Twice Blessed

by Taryn Noelle Kloeden

“Clearly.” Roxen’s hazel eyes tracked from his fist to his face. “What’s going on? Is it Rayna? Because trust me, I can relate to trouble of the female persuasion.”

  “Are you talking about Mina? You two are always together lately.”

  “No we aren’t. That's not what I...” Roxen reddened. “This is about Rayna, isn’t it?” Roxen produced a water skin, and trickled the cool liquid over Channon’s scraped knuckles.

  He winced. “Yes. It’s her, and Mina, actually. I understand they want to help but, what can they do? It's a hopeless cause.” Channon’s anger returned as he spoke. His body shook with the struggle of maintaining his two-legged shape.

  Roxen did not speak right way. Instead, he led Channon away from the densite, toward the southern woods. A nightjar called from the underbrush and the wind rustled through the newborn leaves, but otherwise the forest was quiet.

  Once they were a quarter-league from the densite, Roxen stopped and leaned against a boulder. “This is a sensitive situation. Better to discuss it here than in the middle of the densite where the whole pack can hear us.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I know you never think straight where Rayna is concerned.”

  Channon’s lip twitched. He was thinking straight. It was Rayna who was being rash.

  Roxen did not appear to notice his annoyance. “So they’re serious about going to Halmstead to save the Sylrians?”

  “They feel like they owe them, since Lonian Kemar saved their lives.”

  “Well, frankly they do.”

  Channon let out a dissenting growl before Roxen continued over him.

  “But, I agree their plan is too dangerous.” Roxen ran his hand through his bushy auburn hair. “Silver agrees with us and plans to forbid it tomorrow.”

  “She told me, but Bayne wouldn’t have waited. He would have forbidden it right there,” Channon said.

  Roxen paused. His throat bobbed with a hard swallow. “Bayne was my best friend and a strong leader, but I would not have called him wise.”

  “If Rayna heard you say anything negative about Bayne like that, she’d rip your throat out.” Channon almost smiled.

  Roxen chuckled. “I don’t think Rayna could argue that Bayne wasn't impulsive. That’s part of what made him so effective, but without Silver there to temper him…” Roxen trailed off, as Channon's eyes darted away. Talking about Bayne was still difficult for them all. “Anyway, like I said, Silver will put a stop to this. You just relax, all right?”

  “I’ll relax when I know Rayna is safe.” Channon crossed his arms. “But thank you.”

  Roxen turned back toward the densite. Channon followed. Rayna and Mina may not understand their concerns, but at least he had allies in this fight. He only hoped Rayna would forgive him when it was over.

  Chapter Five

  Rayna and Mina entered their shared den. The sun had set and most of the densite had settled in for the night. If Rayna and Mina were to sneak away, it was the perfect moment. Rayna inhaled the familiar rose-and-lilac scent their den had now that she and Mina were both in residence.

  Mina grabbed a pair of leather packs, filling them with all the supplies needed for their journey: waterskins, jerky, a flint, and a needle-and-thread. Rayna went to the mantel above the smoldering hearth. A curved knife the length of her forearm rested on an antler holder. She gripped the black hilt, lifting the blade to the dim firelight. It was a gift from Coer Vantergard, a Maenoren freedom-fighter who'd died so she could escape Rhael. Coer could not have known how invaluable a gift it would prove. When Rhael had nearly killed her during the battle for Fenear, she'd used Coer’s knife to defend herself. She flinched as memories of Rhael’s mutilated face took over her mind’s eye. She'd cleaned the blade countless times since then, but the phantom scent of blood lingered.

  Rayna strapped the scabbard to her rue-treated belt. The herbs worked into the leather would allow the weapons' belt to stay attached while Rayna shifted between wolf and human forms. Rayna made sure her carved linden bracelet from her father was secure on her wrist as well.

  Mina handed Rayna one of the packs. “Assuming we make it out of here, what then? We’ll have to go through Maenor.”

  “Aye, and then I suppose we’ll go to the Pass of Kiriathin.” The narrow black-sand path through the mountains had been where Rayna and Mina first met.

  “We could do that—see if there are any undead bears for old time’s sake—or, I have a better idea.”

