The Arrival: An Epic Fantasy Romance

by Nicole MacDonald

  'That’s it. How the heck did they do that?' she cried.

  Alek pushed through the crowd of idolizing females, heading to Cat’s side without thinking. 'Do what?' He touched her shoulder, wondering what had her so excited.

  'There’s no seams. It’s not possible, how on Earth could you do that?' Everyone watched when she dashed inside the Tailor's, rushing past a surprised looking Kristanya—the shop's owner. Alek stood with Kristanya, watching Cat. She inched her way over the pink dress in the window display, keeping up a running murmur with occasional sounds of astonishment.

  My mind tried to understand how they’d done it, but I couldn’t figure it out. I turned and saw Alek standing close to me with a robust gray haired woman beside him. His eyes finally seemed warm. My heart did a little skip.

  'Catherine, let me introduce Kristanya. Kristanya owns this shop and is the top tailor in Gartoll,' Alek smiled at Kristanya, who flushed in pleasure at his compliment.

  'Please, how was this made? Did you make it?' I had to know.

  Kristanya smiled at the enthusiastic young woman before her. 'Come,' she pointed to the seating area where she discussed designs with clients. 'Have a seat.' Once they’d settled on a couch she took a seat facing them. 'The dress was made by someone gifted, who works with fabrics. Also known as a fabricer.'

  'Like Ada?' interrupted Catherine, she blushed and apologized.

  'Yes. Fabricer’s have the ability to re-weave the fabric with a thought so any clothing made by one is instantly recognizable by its lack of seams. The most skilled tend to simply drape their client in fabric then meld it around them. It takes an awful lot of work to become a fabricer, and obviously, you must be gifted. Those who aren’t gifted but love to sew become tailors, like myself. Though our work isn’t as fine as a fabricer’s, it is a lot more affordable for everyday wear. Really, anyone gifted with fabrics will head to the noblest house in their district or realm as they will have guaranteed work there.' She could almost see the wheels spin in Catherine’s head, it made her smile. 'If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them.'

  'Clothing made by a fabricer must last a lot longer than regular clothing?'

  'Yes, and there is the occasional fabricer who will transfer their skill to metal work, creating highly sought after armor.' Kristanya shrugged. 'Those are most often men who have had enough of dressing women.'

  It was Alek’s turn to interrupt and he invited her to lunch with them.

  Lunch was long, Sian snorted in amusement at the sight of Cat eyeing up everyone’s clothing. Normally she’d do the same but Sian was far more interested in conversing with the owner of the arcane shop. Sadly it didn’t seem like there’d be time today. She smothered the urge to sigh, instead smiling at the people Daron introduced her to. 'Sian, this is Artama, he’s the region’s bow master. This is his son Claud and daughter Nikol.'

  She managed to halt her look of surprise just in time. The people before her didn’t appear to be human. Artama had dark tan skin which glowed with delicate green undertones. His eyes were cat-like and much larger than a human’s, with long eyelashes. His ears seemed small in comparison, with pointed tips that stuck out a hint. Nikol and Claud must have some human in them, she thought, glancing at them before responding to Daron’s introduction. Both Artama’s children had the same slanted, large eyes, but they were light brown instead of dark like their father's and their skin had only the faintest hint of green. The three of them appeared to be wiry—as Kassie would say—light builds but with strength and grace.

  The girls appeared fascinated with Artama and his family. Daron watched Sian chat to them, pleased she’d had the chance to meet them. Artama would likely be training the girls in throwing weapons when they began their training regime. Realizing how late it was, Daron made his way around the men, suggesting they head home.

  'What is Artama?' Sian asked him as they rode back toward the castle. 'He doesn’t look human.'

  'Artama is a half breed. Half elven, half goblin,' Daron explained. 'He married Toualine, who is also a half breed but half elven, half human. That’s why Claud and Nikol look so unusual.'

  Cat moved her horse closer to listen to Daron. Alek still appeared to be giving her the cold shoulder. 'Are goblins good or bad?' she asked. 'And is a half breed seen as a good thing or a bad thing?'

