by J E Reed
She ran her fingers through his chestnut hair and he stirred. Sleepy, concerned eyes met hers.
Silence echoed in the small tent. Elite brushed his thumb over her knuckles. He brought his lips down and pressed them against her hand then clutched it between his own.
“You’re awake.” The two turned to the tent flap as Palindrome entered. Palindrome glanced between them then started poking and prodding at Kiuno’s body. “How’s the arm?”
Kiuno flexed her fingers and circled her wrist. “Sore.”
Palindrome moved to the leg and a searing pain shot through it the moment she flexed. Palindrome’s fingers emitted their faint glow, and something slithered beneath her skin. Nausea bubbled in Kiuno’s gut and she resisted the urge to grab the limb.
When Palindrome finished, Kiuno flexed her leg again, this time without pain.
“Is it dead?”
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t, but that’s the least of our worries. The creatures who captured me are still pouring in from the forest. They don’t seem happy about my escape.”
Kiuno tried to speak, but Palindrome stopped her. “We’re taking care of it. You’re in no condition to help.”
Kiuno leaned back into her furs and Palindrome exited the tent.
Elite gripped her hand tighter. “Why did you do that?”
The pain in his voice gripped her heart like a vise. “It was my fault. What else could I have done?”
“Gotten help, I would have gone with you. Maltack would have gone with you.”
Stopped her more like. Then Palindrome would be dead.
She touched his face, and guilt washed over her as he leaned into her palm. “I’m sorry.”
“Promise me you won’t do anything like that again.”
“I promise.” It was a lie and judging from his sigh Elite knew it too.
~~~
KIUNO DIDN’T remember falling asleep, but she woke when the late morning sun poured through the slit in her tent. She lay there for a few minutes then sat up. Her head spun, but she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. If there was one thing she hated, it was being alone.
Before she’d fallen asleep, Elite had wiped the blood from her body and helped her into new clothes. Slime and muck still caked her hair, but it was something that could be tended to later.
Kiuno limped to the tent’s exit and moved the flap. Several people ran from one place to another, no longer attending to minuscule tasks.
The line of men who stood guard now held their weapons at the ready while magic sparked and faded at the forest’s edge. She hobbled toward the chaos for a closer look.
After the behemoth beast and the flesh eaters Kiuno didn’t want to fathom what else might be lurking within those foreboding trees.
“Palindrome won’t be happy when she catches you up.” K.J. said.
Kiuno shrugged and nodded toward the trees. “What are we going to do about that?”
He didn’t answer, but worry lines stretched across his forehead when he wrinkled his brow. She noted the black circling his eyes and his worn expression.
“When was the last time you slept?”
A guilty smile spread across his face. “Probably too long, but if you don’t tell Palin, I won’t.”
“Fine by me. Have you seen Elite?”
“Palindrome has him busy with Maltack. I can’t imagine you enjoy his constant worrying.”
“It’s not good for him.”
“He won’t be happy you’re up either.”
“He’s not happy with anything I do lately.”
They both laughed and K.J. said, “It seems I’m not on his nice list either.”
Kiuno noted his swollen lip. “What happened?”
“Nothing you need concern yourself with.”
“But—”
“The scouts haven’t returned, but with the challenges we’re facing I’m willing to bet the portal is inside those trees. Getting the civilians through will be difficult.”
She wanted to press him about Elite but decided now wasn’t the time. “At least it’s not something you have to worry about yet.”
He crossed his arms. “Honestly, I’ve considered not moving them until we reach the final realm.”
Shouting and sparks echoed from the forest’s edge again.
“How long has this been going on?” she asked.
“All day. They’re persistent creatures.”
“Aren’t you worried about burning the forest down?”
He opened his mouth and paused, then looked at her with a new spark in his eyes. “No, no I’m not.”
She tilted her head and a smile broke across his face. “You’re brilliant.”
“Thank you?”
He strode toward the forest and she struggled to keep pace.
K.J. found Palindrome, but the woman looked at both with a scowl. “Always out of bed when you shouldn’t be.” She placed one hand on her hip, but something in K.J.’s expression drew her attention. “Something wrong?”
“No, everything’s perfect. Gather the magic users and line them up along the forest.”
“How many?”
“All of them.”
Palindrome glanced at their line up then back to him. “I hardly think that’s necessary.” He made to move, but Palindrome caught his hand. “What’s going on?”
“We’re burning down the forest.”
18: Proposal
Realm: 5
Day: 250
News of their escape from the forest spread through the camp like wildfire. Many shed tears at Palindrome’s safe return and others hadn’t even realized she was missing.
Several people thanked Kiuno for her daring adventure, but she could feel Elite’s glaring eyes burning holes through her backside. She tucked herself in a wagon to hide from the masses and Elite walked alongside it.
Kiuno watched as magic users lined up along the forest edge. Those not staying packed their bags and headed back toward the castle. The forest would burn for a long while and they needed to replenish their supplies and rest.
Billowing clouds of smoke rose in the sky as the flames licked their way up the trunks. Those able to manipulate wind fanned the fire and smoke away from those packing.
