Chapter Ten
Emergence
I awoke in a strange chamber. The stones of the walls told me quickly I was within a castle, exactly where - I didn’t know. I edged off the soft bed. I had been cared for. The room was as I had not known since my banishment: large, with hanging tapestries of flying Sordarins in battle; a cold hearth to the side of my bed; and great wooden chairs arrayed along the wall.
Washed and dressed in a misty gown of pale silk, I marveled at the feel of the material against my skin. My hair hung long down my back, brushed to a shine. Sunlight broke through slits in the stone walls. I glanced around my room. It held a balcony for Sordarins to enter.
Curiosity overcame me and I swung my legs off the bed. For a moment I sat to regain my balance. My head spun. My head hurt; my arms ached.
“Take care.”
I turned to the sound of the voice. Walking in the open door, Twiten smiled broadly.
“Where am I?” I asked in a low dry voice that crackled.
“At Hovoamia, King Edulf’s manor to the east. It was the closest to the Payelaga Desert. You were flown here while all was completed. You have slept for well over five days.”
I looked up at Twiten, waiting with expectation. I waited, holding my breath for a word, a sign, the least hint of satisfaction. He stared at me, pressing his lips together.
“King Edulf has acknowledged your bond with Cono and is persuaded that the actions of the other night has deemed well for Scarladin. The Arachnideans attacked with the desert storm at the most inopportune time. It seems evident that they had waited until such an opportunity. If not for your actions the whole of the army would have been wiped out.”
“And Cono?” I asked, trying to steady myself when I stood. I reached for the side of the bed.
“Without question, I find that my misgivings were unfounded and unquestionably you are stronger, much stronger, with him by your side. Do you realize what you have done?”
“No; I reacted only,” I answered honestly. I moved toward the balcony. Twiten walked beside me. For a moment, my breath was taken away when I reached the railing. My room towered above the ground. Far below me lay the gardens and the wings of the manor. I breathed in deeply. Figures appeared, walking below. I could not make out whom, but they seemed like ladies in their finery.
“The reach of your shield exceed any expectation, Kela. At one point it was said the whole of the camp was shielded. The magnitude of the thrust on the ground crumbled the tunnels beneath the camp. From that moment, with your shield keeping the winds back, the Arachnideans had not a chance.
“I have so many questions. To do so, without training along with Cono and with prior experience with Cono when you were younger, King Edulf feels that your bond is instinctual. It does not need to be reinforced but will, when together, protect.”
Confused with his words, I turned back to Twiten. “I don’t understand what you are saying.”
“I believe it will be for King Edulf to tell you what he has planned. He is happy, my dear, extremely so.”
My heart pounded rapidly. “I can return? I can be acknowledged once more?”
“Given that keeping you a secret isn’t an option at this moment, I would find King Edulf hard pressed not to recall you, but caution is still advised. It would not be such a bad time, would it? Within the month, you will be eighteen. I would suspect the king would have something in the works.”
My heart burst with joy. “And Cono?”
“It is not for me to say, but if it was, I would not separate the two of you.”
“Where is Cono?” I asked. I held tight to the railing. The ladies had withdrawn back into the manor while I watched.
“I expect he will be here within the day,” Twiten said. “He has sent messages for you. I have told him you hadn’t awakened, but seemed in good health and was in good hands. He seems quite taken with you, Kela. It is good. Is it not?”
I turned back to Twiten astonished by his words. “Truly,” I asked. “I want nothing more.”
“Truly, Kela, I want nothing more than to see your eyes gleam as they do now.”
Turstan burst into my room shortly after Twiten left. After making sure I was whole, he gleamed with pride and had me recite the entire venture. Rumors abounded about my performance. King Edulf had not confirmed my existence, which I found strange. In my mind I cared only if I left the Forbidden Forest and took my place that my birthright demanded, my Euchoun presence allowed.
“Alas, I have not been told of your return, but it would have to be imminent.” Turstan sat alert in his chair. His eyes gleamed with the light of a brightly burning fire. He looked straight ahead at me. “The king is a wise man, not prone to emotions, for sure, but he uses wisdom at most times. He will recall you when it is deemed best for you and Scarladin. Remember, my child, it is the life of a Euchoun, of a warrior.”
Kela frowned. “Do you not believe I will be recalled? Pray, what will you have me do? Stay in the forest forever?”
