by J E Mueller
Zarek was greeting his troops when he saw us. “My darling baby sister.” He said loudly, gathering everyone’s attention, “How nice of you to drop by.”
I glanced around at all the slowly waking faces, “Is this time really the best time to train anyone?” I asked, trying to ignore the attention he was bringing to me.
He clicked his tongue at me for a moment before replying. “It’s perfect. It zones in on what’s muscle memory and what needs work. In a fight, you can’t rely on your enemy thinking out their next move. Every strike, every blow should be fluid. Perfection. Only the best survives,” Zarek paused. “You’ve learned a lot while you were away. Would you like to demonstrate in a sparring match what you know?”
I nodded, figuring I didn’t have a choice. “My skills aren’t great but I did more than hold my own at the battle of Kinsfield. I’ll gladly spar one of your people and see how it should be done.”
“Any volunteers?” Zarek asked loudly, glancing slowly around at the suddenly many bystanders.
“Is this really your lost sister?” someone asked.
Zarek nodded. “She left long ago, as you all know. Those who believed the curse rumor are correct. It is no lie or mystery that the late king Ramulus dealt with forces none should see. Kikara has returned, having learned the basics of how to live with the magic battling inside of her.” He nodded toward me, “As such, are there any additional rules to keep my team safe, dear sister?”
They stared at me expectantly.
“Yes, actually,” I replied. There was no room for messing around. “Just for your protection, I ask that whomever I’m sparring with is fully covered so there is no risk of skin to skin contact. While I’ve had it under control for a short while now, I wish for there to be no accidents.”
“Hear that?” Zarek called loudly. “Full practice gear. Easy enough. Volunteers?”
A few raised their hands. Zarek eyed the options closely before calling out, “Mara, you’ve passed all the beginner’s tests recently. Your skills should be perfect for assessing my sister. Please, come forward.”
The girl, short with spiked red hair and freckles, pushed her way forward. She bowed before Zarek. “I am ready whenever my challenger is ready.”
Zarek nodded towards the field a short distance away. “Let’s get geared up and ready to go.” He turned towards the group around us. “All right ladies and gents, you know the rules. One free watch then get your butts in gear. I want to see everyone breaking a sweat before the next match is done or the whole lot of you will be on latrine duty for the next week.”
Everyone ran at a quick pace for the field, showing me that his words weren’t just empty threats. I followed quickly, curious to see how this would go. Some started picking out gear and weapons to help us get situated. Since Zarek just wanted an assessment of me he handed us practice swords and quickly had us ready to face off.
As soon as the signal was given, Mara took several practice swings at me before going all in. For the first few moments I held my own, the next I was losing ground, and then I was disarmed.
Zarek clapped. “Well done. Mara, excellent use of hesitation and technique. Key, make sure your blocks are quick and inward. Don’t swing wide if you don’t have to. Again.”
After the next round, Zarek came in and started showing me where I was going wrong. Another round ensued with the same results. And another. Before long I was beaten and tired but was grateful for the information I had gained. I hoped I would retain some of it. When I was finally granted a break, I noticed that Lee had found a group to practice with as well. His group was filled with a lot less strict technique and more laughter, but he was also picking up on the lessons more quickly.
After two hours of practice, we were dismissed and I was glad to head back into the castle to clean up and relax. My body was tired and bruised in places that shouldn’t be bruised. After cleaning up I sprawled out on my bed as Lee read something.
“What did you find?” I asked curiously.
Lee was sitting on the sofa just outside the room. “Something you’ll hate me for reading.”
I groaned loudly, “Which terrible story did you pick up?”
“There are bunnies in it. Very fluffy with giant ears that let them fly.” Lee smiled.
“I hate my life.” I covered my face, too tired to fight back. I forgot I had written my own short stories at some point. “We can go look at the library. Where there are actually quality books. It’d be much more fun than this.”
Lee snickered. “I do believe you’re mistaken. This is great fun.”
“Anything but this,” I complained to him, still unmoving.
Lee laughed while finally getting up. “Okay. We can talk about what’s on my mind instead.”
“Oh boy. I feel like I’m falling into a trap… but okay. Shoot. What’s on your mind?” I sat up as he walked in.
Lee sat at the foot of my bed. “While I adore your wonderful family, I’m missing home as well. There’s a lot going on back home, and I feel I should be there.”
I nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.” I shook my head. “You don’t have to stay with me.” Too much had gone on recently. It wasn’t fair to keep him away from his home.
“I’d like for you to come with me.” Lee paused. “If you want to spend more time with your family, of course, do so. I can’t blame you. It’s been so long and I can’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like. I’ve led the opposite life of that and have been blessed with being close to mine. I don’t want to make you choose, but I do want you to know that if you don’t come with me, that I’ll miss you, and whenever you’re ready to stop by I’ll be more than happy to see you again, so please don’t be a stranger.”