  Sian bit her lip at Cat’s bluntness, hoping it wouldn’t offend Daron. He looked at her in surprise. 'What do you mean good or bad? They’re like anyone else, some are good, decent and honorable, and some,' he paused. 'Aren’t. And a half breed is what it is. It has no bearing.'

  Well that’s nice, I thought, impressed. I guess after nine millennia or so you’d get over the race issues. Sian gave me a narrow look. It seemed she wasn’t so impressed with my questions. I wrinkled my nose at her, steering my horse toward Gredel and Citaan. I’d thought Alek had got over his weird mood but it appeared I was wrong.

  That evening while we got ready for dinner Sian pulled me into the wash room for a word. 'Has he said anything?'

  I shook my head. 'No. Just this weird cold shoulder thing. I don’t get it?'

  'I wonder if perhaps Elena or Yakov had a word to him.'

  'About what?'

  'Well he is the Prince, Cat. Maybe it isn’t deemed appropriate.'

  I hadn’t thought of that.

  Cat fell silent after she’d pointed this out. Sian gave her a swift hug. 'I’m sure he’ll sort himself out. If he doesn’t, we’ll do it for him.' She gave Cat a devilish wink making her chuckle. 'C’mon, let’s get out of here, I’m starving.'

  Sian’s idea had merit to it. Still, when we entered the Great Hall it felt like a public slap to the face when I saw my chair between Elena and Yakov’s. My breath hitched in my chest, I fought back an embarrassed blush.

  Stop it Cat, no-one else knows so you can’t be embarrassed by this. It’s a great honor to sit between Elena and Yakov, my rational voice thought firmly. Holding my head high, I smiled pleasantly at everyone, even Alek, and took my seat. Yakov did his best to make me laugh, Elena kept up a steady, easy conversation.

  But I could feel him, the whole time we sat there, intensely aware of his eyes watching me. I wanted to leap out of my seat, march over to him and demand to know why or what I’d done. I didn’t eat much, half scared I’d blurt out the words that felt wedged in my throat. Keeping my fingers mentally crossed that this was all to keep things looking appropriate, I waited to see what happened at the end of dinner.

  He watched her the whole time, unable to resist. Does she have genuine feelings for me? Or had she fooled herself into thinking she did, given she expected to meet her soul mate? Cat didn’t glance at him once during dinner. Alek shoved aside the nausea swirling in his gut. Fine. Then we’ll deal with this out in the open and it can be done.

  When dinner ended the men invited the other women for a walk. Cat stood and looked at him, her face stiff, cold. Alek flinched inwardly at the awful, tight sensation in his chest.

  Loi smiled up at Sabyn, about to say yes to his invitation to wander in the courtyard when Alek spoke up. 'I believe I’ll have an early night.' His voice rung out through the room, the tone in it apparent. Everyone in the Great Hall turned to look at Cat.

  Loi watched in horror when Cat turned white, the freckles across her cheekbones in stark contrast. Then she flushed red and walked slowly out of the room. Sian and Kassie made noises of shock while Loi went stiff with anger. In a surprisingly even tone she managed, 'Actually you know what? An early night sounds good to me.' She marched out of the room, making sure to brush past Alek, feeling a twinge of revenge when he flinched; you mongrel.

  Sabyn gaped in surprise when the three women went from friendly to furious. All made terse replies then stormed out of the room, shoving past Alek.

  Alek. A feeling of absolute annoyance swept through him and he eyeballed his cousin.

  Oh shit. Perhaps a public statement wasn’t the best idea. Alek gulped when his three friends turned
to stare at him. Yakov and Elena didn’t appear impressed either. Indignation flashed through him. Since when was this their business? So what if the other women were grouchy at him, they’d get over it. Rumal took a step closer. Giving him a hard look, Alek turned and stalked out the room, ignoring the courtiers’ gasps of shock.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  I woke the next morning and lay there, feeling a horrible sense of loss followed by an overwhelming fury. Why am I letting this bother me? So he’d turned out not to be who I thought he was; it wasn’t the first time this had happened to me. I like being single. I love it. No-one to have to report to or think about and I LIKE BEING SINGLE.