  “But I thought the Pass was the only way to the Outers from the Peninsula?”

  “It is.” Mina shrugged. “By land. But Maenor’s western shores are on the Bay of Ketos, just south of Halmstead. If we get passage on a ship, we’ll be there weeks before we’d make it by foot.”

  “But Seperun ended all trade with the Republic.” According to the falcon correspondence he sent Silver, one of Markus Seperun’s first acts as Regent had been to eliminate the economic relationship with the Kyreans.

  “I know,” said Mina. “Maybe we can convince him to help us procure a ship, and enter Halmstead undercover. He is a spy master after all.”

  “Former spy master.”

  “Old habits. Trust me.” Mina winked. “He’ll want to stretch those muscles, given the right motivation.”

  “Which is?”

  “You!” Mina rolled her eyes. “You’re Rayna Hex Breaker, hero of the Four Nations! If you tell Seperun you need to go to Halmstead, he’ll help.”

  “Perhaps.” The idea of using her notoriety to manipulate others soured her stomach, but what other option did they have?

  “It’s settled. We make for Anhorde tonight. So, what do your wolf senses say about our chances of leaving unseen?”

  Rayna moved closer to the den’s entrance. A thick doeskin hanging served as a door, but she had no issue smelling what lay beyond it. An owl had recently flown by, carrying a freshly caught mouse in its talons, but no one was outside the den. She motioned to Mina and they exited before Rayna realized it would be the last time she'd see her den for the next few weeks, or more. She gulped as they headed north to the trail that would take them eventually to Maenor.

  They passed into the thicker forest. Tangy sassafras and brighter floral scents dominated the air currents. Moonlight lit the occasional patch in the darkness, but otherwise Rayna had to rely mostly on her non-visual senses. Normally she might have worried about a non-Fenearen losing their way, but there was no need with Mina. Though she lacked Fenearen senses, she was an expert tracker and followed Rayna soundlessly.

  Rayna thought back to her argument with Channon. She stopped abruptly.

  Mina bumped into her. “Wolfie?”

  She said nothing. Her chest constricted with guilt and regret. What if that was the last time she saw him? After everything they'd been through, how could she leave him like that? She turned around. “Mina. I don’t know if I can do this.”

  “I thought this was what you wanted? What about your dreams? What about the Sylrians?” Mina whispered urgently.

  “I know, it’s just—”

  “Channon?”

  She nodded. “I don’t want to hurt him again.”

  “Then stay.”

  “What?”

  Mina chewed her lip. “I understand why this is difficult for you. I’ve never had a family like yours. But living here the last few months? Well, let’s say I’m surprised you were ever able to leave. I understand if you can’t do it again” She paused. “But, I need to go. Lonian and Kellan are my friends and I need to help the Sylrian people. Do you remember what I said when you tried to convince me not to fight for Fenear?”

  “You said you needed to do what was right, even when it wasn’t easy.” Rayna remembered Mina’s words well—they'd reminded her of Bayne’s advice: the right choice is rarely the easy one.

  “Aye. I think, for me, this is another one of those moments. So, if this is goodbye, I understand.”

  Rayna shook her head. “No. You’re right. Going a
fter them is the right choice, if it means we can save innocent lives. I feel like I’m running in circles.”

  Mina tapped her arm. “Chasing your own tail?”

  Rayna smiled. “Something like that.”

  “I have an idea. Once we reach Anhorde, I’m sure Seperun would lend you a falcon. You can write a letter to Channon. It might help.”

  “All right.” She sighed. “Let’s go.” But as she turned back to the trail ahead, a crackling sounded from a downwind tree.

  Katrine hopped down from a white oak several tail-lengths away.

  Rayna jumped back. She was not accustomed to being surprised. “Katrine?”

  “How much did you hear?” Mina asked.

  “Every word.” Katrine placed her hands firmly on her hip as she approached. “You really should find more private places for such rebellious talk. My den, for example.” Katrine turned, not checking to make sure they followed.

  When they reached Katrine's den, the flap swung closed as Mina strode forward, fuming. “We don’t have time for games, little wolf. Our friends are in danger!”

