Whisper of War and Storms (Heirs of Elydor #1)

Chapter 20

20

KAEL

“She is strong.”

I agreed, having watched Lyra train with Mev that morn. Even as we began to ride north, Lyra continued to explain air magic to her. We’d stopped again, the human half of Mev necessitating it, and waited for her to return from the thicket.

“Did you doubt she would be?” I asked. Lyra knew as well as I that magical strength ran through families. All three clans, the humans notwithstanding, held a version of our Rite of Stone and Soil to determine a new leader, if any proved stronger than the current king or queen. Often, however, it was the sons and daughters of the current leader who came out victorious.

“No, but as an Uninitiated who knows little about our world, she should not be able to harness her ability so easily.”

“True.”

“Kael?”

We’d served on the Council together for many years. That tone meant Lyra intended to probe, but I had no wish to discuss it.

“You cannot avoid speaking to me for the entire journey.”

“If you wish to discuss my father, I can.” Turning my gaze from where Mev had disappeared into the bushes back to Lyra, I wondered which of the women were more stubborn. I’d have said Lyra, before meeting Mev. She was as relentless as any Gyorian warrior. Raised by one of the most prestigious families in Aetheria, her lineage tracing back to the ancient air mages who’d first harnessed the power of the Wind Crystal, Lyra was difficult to waylay when she set her mind to something.

“He will not forgive you.” I gave her a look that Lyra did not heed. “What will you do, after Mev returns?”

“Is that what she told you? That she wishes to return to her realm?”

“With words? Nay.”

“So you have the Sight now too?”

“Do not be cross with me. I wish only to aid her. Mevlida’s choices are her own. Though it’s clear you care for her.”

We’re meant to be together.

She emerged from the thicket, thankfully. I had a mind to ensure her safety even knowing there were none around us. We took a little-traveled path north, Lyra and I having agreed on a course. Using this route, we could avoid the contentious borderlands but it would add time to our journey.

I’d wondered if she would begin to harness her human abilities alongside her Aetherian ones. Even so, I had not been prepared for that. This morn, on my swim, the need to return to camp, ensure Mev’s safety and be in her presence was as strong as any need I’d ever had. She called to me without words, that kiss one I could not put from my mind.

It was the height of folly to allow myself into Mev’s orbit, but her presence on the shore beside Lyra had solidified my thinking. I could no sooner stay away from Galfrid’s daughter than I could go back to Gyoria anytime soon. I loved my brother, my people, and in some ways, even my father. But Mev’s presence changed everything.

Dismounting, I waited for Mev to approach. As always, the desire to touch her was difficult to ignore, even more so now. Lifting her onto my mount was not enough. Having her hold onto my waist from behind was not enough. I needed her closer.

“When you look at me that way,” she said from behind me as I re-mounted, “I find it difficult not to have… thoughts.”

We began to ride. “What kind of thoughts?”

“You know. Those kind.”

Humans were so delicate.

“Thoughts of sex, you mean?” I asked, turning and trying not to laugh at her expression, a mix between surprise and desire. I faced back around, grateful Lyra was well ahead of us.

“It’s strange to hear you say the word. And to know you guys have sex in the same way we do.”

“You guys? I’d thank you not to confuse Gyorians with any others.”

Her hands tightened around my waist. “Are you that different?”

“Yes.”

“No,” Lyra called back.

Not far enough, it seemed. “Must you listen?” I yelled to her.

“Can’t help it; the wind carries your voices to me.”

Mev chuckled, a sound I very much enjoyed. Since this morning, she was more relaxed. Not being held against one’s will, it seemed, did much to improve one’s temperament.

And if she tried to get away, with Lyra?

I pushed away the thought. Not wanting to put her in harm’s way by bringing her to my father did not mean that learning how she’d gotten through the portal wasn’t of utmost importance.

“Tell me more about you. About the different clans.”

“I liked our previous conversation better.”

She slapped my shoulder. “Is that a village?”

We’d crested a small hill. Below us, patchwork farmlands and fields of wheat and barley swayed in the wind. Further along, thatched roofs and timber-framed houses clustered together marked a farming village that had seen their share of warfare these past years.

“It is.”

“Can we ride through it?”

“No.”

“That’s it? Just, no?”

“I’d not likely be welcomed there. Two years past my men met a contingency of human and Aetherian warriors nearby. Some of their buildings were lost to a fire.”

“Not how I would describe that battle,” Lyra called back. “But I agree, we cannot pass through.”

“Are there many places you’re not welcome?” Mev shifted in the saddle. Already acutely aware of her at my backside, I tried to ignore the fact and answer Mev’s question.

“Yes.”

“It’s like pulling teeth with you.”

“One of your many barbaric human practices.”

“You don’t pull teeth here? Do you have dentists?”

“No and no. We’ve few of the advancements you do in your realm because there is no need for them here.”

“Why?”

As we skirted the village, I told Mev about Elydor’s beginnings. Of the celestial event that created our world, imbuing everything with so-called magic. How we started as one people but eventually became a realm of three clans. I told her of the differences between us, which was when Lyra hung back to join the conversation.

“It is more than just our magic which differentiates us. We have different values that can make maintaining peace difficult.”

“I would think not kidnapping the queen might be one way to achieve peace,” Mev said, as innocently as possible. But there was an edge to her tone, one I understood.

