, I have to give it all up though, don’t I?”
I require all of you, yes.
“Even my family?”
Especially your family, Aiden. You must trust their future to me.
“What if something happens to them?”
Like Kristalyn, you must follow what I tell you and trust that I will take care of them because of my love for you all.
“That’s not easy, Deus.”
If it was, Aiden, there would be no reason for you to trust me. Come to me, Aiden. I AM peace and I will give you rest. When your trials come, I will help you through them. I have never left you, Aiden, and I will never forsake you. But you must humble yourself and ask for that help.
Deus had been hounding me from the very first and I could run no longer. I was so tired, tired of fighting, of failing, and of trying. I wanted to rest and I wanted the peace that Wren said she had discovered. But I had one last objection.
“I’m not worthy, Deus.” I whispered. “I’m a failure.”
Nothing I created is worthless, Aiden, and certainly not you. I will make you worthy. This is my promise to you.
I felt the wetness in my eyes again. “I’ve done so much wrong. I’ve killed so many. I don’t deserve your help, Deus. But I can’t forgive Duard without you and I can’t fight anymore. What can you possibly want from someone as broken as me?”
Only you, Aiden. I want you to follow me and what I ask of you. Ask me for help and for peace. Ask me for forgiveness. It is yours for the asking, my son.
My hands came up to my face and I rubbed it hard. That sounded good. I was broken and beaten, but Deus still wanted me to follow him. He had no illusions. He knew exactly what I was and what I had done. Yet, it would seem His love was unconditional and more than anything in the world, it was all I had left.
“I’m asking, Deus.” I whispered. “Take and heal me, Deus.” And my voice got stronger. “Forgive me of everything I have done. Help me to make it right!” I raised my fists in the air and I could feel them shaking. “Forgive me!” I screamed into the air and then collapsed to the ground, breathing hard.
Slowly, my breathing become steady and the muscles in my neck loosened. My shoulders feel gently down and a warm took over my body. A relaxing stream flowed over me and as I lay half collapsed on the ground, for the first time in my memory I felt peace.
And it was good.
***
I will never know how long I spent on that woods’ floor. I only know that when I finally stood, a new peace and a new strength flowed through my blood and mind. For the first time, I felt free.
As I walked into the clearing, even my home looked as if it was new. There were people and animals there now, both those that Taerith had brought with him and those that had returned with me. The rest of our family was still missing, but Deus would bring them home when it was time. I had only to fulfill the last of my part.
I looked neither to the right nor the left as I moved towards the house, though I could feel Travon and Magnar’s eyes on me. Stepping inside, I could see Egan resting on a shelf, Kurioden under him. Both looked up at my entrance then settled down again, Egan with a small bit of smoke. Kristalyn wasn’t in the room, but Taerith looked up at me from Duard’s bed side. I glanced at him and he nodded then headed for the door.
I stepped to Daurd’s bed and took Taerith’s place. Duard looked so old and far too weak to live much longer. Yet, when his eyes met mine, the same black coldness from years of hatred remained alive and well. Those eyes froze me.
Deus! I can’t! My mind called for the only One who could save me.
I will help you, Aiden. Just as I promised. He cannot hurt you. Speak, for I am with you.
I felt myself nodding and Duard gave me a strange look.
“You are forgiven, Duard, for everything you have done,” I spoke the words firmly.
Duard tried to laugh, but he didn’t quite manage it. “You forgive me?” He wheezed. “Your eyes lie. You want vengeance.”
I looked at him for a moment as I searched inside myself, but I could find only Deus’ promised peace and I smiled. “You’re wrong. You only want to keep me under you, Duard. But you’ve lost. Your power over me is broken. I suggest you make your own peace with Deus. You’ll be meeting him soon.”
“By your hand!” Duard spat.
“In Deus timing,” I replied calmly and stood to leave.
“You’ll never be free of me, Aiden!” Duard called one last threat, but even he didn’t sound as if he believed his words.
I knew he was wrong. Any time I felt the old hatred and anger, I had only to call on Deus. It was with that knowledge that my reply was strong.
“I already am.”
***
“Aiden! Aiden!” Taerith’s hand shaking my shoulder raised me from my sleep early the next morning.
“What is it?” I asked, coming alert.
“He’s dead. Duard is finally dead.”
The news took a moment to sink into my mind.
It was over. He was finally gone.
“We need to burn the body.”
I nodded and got up.
Together, we wrapped the body and took it out into the woods. Working quickly, a space was cleared and a small funeral pyre was built. As the body burned, the smoke rose in a circle ever higher.
“He blessed us all just before he died,” Taerith muttered as we watched.
“Did he? Maybe he found some peace then,” I answered quietly.
“And if he did?” Taerith asked, looking at me.
“Deus can worry about that. I do not care either way. My peace was made already.”
Taerith nodded. “As was mine.”
We finished watching in silence until the fire burned low. Taerith left then, but I waited until it was completely out.
It was finally over. It was almost an overwhelming feeling and yet almost a let down. After so long, a life time of torture and three years of separation and hate, it was all finally over. No more could Duard hurt us, unless we let him. I was glad I had given that fight to Deus as well. And I could almost feel Deus’ smile.
I walked back to the house with a feeling of deep relief on my chest. Taerith met me outside the main house.
“I need to send this.” He held out a piece of paper to me.
“Egan can probably get it to wherever it needs to go as long as we get Kristalyn to ask him,” I replied, taking the small note.
When I read it, a smile broke out over my face and I clapped Taerith on the back.
My dear brothers and sisters, Come home. Taerith

2008-09-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All! I'm so sorry this lovely post is once again not formatting. I'm not sure why I can't get it to format properly when I switch it over. Hopefully, this chapter will make up for the formatting issues and you won't have a problem reading it. Thanks for the encouraging words last time. I'm glad it came off well.
Enjoy Aiden's revenge now!

CHAPTER 39 ~ REVENGE
TWO YEARS ELEVEN MONTHS
AFTER BANISHMENT
AIDEN
Feelings of displacement and familiarness overwhelmed my senses as I moved through the home I had grown up in. Sam’s garden had grown wild, just as he said it would so long ago. I glanced to my left. The shed and stable stood there and further down I could see the woodshed. All looked to be in need of great repair. It was in front of that very stable that I had said goodbye to so many of my siblings. They had all been so desperate to hear me tell them things would be all right. I had floundered, trying to encourage them and build them up. Each had left in desperation, but strong as well. Maybe soon I would be welcoming them home instead. But in order for that to happen, I had to face the one intruder that still occupied our home.
There was no smoke coming from Duard’s chimney as there was on the day I had left, but I could smell his stench in the air and feel the presence I had dreaded so much as a child. He was here.
In front of me, was our main house, which consisted of three chambers, the main chamber, the kitchen, and Duard’s room. He was probably in there. The door was in the front. I’d have to go around. I swallowed. Now that I was here, was I ready? The last time I had entered his chamber he had dismissed me with only a word. But I was stronger now. Surely that wouldn’t happen again. I started forward.
“So, you’ve arrived at last,” the voice was old and craggy with an underlining power that I would know anywhere.
My blood stopped and my heart froze as I turned slowly to look to my left. There coming towards me from Ilara’s woodshop was Duard.
Why was he in Ilara’s shop? He had no right to be there! And just that quickly I felt old emotions from years ago rise to the surface and claim me.
Duard continued to walk towards me. His steps were slightly uneven, but his back straight. His face was just as I remembered it. I saw there the same arrogance, confidence, and evil disgust that had filled my nightmares as a child.
My siblings screams tore through me as I heard them once again being tortured by the man who now stood only a few feet from me. Anger, hatred, fury, pain, and so much more boiled inside of me, clenching my fists and tightening every muscle in my body.
“Duard,” I managed.
“Three years have not helped your intelligence,” the dark robed man stated.
“It helped my strength,” I replied, pulling my sword from its place at my side.
He laughed, but it was a harsh sound that held no joy. “So, you think you are ready to face me?”
“I am. You won’t stop me this time. I’m going to take you out for what you’ve done to my family.” I spoke through clenched teeth.
A sneer crossed his face. “What family? You never had one. You were a bunch of helpless, hopeless babies. You were lucky I took you in.”
“Took us in? You took us over!” I spouted angrily.
“You owe me your pathetic lives,” he said nastily.
“We owe you nothing!” I shouted, raising my sword and charging blindly forward.
“Fool!” Duard snorted. Beneath his rope, he pulled out a sword of his own and blocked my strike, forcing me backwards.
I looked at him stunned. I had never seen him use a weapon before, I had just assumed he could, but to see the truth was disturbing.
He laughed. “Well, Boy, come on then. Let us see if you have learned anything at all.”
He was mocking me just has he had my whole life! I was younger, more powerful, and had more skill and still he mocked me as if I was the child who had cowered in his room. My grip tightened. I would not be mocked!
I charged again, coming in low this time. But Duard blocked again, using my own momentum to push me past him. As I moved past, my vision and fury cleared some. He wasn’t that powerful. I turned to look back at Duard, who was watching me with those same eyes. He was using my own power against me. He was purposefully making me angry and using that to cloud my mind, just as he had my whole life.
“You’re not going to win this, Duard,” I growled.
“Really? I haven’t seen anything impressive so far.” Duard dismissed me.
I tightened my grip. His tone was the exact same it had been all those years ago and they still haunted me. But he wouldn’t stop me, not this time.
Our blades crashed together and sprang apart in a furious manner. Duard was older, but he could still fight. I channeled my anger into my blade allowing it to scream my frustration and rage at all this man had done to my family, but keeping my mind focused and calm. I had no idea what attacks were possible with Duard. He had ruled over my family through absolute fear and despite our current fight, I could still feel it in the back of my mind. Suddenly, his guard slipped on the left and I struck pushing in hard. He blocked at the final second stopping the blow from cutting too deeply. Still, blood seeped through his robe.
“Bah!” Duard pushed my sword away from his body.
I breathed heavily. “So, you are mortal after all.”
“Ah, so your motives are revealed. Have you come to kill me then, Boy?” Duard spoke, eyes and voice not faltering. “Does this small wound give you confidence? Do you have what it will take?”
“I do,” I answered, for the first time my voice was deadly calm. I had trained for this and I was ready.
“Really? You are not impressive to me. You are still a weak little boy searching for what you think you want.” Duard laughed, despite his wound.
“No, I’m not!” I heard myself protest.
“Yes, you are. You’re still small and worthless. You could never protect your so called family. Where are they now? Hmm?” Duard mocked in a low hauntingly familiar voice, before shouting, “Nowhere! They are not here! You are alone! Just as you’ve always been. You are a weak fool.”
No! My mind screamed in denial. It wasn’t true. It wasn’t. I had become stronger and I could defeat him. Why did I feel like he was right? Why was I letting him get to me? My grip on my sword slackened. No, this was wrong!
“Aiden!” A voice I had forgotten called out to me. “Aiden! He’s messing with your mind. Aiden, don’t listen to him! You have me. We are all behind you!” A screech from above and a cat’s roar filled my head. “Aiden! Aiden!” Kristalyn’s voice called my name over and over and I heard her.
I did have people behind me. I hadn’t even wanted them to come, but they had. They followed me, cared what happened to me. I wasn’t alone. He was wrong. He was manipulating me, just as he use too. And I was letting him. No more.
Duard turned to look at Kristalyn.
“Who are you, mite? Quite down.” He turned back to me. “A girl? You brought a wench? Can she protect you?”
“She is not a wench!” I spoke, angry that he would even consider calling Kristalyn something indecent. “We are finishing this. Enough of your words and manipulations, Duard. They will not save you this time.”
“You have no idea, Boy. But come, fight me if you think you can,” he sneered.
“I already have,” I answered, and our dance of revenge began again.
We moved all over the yard I had played on as a youth. Now, it would become a field of blood, Duard’s blood. He would not leave here alive. He would finally pay for what he had done to my family. Finally, I could be free to bring them home. At last, my blade found another opening and I struck at his chest. The blood flowed freely, but as I moved back Duard threw something at me. It exploded in my eyes and the dust covered everywhere. I screamed and grabbed my eyes. The pain was like nothing I had ever felt. In the darkness, I could hear Duard’s sick laughter. I screamed again and tried to rub it out, but it was in a cloud all around me and I couldn’t escape it.
Duard coughed from somewhere outside the black cloud and then his malicious voice penetrated it. “You’ve lost, Boy. You are alone. Your family is gone! You can’t defeat me now and you couldn’t then, remember? You let them all go. They hate you!”
The voice seemed to come from all around me, sinister and hateful. “No, they don’t!” I called into the blackness. I hacked, the black dust getting into my throat now. But I knew it wasn’t true! “We wrote! They’ll come home!”
“You didn’t hear from all of them. Some never wrote!” His voice mocked from everywhere at once. How could he know? “They do hate you. You are worthless to them. They won’t come, Aiden. You’ve failed.”
Failed? No! I had tried so hard! My whole life had been for this! I had to win! I couldn’t fail! I couldn’t betray them again! I had to win. This was all I had left and all I knew. If I failed… no, it wasn’t an option! I couldn’t face them! Suddenly, surrounding me in that black cloud where their faces, laughing, mocking, and crying. Zoe was crying. I’d made my sister cry.
No! I wanted to shout at them. It’s not over! I haven’t failed you yet. Don’t cry! I can do this! Please!
“Ahhh!” The scream tore from somewhere deep inside of me and I lashed out wildly with my sword. I didn’t know where he was. I still couldn’t see! But I could hear him mocking me. I could hear my sisters’ tears and my brothers’ calling my name. Abruptly, the flat of my sword hit something hard. I stumbled to the side and a burst of sudden wind cleared the area of the black cloud. In front of me, Duard was wavering and holding the side of his head. I lunged and drove my sword threw his shoulder, yanking it quickly back out, twisting it as I did so.
Somewhere behind me, I heard Kristalyn’s voice call out, “Good job, Magnar. No! Stay back now!” But it only barely registered as Duard, hit the ground rolling on his side, groaning.
“No more! We’re free!” I screamed at him, lifting my sword high above his head as his suddenly fear filled eyes met mine. I would not betray my family! I would finish this!
Aiden, I am here.
I had not expected the Voice. It filled me and froze my movements.
Deus? Deus, I want to kill him!
I will not stop you. The choice is yours. But it that what you truly desire, my son?
Yes!
I looked down at the hated face, lying in the dirt and dust. He was the one who had ruined everything I loved! I wanted him dead! I wanted to finish it and kill him!
He deserves to die!
Yes, but not by your hand. It is the path you chose now that will determine your fate.
I want to kill him! I want him to suffer as we have!
Then chose, Aiden. Your fate is decided here.
What do you mean?
If you take this path, I will not stop you, but for taking justice into your own hands, you will become the man you hate. You will become the man you now want to murder.
And if I don’t?
I have limitless possibilities for you.
What does that mean?
I have always had a special solution in mind for you, Aiden. It is not this path.
That again! Why won’t you just tell me?
You must trust me, Aiden. Trust the path I would choose for you.
But Duard!
This is not his story, but yours. Trust me, Aiden. Hear me and follow.
“ARGH!”
The scream ripped from my core and though my entire body. The pain, hurt, and anger over-flowing in the primitive urge to act my vengeance. The sword in my hand plunged into the ground below.
“Aiden!” Kristalyn’s scream tour through my riddled mind.
I opened my eyes to see Duard’s terrified face, the sword buried deep a mere inch from his skull. I had missed. And I had done it on purpose.
My breath came in harsh ragged spasms. Duard eyes locked onto mine and then rolled back and closed. I couldn’t move. Behind me some commotion arose and then Kristalyn and Kurioden were beside me and Magnar had landed next to us.
Kristalyn looked at me and then knelt down next to Duard.
“He’s still alive,” she announced quietly.
“I know,” I whispered.
She stood and put her arms on my shoulders to twist me to face her. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, but didn’t speak again. Images of Duard lying before me mixing with images of my family assaulted my mind and I still couldn’t breath right.
“Can you help me get him inside?” She asked softly.
“What?” I turned to her, all other images fleeing.
“We need to get him inside and treat him. We can’t do it all out here.”
“I’m not treating him! He can die there for all I care!” I spouted in disbelief that she would even suggest it.
She shook her head. “Why did you spare him, Aiden?”
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly, though now I could hear Deus voice in my head once again.
I have always had a special solution in mind for you, Aiden. It is not this path. Trust me.
I wasn’t ready to tell her that. I wasn’t even sure why I had listened to the Voice myself. Every fiber of who I was called for this man’s death. Why did I not finish it? Had I failed yet again?
“You’ll figure it out, Aiden. But we can’t leave him here.”
I glanced down at the unconscious body.
“Yes, we can.”
Kristalyn sighed. “You have to forgive him, Aiden. Until you can do that, he’ll always have power over you.”
“His power is as broken as he is,” I replied firmly. “And I will not help that thing. Not now or ever. Do what you want.”
With that, I walked away.
***
Was it over? Had I finally finished it? At the moment, Duard was still alive. I hadn’t killed him. I hadn’t completed the job I had set out to do. Yet, I was right. He and his power were broken. So, was it finished? Could my family come home? Would they? Or was part of Duard’s taunting right? Did some of them hate me for letting then be banished? How had he known that some of them had never written me? Taerith, Ilara, Sam, Arnan, even my Little Firebrand, I had heard from none of them. Were they alive? Did they hate me for what I had done to them? Could Firebrand hate me?
The thought was too much. My mind was tired, so tired, as was I. The punch in the gut, the twist of the knife, the sting of Duard’s mixture, that was what caused the wetness on my cheeks. Because Zoe couldn’t hate me, she simply couldn’t.
“Here, Aiden, I am,” Magnar’s low voice said from next to me and I felt his warm body come close to mine.
I couldn’t turn to see him though. The wetness was still in my eyes.
“Could he be right, Magnar? Could my siblings hate me? Could Zoe?” I whispered the question that brought more torture to my soul then I had ever known.
“Believe Duard, do you?” Magnar asked, instead of answering.
“I don’t know. I don’t want too,” I answered slowly.
“Then believe him, do not,” Magnar spoke, but it still wasn’t an answer.
“I’ve thought about it before, you know.” I said, as I somehow put one foot in front of the other. “The man I became to get them back together. I’ve hated him. I’ve hated me. They should too. Maybe somewhere they already know. What if he wasn’t lying and they really do hate me? I couldn’t blame them, Magnar. It would be right.”
“To darkness and fear hate leads. Of this, Duard knows. Planted hate long ago Duard did in you. Watered it Aiden did. Now, forces to grow Duard can,” Magnar spoke with the wisdom of griffins past.
“You may be right, Magnar. If so, than he is manipulating me again and his power is not broken as I thought. I did fail.” The realization swept through me and made me weak, almost driving me to the ground.
Magnar bumped against me and held me up, staying with me and silent until I was on my feet again. Then, gently, he nudged me forward to keep me walking. Only then did he ask the question he must have been thinking about, “True is it that hate himself Aiden does?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know, Magnar. I guess it is. I’m not proud of all I have done. And I am certain my family would not be proud either.” Portions of Daelia and Wren’s letters flashed through my mind.
“Hate Aiden, I do not,” Magnar stated.
I scoffed. “You don’t know all I’ve done.”
“Magnar knows,” came the quite reply.
I looked down at him, walking steadily be my side, in amazement and confusion. He couldn’t know everything. It wasn’t possible. “Then you know that I…”
I couldn’t finish it, but Magnar nodded his great eagle head anyway. “Since almost beginning known I have. Cling to you their smell of death. Grew and learned I did. Killer of my parents you were.”
“But… Then… How could you stay with me?”
“Forgave you, Aiden, I did. Your asking required I did not. Long ago.”
“Why?”
“Inside someone griffins can see. In you, one I wanted to know there was. Change and become more I knew you would. Proud I am of what you have done. Even today.” Magnar spoke slowly, maybe to make sure I understood.
I blinked, trying to think of what to say. “Why?”
He laughed. “My friend you are. Your heart you follow, even when believe it you do not. In worst times, right decision you make. Know not now, but the same your family will feel.”
“I hope you are right, Magnar. But I can’t believe that yet.”
“Time it will take. Heal you will.”
“Just as Duard does?” I asked bitterly.
Magnar was silent for a moment. “Take care of him Kristalyn and Kurio must. Forgive him, Aiden must.”
There it was again, the forgiveness, but I couldn’t. That required more strength than I would ever possess. Oh, I knew now where that strength could come from and I knew he wanted me to take his path, his solution, to trust him. I couldn’t deny any of that, but I also didn’t know how to do any of that or, despite my actions, if I truly wanted too. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself, but even to me the argument was getting ever so surely weaker.
“Aiden! You’re okay!” Travon raced at me then stopped short. “You are okay, right?”
“I’m not hurt. Get the horses and I’ll take you back to my home,” I replied wearily.
“What about Duard?” Travon asked the logical question, but I didn’t have to like it.
“Kristalyn and Kurio are tending him.”
Confusion scrunched up the youth’s face. “Then you didn’t kill him?”
“No,” I answered shortly.
No. I hadn’t and the thought still sent a knife of failure through me.
***
I plunged the rake down to the ground and pulled back hard, yanking all the muck out of the stall with it. Duard had done nothing to take care of our home since he had claimed it from us and filth and grim was everywhere, not to mention all the repairs that were now needed. Kristalyn and Kurio had set Duard up in the main room of the house. Every time I walked in the front door, he was right there, laying on his makeshift bed by the fire. The sight was a constant reminder of my failure to kill him, though I’m sure to Kristalyn it was a reminder that I still had to forgive him. So, I avoided the house. Instead, I busied myself all around the other buildings, cleaning and repairing them. One day, my family would be here. They didn’t deserve to see Duard’s mess. I had let him stay for so long. It was my job to repair it all. Magnar and Travon helped, but for the most part I was left alone with my thoughts and perhaps of everything I was dealing with at the moment that was the very worst part.
I had been racked with so many emotions and thoughts, that my mind and body felt weak and desperate for a break that I was unable to receive. Even at night, when I laid down my head, thoughts of everything or anything ran through my mind, making sleep an illusion I couldn’t make into a reality. It only added to my frustration and to my failure.
That was what everything came down too. In the darkest of nights, and the lonely days, I could hear Duard’s voice whispering my failures to me. But I didn’t need his voice to remind me. I could list them without any help. I had failed my family by failing to give them their home back, I had failed myself by failing to kill Duard, I had failed Kristalyn by failing to forgive Duard, and I had even failed Deus by not finding the correct path. Was there anyone in my life I had not failed?
“I,” Magnar’s voice came from beside me.
I turned to see the griffin sitting there calmly, his great lion tail twitching from side to side behind him.
“Can you read me mind?” I asked.
Magnar shook his eagle head. “No.”
“Then how can you always answer my questions?”
“Your face, see I can. Talk out loud you sometimes do,” he replied calmly.
“Oh.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say, so I went back to his earlier reply. “I did fail you. I killed your parents and I used you. I did the same to Travon.”
“No, you didn’t.” Travon entered the stables.
Was there a conspiracy to spy on me that I didn’t know about?
“How do you figure that?” I finally asked, letting the rake drop to the ground and turning to face the youth.
“What you did was wrong, killing Gidryon, but you did it under orders. You didn’t help to kill the rest of the village. The same with Magnar’s family. You couldn’t really say no to Ricald.”
“I did with the Hunter.”
Travon shrugged. “You were braver then.”
“Oh,” I answered, not really agreeing.
“Anyway, that’s not what matters. You took care of us, Aiden. Me and Magnar. You helped us grow up, you made us strong, and you gave us something and someone to fight for.” Travon walked over and picked up the rake I’d dropped. “I’d have been a slave if you hadn’t said you’d teach me. And Magnar might be dead.” He turned and continued with my job, but kept speaking. “You didn’t want too or have too, but you still did it.”
Magnar nodded. “Why help you now, we want too.”
“You give me too much credit,” I muttered.
Both shook their heads.
“It wasn’t easy forgiving you at first, Aiden, but you helped us lots. I didn’t know Deus was helping us too, but He was.” Travon paused in his raking to look at me. “He’d help you too, if you’d let Him. He really does help, Aiden,” Travon spoke softly, as if he was saying something he didn’t think I’d want to hear, but that he had to say anyway. He was right.
I sighed and turned to the stable door, looking out it to the main house where Kristalyn was tending to a dying Duard.
“I don’t have the strength to forgive him,” I thought out loud.
“No,” Travon agreed from behind me, “but Deus does.”
Deus. It always returned to Him.
I AM. I am the Truth, The Way, and the Life, Aiden. I AM who you are seeking. If you take this path, I will not stop you, but you will become the man you hate. You will become the man you now want to murder. I have limitless possibilities for you. I have always had a special solution in mind for you, Aiden. It is not this path. You must trust me, Aiden. Trust the path I would choose for you. You have fought me, true, but I have never left you. I take the unworthy and I make them worthy. I can do all things. Through Me, nothing is impossible – even forgiveness.
His words floated back to me and I knew he was speaking them again. Each one an arrow meant to hit its mark.
And they hit.
***
Over the next week I struggled with Deus’ words as well as Kristalyn, Travon, and Magnar’s. As I finished the stable and the workshop, and moved on to the kitchen and main house, their voice moved through my head, answering my questions and even protests as I made them. And from beyond them, my own voice as I taught my siblings about the god I did not believe in, but knew our parents did.
“No, Ilara, Deus doesn’t hate you. ‘Member, he always loves you. He loves all of us, even when we don’t feel it.”
“Yes, Arnan, Deus is angry when you are mean to Wren! You know mother and father would be upset….No, you can’t go play! You have to apologize…. Oh, come on! It would make Deus happy and Wren would smile again.”
“I know it hurts, Daelia… Yes, it hurts Deus too. He doesn’t like it when we cry…. Well, cuz’ he loves us….Yes, Daelia, if you trust Deus, he’ll make it better.”
“Deus even cares for your garden, Sam. He’ll help you.... Yep, He’ll always help you, just ask.”
I hadn’t believed any of it. But they had. Maybe I should have. Maybe I still could. Only one thing stopped me. In order to do any of that, to believe in any of it, I had to forgive Duard of everything he had ever done to my siblings. I had to let it all go and ask Deus for his promised help.
***

2008-09-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Yes, it is Monday and here is your post! I've been trying to put it up all day, hoping my formatting would stick at some point, but alas it is not to be the case. For some reason, blogger is looking very odd and half my normal tools are gone. So, I apologize for the way this one looks! However, I do believe you shall forgive me when you read this chapter. It has probably what many of you have been waiting for. I must say I have never done it quite this way before so it was a very interesting experience. I hope you will let me know what you think, but mostly that you will enjoy!
One quick note to Britt, I totally agree and you will see that play out more in a later chapter. And Gabi, I loved seeing you comment!

