The Light of Asteria (32 page)

He reached for my hand, kissing the finger
below his ring. Miserable guilt ached through me.

What is it? What has drained you so?
He kissed me once again, and then walked to the window, blindly
staring at the distant mountain etched on the horizon.

“Mia is dying.” The soft statement rang in
the quiet.

I’m so sorry. What happened?

“Her reaction was worse than I feared.” He
woodenly replied. “The queen became enraged and ordered the portal
sealed. I fell into despair and went into seclusion, knowing I
would never see you again. It wasn’t until Tark’s voice requested
my council that I realized the gateway had been compromised. Tark
explained that your energy reopened the portal, but he feared that
you were weakening. When he showed me his memory of you the day you
healed the waters, I summoned Elias and Elaine immediately. We
decided it would be best to depart for the portal in secrecy. We
left before the break of day, but the queen found out and met us at
the castle’s gate. She openly commanded me to stay, for if I left,
Mia would surely perish.” He aggressively exhaled and turned from
the window to meet my gaze.

“I chose to go anyway. We were almost to the
portal, when the lake’s defense sounded an invasion call. Elias was
adamant I wait for the Elite Guard to accompany us. When we finally
made it through, Jakkar’s mind invaded my thoughts.” Pain marred
his face and his eyes found the mountain once more; his voice
became grave. “He was very explicit about the horrors you had
experienced before he mercifully killed you. The last of my
strength gave way, and then I saw your silhouette in the sky, and I
knew I had died and you were coming for me. Your energy and your
love surrounded me, and I rejoiced at the thought of heaven.”
Sighing, he walked back to the bed. His tapered finger traced the
worn stitching of the Appalachian star that started at my feet. “It
was the familiar scent of Edna’s quilt that brought me back to
reality. Your leg was completely shattered, and I was so drained it
took an entire day to heal. I remain weak, but I am recovering.”
His fingers followed the stitching until his palm rested over my
heart. My pulse raced under its warmth. Emeralds deepened, his body
tipped toward mine, as his lips found their favorite spot on my
shoulder. His desire warmed the pit of my stomach, and I took a
slow, deep breath, indulging in its feel.

“We have been here for several days, and I am
sure you are starving.”

Eating wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do at
the moment, but my stomach growled in protest. I blushed, and he
sheepishly grinned.

“I have some trail mix in my bag.”

Gavin quickly kissed me and crossed the room.
The mud stained pack lay beneath the mullioned glass and he emptied
the contents. The cream tunic enveloping the sketchpad muffled its
thump as it fell to the floor; he unfolded the soft material.

“I found the first night we were apart that I
couldn’t search for you. I needed an outlet and so I spent my
nights drawing. These are very personal and are only meant for the
two of us,” I explained. He handed me the trail mix and sat on the
edge of the bed.

Gavin flipped to the first drawing. His
expression grew tender as he took in each portrait.

“When did you draw this?” Surprise coursed
through me as he held up the sketch of the lake.

“Three nights before you arrived.” Sharp
tingles of fear arced through the pit of my stomach. Gavin stared
in disbelief.

The pattering of light rain drummed on the
window as I told him of our adventures in the Mighty Oak. Saying
the words out loud while the images replayed in our circle brought
the story to life once again. Instinct demanded I always stay open
to him, and I knew that, now more than ever, we couldn’t afford any
miscommunication between us. My impressions of the queen weren’t
exactly warm and fuzzy. Then again, this was her only son. She had
known Mia her whole life. I was the outsider who came and ruined
everything.

“Or saved me, Nora.” Gavin countered the last
thought in my head. “I would never have given Mia my soul stone,
even if I hadn’t met you. I would not have claimed a mate—I know
that now. Please don’t think you have ruined anything, love.”

I shrouded my mind in blue. Gavin hadn’t
gained his strength back, and I wouldn’t stress him out. We’d worry
about tomorrow soon enough.

A familiar golden glow illumined the bedroom
window. I ran down the stairs and out the cabin with Gavin close
behind.

