by R. G. Porter
"You would have moved on, Gabriel."
"No I wouldn't have. Like you said, the dragon may be part of who I am. They didn't know this. I don't fear the dragon, least not as much as I did in the past. We belong together and together we will break the curse.” His words wove around her like a blanket, warming the cold that had begun to eat away at her confidence.
"I'm just afraid..."Of what she wasn't sure anymore.
Gabriel pulled her further into his arms, his hands cupping her chin with his fingers. “Look at me Alayia and hear me on this. I understand the curse better now than I ever have. It's not the change, that's what Innok had hoped for. It's the lack of control. It's the fact of Elroy's inability to die and therefore his continued reign over those in his keep. If anything else we need to break this curse for everyone who is hurt and threatened by him.” She could feel the fervor in his voice. “He's controlled things for too long and needs to be removed. Too many innocents have been hurt by him all for his own selfish reasons."
"He's right you know.” Alayia tilted her head to catch Talon's sullen face.
"I know he's right."
"I've seen what this man has done first hand for many years. He's increased taxes so high that most cannot earn a decent living or think to get ahead. It allows him to continue to control their lives.” Talon's words did nothing to remove the worry that had begun to etch across her soul.
"Talon, there is nothing you are saying that I haven't seen myself. My parents were ready to sell me off to him.” She was still furious with her kin for such a falter. Her parents. A tremor crossed her body as a thought moved through her mind.
"Alayia what is it?” Gabriel's hand, a light touch on her cheek, reminded her he was close. “Something is bothering you. Tell me please."
"I'm just wondering if by me leaving and spurning Elroy... how mad would he have been.” Her stomach began to churn as images formed in her mind. “I fear he may have sought payment from my family.” As much as she was upset with her parents, they didn't deserve to be harmed by her actions. It was her choice to leave not theirs.
"Don't Alayia. There is nothing we can do about it now."
His fingers began to message the nape of her neck, something she'd never allowed anyone to do before. It felt heavenly. How she'd gotten to this point she still couldn't believe. Twist of fate as well as the gods allowing her to find Gabriel once more could only be to thank. Now if they could just remove Elroy once and for all. The continued strokes of his fingers against her skin sent heat throughout her body. God, the man knew just the right things to do to make her at ease.
"Gabriel?” She wasn't sure how to ask, the words faltering at the edge of her lips.
"What is it love?"
"If for some reason the curse cannot be broken, or I fail in finding the right spell, know that I will never leave your side.” She felt him tighten behind her, his arms pulling her further into his embrace. “I can live with the dragon. Its presence doesn't scare me.” Alayia found she meant every word she uttered. She no longer held out fear of the dragon. It was part of Gabriel and as such she embraced it as well.
"I have every bit of faith in you Alayia.” His lips brushed the top of her head sending butterfly wings swimming through her stomach. “If anyone can find a way to break the curse that affects us all it is you.” His faith in her renewed her confidence. It was all she needed to proceed with what she knew he would not agree with. She just wouldn't tell him her plans. Not till much later and after she had obtained the missing page.
"Thank you. Both of you.” She couldn't forget Talon. He'd been more help than she could have ever asked for. How she wished she could turn back time to help him regain his sight. He deserved so much more than he was given.
"Aw, it's nothing. Just to hear you laugh is enough for me.” Talon was teasing her, but it was good to hear. He'd suffered much on their behalf and she wanted nothing more than for him to be at ease.
"Maybe after all this is over we can find you a woman. Someone to help you relax some and show you what life can be like.” Alayia couldn't help herself. The man was handsome and in good shape. Why a woman hadn't snapped him up was beyond her. The only reason would be his lack of vision.
"I don't think so. No one woman could handle me.” A burst of laughter erupted from both men. Their outburst confused her but she dismissed their laughter. Talon wasn't that tough to handle and he could provide. No, she would definitely need to change his situation.
"We shall see."