“Nay, Kela, but within the forest…,” his voice faltered, but his meaning clear. My eyes welled at his response. Turstan’s, my warrior guardian, the hard-hearted soul, concern lay not with the welfare of Scarladin. His worry lay with me. In that, I found comfort.
I rose. Leaning downward, I kissed his cheek and wiped his own eyes which watered. I sat beside him and his arm rounded me. My head fell upon his large shoulder and I sat there until he took his leave.
Sareta visited, for she resided at Hovoamia during this time, along with Gunilda. I found I resided high above all else in the tower. No one else knew of my presence at the manor. Gunilda said Twiten waited for King Edulf to make known about my appearance.
I recovered rapidly. I wanted nothing more than to start my new life. I waited impatiently for Cono, but I said nothing to Sareta. The news of the battle had traveled quickly, leaving Cono’s actions highly exclaimed across Scarladin! In turn, Sareta excitedly took measure in, leaving out my role in the battle.
For some reason unknown to me, when Gunilda left us alone, she seemed to mistakenly think I would take heart in the fact she felt Cono had a connection to our cousin, Amicia. Her words exhaled praise for Amicia’s beloved, which annoyed me to no end.
“Belasquita would not consider a great warrior as Cono for her attached; only a prince or a king will do for her. Amicia cares only that it is Cono. Is that not most romantic? To have a love so deep.”
“Is it returned? Has Cono spoken those words to Amicia?” I asked; my voice rose higher than I intended.
“Why no! Kela, of what do you speak? No lady can be alone with a suitor or any man before they are attached. It is not done. Her reputation…” She looked upon me. Seeing my expression, she leaned over to me. “You are different, sister. You are a warrior yourself. Why look at yourself! When you returned as you did, you were dressed as a boy, dirty and filthy! If not for me when I changed you, you would be dressed in that dreadful tunic and shirt. You have never cared for the etiquette that is required in court…” She hesitated. “Or do you? Oh, why did I not think of such? With Belasquita being attached soon - it is said to the heir of Brixtone - and you are the eldest granddaughter. It should have been you, but, Kela…”
I stared intently at my frivolous sister. She thought I gave two hoots for who Belasquita married! Did she not understand of what I had just accomplished? More so than any frivolous talk of illogical matches!
I drew in my breath so not to say the words on my lips. Sareta was a child. She couldn’t understand the world around her as I did. Cono loved me. He could be with no other. He had no need for a princess, for was I not one? No, we were one...bonded forever.
In the still of the night, I found no peace. Sareta’s words haunted me. In all, I could deal with all around me if I had only Cono by my side. But in the cold night’s air, I had not Cono. I was alone in my bed while all below me partied. I had seen the celeb
ration begin from the balcony.
The manor exploded with lights and music. I watched for a time, but my view was blocked, though I heard well the celebration. Within me doubts again formed. In all, would not the celebration be the time to announce my return? I could stand by Cono. Yet, I lay within my bed without even the thought of anyone telling me what was being celebrated.
Finally, I crawled out of bed. I paced over to the railing of the balcony, staring at the manor below. I saw above me Sordarins in flight. On patrol, no doubt, I thought, for all below to enjoy the victory.
Soft diffused moonlight lit the sky, shadowed by the wings of brave Sordarins. I stood staring out before me, trying to collect my thoughts. So engrossed in my thoughts, I paid no mind to the figure flying above me, taking time to circle me. Only when he at last swooped down before me, my heart leaped. I stepped back as the warrior, my warrior, landed. He had come back to me.
I whirled in a graceful motion around to face him, creating whispers of moving air no stronger than the breath of a hummingbird. A moment of light touched his face, his handsome smiling face. All my doubts encompassing me dissipated upon the smile.
I stood before him in my simple gown with no jewels to adorn me, my hair long down my back without a fashionable twist: only myself as I was. His hand reached toward me and I shivered with his touch. If he spoke words, I heard them not, for I couldn’t breathe when his arms rounded me. He pushed back my hair from my face and my neck, and caressed my face.
“Never have I returned to such a sight.”
He kissed me over and over again. Then his lips traveled down my neck and a sensation swept through me. His hands held me tight against him. I forgot all about my surroundings or where I stood. I had no restraint with Cono. My hand went to his face. He took my hand and kissed it, holding it to his lips. His eyes lay on mine.
“What of everyone else? Could not someone walk in upon us?” I asked, drawing upon every word.
