Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Then something remarkable happened once they recognized him.

  Everyone in the room suddenly stood up and began applauding. Some whistled and others saluted with a fist to their heart.

  “You’re an amazing man.” Lily whispered in his ear and an electric sensation ran throughout his entire body. Her eyes showed him the truth and his hand squeezed into hers for the appreciative words.

  Even with all the cheering, they walked onto the stage and the encouraging didn’t lessen. It only stopped when Allahandra raised a silencing hand. It still took longer to silence the hall than usual. The queen took a step forward to address the gathered warriors.

  “Good people, as you can see my rescuer is finally healed enough to join us today. I am proud to call him friend and even prouder to know he has become a protector of our large family. Even in this short time he’s spent with us, he has impressed us all through his deeds. And not only him; Lily, Marlin and Shade have become a family we can all cherish.” Then her tone and subject changed. “Now I know most, if not all, of you know what happened during the battle, but I will explain it from the first perspective.

  “Everything started just moments after the battle commenced,” Allahandra spent the next twenty minutes giving a detailed report of the accounts of that night. She didn’t spare a single piece of information nor the mental images her words created. After she concluded the accounts of her attempted capture, she called for another moment of silence for those who lost their lives.

  Once it was over everyone sat down with Allahandra and their morning meal was brought to them. They all ate and the hall filled with laugher and cheering again. It was wonderful to eat some more and it seemed Niranene’s concoction was still in effect because Alex was still hungry and more food was brought out.

  While eating his third helping, Allahandra asked a question that none of them were ready for. “So Lily, can I assume that you will be staying in Alex’s chambers from now on?”

  Alex chocked on a piece of food that wasn’t even half chewed. It would have stayed there if his drink was empty. After washing the food down his gullet and catching his breath he stole a peek at Lily’s expression. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was shaped in an O. She seemed to be in even more of a shock than Alex was. Then she went from pale to scarlet.

  He couldn’t look away even when hearing Marlin and Niranene laughing.

  “Well? Am I going to get an answer or not!?” Allahandra asked in an almost half-annoyed, half-amused tone.

  What could he say in such a tense situation, let alone to her? Would she even consider wanting to move in together? Were we ready to go down that path? I was because it wouldn’t matter as long as she was with me. How determined is she to live with me? Is she ready to love me as much as I love her? All Alex could do was wait silently for her answer. Lily, what are you planning?

  It took a few moments before her eyes met his. She had made her decision and his hope raised. Her smile was a little timid, wry and happy all at the same time. She looked away and landed her entire focus on the queen. Her tone was calm and sure. “Go ahead and make the arrange…”

  “YOUR MAJESTY!” someone yelled from the mouth of the castle.

  Alex cursed under his breath because of the interruption, but it sounded urgently important.

  What was happening now?

  The hall silenced and stood, thinking they were under attack again, but the tone the person used wasn’t as worried, now that his speech registered in Alex’s mind clearly. Down the walkway stood a young woman wearing a sword across her back. Her green tunic and pants said she was part of Freelan. From the way she looked she was only slightly winded. She hadn’t run very far.

  Allahandra didn’t hear what Alex did because she took on the same cool expression she used when the man said that they were going to be under attack. “Come closer. What is the problem?”

  The woman walked up to the line where no one may pass without Allahandra’s expressed permission. The hall was still silent as they prepared for the worst. “Your Majesty, I have just been dispatched from the south gate.”

  “What is wrong to the south, soldier? Is it another attack?”

  The woman shook her head. “No Ma’am. Two men showed up outside the gates with two fiend lords and one of the men said that he is a Furion. You were expecting him were you not?”

  The only sounds in the hall came from outside, everyone held their breath, Alex included. They had all forgotten about the Furion who was coming. Alex glanced at the others and they had also forgotten because they wore a similar blank expression. He said he would be here within the month; from what Janken said. He did make it, but they weren’t prepared for his arrival. The battle had consumed their entire thoughts.

  Allahandra was the first to speak. “Where is he?”

  “He is waiting outside the gates as we speak.”

  “Go ahead on back to the gate and tell him that we will come out to meet him personally.” The girl turned and hurried to do her task. Allahandra then looked at everyone else. “Prepare my carriage. Any who want to escort me will be welcome to come.”

  Without another word the entire hall began bustling. Some people quickly went upstairs, while most walked outside to prepare for the queen’s departure. Everyone looked excited to meet this mystery Furion, but they weren’t close to matching Alex’s excitement.

  “Alex, what’s happening? Are we under attack again?”

  His eyes turned to Shade as he slowly began walking protectively next to Allahandra. “Nay, we aren’t under attack. The Furion has arrived here at the city.”

  “Finally. When can we go meet him?” Alex relayed Shade’s question to Allahandra.

  She smiled at them both. “We are going just as soon as my carriage arrives and a proper escort is established. All of you, follow me.”

  They stood up and Lily grabbed his hand as they walked down the hall.

  Once outside, they waited for Allahandra’s coach to arrive and it only took five minutes. It was accompanied by over one hundred horses with riders mounted on their backs. Before the coach stopped, Allahandra asked “Who’s going to ride with me?”