For a few moments, I thought things over while we sat in silence. It was oddly well-timed after my conversation with my sister. “I was actually speaking about this with Sandra yesterday,” I admitted. “I do want to spend some more time here, but I don’t have a large urge to stay. If anything, all the constant crowds of family are draining for me. I wasn’t expecting it and now that the rush of meeting everyone again has died down it’s becoming a bit much. I’d love to visit frequently, but I don’t know how that’ll work. I’d also love for them to have a chance to visit me.”
Lee smiled. “Want to stay another full week and then head home with me? With the cold season coming you could plan to visit around the winter solstice. Maybe even spend a month here. I’m sure that’d be exciting with all the little ones about.”
“I like that idea. I wish I knew of a good time or way for them to visit. I don’t even know of a place for them to stay.” I sighed. “Now that Sandra put that thought into my head, I can hardly believe I’m thinking of a permanent home. This nonsense is turning my head and life upside down.”
“It’s not a bad change, though. If things are going to change it might as well be good, right?” Lee smiled blissfully. “Maybe a place for a couple of sheep?”
“What would you even do with them or all that wool?” Laughing, I tossed my pillow at him.
“Probably make sweaters. Do you know how to make a sweater? It seems like a practical thing to learn. Even more so if you’re looking into getting a flock of sheep.” Lee was trying not to chuckle.
“I am not looking into getting sheep!” I tossed my other pillow at him. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Maybe we can try going on a date once everything settles down?” He smiled, unabashed.
“Don’t know if there’ll be time for a date if I’ve got to learn how to take care of sheep,” I teased. He threw the pillow back at me.
“Anyway, if we are agreed, I’ll write Mother and let her know the plan. I’m sure she’d like to know how things are going.” Lee got up and stretched.
“That’s a good idea. I’d like to write her and Celia too,” I said, getting up to find some blank paper and something to write with.
That night at dinner I explained
my plan to my family. Sandra wasn’t surprised after our recent conversation but David and Zarek were.
“But you just got here!” Zarek complained loudly.
“You can accompany us back.” I smiled at him. “You probably want to check up on your men anyway, I’m sure.”
He nodded. “That is a good plan but still… It’s not fun seeing you leave again.”
“But this time you know I’ll be back,” I reassured him.
David shook his head. “I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to visit.”
“When you take time off just don’t go to a normal place. Dress as a commoner, have your guard do the same, and you’ll blend in well enough.” I suggested, really hoping for that plan to pan out.
“Maybe we can vacation somewhere together?” David looked at his wife.
Susan nodded, “It is always wonderful to have someone who’s good with the boys around.” Currently, Kent and Kris were chasing each other around with wooden swords, having already finished their plates. “And by that, I mean someone who will let me enjoy my vacation with my husband. Sometimes it’d be easier to hand them off to a maid like the rest of the nobles in the land do.”
“I still like the idea of raising our own children. Even more so since they will rule one day,” David commented, eyeing the twins who seemed to never tire.
“I like that idea too.” It would be fun getting to spend time with my nephews and try vacationing with my family. “It would be nice getting to know the twins as well. They’ve grown so much in the short time I’ve been here, I’d love to see them again.”
“Good.” Susan let out a sigh of relief, “Sometimes I think they have the spirit to scare demons off themselves. They’re always so full of energy.”
“That would be a wonderful gift,” I agreed.
It was settled.
23
After another week of training with Zarek, practicing with Lee and Jameson, and spending a few too many afternoons having tea parties with Sandra and little Caitlin it was time to go. The farewells were heartfelt and some tears were shed, but we all knew I would return. We already had plans in the making. It was a great reintroduction to my family, and I was glad to leave it on a high note. Zarek and Jameson accompanied us while we made the journey to Faraden and then they were to branch off to go meet those still in Kinsfield while Lee and I went to see Celia and meet up with Juni.
As soon as we cleared the main grounds and the castle was out of sight, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Zarek noticed at once. “Family time a bit much?” He laughed and winked in understanding.
“It’s a lot at once when you’re used to much more quiet and alone time,” I admitted. “The small company of guards with us has already proven to be much quieter.”
Lee just smiled. “I bet they’ll be a fair bit louder when they learn we’re not the most royal of company.”
“I still consider myself a royal,” Jameson interrupted.
Zarek laughed. “You’re less royal than me, dear. Sorry.”
“Nonsense. I’m the king of kicking your butt, and I wager any soldier here would place their bet on my side.” Jameson smiled wickedly.
There were some chuckles from the guards around us.
“I approve of this trip already.” I laughed, glad to see we had such fun traveling companions.
The trip went well and much too quickly on horseback. When we parted ways at Faraden I was sad to see them go. It was great being able to spend a few extra moments with my brother and soon to be brother-in-law. My heart ached deeply at our parting, but there was an open invitation on the table. I could see them whenever I wanted and write to them just as much. Knowing that cheered my soul up a bit.
A cool breeze had started to pick up just as we were out of sight of the guard. Something felt wrong, but I tried to shake it off. We were almost to Celia’s house when I stopped and looked at Lee. I couldn’t shake off the feeling and knew that he could see things I couldn’t. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to get a glimpse into the future.
“I’ve got a bad feeling I can’t shake,” I told him bluntly, stopping us in our tracks. “Is everything okay with Celia and your mother?” I asked cautiously.