"Oh Talon, you are in for it now.” Gabriel moved away and toward the fire, his arms outstretched to the ceiling. “Even the Gods won't be able to help you now. Alayia has set her sights on finding you a woman.” Another round of laughter echoed through the caverns. Oh they would pay. No doubt about it.
"You two are just so funny. Just you wait.” Even though she tried to act stern she couldn't help but enjoy their ribbing. It was something she'd not done in a long time.
"You two should rest. Dawn is fast approaching."
"How can you tell?” Alayia looked back out into the night, the moon still high in the sky.
"After so many sunsets and rises... trust me I can tell.” Of course he could.
"Can't I just wait till you leave? I don't want to rest when you are still near. What if someone comes? The demon might return again.” Alayia knew she was throwing out excuses but she didn't care. She needed to be close to him, to feel the warmth of his body near her.
"Alayia we have a lifetime to talk. I need you to have your strength at its fullest. If you don't rest you will lose focus. Neither of us can afford that."
"What will you do?” Alayia knew if she was honest with herself she was more fearful of closing her eyes and never seeing Gabriel again. That terror grew every time she allowed the darkness of sleep to overcome her. She'd not divulged that to either of them yet.
"I will sit here and enjoy the peacefulness of the fire. It's been many years since I've had the chance to have a beautiful woman lay near me.” She could feel a blush steal across her body. The man was incorrigible. She loved him even more for it.
"Ok, fine. I will rest but I can't promise to fall asleep.” She would concede, but only so much. A yawn she didn't expect escaped her lips.
"Sure you won't.” A smile so sly crossed Gabriel's face. He knew exactly how tired she was. Damn the man. “Now lie down and rest, I will keep watch till just before daylight."
Daylight. Never had she hated a word or time. Even though she didn't mind the dragon, it was the lack of having him near that bothered her. Still, she needed that time to make her way back home. If she was right, they were not even a day's travel from her parent's house. All she needed to do was hurry across the stream and back west and they should make it before nightfall. By the time Gabriel figured out where they were headed she would already be in and out with the parchment. She just prayed her mother hadn't destroyed it. As her head rested against the fur cover she could feel Gabriel watching her. His eyes lit a fire trail across her body, marking her as his. If he only realized that mark had been made years ago he would laugh.
"Gabe?” She loved to use the shortened version of his name. It always annoyed him.
"Sleep Alayia."
"I will, but promise me one thing.” Her eyes lifted to his, her green gaze meeting his black one.
"What is that?"
"No matter what happens always trust me in what I do. Believe in me, no questions asked.” She needed his trust, had to have it without question. There would be things coming up that she might have to do, actions he wouldn't understand and she wouldn't have time to explain them.
"Alayia..."His smile warmed her heart.
"I mean it Gabriel. I know it's asking a lot but I need it. I need your trust regardless of what I may have to do.” She willed him to understand her need.
"Always love, never question my faith in you.” Relief swept through her at his words. “Now sleep and dream of what life will be like when we are t
hrough these dark times."
She wondered if they ever would be. One way or another something would be resolved. She had no doubt about that. There was a coming of resolutions, she could sense it. Unfortunately she had no idea which side would win. There were too many unknown variables to consider and without that paper they were not going to win. Closing her eyes Alayia allowed the sound of the wind outside the cave to bring with it the songs of the forest. There was a storm brewing, nature mimicking the turmoil that circled them. While she continued to listen to the rise of the thunder in the distance she felt the pull of sleep as it wove its web around her. She was so tired, her need for rest working its way into her bones that she finally decided to give in. Maybe a few hours of sleep would do her good.
Try as she might she couldn't open her eyes, the thick veil of slumber wrapping around her. Turning her head toward the last place she'd seen Gabriel she hoped he would hear her, unsure if she was even speaking or already lost in dreamland. “Goodnight Gabriel. Be safe tomorrow.” Her words barely left her lips, her body losing its battle with the night.