  Tears welled in my eyes, flowing down my cheeks. I stuffed the sheet in my mouth to stop any sounds. Why? What had I done? He’d seemed so sweet and thoughtful, I thought the chemistry was there. The weird pain in my chest wouldn’t go away and it hurt to breathe. I curled into a ball, pulling the covers over my head. Yanking the sheet out of my mouth, I wept into my pillow. I couldn’t decide what was worse, the sensation of loss or the feeling of self-deception at allowing a mere male to affect me like this.

  A strange noise whispered into her dream. Kassie thrashed about, wondering at the whimpering sound and woke disorientated, staring about the room. What is that sound? It happened again and she realized. Cat.

  She leaped out of bed and pulled Cat’s covers back then felt her heart wrench. Cat lay curled in a ball, sobbing her heart out into her pillow. 'Honey, little kitty cat,' Kassie crooned as she scrambled into the bed, wrapping an arm around her friend. Sian and Loi woke and joined her, kneeling beside the bed.

  'I’m sorry,' Cat snuffled. 'I hate myself for being so stupid. I’m sorry, I’ll be okay in a minute, I’m sorry.'

  'Stop apologizing, Cat, it’s not your fault.' Sian stroked Cat’s head. It took a while to calm her down. Eventually they got her out of bed and into the bathroom. While she showered they laid out her clothes for the first day of training.

  'Do you think she’ll be okay?' Loi looked at the other two.

  'Cat’s a trooper.' Sian said with a stoic expression. 'She’ll deal with this. She has to.'

  Kassie gave a sad sigh. 'But what happened? It looked so right.' The door to the washroom opened and they fell silent.

  It felt somewhat comforting to put on my arrival outfit again. The others appeared to feel the same and our room was quiet while we got ready. Nnelg hadn’t slept over and Audrey waited impatiently for us to get on our way. Breakfast flew by, before I knew it we all sat in the library while Elena requested two of the men join us today. Only Rumal, Daron, and Sabyn came to the library. Daron and Sabyn agreed to accompany us. The air felt tense as Loi, Sian, and Kassie kept firm looks on their faces when they spoke to their guys. I wished they wouldn’t. It wasn’t their fault.

  'Where is Gredel?' Loi asked, while the unspoken question of a certain other rang loud.

  'With his wife,' Elena said briskly. 'Spending some much needed time together.' We stood to leave. 'Catherine, a word?' Elena arched an eyebrow then nodded to the others to go on. The door closed behind them, I turned back to Elena with a sense of apprehension. The Sorceress had an impassive look on her face. 'I’m sorry that things appear to have not worked out well with you and Alek, but I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain. I’m not interested in any silly hysterics, so I trust you got them out of the way this morning.'

  My face flushed hot and anger swirled in my gut. Staring at her coolly I snapped, 'I’ll uphold my end. I’ll need all the skills I can get for when I leave at the month’s end.' Her expression didn’t change. Damn it! I’d thought that might get a rise from her. I stalked off.

  When I arrived at the Griffons quarters everyone buzzed with excitement. 'Cat,' Kassie squealed. 'We can hear them.' Loi and Sian beamed at me.

  ‘They’re rather elated to have caught up with you,’ observed Loushka. OH. It clicked—they could hear the griffons now. I smiled at their delight, it felt good to be back on even par with them all.

  ‘Are you joining us today?’ I would enjoy Loushka’s company, maybe she would have insight on what Alek’s problem was. I wondered if she knew about it. It felt like everyone I passed in the castle gave me looks of pity. Especially that overdone Countess—bitch.

  ‘No, Nesha and Tomiar will be with you. Kerak and I are going to visit Phroma and Ageip at Gredel’s estate.’

  ‘Sounds like fun,’ I gave her as genuine a smile as I could manage.

  She seemed to register my mood. ‘You’ll be fine, Cat, not to worry. Alek will be waiting when you get back.’

  I flushed red at his name, bitting the inside of my cheek hard to hold back tears. It appeared she didn't know. Not wanting to feel like a tattle tale, I gave her a nod and turned to help the others. As we got ready, Elena noticed Audrey and frowned. 'Nnelg!'

  The little blue dragon appeared amongst us. 'Yes madam?'

  'I need you to look after Audrey and Lucky today as they can’t come with us. Will you accept this task?'