“My mother was killed by a human disease. Since they’ve come, nothing has been the same,” I said tightly, watching the road ahead of us. Something had shifted in the ground, and I had yet to determine if we were being followed or if riders came toward us from the north.

“Sometimes, change is good,” Mev said.

“Usually,” I countered, “it is not.”

“He will never sway from his position,” Lyra added. “In all the years I’ve known Kael, he’s sung the same tune. Be thankful it was he, and not his brother, who found you.”

“Why?” Mev asked.

“Terran is more like his father than Kael. Sometimes, unlike the other two, Kael even sees reason. Other times, not as much. There was much anger when you left the Summit, for instance,” she said to me.

Of course, Lyra’s accusation led to more questions from Mev. About the Summit. About the differences between our clans.

“It’s true, Gyorians value loyalty and bravery,” Lyra said. “But under King Balthor’s reign, they remain loyal only to each other. Even before your mother was taken and the Gate closed, his hatred of humans did little to encourage peace in Elydor.”

I ignored that.

“Tell me more of the other clans,” Mev said.

I didn’t have to wonder about her change of topic. As she said the words, one of her hands moved from my waist to my shoulder, as if to comfort me. Or perhaps calm me. Both were equally unnecessary. Lyra’s complaints about my father were nothing new, and neither would I address them. Still, the gesture made me smile.

“The Thalassari value freedom and independence above all, which is why they avoid most conflicts. They were the first to break from all others in ancient times, traveling to the south to separate themselves and to see the warmer climate.”

“And your clan?” she asked.

Lyra turned in her saddle and grinned. “ Our clan. You are as much Aetherian as me. Your father is the king.”

“I do not feel Aetherian.”

“You will. Attune yourself to the wind currents,” Lyra said. “When you feel them, amplify the sound waves carried by them.”

“How do I do that?”

“By channeling your magic to the task, just as you did back at camp.” Neither of them spoke for a few moments, until Lyra continued. “Now shape the air currents like a funnel, guiding them from me to you so my words remain intact and do not disperse.”

More silence.

As it stretched, I began to suspect they were communicating silently. My suspicions were confirmed when Mev laughed.

“What did she say?” I asked.

“That information”—Mev adjusted herself behind me—“is for women only.”

“Aetherians,” I muttered. Their whispers to each other were a particularly annoying trait.

“Aetherians. Humans. Who do you like?” Mev asked.

I looked over my shoulder. “You,” I said with an honesty that surprised me.

“Even though I’m both.”

“Despite the fact that you are both.”

“Hmm. Well, I like you too. Despite the fact that you are?—”

Whatever Mev had been about to say, I could only guess at. The movement I’d felt earlier was more pronounced, and it was coming from behind us.

“Lyra,” I called. She halted immediately. Jumping from the saddle, I yelled for Mev to take the reins and for Lyra to protect her. “There is just one,” I said.

If there was ever a time, along the borders, when it was not necessary to prepare for battle when meeting another rider, I could hardly remember it. Coupled with the knowledge that Lyra would not be the only former Council member looking for Mev, I pulled out an obsidian shard. If I needed to create a shield between our newcomer and Mev, I’d ensure it was strong enough to keep her safe from any other magic.

They were getting closer. Just around the bend, if the vibrations beneath my feet could be trusted, and I was certain they could.

When the sole rider appeared, I lowered my guard.

A human.

Their brand of magic was just as dangerous; humans’ ability to foretell the future or see events that happened in the past had won them battles. But one on one, they were less of a threat.

He rode atop a warhorse, a breed that marked him immediately as either a noble or a knight. Or both. Humans adored their titles and rankings, but I had no need for either.

“Prince Kael of Gyoria,” he called out. “I mean you no harm.”

I squinted, taking in his features. He knew me, but I did not know him. I liked it not.

“Who are you?” I demanded. “Why do you follow us?”

He stopped. Dismounted. I watched his hand carefully, the broadsword by his side a dangerous weapon, even for an immortal.

“That is not my intention. I travel north, to Aethralis.”

“Alone?”

“Aye,” he said, not elaborating.

“You know me, but I do not know you. What is your name?”

“Sir Rowan,” Lyra said from behind me. I’d felt her approach and gave her a look of disapproval for allowing Mev to accompany her.

Sir Rowan of Estmere. I’d heard the name many times before. A respected diplomat and emissary whose lineage dated back to the humans who’d first come through the Gate. He’d negotiated as many trade agreements these past few years as generations of humans before him. Somehow, we had never crossed paths.

Bowing to the women, Sir Rowan confirmed his identity. “Sir Rowan of Estmere, at your service.”

“How can you two not have met before?” Lyra asked us.

As Lyra said, I’d never met the man.

“You’ve spent little time at the capital,” Rowan said, addressing me, “since I’ve been named the royal emissary. And of course…” He grinned at Lyra, a smile that may have put others at ease, but not me. I trusted no human, not even one with this man’s reputation. “I’ve no cause to visit Gyoria, or you, to visit the royal court of Estmere,” he said to me.

Catching my retort, one Mev would have disliked, I instead asked on his purpose for traveling north, knowing his business was his own but caring little for protocol. He was, after all, a human.

At that, Rowan looked at Mev. Studied her. I stepped between the two of them.

“What is your business in Aethralis?” I asked again.

His gaze returned to me.

“The same as yours, your highness.” That damn smile again. I liked it not. “To discover how she got through the Gate.”