Running with the Wolves (The Chronopoint Chronicles Book 1)

by J E Reed

  Breathless, their eyes fixated on the seemingly endless holes, the depths enough to make her skin crawl. Seconds ticked by as their adrenaline ebbed. They were so quick to leave. Did the beasts decide they weren’t worth the trouble?

  Her strength faltered and Kiuno sank to her knees. She was dangerously close to that time with Kikyo and the camp. Her head spun. She was certain only adrenaline kept her aware of the surrounding area.

  She turned to assess the damage. A single cart remained, but the others had been shattered. Five horses stood in the distance, the rest crushed or their bodies scattered. The supplies they carried were meant to earn the favor of those up front, but now they’d be arriving empty handed and injured, nothing more than burdens for those still fighting.

  Kiuno struggled to stand and a man pointed his finger at her. “You—” his voice shook, “you were supposed to protect us.”

  His gaze fell to a charred body beside one of the split wagons, wood still burning. It was impossible to tell whether the victim had been male or female. “She would have gotten away, it wasn’t after her!” A blade grazed the front of her shirt, but Scorpios pulled her back and twisted the man’s wrist, sinking him to the ground.

  “If not for her magic, most of you would be dead. You should think before acting on impulse,” Scorpios chastised.

  “Did my wife have to be sacrificed for that?” Tears streamed down his face. None answered, and Scorpios released his grip.

  She turned to the body, the repercussions sinking in. Was it possible? But when? Taking the lives of those trying to claim your own was one thing…but innocent blood? How did she get that out of control?

  Kiuno balled her fists. How would she feel if someone killed Elite? How angry would she be, even if it were an accident? Tears spilled down her cheeks as she watched the man mourn his wife. The cruelty of this world…there was only so much hope to cling to and she—

  “There’s more,” another said. At least two others lay blackened. Whether they’d been killed by the magic or the creature was difficult to tell, but it was clear who he cast the blame on. She was no better than the monsters in his eyes.

  “I’ve run across several that could use magic,” he started. “But none have accidentally killed anyone. I can’t help but question your motives. Maybe we would’ve been better off with the lechers.”

  The sound of scraping metal filled the air. Kiuno stood, and a gentle hand on her back steadied her.

  “We don’t want trouble,” Scorpios said.

  “Neither did we.” Scorpios gripped his staff. She didn’t want them fighting for her.

  “I’ll leave,” Kiuno said. “They’re not the ones at fault.”

  REALM: 5

  DAY: 217

  Kiuno?”

  She brushed by Maltack, not turning to his worried call. They were free to choose. If they wanted to follow, they could, if not, they could travel with the villagers.

  You were supposed to protect us.

  She’d failed them. Failed her friends. Maybe she wasn’t meant to protect anyone.

  His grief echoed through her mind, a reminder of what she feared most.

  Kiuno took off running to the tree line, seeking refuge beneath the thick branches. It was the only shelter she could pursue, the only thing that promised some relief. She wanted to hide from the world. Becoming part of the chaos had never been her plan.

  Kiuno tripped on a branch and caught herself by grasping a tree. She pressed her body into it and sobbed. Her side burnt, both knees hurt, and her heart ached for things of the future and past.

  Running off…who was she kidding? Being alone was as bad as the guilt.

  Kiuno didn’t know how long she stood there, but the rustling of leaves drew her attention.

  “You shouldn’t keep your back to potential danger.” She glimpsed Scorpios’s scowl and watched as the others followed single file, each casting her small smiles and sideways glances. She turned, trying to hide the tears as rough bark bit into her skin.

  “We’ll stay here for the night.” None spoke, but the movement told her they were settling in. Conflicted emotions surged. Did they stay out of loyalty?

  “Come with me.” It was commanding, but not unkind. She watched Scorpios walk past, moving between the shrubbery, but she hesitated. A horrible speech wouldn’t do her much good, but it had to be better than the stares of pity.