  “I know, and I want to help. I’ll go with you to the Outers, to help the Sylrians.”

  Rayna raised her hand to her temple. “I should’ve known this would be your plan. Katrine, you’re going to be a powerful warrior one day, but you need more training.”

  “Yes, and you’re supposed to be training me now. What better training than seeing two fierce war heroes in action?”

  “Flattery’s not the answer, little wolf,” Mina said with crossed arms.

  “Will you stop calling me that?” Katrine growled. “Besides, you don’t have a choice.”

  “We don’t?” Rayna and Mina asked in unison.

  “No. Because if you go without me, I’ll tell Silver the moment you leave the densite without her permission. You’ll be dragged back here before you can say ‘we should have listened to Katrine.’”

  “Aren't you a clever little wolf?” Mina smiled with narrowed eyes.

  Katrine scrunched her nose, but continued. “So, what do you say? You know you two could use an extra pair of claws.”

  “Fine,” Rayna said with a sharp exhale. Mina was right, they did not have time for games. If Katrine wanted to come with them, she would not stop her. She just hoped she could keep her ehreln safe.

  “What?” Mina screeched.

  “Although I do not appreciate the extortion, Katrine, you can come,” said Rayna. “We could use your help, as long as you don’t slow us down.”

  Mina rolled her eyes but did not argue.

  Katrine clapped her hands together. “I won’t. I promise.”

  The sun rose on a hazy morning. Silver did not relish the day's first task. Telling Rayna she was not allowed to save her friends seemed so cruel, even if she and Roxen agreed it was the wisest choice. She inhaled deeply outside of Rayna’s den, but her eyes shot open at her niece's stale scent. Neither Rayna or Mina had slept there.

  “Dear Wolnor.” Silver pressed her forehead into her hand. “Why couldn’t she have been less like him?”

  Silver scented Channon only half a moment before she heard the low growl from behind her.

  “Channon, contain yourself,” she said in the kindest voice she could manage. There was no need for her to explain. He could smell Rayna’s absence as easily as she could. Silver turned and rested a hand on his shoulder.

  He tensed at her touch. “What will you do about this wanton disregard for your leadership, Alphena?” Channon stared hard at Silver until she gave an equally hard answer.

  “I will do as I see fit. Until then, resist the temptation to disregard my leadership yourself.”

  Channon dipped his head. “Shall I fetch the Beta for you to confer with about your next move?”

  “Yes. Thank you.” As he turned to leave, Silver added with a weary smile, “And Channon, although I appreciate the formality, given that I’ve known you since your puphood it’s hardly necessary.”

  “Yes, Silver,” Channon replied stiffly before shifting into his golden second-self.

  Silver watched as Channon disappeared around a bend toward Roxen’s den. Roxen would be as upset about Rayna and Mina’s disappearances as Channon was. He would be concerned for Rayna of course, but it would not just be her that Roxen worried over. Roxen had never been adept at hiding his affections.

  Silver bit her lip and entered Rayna and Mina’s shared den. The sight of the empty dwelling was all the convincing she needed. By the time Roxen crashed through the entrance, she had her orders.

  Roxen’s mouth gaped wide in shock. Silver suspected it had been that way since the moment Channon informed him of the situation. “How could Rayna do this? She’s always been headstrong, but never this reckless.”

  “Rayna was blinded by her affections for the Sylrians and her desire to protect their fading culture. As her aunt I cannot blame her. But I’m afraid that as her leader I may have to.”

  “I know Silver. The grace period with the Pack is ending. They let you keep your leadership for these last few months after…” He cleared his throat. “But if someone does not think you have proven yourself as a leader on your own, I’m afraid of the consequences.”

  Silver sighed. She'd fallen into the position of Alphena; she'd never had to defend it before. Yet, she knew for she needed to stay in power for Rayna's sake. About a month after Bayne had died, Rayna had told Silver everything that had passed since the false truce with Maenor—including confirming she was a seer. Rayna explained that she'd inherited the gift from Silver's sister, Mya, and that the late healer, Thera, had hidden the truth per Mya's wishes. It broke Silver's heart to think her sister had kept such a secret from her, but Mya had been doing what she thought best to protect Rayna. Silver could not begrudge her that.