  Nnelg swelled with pride at being asked by the Sorceress herself to do such an important task. 'Of course, I shall be certain to take good care of them both.' We all hid smiles at Nnelg’s delight, I fussed over Audi for a moment before telling her to go with him. She dashed off without a backward glance.

  We piled onto the griffons and flew off. It took about an hour to reach the desired location and once we’d all climbed down Elena spoke quietly with Sabyn and Daron, who headed off on an errand for her.

  I stood near Kassie, looking about. 'Where are we?' The landscape here was very barren.

  'We’re at the beginning of the Merrej desert.' Elena indicated with a nod. 'This way.'

  Kassie studied the land around them. There were a few trees with a small stream trickling behind them. Before them began the desert, with ebony sand that glittered in the sunlight. In the distance she could see black glittering dunes and wondered what creatures might live there.

  We stood, waiting for Elena’s instructions. The awful night’s sleep, tossing and turning while my mind ran over all interactions with Alek—trying to figure out what had gone wrong, felt like it caught up with me. I stifled a yawn while watching Elena. The Sorceress walked around an area of sand murmuring to herself. Her long dark hair hung in a thick plait down her back. It was the first time I’d seen her wear trousers. All of a sudden the air felt strangely thick, we looked about in surprise. Elena had her arms at her sides pointing toward the earth. We could see the sand shift around her.

  Loi felt her jaw drop at this example of Elena’s power. The sand smoothed out into a large circle that had a seat at each quarter. Just a low simple seat with no back, all made of sand.

  'Come,' said Elena. 'Let us begin.'

  They hesitated a moment then entered the circle. Each seat had a symbol inscribed in the sand. They represent each of the elements, Sian realized. She walked to her seat. 'Kassie, you’re across from me, Loi, you’re on my left and Cat, you’re on my right.'

  Elena smiled, nodding in approval. 'Learn to recognize your symbols, girls. It will be useful for you in the future.'

  I stared at mine before having a seat, a triangle—easy.

  'Now get yourselves comfortable. I am going to seal the circle so that we won’t be disturbed by anything then I will talk you through the first exercise.' Elena walked the circle three times, like Sian had done during that now infamous spell, chanting something in a foreign language. Again the air swelled, before our astonished eyes a bubble appeared around us. Clear and shimmering with hints of color breaking across it.

  Sian gaped at this very visible, physical manifestation of the circle. Unable to resist she reached out a finger and touched it. The bubble resonated with a chime, tiny ripples echoing from her touch. The others looked at her shocked, but Elena smiled. 'It won’t harm you if you want to touch it. It’s only in place so we have peace.' The Sorceress walked to the center of the circle and lowered herself gracefully to the g
round. 'To begin with I want you to close your eyes and slow your breathing. Take good, deep breaths and expel them completely. Allow any thoughts to drift through your mind, but do not focus on them. Let them drift away. When you have relaxed sufficiently I will talk you through raising your energies.'

  Kassie nodded; sounds simple enough. She began to slow her breathing, feeling her heart rate drop and body relax. Images and thoughts popped into her mind but she did like Elena instructed, shooing them away as though they were as light and insubstantial as clouds.

  Elena watched the girls relax further and further into their seats and continued. 'I want you to become aware of your hands. With your mind's eye feel your way around and through them, until you are intimate with them.'

  Loi felt the tiny hairs on the back of her hands prickle when she traced over the skin in her mind, the creases and cracks, even the roughened edges of her nails. She focused her mind on them until she could see how the nails wove together then moved inside, followed the veins, pricking at the nerve endings. Her fingers jerked and her muscles twitched as she tugged and probed at them. It’s fascinating, she thought, I can truly see how my hands work. She pushed deeper until she came to the bones, seeing the cartilage between the joints and the tendons that fastened them together.

  Elena smiled while she watched their hands twitch and the frowns they wore while they studied them. 'I can see you are aware of your hands. Now I want you to focus on your heart. Your heart is an immensely strong muscle. Feel the blood rush into it then out, into your lungs and the sudden glow when the blood fills with oxygen. Then feel the heart pump the refreshed blood back into your body. Once you are aware of this process, trace the blood down the major artery in both your arms to your hands. Watch the flow of blood when it comes rushing down your arms, around your hands then back as your heart draws it through again.'