Through the early morning mist, a golden halo
of light encircled the portal. Four beautiful figures made their
way to the lake’s edge.

“Rena!” I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around
her. Not pausing, I hugged Tark’s rigid torso. He was going to have
to get used to not being quite so formal around Gavin. I hugged
Elias, who was just as stiff as Tark, but Elaine returned my
affection with a throaty laugh.

“I see the events of the past month have not
deterred your enthusiasm, my lady.”

“When we get to town, or wherever we are
going, we need to pick up an outfit or two. I only have this and
one other,” I said, remembering her love of all things fashion.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I have
brought back some of my favorites from the earth cabin. It seemed a
shame to leave them as you may never return.” As she spoke, her
emotions swam in insecurity. She bowed to Gavin.

“I hope that was all right, my lord,” she
murmured.

My eyes narrowed as frustration momentarily
reigned. They were not allowed to start treating Gavin differently
because we were on the other side of some strange door. It was true
his lineage made him a prince, but he was also a person—he wasn’t
the Creator after all.

Gavin’s eyebrows rose. For a moment he seemed
mad, but then his nose crinkled and he playfully smiled. “You’ll
keep me humble, of that I am sure,” he muttered.

“Thank you, Elaine; your thoughtfulness is
very much appreciated. Now, I believe my Nora of Light feels as if
we’re being too formal. She feels you are family. I feel the same,
and I would be honored if you would remain, not as my guard, but as
our true clan.” Chests proudly held high, each one agreed to his
terms.

Rena had made a light brunch and we found
ourselves in the fresh air and sunshine. Elias explained that he
and Elaine almost cornered Jakkar, but they lost him to the dark
recesses of the mountain’s mysteries. The warriors that accompanied
the prince were the best in Kailmeyra, and of the hundreds of
Dokkalfar that were there, only a handful survived. The Elite Guard
would stay to heal the evil that befell the last pure land on
earth. Gavin had already ordered a replacement troop to assure the
portal remained protected.

Our clan was in need of meditation and
retired early. A small fire cast friendly wisps of shadows across
the open countryside.

“Nora, look there.” Gavin whispered pointing
to the forest’s edge.

Two lustrous milk white coats brightened
under the soft lilac moon. Manes, flowing like liquid mercury,
gracefully danced as they cantered across the field. High-set ears
tipped forward in anticipation. Their health was similar to
Gavin’s, but the mare was notably smaller, and a silver horn stood
guard atop the stallion’s head. Warm syrup scented the air; the
aroma made my mouth water. I greeted them at the rim of the fire’s
warm glow.

Their intelligent amber eyes eagerly
appraised my form. The stallion’s nostrils flared and quivered. My
heart pumped with an exuberance that was almost unsettling. I held
out my hand, encouraging him to draw near. The soft velvet flesh
between his nostrils brushed my cheek. Running my fingers through
his slippery silver tresses, I stroked the side of his muzzle. Even
though he grew still under my touch, the energy rushing through him
caused his coat to twitch and tremble.

“You are lovelier than anything I’ve ever
seen.” I softly proclaimed. He sidled back a bit to study my
features as Gavin’s chest warmed my back. The silence
stretched.

“The unicorns are some of the oldest beings
to inhabit Kailmeyra and are my favorite source, bested only by
you, my love.” His voice was a whispered hush so close to my ear.
“They are gifted with intelligence and power. The leader senses in
you an energy that has only been told through his herd’s allegory
and legends. He wishes for you to know that should you ever find
need just think of their scent and they will find you.” A blush
warmed my cheeks, as he bowed; his horn briefly touched the ground,
and Gavin’s surprise and respect ran through me as we watched them
canter across the lilac field.

“I’m going to miss this place,” I stated, as
Gavin crawled into bed. The unicorn’s reception had given me hope.
If they could accept me, then maybe the queen could too.

“We can always come back and visit, love.”
His breath tickled my neck as my back nestled next to his
wonderfully warm chest.

“True….” I wove my feet with his,
appreciating the feel of the smooth soles. They were like his
hands. I loved spooning with him, but my mind emptied, refusing to
kindle the ember of passion warming the pit of my stomach.