CHAPTER 38 ~ THE TRUTH REALIZED
TWO YEARS TEN MONTHS AND
TWO WEEKS AFTER BANISHMENT
KRISTALYN
The spring weather was finally gracing the plains we traveled over and I couldn’t remember ever being happier to feel the warm wind on my face. It brought the smell of a new season and new happenings. I wondered where that would take us now.
“Kristalyn?” Travon dropped his horse back to match my pace.
I smiled at the youth. He had become quite the young man and I was proud of the decisions he had made of late.
“What is it, Travon?”
“Well, I was wondering. I want to tell Aiden about… you know, what I decided at the cabin. But I don’t know how.”
I nodded. Travon had made the biggest decision of his life at the cabin, but Aiden wouldn’t be pleased. I glanced ahead where Aiden was traveling with the three animals. Kurioden had taken a liking to Aiden ever since he had made the panther the leather protection. While Egan hated traveling with Aiden, he was riding on Kurioden, because he refused to ride with me. I had given him quite a lashing after his attack on Aiden. He was still ticked off at me and it had been over a month ago. The little dragon knew how to hold a grudge and since he was in the wrong he wasn’t going to get an apology.
I shook my head and turned back to Travon’s current problem.
“I don’t think he’ll really react a whole lot,” I mused.
“Yeah, but if he goes all quiet and gets that look on his face, it might be worse.”
“Look?” I asked.
Travon nodded. “Yeah, like he’s trying not to say how disgusted he is, so he just goes blank.”
“Ah, that look.” I hadn’t realized Travon had watched Aiden quite that closely. Of course, he used that impassive look of his to cover much more than just disgust. “He’ll be surprised, but if anything it’s going to make him think more than anything else. And that’s what he needs.”
“I know, but I don’t want him to be upset with me.” The youth’s voice told all of his hesitation to displease the man who was like a father to him.
“I can understand that, Travon. But what is more important: Aiden possibly being upset with you or not giving him the chance to learn the truth about him and yourself?” I spoke gently.
“That doesn’t make it easier,” Travon mused.
“I know, but I also know you can do it. Deus will help you.”
“How?”
“Ask him to help you to say the right words and then trust that he will,” I replied confidently.
“That seems too simple,” Travon muttered.
I laughed. “Saying it is, doing it is harder.”
A grim, determined look came over his face. “I’ll tell Aiden. I will.” Then he glanced at me. “You’ll be with me, right?”
I nodded. “This I want to see.”
Travon sighed. “Me too.”
***
I kept on eye on Travon for the rest of the day, but he didn’t make any move towards Aiden and I didn’t press. When Travon was ready, he’d tell. I wondered what impact that news would have on Aiden’s own path. As we sat around the warmth of the fire, eating a nice meal of rabbit and squirrel, I could tell by Travon’s face he was working up his courage. I waited, silently urging him to speak. Aiden was no help. It had become his style of late to be in a quiet world of his own.
Kurioden padded over to me and I gave him a pat.
“Where have you been?” I asked, curiously.
The panther shook his head and looked at his back. Egan was missing.
“And where is the grouch?”
Kurioden looked at me and gave a soft growl, before settling down more comfortably. I laughed. Hopefully, the little dragon was blowing off steam and would return in a better mood.
“Hey, Aiden?” Travon’s timid voice caused me to look up.
“Yeah?” Aiden asked, obviously not really paying attention.
Travon shot me a look and I gave him an encouraging nod. Then I started praying.
“Uh, Kristalyn was talking to me lots in the cabin about Deus. She said He’s her best friend. Even when everyone else leaves, like Gidryon, He stays. And He might not make everything easier, but He helps you get through it. He helps you pick the right path.” As Travon spoke, he kept his eyes on the fire in front of him, but his voice remained strong.
“What is your point, Travon?” Aiden asked lazily, ripping off another piece of meat from the stick with his teeth.
I shot him a glare, which he pointedly ignored. This was hard for Travon and Aiden wasn’t helping to make it easier.
“Gidryon believed in Deus. He lived his life for Deus and he wanted me to too, but he never pushed me, you know? Kristalyn said it was my choice.” Travon paused to take a deep breath. “I chose Him. I gave Him my life, so Deus is my God now too.”
Aiden froze for just a second, barely even noticeable, but I saw it. He had been struggling so much with this. What would he do now to Travon?
“Quite a choice. Hope it works out for you,” Aiden finally spoke.
That was it? I didn’t know what I had been expecting, but it wasn’t that.
“You could choose too, Aiden.” Apparently, Travon wasn’t done. I was proud of him for that. “Deus gives you a lot more than He demands. He forgives you for everything and all I did was ask. It was like nothin’ ever before. This peace came after I asked Him to take away all my sins and forgive me. And now, I want to do what He wants me to, cuz He picked my best path already.”
It was not Travon that Aiden looked at when he finally looked up. It was me. The look in his eyes said he’d heard ever word that Travon spoke and they had hit their mark, whatever that was. I sent up a quick prayer for help and spoke.
“He’s right, Aiden. And not making a choice is still making a choice for rejecting Deus,” I prodded gently.
His eyes flashed and I wondered if the storm would hit now.
“I know that, Kristalyn.” His voice was tight, but calm. “If Deus wants to give me peace, if he wants me, he will have to wait until I have protected my family.”
“Why can’t you trust Him to do that?” I asked, my heart tearing at his stubborn persistence in rejecting the One Truth.
“He’s never given me a reason too,” was the bland answer.
“He’s given you hundreds. You simply want to secure things your way, even if that way is wrong,” I whispered, feelings of hurt and rejection tearing at me.
“He gave you us,” Travon put in.
Aiden looked at the youth, but whatever he was going to say he swallowed. I was grateful for that, as I had the feeling it would have been rather hurtful. Instead, he replied, “Yes, and that’s great, but he could decide to take you away at any time too. I will not serve at his whim. Not until I’ve protected my family.”
“So, you’ll serve him afterwards?” Travon pounced on Aiden’s last words. The kid was smart.
I looked at Aiden. He sighed, but answered, “I guess it depends on what happens with Duard. I want the proof that your Deus refuses to give.” He stood, and tossed the now empty stick into the fire, before looking at me. “I’m sorry, Kristalyn. I know that’s not what you want.”
He was apologizing? My heart tore a little more at his tone. Aiden might want more proof about Deus, but I was quickly coming to realize the truth about myself. I cared more than I had admitted to myself about this man. What I wanted? I wanted him. Safe, able to forgive and love, and fighting for Deus, not against him.
I stood and faced him. Taking a deep breath, I walked around the fire to stand in front of him. He looked out above my head for a moment and I waited until he lowered his eyes to mine.
“No, it’s not. But, you’re giving old excuses now, Aiden. And this time, I can see through them. Deus has gotten to you. I’ve seen it. When the time comes, I’m going to trust you again, Aiden, to make the correct decision.”
He shook his head slowly. “That didn’t work out so well last time, Kris.”
“Are you sure? You walked away.”
“Ricald threatened my family and I took his head. Duard is the largest threat to them.” Aiden’s voice was cold.
“Then this will be an even bigger test. When the time comes, Aiden, and it will, call out to Deus. Promise me at least that.” I implored, wanting to chase the coldness out of his voice again and bring back the voice of the man I cared about.
His eyes cleared as he focused on me again. “I can’t. In the heat of that time, I don’t know that I will remember.”
Without conscious movement, I took his hand in mine. His eyes widened slightly at the surprise contact, but his fingers tightened on mine.
“Then Deus will call to you. Answer him, Aiden. Promise me you will. Please.”
Aiden’s fingers tightened on mine again and his free hand came up to gently touch my face. In that moment, I knew whatever I was feeling in my heart was clearly written on my face for him to see.
“I promise. For you, Kristalyn, I won’t shut Deus out. But I can’t give you more than that.”
“It’s all I ask,” I breathed in relief, my heart warm and jumping at his endearing comment to do it for me. “Thank you.”
Aiden shook his head and dropped both of his hands. “I hope it brings you peace, because it brings me none.”
I hurt for him, but it did. Whatever his reasons, if he didn’t shut out Deus, then we all had a chance. It was all I could ask him for, though I would pray for so much more.
***
It was the first time we had seen anything other than the plains since we had come out of the mountains almost four weeks ago. The river moved swiftly downstream. It was wide enough that we would need the bridge in front of us to cross it. The horses wouldn’t make it otherwise. Aiden paused at its edge and seemed to drink in the site. Magnar, who had been flying, came to land next to him.
“Know this bridge, you do?”
Aiden nodded and pointed across it. “See the horizon beyond it?”
Magnar nodded and Travon and I pulled our horses to a stop next to them to get a good look for ourselves, Kurioden and Egan with us.
“That dark green spot, directly ahead is Braedoch Forest.” His voice was hushed, almost as if he didn’t believe what he was saying.
“That’s your home!” Travon exclaimed.
Aiden nodded and looked at me. His eyes spoke of anticipation and uncertainty. It was the first time I could so clearly see it. He had to be letting me read them and my heart went out to him. He was almost there. His whole life’s goal was directly in front of him and he had no idea what would happen next. If I had any lingering doubts about coming with him on this trip, they were erased in that single moment.
I smiled encouragingly at him. “Let’s go save your family.”
A smile broke onto his face and his eyes lit with the determination I was so use to seeing. “Right.”
He kicked his heel into his horse and the animal raced across the bridge. Travon quickly followed. Magnar and Egan took to the skies once again and Kurioden and I raced side by side to catch up. We were almost there.
***
That night we set up camp inside the Braedoch Forest. Aiden was agitated and yet more relaxed in the setting he had grown up in. That night, he recalled stories about his family we had only guessed at. Travon and I laughed at tales of aggravating falcons, first baking lessons and their taste tester victims, and trees carved into little saplings for the good of weapons practice.
It was like glimpsing who Aiden was before he had been forced to become the warrior he was now and I loved every minute of it. If only he had been fully with us, the night would have been perfect. In his eyes, I could still see the mission had its own rights. What he was strategizing, I could only guess, but obviously he didn’t want us to worry about him. Night had fallen long ago when he sent everyone to sleep and took the first watch.
It was only once sleep had claimed most of us, that I saw the weight of what was coming settle once again on his shoulders. They hunched over more and even the dim fire light could not conceal the darkening of his features. What was going through his mind and heart I could only guess and none of my guesses were pleasant.
Perhaps he was wondering about his siblings and their reactions to his new persona, or maybe finally driving the sword through Duard’s heart, he might even be arguing with Deus for all I knew. Whatever his thoughts, I prayed Deus brought him peace for the moment. As I drifted off to sleep, my last though was of his smile and laughter as he told of Sam and Zoe attempting to feed berries to some very confused and scared rabbits.
The sun was still rising when I woke the others. Magnar clawed the ground and immediate took off to stretch his wings. The others rose more slowly. I had almost finished re-toasting last night’s meal when the boys all gathered around. Travon was still rubbing his eyes, but his free hand found the food easily enough. Aiden took his and immediately started gathering his things. He was in a hurry now that he was up.
“All right, I’m leaving,” Aiden said firmly.
Travon and I looked up from our meal in surprise.
“You’re what?” I managed, after I swallowed my mouthful.
“I’m leaving. I don’t want either of you involved in whatever happens next. I’ll come back for you when it’s over,” he stated calmly.
“Have you lost it?” I replied, standing quickly. “You’re not leaving without us.”
“Yeah!” Travon jumped in, food completely forgotten.
Aiden shook his head. “No. You’re staying here.”
“Why?” I spouted.
“You don’t know Duard like I do. I don’t want either of you anywhere near him,” Aiden’s voice was hushed, but still firm.
“We appreciate your concern. But we already came this far.” I pointed out, trying logic for a moment.
“We can’t help if we aren’t there!” Travon exclaimed, pushing his hands into the air as if this was obvious.
Aiden turned to face him, ignoring me. Perhaps, he felt he could take us on one at a time better.
“Yes, you can. I need to know your safe and you won’t be if you go with me. The best way you can help is to stay here. Your safe and I can focus better,” Aiden actually explained.
“I know how to fight,” Travon growled, crossing his arms over his chest in an angry manner.
“I’m well aware of that, Travon. I taught you. But this is different from all the battles you’ve been in. There is only one enemy and I’m the only one who will be fighting him. If your there, he’ll use you as a distraction against me.” Aiden shook his head, frustration evident. “I can’t afford that.”
“But Aiden!” Travon protested again.
“This is not the type of fight either one of us is use too. I’ll need all my concentration to be focused. It has nothing to do with your fighting skills, Travon. You are one of the best fighters I know. And I’m sure we will fight together again, but not this time. Stay here. Guard the horses, I’ll go on foot. Keep them and Kristalyn safe.” Aiden’s voice held all the regard he would for a younger fellow warrior and Travon seemed to grow under his rarely given praise, though he obviously still didn’t like the outcome.
Travon glanced at me, but I was looking at Aiden.
“You mean take care of the horses and himself,” I corrected.
Aiden sighed. “Kristalyn…”
“Do not even start.” I stated. “I will not be left behind when you might need me.”
“I just said…”
“Nothing that applies to me. You might fight Duard by yourself, but you’ll need me on the sidelines incase something happens. You are not leaving me here.” No matter what he said, I was not backing down.
“You’ll still be a distraction. You are not…” Aiden tried again.
“I most certainly am. What if something happens to you, Aiden? I didn’t stick with you to just forsake you at the last second.” I took a deep breath and Aiden cut me off.
“You’re not forsaking me, Kristalyn. You’re doing what I ask.”
“Well, what you’re asking is wrong and you know it. You can’t force me to stay behind. You know you can’t. I bet your taking Magnar with you. Who else do you think can keep me here? And I can get around him too. Try it and find out, Aiden,” I challenged.
Aiden sighed. “You are the most stubborn, frustrating women ever born.”
“I’m just as bad as you,” I responded calmly.
“Kristalyn, you are not listening to me. I do not want you there,” Aiden said, pressing his point.
This time I heard the pain in his voice and I recognized it for what it was.
“You’re scared,” I whispered. I took a step closer to him and lowered my voice. “You don’t want me to see what happened with Ricald again. But it won’t. And if by same chance it does, I won’t turn away. I’m staying with you, Aiden, so get use to it.”
He shook his head. “If something happens to you…”
“It won’t. I trust you and Deus. I’ll be safe. I want to be with you, Aiden. Please, don’t ask me to stay behind.” As I allowed my emotions to flood my eyes, I saw his change to acceptance.
He nodded. “Okay.” He gripped my arm. “I won’t tell you ‘no.’ It won’t do me any good anyway.” I shrugged. “But you have to stay back. I honestly don’t know what is about to happen.”
“I’ll back you up whatever happens.”
Aiden gazed down at me and for a moment I lost all thought as his shale blue eyes drew me in demanding my attention. My heart caught in my throat at their intensity. Here was the man I knew. He would fight for what he loved and he would protect it at all cost. Suddenly, that included me.
Just as quickly as he grabbed me, he let go and took a step back. “Let’s go then.” He turned to Travon. “Watch out for bandits and be careful. No matter what happens, by nightfall, one of us will be back for you.”
Travon nodded. “Deus go with you, Aiden.”
Aiden paused, then answered, “And you, Travon.”
He glanced at me and took off into the woods. I shook myself and gave Travon a smile. “Keep Egan here with you. He’d be bad news to take along. Come, Kurioden!” And we followed Aiden.
Magnar flew above us and the treetops as we moved and it didn’t take us long to catch up. Aiden glanced at me when we did and we walked together in silence. My mind was anything but silent though. It was filled with thoughts of the coming confrontation, but mostly of the man beside me. As we moved through his beloved woods, my mind retraced the steps we had taken to get to this very spot. When we had met, it was as enemies and we had stayed that way for so long. Had he decided to kill my brother, I didn’t know where we would be now, but he had seen the similarities between himself and Tray and instead this warrior enemy had become an ally. He stood at my side and fought next to me to save a country that wasn’t even his own. He had taken out the man that had hurt my family the most. And through it all, he’d asked for nothing, but tried to build up his own skill. Through his own pain and sometimes despite his attitude, he had reached out to others lost and hurting and given them hope, including Travon, Magnar, and myself.
I knew of no other man in the world who had done what Aiden had. Even trying to overcome his own demons, he reached out to those beyond him and changed them as well. Without ever intending too, or even wanting too, he had claimed the loyalty and love of those who he allowed to stay close to him.
Magnar and Travon obviously did love him. But what of me? What love did I have for this man? It certainly wasn’t the same. Aiden had grown to mean much more to me than just a close friend. But could I actually love him? Or did I already?
Aiden paused to hold back a branch from swinging back too fast. I smiled as I passed him and he nodded absently. It was a caring act that was so unlike the Aiden I had first met. Yet this Aiden knew me, unlike anyone I had ever met. Early on, he could read my thoughts and facial expression. No secret was safe from him. He used it to his own advantage and yet he used it for mine as well. No one had ever been able to see inside me, reading me as if they knew me intimately and yet Aiden could. What made him so special? Why of all the good people I had met was he the only one who could really see me and understand?
Without knowing why, I knew he could and it still meant trouble for me, even as it had then. I knew when he had told me he was leaving and to forget him… no, before that, when he had tried to kill himself. I shook my head at myself. It wasn’t a single moment, but many. It was when he looked at me so intently, when he allowed himself to touch me, if only briefly, when he spoke to me as his equal and confident, when he had asked me with those shale blue eyes not to leave him, when he had taken care of Kurioden, and more recently, when he had told me he felt like the opposite of Tray, Tray being who Aiden could have been had things only happened differently. They all added together and each time, each moment, I had lost myself a little more to him. I had known it was happening, known that if I stayed with him, I would not be able to stop it. I had even pleaded to Deus to take away my growing feelings and for some reason He had deliberately chosen not too.
I tried to deny it, even back at the cabin, but somewhere deep inside of me I had known. Just as I did now. Yet, there was one large difference between then and now. I wasn’t going to lose him to something beyond himself back then, now I very well could. If Duard was as powerful as Aiden feared, Aiden might lose his life. If Aiden did win the fight, how he won it would determine everything in his life from that moment on. I had no control over what would happen next, I could only pray to the Almighty Deus that Aiden would make the right choice. Because if he didn’t… if he didn’t, I would lose the man I loved.
I glanced out the side of my eye to see Aiden’s face as he walked beside me, concentration evident on his face and oblivious to all else. For the moment, that was a good thing. I didn’t want him to read my face and I was sure a new emotion was playing across it.
I loved him.
I couldn’t deny it any longer. I had known it was coming, had realized I was falling in love with him, and I had tried to pass it off as caring for him more than what I should. That had been true, but I couldn’t stop it from growing into something much more. He had done what no one else in my world had accomplished. He had made me fall in love with him.
I wanted to be happy about it, to feel the joy that being in love should have brought, but I couldn’t. I knew I loved him with everything in me, my entire being wanted to be with this man, to stay and cherish every second, and have him love me wholly back, yet what I felt was the anxiety of the unknown and the pain of the truth. Aiden didn’t love me, wasn’t capable of loving me as I desired, not yet. And what’s more, even if he did, it wouldn’t matter.
He was marching to take his revenge or die trying. I had promised Deus I would never marry a man that did not hold Him first. And Aiden did not. He had promised only that if Deus called, he wouldn’t shut him out, but he had made it clear he did not want Deus to guide him. He refused to put Deus first above his family and Deus would not accept second place, He never did. No matter how I felt, the same challenge was still in place. I could not be with a man who did not place his trust in Deus, no matter how much I loved him.
The thought brought actual tears to my eyes, tears of both love and pain and the knowledge I could do nothing about either. I had made all my choices. Now, everything was left up to Aiden.
He slowed in front of me and stared ahead for a moment. I blinked the tears away and saw shadows of a few small structures and one larger one inside the large clearing. Aiden was home. He turned to face me.
“Kristalyn, I… Kristalyn, what is it?” Aiden pulled my shoulders around so I faced him fully. “You’re crying.”
“No, I’m not,” I protested. I had stopped a few seconds before.
Aiden gave me a doubtful look. “You were. Are you okay?”
I nodded.
“Did you get hurt?” I was amazed. His home was so close and he was fully focused on me.
“Not by anything in the forest,” I managed.
Aiden frowned. “What did I do?”
I choked out a laugh. “Nothing, Aiden. You haven’t done a thing.” I nodded to the buildings, desperately needing to change the subject. “Is that it?”
His face searched mine again for what had caused me to cry. But when he was finished I wasn’t sure if he had seen the answer or not. Finally, he turned back.
“Yes. That was home. It’s been almost three years now that we were forced to leave. It’s taken me that long to come back.” The self-reproach was evident.
“But you did come back. And now you’re going to fight.”
Aiden glanced at me. “Fight and win.”
“There are more ways to do that than one.”
“Not with Duard,” Aiden spoke grimly.
“Remember your promise, please. Call on Deus. Don’t shut Him out.” I opted for one last plea. Everything in my life and his centered on his next few moments.
Aiden took a deep breath and let it out slowly then he turned to catch my eyes with his. “I’ll do as I promised and I promise nothing else. You need to do that as well. Stay out of the way and safe.”
His eyes were dark with emotions and I allowed myself to become lost in them. I could see his love for his family, his determination, and his anger towards the man who had condemned them all. But beyond even that, I could see his concern for me and it was that which I clung too the most. He cared about me, he might not love me, but I knew he cared. What if this was the last time I would see his eyes like this? What if I lost him?
Despair rose quickly inside of me. I couldn’t. Not without him knowing the truth.
“Aiden, I have too…” but his finger on my lips stopped me.
“Shh. I know.” He moved his finger to my check. “You can tell me when this is over. I’ll finish it here and we’ll move on.” He took a step back from me, allowing his hand to fall, but I didn’t move. “Stay to the shadows. I don’t want him to even know you are here.”
With that, Aiden turned and walked boldly into the clearing. I pulled my knife from its sheaf and followed more slowly, staying closer to the small buildings than he did. This was it.
“Deus, guide him.” I whispered as I moved. “It’s selfish, Deus, but please bring me back the man I love.”
***

2008-09-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
I am sorry about the late post. I usually try to get them up each Monday, but my Dad and I took a mini vacation and the internet was not quite readily available. On the plus side, you will have fewer days between this post and the next!
Thanks for the note about venous verse poisonous. You are right of course and I'll be going back to change that one later one.
Mal, at this point I am not planning on posting Liberty Series here. Sorry! But I'll let you know where you can see a few of the chapters if I do decide to post something.
Now, I believe you have waited long enough, don't you?

CHAPTER 37 ~ REGECTING THE ANSWER

TWO YEARS NINE MONTHS

AND ONE WEEKS AFTER BANISHMENT

AIDEN

It hadn’t been easy, but somehow I had managed to avoid any more in-depth discussions of my heart with Kristalyn. The girl was persistent and I kept giving her more information than I intended. Somehow she had the ability to make me tell what I would prefer to keep secret. But with the news I brought back now, hopefully, the questions would end for a little while.

Magnar landed next to the cabin and I jumped to the ground. Quickly, I unloaded the griffin of our supplies and as he shook himself of the still falling snow, I headed inside.

“Good news!” I called out.

“Supplies!” Kristalyn exclaimed.

“Food!” Travon yelped, leaping for my packages.

I gave them over willingly. Kristalyn came to stand beside me.

“You found the village?”

I nodded. “It’s quite a ride from here, but close enough that we could get quite a few supplies. Apparently, this place is owned by some old man who died a few years back. The family comes up here every once and a while, but that’s it. We are welcome to stay as long as we need too.”

“Forget staying, if the village is that close, let’s get out of this cabin! I can’t believe you want to stay after all this time,” she exclaimed.

I shook my head. “We can’t leave until more of the snow melts. The pass to the village is cut off. We can fly in the snow right now and get supplies, but we’d never get everyone and the horses off the mountain. We have to wait.”

She heaved a frustrated sigh, her green eyes sparking. “How long will that take?”

“I don’t know. About a week? Magnar was going to help it along some, but the stuff above looks pretty unstable. We might do more damage than good.”

“Great.” She was quite for a moment then glanced up at me again. “This must be killing you. If it wasn’t for us, you could keep going and get to Duard that much sooner. Now we’re just slowing you down.”

I shrugged. “It can’t be helped. We’ll move out as soon as it’s safe.”

“You’re awful calm about this.” Her eyes took on a light that said she was just now figuring something out. I had to wonder what it was.

“What choice do I have? I’m not leaving you all up here alone. That means I stay too. Arnan has survived this long, hopefully another week won’t kill him.” If it did, I’d never forgive myself, but I would never forgive myself for leaving Kristalyn and Travon on a mountain side either. Egan was a different story.

“You never cease to surprise me, Aiden Romany.”

I glanced at her. “Oh?”

“Yeah,” but she didn’t say anything after that, instead turned to help Travon with the supplies, or else claim some of the food before he ate it all.

Sure enough, one week later the pass was clear and one week after that I saw the best site I’d ever seen – land without mountains on the horizon. We had finally cleared the mountain range and survived one of its harshest winters. I was never doing something so foolish again. But finally I was back on track to getting to Duard and saving my brother.