“A celebration is ongoing. None will miss me, since I haven’t acknowledged my return and any that know you are here believe you are sleeping. Would you prefer me to leave and let you rest?” he whispered, but I knew well he wasn’t leaving my side. “Most will be entertained tonight. And for us, tomorrow…is tomorrow.”
I eyed him suspiciously, for I didn’t comprehend his meaning. His eyes sparkled with my confusion.
“We have time tonight that we will not have in the days to come, when we won’t be allowed this freedom. Your brother, the king, Twiten…”
His words hung in the air. My heart pounded. His hand slid down my arm. I should have been ashamed of my appearance in my nightgown, or perhaps admonished him soundly that a lady would never accept such behavior. Yet, I trembled in his arms.
He gave me no more chance to think. His mouth came down hard upon my mouth, releasing a yearning within him as my own exploded. I had no thought to deny Cono anything. He ravished my mouth and cries emerged from me that I had no control over. His lips descended down my neck and caressed down my side. I did not fight his hold on me and he grew bolder. He pushed us to the back of the room toward the bed.
His hand slid beneath my gown. My eyes widened when he took the end of it and pulled it upward over my head. For the first time, I was afraid. Gunilda had told me tales of fallen women who gave themselves to men. I had paid no attention to her, but her words echoed in my head while Cono kissed me. I was ignorant of the world, but alarm fled through me. With my hesitation, his gaze sought mine and he kissed me gently.
“I will not know you completely tonight, Kela, but this I know, as do you. We are meant to be together. In my heart I feel it. I want no other but you. You are mine as I am yours. I will never hurt you, but will protect you forever. Tell me you don’t want me to stop because you want me as I want you.”
“I want nothing more than to be with you here at this moment.”
“Trust me,” he whispered while his wings covered us. He kissed me hard while his hands finished pulling my gown off of me, uncovering my breasts. He lowered his head and for a time my world shocked at the pleasure he gave to me. Sensations piled on one another. I was lost in his essence.
His mouth teased me. His hand caressed me to a point where I begged him for more. He leaned upward and kissed my mouth again, turning me and pulled me to him. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight against him. One hand cupped my breast while the other covered me in the most intimate of places. Pushing me back tight against him, he stroked me, prodded me to respond. Stunned, my body exploded with sensations. Suddenly he released me and touched me no more. My body’s pleasure eased. I opened my eyes. He pulled me to him and he smiled down on me.
“I went farther than I intended,” he uttered. His wings fluttered slightly before they collapsed into a resting position. He moved quietly to the edge of the bed so he could find comfort on his side as his wings rested off the bed. He bent down and brought up the covers around us. His arm rounded me, pulling me to his bare chest. I stared at him, suddenly embarrassed at my behavior. I lay naked in his arms. Tears welled in my eyes.
His hand wiped it back. “Oh, Kela, don’t. I told you we are meant to be together. But I should have never taken advantage of you as I did, but…to all the saints…I could not contain myself. But your innocence is still intact,” he said gently. “Barely perhaps.”
“I…” I searched for words to say. I wanted to say I loved him, for my heart swelled within me, but he had not said the words to me. He leaned down and kissed my lips.
“You will not have to worry about my intentions after tonight. I intend upon talking with King Edulf. I have already laid a foundation about my feelings and I don’t think he will object, but I will wait until then before…before we consummate our union. I want you happy, Kela. Always.”
I needed nothing else. He held me in his arms and talked. He talked to me of everything: the battle, his home, his grandparents, his mother’s family, Scarladin… At some point in the night, we slept for a time and when I opened my eyes, his were on mine.
“Kela, Kela,” he uttered my name as if it was sacred. “I think all is senseless, this need to hide you from all eyes. I see no reason why you can’t be by my side. I don’t care what anyone thinks of having a female for a Euchoun. One that I intend to mate…”
His words faded. I turned to him. “We will be together always, Cono?”
“Always,” he said.
Cono had no qualms about his presence in the morning light. He played my maid, dressing me in a manner that no one would suspect upon my sight he had held me in his arms until the morning light appeared. He even took to my hair, brushing it and at times running his fingers through it. I laughed joyfully and gave no thought to how all appeared, for I was happy, truly happy.
With the greatest reluctance, he flew off when we heard footsteps at my door. For a brief moment I thought he was going to stay and make known to all our actions, but then he smiled down at me, kissed me, and took to the air. I stood on the balcony when Twiten walked in with Gunilda.