His hand slid down my midriff to rest on the
other side. My body relaxed. Gently, I was aware of his glassy palm
repeating its course, each time the pressure increased a bit. His
emotions intensified, desire started to protest in its cage. A
smile came to my face, and I laced my fingers through his in an
effort to stop their journey. I heard his resigned sigh as he put
an inch or two between us.

Packing only the necessities, we were out the
door by the time the dew had dried from the morning’s mist. My new
body was now faster, and I was relieved to find our travels didn’t
involve steep cliffs. We only stopped once for a bite of lunch. As
night fell upon the land, Elias found a small clearing adjoining a
shallow stream.

Lights, similar to large bright fireflies,
flickered throughout the trees. It was as if a celebration were
taking place just under the canopy’s skirt.

“Gavin, are those ... sprites?” I whispered.
He told me of them once, the night before he went through the
portal.

A lopsided grin crossed his face. He took my
hand, and we made our way through the tall grasses, just a few
yards from the festivities.

At first, the great elm camouflaged the
sprites from view. But as they emerged from above, I was amazed to
find their human form was about the size of a blue jay back home.
Their paper-thin ears were barely discernable and lay flat against
their head. They had no nose, but their eyes were round, black, and
extremely intelligent. A silver tuft of hair adorned their heads,
and their iridescent skin shone with the same purity as the
unicorns. Gavin pointed out that the wings of the males had
elaborate lacing throughout their design to attract the
females.

A few gamboled below the protection of the
foliage. They playfully challenged each other, reaching for the
tips of the other’s wings. One darted away, but the other stopped
and met my gaze. I couldn’t help but giggle, and the smile
emanating from the small creature seemed to shine, making his light
brighter. He bowed to the prince and then quickly darted away as
his friend made another dive from above. We stayed late into the
evening and watched brilliant lights dance in the massive boughs of
the ancient timberland.

Elias and Elaine preferred to meditate away
from camp, but Rena and Tark settled just beyond the fire’s warm
glow. As we made our way back, Rena had unearthed a familiar tan
colored tent from her pack and she and Tark were making quick work
of its assembly.

“Rena, is that from the Mighty Oak?”

“Yes, my lady.”

I sighed in relief; we had webbing. I had
grown stronger, and it was comforting to have a filter. I grew
tired of always being paranoid that I might inadvertently force my
fundamental nature on someone. Gavin’s expression warmed in
understanding.

“I’ve already ordered webbing be imbedded in
my quarters before we arrive. The spiders are working overtime to
assure it is done,” he murmured.

My enthusiasm couldn’t be contained. I jumped
into his arms and his hearty laugh echoed off the dense thicket
grove. I always thought I would be in another part of the castle
until we got this all settled, but apparently we were doing this
his way, and that was fine with me. His emeralds softened, and I
sighed. I truly loved him more than air. He smiled, and his lips
gingerly found mine.

It seemed my eyes had just closed when the
morning rose from the east. As we packed, I realized tonight we
would be in Kailmeyra. This was the moment I had been waiting for
and dreading at the same time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter
20—Kailmeyra

Anxiety burgeoned with each step. I cleared
my mind remembering that Gavin would surely be affected. By early
afternoon, snippets of monolithic gray towers peaked through the
thinning forest. The path merged onto a narrow road, and I longed
for conversation. Actually, I needed information.

“Will we be able to speak in public?” I asked
Rena, desperately trying to remember everything Gavin had taught me
about the customs of his people.

“You know when an elf speaks he is bound to
his words. Our world is very quiet in that we rarely use our
voices. Elias, Elaine, Tark, and I have become accustomed to
speaking, but such is not the case in Kailmeyra. This will change
over time as you are accepted as the princess. But for now, if you
need to communicate, all you have to do is think it and Gavin will
pass along the message. When we are in private quarters, we will be
able to speak freely. Until the issues at hand are put to rest, I
think it best to keep with tradition.” She winked. That didn’t do
much for my nerves. How was I supposed to defend my position if I
couldn’t speak to the queen?