  Now more than ever, in such uncertain times, and with Rayna's abilities a matter of legend, the power-hungry would seek to use Rayna for their own ends. Silver needed all the resources she could possibly have to protect her sister’s daughter.

  “Alphena?” Roxen whispered, setting his palm on her arm. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. Listen, Rox. We need to retrieve Rayna and Mina quietly. I hate to do it this way, but the Pack cannot know about Rayna’s indiscretion. Someone might use it against us. The wartime mentality is fading. The unity of defense will soon be gone. It will be pack business as usual again, which means I’m going to have to deal with challengers.”

  “How do you suggest we retrieve them delicately?”

  Silver considered that. “A small group maybe two or three—”

  A frantic howl interrupted her as a pair of True Wolves barreled into the den.

  Alphena Silver, I apologize for our rudeness. But we smelled you in here and we needed to tell you something! Gar, the leader of the non-shifting True Wolves who shared their territory, flattened his dark brown ears.

  Beside him, Pike, a massive black wolf, whined and paced.

  What is it Gar? Silver knelt beside them.

  It’s Katrine. She’s gone. She was supposed to meet us for a run at sunrise but she did not. We followed her scent trail, and it led north out of the densite.

  And Alphena, Pike added, her scent was not alone. His eyes darted around the den, indicating what other scents they'd tracked.

  Why would Mina and Rayna take Katrine with them? Roxen asked.

  You would be surprised how convincing that little she-wolf can be, said Gar. She has half the True Wolf pack charmed.

  But where have they gone? Pike asked.

  Silver sighed. She briefly considered lying, but that would not be necessary with Gar. He'd risked his life for Rayna’s sake before. She hurriedly explained the circumstances.

  But I have no idea why Katrine would have joined them, or why they would have allowed it, Silver finished.

  I have no clue either, said Roxen. But we need to get moving, Alphena. Channon and I will find them. Our absences are easily explained. Say you sent Rayna, Min
a, Katrine, Channon, and I to speak with Seperun about the progress of the Maenoren restoration.

  What mission of goodwill would be complete without a True Wolf escort? Gar asked.

  Pike barked sharply.

  Or two? Gar added.

  Are you sure, Gar? Silver asked. Will the other Trues abide your absence?

  I admit my wolves have been restless with the depleted food stores and the recent losses, but I can leave Lichen and Sorrel in charge. Katrine is a friend, not to mention Rayna. I cannot rest knowing they are in danger.

  Silver nodded her assent. I could not ask for a better team. Bring them back to me safely, and hurry.

  After the others had left to find Channon and prepare for the journey, Silver walked over to the hearth. A linden box sat atop the mantel. Silver smoothed her fingertips over its edge. Aquillo had carved this for her sister, and their daughter, Rayna. Rayna had taken to wearing the matching bracelet every day. Silver’s nails curled under the box’s edge, and she was surprised to find it unlocked. She flicked back the lid, revealing a collection of objects that might have appeared worthless to someone else.

  A wreath of dried flowers, lilacs and honeysuckle, sat atop her niece’s prized possessions. Channon had given that to her during the last summer solstice festival. Beneath that lay a carved fawn statuette. It was a middling likeness at best, but then Roxen had only been thirteen when he'd carved it for Rayna. As Silver was about to replace the lid, a green pearl-shaped object caught her eye rolling around the bottom. Silver lifted the curious bauble.

  She almost dropped it when she caught a stale trace of Bayne's oaken scent. It was a bead from his hair wrap, the green one he'd worn in honor of his beloved niece. Like all Fenearens, he wore a thin braid decorated to reflect his proudest moments. One of the healers must've given this bead to Rayna after they'd prepared his body for the funeral. They had given the rest of the adornments Bayne had worn in his braid to Silver, but she'd not had the heart to examine the collection closely enough to notice this one was missing.

  Aquillo, Mya, and Bayne were all dead. Rayna was all Silver had left of them. Silver carefully placed all the items in their proper place and closed the lid. Rayna would hate her for interfering, and for condemning the Sylrians to extinction and slavery. But she would be alive. She would be safe, and that was enough.