48. Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Eight
Kya
A couple of days later, Malina and I were sitting in the library in the palace doing more translations of the dark book.
We were both dressed in casual clothes—loose pants and long sleeved shirts.
We had gotten well over half of it done by now, and it was starting to make more sense, but nothing that directly related to what the Glaev was or how it was conjured or stopped.
“So what we know so far is that one: Rolim was a fucking genius,” Malina stated.
“No shit,” I mumbled as I continued to write and not looking up as she continued.
“Two: the Sage bitch had to have had some serious power to be able to manipulate this kind of magic. But then there was that thing awhile back about using some kind of mechanism to concentrate it right? So she could target certain spots.”
“I don’t think it’s a mechanism exactly.
It’s like…it’s funneled somehow, through something else.
I think that’s what it meant when it said that there is some kind of reserve that holds all of the built up power.
I think she stored her power then released it through this ‘conduit’ onto a specific place.
I don’t know. That’s just a theory. That’s not even mentioned in Rolim’s notes. ”
Her eyes went distant. “Funnel the magic? Through what, and is there a limit?”
“I have no idea. A limit to what?”
“The reserve. You said it was a retention of some sort as if she’s storing power. So is there a limit to how much power she could retain before it has to be released?”
I thought for a moment, tapping my finger against my chin. “I don’t know. I don’t remember it saying anything like that. But I do know that the more power that is stored, the more damage the Glaev can do. But that could also be a restoration of some kind over time.”
“Didn’t you say something about energy too?” she asked, leaning back in her chair.
We had been at it for hours, and it was getting late in the afternoon. We would stop soon and go out to the training area to spar.
“Yeah, but it was more like a passing phrase. Deres is the one who mentioned the significance of energy.”
“Right. Magic is a form of energy or whatever he said.” She rubbed her temples.
“Something like that.” I started stacking the papers. “I want to go talk to Vicria.”
“What for?” She sat forward and closed the book, resting her arms across it.
“I want to ask her how she did this shit and what all of this means. And by Gods, I want to know if she knows how to reverse it.”
“And what makes you think she’s going to tell you anything? Hakoa has had her for weeks doing Gods-know-what to her and she hasn’t talked.”
I shrugged. “Maybe since she has some sort of vendetta against me and Ryker, she’ll speak to one of us. And we both know that if Ryker goes in there, he’ll likely kill her for what she’s done to his Nation.”
“ His Nation?” Malina gave me a pointed look and my brows creased. She sighed. “You keep saying his Nation, his people. But from how I see it? It’s yours too. Or will be. Not only are you Worthy but you’re mated to it’s Lord.”
“Not yet. Not fully.”
“Explain that to me. Why haven’t you fucked him yet? I’d kill to bang a Worthy!”
I snorted a laugh. “There’s an entire panel who have threatened our lives if we do. And, because there’s still the chance that we’re wrong about Vicria, and we don’t want to risk, oh I don’t know, the death of his people.”
“ Your .”
“Shut up.” I smiled.
We fell quiet for a few moments.
“Do you think he’ll let them in?” Malina asked softly. She was looking out the window.
“I’m not sure. I’m hoping I don’t have to risk asking. If I’m successful in my task, I won’t need to.” I glanced down at my lap.
“Is that what you want?”
My head shot up and I stared at her in disbelief. “Of course it’s what I want,” I said in a raised whisper.
“But you’ll have to choose. Won’t you?”
“I don’t know, Mal. It’s not like there’s a manual for this kind of situation. And right now, I only have one option so I don’t have to worry about choosing at the moment. I can’t solve a problem before there is one.”
“Wrong. You plan for every contingency. You’ve at least thought of it and played out the various ways this could go. It’s one of the annoying things I adore about you.” The side of her mouth quirked up .
I rolled my eyes and tried to hide a smile.
“Well, I heard about this Nailu party thing and I didn’t bring anything worthwhile to wear. We’re done with translations today, so let’s skip out on sparring and go into the city to do some shopping.” She stood from her chair.
“Mal, you hate shopping,” I chuckled.
“So do you but that doesn’t solve my problem. Come on. Let’s go find something that’s going to get us both laid.” She skipped to the door and I followed as we giggled down the corridor.