***

The wide open spaces of the plains made me nervous. There was no cover here; no where to duck and hide should trouble present itself. It was an open battlefield and I hated those. I had allowed myself to be involved in far two many since I had left the forest that lay somewhere to the east of us. I glanced back where Travon was walking next to Kurioden and leading his horse. Kristalyn traveled behind the two. Whatever they were doing had her smiling. I had gotten them involved in too many battles as well. And now, I was taking them into one more.

Peace. My sister wrote of a peace, one that Deus would lead me to despite my efforts to the contrary. But more than ever, I failed to see how. I was heading for a battle, one that might cost me my life if I failed in my mission and yet again was bringing innocent people into my personal war. But since when had that started to matter to me?

When I had first started out, I didn’t care who was in my path or who got hurt, I wanted only to get stronger. And others had suffered for it. That was the path I had willingly chosen. Little Emma had been the first of my living victims that I remember caring about, if you could call it that. She was somewhere on the other side of the forest. Had she taken the money I had left for her? What had become of the little girl in the past years?

But even Zoe’s appearance in my imagination couldn’t stop the destructive path I walked. Gidryon and his stupid prophesy would be my next victims that would make any impression on me and from them, Travon would enter my life. I had trained him and I had placed him on the battlefield. Even Magnar was another of my victims. After all, I was the one who had killed his family. The Hunter was the only victim that had escaped my hand, if you could call it that. But Kristalyn had still suffered for it. My mind raced through names and faces of others, countless others who I had claimed the lives of. How was I any better than Ricald or Duard? I had ruined as many lives as either of them. Yet I felt it was my right and duty to take them both down, putting myself above them. What gave me that right?

I truly was the opposite of the Hunter. I was unworthy, dark, and hated, even by myself.

That is not true, Aiden, and you know it.

The voice hadn’t changed and I didn’t argue with its presence. Maybe I had even been waiting for it.

Why are you here?

I am waiting for you.

Why? To do what?

To choose your path, Aiden, to see my special solution for you.

I already chose a path. I’m on it now.

Are you or are you still struggling and searching for the truth?

The truth? What truth?

I AM. I am the Truth, The Way, and the Life, Aiden. I AM who you are seeking.

I’ve denied you my whole life. I’m not worthy.

You have fought me, true, but I have never left you. And they do not believe you are unworthy.

They? But I knew who the Voice meant. Kristalyn and Travon. Despite what I did, who I was, they stayed with me. Why? How could they deny the darkness I held? How could they look past it and stay at my side? Even wanting to be with me?

I take the unworthy and I make them worthy. I can do all things. Through Me, nothing is impossible – even forgiveness. Ask them, Aiden. Ask and I will give you the answers you seek.

As quickly as it had come, the voice was gone. But its words were not. I had questions to ask now, but no idea how to ask them.

***

“It’s my turn for watch,” Kristalyn said, coming up behind me.

“Yeah,” I responded, not bothering to move.

She sat down next to me and curled her arms around her legs, pulling her knees in close. “What? Are you going to stay and keep me company?”

“I’m not that tired, I guess,” I responded, which was only half true. I was tired, but I hadn’t been able to get Deus’ voice out of my mind since earlier that day. Even now, in the middle of the night I heard Him telling me to ask.

She sat quietly next to me for a minute. The air around us was still cold, as winter hadn’t managed to let go to spring yet, but the mountains claimed all the snow, so things were warmer too. Still, the campfire felt good at my back.

“So, what’s been bothering you?” She finally asked. I could feel her eyes turn towards my face. “You’ve been silent all day.”

“I’m usually silent.”

“Well, yes, but you haven’t yelled at any of us all day.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“Just thinking,” I replied. How was I supposed to start that conversation anyway?

“Anything in particular or just random death and gloom?”

I glanced over at her. “Is that what is usually on my mind?”

“I wouldn’t know. You rarely talk about it. But you’ve had this impassive face on all day, like your afraid some emotion you don’t want to face will leak out.”

“Oh, so you can read me now?”

She made a snort. “I wish. It would make life easier.”

I laughed at that. “Figuring me out? How would that make your life any easier?”

She shot me a look I couldn’t read in the dark. “It just would.”

I nodded, not really feeling the need to push her any farther. Reading her had made my life easier, but there were some things I still didn’t understand.

“Kristalyn, why did you come with me?”

I felt her eyes search for mine, before she turned away. “That’s a random question.”

“No. You know what I’ve done and who I am, but you stay. You help. Why?”

She didn’t answer, so I supplied the two I could think of and left off the one I didn’t want to think of.

“Misguided loyalty or guilt?”

“Why do you think that?” Her voice held thoughtful consideration.

“Loyalty to Deus to convert me or guilt because you think you’ve used me for my skills and need to repay the debt, though in fairness I once did the same to you.” I kept my voice low.

“I remember.”

“Is that why then?” I asked.

“I think you’ve twisted it around a bit, but those and others. I promised I’d help you. I’m not going to go back on my word.”

“Why would you promise something so foolish to me?”

She hugged her knees tighter. “What do you mean?”

“I almost killed your brother. I have killed countless others. You owe me nothing,” I spit the words out as if they were poison. They felt like it. And she didn’t know all of it.

“Don’t I? You let my brother live. In the time I’ve been with you, you’ve changed a great deal. Do you know the largest difference between you and my brother, Aiden?” She didn’t wait for me to answer. “You walked away from Deus. You decided He was the enemy and you turned your back on Him as far as you could go. You fostered this huge hatred for Him and for anyone that opposed you. But even though you were through with Him, He wasn’t through with you.”

I could not deny her logic. I had seen it myself. No matter how far I ran, or what I did, He seemed intent on pursuing me. I was tired of running, I knew that. But I wasn’t so sure I was ready to surrender the fight. “Why does he care about what I do now? He didn’t care about my family when Duard was torturing us.”

“You already know that’s not true. He did care. Duard chose his own path of his own free will. Deus turned that path around for his own accomplishments. One of which is you.”

“Me? What does he want with me? Why won’t he just let me go?”

Kristalyn laughed, her voice carrying the merry sound out across the stillness of the plain. “Because, despite all you’ve done, Aiden, Deus still loves you and He still wants you to follow the path He chose for you. He wants to make you worthy.”

I swung around to look at her. She couldn’t have come to realized what I hadn’t said to her before. I would have seen it in her eyes. “Worthy of what?”

She laughed again. “Anything,” she repeated my answer from the cabin. “Whatever it is He has planned for you. I’ve seen your capacity for hate and rage, but I’ve also seen the love you have for your family, despite your best intents to push it aside. You told me to stay away from your heart, Aiden, and you wanted to keep it away from yourself. But you can never hide your heart from Deus. He knows it all.”

“Everything I’ve done,” I expanded her thought.

She nodded her head, the firelight from behind us backlighting her features. “Yes, everything.”

“Then why chase me? He should know I’m not worth it.”

“Aiden, haven’t you been listening to me? He knows He can make you worthy. All you have to do is ask His forgiveness for all of those actions, even the thoughts. He’ll forgive you for each one and take them away. Make you clean from them. That’s His mercy.”

“Forgiveness.” That was what He had told me to ask them about. I take the unworthy and I make them worthy. I can do all things. Through Me, nothing is impossible – even forgiveness. “I don’t… Why would He forgive me? Why would anyone?”

“I did,” her answer was quiet.

“Is that why you can stand to stay with me?” I had to force out the question.

She turned to me and I could feel her gaze. “You listen to me, Aiden Romany. I want to be with you. I want to help you. No one is forcing me to do this. It’s not my place to judge you on any of your past actions. And for those that you’ve done to me, you made it easy for me to forgive. You spared my brother’s life and you’ve cared for me.”

“Cared for you?” My voice rose as I looked at her startled. Cared for her? How?

“You spawn it off as other things.” She shrugged. “But you helped me save my country, you talk to me as you don’t anyone else, you understand me like no one else can, you’ve even helped Kurioden. All of those are caring actions. They come from the heart you don’t want to possess. But it’s still there. There’s only one thing that’s stopping you from being everything Deus wants you to be, Aiden, from being worthy.”

I wanted to scoff and act as if her answer didn’t matter, but I couldn’t anymore, because it did and we both knew it. “And that is?”

“The path you walk now. You can’t forgive what Duard did to you and your family and that leads you to revenge. If you want that peace and forgiveness from Deus, Aiden, then you have to forgive Duard and yourself.”

Forgive Duard? What good would that do? Save my soul and keep my family forever separated? That would just be one more betrayal to them. Once more, I would be taking the easy way out. Duard had chosen his path and it led to us being separated, the only thing that could right that path was forcing him off of it and that was only going to happen in one way. He had to go. He had to be stopped. I would not betray my family again. I would be strong enough.

“I can’t. Duard has to be stopped,” I stated firmly.

“Let Deus stop him.”

I did laugh at that. “Yeah, he’s done a good job of that so far, hasn’t he?”

“There are other ways to stop Duard besides revenge, Aiden,” her voice was tired now.

This had become an old argument. She simply didn’t understand. “Not Duard. Ricald had to be killed. Duard is much worse. As long as he lives, my family is in danger. And Arnan needs a safe place to live. Duard has to go and I’m the only one who can stop him.”

She shook her head, her voice low and sorrowful. “You’re wrong, Aiden. Deus strength is much greater than yours. You can’t even comprehend it. You might not need any of the rest of us, but if you really want to be strong enough, He’s your only chance.”

“Then I have none.”

“Now you’re starting to get it. Your strong, Aiden, and brave, but if you want to stop Duard you need Deus.”

“He requires too much,” I replied, shaking my head no.

“What do you mean?” She looked at me curiously.

I barked a laugh. “You forget I’ve been watching you too, Kristalyn. I know what your so called god has asked of you. I’ve seen what you’ve gone though and had to give up. He wants your total devotion to him. Nothing else can be before him, not even your family. I won’t to that to my family. They will come first. Everything I’ve done has been for them. I won’t betray them yet again.”

“And if they lose you in the process? Your revenge will tear you apart and it might even kill you and for what? So your family can come back to a forest home that holds all their memories of the brother they use to know? Let Deus help you, let Him guide you through this. He’ll forgive you of everything you’ve ever done, Aiden, and he’ll help you forgive Duard and yourself. All you have to do is ask him. Why do you have to be so stubborn?”

I stood and gave her a cocky smile that she probably couldn’t see and I didn’t feel. “Because that’s all I know how to be. If Deus wants me to walk His path, He’ll have to work harder to convince me. I don’t mind what He has to offer, if it’s true, but I won’t pay the price of my family.”

“Then I’ll just have to keep praying. If you really want to save your family, Aiden, you have to be able to really love and you can’t do that until you can forgive.”

Her voice floated to me as I moved back to my bedding next to Travon’s. The youth was still asleep, waiting his turn as the final guard for the long night. I lay down next to him, but my mind refused to be quieted so easily.

Was I even capable of love? Did I really want to love? Hadn’t I already determined that was a bad thing? Yes, it was, for now. But what about after? Who or what was I going to be when the dust settled and Duard was dead? Would I recognize the person? Would any of my siblings? Or would I become the person they now feared? The thought ripped through me, tearing my stomach to shreds and turning my thoughts against me.

Was Deus the answer? Could he change me enough so that my siblings wouldn’t reject me? Even if he could, his requirements were still too high. And what if he required me to let Duard live? Could I deal with that?

Trust me, Aiden.

Prove to me that I can. I responded to the voice of Deus and I had my decision.

No. No, Duard had to die or my family would not be able to safely come home. I could think of thousands of different angles, but no matter what Deus thought he could do, the answer always remained the same. If I were ever to take Deus’ path, it would have to be after I dealt with Duard. And at that point, I didn’t see much of a reason too.

***

2008-08-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 36 ~ THE WHY

Hi All!
I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. It will be hard for me to walk away from Aiden as well and I'll be sad when his final sentence is written. Although, for me the story will last much longer as I still have to edit and rewrite. Still, it's always hard to say goodbye to a character, but Aiden is in many ways my inner character. Aiden has gone through more of my own struggles, especially with Deus, than any other character I've every written. And that will be hard to give up as well. Saying that though, I'm dying to start writing my Liberty Series and I've vowed not to start until Aiden is finished his first draft. So, I'm also anxious to get him done.
Katie, I think we've been writing these for around two years now. Wow, that seems odd. As for Travon, I don't believe I ever mention an exact age for him and its not ever in my notes, but I believe he is around 16 and 17 during the course of the story. Hopefully, he sounds that way!
And now, faithful readers, your weekly fix of Aiden... um, well, in this case it might be Kristalyn, but hey, he's there too! At any rate, the length of this one should make up for the length of the last one!

CHAPTER 36 ~ THE WHY

KRISTALYN

A knock on the door forced me out of bed. I had been enjoying the extra rest of late, if that is what one would call it. I had been imagining what a reunion with Tray might look like. The thoughts made me equally happy and sad.

I opened the door to find a highly agitated Aiden and something else. There was something in his eyes, something different.

“What’s wrong? Are all the animals okay? Are you?” I asked in a rush.

“Get your things together. We’re leaving,” he said, before turning to knock on Travon’s door.

“What?” I asked in shock as Travon opened his door.

Aiden repeated his instructions then moved down to his own room, opening the door, and entering. Travon and I looked at each other in surprise, before we quickly followed him.

“Aiden! What is going on? What happened?”

He was already packing his few things.

“Wren’s falcon came back. Arnan is not here.”

“Okay…” I said slowly, assimilating the news. I crossed to his bed and sat down. Travon leaned against the door frame to watch and listen. “So, where is he?”

“Wren didn’t say.”

The short answers weren’t getting me anywhere very fast.

“Aiden!”

He stopped to look up at me.

“Slow down and explain. Please,” I added as an after thought.

“Arnan didn’t kill the king and queen, but many believe he has. He is safe for now, but perhaps not much longer. Wren set out the trail we followed as a false lead.” Here he did slow down.

He stopped altogether and crossed over to me. He was towering above me and I had to strain to look up at him. I was shocked when he lowered himself down to be at my level. Something was wrong.

“Kristalyn, Arnan needs a safe place to go too and the only one I can think of is Braedoch Forest. I have to face Duard. I have to go back.” His voice was low and firm. He had thought this through at least somewhat. Whatever the process had been, he was determined.

“Oh,” was all I could think of to say. He was heading home.

“We need to leave right away. Unless, you aren’t coming with me.”

I couldn’t move. I needed more time. I couldn’t answer that. Could I? This wasn’t the plan! This wasn’t what I had agreed too. What was going on?

Aiden’s gaze had not left mine and I could tell he saw emotions soaring through them, but I couldn’t stop them or him from seeing them. A small smile graced his face, but it was almost an understanding one. Before I could process that he turned and stood, suddenly freeing me from the grasp he had somehow held over me.

“What about you, Travon? Do you still want to travel with me?”

Travon straightened from the doorway. “I said I’d come with you and I will. I don’t care where that is.”

Aiden nodded. “Good. Get your things then.”

Travon grinned and disappeared. Aiden glanced at me and then went back to his packing.

“Why the change, Aiden? You’ve always said you still needed more training. Why are you suddenly ready?” I finally found my voice. I still needed answers and I couldn’t answer his question without them.

“I have to be. Arnan needs a safe place, so does my family. This has always been my purpose. It’s time I finished what I set out to do,” his voice was low and held no hint of hesitation.

He had changed. Something on that mountain had changed and it wasn’t just his sudden decision. I had seen it earlier in his eyes. He was different, confident. But I still didn’t understand why. Was it simply because he decided he had to be or was there something more? What wasn’t he telling me?

I decided to ask. “What aren’t you telling me, Aiden? What else happened on that mountain?”

He glanced at me. “Why does it have to be more? Whether or not I am ready to met Duard’s challenge, I have waited too long. My siblings have been separated for almost three years. I can’t let them suffer because of me anymore.”

“You still think the split was your fault? Duard did this, Aiden, not you!” Why couldn’t he see that?

Aiden turned to face me. “Did he or did Deus let it happen?”

“Deus?” It was the first time he had ever mentioned Deus’ name before me, but what was more astonishing was that I did not hear the usual animosity in his voice. Had Deus made the change in Aiden? I took a breath. “You know Deus let’s us choose our own paths with their own consequences.”

“Do I? So, if this is my path, why do you still question me?” Aiden asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I question the motives of the path you have chosen,” I stated carefully. He had been listening. He wasn’t totally correct in his logic, but it was there none the less. Could he truly be acknowledging Deus existence?

“Motives? Is protecting my family a wrong motive?”

“No! Of course not, but is that your only motive or what you are using to cover the truth?” I couldn’t back down, not now.

“Kristalyn! I am not discussing this with you right now! I am leaving to face Duard. I will conquer him and I will bring my family back. It is a long trip and I do not know how long it will take.” He paused to take a breath then locked his eyes back on mine. “Will you come with me, Kristalyn, or will you return to your home and brother?”

I wanted to answer! I wanted to say something. But I could only sit there, my heart beating with emotions I could not define. He almost sounded as if he wanted me to be with him. And still I could not answer.

He turned and slowly put a length of rope in his pack. He was giving me time.

The plan was not to go back to the forest! It was so far away and no one knew the amount of time it would take or what we would find when we arrived. I had thought to help him only find his brother, Arnan. In truth, I thought our trip would end here in Cequelet. If I continued with him, I would be going over the rest of the mountain range and into a foreign land I did not know. It would be months before I might return. I would not see Tray or my mother in all that time. He already believed me to be keeping secrets from him. I was. How could I hurt him even more? What if the secret I kept and time were too much? Would I damage our relationship beyond repair? Regardless, I had no desire to wait a large amount of unknown time before I saw him again. And yet… and yet I did. Not to stay away from him, but to be with Aiden.

He was rearranging his things now, waiting for me. Despite his desire to start off quickly, he was waiting for my decision. I owed him that… and so much more.

When I had left Aerilya, it was with a mission. That mission had not yet been completed. There was no way around it, no way to pretend that fact did not exist. I had come because I had a duty to help Aiden, to give back to him some of the help and time he had given to me, to help him find his brother. I had not done that. Aiden knew Arnan was in danger, but he still didn’t know where and he had come up with the only plan he could to protect his younger brother. He was going to go back and fight for a place his brother could be safe at. Was that not the point of the mission? To not only find his brother, but to keep him safe? How then could I leave before it was accomplished?

Only it wasn’t that simple. It never was. Tray was counting on me to come home, not travel across unknown lands. If something should go wrong, I might never see my brother again. Did I have the right to decide that?

I shook my head, disgusted with myself, even that was not my real problem. Despite how much it hurt, leaving Tray was still an excuse. My problem was much larger than that. I had known when I left that I was truly in danger of Aiden. If I stayed with him longer than I first thought, could I keep my heart away from his? This was a much longer trip and each day I was with him was one more day I struggled to stay away.

I had seen Aiden changing so slightly. He had been listening to our conversations about Deus. Now, he came close to admitting he at least acknowledged His existence. But what if that was it? I would be lost to him and him to me, just as effectively. Would I be able to return to my home knowing my heart remained with him?

There was the other side as well. My mission had been two fold and neither was complete. He might acknowledge Deus, but he had a very long way to go to accepting him. The path he continued to follow was proof of this. Deus had asked me to help show Aiden Himself and to help Aiden save his brother, I had not completed either of those two things.

There was a chance my feelings would take a free fall if I stayed around Aiden and while I hated not seeing Tray, I could not escape the fact that I had not done what Deus had asked of me I had set out with a clear set of goals and I had not yet completed them. It wasn’t something I was used too. Could I really stop now?

Deus, guide my thoughts and my heart. I have no wish to leave this man’s side. Please, help me to make a wise decision.

I received no clear answer, but a peace settled on my widely moving thoughts and emotions. Whatever my decision, it would be right.

Aiden picked up his pack and placed it on the table, his back towards me. I watched him, until he finally spoke. “Kristalyn?”

“I’m here,” I whispered.

“Have you decided?”

“No,” I answered slowly.

“I can no longer stall. Is it really that hard of a decision?” His voice drifted back to me. I heard my own emotions inside it.

“It shouldn’t be, I guess,” I answered quietly.

“Then what stops you?”

“Aiden, what do you want from me?” I asked, my heart breaking at the pain I heard in his voice.

“Nothing. I have never wanted anything from you.”

I stood and took a step towards him. “That’s not true, Aiden. Once you sought me for my connection to the Hunter and then for the skills I possessed. But all that is behind us.”

“Why follow me then?”

“I told you. Someone had to look out for you.” I smiled.

“You don’t think Deus will?”

The question surprised me and I felt my heart leap that he would care about such a question.

“Deus has guided you for a long time now, Aiden. With or without your permission.”

“That’s what Wren said.” His voice was almost so low, I didn’t hear it.

“What did your sister write you?”

He was silent for a moment, before quoting, “‘Beware Deus’ plans might bring you peace despite your best effort.’”

“She sounds like a wise woman.”

“She is.”

“Do you believe her then?” I asked, scarcely believing we were having this conversation.

“I believe she believes it. I do not know.”

“The way of peace and revenge are not the same,” I whispered.

“No, but one can come from the other,” he pointed out.

“Only revenge comes from revenge. Peace is taking a different path.”

“I do not know that path,” Aiden admitted.

I stepped forward again and placed my hand on his shoulder. I felt it give ever so slightly under me.

“Then find it, Aiden.”

“I do not know that I want too.”

“What do you want?” I asked, softly wishing I could see his face and eyes.

“To protect my family and stop Duard’s evil.” The hardness in his voice was back. With the restatement of his purpose, his fire had returned.

“There are more ways to accomplish that then the way you now seek.”

“But I know my way. I am comfortable with it and I can win.”

“Then let Deus show you a different path.” I kept the pleading note out of my voice, but just barely.

Aiden turned and his eyes met mine for the first time. Inside their shale blue depths was a storm I had never seen before. He was fighting a different battle now. Deus had gained headway, but the enemy’s grip was strong.

“I can’t believe he cares.” Though the emotion was strong in his eyes, his voice was impassive.

“He does, Aiden. He wants to prove that to you.”

“By taking you away too?”

My breath caught and my decision was made.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

***

Two weeks of traveling together and we could hardly speak to each other, though it had nothing to do with not wanting too. Three days ago the storm had hit, the weather had been bad before that, but it was nothing compared to this. The high winds forced us to move slowly and deep into the mountain range. The snow swirled in hard blankets around us and refused to slow for even a moment. Aiden had taken out his rope and had tied the leads of our horses together, then taken a second one and tied Kurioden to Magnar. The griffin had been grounded with the storm swirling overhead. Egan had taken shelter inside his pouch, which I had placed inside my coat for extra protection, but the dragon was still miserable, as were we all. Despite all attempts, we had not met with a place large enough to house all of us warmly and so, had been forced to continue on.

We had been told there was a village about two week away from Cequelet, but we had yet to encounter it, we hoped by continuing on we would get to it soon, but that hope diminished with each passing moment. I prayed we had not yet passed it without seeing it. Unfortunately, we were not sure what was after that village. We had thought to restock there and now food was running low, because we had no opportunity to hunt. Of course, I couldn’t see Travon traveling in front of me though the white blindness, so there was no way to see any potential food either.

Suddenly, Aiden appeared at my side. “I think I found a place for the moment. Come on!” He walked ahead and I felt the horse’s reigns tug slightly. He was leading my horse.

Up ahead, I saw Travon’s black shape form. We were closer now and Aiden let go of my horse to get around Travon. He paused to say something then disappeared. Soon, Travon started to move and I followed silently, keeping my head ducked low to keep the wind out.

Finally, Travon turned silently and we entered a cave of sorts. I shook my head and watched the snow fall from around my hood, before pulling it off and looking around. Aiden was at my side and me motioned for the pack. I handed Egan to him, who clacked loudly about being in the hands of someone so ignorant.

“Hush, Egan,” I said tiredly, climbing off my horse and moving him further inside to give Magnar and Kurioden room to get in.

The two animals tromped in slowly and I raced quickly to Kurioden’s side. He was covered in snow and his exposed skin was chaffed and bleeding. Quickly, I tried to brush off the snow, but much of it was frozen fast to his fur. I gave him a hug.

“I’m so sorry about this, Kurio.”

The black panther licked him face slowly and then hung his head.

“We don’t have anything to keep a fire going,” Travon lamented.

“No, but at least we are out of the wind for a bit,” Aiden said, depositing Egan on the floor.

“Aiden, we can’t stay here long. We’ll freeze.” I said, looking up to him.

He nodded slowly. “I know, Kristalyn. But at least we can be out of the wind. We’ll huddle together until most of this snow melts from us and then we’ll have to head out again.”

“To where? Do we know where we’re going in this stuff?” Travon questioned, his voice young and hopeless.

“To where I never have to see snow again,” Aiden responded, but then added, “I hope.”

I unrolled a blanket from on of the horses and carefully moved it up and down the animals body. “Help me, Travon. We have to get the horses warmed first. Move them close together.”

Travon shot me a look. “They can’t get any closer.”

Travon was right. The cave almost didn’t fit all of us, but I wasn’t going to complain at the moment.

“Help me anyway. Aiden, if we sleep all together with the animals, do you think it would be safe?” I asked, concentrating on my task.

I felt Aiden’s eyes on me, though I couldn’t see him. “I don’t think we have much of a choice. I’m worried about the snow getting to high and blocking us in. So, I’m going to stay awake. But if you and Travon each sleep on a side of Magnar, you should be able to stay pretty warm. I’ll keep Kurioden with me.”

I turned to look at him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, hurry up with the horses and get some sleep. Kurioden, come here and I’ll dry you off.”

The large cat gave me a look of slight confusion, one I shared, but he went to Aiden, who began to rub him down. In a few moments, we had finished and Travon and I had curled up next to Magnar. Our exhausted bodies didn’t take long to fall asleep.

When I awoke, it was to find Aiden and Kurioden sleeping together and the wind outside only slightly calmer than the night before.

Oh, Deus. We could really use a break in this storm. We aren’t going to last much longer, if we have to keep fighting it.