  “You aren’t heading anywhere without me, young lady!” Mistress Marge announced as she hurried to them. “I’ll not see you in any more danger than you already are.”

  “Alright Marge, come on in.”

  It was quickly settled that Allahandra would be accompanied inside her lush coach with the head mistress, Marlin and Niranene.

  “I’m riding with you and Shade!” Lily said with a protective tone.

  She quickly jumped upon Shade’s back and he wanted to hurry. Shade really wanted to meet another person like his brother whom he can associate with. Knowing how anxious he gets, Alex quickly mounted in front of Lily. He twisted his head so she could see him. She asked “Are you ready to meet this mysterious person?”

  “I’m not sure, but I need to.”

  She then wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his cheek.

  How wonderful it is that we can finally be together. He thought.

  Within another minute they began moving. At the front of the procession were foot soldiers and they cleared the way as they traveled down the road in a southern direction. Behind the soldiers were cavalry troops that surrounded the queen’s carriage. Shade followed directly behind the coach and the rest of the foot soldiers brought up the rear.

  The entourage had to turn down multiple roads because there wasn’t a straight road that led to the queen’s palace; especially from the southern wall.

  They continued traveling together for the next twenty minutes until they saw the first sign of the southern entrance. The massive wall rose behind the buildings. Everyone began slowing and spreading out. Many of the soldiers moved around so they could set up a defensive perimeter.

  When the carriage slowed to a crawl an hour later Alex slid off Shade’s back and also helped Lily off. They moved out from behind the coach so they could see f
urther ahead.

  The gate was already up. On the road was a mass of people and guards blocking the wide tunnel. The closer they moved, the louder the orders were shouted. Everyone heard orders along the lines of ‘Make way for the queen!’ or ‘Set up a defensive perimeter.’ People were moving while also trying to peek at this person who waited for their arrival.

  When the cavalry got close enough, everyone scattered under their intense stares, just enough to allow the carriage and The Pack through. They entered the short tunnel that led through the south wall and the noises seemed to get quieter. People lined the walls of the tunnel and before they knew it the tunnel was behind them.

  The warriors of Alluan surrounded something in a wide circle, but the people were packed in tightly so it was difficult to see. It had become quieter as everyone saw the queen’s carriage proceeding along the road.

  The procession stopped before they entered the circle. Alex tried looking, but all he could see were glimpses of three large figures. People were pushed back from the carriage just before the cabin was opened and Marlin stepped out first. Everyone followed after and Allahandra was the last to exit. She quickly smoothed out her green dress and made sure her tiara was placed properly. Being a queen, she needed to look impeccable at all times.

  “Alex, I want you and Shade to walk with me.” Allahandra requested.

  Lily didn’t like it, but she knew that this was important to him.

  Allahandra stood between Shade and Alex, as they pushed closer to these mysterious visitors. Lily, Marlin, and somehow General Rakkian showed up out of nowhere to walk behind them. The six came closer to finding out who this person was and those that accompanied him.

  They made it to the circle and entered the ring.

  They all stopped to see what laid before them. There were two men and two fiend lords like the woman said earlier. The four of them were in the middle of the street looking quite comfortable. What she didn’t say was that one of the fiends was one of the Big Three, like Shade. This was the fiend known as a Beran.

  The Beran was of the Saber Class, but unlike Shade this was a feline. The Beran has identical sabers like a Shadow Fang. Their furs are impenetrable but there are many differences. The Beran was stemmed from the lion after the Ancients gave their gifts. They now have the ability to spit corrosive acid and male Beran’s can shoot needlelike hairs from their manes, that can paralyze their opponents. They have retractable claws and do not have any other special abilities besides immense strength.

  Alex looked at the Beran Lord that stood before him. It was easy to tell that it was an older fiend, but it was still more powerful than ever. Its fur was a dull yellow and his mane was a dark brown with specks of grey mixed in. The mane went around the head, neck and upper shoulder and swooped down his belly and trailed all the way to the groin. It had a long body that was covered in hard earned muscle. At the end of the massive creature was a whipping tail that was sinuous, until at the tip, it had a poof of brown fur. Its shoulder height was almost a head and a half taller than Shade’s, at least seven foot tall at shoulder’s height. It had a massive head, a flatter muzzle than Shade’s and the ears were rounded. The face was both gray and dull yellow. And then Alex noticed its eleven inch long fangs. The saber on his right was broken in half and the left one was still in pristine condition. His one good saber’s was three or four inches longer than Shade’s.

  Perched on the back of the Beran was a Fury Lord. The Fury was once in the family of the falcon and retained much of the features of its cousins. The only three differences they have from the falcon is their larger size, white tipped wings and their shrill can render their prey unconscious. Its talons were harmlessly latched to the big feline’s shoulder. Its face immediately found Alex’s, but he could see knowledge in the raptor’s eyes. This one was twice the size of any that he’s ever witnessed before and its brown feathers glistened in the sunlight. Its body height was as tall as his and its wings were tucked proudly in. He knew the Fury was incapable of smiling because of its beak, but he could swear it really was smiling, and proudly too.