Black clouds rising against a clear blue sky.
The scene was almost more ominous than the trees.
~~~
AFTER SPENDING the night tangled in Elite’s embrace, Kiuno opted to ride again. Queasiness still gripped her stomach, but any more time looking back on the forest of death would drive her mad. She wanted to see the wide-open plains and the freedom they promised.
Kiuno tried to urge her horse forward to speak with K.J., but Elite thwarted her movement again. Her horse pawed the ground and she huffed but he pretended not to notice.
“What happened?” she demanded.
Elite gave her an innocent glance. “With what?”
“Between you and K.J.”
His brow furrowed. “Did he say something?”
“He didn’t have to.”
“It’s nothing to worry about.”
Kiuno pursed her lips. “That’s not fair.”
“Neither is you running to your death. Again.”
Kiuno sighed, but she didn’t have the energy to argue. Instead, Kiuno turned her gaze to the stone walls in the distance. Familiarity. A haven that would protect them from the chaos of this created world. At least for now.
~~~
KIUNO MARCHED straight to their room, stripped from her dirty clothes and fell into bed. Her body was spent, and her muscles ached beyond words.
“You don’t want to shower?” Elite asked.
Of course she did. She reeked. But she was so tired.
“Later,” she murmured.
Despite her obvious need for sanitation, Kiuno still woke with Elite’s body wrapped around her like a vise. If he’d been protective before she imagined it would be even worse now.
~~~
ELITE STIRRE
D when a knock sounded at their door. She was tempted to ignore it, but when it sounded again, Elite tugged on his dirty pants and opened it.
Blue stood on the other side and he quickly put a hand over Liam’s eyes upon seeing Kiuno wrapped in nothing but a blanket.
“Um, K.J. wanted me to get her.”
Elite grunted. “Of course he did.”
Kiuno gave Blue a sleepy smile. “Tell him I’ll be there soon.”
He nodded, gave Elite a curious glance, and padded down the hall with Liam in tow.
“I suppose you hate him now?”
Elite leaned against the wall and folded his arms. “Now? Remind me what’s changed.”
She shook her head and slid back into yesterday’s pants. Kiuno pulled the shirt over her head, but Elite grabbed her wrist before she could reach for her blades.
He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll always dislike the thought of you in danger.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to hit my friends.”
“Maybe I went a little overboard, but he had it coming.”
She playfully poked his chest. “Self-restraint, or I’ll keep you away from future meetings.”
He smirked. “I’d like to see you try.”
Kiuno tucked her knives into her boot then she and Elite trudged up the stairs to hear the latest news.
They entered the double doors and sat in the two empty chairs before his desk.
K.J. glanced at Elite and then to her. “The alliances aren’t happy with my decision.”
“To burn the forest, you mean? It’s not like you didn’t expect that.”
“No, but I thought some of them might have agreed. They’ve requested I consult with them before taking any more drastic measures.” K.J. crumpled the note and threw it into the fire.
“I’ll be sure to remind you of that when the time comes.” Kiuno glanced at an empty chair. “Where’s Palindrome?”
K.J. rubbed his temple. “Planning a celebration. The civilians want in on the latest details and the magic users left behind were spotted on the horizon earlier.”
Kiuno sighed. “Doesn’t she ever get tired?”
~~~
IF KIUNO thought the last celebration was extraordinary it was nothing compared to this one. She’d bathed, finally washing the muck and grime from her hair before Elite guided her to their table.
Music, laughter, and dance echoed throughout the hall as friends and family celebrated their victory over another obstacle. Only a hundred more to go.
They hadn’t found the portal, but everyone seemed sure it would be inside the forest. Better to look through the ashes she supposed than risk all their lives dodging behemoths and lizards.
Kiuno took a sip of the bitter liquid and leaned against the back of her chair. Elite sat to her right and Scorpios to her left. K.J. was across from them and had already drank his fair share of the booze. His ability to still form coherent sentences surprised her.
She smiled. Their other friends were expressing their drunken states by providing free entertainment. Silver, Blue, and Liam had taken control of the dance floor and become the laughingstock of the entire hall.
She clapped as another song ended, then Blue stumbled over to their table.
He knocked Elite’s cup over, spilling the contents onto the floor, apologized, then reached for her arm. “You goin’ to sit heres all night?” Mischief and playfulness danced in his gaze.
“Aren’t there plenty of other pretty girls for you to dance with?”
He glanced around. “Why would I bother with anys of them when a queen sits before me?”
Kiuno laughed then glanced at Elite.
Elite held up his hands. “Don’t look to me for help.”
She feigned insult but allowed Blue to tug her to the floor. He twirled her once, then settled on a moderate tempo. It didn’t take long for her to realize he needed more help standing than dancing, but his laughter became contagious and she indulged his merriment.
Kiuno didn’t recognize the melodies, but the drums pulsed in her chest and the sound of woodwinds filled the hall in a rhythm she couldn’t help but move to. Kiuno spun, passed from person to person to person.