  Kiuno followed him down a hill until she heard running water. He knelt beside the creek, his fingers dipped below the water’s surface. At first, he appeared to be washing his hands, but the liquid slowly traced up his arm, rushing over his skin as if he were the rocks it moved across every day.

  She stood mesmerized, watching it shift between his palms, like something that breathed in rhythm to his movement. He knelt again, letting the liquid roll back, but his fingers didn’t leave the water.

  “How are you holding up?”

  She pulled her gaze away, hugging one arm into herself. Different emotions played in her mind. The guilt of killing someone, angry that she could have prevented it and scared that one of them might be next. She’d already injured Liam.

  “I don’t know.”

  He was silent, letting the sounds of nature engulf them. “Maltack believes those capable of manipulating even one element have the potential to use them all.”

  She stayed quiet, so he continued. “It’s not likely to have practical uses, but I’ve found another purpose.” He gestured her forward. “Water, for instance, can help clear the mind because it requires absolute calm to manipulate. In my opinion, this makes it one of the more difficult elements to master.”

  He took her hand and pulled her down, dipping her fingers into the cool liquid. He sat there a moment, letting her feel the push of the small current. “Fire uses the fast energies within the body. For someone who is used to this, moving a calmer element would be difficult, however,” energy pulsed up her arm in waves, like something melting against her skin, “it can be worth learning.”

  The sensation was that of pure tranquility. Instead of a sudden rush, the energy he fed through her arm moved slower, methodical. It pulled the strain that seemed to ebb into her soul away and let the deep-rooted coil unwind. He gently released her hand, letting the water trickle back to the creek, but the residual feel of his magic didn’t vanish.

  “There’s no need to blame yourself,” he said. “Many things have been left unexplained. Magic is largely one of them.”

  “I killed her, Scorp.”

  “You defended yourself and those around with what you saw as best.”

  “That doesn’t stop his grief.”

  “If you’d hesitated, you’d be dead, as would several others. Maybe even all of us. You reacted out of self-preservation, and Maltack shielded us from the aftermath.”

  “Is he hurt?” she asked.

  “No, just tired.” She sighed in relief, but still averted her gaze. The magic wasn’t practical. It was dangerous. Maybe if she stayed closer to Mal—no that wouldn’t work. It reacted against her will. No matter what she did, she risked the people around her.

  “Kiuno.” He placed a hand on her arm. “You carry far too much guilt on those young shoulders.”

  “It’s nothing I don’t deserve.”

  “Deserve?” he protested. “Just because people make mistakes doesn’t mean they deserve to drown in them.”

  She shifted away, almost whispering, “I’ve killed too many already Scorp, I’ve been in this place less than a year and killed more than I imagined I was ever capable.”

  “Killed too many?”

  She wanted to curl into herself, hide from the unjustified guilt that always threatened to swallow her. Scorpios was silent, waiting for her to explain, to confess.

  “I’ve been in situations that caused people to die. How do I know they weren’t decent before being thrown into this chaos? I know we have to do what’s necessary to survive, but where is the line drawn? And then there’s—” her voice crac
ked, “Elliott and Kikyo…if I’d just been stronger. I could have prevented their deaths.”

  There… She finally said it.

  “Now that is a shame.” Scorpios shook his head.

  “What is?”

  “You blame yourself for those two?”

  She gave him a confused look. “Why wouldn’t I? I have all this power, yet I wasn’t able to use it.” The anger from that night bubbled to the surface. “I couldn’t prevent those men from taking his life. We all know this isn’t a game. Even if Elliott’s death couldn’t have been prevented, I could have saved Kikyo, he would still be here if I would have—”

  “Kiuno.” She met intense, dark eyes. “You dishonor their memory.” Her world cracked a fraction. “They died protecting you, don’t take that from them. They willingly gave their lives, so you could live.”

  “I took away their future.”