I turned and headed back into the cave to pull out some breakfast, though the meager amount of food couldn’t really be called that. A few moments later, everyone was awake and had eaten.

“Are you ready to head back out?” Aiden asked calmly.

Travon stuck out his tongue. “Do we have too?”

“We can’t stay here. We’ll freeze before too long and we have at least a slim chance of getting food out there and finding better shelter,” Aiden replied.

“Yeah, because that’s worked so far,” Travon muttered, but he rose to ready the horses.

Aiden turned and calling Kurioden too him, pulled something over to him from the side of the cave.

“What’s that?” I asked, curiously.

Aiden shrugged. “Something I made for Kurioden.”

“Something you made…” my voice trailed off as I watched in wonder.

Aiden pulled out four strips of leather and tied one around each of Kurioden’s legs, covering them fully. Then he placed four shoe-like bags over each of his paws. Finally, he placed a large piece over his back and tied it under his belly.

“What?” I asked, when I finally found my voice.

Aiden rechecked all his adjustments and didn’t look at me when he replied. “Kurioden shouldn’t be in weather like this, so I’m hoping this will help keep him warm.”

“When did you come up with this?”

“I bought the supplies back in that first village before the mountains. I should have made it sooner, but he didn’t need it at first and then it took longer than I thought. Sorry about that, Kurio,” Aiden apologized to the panther, who gave him a giant lick on his face.

He had spent thought and time on Kurioden? When did he start caring about my panther? And since when did he call Kurioden by his nickname?

Aiden stood and glanced at me.

“What? It isn’t that big of a deal.”

“Yes, it is. Thank you,” I responded still surprised at this newest change in attitude.

Aiden nodded and turned immediately, to see Travon and Egan watching the end of the exchange. “Let’s get moving then.”

He took out the rope again, and after everyone was properly bundled, tied us together again. We were facing the snow and wind again shortly after, but my mind was still on Aiden and the look on his face when he had been ‘caught’ helping my panther. It had been such a change and my heart had leapt at the caring act. Once again, Aiden proved his heart beat for those he cared about. Could I be one of them? Everything in me wished it was so, despite the trouble I knew it would cause me in the end. I hated admitting it. I cared for Aiden and I wanted him to care for me.

***

We stopped twice more for the night, before we finally found the salvation I had been praying for. Travon spotted it first. In the snow, Aiden had passed right by it. Thankfully, the wind died enough that when Travon passed, it could be clearly seen. His yell brought everyone to a halt.

Carefully, he dismounted and made his way towards the small building as I pulled up along side his horse and Aiden made his way back to us. The back of the cabin was built directly into the mountain. Travon knocked on the door and then pushed it open. Shortly he reappeared.

“It’s empty!”

Aiden reached up and I handed him Egan before climbing down myself.

“Watch the horses for a second,” he called, placing the dragon’s pack over his own shoulder and heading after Travon. I quickly gathered the rains for the three horses and waited as Magnar and Kurioden caught up.

“We might have a place to stay.” I informed them.

“Good,” Magnar responded shortly and Kurioden just kept his eyes on the door.

Aiden appeared at the door. “Come on, it goes back far enough we can get even the horses in.”

I tugged on their reigns and led them to the cabin door. Aiden and I coached them inside, though they needed little encouragement to get out of the harsh wind. After Magnar and Kurioden were safely inside, I stepped into the cabin myself.

It was very primitive, but warm compared to outside. There was a bunk on the left wall with a shelf above it. The rear wall was all rock and the three horses were over by it. A fireplace was on the right wall, right before the mountain walls started to take over. A table with no chairs stood in the center of the room, but it was the site of all the firewood piled against the back wall that was the most encouraging.

“Heat!” Travon exclaimed, obviously happy about that part too.

“Let’s start a fire,” I agreed.

Travon gladly jumped too it, while I turned to Aiden.

“Thank Deus for this find,” I said softly.

Aiden nodded absently and I wondered if he knew what he had agreed too.

“Aiden?”

“We have heat now, but what about food?” Aiden’s eyes met mine. “Ours isn’t going to last much longer, Kristalyn. And we may be here a while. I don’t want to leave here until the winter has settled.”

I nodded. “This is the best shelter we’ve found so far.”

“And we don’t know where that village is or the next one might be.”

“So, we have shelter, but no food,” I said quietly.

“Pray to your Deus, Kristalyn. We’re going to need help.”

“He’s your Deus too, Aiden.” I replied, watching for his reaction and wanting him to admit to it.

He gazed at me for a moment. “Not yet.”

He didn’t have to say more. I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his tone of voice. He was telling me he was still changing and Deus was making headway, but slowly. It was a victory, yet was it enough? When would Aiden realize his motives were making his path wrong? Would that come too late? Only Deus knew and I could only pray.

***

“I’m starving!” Travon whined louder this time.

I sighed loudly. This was nothing new. We had been holed up in the cabin for almost a week now. Our food was almost out. We had been rationing it past what it should have been. Somehow, Deus had made it last this long. Aiden and Magnar had ventured out only a few times to try to find the village or food. The village had been totally unsuccessful, but twice they had come back with some meat that had kept us from starving. We had also found some rather old food preserved in a small space in the back rock wall and had made use of that as well. However, in my mind, this wasn’t the worst part of our situation. No, by far, the worst thing was that were we are stuck together in a one room space with no escape from each other. Aiden was going insane and the rest of us weren’t far behind him.

“Travon, if you say that one more time I swear I’m not responsible for what happens to you!”

“Death is better than this!” Travon exclaimed.

Aiden turned to him, eyes sparking. “That can be arranged!”

“Hey!” The youth protested.

“Aiden, will you please quite getting him worked up. There is not enough room in here for your fighting ego,” I said wearily, laying back against the wall.

“My what?” Aiden turned to stare at me.

“Oh, you heard me,” I muttered.

Cretan. Egan clacked from his perch on the shelf he had long ago claimed s his own, after unceremoniously dumping everything else off of it.

“He is not and you’re not helping,” I stated, shooting the dragon a glare.

“What did the loud mouth say this time?” Aiden demanded.

“That he is in total love with you,” I answered, not going to give the two of them any more fodder to use against each other. They had been at it since we had entered the cave and I seriously wished Deus would grant one of them muteness for a good long while. The only thing that kept the sanity was that Aiden couldn’t understand everything the dragon clacked at him.

“He’s calling me names again, isn’t he?” Aiden glared at the lithe dragon.

“What does it matter?” I asked. “You’re the person, he’s the dragon. Grow up, Aiden. Please!”

“That’s right, he’s the dragon,” Aiden’s voice took on a tone I defiantly did not like.

I sat up quickly and looked at the man who was staring at Egan with a new look in his eye. The dragon stared back, his scales turning black, and tail flicking ominously.

“Travon, you still starving?” Aiden asked, conversationally.

“Yeah!” The youth’s eyes lit up. “What can we eat?”

“How about some dragon?” Aiden asked, pulling out his knife as he spoke.

“Aiden!” I called warningly, but he ignored me.

Egan jumped up and started flapping his wings hovering over the shelf.

Ignorant. Fool. Stop. Blast you! Poison you!

“Knock it off both of you! Egan, you will do no such thing!” I said, getting to my feet.

“Aiden! I don’t want to eat Egan,” Travon put in, shaking his head at the whole thing.

Deserves! Pain! Care more him! I not!

“You are being foolish! I do not care more about Aiden than I do you and I won’t let him eat you! Now stop this you two!” I stepped in-between the two would be combatants.

Aiden glanced at me. “Are you sure about that?” His voice was quiet.

“That I won’t let you eat him? Yes!” I exclaimed.

Aiden’s mouth twitched into an amused smile. “No, that you care more about him than me.”

I looked at him in surprise for a moment. What was he thinking? And why was he badgering me about it? How much had he figured out?

“You really want to discuss this now?” I asked, suppressing my initial reaction to just punch him.

He shrugged. “Why not, you won’t let me eat the pipsqueak.”

Egan clacked angrily. His scales changed color rapidly and he sprang into the middle of the room, slashing his tail lethally.

“Egan, no!” I yelled, but it was two late.

His poison tail clipped Aiden on the arm, creating a deep gash. Aiden reacted quickly, throwing his knife to block any further attempt. The knife missed the dragon by a mere inch, but managed to cut through his leather wing, creating a large rip. The dragon screamed in agony and raced by for the shelf. Once he landed, he pulled his wing into his body and stated angrily shouting about rogue barbarians who didn’t have manners and should be killed on site.

“Egan, shut your trap!” I commanded harshly. The dragon obeyed, but not happily. “Travon, see to Egan’s wing. There’s supplies in my pouch, after you take some out bring the rest here, quickly.”

Aiden had collapsed to the ground sometime during Egan’s panicked flight back to the shelf. I knelt beside him and gently took his arm into my hands. His heavy breathing caused my heart to tighten. He was suffering. Aiden had been hit by Egan’s spikes once before, but it had not been to this extent than and the poison was easily gotten rid of. This time, the gash was much deeper and it was already festering.

“Travon! I need those supplies!” I called harshly.

Within seconds they were beside me along with Travon’s worried face.

“Is he gonna be okay? Is he, Kristalyn?”

“He’ll be fine,” I answered, trying to keep the calm in my voice and the worry out. “Take care of Egan, so I can handle this.”

The boy nodded and disappeared, but only to have Magnar take his place. The large griffin put his head next to Aiden’s and whimpered.

“Magnar, if you want to help get behind him and let him lean against you,” I admonished, already searching in my bag for the herbs that would counteract the poison. Tancred and I always carried them on us for just such a reason. The griffin moved obligingly and I heaved a sigh of relief when I found the carefully packed herbs. Unraveling them, I took out the small leaves and crushing them in my hands, sprinkled them directly over the open wound.

“Kurioden, I need the water flask.”

The panther moved from his position of over-watching Travon to get the flask and drop it in my lap. I nodded my thanks and put more crushed leaves into it. Carefully, I moved Aiden’s arm back onto his on chest and moved towards his head.

“Aiden, you need to drink this.”

He immediately opened his mouth and that too had me worried. He was too weak to put up arguments. He opened his eyes and looked at me when he had finished half of the flask.

“Don’t look so worried,” he commented softly.

Magnar instantly rubbed his head against Aiden’s on hearing his voice.

“I’m okay,” Aiden whispered to his friend.

“Egan got you pretty badly. Why did you provoke him like that?” I asked, ignoring his comment. Instead, I began to wrap his arm with the cloths I had brought.

“Too serious in here. Everyone’s worried,” Aiden replied, though it came slowly.

I looked up at him in shock. “You purposely did it just to get a reaction? Aiden, that was far from smart.”

“We needed a distraction. It worked.” I think he would have shrugged carelessly if he could have.

I shook my head at him. “You know Egan hates anyone insulting his pride. Pipsqueak?”

“Well, I didn’t know he’d do that,” Aiden admitted.

My mood darkened. “Neither did I. If I didn’t have the herbs with me, he could have killed you.”

“Would that have upset you?” Aiden asked.

If he could tease me, he was feeling better, but when I looked into his eyes, I saw no intent to tease, only an honest curiosity.

I swallowed. “Of course.”

“Why?”

I laughed, but it was nervous. “After all the work I put into you? It would be a shame to lose all that.”

He didn’t reply, but his eyes told me he was reading something quite different than that answer in my own eyes. I hated that he could read me so well, it really wasn’t fair. Especially now, when my heart was filled with fear and worry over him and I probably wasn’t hiding that fact very well.

“Besides,” I diverted, “you still have questions you have to answer.”

“Oh?” He asked, closing his eyes.

I frowned. He was still too weak. “Open you mouth,” I instructed. He gave me a look, but did so and I placed some of the herbs under his tongue and then gave him another small drink. “Yes, like why you suddenly decided to not kill my brother.” His eyes opened again to look at me. I took out another piece of cloth and wetting it, used it to gently wipe his face. “I know it wasn’t because of me, but you’ve always refused to tell me why.”

He leaned his face into my hand, startling me. “Is it really that important to you?”

“Yes,” I answered simply, trying not to focus on his every feature. Man, he was good looking.

“Why?”

Why could he never just answer things?

“Because whatever happened between the two of you changed you and I want to know why.”

“Why?”

What was he two? Couldn’t he just answer? No, he was playing games with me, just as he use too. Instead of making me upset, the thought actually made me feel good. It was more familiar then the pain I saw him in now.

“You could just make this easy and answer my question, Aiden.” He smiled underneath the cloth I still rubbed against his face. I sighed. If I wanted answers, I was going to have to give them too. “I want to know because I care. My brother is still alive because of your actions or non-actions, in this case and that’s important to me.”

“Because of him?” Aiden lifted his hand and stilled my movements, his eyes catching mine.

What did he want me to admit? That I cared about him? I had almost said it out loud before and he had stopped me. He knew the answer to this question, I was sure of it, though I wasn’t sure he realized that my feelings had grown since then, just as I had been afraid they would. But why push me? Why did he suddenly want me to say it out loud? He didn’t feel the same way… he couldn’t. It would make things so much worse. I wasn’t even sure he was capable yet of feeling… whatever it was I felt.

“Kristalyn?” He voice gently called my name.

“Because I care about you,” I blurted. “I care about you and what happens to you.” My eyes widened as I said it out loud, at the same time wondering why I had, but his only softened and he nodded, releasing my hand.

“I let him go because in that moment, we were the same.” His answer came out softly and I almost didn’t hear it.

“The same? How?” I questioned, my voice matching his level. Without thinking, I caught his hand in mine again.

I felt his fingers squeeze mine, before releasing.

“The Hunter is almost my equal in everything, except the side we fight on.” He turned his head, so that he was no longer looking at me and his words were so soft no one else could have heard them. They were filled with self-reproach. “He fights for something he believes in, for his people. I fight for myself.”

“For your family,” I corrected gently.

“No. For myself. To make myself stronger. They were so far back in the reaches of my mind I forgot about them more that I remembered. He fights with an inner virtue. I have no such guide. Yet if I had grown up differently, I might have been who he is now. I too might have been worthy.”

“Worthy? Worthy of what?” My heart beat with each word he spoke.

He turned and caught me in his gaze. “Anything.”

“What do you mean?” I breathed. He was telling me ‘anything,’ but that wasn’t what he meant. Somehow, we had left the conversation from before and a new one was taking place, but he was purposefully keeping me on the outside, not telling me the whole truth. Everything in me yearned to know exactly what he was trying to tell me.

“Just what I said. I betrayed my family and everything my parents once believed. I’m not worthy of any good that comes from anything I do. I can only do things for their sakes and hope my path will somehow be enough for their good. That’s all I have left now.” He paused and seemed to re-gather his thoughts. “Duard and Ricald, they are the same too. They hold the same actions and hate for us. They treated us the same, taking everything from us, but your brother took the noble path and I the dark one. That moment before I let him go, I saw myself, who I could have been. I didn’t let your brother live, Kristalyn, I let who I might have been live.”

“Aiden…” but I could say nothing more.

He squeezed my hand and closed his eyes once more, this time falling into the herbs healing sleep.

“Oh, Aiden,” I whispered again.

“Egan’s still mad, but he’ll be fine,” Travon said, coming up behind me. “What about Aiden?”

“Healing now. I’m going to get some rest, Travon. I’ll deal with Egan later. Can you watch Aiden?”

Travon nodded willing and took my place as I walked to the other end of the cabin. Kurioden joined me and sat next to me silently.

“Aiden,” I whispered, as I petted my best friend. “Kurioden, he still has so much pain, so much he is trying to understand. I didn’t know, didn’t think, he would compare himself to Tancred. I wonder what my brother would say about this? I’m not even sure what I think. My heart is so full and confused right now. I want to help him, to make him see he’s changing and he is worthy. I feel like he’s working for some prize, something he thinks is out of his reach and I’m not so sure it’s Duard. His soul is reaching, it’s crying out for Deus to guide him. Why does he still not listen? Does he not realize that that is the biggest difference between him and my brother? Aiden rejected Deus, Tray grew closer to him.

“Deus, my Abba, help Aiden to see you in Tray and my actions. Help him to know You are the difference. I want him to find that hope, Deus, but it comes from You not his own strength. He might feel unworthy, Deus, but the only one who can make him truly worthy of what he seeks is You. Help him, Dues, please help this man I care so much about.”

I did care about him and every time he opened up and let me in just a little more, my feelings grew. To know that he had saved my brother because he felt like Tray was the good version of himself was overwhelming. Did that mean he finally wanted to be that person? If he was, if he would let Deus change him, nothing was impossible. Not even for us.

For the first time I felt a glimmer of hope before exhaustion overwhelmed my senses.

***

2008-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hey All. Thanks for the comments. As you have requested here is CHAPTER 35. It's rather short, but necessary. Hopefully, you will find it fun as it moves Aiden forward to his next step.

CHAPTER 35 ~ A PATH TO FOLLOW

TWO YEARS SEVEN MONTHS

AND FOUR WEEKS AFTER BANISHMENT

AIDEN

The village was more of a fortress than it was the small town I thought it would be. Most of it was built directly into the rocks at the base of three mountains that joined together. The base of the middle mountain seemed to hold a miniature castle and the rocks surrounding it were formed into smaller houses. A rock wall, well over head high, surrounded the exposed part of the village. In its center, were more buildings and although they weren’t attached to the mountains themselves, they too were made mostly of stone. We could see it all from our vantage point on a mountain path across and above from the village. The three of us paused to take in the rather impressive sight.

Magnar, Kurioden, and Egan had found a deep cave that was rather a tight fit with a griffin inside, however, it would protect them all from the whipping wind and their body heat would keep each other warm. They had been left with the last of the food supplies and instructions to hunt out whatever they needed to eat. Judging by the structure of the village, Kristalyn had been right when she had said that we would not be able to escape from the structure without notice. Leaving to often would cause suspicion we wanted to avoid and we defiantly didn’t want to give away the animals position. Still, looking at the stone structure before us, I wouldn’t have minded having Magnar along. It would be difficult, if not impossible to communicate if I needed him, and leaving him with a promise that I would call should I have need, was the only way to get him to agree to stay behind.

“Let me try to get us in, Aiden,” Kristalyn spoke from my side, looking at the fortress herself.

“Why?”

“There will be guards at the gate and we’ll need a good excuse,” she explained calmly.

“What did you come up with that is better than last time?” I asked, with a smirk.

She shot a glare at me, obviously remembering quite well our first time into Ruma’s gate. “We don’t have a lot of contact with these people, however, it is well known that they harbor escaped slaves and they don’t take kindly to people trying to liberate those taking refuge in their walls. I’m hoping news of the war will be of enough interest to get us in.”

“It will look suspicious if a girl is giving the orders,” I commented.

“Not if that girl is the Hunter’s sister,” was the calm reply.

I shrugged. “Have it your way.”

She gave me a curious glance at my reply, but nodded and headed down the path towards the city. Travon glanced at me and followed. It hadn’t been that bad of a response, just one she wouldn’t hear often. I simply hadn’t felt like having meaningless arguments lately, now arguments to get a rise out of her, those were fun.

The two guards at the gate called for us to halt well away from them.

“Who are you? And what is your business in Cequelet?” One called over the distance.

“We have come baring news of the war,” Kristalyn called back, moving her horse to the front.

“Of Elangsia and Aerilya’s war? We have no interest in their affairs!” Came the rapid response.

“But the freed slaves taking refuge here will!” Kristalyn replied calmly.

The guards paused to look at each other. “What news do you bring?” One finally asked.

“I would speak to your Elder,” Kristalyn responded.

“You offer no proof of your mission. We will not allow bounty hunters’ inside our village.” It was not a voice to be argued with.

The news was good for me, however. If Arnan had come here, perhaps they had unwittingly helped to protect him.

“I am no bounty hunter. I have spent my life freeing the slaves you protect. I am the Hunter’s sister,” her voice was bold and full of confidence.

I felt something stir in me as I heard it. Pride?

There was silence as the two debated between them the likelihood of that particular fact. Finally, they turned back towards us. “What news do you bring?”

“The war is over. I will say no more but to you Elder. Call him if you do not wish us inside. But be quick about it.” It rang with royal impatience.

The guards were obviously miffed by the new attitude, but it got results as one headed to the wall and knocked three times, a small rock was slid out of the way and then slide back. In short order, the door was opened slightly and a small elder man with three others, all on horseback, rode out the gate. They stopped within talking distance.

The elder man smiled in a welcoming manner, though his words still spoke of distrust. “You claim to be the Hunter’s sister?”

Kristalyn shook her head. “I do not claim it, I am his sister. And you are?”

“I am Elder Hiram. Have you a name yourself, Sister of the Hunter?”

“Kristalyn is my given name. My companions are Aiden and Travon.” She motioned to us each in turn.

The Elder nodded a greeting. “I am pleased. Now, you said you come baring news of the war? Is it at last over?”

Kristalyn nodded. “Yes. Aerilya is the victor.”

Elder Hiram was silent for a moment. “The victor how? Has the war ended or is only one more pause in its long history?”

“We defeated Elangsia and Queen Brysa now sits on the throne,” Kristalyn finally gave more relevant information.

“Interesting. That would change much for our people. But you did not just come to our fair city during what promises to be a harsh winter to tell us of this news. What else do you seek here, child?” Elder Hiram asked in gentler voice.

“You are wise, Elder. I too have need of information only you can give me, though I fear it may already be too late for my friend. I am hopeful the information I can give you will at least save others from more pain.” Kristalyn’s eyes and voice spoke of a pain only she knew.

It was not my brother that caused her thoughts now. It could only be someone from her own past.

Elder Hiram nodded. “Come, child. We will speak of your news and of my own. Bring your friends, if you will it.”

Kristalyn nodded her thanks and the seven of us proceeded through the now open gates. The village inside was of moderate size and the people inside looked poor and yet more content then most I had seen. They also looked to be warmer. The temperature had been dropping steadily every day and our own warm clothing was not holding up so well. We would have to purchase a few more layers while we were able too.

A small tavern was situated on the outskirts of the center of town and I made a mental note to visit later and see what I could learn. Shops and houses intermingled through the rest of the village and it was easy to tell the place was self-sufficient. Being so secluded would make that a necessity. We received as many wary stares as we did welcoming ones. Obviously, most were confident no one would be allowed in the city who could possibly pose a threat to them, though even the children’s faces held the look of seeing far too much in far too little of time.

We rode directly through the center of the town and straight to the miniature castle, which up close looked more like an over grown house. Three small boys and a girl met us and took our reins.

“We want those back,” Travon muttered to one of the boys.

The boy looked at him with wide eyes, but Elder Hiram laughed, obviously having overheard.

“Do not worry, my boy. You may exit with everything you came. It is up to you if you exit with more.”

“What?” Travon asked, with a very confused look.

“Knowledge, my dear boy. You can always gain more of it, but only if you listen and learn.” Elder Hiram grinned at him. “And that is your lesson for the day. Now come, we have things to discuss!”

He entered the door and led the way down a long stone hall decorated only with rugs hanging on the walls. Someone didn’t know they were supposed to be on the floor, which was oddly bare. None of the archways had doors, so you could see into each room, which seemed to get larger the more we passed. Two of the guards with us split off into the first room. The fourth room was the size of our entire main house in Braedoch Forest if I was remembering right. In the middle of it, was a large table already set and waiting for the food. Elder Hiram motioned for us to sit.

“Now, Lady Kristalyn, tell me of the war beyond our guardian mountains,” he commanded, lacing his fingers together and focusing on her.

“Elangsia and Aerilya met on the field of battle over a month ago now. In the ensuing fight, Elangsia’s king was killed and his daughter, now Queen Brysa, took his place. She and King Jaeger formed a treaty that brought the two countries into peace. One of the conditions was that all slaves be freed and allowed to return to their homes, if so desired. Even now both countries are working to abolish the remnants left over. Your people can return to their homes if they wish.”

Elder Hiram sat back with a whoosh of breath and closed his eyes. He was silent for a moment as he contemplated the changes this would make to the lives of the people in his village. “This is good news you have brought us and yet disturbing just the same,” he said finally.

Why?” Travon asked. I glared at him, but he shrugged and said, “What?”

“It is a fine question, Aiden.” Elder Hiram opened his eyes and looked at the boy. This man didn’t miss much even with his eyes closed! “Many will wish to return home and this will hurt our village’s ability to be sufficient. However, it will bring peace to many who long to see old friends and relatives once again. It will bring large upheaval changes to our society and yet, it is good.”

Travon nodded like he understood, maybe he did. But I was getting anxious for news of Arnan. Ever minute we wasted explaining to this elder about his village’s good problem was more time for Arnan to get into trouble.

“It is a problem that will require much thought, but my people will be pleased to hear it just the same.” Elder Hiram smiled. “Now, Lady, what information do you seek of your friend?”

“His name is Arnan. Has he come through here at all?” Kristalyn let anxiousness seep into her voice. I wasn’t impressed she couldn’t be that anxious for my brother.

“Arnan. Hmmm, I cannot recall hearing the name in recent times. Do you have a last name and a frame of time?” Elder Hiram asked thoughtfully.

Kristalyn looked at me and I nodded slightly. If I wanted the information, I would need to give up more details.

“He is Arnan Romany, but the time frame is harder. It would be anywhere from now through the last year or year and a half.”

He nodded. “It is still not familiar to me, but everyone who passes through here is registered. I would suggest you look into our archives. Mahan can take you there and show you where to look.” He indicated the man standing behind him. “How long do you plan on staying in our city, friends?”

“As long as it takes,” I answered for us all.

He nodded. “You are welcome, but if you plan on staying longer than a week, you must plan on spending the next few months. The weather has been colder this year, even for the mountains and it will not be an unpleasant winter to travel through.”

Kristalyn nodded. “We understand. Thank you for your generosity. Can we seek lodging at the tavern we passed?”

“They do not have many rooms, but I believe they will be able to accommodate you. Thank you for your news and Deus guide in your search.” Elder Hiram stood and then made a slight bow, before exciting the room.