He paused, eyes alight with magic. “Yes. Everything's fine.” He confirmed.
“Good. Maybe it’s nothing.” I sighed in relief, turned, and looked toward the direction of Kinsfield, hoping that my brother’s journey was going just as well.
Lee nodded at my look and let magic fill his sight once more. His face quickly darkened. “Jameson only sees visions in dreams. They’ve no idea a trap is waiting for them.”
“We have to reach them before that!” I exclaimed, shocked at the sudden turn of luck. I was grateful we still had the horses.
We took off at once, hoping that Celia would be able to use her sight to figure out why we didn’t meet them on time. Thanks to the kindness of the palace, we had been gifted the horses until we eventually were to return to Kingsfield and pushed them to catch up. Lee couldn’t tell when the trap was coming, the woods often looked much too much the same and we were too rushed for him to properly concentrate. With hope and willpower, we reached the group before anything had happened yet.
Surprised by our rushed reappearance they stopped when we came within sight.
“Duck!” Lee shouted and not a soul hesitated as an arrow flew overhead. The trap was sprung.
Quick combat ensued. We were outnumbered, but not outmatched. Zarek’s troops were skilled from the near daily training they did, and they were able to read each other and communicate without words. When the enemy soldiers started forcing them back, the tides turned against us. More attackers joined the foray and we started to lose ground.
The extra practice had done me some good, but mostly I was avoiding accidentally killing someone. I knew there had to be a way to make my magic flare up again but didn’t want to chance it. With so many people on our side nearby I was afraid to use my magic to its full capacity, lest I harm someone on our side.
Someone shot darts into the crowd unexpectedly. The shots went wide and couldn’t have been reasonably aimed. Zarek, a soldier named Jason, and two of the attackers went down. Lee called out that it was sleeping poison and to press on as he fought. Jameson echoed his cry and we managed to regain our ground. Suddenly, the attackers were gone, minus the ones who were accidentally shot with darts. With frantic eyes, Jameson took stock of the team. With a deep breath, he took control of the situation.
“They took Zarek,” he said, not letting the shock he must have felt seep through his features. “I’ve every reason to believe this is the same group attacking the magic towns. They have someone of royal blood hostage and will stand for their misdeeds.”
Lee’s vision clouded with magic. “That one.” He pointed to one of the sleeping attackers. “He knows the way back to their camp. If we leave him, he’ll show us the way.”
“Or we’ll beat it out of him,” Kilee, one of the younger soldiers suggested, mimicking a few punches.
Lee shook his head. “He won’t give up anything if we do that.”
Jameson nodded, understanding the strength of Lee’s visions. “What do we do with the other one?”
Lee shrugged. “He’s useless to us.”
“Tie him up. If his friends find him, good for him. If not, better for us,” Jameson commanded and two of the guards quickly obeyed.
“We’ll help get my brother back,” I told Jameson. There was no way I’d be talked out of this. He wouldn’t even be in this mess if I hadn’t suggested it.
“You’re hardly trained for this sort of thing,” Jameson replied honestly. “Your brother wouldn’t forgive me if I put you in needless danger.”
Lee laughed. “She’ll do that herself. You need us anyway. I can help pick the right path, and she’ll burn anyone who gets in our way.”
“Why didn’t she do that five minutes ago, then?” Kilee scoffed, arms crossed.
“I didn’t want
to accidentally kill any of you,” Hopefully that was reason enough. “If I say magic’s up, I suggest moving behind me and as far back as possible. I won’t let them toy with my brother.”
Mara, the youngest soldier there was the first to nod and agree. “If your brother trusted us enough to know about your magic in the first place, we should trust you to use it as best you can. You make the call, I’ll jump back. Let’s burn these bitches and get our leader back.”
“When will Jason wake up?” Jameson asked, trying to remain reasonable.
Lee sought the answer. “Another half-hour, but the camp will be well guarded. They won't kill him tonight. We should use the darkness to cover our counterattack.”
“We’ll have to follow the twat and make a retreat back here to plan, then.” Jameson nodded. “Better with one scout. Conner?”
“I’m ready.” Conner nodded.
“Send me as well,” Clover met Jameson with an intense gaze.
“Why?” Jameson asked curiously.
“We can both survey the camp, dividing it between us and get back more quickly. It also gives us a better chance of one of us making it back,” She replied confidently. “Also I have heat vision and can use that to see where they are keeping him.”
Everyone stared at her for a moment before she continued, “Zarek knew, but I wasn’t ready to tell everyone else. Now’s the best moment to put my skills to work.”
“You’re a team, then,” Jameson agreed, not turning down her courage. “Clover, Conner, make us proud. Everyone else, let’s hide and gag the man we have captured. We’ll need every ounce of information we can get.”
We moved out of sight, and soon enough the fallen attacker awoke with a start. Confused and with his head clearly aching, he got his bearings and made his way into the forest. Silently, Conner and Clover followed him.
We waited for three hours before they returned. Jameson never once asked Lee to use his gift to see if they were fine, instead trusting his team to make it back. Silently, they reappeared at our waiting place.