  Then his eyes swept to the two human figures standing to the right of the monstrous Beran. The one on the far left was easier to recognize. In a familiar suit was an older gentleman and something triggered in Alex’s memory. He knew this man from somewhere. He still had shiny shoes and pure white gloves. His curled mustache hadn’t changed even from the memory. In the earlier memory he bowed respectfully in the street. Then the memory was completely remembered. This was the butler he met back at Nicronane. He was the one who helped find Takka.

  Without thinking Alex took a step forward. “Is that you, Kikren!?”

  Everything went completely silent as every pair of eyes looked to him. It was uncomfortable, but he couldn’t believe it was actually him.

  The man took a measured step forward and bowed. “It is an honor to meet you again, Master Alex.” He raised himself back up. “I had hoped that we would meet again, but I didn’t know it would be so soon. You are looking well.”

  “You should have seen me five days ago.” Some people chuckled at the dark humor. “So are you the Furion, Kikren?”

  Kikren smiled and chuckled from the distance. He waived off the assumption politely. “Please forgive the misunderstanding. I am not a Furion.” He raised a hand dramatically to the man hidden beside the Beran. The other man stepped forward as Kikren made a proper introduction. “I would like you to meet Lord…”

  “RUNKAMON!” Allahandra and Lily shrieked simultaneously. Shade jumped in front of them instantly and let out a growl, hearing their fright. Alex instinctively jumped to his side and brought his staff into a fighting position.

  What is going on around here?

  Did they just say what I heard?

  Is this the king?

  I’m not ready to face someone of his caliber.

  We are all doomed.

  The crowd drew their weapons at hearing the name.

  Could it be that our biggest threat came here alone?

  Chapter 28

  Then the man’s voice boomed as he laughed, stunning and disarming all who heard it. It stopped everyone from moving in to intercept him. It seemed like the man was ready for the accusation, but wasn’t phased by it. What was strange was that he stood casually, as did Kikren and the fiends. They were completely unconcerned despite their precarious situation surrounding them.

  The man stood proudly in the middle of the road. He was a man about Alex’s height, but maybe just slightly shorter. He wore a tight blue tunic that had full sleeves. And laying down his back was a blood red cape that came close to reaching the ground. Upon each wrist were polished and protective silver guards. His pants were black and belted to his left hip was a beautiful sword. It is a single handed, double edged sword. He couldn’t see the blade through the dark brown scabbard, but the shape and way it hung on his hips said it wasn’t just for show. This was a blade made for battle and one used to fighting. But the guard and handle stood out even from the distance he stood. The guard had a circular shape and was made from highly polished gold. The hilt was spun with silver. And finally at the pommel was a rounded red ruby the size and shape of a person’s eye.

  Despite his clothed appearance everyone could tell how extremely well built this man was. In the arms he could have easily have outmatched Gambit’s.

  Then Alex realized he was barefooted like himself.

  Focusing on his face, Alex watched as the man’s expression turned into an approving smile. He was looking directly at Alex and was also studying his appearance. He had long blonde hair with strands of gray mixed in. His eyes were icy blue and his facial features were handsomely sharp. He was clean shaved and his skin held faint wrinkles around his eyes. He was a very handsome man and Alex also realized he was older than he should have been if he was truly was Runkamon. This man was in his mid-fifties not nine-and-thirty years like the king.

  The man knew the danger that completely surrounded him, b
ut from the look in his eyes he was completely calm and unconcerned. It would be like child’s play if he were to fight, everyone would lose. This was a man not to be taken lightly. The hairs on the back of Alex’s neck only reinforced such thoughts. He was a dangerous man, one he’d never be able to best in his current state.

  Alex dropped his guard and took a few measured steps forward. The man grinned as he took another step towards him. Shade growled and Alex stopped to look at him. “It’s alright, little brother. He is too old to be Runkamon.”

  “He’s right, young pup!” The man spoke to Shade with a calm and deep voice. Shade’s ears perked and they both knew the man was like Alex if he could communicate with his partner so effortlessly.

  Alex turned to the man and felt his throat tickle, knowing everyone needed to understand his discovery. “You’re not Runkamon because you’re too old, but if Allahandra thought you were him at a single glance I can guess with some certainty that you are his father.”

  The man grinned and everyone around the circle gasped at the conclusion.

  His chuckling boomed again and Alex could tell he was normally a cheerful man at a glance. He casually placed his left hand on the pommel of his sword, but it was out of habit and not a threatening gesture.

  “I see that my patience has finally paid off after all these years. There is another true Furion still alive in the world. You are correct, young man. Runkamon is in fact my flesh and blood child, but I can assure you we have very different views on life. Though he carries my blood, he is not my son anymore.”

  Since he stood casually so Alex did as well. “So who are you?”

  His smile was genuine. “Why I’m Gerieg, eldest of the Furions. And as far as I know you are the youngest, Alex, unless you have had a child of your own.”

  Alex’s heart stammered at hearing Gerieg call him by name. He wondered why his body acted like that. It sounded faintly familiar, but he didn’t know this man. He cleared his voice in order to control it. “How do you know my name? Did Kikren or Janken tell you?”