Mahan motioned to the door. “This way, please. Would you like to visit the archives or go to the tavern first?”

Kristalyn and Travon looked at me. We could all use a rest and good food, but the call of being so close to finding Aiden pulled on me more. “I will go to the archives. You two head to the tavern and secure us rooms and food.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Kristalyn said as Travon let out a breath of relief.

I glanced at him. “Don’t stuff yourself.”

“Never. What about our horses?” He asked.

“I can take you to them now. You can stable them behind the tavern and then I will lead Aiden to the archives,” Mahan replied, before leading the way out the door.

***

The archives was far too large of a room in the back of the cool palace. What light there was came from small candles that were incased in glass to keep them from accidently burning what they were not suppose too. It would have been an improvement if they had taken out some of the parchments, like over half. Recording every person to ever enter the city took up more room then anyone should be forced to read. Thankfully, they were at least all labeled and Mahan proved to be helpful in cutting down the amount to go through. Still, it was taking far too long and I was bored.

“I brought you something,” Kristalyn’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see her holding a large plate, heaping with food.

My mouth immediately responded by watering. “Looks great.”

She smiled. “I thought you might enjoy it. How’s it going?”

“I can’t find him and I’m not through half of these records yet. I’m starting to doubt he was here,” I responded discouraged. If Arnan hadn’t been here, I had no idea where to look for him next and how many others were close to trapping him.

“Take a break and eat. I can look for you,” she said, placing the tray on an empty table nearby.

I gladly gave up my seat and started in on the food. Peace reigned for a while as the two kept searching and I filled my vastly empty stomach.

“Where’s Travon?” Eventually I realized he wasn’t around.

“He’s rediscovering the comforts of a bed and exploring.”

“Ah,” I responded, finishing the last of my food and heading back to the table. No one looked up for a very long time.

Hours later, I wasn’t sure if I was furious or just extremely upset. We had been at it for far too long with absolutely no results. Arnan was not mentioned anywhere. If there records were accurate, and by the amount in this room, they hadn’t missed anyone, Arnan had never passed through this village.

I no longer had any idea where he was, the only thing I was sure about was that he was in trouble. Kristalyn had confirmed the rumor at the mountain pass town that he was indeed on the run. But where? How could I protect him if I couldn’t find him?

“Aiden?” Kristalyn’s voice reached me.

“What?” I growled.

“It’s not my fault, so don’t get upset with me!” She exclaimed.

“Yeah, what?” I said again, but calmer this time.

“What do you want to do now?”

I heaved a sigh. “I don’t know.”

***

Two days later I was still unsure. There was a chance Arnan was headed in this direction and if that was true I was ready and waiting for him. However, if that wasn’t true, then he was in trouble somewhere else and I was wasting everyone’s time. I was all too aware of that.

Kristalyn was homesick and I knew it. She never bothered to speak of it, but there was a new kind of pain and impatience in her eyes. As long was we kept moving her goal for staying with me kept her occupied, but the waiting was killing her and focusing her thoughts on who she had left behind. She shouldn’t have come with me in the first place. I should have insisted she go home to her brother, but something always stopped me and it wasn’t that I knew she would ignore my suggestion anyway.

Whatever my decision I had to make it soon. Snow had fallen the night before. The mountain tops were coated with it and there would be more on the way. If we did not leave the village quickly, we would be stuck.

I left my room and knocked on the door to Kristalyn’s. She opened immediately.

“What is it?” She asked, her green eyes meeting mine.

“I’m going out to see Magnar.”

Her eyes became concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Just restless. I thought maybe flying with him would help clear my head. I know you want to make a move soon.”

I watched her take in my words. Her mouth twitched in a smile. “Make a move?”

“You don’t want to be here all winter anymore than I do.”

“Right.” She looked at me steadily, but didn’t say anything else.

“I’ll be back.”

“How do I know you’re not going to run away?” She smiled.

“Run away?” I asked, before memories of previous conversations flooded back. “You couldn’t stop me if you wanted too.” I turned and headed down the hallway.

“Aiden!” She called.

I turned back slightly.

Her green eyes sparkled. How had I failed to notice them for so long? “I already did.”

That was how… her annoying attitude, but before I could responded, she was in her room and closing the door.

I guess the fact that my thoughts centered on her the whole way to the gate shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was too me. When I wasn’t thinking about my siblings, she seemed to be the one that occupied all my thoughts lately.

I nodded to the guards as I rode past and called down, “just need a bit of fresh air.”

One nodded as the other waved. Once you were past their defenses everyone’s attitude changed. They were suddenly open and friendly. It was strange to witness, but helpful nonetheless.

Outside the walls, the path leading up to Magnar and the other’s home was just off to the side and I found it quickly. It took longer for the horse to make its way up than it had down, but he managed in a relatively quick amount of time.

“Magnar!” I called out, as soon as I crested the top shelf of where their cave lay.

It wasn’t Magnar who exited the cave though. To my surprise, Kurioden greeted me. I dismounted and put a hand on his head, stroking it in greeting. I kept the other hand tightly on the reins of my horse, but four weeks of travel with the large black cat had calmed any original fears.

“Where is Magnar?” I asked, the panther.

He growled and motioned back to the cave with his head before heading in that direction himself.

“He’s in the cave and he didn’t come?” I asked, surprised.

I entered the cave and saw the large griffin lounging on the floor and taking up all the space. Egan was on a small shelf above pretending not to notice the peasants below. I took that in with a quick glance, but it was the white spot on the griffins back that stopped me cold.

Magnar looked up at me.

“Aiden! Come friend has! Happy you are!”

“Happy I’m not! How long as that little mite been here?” I exclaimed.

The white falcon ruffled his feathers at being called a ‘mite.’

Egan clacked out a brief answer and I looked to Magnar for a translation.

The griffin ducked his head, but responded, “Yesterday.”

“He came yesterday and you didn’t think I might want to know about that?” I shouted.

All the animals winced as the sound echoed off the cave walls. I hoped they all went deaf.

“Talk to you we could not. No choice but to wait had we.” Magnar explained calmly.

“You could have thought of something and you know it!” I accused harshly. “Does he have a letter for me?”

Magnar spoke to the falcon and he obediently held out his leg. Attached to it was a small piece of parchment.

Wren had written back.

I snatched the letter and opened it quickly, completely ignoring the angry screeches of the displaced bird and Magnar’s reproachful look.

Dear Aiden,

Our brother is far from Cequelet, although many believe he has killed the King and Queen of Aerisea. He hasn’t fallen that far. You are chasing my shadow that I left to draw others off Arnan’s trail.

Beware Deus’ plans might bring you peace despite your best effort.

Your Sister,

Wren

Arnan wasn’t even close by, but he was in trouble. My sister was as smart as ever, setting a false trail for Arnan’s safety. I would spread the tale myself. She had deliberately ignored my question about who she was with, I noticed. Two lines of her letter did seem to stick out above all others though and my eyes refused to be stripped away from them. Slowly, I read each again.

He hasn’t fallen that far.

Beware Deus’ plans might bring you peace despite your best effort.

Arnan had not stooped so low or fallen so far, but I had. I had killed in cold blood and done so without remorse. My sister could not know that, yet by holding our brother up, she condemned me. Could Deus even bring peace to such a man? Were my efforts concentrated on thwarting Him? Kristalyn had mentioned a plan not so long ago in which Deus was in control and I had only two options. Worse, Gidryon and then a voice I could not deny as Deus’ had challenged my path, challenged me to a solution supposedly only Deus had for me. Wren could know none of this! And yet in her words…

It was the same as always. No matter where I chose to run, Deus seemingly chose to pursue. What made it worse than anything, was that I could no longer deny His existence. Not if he could corner me in such a way. He was real.

I stared at the paper in my hands as my thoughts raced forward. I had denied Deus existence ever since my parents’ deaths. Could I have been so wrong? I had taught my siblings about a god I did not believe in, but apparently one who believed in me… at least in my existence. But what of my purpose, the path I now followed?

My purpose… what was it again? To fight, to protect…to fight Duard and protect my family. That was my purpose and why I existed. Nothing, not even Deus could change that path. He wouldn’t. I had to fight, to finish my mission.

I looked at the letter again.

Peace.

There would be no peace for me or my family until they were finally safe. Arnan was still hunted. He needed a place he could rest, where he could find the peace that eluded me. He needed to go home. We all did.

And that meant I had to be ready to fight. I had to take Duard out. I had to go back.

***

2008-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 34

Hey Everyone. Thanks for all the comments and sorry about not posting for a bit. I meant to get this up earlier, but I've been busy trying to get to the finish of this story! With that said, I need to get back to writing, so enjoy reading!
Here is Chapter 34.

CHAPTER 34 ~ THE VOICE

TWO YEARS SEVEN MONTHS

AND TWO WEEKS AFTER BANISHMENT

AIDEN

The traveling plans were simple, stay far enough into the mountains to avoid the weather at the top, but close enough to the edge that it was possible to get out of the range if it became necessary. Of course, we would have to cut in eventually to get to the village, but we wouldn’t do that until we could do it as the dragon flies or at least close to it. I figured we still had a day or two before that happened.

Unfortunately, I remembered to late into the trek that I had promised to slit my own throat before crossing the barren landscape of drab gray rocks yet again. What was almost worse was that I couldn’t even do that now since my mission was solely to save my brother’s life from whatever noose he had gotten it stuck in. Still, the mountain range was just as I remembered it from passing through the first time: god forsaken awful. If ever a land represented the cruelty of evil it had to be the mountain ranges that forced a man to stare at the same gray rock and rubble color for days on end and never bothered to provide enough good meat to fill a dwarf. As if that wasn’t enough, I had to worry about two extra people, a small dragon, one panther, and a large appetite griffin as well. None of which I was happy about.

That wasn’t really the truth.

The thought entered my head, though I wasn’t sure where it had come from. I wasn’t happy that I had to take care of them all, but then again, at least I wasn’t traveling through the wasteland on my own. Travon and Kristalyn kept up a steady conversation for the most part and when I got tired of hearing them, I simply handed over my reins and climbed on Magnar’s back. The griffin talked less and he proved to be a good distraction.

Still, they didn’t annoy me as much as they would have only a year ago and the thought was a disturbing one. Some of their discussions were interesting, though I could do without all the ones on Deus, listening Kristalyn talk about the Hunter was informative. In doing so, she gave as much information about her as she did about him, though I knew that wasn’t her intent. I found myself listening for the clues she would give about herself too often.

I didn’t want to care about this girl, who she was or where she came from. She was here only because she felt I needed help, which I didn’t, some loyalty to me she probably didn’t fully understand herself. I had to be able to focus on the mission at hand and she was not part of it. Yet, I couldn’t deny that I did care about her. I had admitted it when I believed I would never see her again. That would still happen, we had only delayed the separation.

What was so wrong about caring for her?

I wasn’t sure where the question came from, but for once instead of brushing it off, I thought about the answer. It was simple really. She was a distraction from my mission, she always had been. But I could not afford to be distracted from finding Arnan or destroying Duard. That was all I existed for, if I allowed myself to care about Kristalyn I would be defeating my own existence, pitiful as it was. The same could really be said for Travon as well. Magnar was the only one who I could come up with vital reasons to keep around. The others… I simply wanted them there.

The thought caused me to pull my horse up short and he snorted at the unwanted tug on his reins. I frowned, but gave him his head. I had to be wrong. I couldn’t possible want them around. I didn’t have a heart to want anything except revenge anymore. Right?

The last time I could remember wanting anyone around was right before all my siblings had been split apart. We all loved our solitude time, but right then I wanted nothing more than to keep them safe and in one place forever. But I hadn’t been strong enough for that and my failure had caused a betrayal I could not recover from, even if I did manage to bring them all back to Braedoch Forest.

“Aiden, I caught it!” Travon’s excited voice reached my ears from somewhere behind me.

I turned to find the youth proudly holding an arrow above his head with a straggly possum attached. The animal looked like it must have been half dead before he shot it, but Travon looked to be oblivious to that fact. Kristalyn caught my eye from behind the boy. Her look was extremely clear. She could have been shouting ‘praise the kid now and like it.’

“Good job, Travon. Looks like supper,” I called back. A puny supper, but it was better than nothing, which had been the current food choice of late. We were conserving supplies as much as possible, just in case the weather decided to hate us.

The boy’s face lit up with a huge grin as if I said he’d caught the prize of the land. Kristalyn nodded her approval. I studied her for a moment. She had been giving me odd signals over the past two weeks, mostly around the boy. She had yet to confront me directly about it, which was unusual for her, but I figured she wanted me to think this one out on my own. Apparently, Travon needed more attention or something than what I was giving him.

The youth remounted and the others road up to me. Travon was suddenly frowning.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“It’s small,” he replied.

“Yeah, but that’s the best you’ll get around here, unless we find much larger prey,” I responded.

“At least it’s not the stripped meat we’ve been eating,” Kristalyn put in.

Travon nodded. “Aiden, can Arnan hunt?”

It was the first time he had been so direct for a question about my family. I frowned as I realized I wasn’t sure of the answer. Had he improved his ability in the last two and a half years?

“He is passable. It’s possible he’s improved since he’s been gone.”

“What about your other brothers?” Apparently, this discussion was not going to go away.

Did it matter anymore? I had kept my siblings a secret for so long, that it was odd to think of talking about them. But I didn’t really have a reason to keep them a secret. At least, not anymore. Kristalyn had been prying information about them out of me for a while now. I had been reviling more and more to her the longer we were together. And they were both helping me to rescue my brother.

So much had changed, even in just the last three weeks. But had more than just my attitude towards my traveling companions changed? If I told them about my siblings now, what else would I end up revealing? There were some things no one should ever find out about me. If I thought about it, Kristalyn had figured out much already, but she didn’t know everything. And I wanted to keep it that way. I had no illusions about what I was, but somehow she still did and I didn’t want her to lose them, to somehow figure out how unworthy and repulsive I really was. I hadn’t cared about it before, but lately…

I wasn’t sure why things had changed and I didn’t know if I really wanted an answer to the question either. If I told them about my family, my life before I became what I was, would they leave the rest alone? If I did tell them of my past it meant thinking about the family I had left behind. The family I had once loved. With the small form of acceptance, thoughts of each of my siblings flooded back.

“Well, Taerith is more quite and ready to read things he finds and Sam knows how to fight, but it’s rare that he let me see him do it, though I know he can. Neither one was very into hunting down food, that was left to me and some of my sisters.” I glanced up. The sun would be setting soon. We would have to make camp before then.

“Your sisters?” Travon’s voice was incredulous.

“Almost all my sisters fought better than most of the Hunter’s men,” I replied.

“I think not,” Kristalyn responded smartly.

“Yeah, there’s no way!” Travon shook his head, disgusted at the suggestion.

I laughed at them both. “You’d be surprised. Ilara could hit anything she threw a knife at. I remembered that a little too well.” I thought back to the tree she had mutilated before we had split.

“What about Zoe?” Kristalyn asked. Somewhere along the line she had found out that it was Zoe that kept me from killing the last of my soul as I had killed others. As long as she never found out she had taken Zoe’s place I didn’t care. But her knowledge made her more interested in my Little Firebrand.

“She would often practice with me. I would trust her to fight by my side. Knowing Firebrand she’s kept up her skills and improved.”

Where was Zoe now? Was she free? Happy? Had she found the adventure she always wanted? I would give anything to know she was safe and not in danger as Arnan seemed to be.

“Firebrand?” Kristalyn’s face showed she was impressed by my description and still interested in my little sister.

Zoe’s young tan face framed with her flaming hair and dark green eyes swam, just as I remembered it, into my mind’s view. At least, it wasn’t an apparition again! This Zoe stayed quite, but her eyes held the deep sadness I had last seen in them. Looking at her face once again, made me want to break Daurd’s neck for tearing us apart. If I failed in all else, I would find Zoe again.

“Zoe had red hair and green eyes, but she also had a fire and determination that no one else could match.” I shook my head as a few of her finer moments flashed in my memory. “She was so little, but her ‘take me on’ attitude caused me to nickname her Little Firebrand.” I shrugged. “It stuck.”

Kristalyn grinned. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what she was thinking, but she was obviously greatly amused. Travon glanced at both of us then posed his next question.

“What about your other sisters. Wait! How many do you have?”

“Five.” The ridge dipped low and we followed it further down. We would be able to find a cave down here where we could camp for the night.

“Wren, Aquila and Daelia are the three you received letters from,” Kristalyn commented helpfully.

“Thank you,” I muttered. “Yeah, they are the other three.”

“Are they good enough to join the Hunter?” Travon questioned.

“Wren is. Her skills are more subtle, like the missions Kristalyn does,” I thought out loud.

“You mean like when I took you out?” Kristalyn smiled sweetly. I wasn’t fooled or impressed.

“I don’t remember anything along those lines. I do recall putting you in your place,” I responded.

“Your memory is faulty,” Kristalyn shrugged.

“Should we ask Magnar? He beat Kurioden after all.”

“Just what battle were you in?” Kristalyn spouted.

“The one I won.”

“You ended up with an arrow in your shoulder!”

“You did?” Travon looked at me with wide eyes.

She was ruining any respect I was ever going to get from the kid.

“She couldn’t shoot me when I was facing her, so she waited till I turned away. The fight was over.” I muttered.

“You told me never to turn my back on an opponent,” Travon said, with a very confused look.

Kristalyn laughed out loud. “Some instructor you are.”

Had I actually thought I wanted these two along? They both needed to be dropped off a cliff! Good thing I had plenty around. I just had to pick one. “You shouldn’t turn your back on an opponent, especially one with a nasty attitude and bad aim. I gave her too much credit at first.”

“You didn’t give me any!” She protested loudly.

“Wren wouldn’t have made the same mistake.”

“What mistake was that?” She asked in a very tight voice.

Quite suddenly, I was tired of the foolish fight. “She wouldn’t have let me get out of the house, but then she wouldn’t have turned her back either.”

Kristalyn stared at me for a moment, her eyes locking onto mine and I saw understanding pass in them. She nodded her head and smiled, accepting the bow out.

Travon watched us for a moment and I wondered what he was thinking, but he quickly shook his head and whatever his thoughts on our fight, it passed with a new question.

“What about the other two?”

“Daelia’s work with a knife is in carving, though she can cook up anything we find and Aquila prefers to leave the fighting and hunting to others, at least they use too,” I answered, forcing myself to calm down.

“Were you close?” Kristalyn asked.

“To each other? We all preferred times of solitude in our forest, but we each had one sibling we were closer to.”

“Like Zoe for you,” Kristalyn supplied.

I nodded. “Yes, Wren could also usually tell what I was thinking. Though it was Arnan she was closest too. And Zoe has a twin Sam, so they were close.”

“Zoe is a twin?” Travon asked.

I nodded.

“Oh,” he said, before asking, “What is your forest?”

Did I really want to tell them that? “Braedoch Forest.” Apparently, I did.

Travon shook his head. “Never heard of it.”

“It’s on the other side of the mountain range and a few weeks travel.”

Kristalyn glanced at me. “Will you be returning there?”

“That’s where Duard is,” I answered.

Kristalyn nodded and said nothing.

The sun was setting more quickly now. It would be dark soon, but my thoughts were fixed on home and my siblings now.

“Travon, I think there’s a cave up ahead. Let’s see if we can use it to camp tonight. Kurioden, scout ahead.” The panther leapt to the front and Kristalyn urged her horse after him. Travon glanced at me before following.

What were they all doing now? What if I managed to defeat Duard and they didn’t want or need to come back? I had never considered the option. I had changed so much from the boy they would remember, but what about them?

Taerith was the smart one of the family, more into stargazing and finding out facts. Only he and I had a personal challenge from Duard. He had set out to find answers. Had he managed to get them? Our past was a mystery and Duard even more so. Was Taerith smart enough, had he become so? Or had he gone the other way? Followed my path and become a warrior who didn’t care either way?

Daelia would always be our eldest sister, the mother many of the younger siblings never really knew. She had a teacher’s heart and the gentle touch, but an inner strength that caused her to stand up for everything she believed in, unless of course it was against Duard. She had found other ways to fight then. The last I heard from her, she had mentioned nothing of her circumstances, but her faith had remained strong, even to the point of being upset with herself for not encouraging me more in the past. That had been a while ago. Was she still strong or had her surroundings finally beaten her down?

I reached the cave and saw that Kristalyn and Travon had started making camp, even Magnar was helping. I ignored them as I untacked my horse and my thoughts stayed centered on my siblings. The others left me alone.

Ilara had been so angry when we had parted. She was ready to take on Deus himself. She had been questioning everything and with a determination that she too would find answers somewhere. Had she found them? She had skills with the bow and arrow and the knife that would make anyone worry about their life. Had her fighting spirit grown harder or softened? What if she had grown the opposite of me? What if she had learned to temper her strength with gentleness? What would she think of me when she saw I had done the opposite?

Wren had been the latest one to write me, but her letter had been more cryptic than explanation of what she was doing. She talked of finding peace in the quite of the day and she mentioned a ‘we’ but did not explain who. She sounded as if she were learning lessons she never thought possible, that would change my sister quite a bit. Had it made her calmer and more accepting, but then Wren had always been that way. Meeting challenges not with angry determination, but rigid and almost fierce calm. She saw what everyone missed and she knew the meaning, was she still that way? Could she still read me? She seemed to be able too.

I finished with my horse and gave him food and water, before settling down at the fire. The two others talked quietly, but still left me alone. It was just as well.

Aquila was so small and quiet. She had always seemed to need more protection than the others. For some reason, I always thought of the quite stream by our house, when I thought of her. She always had big dreams, but was so timid in carrying any of them out. What troubles had she met with? Was she strong enough to stand up to them on her own? She had written to me at one point asking advice about a man who had entered her camp. Was she safe from him? Had she followed my advice to trust no one or had he led my little sister astray? What if he did something dishonorable to her? I would track him down and kill him. He would know the true meaning of the word ‘trouble’ if he had hurt my sister. But, as with the others, I had no way to know.

Sam had always been filled with a quite curiosity and a sense of wanting to know more. He preferred loving the land to hunting in the wild. Though he was Zoe’s twin the two were as opposite as could be and that suited them both just fine. They were more amused by the fact than anything else and somehow it drew them even closer. He didn’t have the confidence in himself that Zoe had, and yet I had seen him accomplish more than most in situations he had been placed in. Had his confidence grown as he traveled or had someone squashed his pride? What about his curiosity? What had he discovered on his long travels? Had he been able to find answers? He had been on the verge of discovering his many skills when he had left. What had he found out about himself? Only Sam knew now. I wasn’t even sure he had kept in contact with his twin.

Zoe, my Little Firebrand. Where was my youngest sister? How had she changed? It was hard to think of her as anything, but the way I knew her before. Had she too grown up? What lessons had being on her own taught her? Was she still my Firebrand or would I not recognize her when I final met with her again? Of all my siblings, that thought hurt the worst. I wanted more than anything to protect her from the dangers and hard lessons out there, to not let her become what I had. But I had let her go towards the mountains and now I had to fight to get her to return home to the forest. Would she even want too? My little sister, so strong even when all she wanted was a hug and to cry, her spirit then had been unbreakable, I had to believe it was still so, for if I lost Zoe, I had lost it all.

Across the fire, Travon laid down to sleep with Egan curled up by his head. Kristalyn stood, stretched, and headed to the cave entrance to keep watch, Kurioden at her side. Magnar plodded around the fire and folded his wings, taking his now usual place at my back. I rested against him and thought of my final brother.

Arnan, alone, I knew was in trouble. How much, I wasn’t positive, but if I didn’t reach him soon, he might not be alive to bring home. I had to track him down and quickly. I could only hope he was in Cequelet and I got to him first. We had many things to discuss, he and I, but first came his safety. I would not fail my brother, not ever again. Despite what he had done in the past and perhaps to the king and queen, he was still my flesh and blood. I had done worse and I would not judge him for that. He had to survive too, if he did commit the deed, it was because he felt he had no choice. But I would not believe such a thing until I heard the truth from him. Still, the fact that he was being hunted, told me much about my mischievous brother and how he had changed.

The Romany’s were a strong clan with strength tested only by Duard’s cruelty before we had left. Now, we had been on our own for two years and seven months, if I was counting right. It was odd to think of my siblings changing and growing up and yet I knew they must have. Otherwise none of them would have been able to survive and someone would have known if that happened. Somewhere out there each Romany sibling was alive and learning how to stay that way. What new skills had they acquired? Each of us had left looking for answers and freedom. Had the others found it? For the first time since I had said goodbye to each, I wished I had contact with them all to find out.

For a moment, the thought amused me. I had spent the better part of my time, pushing them away and trying to forget they even existed, it seemed I was still changing. Which way was better? My concentration was clearer if I forgot about them, if I didn’t care. But, the entirety of my life was based on extracting revenge on the man who had caused my betrayal and bringing them back together. In truth, even if I allowed my mind to forget about them, I existed for them. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the irony of it all.

Magnar ducked his head against my shoulder and I glanced up at him. “No more think now. Rest. Rise again sun tomorrow will.”

Yeah, the sun would rise again tomorrow and each of my siblings would start anther day wherever they were. So would I.

***

We had cut deeper into the mountains a few days ago. In the lower regains of the mountain range, trees and wildlife were in slightly better supply, but pickings were still scarce. Fires were easier to build and keep up and tonight we had a nice one. The chill in the air was getting worse. Winter was well on its way and it looked like it might be a bad one. By Kristalyn’s judgment, we had a day to a day and a half and we would reach the village Arnan had taken refuge in. Hopefully, I would be able to extract him from whatever mess he had created before the bounty hunter’s used him as a golden fleece.

Travon tossed another branch onto the fire and poked it with a stick.

“You know if you make it any higher, it’s going to be a pain to put out,” Kristalyn commented from her spot next to Kurioden.

Travon grinned. “Magnar can just use his wings!”

The griffin snorted at the thought and bucked his head against the boy.

“I’m kidding! I’m kidding!” Travon laughed, before giving the griffin a rub down.