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CHAPTER: 13
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"Goodnight Alayia.” He knew she couldn't hear him. She was fast asleep. “May the gods watch over you while you are sleeping.” How much he wanted to draw her close and hold her all night long, to have her wake in his arms. Alas he knew it wouldn't happen, not for awhile longer.
"Don't dwell on it.” Talon's voice penetrated his thoughts. He'd almost forgotten about their ever present shadow.
"I'm not dwelling on anything.” Was he?
"Yes you are.” He could hear Talon move from the far corner of the cave but he refused to turn his head. He wanted to memorize every inch of Alayia's face, to take it with him as he changed back into the dragon at morning's light. She'd accepted the dragon, took that part of him into her heart as she did the rest of him. What more could he ask of the one person who held his heart?
"She's too good for me you know.” He'd considered that thought more times than he could count.
"No she's not. Well, actually, she's probably too good for anyone, but you are made for each other.” Gabriel couldn't help but laugh. His friend was right though. Friend. He'd not had one of those in many years.
"You will keep her safe for me.” His words were more of a statement than a question and he knew Talon understood. “I don't trust those trappers. They are good. Not to mention with the help of Elroy they have unlimited aid.” He also couldn't discount Innok's minion. His taint was all over the men who were after them.
"Don't worry. I know these forests better than anyone else. They won't catch us.” His confidence helped to ease the vice that had begun to squeeze the air from his lungs.
"Good. Just make sure to avoid well traveled paths and don't go anywhere near familiar places. They will think to check in with someone that might mean something to her."
"I know. Trust me. I will make sure she stays safe.” Gabriel sensed a hesitation in Talon's voice. “God my shoulder is still killing me.” His gaze left Alayia and moved back to Talon and the wounds he'd sustained from the demon. Perhaps he was just being overly sensitive when it came to Alayia.
"You need to rest too. Don't worry. I can watch over you both.” He didn't want either of them less than one hundred percent when morning came. “Just be ready when daylight hits. I'll leave just before."
"She won't be happy."
"I know but I still don't want to chance it. Not yet.” He knew Alayia would rather he stayed till she woke. He preferred to allow the change to happen in private. “Tell her when she wakes that I will see her first thing in the evening. We can discuss the plans more at that time.” Gabriel had a feeling things would be coming to a head very soon. He just prayed they were ready for it.
"I will. You stay out of trouble yourself.” Another smile crossed his face at Talon's prodding.
"Understood. Same on your end.” He liked Talon more and more as the days passed. He was unlike any other man he'd met. Honest and hardworking. Something that was hard to find now a days.
"She will break the curse. She is a smart one.” He could hear the pride in Talon's words. He couldn't disagree. Never in his life, other than Danielle, had he met someone who could think so quick in tight situations. Still, he feared it would get her into trouble one day.
"Yes she is. It's her lack of foresight that concerns me."
"Explain."
"You know what I mean. She will move headfirst into a situation without thought if she knows she needs something. Regardless of what might happen to her.” Gabriel's gut clenched at the thought of Elroy getting a hold of her again.
"I'll do what I can to council her on which routes would be best to follow. Still, she knows what she's up against Gabriel. You have to have faith in her abilities as well.” How could he not? He trusted her with his whole being.
"I do.” His head turned to catch another strike of lightning near the outer edge of the forest. “You better catch some sleep. Dawn is approaching.” Gabriel leaned down and placed another kiss on Alayia's forehead, her skin the taste of honey and cream. “Sleep with the angels my love and rise with a renewed strength.” How he longed for the day they wouldn't have to look over their shoulders, to put the past finally behind them. Standing, Gabriel made his way to the entrance of the cave, the impending storm drawing closer.