“I’ll meet you out front. I’m going to let Ryker know I’ll be in the city,” I said once we got to the staircase.
She rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Mates.”
She went down the staircase and I placed my hand on the stone wall.
I could feel him up on the upper level in his study with others in there that I thought could be his brother and someone else I didn’t recognize the feel of.
I dashed up the stairs, taking two at a time, and down the corridor, eager to meet back up with Malina and explore more of the city.
The door to Ryker’s personal study was open, and I slowed my pace as I entered.
Mavris was standing next to Ryker, patting him on the shoulder with a broad smile next to Arra.
“Hi,” I said in greeting.
“Kya,” Ryker said, leaving his brother’s side and walking over to me.
He smiled down at me and brushed my loose hair behind my ear. Being apart from him all day made the bond tense but the proximity settled it and I released a silent sigh. His silver eyes held a look of longing that made my heart swell.
I smiled brightly at him before looking over at the other two. “Hey Mavris. Arra. How are you?”
He smiled warmly. “Hi Kya. I’m doing well. And please, call me Mav. I just came by to—”
“To tell me that he’s looking forward to Nailu in a couple of days,” Ryker interjected.
Arra rolled her eyes. He and Mavris shared a look for a moment and I was sure that Ryker was speaking into his brother’s mind. But I didn’t give it much thought.
“Actually that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” I said.
“Sure. What about it?” he asked. His fingers lightly brushed the inside of my wrist.
“Mal and I are going into Voara to look for something to wear to the celebration.”
“That’s a great idea. You should take Arra, too.”
“I’ll just excuse myself,” Mavris chuckled as he made for the door.
It was just Arra, Ryker and I. I still wasn’t the biggest fan of Arra, but I knew that she was important to Ryker and to Oryn. If he liked her enough to have her in his inner circle, I thought I at least ought to give her a chance. “Uh, yeah.”
“Really?” she asked skeptically.
“Sure. Maybe you could show us around and point out the good shops.” I shrugged.
She eyed me up and down. “I don’t really like shopping.”
“Neither do I and nor does Malina. So this could make for an interesting adventure.” I smirked.
She nodded slowly. “Alright. But I don’t know what the good shops are. I really don’t get out much, other than to the taverns Mav and Hakoa drag me into.”
“Go find Lorotte,” Ryker chuckled. “She has a shop in the western district. Tell her I sent you and she’ll take care of all three of you.”
“I’ll see you after then.” I gave his hand a firm squeeze before Arra and I left his study and met with Malina.
My sister was sitting on the steps outside the palace doors, her shiny black hair swayed in the gentle breeze. She stood when I approached and raised an eyebrow when she noticed Arra behind me.
“Pigeon boy give you an escort?” she snarked.
“Pigeon boy?” Arra asked.
“Ignore her. No, Mal. It’s fine. Be nice ,” I said sternly.
Malina looked Arra up and down before she shrugged. “Whatever. If you’re fine with it, then so am I. Do you know what we should be looking for, Arra?”
“Not really, but apparently Ryker does,” Arra said. “And I know where he’s talking about. Come on. I’ll show you.”
Arra led us to the western district of the city, weaving through the streets until we came to a small boutique with clothing displayed in the front window.
The wood door creaked as she pushed it open, revealing an open room with dresses and skirts of all shapes and colors hanging on bars that lined the walls.
Malina and I followed Arra inside. When Arra used a gust of air to close the door behind us, a female voice came from a back room at the other end of the shop.
“I’ll be with you in just a moment.”
“Take your time, please. It’s not like we have all day,” Arra muttered under her breath.
“Are you always this cranky?” Malina asked.
“Only when I’m sober,” she grumbled.
Malina leaned toward me and whispered, “I’m starting to like her.”
“You barely know her. How can you have an opinion so quickly?” I scoffed.
“Well she doesn’t talk much, she can kick ass, and she likes to drink. Just my type. Oh look at that one!” Malina walked over to an extravagant dress hanging near the front of the shop.
A moment later, a tall, lean female sauntered in from the back. Her curly blonde hair went down to her waist, golden skin peeking from a short blue dress that came just below her knees with matching heels. Her lips were painted a deep red that nearly matched her eyes.
“Welcome. My name is Lorotte. How can I help you?” Her voice was like silk.