Magnar purred with pleasure.

“Magnar!” I called.

The griffin looked at me, then grinned, and stood to walk over and plop himself down behind me. I settled back comfortably. Kristalyn shook her head at us, but said nothing.

“It still doesn’t make sense. If he did love us, then Gidryon and the whole village would be alive,” Travon returned to the conversation that the fire poking had interrupted.

I sighed. I’d enjoyed the brief respite from the never ending conversation.

“Really? I’d say Deus took a really bad situation and turned it into something good,” Kristalyn responded confidently.

“How can you figure that?” Travon asked, poking the fire absently.

“What would you have done if nothing happened to the village?” Kristalyn asked instead.

Travon shrugged. “Nothin’ I guess.”

“Think a little,” Kristalyn urged.

“I woulda stayed there and everyone would be alive.”

“So you never would have left the village. What else?”

“I dunno. Life woulda kept goin’ I guess. I mighta married this girl I knew and raised something. Taken over Gidryon’s house maybe when he died.”

I closed my eyes as I listened. Travon’s speech was reverting back to his old ways as he thought about that life and concentrated less on his actual words.

“Okay, so you would have led a pretty quite normal life. But you did leave. So, what are the differences?” Kristalyn continued her questions.

I glanced at Travon and caught him looking at me.

“I met Aiden and Magnar. I grew up real fast. I learned weapons…” Travon’s voice trailed off.

“You did a lot of things you wouldn’t have done otherwise. You also tracked Ricald and saved many villages from suffering the same fate as yours,” Kristalyn pointed out. “Your actions helped hundreds of people and by following the Hunter’s lead, you helped even more. Do you see the connection now?”

Travon was silent for a moment and then shook his head. I was beginning to and I didn’t like the implications she was coming up with.

“Evil is all over our world. And yes, Deus could have stopped Ricald from taking that village, but instead, He decided to use that awful act to put you in a position to not only leave the village, but save hundreds of others. He gave us the ability to make our own choices and very often we choose the wrong way. Deus, however, can take our wrong choices and still use them for good.”

“But couldn’t he do that without killin’ everyone?” Travon asked, still confused.

He didn’t care enough to save their lives. I wanted to answer, but I stayed silent and waited to hear how Kristalyn would work her way out of this one.

“Deus could do a lot of things. He could have taken away our free will and force us to do whatever He wants. But He wants us to be able to make choices and follow Him without being forced. Take Magnar and Kurioden. You want them to do what you ask, right?” She waited until Travon nodded. “But would you force either of them to talk to you and do what you ask or would you rather they did it because they love you and want too?”

Travon reached over and patted Kurioden on the head. “The second way.”

“It’s the same with Deus. Long ago, He decided He wanted us to follow Him because we love Him, not because we are forced. But we decided we didn’t trust Deus and wanted to do things our own way. That meant instead of choosing the right path, we picked the evil one. That’s the path Ricald chose and his choice had consequences not only for him, but for those he hurt too,” Kristalyn explained patently.

“But it wasn’t our fault he was bad,” Travon protested.

“No, it wasn’t. But it wasn’t Deus’ fault either. He lets us choose how we want to act and those choices, good or bad, have consequences.”

“What if you don’t like the consequences? Why should you have to suffer for others?” I put in.

Kristalyn glanced up at me. I could tell from her look she was impressed I’d been listening, but not surprised. I wondered how much of her conversation with Travon had actually been for me.

“That’s justice for you. You made the choice and you have to live with the consequences. Your choices never affect just you, but most people in today’s world don’t care about that.”

I scoffed. “That’s not justice.”

“Not perfect justice. Dealing with your own consequences is a form of it though. The fact that others have to pay for your mistakes is part of the world we live in. Be glad that Deus is still in control despite the choices we make,” Kristalyn said, her voice containing the pain of past experiences.

“That makes no sense!” Travon exclaimed, throwing his stick fiercely into the fire. It popped harshly and sent a shower of sparks upward, coming close to Egan, who was resting in the tree above.

The little dragon clacked angrily, leaping from his perch and letting those of us below know just what he thought of the hot sparks. Travon called up an apology, but I was just sorry they had missed him. Roasted pseudo-dragon would have made for a quiet trip and probably not to bad of a meal either.

Travon looked back at Kristalyn. “If He’s in control, then no matter what choices we make, He should have saved the village and still made everything turn out good! He messed up!”

I agreed.

“You think so?” Kristalyn asked, as if she was considering the possibility. “Remember it was our choice in the very beginning to not trust Deus and disobey Him. That’s why there is evil in the world at all. We chose it.” She was quiet for a moment and then pulled a branch out from the fire and used it to draw in the dirt. “Okay, look at this chart. You have a starting point and you have an ending point and all of the paths in-between start at one spot and end at the other. No matter what path you take, you come out at the same ending. It’s up to you to choose which path you take and you can choose any one you want. But in the end, the result will be what Deus planned from the start. There is really only one question. Will you take the path that Deus picked out for you or will you choose to try your own path? Ricald and Duard chose their own path and look what it brought them and those around them. Destruction. But you have a choice too. Will you choose a path of your own making or follow the solution Deus has in mind for you?”

Gidryon’s voice rang in my head. “Deus has a special solution in mind for you.”

“What Aiden?” Kristalyn asked.

Had I spoken out loud?

“Nothing,” I answered quickly.

But it wasn’t ‘nothing’ and I knew it. From somewhere deep within I heard the words. And this time, I could not deny the voice.

I have a path, a solution, for you, Aiden. Will you take it?

What should I do?

***

2008-07-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 33 ~ TO CARE OR NOT

Hey! I was waiting for comments! That took forever! And I'm still missing some of my regulars! Where did everyone go???
Ah well. For those still here, enjoy the next chapter! It's time for Kristalyn's thoughts one what just happened!

CHAPTER 33 ~ TO CARE OR NOT

TWO YEARS AND SIX MONTHS AFTER BANISHMENT

KRISTALYN

Why had he done it? I couldn’t get the question out of my mind. He had to have known that kissing me would not help me forget him. Had he been thinking at all? The way he had spoke to me. So soft, and with wishes that were so unlike Aiden. Be happy? Since when did he care for that? Or did the kiss mean that he did care now? I wasn’t foolish enough to get my hopes up from that, but still I couldn’t keep the thought from crossing my mind.

I wanted to wring his neck after he had kissed me for making me feel so confused. But it had cleared up one thing. Deus might not be done with him, but neither was I. Despite the way Ricald had died, Aiden had changed. The way he spoke to me proved it. He would need Deus to make any more major changes and I knew that, yet he could do it. And more than anything I wanted to be there when it happened. I had to have faith that it would. Eternal life with Christos had always been something I had dreamed of, but now, without Aiden there, it looked so bleak. I wanted him to see heaven as well and to know the joy have living under Deus’ care and guidance. If I went home and let him travel without me I would miss that.

Besides, I owed him. All of Aerilya did. He was a hero of my people in his own right and even if they didn’t know of his sacrifice and his fighting I did. It was my obligation then to see that he was repaid in any way I could. He was going to find his brother now, but after he would face off against the man who had destroyed his family. Aiden deserved to have someone at his side when that happened. And more than anything I wanted to be that one.

Warrick and Egan had been far less than pleased when I had told them my decision to follow Aiden and help him. And I had no illusions Tray would be even less so. I had sent Egan with the explanation, but I did not envy Warrick or him the job. My mind drifted back to my conversations with my two friends.

“Absolutely not!” Warrick shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Warrick, please. The men can hear you.”

“I wish you would! Your mother will not be pleased and I refuse to think of your brother’s reaction to this news.” Warrick shook his head at the thought.

“I know, I know. And I wish it was different and I could go see them first, but…” I didn’t get a chance to say anything more.

“Excellent idea. Bring Aiden back to meet your mother and the Hunter. Once they get to know him, they can help you decide.” Warrick spoke as if it was the obvious choice for me to make.

“No, Warrick. Aiden is leaving now. His brother is in great danger and he wants to get to him as quickly as he can. There will be no stop over at home.”

Warrick sighed. “Kristalyn, listen to yourself. You are telling me that you are going off with this warrior to fight his battles in unknown parts. He is a warrior with a hard past. He cannot give you what you seek.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have eyes too, Little Lady. You care for him more than you will admit. He does not have the same capacity Kristalyn. It was killed within him many years ago.”

“Deus’ hand is on him, Warrick. I know he has much to learn, but he will grow in time.”

“But are you willing to give him that time? Do not use Deus as your excuse to stay with him. The decision is being made with your heart.” Warrick’s voice was gentle, but his words were hard.

“I will continue to pray and if I feel it is wrong, I will return. But for now, I must go with him. Please assure my family I am well and safe. It is them I am concerned with.”

“Your mother will be worried, but she trusts you, Little Lady. As for your brother…” Warrick shook his head.

He didn’t have to say it. Tancred would be furious, especially since I did not know how long I would be gone. “He will have to trust me too. That is the worst part of this. That my reunion with him again has to wait.” I sighed heavily. “But as much as the thought hurts, I will do this.”

Warrick nodded. “You have always been determined, Lady Kristalyn. I will pray Deus will on you both. Never stray from following Him, especially when it comes to your hardened friend. And do not expect him to change or turn to you. His eyes tell me he will finish his life mission no matter the cost to him or anyone around him.” Warrick paused to look into my own eyes. “It worries me for your safety.”

“Deus will protect me and guide me. Give my mother and brother my love and lead the men home safely. I do not know when I will see you again.”

Warrick nodded. “Take care, my Little Lady. Deus guide you.”

Dealing with Warrick had been easy compared to Egan’s reaction.

No.

“What do you mean no?” I asked crossly and knowing I was running out of time.

No tell Tray.

“Oh, yes, you will tell Tray. And you’ll do it just as I told you!”

No.

I sighed. This dragon was the most stubborn on the entirety of the planet.

“Look. I am going with Aiden and you are going to explain to Tancred.”

Explain how? The dragon stretched out his neck and looked at me, his eyes dark with challenge.

“I’m working on it!”

Out of time.

“No kidding.” I sighed. “Tell him I love him and I’m looking forward to seeing him. I got word that a friend is in need of help so I’m going to help. I’ll be back when everything is settled.” I nodded my head in satisfaction. That would work.

Egan snorted. Start with love?

I shrugged. It might soften him up some.

Egan cocked his head at me and hacked. I glared at the dragon.

“All right, pain, you don’t have to like this, but you are going to help and you’re going to be nice about it too. Tray will be upset enough without all you antics.”

Egan eyed me for a moment, then turned completely around to clack out something barely discernable.

“I call you a pain because you are. And I did not ask for this!” I exclaimed.

He swung around fast, his two foot long tail barley missing me with its spikes.

Like him. Want to go.

“Yes, well, you can leave that part out when you talk to Tancred.” I muttered.

The dragon snorted. Tell him what I want.

My eyes got wide. “No! Please, Egan. I know you don’t like us keeping secrets and making you choose between us. But I promise this is the last time. Okay? I will tell Tray everything. I just want to do it in person.” I pleaded, picking up the little dragon and cuddling him in my arms. I stroked his back tenderly and his scales turned bright blue and deep red with pleasure. “Help me this one time. Please, Egan. You’re the only one who I trust to pull this off.”

Egan’s scaled turned deep blue and my arms widened around him as he puffed up with pleasure. When all else fails, use flattery. At least, with Egan.

I do.

“I know you’ll do perfectly. Don’t mention Aiden or Travon either. Know what, if possible, don’t even mention I’m helping a male.”

Egan laughed in my arms, then crawled up and perched on my shoulder. He nipped my ear softly.

All fine. Anything else?

“No. Well, give both Mom and Tray my love.” I stroked the dragons head with a finger. “I hope he sends you back to me. I’m going to miss you.”

I smiled as he puffed out again.

Back when can.

With that, Egan took off from my shoulder and flew high into the sky to take the news to my brother that I would not be returning to his side. Tancred would not be happy. I hoped Egan would be all right.

I poked the campfire again as my thoughts drifted back from the morning confusion. Aiden and Travon had caught some prey earlier, so our stomachs were full, but the fire needed to be kept going for warmth. It was late into the fall now and winter would come in just a month. If the weather showing up now was any indication, it was not going to be a fun winter to deal with.

“Do not use Deus as your excuse to stay with him. The decision is being made with your heart.”

Warrick’s words floated back to me. It wasn’t true. Well, not totally at any rate. I had consulted Deus. In fact, while Aiden and Magnar had been out flying, that was about all I had done. But I hadn’t received an answer. My heart was torn completely in two. Wanting to go home and see my family, to live the life we only dreamed would again be possible, but it just as desperately wanted to stay at Aiden’s side. My answer hadn’t come that night. It had only come after Aiden had told me to forget about him.

In truth, before he had even kissed me. As I struggled to find the words and tell him I cared, he had stopped me and told me to wall up my pain and forget him, to go to my brother and live happy and safe. And before his lips had even touched mine, before I realized what he was about to do, I had known with crystal clarity what he asked of me was impossible. Happiness would not come from leaving him to fight his battles on his own. That would leave me with only guilt. If I could do such a thing, than he would be right. I had used him only for the skills he could bring to my country and nothing more. I would not let that stand as truth.

Aiden was a warrior, even a hardened warrior, and yes he could lose his temper when his family was threatened, but that was when he lost it. It was Ricald’s threat against his family that had caused him to see death. Aiden had in him the capacity for great love and loyalty and that meant he also had the capacity for great hate. After his banishment, he had chosen the latter, yet the former never really left him and it was the former that drew me to him.

As I had stood and watched him leave, I knew he was certain it was goodbye and it was for the best. But I had only one question.

Deus?

He is mine. Follow.

It had been clear. As I had known from the beginning, Deus would change Aiden’s heart. It was only a matter of time. I was simply glad Deus saw fit for me to continue to be a part of His work.

“Now what is that pretty head of yours coming up with?” Aiden’s voice called to me from across the fire. Travon was asleep next to him with Kurioden at his side and Magnar behind him.

Pretty? Had he just called me pretty? Whatever I had been thinking, it was gone now.

“Nothing,” I answered, giving the fire another unnecessary poke.

“Kristalyn, for as long as I have known you ‘nothing’ has not been part of your mind,” Aiden scoffed.

He was right, but he wouldn’t be happy with my thoughts on Dues changing him. Still…

“I was thinking about Dues and how He is not finished with you yet.”

Aiden laughed, but his voice held no humor. “Do you ever think of anything else?”

“Of course, but you asked about this moment and that’s what I was thinking.” It was an honest answer.

“And before that?” Why was he pursuing this?

“That is was right for me to come with you.”

“Why?” There was genuine curiosity in his voice. I guess my answer from earlier hadn’t really satisfied him.

“Why was I thinking about that or why was it right?”

Aiden shrugged. “Both.”

I poked at the fire as I tried to frame an answer to satisfy him. Could he read my face from across the fire? Probably not, but it didn’t matter if he could read what I did not say in my voice. “I guess I’ve been thinking about it all day. As for the other, it was the only thing I could do.”

“Follow me? Kristalyn, you could have gone back. You would have forgotten.”

I stilled my motions to look across at him. “We both know that isn’t true. And neither would you.”

Aiden stared at me for a moment before giving an almost imperceptible nod and that was the end of the conversation… for now, anyway.

***

We traveled for two weeks straight avoiding every person and village we saw for speed. The only place were we encountered absolutely no one was in Mairbrac Forest. Most everyone had cleared out of the forest during Ricald’s latest raids. Between him and slavers no one was safe. It looked as if they had yet to return to a forest just relearning what peace looked and felt like. We had left the forest a while ago though and now traveled deep in Aerilya country. It was a wonder to travel through a country now freed from oppression. The air even seemed to rejoice and the villages had a calm and cheerful feel surrounding them. Up ahead of us, looming in site, was the Mountains of Cirthain. The mountain pass was treacherous at any time of year, but only fools crossed it so close to winter and that was only two weeks away. Supposedly, Arnan was somewhere in the lower regions of the mountains. If he was still where Travon had heard, then he was in a large town located at the west end of the mountains. The rest of the trip would be through those mountains. It would be insane to try, but Aiden was determined to find his brother no matter the cost and the rest of us would not leave his side, no matter how much fuss he put up.

“Magnar and I are flying!” Aiden’s voice was tight with control.

I glanced at Travon, but the youth only shrugged. Whatever had Aiden uptight it wasn’t one of us. He and Magnar took to the sky seconds later. He spent more time flying with Magnar now then he did riding with the rest of us. That was fine, what bothered me was that he refused to talk to me.

“What’s gotten into him?” Travon exclaimed as soon as Aiden was out of hearing range.

“I have no idea.” I watched Magnar’s form get smaller. “We haven’t seen anyone to get news from since we left the camp. Maybe he is just concerned for Arnan.”

“Isn’t Arnan the bad guy here?” Travon asked. Kicking his horse into a faster walk to make up for some time the flying twosome would gain.

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “Most would say Aiden is the ‘bad guy’ too. It’s only us that know differently.”

“Guess so,” Travon said sullenly, before lapsing into silence for a few moments. “How much do you really know Aiden?”

Apparently the man was going to be the topic of conversation whether I wanted him to be or not.

“Only what he’s told me, which isn’t a lot.” I wasn’t sure exactly how much Aiden had told Travon either.

“When we were in camp together,” the boy’s voice had a far away quality to it, “at night, he’d call out for people. I wanted him to teach me. I used one of the names he called. Zoe. He reacted big. But he taught me.”

He called out for Zoe in his sleep? Did he call out for the others as well?

“I never heard Arnan’s name. But I heard others. Wren, Daliea, Ilara, Sam…”

Two more names I did not know. How many siblings did he have? I knew it was many, but he had never given me a number. Of course, I could barely get him to talk about them at all.

“He cares about them.” I looked up at the sound in Travon’s voice.

“He cares about you too, Travon.”

The youth shrugged. “Sure.”

It wasn’t convincing.

“He let you come along, didn’t he? And when he thought you were in Elangsia’s camp he went after you.”

Travon shook his head. “He couldn’t say no. Magnar wanted him too.”

“He didn’t want Magnar at first either. Now, look at them. The two have become very close.”

“Yeah.” Travon didn’t sound persuaded.

I sighed. “Aiden has a hard time showing he cares about anything, Travon… even his siblings. We know he does, because we pick up on the little signs we find. He cares about you too. I’ve seen that.”

The youth turned to face me. “Really?” His voice was skeptical.

I smiled. “Yes. You might not see it, but trust me, he cares and he’s proud of you too.”

Travon glanced up at the sky. “Hope so.” It was said so low, I could barely hear it.

I followed the direction of his gaze. Why did Aiden refuse to acknowledge that we cared about him too? Why was he so insistent on keeping us at a distance? A thought struck me. Was it because of Duard? The evil guardian had split up his own family and hurt them beyond belief, was he somehow afraid Duard still had that type of power? He had to be. Otherwise he wouldn’t still be trying to get strong. Aiden could just go back and defeat Duard. It was worth thinking about.

***

At the base of the Mountain Pass was a village. All who entered our country from the Pass went through here. It was the deep in Aerilya, so if by chance Arnan had made it though the pass and into our country, we would be able to find out here. Even though it was the town for supplies for all who came through the pass, it was still relatively small. The pass was troublesome enough that not too many tried to come through it and that was the way we liked it.

“Magnar, you and Kurioden skirt the village and head into the mountains a ways. We’ll meet up with you there,” Aiden commanded when the village finally came into view.

The two animals looked at each other for a moment, before Magnar spoke. “Fine, Aiden. All right you will be?”

“Yeah, Magnar. Don’t worry about it. We’ll see you soon.” Aiden’s voice was firm, but held an almost kind tone that was never heard in his voice.

Magnar nodded and Kurioden looked at me for approval. I smiled.

“Try to stay out of trouble while you’re at it.”

The big cat glared at me with out blinking, before nodding his head in assent. The two animals took off. I glanced at Aiden.

“Do you have a plan?”

“Plan? Go in, get information and supplies, get out,” Aiden supplied.

I shook my head to hide my grin. “Oh? I have contacts in there. Why don’t you let me see what I can come up with?”

“You think it will be any different then Aiden’s information?” Travon asked.

“Maybe, in any case it will be more reliable. He’s probably headed to the tavern.”

Aiden shrugged. “Do what you want, Kristalyn. You will anyways.”

I shot him a look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Take Travon with you. I’ll get supplies. We can meet at the other end of the town and head up to Magnar and Kurioden.”

I looked at him, surprised at his harsher tone. “Sounds like a plan.”

Travon nodded as well and we split up well before we entered the town of Hailos. I led the way down the main street before making a turn to the right. The street was quite despite the time of day. A few people walked around getting their chores done and some children played in the street. I stopped before the blacksmith shop and dismounted. Attaching my rains to the hitching post outside, I turned back to Travon.

“Will you stay with the horses?”

Travon shrugged and dismounted, leaning against the hitching post. I took that as a yes and headed into the darkened room. The blacksmith shop smelled of fire and melted metal. The smell made my eyes tear up for a moment, before I could see clearly. Ruten was at his forge. He finished his job before looking up to greet me.

“My Lady! Good ta see ya after too long! Can I help ya?”

“Hi Ruten. How is the family?” I asked.

The large muscled man nodded vigorously. “Good, Good. Yas? We are free now!”

I laughed. News had traveled here already. “Yes. It has taken much sacrifice, but Aerilya is finally free.”

“But what can I do ya for then?”

“I am looking for information of a different sort. Have you heard of Arnan Romany?”

The big man blinked slowly. “The killer? Aye. There is a bounty out that make anyone want his hide.”

“Do you know any details?”

“Just’n the basics. He’s runnin cuz he done murdered the King and Queen of Aerisea. Twasn’t just’n a murdern neither. He done it in real cold blood. Gruesome, ya know?”

“Sounds serious. Do you happen to know if it is true or not?”

Ruten shrugged. “They’s dead and he’s runnin. If he didn’t do it, he’s acting like he did.”

“I’d run too with a bounty that size. Do you have any knowledge of his current whereabouts?”

Ruten cast me a suspicious glace. “Dan’t tell me ya’s turning bounty hunter, Lady Hunter.”

“No, Rutan. I have a different interest in his story.”

“Last I heard he’s in mountain country. Cequelet. Can’t be plannin’ on stayins there much longer though.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Ruten. Tell your family I said hi.”

He gave me a side grin. “They’s be sorry they’s missed ya.”

“I’d love to stay longer, but I have to get moving.”

“Aye. Bye then, Lady Hunter.” The blacksmith returned to his work.

I grinned as I exited the door. Ruten was the only one who called me that. He didn’t even know I was the Hunter’s sister, only that I was involved in helping him, but to the blacksmith that was all that mattered.

“Well?” Travon asked, as soon as he saw me.

“No better news than what we already knew.” I replied, taking my horse’s reigns.

“So, that mean its worse?” Travon asked, mounting up.

I laughed. He was a smart kid. “If Arnan did do what he’s accused of, it is. If he’s innocent, he better hope we get to him first. Actually, he better hope that either way.”

Travon was silent a moment, before nodded slowly at my news. I mounted quickly and we hurried to the designated meeting spot. Winter was coming and we were heading deep into the mountains. I hoped Aiden had gotten all the supplies we needed or it would be a very long trip.

When we arrived to where the others waiting, Aiden had already started to divide up the supplies. There was a rolled up blanket with supplies for each horse and rider and one for Kurioden as well. Aiden was tying Magnar’s onto his back.

“Did you get everything?” I asked, getting down to grab my own pack and hand Travon his.

“That plus some extra. It sounds like it supposed to be a harsh winter, more so than years past.”

“And we’re heading into the mountains?” Travon asked, gazing up at the suddenly looming mountains.

“No one is forcing you,” Aiden pointed out. “How’s that, Magnar?”

Magnar raised his wings high and lifted off the ground slightly. He grinned when he landed. “Best it is not, but work it will.”

“Fine,” Aiden turned to look at Travon and myself. “You ready?”

I glared at him. Didn’t he realize how is words affected Travon? The boy was still looking for Aiden’s approval and Aiden continually shoved him off. It almost made me want to shoot the lug again. I glanced at the youth, but his eyes were hooded. He must have learned that trick from Aiden.

“Why? It’s not as if we are being forced to move fast or at all.”

“What?” Aiden gave me a bewildered glance.

I glared at him a second, before mounting. “Come on, Travon, we don’t want to be in these mountains any longer than we absolutely have to be,” I said, in a cold voice.

Travon glanced at Aiden, then nodded, and moved to follow me.

“What?” Aiden called again, but we ignored him. Maybe one day he’d get the point. “Annoying girl.” I heard him mutter just loud enough to hear.

Or not.

***

It was going to be a long trip, but it was going to be even longer if we were going to travel along the top of the mountain ridge and I had to look out over Aerilya. My homeland was in its full glory as the trees began their change into fall colors and the wide open spaces looked like a green sparkling sea. It probably looked best because it seemed to have a new aurora about it that breathed freedom, yet as gorgeous as it was, the sight made me very homesick. Travon wasn’t helping either.

“So, can he really split a twig with his arrow?” Travon thought of his latest question.

Aiden had ridden on slightly up ahead, though I noticed he was careful enough to stay in hearing range. Magnar had taken to the sky long ago, declaring it was the best way to travel over the mountains, while Kurioden jumped from rock to rock below. I was quickly coming to agree with Magnar, if only to get away from Travon’s questions about his hero. Unfortunately, it didn’t help me to think of Tray when I was already homesick for him. I wasn’t sure if he had made it home or not, but I did know I missed him more than I would have believed possible and thinking about him only made it hurt worse.

“Actually, that’s me, but a twig might be a slight exaggeration.” I finally answered Travon’s question.

“Wow. You have to teach me that sometime. How many slaves do you think he’s rescued?”