His head turned to the sky where he found the moon lost behind the gathering clouds. “Please keep her safe for me. I've lost her once; I cannot bear to lose her again.” He prayed the gods would listen to his plea. The time of reckoning was approaching quickly; he could feel it in every fiber of his being. Not allowing another glance behind he moved out into the night, the clouds opening up in answer with the down pour of raindrops to mask the tears that had inadvertently begun to fall down his cheeks.
Hues of red blinded Alayia's vision as her eye lids fluttered open. Heat so intense moved across her body till she swore she would burst into dust. Where was she? Had Gabriel left her alone so soon? Had Talon gone with him? Fear spread through her like a wild storm. Had Gabriel changed as she slept and lost control?
She rose up with every muscle in her body protesting at her movement. Shadows flittered about the area catching her attention. Where was she? Nothing about where she was at reminded her of the cave. Had she been taken? Determined to fight to the end Alayia drew in a calming breath and dismissed the heat that continued to spread across her body. Another sound from behind drifted on the wind.
"Whoever is out there, you might as well show yourself.” Fear pushed aside, Alayia was more pissed than anything else. “I know I'm not in the cave, but I'm not gone from there either. Your rouse is lost.” A hiss accompanied the initial silence.
"You are not as stupid as most mortals.” A cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, its face half covered by the deep black cloth.
"No, nor am I as tolerable of your games either.” Each step the figure took the ground shook with agony. “Why did you weave a dream spell on me?” She wasn't positive it had, but it was the only real conclusion she could come to.
"Let's just say we needed to have a heart to heart.” Try as she might, Alayia still couldn't see the creature's face. If she had to deal with it she wanted to know exactly what she was up against.
"Fine, but do not hide yourself from me."
Seconds passed as she began to wonder if it would honor her request or dismiss her with no regard. To her surprise the creature used one flick of his long nail and the cloak fell to the ground revealing a large handsome man. “Is that better?"
"What are you?” Unsure if she should trust her eyes, Alayia chose to rely on her instincts instead. Every warning signal was going off in full force. This man, creature or otherwise, was dangerous and she needed to keep that in mind.
"I am whatever I want to be. Whatever you want me to be.” He was circling her, his hand reaching out to her. Alayia stepped aside, her back comi
ng against a wall. “You are more than we expected."
"So? I'm a bit of a surprise to most people. That doesn't give you the right to hound me time and again. Now what do you want and why do you keep interfering with Gabriel.” Chills continued to rake across her skin at being so close to evil.
"Gabriel we want nothing from. We've had our fun with him. Now that he's accepted the dragon there isn't much more we can bother him with. The dragon won't cause the chaos it once could.” Wasn't worried about Gabriel?
"So then why continue to show up?"
"You.” An eerie laugh echoed through the cave. “You've always been the one thing that linked all the variables together. Elroy, Gabriel, Danielle and now you.” Her mind swam at what the demon was saying.
"I've done nothing. Elroy is mad and power hungry. He is only after me because he can't have me."
"You are right in that he is mad and power hungry, but how do you know he won't have you?” The demon's words reverberated inside her mind.
"Stop talking in riddles and state what you mean. I'm growing tired of this.” More than that, Alayia was sick of the unknown. If she knew what she was up against she could better prepare.
"I say that Elroy will get you in the end and that will be the ultimate pain for Gabriel.” A squeal of enjoyment escaped the demon's lips. “Mark my words Alayia; there is nothing out there that you can do to avoid your fate. Elroy will find you and get you. Gabriel will suffer from it for the rest of his days."
"No. You are wrong."
"It's your destiny."
"I make my own destiny.” Determination and anger rose in her like a breathing beast. She was tired of running and wanted to end it.
"Fine... your choice. Consider this a warning of things to come then.” The demon raised his hand and waved it at her as the world fell apart at her feet. Spinning through space and time Alayia found images she couldn't understand fly before her. Villages burnt to the ground as the inhabitants ran for their lives. So many dead littered the area that Alayia thought she would be sick from the stench of it all.