She drank, sang, and before she knew what had happened became another part of Blue’s and Silver’s entertainment for the crowd.
Silver ran back to the table and pulled an intoxicated Elite to the floor. He stumbled once, but she caught him and the two let the music feed their souls.
The room smelled of beer, musky sweat, and forgotten dreams.
Kiuno sauntered back to their table and took another drink of the vile liquid Blue kept pouring down her throat.
Then she spotted Palindrome.
Palindrome sat a drink on a nearby table and smiled at the men seated there. The three of them looked at her as if she was the only woman in the room.
“She never stops working, does she?”
Sometime during the dancing, K.J.’s friend, Blade, had joined him and the two turned their heads to look at Palindrome.
“She claims it lets her bond with them,” K.J. said over the roar of people.
“Seems they love her already.”
He nodded. “She’s worked hard to earn their trust.”
The trio glanced at her again and watched a handsome young man stand. He delicately took Palindrome’s hand and kissed her knuckles before twirling her toward the dance floor. Fire flashed through K.J.’s eyes.
“Here we go again,” K.J.’s friend sighed. He pinched the bridge of his dark nose and she gave him a curious look.
“Occasionally they love her a little too much and well…” He tipped his cup toward K.J.
Kiuno’s mouth gaped. “You mean after all this time K.J. hasn’t staked his claim?”
K.J. spun to face forward and took a long drink from his cup. “It’s not like we’ve had time.”
She eyed him, but he kept his gaze on his mug. K.J.’s fingers gripped the handle so hard his knuckles turned white.
Kiuno tilted her head toward Palindrome and rested one hand on her cheek. “She sure looks lovely tonight.”
K.J.’s face ticked.
Kiuno took another drink, sure it was the liquor making her so bold. “Too bad she’s in the arms of another man.”
K.J.’s eyes flashed. “Are you trying to make a point?”
“Just trying to figure out what you’re afraid of.”
He sat straighter.
A wicked smile spread across Kiuno’s face. “Easier to get angry at those who would woo her than to declare your love publicly, huh?”
K.J. clicked his tongue, slammed his mug on the table, and slid his chair back. She took a drink and watched him march toward the dance floor.
K.J. pulled Palindrome from the young man and stood between them. Tension filled the space for only a moment then the wooing stranger held his arms out in surrender.
Palindrome tilted her head at him and for several moments no one moved. Silence fell and the music paused as the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.
K.J. eased down to one knee and heat colored Palindrome’s cheeks.
He held her hand and gave her a crooked smile. “I had planned to wait until we got home. Marry me?”
Kiuno clutched her hands together and Palindrome tilted her head with a shy smile.
“Took you long enough.”
Cheers erupted, mugs hit the table, and new music blared around them as K.J. stood and Palindrome wrapped her arms around his neck. He dipped her into a deep, passionate kiss and the masses erupted again.
“How did you know that would work?” K.J.’s friend asked.
Kiuno smirked. “His drunken self just needed a little nudge.”
19: Union
Realm: 5
Day: 257
Palindrome tilted her head to examine the dress hugging her body. Somehow, she made beautiful look fierce. “I heard you were the one who pushed him into this.”
>
Kiuno folded her arms and failed to hide her smug expression. “I just gave him a gentle nudge.”
“Nudge? You know he’s a possessive man.”
“I’m fully aware.”
Palindrome adjusted her dress again and another woman—her name lost to Kiuno’s memory—added a few more flowers to the top of Palindrome’s braid.
“You think he’ll cry?” Kiuno asked.
Palindrome scoffed. “He’s not that sentimental.”
An older woman with a raspy voice poked her head into the dressing room. “Everything’s ready.”
Palindrome took a breath.
“You ready for this?” Kiuno asked.
Her smile lit up the room. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
~~~
KIUNO PADDED down the long aisle. Benches sat on either side of the walkway and lavender flowers lined everything from the archway at the front to the benches in the back. Many of the women even wore them in their hair to help celebrate the special occasion.
The entire castle had gathered upon hearing the news and Kiuno had never seen something so extravagant put together so fast. Food, flowers, the gown. It seemed like a fairy tale where a celestial being had waved their magic wand and commanded everything to be perfect.
Kiuno filed past row after row of people lined up to watch the procession. With the area filled to the brim, many stood on the outskirts and the sea of smiling faces made Kiuno’s head swim.
In the third row Elite’s smiling face greeted her and Kiuno’s rising anxiety settled back to the pit of her stomach. She gripped his hand.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Everything’s perfect.”
A cool breeze swept through the area and ruffled Kiuno’s long dress. The sleeves were cut at the elbow and her neckline squared with her shoulders, but the green material stunned her. She couldn’t believe what people could create in this world.
A whistle sounded and the crowd turned to watch K.J. stride up the aisle with his friend, Blade, at his side. K.J.’s smile spread from ear to ear as Blade whispered something in his ear.
Her gaze swept across the people gathered. For once it was in celebration rather than mourning. Sure, they had their little parties, but this was something different. It wasn’t just another excuse to dance and drink. This was a union. A memory that promised there was an after from this wretched world.