I sighed. The questions had been going on for quite a while now. “Now, that the war is over, almost all of them. I’m sure one of the conditions for the end of the war was the release of all those still kept in slavery. But personally? I don’t know that we ever kept a certain number. Individual people stick out in our minds, but we always knew there was one more.” Faces of those we had helped and those that it had been to late to help as well flashed through my mind’s eye.

“That must have made it hard,” Travon commented, more thoughtfully.

“Yes.” It was Mertala’s face that haunted me more often than anyone else. She had been my friend, but Tray had made it his personal mission to rescue her. Not that it had mattered, her very soul was gone by the time she was brought home and none of us had been the same. Her face was on every slave that I worked to rescue now, but worse than that, on every slave I failed.

“But you were a hero to all that you rescued,” Travon stated, as if that was an obvious fact.

Mertala’s face took center stage once again. “Not all,” I said quietly.

“Did the Hunter ever have to leave someone behind?” He asked, his face still thoughtful.

“Once we came upon a slaver’s camp. We waited until nightfall and then went in after the slaves. We rescued them, but one of the guards woke up and started a fire that cut some of the slaves off from us. We got everyone else out, but the next morning, we found the slaves we had to leave behind all dead. The slavers had killed them rather than let us help them escape." The memory still stung. “It was a pure act of hatred because the slavers lost a lot of money by killing the five slaves.”

“I didn’t know it was so hard,” Travon muttered.

“The Hunter’s life is all action, but that doesn’t mean it is all fun adventure. We learned many hard lessons we wish we never had too. But each lesson made us smarter and stronger. Next time, we didn’t make the same mistakes and we saved more lives.” My answer made me wonder what other lessons Tancred had learned since I had been gone.

Were they hard lessons that I should have been there to help him with? In some ways, it seemed like I had almost abandoned him lately. Our separate missions had kept us apart for the better part of a year. And now I had chosen to stay away from him. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. I didn’t want to stay away, but I did have a duty to be with Aiden right now, unfortunately, that meant I still couldn’t see or really talk to my brother. For just a moment, I allowed myself to wish I was back with him. I could hear his voice, feel his hug, and see for myself that he really was all right. Until I saw for myself, I wouldn’t believe it. I wanted desperately to be able to do just that. I could only pray this mission of Aiden’s wouldn’t take that long and I could be back with him soon. Of course, that would mean saying goodbye to Aiden all over again…

“What’s your favorite part of being the Hunter’s sister?” Travon’s voice interjected into my thoughts. Apparently, he had decided we needed a question with a lighter answer.

“My favorite part?” I had to think about that one. To everyone in Aerilya he was the Hunter, but to me he was my big brother, Tray. “I guess my favorite part about my brother is how close we are. We understand each other extremely well and we take care of each other no matter what. I know he loves me and I can always trust my brother no matter what.” Like I trusted him with the news of Aiden? I shook the thought off quickly. “As for the Hunter, I love that I can help him rescue those who need us and that he trusts me to know my mission and do it well.”

Aiden glanced back at me at that comment, but said nothing. He actually hadn’t spoken much since our disagreement earlier. Though, I wasn’t positive what had him uptight. He couldn’t still be that annoyed with me, yet I hadn’t done anything since then either. He certainly wasn’t going to make this trip easy. Aiden looked up and I quickly felt the rush of wings beating hard. Magnar swooped in low.

“Return Egan does!” He called out loudly. “East he comes from!”

I gasped and straightened, looking in the direction he had said. I couldn’t see anything, but I watched until the small blue dot appeared and began to grow larger. Egan was on his way!

I smiled excited to see him. Hopefully, he had good news, but regardless, he had seen Tray and returned. I needed Egan and his message right now, no matter what the contents.

Magnar called a greeting to the dragon and then flew up to pass Aiden and call back a challenge. Aiden shook his head, but sped his horse up slightly. Travon grinned at me and gave his horse a slight kick, leaving on Kurioden at my side to greet our friend.

Egan landed gracefully on my arm. He folded his wings in and looked up at me with golden expectant eyes. Before he could speak, I pulled my arm in and gathered him close in a very tight hug. Maybe a little too tight, as the dragon let out a little squeak and stretched his neck to give me a piercing look.

I laughed and hugged him again, but gently this time. “I’m sorry Egan. I’m just so glad to see you. I’ve missed you. Have you seen Tray? Is he doing okay? Does he look good?”

Egan dipped his head, as if he had been expecting the questions. He was silent for a minute, perhaps remembering the answer he had already come up with.

Worn, weary, concerned. Sounds strong.

I sighed. They all fit, but that wasn’t helpful at the moment. I wished I was there to take some of the pain away from his thoughts. “What did he say?”

Mad at me. The little dragon almost sounded sorrowful. Keep away truth.

“Oh, Egan, I’m sorry. That must have been so hard for you.” I stroked under his chin. His tail rose up in pleasure. I hated the thought of not telling Tray the whole truth, but no one would ever be able to convince him I was okay if he knew who I was traveling with. He would have stormed after me and it wouldn’t have done either of us any good. Still, not telling him, put our friends in an awkward situation. “If it helps, you have my eternal thanks for giving me the chance to tell him everything in person.”

Warrick helped. Egan explained.

“How?” I asked and waited as Egan filled me in on all the details. Apparently, Tray had been furious to find out I was not only not coming back, but was going further away to help a nameless friend. Only Warrick’s timely arrival and calming advice to let me go in Deus’ hands and trust us both had settled him down enough to think things through. Instead, he said he sent Egan back so I could contact him again if I needed help and he would pray for me. “Then he said what?”

Egan clacked again and I laughed, but it was more forced than anything. “So, I have a lot of explaining to do when we next see each other, huh? Well, I’m well aware of that! He has some explaining of his own!” Egan ducked his head. I smiled and stroked his neck. “Don’t worry. You have been though enough. I won’t ask you any questions about the girl with him.”

Egan let out a very loud sigh of relief.

“He’s really upset though, isn’t he?”

Egan cocked his head and his eyes held the sadness from earlier. Finally, he replied with only a single word. Hurt.

The one word caused a lump in my throat. I had hurt him. We had never lied to each other, much less kept secrets. Tray would be hurt by this and probably hurt quite a lot. It was so out of character for either one of us that he wouldn’t know what to think or what was wrong with me. I could only pray that when this was all over I could make it up to him. I just didn’t know how.

“Dues, I know I’m right. I know I need to explain things to him in person. But, this is a whole lot harder than I thought. Please, help us. We’ve always trusted and understood each other. I’m not telling him everything and it’s hurting us both. Please, help him to understand without my explanation. Help him not to be furious with me and to… I don’t know. I hate the thought that he’s mad at me, but I would be too in his place! You told me to go with Aiden, Deus, but it was my choice to wait to tell Tray until I could do it in person. Please help my choice to be the right one. I hate to think of my brother in pain, especially if I am the cause.”

Egan whimpered his sympathy, and his long tongue came out to uncharacteristically lick my check. I smiled sadly at the little blue dragon.

“I wish I could make this better now, but…” my voice trailed off.

“Kristalyn!” Aiden’s voice reached back to me.

I looked up to see the three of them had stopped and were staring back at me.

“Are you coming?” Aiden asked.

I looked away from him and out over Aerilya again. My home was east of me now. How long would it be before I could make things right with my brother?

“Kristalyn?” Aiden’s voice held a note of concern that I hadn’t heard for quite a while.

I smiled up at him. I would miss my home and my brother until I returned, but that wasn’t going to stop me from accomplishing what I had set out to do. “I’m coming.”

Aiden nodded. “Good. Then let’s go.” With that, the three turned and headed down deeper into the mountains.

I looked down at Egan and Kurioden, green and yellow eyes stared back at me, unblinking. “We have to go. Tray has to trust me to Deus and I have to do the same with him. I just wish it was easier.”

Have me. Egan said proudly and Kurioden purred out his agreement with that statement.

“Yes, I do.” I grinned at my faithful friends. “Let’s get going. Tray is going to be just fine and he may not know it, but Aiden needs us.”

Egan scoffed at that, but he rubbed his head against my check and then took off to the sky, following in the direction of the others. Kurioden bounded after him, but paused to look back at me, when he saw Aiden up ahead. He had returned to wait for me.

I smiled at him. I did miss Tray and I would until I could see him again. Our war was not over until we were reunited, but mine couldn’t be over until I had helped Aiden complete his own mission and despite missing my brother and Aiden’s odd attitude, I was where I needed to be. We were all just going to have to get use to that!

2008-07-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 32
A CHOICE

Hello All! Sorry to make you wait so long. I have added a few more chapters during your reading break. I believe I now have to write about eight more chapters and the story will be finished. Ah, how odd that will feel! Of course, that is all provided that Aiden and Kristalyn do their part and that hasn't been going so well lately. Everything I try to write from this chapter forward, they seem to believe they have something better and proceed to write it with or without my permission. Good thing I've learned they are usually right! For instance, Aiden did his own little rewrite in this section, I'm sure your recognize it when you get there. I questioned him about it, but he said he had to do it and of course that meant I shrugged and let him. For all my complaining, you must realize that as a writer it is our greatest frustration, but also our greatest joy when characters come into their own and take over their story. To us, it means they have fully developed into characters we can love and share an adventure with. I hope you are able to do that with Aiden, Kristalyn, and their friends!

On to your comments: I'm glad you all liked the chapter and the ending of it left your heads spinning! I know that was the way Kristalyn felt and I wanted you to be able to get her full reaction. While you won't have to follow Arnan's story as you did Zoe's, I would highly recommend that you do! It is going to be a wonderfully fabulous story that I am dying to read all of! Hopefully, knowing a little about it from Aiden's perspective will help you to enjoy it all the more! Thank you, Britt and Libby, for the encouragement on Kris. It's good to hear that sometimes! Oh, Britt, you commented on Aiden needing more time and not being ready to face Duard, you are so right. And yet, quite without my permission, our little boy does some quick growing up in the five chapters coming! Shh. Don't want to spoil too much!

Kristalyn's POV: I have to tell him goodbye. He's going to leave. I know it. What will the others do? What will I do? I don't want him to go. But, his brother.... Oh, Deus! The tears want to come and I can't let them. I'm going to tell him goodbye and I know when I do, it will be the last time I lay eyes on him. The thought tears me apart. Aiden, what are you doing?

CHAPTER 32 ~ A CHOICE

AIDEN

My brother! A killer? No, it couldn’t be true! Arnan was mischievous and could get himself into a whole lot of trouble, but a killer? And he changed as much as I?

Kristalyn and Travon were both watching me with stunned faces at my hard reaction to my brother’s name. I swallowed and concentrated, even as Magnar moved closer and almost pushed me over. The griffin never did get his own strength. I put a hand on him to steady myself and keep him at bay, before turning my full attention back to Travon.

“Do you know the whole story?” I asked as calmly as I could.

“Not really, but I got the jist. He killed a king and queen, maybe their kid too and he’s wanted for it. It’s a huge bounty. Everyone’s searching for him.”

Arnan was in trouble. It was the only thing I could think of and the words pounded through my mind so clearly I could see them. Arnan had known Duard was about to split us up, but instead of coming to Tearith or I, he had kept silent. As they rest of us stood stunned by Duard’s command, Arnan had been the first to leave, not even saying goodbye to his closest sister, Wren. I didn’t actually have proof he had been fully aware of Duard’s command, but back then I had known every one of my siblings very well and I didn’t need proof to know I was right. Arnan had betrayed the family just as I had. Yet he was my brother. And he was in a lot of trouble.

“I need to think. Can you stand watch?” I asked quietly.

Even Kurioden nodded. I looked away from Travon’s stricken face and Kristalyn’s worried eyes to climb onto Magnar’s back.

“Let’s fly, Magnar,” I said absently.

The great griffin stretched his head out to buck it gently against my knee. He turned and spread out his large wings, waiting as the others got out of the way, and took off to the sky.

***

I will never know how long we flew, but I believe it was most of the night. It didn’t seem to matter though, because both Kristalyn and Travon were waiting for us when we arrived back. Kurioden was at his mistress’ side. My decision had been made even before I had climbed onto Magnar’s back. Arnan might have betrayed us, but he was my brother and I would not let something happen to him… not again.

“You’re going after him,” Kristalyn stated, as I dropped of Magnar’s back.

I nodded.

“Cequelet is over the mountains, isn’t it?” Travon asked quietly.

I nodded again.

“What about Duard?” Kristalyn asked her first question.

“I will deal with him in time, but Arnan is in immediate danger. Duard can wait a little longer.” It was really the only decision I had to make. If I went to deal with Duard now, ready or not, there was a chance something could happen to Arnan that I couldn’t prevent. By going after him now, I might arrive on time to make a difference. I wouldn’t risk my brother’s life, even if it meant Duard’s.

“Your going up against every bounty hunter there is!” Travon exclaimed incredulity.

“Then they had better not get in my way.” I paused to look at the people most would claim as friends after what we had all been through. It was hard to realize that I would be saying goodbye to them, but what was even harder to accept was that the thought hurt. I had been distancing myself from them on purpose, but now that the time was here, old feelings of watching my siblings leave were returning. I had hated those emotions then and I hated them now. I swallowed the pain. Forcefully moving them back into the forgotten regains of my heart.

“I’m going to go pack and saddle one of the horses. It is okay that I take one, right, Kristalyn?” I didn’t need her permission, but I had to say something. The look of painful loss on her face was tearing me apart more than I wanted to admit. She nodded and I turned quickly away. Magnar stood behind me and he stretched out his great head. “Where is that falcon friend of yours? He’s been flying around for days now.”

“Trees yonder.” Magnar acknowledged.

“Can you get him? Wren might know something about Arnan and since that bird is still hanging around I might as well use him.”

Magnar nodded, but didn’t move. He didn’t even take his eyes off me. Was he afraid I was going to sneak off? It wasn’t a bad idea really. I had no wish to say goodbyes to anyone ever again, but especially if Kristalyn was going to look at me with those sorrow filled eyes of hers.

I shook my head and turned slightly so I could see them all. “Stop looking like that. You knew this was coming. We all did. If you want to come with me, you’re welcome. But either way, I’m leaving to find my brother. And I’m not coming back after.”

With that said, I walked over to where I had placed my pack by my sleeping space. Now, why in all of Aerilya - I was even using their expressions - had I invited them to come with me?

It was her eyes. I had started reading Kristalyn ages ago and she could hide nothing from me ever since. I didn’t know that she would actually come, really I doubted it, but she had wanted me to offer. For reasons I couldn’t or wouldn’t explain to myself, I needed to at least give her that. The others were no better. Magnar and Travon both looked like I was abandoning them. They were all tag-alongs in the first place. I shouldn’t have cared.

As I rolled the blanket to put on the back of the horse, I felt my stomach clench. I did care for them. All of them and whether I wanted to or not, if any of them decided to come along, I would be glad. Not that I would tell them that.

I stood abruptly and went to the horses. What was happening to me? I needed to get rid of these thoughts. I sounded to close to the old Aiden for comfort. I couldn’t let him back in. He was the one who was too weak to do what had to be done. I needed to be stronger than that, much stronger. Arnan needed my help and the others counted on me to defeat Duard. I could not fail them again. I had promised I would succeed no matter what and I would keep my promise, even at the old Aiden’s death. My siblings might not be happy with the thought and Wren would probably wring my neck, but at least they would all be home and safe. Even if they hated me, I would fix my betrayal. Emotions had no place in my heart. I needed only my strength.

“Aiden?” Travon’s voice came from behind me.

I turned to see the youth with Magnar at his side. In his hand he held some parchment and a piece of coal. Sitting on Magnar’s back and preening himself was Myrddin. I only remembered the bird was still around because he seemed to have taken a liking to Magnar and the two were often off flying together when I needed Magnar for something. It had become a rather annoying habit, but the friendship was suddenly useful. Travon handed me the writing tools and I bent down to scratch out a quick letter to my sister.

Wren,

I’ve heard Arnan is in trouble. It is said he is in Cequelet being hunted for killing a king and queen. Is it true? I am heading in that direction now. Send me anything you know.

I got your other letter. I tried to take your advice, but my path is different. Maybe one day it will work for me. Who is this ‘we’?

Aiden

How much would my younger sister read into this letter? I couldn’t be sure, but at least I had replied to hers and she would send me news of our brother. Meanwhile, I wasn’t wasting any time. I turned to Myrddin.

“All right, Myrddin, you need to take this to Wren. Remember her? Your mistress is probably wondering what happened to you,” I spoke as I approached.

The falcon cocked his head to the side and watched.

“I’m going to need that leg,” I stated.

Myrddin screeched and Magnar turned his head to argue back.

I glanced at Magnar. “What did he said?”

Magnar shook his head no, but then screeched out, “Like you he doesn’t.”

I glared at the falcon. “He’s no great bird himself. Just make him give this message to Wren while he can still fly.”

“Tell him that you want me too?” Magnar questioned, obviously amused.

“Tell him whatever you have to so this letter gets to my sister as fast as possible!” I exclaimed.

Magnar laughed, but relayed the message. The falcon glared at me, obliviously not impressed, but held out his leg anyway. I tied the message to it and after a screech goodbye to Magnar, he took off. One problem down, I glanced at the two standing before me, far too many left.

“Well?”

Magnar looked at Travon then back to me. “With Aiden Magnar will go. Magnar and Aiden together needed.”

Relief coursed through me. The feeling surprised me. The relief must have come because Magnar would make convincing people to cooperate even easier. After all, I couldn’t really care for the griffin that much, could I? Eventually, I would stop lying to myself, but not today.

“Good, Magnar.”

Magnar nodded his head regally and I turned to Travon. I needed only my strength, no other emotions allowed.

“And you?”

“You’ve changed,” Travon observed instead of answering.

What did he mean by that? “So have you.”

“Yes. But I can still learn. I’m coming too.”

So, the three of us would travel together once more. I allowed no thought past that.

“All right, Travon. Have you said your goodbyes?”

“I promised I would talk to Geoffrey and Richard again.” He paused. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to Kristalyn and Kurioden.”

He wasn’t the only one.

“Say goodbye to your friends. I will find Kristalyn.” Maybe by the time I did I’d have a clue what to say.

***

She sat on top of a hill watching the last of the Wild Men pull out. Absently, her hand stroked the top of Kurioden’s head. She hadn’t noticed my presence yet. What was it about this girl that invaded my mind? She was smart, independent, strong of heart and mind, and had a wit I had only seen in some of my sisters. She could battle with the best. Her Deus had her full devotion above all else and while her own loyalty and love might be fiercely guarded and given, others gave theirs freely to her. She inspired those around her to be not who they were, but who they could be… even me.

Kurioden shifted and his eyes turned towards me. But Kristalyn must have been deep in thought, because she didn’t move. Kurioden watched me silently as I studied his mistress. It was true. No matter what I thought or wanted to think, Kristalyn had changed me. She forced me to do things differently. Somehow, she had become my conscious. When Kristalyn arrived, Zoe’s apparition had disappeared and not returned. Kristalyn was the voice I heard in and out of my head. She was the one whose voice had become a soft humming to me. I remembered it well. Despite my attitude towards her, she was a constant contradiction, refusing to let me take out her brother and yet helping me at the same time. More than likely, she and Magnar had saved my life. If the Hunter was who I might have been if I was good, Kristalyn was the girl I didn’t deserve.

But why did that matter?

“Aiden.” As I watched, she turned and stood her soft voice calling out to me.

I didn’t move, only looked at the vision of beauty in front of me. The sun had risen enough so that it was clear to see, but it had not yet made its way up to the height of the sky. Now, the rays shown around her face, giving her tan skin and green eyes a new light. I had noticed before she was beautiful, but this was a vision I had not seen. Beautiful did not begin to describe this woman.

“Aiden,” she called again, her voice soft and I could hear the sorrow in it. Sorrow, I knew I had caused. Was I forever going to be causing pain to those I cared about? “Are you leaving now?”

I did care. I had admitted it before. I shook my head no, trying to shake off the thought. I couldn’t care! Look what had happened to my siblings! She had asked me a question.

“Not yet,” I managed. “Travon decided to come. He is saying goodbye.”

“So, is this ours then?” Her voice was so low, I almost couldn’t hear her.

No! I heard the voice shout in my head. It was stupid! This was better. It was the only way it could work. I wasn’t worth her time or her effort. There was only so much one can change! I was who I had to be. There are others, others who are better for her than me. I’m a cold hearted murderer. I even lose control and kill in rage. What happens if she is there again and gets hurt? Beyond anything I have felt in the past that would destroy me. No, Kristalyn had to be safe. At all costs she must be safe. That meant this had to be goodbye and we both knew it. “Yes.”

She nodded slowly. “That’s it then?”

“What did you expect, Kristalyn?” I asked, wanting an honest answer.

“I don’t know.” The pain in her voice was cutting me in two. “I guess I didn’t realize this would be so hard.”

“I warned you not to let your heart get involved, but you couldn’t help that could you?” I winced at the coldness that crept into my voice.

“I guess not,” her arms, which had been at her side, came up to cross over her chest. Her pain was becoming my own. I could almost feel the wall she was trying to erect to save herself.

She would forget about me. In time, she would forget. Her brother would make sure of that. He would strive to erase all memories of the man who had fought beside his sister and then broke her heart. He would make her forget me. I couldn’t fully understand the knife of pain I felt at the thought. Wasn’t it better this way? Better that she was safe with the family who loved her and the god she followed? I could only corrupt her.

“It’s better this way, Kristalyn. You’ll forget about me in time.” I thought saying the words out loud would help, but the pain inside me didn’t go away and by the look on her face neither did hers.

“Forget about you? Aiden, I can’t. Not ever. I.. I…”

I moved to her and put my fingers over her mouth to stop her words. Her eyes got wide. She couldn’t say it out loud. She couldn’t admit that she cared for me. It would only make it worse. Make this goodbye harder than it already was. Neither one of us needed that and I refused to cause her any more pain. I could not return her feelings, now or ever. I had a mission for which I needed to be strong. These feelings were not something I needed or wanted. They would only distract me and I couldn’t afford that. Arnan and our siblings needed me focused now and for once in my life I was going to be the brother they needed. I would not care about this girl…any more.

“Don’t, Kristalyn. Put up your wall. You will forget and you will heal. Go back to your brother. Be happy. Be safe. Live.”

I have no idea what happened next. That’s not true, I just have no idea how I let it. Without forethought, I leaned over slightly, moving my hand, and brushed my lips against hers. They tasted of sweet mint. I heard her breath catch and saw her eyes widened again. I pulled back to look at her, moving my hand to stroke her chin very softly, before dropping it.

“Forget me. I will only hurt you. Go live happily with your brother.”

I turned and left without looking back.

***

What had that been? I hadn’t been thinking. I wanted her to forget me and that probably wasn’t going to help. That wasn’t completely true, I knew she needed to forget me, but I didn’t want her too. Whatever had happened, it was over now. I had to refocus. I had a brother and family to save.

Travon and Magnar were waiting with the horses when I got back.

“Did you find Kristalyn?” Travon asked.

I nodded. Magnar gave me a strange look, but said nothing.

“Could we stay for breakfast? I’m real hunger.” Travon pleaded.

“No, we need to get moving. We have a long trip and at the end we still have to search for Arnan.”

“So, your last name is Romany, huh?” Travon looked excited about the new piece of information. It reminded me how Kristalyn loved to find out about my family.

Would I always have her on my mind?

“Yes.” The irony of my answer did not fail to escape me.

“Breakfast is almost done. I could grab us some. And I think I can say goodbye to Kristalyn now. She’d be at breakfast, right?” The youth turned to look to where the others were starting to gather. I didn’t see Kristalyn’s long dark blond hair, but I knew why.

“She should be there soon.” I needed to get away before she showed up. “Go get your breakfast. Grab some for all of us. Magnar and I are going to start walking. I’ll lead the horses for now.”

Travon grinned and hurried off. I tugged on the horses’ reigns I now held and we moved towards the edge of camp.

“Hard it was?” Magnar asked as soon as we were alone.

“Saying goodbye? More than I thought it would be,” I admitted.

“Care for her you do,” Magnar said in a wise voice.

“You don’t know everything, Magnar. I can’t care for her,” I spit out the words.

The griffin laughed. “Matters not it does. Care for her you do. Why admit it you won’t?”

“Because it does neither of us any good. I need to focus on Arnan now. Not some girl from the past.” One day I was going to start to believe those words and that day had better be soon.

“Easy to forget Kristalyn is not,” Magnar commented.

I didn’t answer. No, she wasn’t. My thoughts of her character floated back to me. What made it worse, was that despite my resolve, I wasn’t sure I wanted to forget her. When had she snuck past every defense I had laid out? How had this one girl gotten into the heart of a cold hearted murder? I didn’t understand, but now that she was gone and it didn’t matter, I could admit she had.

I heard a horse gallop up behind us and turned with a frown. Why was Travon bringing a third horse? We didn’t need a pack animal. Magnar snickered with glee next to me. On top of the horse were two people. The first had long dark blond hair that was flying in the wind. At the horse’s side, a black panther with a lightening streak on his front left shoulder was keeping pace.

Magnar and I waited in silence as the horse and panther stopped in front of us. Kristalyn put out her hand and Travon grabbed it to slide off her horse. He grinned at me and held up his bag.

“I brought breakfast and a few more things.”

I kept my gaze on Kristalyn. “I can see that.”

Her green eyes held mine. “Someone’s got to make sure you stay out of trouble. Be safe and live, Aiden.”

“This was not what I had in mind,” I responded firmly.

“I know,” she said in a lower voice.

I tossed Travon his reigns. “Mount up.”

We both followed the order. I glanced at Kristalyn again, once I was properly seated. She simply smiled. Her face more content than I had seen it in…well, ever. So be it. I nodded once and kicked my horse into a trot. Kristalyn and Travon did the same and Magnar and Kuriden fell into step next to each other.

Together, Kurioden, Magnar, Kristalyn, Travon and I left the camp behind. It was time to find my brother.