  “They died for something they believed in, someone they believed in. Your personality attracts others, making them want to protect you, guide you, push you. I may not know the whole story, but I can tell how much you cared for one another. Let them keep their dignity in death. They wouldn’t want you suffering.”

  Her body trembled once again as she struggled with his words, then his arms wrapped around her and she cried. Just like that time she’d cried on Elliott. So much fear was pent up and he knew it. Scorpios could see right through her.

  She took a steady breath, her body too exhausted.

  He smiled. “Let’s get back. I’m sure Maltack is worried, and we can’t let him have a heart attack at his youthful age.” She smirked through the tears.

  When they came through the trees, a fire was going, and each looked up in turn. Kiuno knew they’d been talking about her, but Maltack’s worried expression told her it was nothing but the concern of good friends. She had people who cared for her again, people she could rely.

  “The knife only left a scratch, nothing to worry over.”

  “And your other injuries?”

  She sighed and let Maltack work.

  REALM: 5

  DAY: 217

  Despite Scorpios’ kind words, when the stars emerged in the sky, the nightmares began to creep into her mind, ready to terrorize. It made Kiuno wonder if she’d ever be rid of them. A reminder to a time better forgotten.

  Scorpios sat against a trunk, scanning the tree line as he normally did. She doubted he ever relaxed when his shift came around, it was his job to keep them safe. Maybe he was the one who carried too much on his shoulders. She laughed to herself, thinking about a time when she’d be able to chastise him. It wasn’t in his nature to make mistakes. Kiuno moved over to join him.

  “You should be sleeping. No one wants to be carrying you tomorrow.”

  “I know.” She laid her head against his shoulder. His head turned, but he didn’t object. She needed someone to protect her, only in a different way. His presence warded off the nightmares. She felt six years old again, a child in need of a security blanket. In his eyes, she probably looked like one.

  The sickness from using the magic assaulted her once again, though it wasn’t nearly as bad. Maybe she just had to grow accustomed to it.

  Once again, they allowed her to sleep past dawn. The rest helped ease her headache, but her body still felt heavy. Blue poked at Jim and the older man grumbled about it being too early. Each of them packed up and started off.

  “Where’s Nikita?” Kiuno asked. She expected to see the animal on Jim’s heels.

  “Off hunting I’d imagine. She can track our scent, no need to worry.” Jim stretched and looked over the horizon. “How close are we now?”

  “This should be the last of the forest we have to pass through. After that it’s field and rock.”

  Almost there.

  Days passed, and they continued as if nothing happened. No one mentioned the incident, and she wondered if Scorpios forbad it. Kiuno had to let go and push the guilt to the back of her mind. The memories could haunt her when she returned home. A therapist would probably laugh at her once they escaped, thinking everything she told her had been some elaborate dream.

  As dusk settled, they came upon a small valley where Scorpios indicated they would sleep. Maltack had a fire going moments later, then the jokes began.

  Blue’s impersonations had everyone in an uproar. She was sure half the realm could hear Jim’s bellowing laughter. When Blue started another round, Scorpios jumped to his feet, and for a moment she thought he might join them.

  “Scorp?”

  “Shhh.” They all froze, every eye following his beyond the trees. He grabbed a weapon, the others following suit, and her heart pounded. They backed into one another, peering into the darkness.

  There was a growl, a yelp, then silence.

  Nikita came through the trees, her white jaw stained red. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and her wings were tucked close. Firelight danced across emerald eyes.

  Small orbs appeared through the brush. Hundreds, all crouched low. As they crept closer, the growls sent a chill down her spine.

  Something resembling a dog with gray matted fur came into the firelight. Double fangs curled beyond the jaw, lips pulled back in a snarl. She took a step back. If there’d only been a few, she might have been able to separate herself but with the numbers—

  They jumped from all angles and the violence exploded with Nikita ripping the throat from the nearest one. Jim cut another in half and she twisted her staff to knock one in the face. Maltack ignited the area while Liam stayed behind her. He was frozen, wide eyes telling of his fear. She knew what that felt like.