I stayed within the spot Cono had kissed me, eying the sky before I turned to greet my visitors. My face, no doubt, beamed my happiness. It could not fail to do so, but immediately I saw within Gunilda they brought news, news that had upset her and in turn, I comprehended, would myself.
"I thought I was to see the king," I said feebly, trying desperately to come up with some reasoning to stay. "Would he not want to see me?"
"I'm certain that he will see you, but he sent word that this is to be immediate. Only for a short time, Kela, to go to the safety that the Forbidden Forest offers," Twiten offered, but the words did nothing to soften the blow.
"In all, why is Gunilda returning with me? If only for a short time, I can fend for myself," I said. My eyes lay upon a desolate Gunilda to once more be ripped from her ward. My arms rounded my old nurse, for the news seemed to have greatly aged her. Her wrinkled face whitened; her eyes yellowed; her body sagg
ed. "There is no need for her to be swept away once more. She should stay..."
"It is not for me to say, Kela," Twiten lowered his head. "The king has ordered. The orders were specific."
Hopelessness encompassed me, for no argument would rescind the king's orders. I saw in Twiten's eyes his own doubt with the action. The only comfort I took was in being able to say goodbye to my siblings and Cono. Falco, in his manner, assured me all was for the best. His loyal belief in our grandfather remained steadfast.
Sareta cried and clung to Gunilda; my heart broke for Gunilda. For although I was certain Sareta was saddened by Gunilda's departure, the separation tore through Gunilda.
"I want not to be parted from you again," Sareta wailed. Her arms wrapped firmly around me. I hugged her tightly.
"It is not for long," I assured her in my confidence.
"It is such a shame. For I wanted you to be able to share in all the celebrations. Why Prince de Folur arrived last night, quite unexpected! Belasquita was beside herself. She told Amicia her announcement would be made soon for all to see! Belasquita says it will be the largest celebration that Scarladin has ever seen! Amicia says it makes sense because Belasquita will be soon with her eighteen year." Sareta carried on to the point where I half listened. She leaned into me. "Wymarcha and I foresee Amicia will not be far behind, even though she has a year to announce the attachment."
I looked at Sareta strangely. I worried about my sister. Her focus seemed not upon the problems we faced, I faced, but with the incidentals around her. But a brief moment of envy surfaced within me. She was young, carefree in her thoughts, waited upon her every want. She had not the worries of the world weighing down upon her. She had only the issues in front of a princess. Wrapped in the security of protection around her, I found all ironic that her own magic far exceed those that protected her. Then all faded when Cono flew into the room.
The speed of his landing had him almost stumbling. Regaining his balance, his face betrayed his emotions, but before he could utter a word, Twiten stopped him.
"It is not my decision. King Edulf gave the orders early this morning. I would assume it will only be temporary." Twiten's hand fixed upon Cono's massive shoulders, pausing him in the path to my side. "Do not act irrationally. This means little. All has been proven, Cono. It should not be a worry on your mind. I will transport both back within the portal, but if you want a moment, I will wait."
Cono didn't hesitate. My heart beat soundly. Cono took my hand. From the corner of my eye, I caught an astonished look on Sareta's face at Cono's bold move in front of all, but, with all, I gave it little thought.
Cono led me out to the balcony, pushing me gently back against the stone wall. Immediately, his wings expanded to give us a semblance of privacy. His hand cupped my face. "This makes no sense. Give me the word and I will fly you out of here at this moment. I will..."
My hand touched his. I shook my head. "I, too, was taken aback by Twiten's words, but, in all, the thought occurred to me. My eighteenth year is fast approaching. The king must have plans for us then. Is it not the perfect time to announce my reappearance? It has to be!"
My eyes searched his, hoping I was right; that in all, it was not a punishment but only biding time until the king would announce it to the world. Cono's eyes softened on me and nodded.
"Of course, it has to be." His arms pulled me to him. Never had I needed anyone to give to me hope as I did at that moment. His hand caressed the top of my head. "The day the moon sits on the blue centar. I will give all until then. If the king doesn't recall you by your day, I will come and recall you myself."
My head turned upward to his. He knew which day was my date. I smiled. "I will be waiting."
Then to my surprise, he leaned down and kissed me, a long yearning kiss. I wanted nothing more to stay in his arms, but in the next breath I heard Twiten in the doorway calling to us.
With reluctance, Cono let go of me. I turned and walked back within the room. Before I could glance back over my shoulder, my surroundings swirled in front of me. The fog dissipated to the view I had long grown accustomed…the Forbidden Forest. There I waited...