***

2008-06-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 31

To the Faithful commenters: LOL. Well, I am very glad everyone liked this chapter so much. Aiden started writing himself when Ricald spouted off about cursing his family. That certainly wasn’t in the plan! I’m very please you all enjoyed the emotion and could actually SEE Aiden’s fight inside and outside of himself. Many of you have hit the nail on the head in regards to the POV switching. I certainly AM Aiden much more so than I am Kristalyn. I understand him better and react as him better, so it is not surprising to me that his is the POV that provokes the most reaction from all of you. Still, Kristalyn has come a very long way in her own story telling and hopefully in these next few chapters you will be able to see more into her. But you shall have to let me know!

But have the fun of posting on the web is having to wait for the next chapter, David and Ashley! No? Oh well, I tried! I’m pleased it brings out enough of a response in you to keep wanting to read! And now, your wish is my command!

(I should mention, however, that I am going to be away for most of the month, so the next chapter may take some time to get up. I will be spending quite a bit of time writing hopefully, so at least I will keep ahead of you in posts, meaning later you will have less wait time. Or at least, that’s the plan!

Sorry too, abotu the blank at the end. I haven't gotten a response to that yet!)

Aiden’s POV: What have I done? What does she think? It’s finally time. We have to go our separate ways. Does she get that yet? She’s beginning too. WHO? Where is he?? I have to go. NOW.

CHAPTER 31 ~ MOVING ON… OR NOT

KRISTALYN

I watched into the evening for Aiden and Magnar to return. Travon checked in with me every so often and others would report on what the Wild Men’s camp was doing, mostly cleaning, burying dead, and packing. It should have made me happy, but I was too concerned about Aiden to care.

It had all happened so incredibly fast. One minute Aiden was behind me and we were walking away from the man who had killed my father and the next…. The next moment I heard Ricald’s voice, firm and filled with malicious intent, calling down a curse on Aiden’s family, really on anyone Aiden cared about. Aiden’s reaction had been so swift, so sure. The sword was in his hand and cutting through Ricald’s neck, before I could even take a breath. And just that quickly the man who had killed my father was killed himself.

It was hard to believe he was really dead and could no longer threaten my own family. I had wanted to kill him as much as Aiden, but it was Deus’ hand on me that held me back. He and He alone had told me to prove that I really had given up on vengeance and instead given it to Him. It was one of the hardest calls I had ever had to make, but I followed. In the end, Deus had taken his vengeance by Aiden’s sword. I wasn’t so sure that was how it was suppose to work, but it was over now. It was finally over.

Still, the cleansing breath that I wanted to take would not come. I could still feel the weight on my shoulders, but now it bore a different name, that of Aiden.

I had always known what he was capable of, it shouldn’t have surprised me and in all honesty I wasn’t positive that it did. He was a warrior and he was capable of cold blooded kills. That was what shook me. He had been in a complete rage when he had struck Ricald. I couldn’t even be sure he had really seen the man he killed. He’d simply reacted, fast and sure.

He had been so different lately. I had hoped the pure killer was gone. That was what hurt, I realized. I wanted that pure killer to be gone. I thought he was. I should have known better. Deus was the only one who could change a man so completely and Aiden had yet to fully acknowledge him.

“Kristalyn?” Travon’s voice came to me again.

I smiled at the youth. “What is it?”

“Aiden and Magnar?”

“Not yet. I’m sure they’ll be back soon. Magnar will watch out for him.”

“How did you know it was Aiden I was worried about?” Travon asked curiously.

I smiled. “Just a guess.”

He nodded. “What happens next?”

“We’ll make sure the Wild Men turn around and then we’ll follow them for a ways. We can’t take a chance that they return to wreak more havoc.”

“How long will that take?”

I shrugged. “A few days, I guess. Why? Do you have plans or someone to get back too?”

Travon shook his head. “My family was all murdered by Ricald’s order. Aerilya is my home, but I don’t have anyone there.”

Gently, I laid a hand on his shoulder. “Well, you’re always welcome to come back with me.”

“And Aiden?” Travon’s voice was low.

Yes, what about Aiden? “I don’t know what he’ll do. Move on I guess.” Was I ready for that? Was he?

***

A loud cheer rose up through the whole camp. The Wild Men had turned directions. They were headed north once more. Ricald’s men, now without a leader, were also heading off. Some were going to old homes almost forgotten, but most traveled in the direction of Ruma, our scouts reported. It was good news for us all. Aerilya could now win the battle if it was still going on, but regardless Elangsia would receive no reinforcements. This was a victory for us and a large one. Quickly, it was decided to split into two groups. One group would go back to the Hunter and provide any help possible, while the other would follow the Wild Men for a distance and see that they did not get any foolish ideas into their heads.

“Egan,” I called to the dragon, who was preening himself on a low branch. I waited until the little want-to-be-prince regaled me with his full attention. “We need you to go to Tray. Tell him the Wild Men have given up the fight and are returning north. Most of the men are returning behind you, five have stayed with me. I’ll follow the Wild Men for at least two days to insure they do return north. Have you got all that?”

Egan snorted. Perfectly.

“Good. Now, come here.” I held up my arm for him to land on.

The blue dragon cocked his narrow head at my, and after one more lick to his scales, opened his wings to float more than fly to my arm. I pulled him close to whisper in his ear. “And this time if you mention Aiden you will never see flight again. Got it?”

The dragon stiffened, his color changing to a midnight black. He puffed himself out, but then nodded once.

“That’s my friend. Now, hurry. Its way past time Tray heard from me. Tell him I love him.”

The still miffed dragon said nothing, but took off.

“Thank you, Egan!” I called out cheerfully and laughed when he let out a loud snort, before disappearing into the sky.

“Milady,” Warrick came up to me. “Who do you wish to stay with you?”

I turned to him. “You pick, Warrick. But if you intend to stay then send Jerome back. One of you should be with both groups. But move quickly, we need to stay with the Wild Men and Tray may need the others.”

Warrick nodded and disappeared to organize everyone. I turned and looked for Aiden. I had seen him return the night before, but hadn’t had the chance to talk to him. Now, I needed to be sure he was okay. I wasn’t even positive he was planning on coming with us and that wasn’t a thought I enjoyed.

I finally found him sitting with Travon, Magnar, and Kurioden. Aiden lay back against the griffin with his eyes closed, while Kurioden curled up at Travon’s feet. They looked as if they had known each other all their lives and all was right in the world. It was a scene I never thought I would see.

“Hi guys,” I said as I walked up to them.

Travon grinned at me as Kurioden rose to stretch and pad over to me. I petted the black panther’s head.

“Hi, Kristalyn. How’s it going at camp?” Travon asked. Aiden had yet to open his eyes.

“They are packing up so we can follow the Wild Men. Only five will go on with us.”

Travon cast a glance behind me. “Geoffrey and Richard?”

“Oh, I bet they’ll come given the choice. I don’t think you have to worry about saying goodbye just yet. If you need to at all.”

Travon nodded and Aiden opened his eyes at the last line, but he didn’t say anything. I wondered what he would think of Travon staying in Aerilya. What where his plans anyway?

“So, what are you all discussing?” I asked, sitting down on the ground.

“Leaving,” Aiden said shortly.

The words struck me in the stomach. I swallowed. “Oh? Leaving to go with us or something else?”

“Both,” Aiden replied.

I was not happy with the one syllable answers. “Are you coming with us, Aiden?”

“I’ll make sure the Wild Men don’t turn back. No point in having the hard work ruined now.”

At least it wasn’t a short answer. “And after that?”

Aiden let out a slow shrug. “Not sure.”

The short answers were back and I wanted to strangle him. “You don’t have any idea what you are going to do? I don’t believe that.”

“It doesn’t really matter what you believe does it, Kristalyn? I don’t exactly meet your expectations,” Aiden answered, as he lay back against Magnar again, eyes closed.

I stared at him. What was that suppose to mean? Didn’t meet my expectations? Was he talking about Ricald? And since when did Aiden care what anybody thought about him and what he did? Was Deus maybe working on him?

“Aiden, you do have some plan right?” Travon cut in.

“I’ll head back over the mountains, I guess. Nothing to stay here for,” Aiden answered slowly.

Head back… nothing to stay…. My thoughts couldn’t move any further. Aiden was leaving? As in going away? But if he did….If he did, I would never see him again. In a few days, I was going to lose him.

“Kristalyn kinda offered for me to stay at her place in Aerilya. You know, since my family’s gone and all,” Traovn said hesitantly.

Aiden glanced at me then looked at Travon. “If that’s what you want. It’s probably the best offer you’re going to get.” His voice and face were totally blank.

I watched Travon’s face as he looked at his friend and mentor. Aiden was his mentor whether the warrior wanted to acknowledge it or not. This attitude was hurting the kid, didn’t Aiden see that? He had too. Aiden could read people. He knew exactly what he was doing. I was the one who wasn’t sure. Was he trying to push us away and cut off all ties? Did he think that would make it easier on us?

I could feel the band tighten in my chest as it squeezed out all the feelings for Aiden I tried to keep buried even from myself. He was pushing us away and he was doing it on purpose. Should I let him? The thought caused small tears to form in my eyes. If I let Aiden go, I wasn’t even sure I could, but if I did, would I ever forgive myself?

But he was a warrior, and a cold blooded one at that, I couldn’t stay attached to him. He had to let the Deus he denied work in his life. Tray would murder me himself if he knew I was even thinking… thinking what? I wasn’t sure. I just wasn’t sure.

“Yeah, my family’s all gone. It might be nice to have a home…” Travon’s voice, held steady only by will power, commented.

“It might,” Aiden said non-commitedly.

Magnar snorted and rose then, shaking himself he spread his wings and stretched them out as far as they would go. After a moment, he glanced at Aiden.

Moving all over people are.

Aiden nodded and stood. ‘Time to get going then.” He looked at me. “I’m going to take Magnar to the sky and keep watch.”

I nodded silently, still caught up in the previous conversation. He mounted and the two took to the sky. I turned and looked at the others. Travon was watching the two flying partners with a look of longing, that I’m sure he didn’t know was playing over his face. Kurioden’s eyes were on me though and I could see the concern in the great yellow and green depths.

“Let’s go, Kurio, Travon. The men will be waiting for us.” I spoke quickly and pushed myself up to walk back to the men. Behind me I could hear Kurioden nudging Travon along. I hoped for his sake Geoffrey and Richard had remained behind. At least one of us would have a distraction.

***

It didn’t matter what happened around me, my thoughts would not stray from the conversation with Aiden days before. I had been so anxious for the war to end and peace to come back to my homeland. Now, that end was finally in site. I could go home and see my mother and brother. I could finally get see for myself that they were both safe and we could perhaps even go back to the home we were forced to leave. Bryndor would be home again. It had probably fallen into a sight no one would want to see, but after some hard work, it would be livable and while it wouldn’t be perfect, that could never happen again, it would mean peace and safety.

But it wouldn’t be perfect. Nothing could be perfect, not anymore. Too much had changed around me and inside me, my father and the war, but not just them. Aiden had changed everything. And for the first time I had no idea what to do. Was Deus done with him? No, I didn’t believe that. But perhaps, Deus no longer wanted my help in the matter. Could I really let Aiden go? Despite what I had seen him do, regardless that the cold blooded killer remained inside him, I wanted to know what happened to him. I gritted my teeth as the truth warred in my soul.

I wanted to care.

“Milady?” Geoffrey’s voice was an extremely welcome interruption. I didn’t know how much longer I could follow my thoughts down that certain path of destruction.

“What is it, Geoffrey?”

“Um, Travon said you offered to let him come home with you?”

“Yes, what about it?” I asked.

“Nothing, milady. I guess I just wondered if it was true.”

“Does it bother you that I offered?”

Geoffrey shook his head violently. “Nah, I think it would be great! I’m trying to convince him to do it.”

I smiled at the eager boy. “Well, don’t try to hard. It has to be his decision after all.”

“I know!” Geoffrey said as he headed back to his friends.

The three of them were something else. It would be good if they could stay together. Unfortunately, that put my thoughts right back on Aiden leaving us both. Quickly, I turned and sought out Warrick. Our small group had spread out some to better keep track of the Wild Men. We each had a horse that had been taken from either Ricald or Jaquin’s camp and it made staying on their trail much easier. It also made spotting a member of our own group a little harder. Only Aiden didn’t ride a horse, preferring to stay with Magnar. His horse was led by Travon most of the time.

I rode faster and caught up with Warrick a few lengths ahead of me.

“Anything of interest?” I asked.

“Nothing, Lady Kristalyn. They just keep moving,” Warrick reported.

That didn’t help me much.

“They are keeping their prince in the middle of the pack, trying to protect him. Probably from that.” Warrick pointed to the sky where Magnar was flying in circles and screeching obnoxiously. Aiden rode on his back.

I laughed. “Perhaps after we turn back, we should enlist Magnar to follow for a bit longer. That will insure they keep moving.”

Warrick nodded. “About that, Lady Kristalyn, when do you think we might head home? With the war sure to be over, the men are anxious to return to freed love ones.”

“I know, Warrick. I want to see my mother and Tancred too.”

“Lady Shyla will be pleased to see you, as will your brother,” Warrick replied.

“Yes. I don’t think it will be much longer. They are moving at a fast clip and show no signs of returning. A few days at most. Soon everyone can return home,” I said calmly, though my mind questioned my own statement. What about Aiden? Where would he go?

“That will be good.” Warrick nodded satisfied. We rode in silence for a moment before Warrick got up the nerve to ask me the question I was wondering myself. “What about the warrior, Lady? Will he be returning with us?”

I wish I knew. “It is his choice alone, Warrick. I do not know of his plans.” I paused for a moment. I’d have just as much explaining to do to Tray no matter what Aiden choice, thanks to Egan’s rather large mouth. I glanced at Warrick. “I need you to do me a favor when we return, Warrick.”

The warrior besides me nodded and waited for my request.

“Don’t mention Aiden to Tancred. I will need to explain him myself.”

“Is there much to explain, Little Lady?” Warrick asked, in a gentle tone for him.

The term of endearment was one I had not heard in a very long time. I shook off the feeling of warmth it created and focused on the question. “No, but you know my brother. And the less complicated I can make this the better.”

“Just be careful, Lady Kristalyn. He is not one to mess with.”

I knew he didn’t mean my brother. “Why do you say that?”

Warrick paused then answered honestly. “I have seen many hard men in my years. I know their look well. Aiden’s eyes speak of not only many men killed, but also that he has not yet finished his killing.”

I swallowed at the older man’s words. Was it true? Was Aiden not finished? I had no doubt of his past, but it was his future I was concerned with. “Then it is best you pray Deus be with him.”

“I will pray Deus be with you both,” was Warrick’s steady answer.

Yes, perhaps we both needed the prayer. But what I needed right now was to stop thinking about Aiden! I searched my mind for another subject, anything to take my mind off of the warrior I cared too much about. The only other thoughts that held any interest to me were thoughts of home. It would be so great to see my brother again and feel his strong arms give me a hug. I would even take his teasing if I could just spend time with him. We had kept each other in check for so long there was no telling what trouble he could get into if I wasn’t there! After all, I had spent the last couple months saving his life from an assassin! Memories of the time in Ruma with Aiden flashed quickly through my mind, including the mystery girl with my brother I had yet to figure out.

“Warrick, I heard there was a girl with Tray on his last trip. Who is she?” I asked curious to finally get some answers on the mystery girl.

Warrick laughed. “And how did you find out about that?”

I shrugged. “Does it matter? Who is she? Is she still with my brother?”

“Oh, no, Lady Kristalyn. If you want to keep your mystery boy from the Hunter I will not tell you about his mystery girl. You will have to ask him yourself.”

“Oh, come on, Warrick! You must give me something!” I exclaimed.

“You are wasting your time,” Warrick warned, with a laugh in his voice.

I heaved a sigh. “All right. I guess it’s only far. But I’ll find out about her eventually!”

Warrick smiled knowingly. “I’m sure you will.”

I would as soon as I figured out how. My thoughts turned back to my brother.

“Warrick, do you think he’s safe? Egan has yet to return with news. He should have been back by now.” I allowed the worry I felt to slip into my voice.

“As Deus guides you He guides the Hunter too. I will not believe harm has befallen him until I hear otherwise. And even then, I would be hard pressed to believe. Have faith, Kristalyn, just as Trancred must have faith that you too are well,” the wise man advised.

I nodded, knowing I really had no other choice. Deus, guide us all, keep us safe, and bring us back together. I allowed the prayer to float up to the heavens.

***

The whirring sound on the air was a relief to hear. Egan was the only one to make that sound. He had been gone days longer than I had expected. Had he had trouble tracking Tray down or had something happened to my brother? I shot up another prayer, even as I called to the little dragon.

“Egan! Here!”

The little dragon slipped down from the darkening sky and landed on the grass next to him. He clacked hello and immediately put his head against me to rub gently.

Affectionate? Egan?

“Egan, what happened? Where is Tray? Is he all right?” I felt my fist clench as I braced myself for the worst news in the world. My heart clenching so tightly it stopped beating.

The little dragon clacked gently and hissed softly on my cheek.

Tray, Ruma, fine.

My heart started beating and the world moving again. I breathed deeply and calmed myself. Finally, I understood everything Egan had said.

“Ruma? No wonder you took so long. Why is he there?”

War over. Slaves freed. Peace here.

“Peace,” I breathed the word, scarcely believing it. Peace. “We won then?”

Won. Tray finish. Go home.

“He’s helping stabilize Ruma and then heading home?”

Egan clacked an affirmative.

“Home. Peace. Egan, we can go home. It’s so hard to believe. I’m not sure I know how too.”

Egan’s mouth split into his teethy grin and nudged my check. True.

“Yes. It’s true.” Wonder of a kind I had never felt and could not describe swept over me. It tensed my body and I grabbed up Egan to give him a squeeze of joy. The dragon’s scales changed to a bright red of surprise. Before the tension released in relaxing way that I had not felt for years.

A clacking and hiss made me release Egan in a hurry and I stared down at the dragon eyes wide.

“You did what?”

The dragon clacked and hissed again, not looking at me.

“What in the entirety of Aerilya would possess you to tell Tray about Travon?”

Egan clacked quickly.

“I didn’t tell you not to mention him because I never figured you would! Egan!”

He scampered back a few steps and sniffed the air before clacking in a puffed up manner.

“It’s not my fault we are keeping secrets at the moment! I didn’t ask to put… Wait, what do you mean ‘we’? What is Tray keeping from me?” I asked suspiciously.

Egan rolled his head in a disgusted move and took off into the air.

“Egan! Get back here!”

But the little dragon just clacked about brothers and sisters being honest and leaving him alone. Now, I had to get answers from somewhere else.

***

Joyous noises rang through the air. No one could stop the happiness that seemed to penetrate the night sky as our small group celebrated Aerilya’s freedom. The fire was built up fire than usual and Terlin had brought his wood flute, which he played a lively tune on. Only Aiden did not join in the festivities, choosing instead to keep guard on the Wild Men so that they did not disturb our celebration. As the only one not from Aerilya he made the perfect choice, but I felt his absence acutely and judging by the way Travon kept glancing in the direction Aiden had headed, so did he.

Aiden had fought hard for Aerilya and he too deserved to enjoy the victory, but I knew he did not see it that way. This had never been his war or his fight. He had only joined because I had requested and for one other reason he refused to tell me. Still, in my mind he was just as much a hero in this war as the Hunter. After all, if Aiden had followed the commands given to him, the Hunter wouldn’t be around to celebrate. The thought caused me to shutter.

Tray was in Ruma now. How was he doing? Had he taken time yet to enjoy the victory? Knowing him, he had already found some other mission that required his attention and figured his work was not yet done. He would celebrate, but he would be among the last. That was why I too held myself back from the festivities. My war was not over either, not until my brother and I were reunited. Only then, could I celebrate a true victory in the safety of my family. Until then, it simply wasn’t as meaningful.

With those thoughts, all joy at the victory left and I got up to stretch. I smiled at the others, who looked to me, and motioned them to stay.

“I’ll be back. Continue to celebrate. I’m going to check on our guard.”

The men nodded and the fun started again. Only Travon and Warrick watched as I left the light of the camp fire, Kurioden at my side. The blackness of the night quickly surrounded me and as I walked farther from the camp, the noise lessoned to sound more like crickets in a good mood than a party. Aiden stood on a slight hill overlooking the Wild Men’s camp. There own guards were stationed around, a trick they must have picked up from Ricald, but they watched the sky more than anything else. Magnar was often spotted up there. They had attempted to divert him once by launching a spear, but when he had caught it and dropped the two broken pieces back onto their camp, they had decided to leave him alone and move a little quicker.

Aiden didn’t turn when I approached, but he spoke. “Kristalyn.”

“Hello,” I replied softly coming to stand next to him. Magnar was at his other side and Kurioden nodded his head at the griffin before settling in at my feet. “How is it going?”

“They are peaceful.”

“Now that we know for sure the war is over, I thought we would watch them leave tomorrow and then head back,” I admitted softly.

Aiden nodded his head once. “You’re anxious to see your brother.”

“Egan wasn’t very forthcoming on how he is and it has been a long time. I’d like to actually speak to him when I see him this time,” I said with a smile, although pain crept into my voice because it was taking so long to actually talk to him.

“It would be better,” Aiden’s voice was low and without emotion.

“Aiden, if we head back, will you come too?” It was the only real question that had been on my mind ever since the decision had been made. Both animals raised their heads as they too for Aiden’s answer.

Aiden said nothing for a long time and I figured he wasn’t going to bother with an answer when he spoke. “I doubt it. I came here because of Zoe. If she was a slave in this area, she is free now and safe. I’m not needed here anymore.”

“Zoe is your sister, right?”

A slow smile of a time forgotten graced his face. “She is my little Firebrand. The youngest of us, save her twin brother. Of all my siblings, it was she…” Aiden never finished.

He didn’t have too. He might want to believe he had buried his heart, but the proof of the opposite was in front of me. Zoe was his youngest sister and the closest to him. If I had to guess, it was her, even her memory, that kept Aiden human.

My heart went out to him immediately. All the feelings I had tried to keep down rose to the surface with his admission about his little sister. This was the man I knew existed. This was the man I cared so deeply about. And I did care, far too much.

I swallowed, trying to keep my strong emotions from my voice. Kurioden moved a little closer to me. “You came in this direction in case she still needed you.”

He nodded, finally speaking again, “I’m not sure she even made it this far. She might never have been here. But if she did, she is safe and I can move on.”

“To where?”

“Wherever I can learn.”

“Learn?”

Aiden sighed. “I’ve been in training, Kristalyn, for all this time.”

“Training? I don’t understand.”

He paused, as if trying to figure out how much to tell me. I sent up a quick prayer to tell me it all.

“When Duard split us up, I promised I would go back. I would fix my betrayal. Duard may have issued the order to split us up, but I let it happen. I was the one who betrayed my family. And I am the one who needs to fix it, to try and bring them back together.”

Realization dawned. “That’s why you fight, why you take on these missions and fight as you do. You are trying to prove you can beat your old guardian.”

“And when I can, I’ll go back and kill him. And then I’ll bring my family home.” His voice was tight with determination. The venom in his voice as he spoke of killing Duard disturbed Magnar, who shook his great eagle head, his feathers bristling. Aiden laid a calming hand on him.

This was what had been in his mind and heart for so long. It explained why he felt unworthy, and why after letting my brother live, he tried to kill himself. He saw himself as a failure, to his family and to himself. But why not let Deus help him with it all? The only reasoning that made sense was that above even himself, he blamed the God he claimed did not exist.

“Aiden? Kristalyn?” Travon’s voice came from behind us. Kurioden stood to greet him and then sat back at my feet. “You okay?”

I turned to the boy. “Yes, we were just discussing tomorrow when we leave.”

Travon nodded, his eyes fastened on Aiden. “You comin’ with us?”

“No,” Aiden replied shortly.

Travon’s face froze as he took the news in. Aiden turned to him and said with a little more heart, “Your home is here. Not mine, Travon.”

“But, why can’t you stay?” The youth asked desperately.

“I have things I need to fix and none of them are here.”

He swallowed. “And Magnar?”

The griffin had been watching the exchange with interest, but now he bowed his head. “Leave Aiden Magnar cannot. Yet in need of Magnar Travon is. Magnar uncertain.”

Aiden placed his hand back on the griffin’s head and rubbed gently, an almost unconscious gesture. It was so unlike the Aiden I had first met, who used his great griffin as a tool. Now, he saw him as a friend. Aiden had changed so much and yet he still had more to change.

“I don’t want you to leave,” the youth admitted in a low voice.

Aiden chose not to look at either of us when he answered. “It was certain we would say goodbye one day. It had to happen eventually.”

I dropped to one knee and hugged Kurioden close. Yes, I had known in the back of my mind one day I would be separated from Aiden. But not like this. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way. Aiden was a warrior with a killer past, an assassin I had stopped, a soldier who had fought for Aerilya, and yet he had somehow become so much more. Just what that was, I didn’t know, but I thought I knew how I felt. And the thought of him leaving for countries unknown was tearing me apart.

Was Deus telling me to let him go? The Almighty was not yet finished with him, but perhaps I was. The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth. Yet, had I not asked Deus to guard me from caring for this man too much? Was this not an answer? If he left, I wouldn’t see his face everyday, or hear his voice as he teased me, or feel his touch even if on rare occasions. This was not what I had meant when I asked Deus to guard my heart.

Perhaps this was for the best? No matter what my feelings, Aiden did not yet believe in Deus and if he kept to his stubborn ways, he never would. I had no future with a man who did not bow first to Deus’ will. No matter what my heart cried out for, I had learned the hard way, Deus came first…always. Still, my heart, even my mind and soul were shattered with the knowledge I would not be with Aiden any longer. And in the very depth of my being, I had to wonder if I stayed with him, would I be able to stop myself from falling in love?

“Who?” Aiden’s sharp voice cut like a knife through my torturous thoughts.

Travon looked startled. “You mentioned ______ country. That’s where the killer fled.”

“His name,” Aiden’s voice was tight.

“Arnan Romany.”