  As Maltack’s flames shot through the forest, it revealed more beasts than she cared to count. She couldn’t help. Not with Maltack so distracted and Liam frozen. Leaving him wasn’t an option in his state.

  Fangs sunk into her leg and she cried out, striking the creature with her staff.

  A cry rang through the night as men jumped from the shadows. Blades struck several of the canines, and Scorpios pulled her behind him as they tightened their circle.

  The masked figures beat the animals back until they retreated. Nikita continued to growl and pace before Jim, daring any of the men to come forward. Maltack’s flames shed light for them to see the few dozen men.

  “Be still boy.” Kiuno turned to the voice, and her blood ran cold. A blade glinted in the night and pushed at the base of Maltack’s throat. She tried to push toward him, but Scorpios gripped her wrist and the others pushed against her. Arrows raised, and they stilled. Liam clutched her arm.

  Kiuno glanced at Maltack. It was taking everything in her to contain the magic. With them so close, it would be impossible to use it. If she could get closer, Maltack could shield the others. She just had to—

  A few of them lowered their bows as two men made their way through. “Who’s your leader?”

  “I am.” Scorpios said.

  The man pulled off his mask, revealing scruffy hair. Each carried several weapons at their sides and wore animal hides over their clothing.

  “Where are you headed?”

  “To the front.”

  “I said be still boy.” Each of them turned to the one holding Maltack as the blade bit into his skin. A trickle of blood ran down his neck.

  “Your friend should—”

  “Let him go.”

  Scorpios looked back at her with a warning, but she pushed him aside.

  “I don’t think you’re in any position to be demanding, princess.”

  Kiuno glared at him as fire sparked at her fingertips. Scorpios took a step back. She wouldn’t let another die. Not by a group of stupid barbarians.

  “I don’t think you realize who you’re dealing with.” If bluffing was her only option—

  “Kiuno, I’m fine,” Maltack said. “Don’t do anything.” Was it a warning that he couldn’t help the others, or did he think she would reveal her stone?

  “Kiuno?” The man before her looked confused. His gaze shi
fted to the man holding her young companion.

  “Is that you Ki?”

  There was only one group of people who’d ever called her Ki.

  “Reece?” A broad grin spread across his face as he told his men to lower their weapons. The one holding Maltack released him and sheathed the knife.

  “Are we going to do away with the flames?”

  Kiuno looked down at her hands and took a few breaths to calm her racing heart.

  “Sorry kid.” Maltack and the man who’d held him hostage walked toward them.

  “How you been Ki?”

  She looked at Reece and he pointed. “Nsane.” Ah, his right-hand man.

  “I’ve been better,” she admitted, glad to have Maltack before her. She lifted his chin despite his protest, but the cut was small.

  “Sorry Kiuno, I didn’t mean to cut him.”

  She glared at Nsane. “Do you always put a blade to a stranger’s neck?”

  “In this world? Yes.”

  Reece interrupted them. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Passing through. Headed to the front just as Scorpios said.”

  He clicked his tongue. “It’s too dangerous for that in this realm. Those things are nothing compared to others.”

  “We know.” Kiuno still felt she could hear the screeching of the centipede creatures.

  “Why don’t you come stay with us?” Reece offered.

  All eyes fell on her. She turned to look at Scorpios whose eyes barely met hers. He scanned them, searching for anything out of place. Nikita still paced at Jim’s side, but he nodded his approval. Maltack and Blue agreed and Liam still appeared shocked.

  “Sure.”

  Reece nodded and headed toward the front of the group.

  “Are you okay?” Scorpios asked. She nodded, but didn’t elaborate. The image of Maltack stung. Whether Nsane intended to kill him or not would remain a mystery, but she’d be hard pressed to forgive him.

  Scorpios and Maltack knew these people, but perhaps not as well as she did. Or had. It’d been quite some time since she’d last spoken with Reece. Scorpios’s caution would be appreciated here.