“Lord Ryker sent us. We need to dress for Nailu and he assured us that you would help. This is his mate, Kya,” Arra said formally, and I wondered if she ever loosened up. Maybe that’s why she liked to drink.
“Kya. It is an honor to meet you. Lord Ryker is truly blessed by the Gods to have received a mate. And a beautiful one at that.” Lorotte bowed her head.
“Thank you. And this is my sister, Malina.” I gestured to Malina who was skipping back over to us.
“Hi!” she chimed.
“A pleasure,” Lorotte said. “Now, the Nailu celebration is only two days away so I will need to get your measurements and get started on your pieces. Take a look around and let me know if you see something and I can work on the customization to your liking.”
I looked around the room. “Do we not just…pick one?”
“Only if you feel strongly about it. But if Lord Ryker said I would take care of you, then I certainly will. I’ve known him since he was young. His mother and I were friends. I would do anything for him.”
Were.
I gave a grateful nod, and we began to look around at the selection. A moment later, a hand grazed my arm.
“As the mate to Lord Ryker, I was wondering if you would like to wear the traditional dress of Oryn. Although you certainly don’t have to,” she offered with a grin.
“No, I would love that. I believe that traditions are important to uphold.” I smiled back.
“Wonderful! Let me grab some materials from the back.” Lorotte briskly left the room.
Malina came to stand next to me. “You could make some modifications, you know.”
“Such as?” I asked.
She gave me a sad smile.
I shook my head. “No. This is Oryn. And besides, I never earned that honor,” I said softly. It wouldn’t have felt right.
“Kya, you were deemed Worthy by Kleio. I think if anyone has earned that honor, it’s you.”
I didn’t say anything, and Malina’s lips thinned before she went back to peruse the rows of clothes.
Lorotte came back a few minutes later with several swaths of fabric. Her features were hard in concentration as she held each one up to me.
“Oh now this one is perfect. Yes. I think this will do very nicely,” she said, nodding.
Malina and Arra approached, each with a dress draped over their arms. Malina’s was a beautiful burgundy color and Arra’s was a deep rich blue that made her red hair stand out.
I had to hand it to them, for not liking this sort of thing, they sure knew how to pick out what accentuated their features.
“Well, that will most definitely compliment the eyes.” Arra said looking at the material Lorotte was holding. And I could have sworn there was the slightest hint of a smile on her face. At least it wasn’t her usual scowl.
“Indeed. I love it. You’ll look like a walking jewel,” Malina said, clapping her hands.
“Lord Ryker does like his gems. And you will be his most precious treasure,” Lorotte said.
I laughed. “Okay, I’ll take it. ”
“Good.” She tossed aside the swaths and spun me around. “I’ll get all of your measurements and have these delivered to the palace by tomorrow night.”
After we left Lorotte’s shop, we explored the city for a bit before Malina and I went back to the palace. Arra had gone her own way back to her home. I was beginning to like Arra, water under the bridge and all that. She still scowled the entire time, but I think she had enjoyed herself as well.
Just as we were approaching the steps of the palace, Odarum appeared beside us. I was getting used to him showing up at unexpected times. “I need to speak with you.”
“I’ll meet with you later, Mal,” I said.
Once she was inside I turned to face Odarum. “Where have you been the last few days? Having secret Spirit meetings in the Hylithria again?”
“As I have told you, time is different. What you perceive as a few days is only hours in comparison in Hylithria. But yes, that is where I have been.”
“Can you tell me anything this time?” I crossed my arms and leaned against the stair wall.
“A little. I must warn you that the…presence is nearing. You need to prepare yourself.” He stomped his hoof against the gravel.
“Prepare myself for what? What is it? Is it a thing? Or a person?”
“I cannot tell you more than I already have. If I could, I would have by now but it would be interfering. But I need you to heed my warning.”
“Odarum, I’m trying. But it’s kind of hard when I don’t know what I’m preparing for or when to expect it.
” I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
“I will train with you all day tomorrow, but other than that, I don’t know what more you expect me to do.
” I looked back up to my Spirit guardian.
I knew he was doing everything he could and that he was likely telling me more than he should have.
He bobbed his head. “Thank you. I will see you at dawn.”
Then he disappeared.