by S K Wee
With the sparks growing into streaks of lightning, suddenly Dianna opened her eyes wide and raised both the staff and gem ever higher. She screamed some words that sounded both foreign and familiar to Kappy’s ears. Thunder roared from the skies in response and the sky opened up in what first seemed like small hail showers and then the more familiar rain showers. Dianna lowered both of her arms and her glow receded.
“It is done.” Dianna closed her eyes once more and the gem and staff fell from her hands as she began to fall to the ground. Kappy ran to her but somehow Quin had been standing close enough to catch her. He felt a spike of jealousy that Quin was able to hold the beautiful goddess instead of himself.
Darby stood near the center. “Let’s get everything together, and Twig and Conny will make up a bridge back to the palace.” They loaded all the bodies into the wagon. They would build a pyre once the bodies were examined for any other clues. They also carried up the members of the MinSu who had been murdered. At least they could have some prayers said over their bodies.
Within a couple of hours, they attended to everything in the desert and were safe and sound back at the palace. They found a room for Dianna and after he examined her, Twig announced that she would be fine. Conny was still recovering from her arrow wound and sat next to Dianna’s bed, waiting for her to wake.
Kappy went to sit with her also, but Conny chased him away. She looked so small and pale lying in the bed—a huge contrast to her majestic appearance during her spell working.
Chapter 18
Palace of Amir Kurush, City of Port Devdan, Country of Bhaelor
The rumbling throughout the countryside continued for weeks after the spell working. Dianna had woken up the following morning feeling refreshed and whole. She fussed over Conny’s health more than her own. Dianna had been so terrified when she had seen Conny lying with all that blood on her. There had been a few other knife cuts and burns received and treated after the battle. They had not lost any of their team and Dianna was thankful for that. She could almost feel the change in the earth. The seeds had been sown—the trees would take root and would continue to grow through the years.
They had decided to stay at the palace for a few extra days. Dianna wanted to go back to the desert a couple more times to check on the progress but she needed to make sure Conny’s wound was healing before they left. Dianna checked the bodies of the MinSu elves and knew Natsuki and Taichi were not among the dead. She felt relief, even though they were responsible for her kidnapping, she became close to them during her imprisonment and knew they were trying to follow their visions.
Natsuki verified this one of the first nights through her dreams. The landscape of the dream was different though still familiar. Dianna found herself walking among not just the one remaining kol-da tree but a forest full. In the clearing, Natsuki stood as if waiting for her to arrive.
“Welcome to Dreamscape, Oveestra. You have done well reseeding the land and soon the world will know of your success. But now, you must learn what it means to be a Dream Dancer. There is a whole world inside of Dreamscape to explore. I brought you here this time but you will learn how to summon and structure the dream for yourself soon enough.” Natsuki led her toward the temple. Unlike the ruins, this temple was in pristine condition.
“Will I be able to summon anyone? Is Taichi here in Dreamscape?” So many questions were going through her mind. This world of dreams felt wondrous and she would love to share the experience with her family.
“Almost anyone you know intimately, you will be able to summon to Dreamscape. Taichi is waiting to be summoned by you. He will be your first test.” Dianna wasn’t able to summon on her first try, but the next night she began to understand what Natsuki tried to explain to her. She summoned Taichi and the three of them sat and discussed the attack. It felt like sitting around the dinner table with family. Natsuki explained the difficulties with summoning someone who had never been to Dreamscape and Dianna decided to wait before trying to summon anyone else.
While she was wandering the gardens one day, she encountered Birgit. Kappy’s beautiful wife had been so nice to her while she recovered that Dianna couldn’t help but like the woman she had once been so jealous of.
“Thank you so much for taking such good care of Amma and me, Birgit.” Dianna assumed Rose was in the process of turning the management of the palace over to Birgit.
“Oh, my pleasure, I am just so happy that everything turned out alright for both you and Conny. I know Kappy was worried about you when you first returned from the desert.” Dianna had a ghost of a memory of Amma sending Kappy out of her room.
“Now that Amma has recovered, we’ll probably be leaving in the morning. Sylly brought me near the desert this morning and it already has a few blades of grass showing through the sand. I bet the whole area will be green soon.”
“Thanks to you, Dianna. We will be forever grateful for what you have done.” Birgit looked a little sad that Dianna would be leaving. Dianna wondered if Birgit had made any friends in the palace. She had never seen any evidence of it.
“I wish you would come and visit us, Birgit. Amma would love the company and so would I.” The way Birgit’s eyes lit up, Dianna knew the girl needed friendship.
“That would be wonderful. I will bring it up with Kappy and let you know. I know Sylly gets homesick on occasion.”
The palace gave them a small feast that evening for a farewell dinner. Kappy actually looked sorry that they would be leaving. Following the meal, Kappy asked Dianna if she would walk with him in the courtyard. Dianna thought how wonderful that suggestion would have been even a year ago. Before he had married, back when she still had idolized him.
“Sure, Kappy.” They strolled through the walkways—there was still a mist in the air from all the rain they had received. “Is there something special you wanted to discuss with me or did you just want my company?”
He stopped and turned to her and gave her one of his most charming smiles. “Both, sweet Dianna.” Kappy then took hold of her and kissed her, not the soft kiss she had always dreamed about, but his kiss was forceful and demanding. Dianna used all of her strength to pull away from him.
“What are you doing? Have you gone crazy, Kappy? You’re a married man! Don’t ever touch me like that again!” Dianna brushed the back of her hand over her mouth, trying to wipe away the insult.
“I thought you would like that. You have always wanted me; now you can have me, sweet Dianna. You were glorious . . . like a goddess. Oh, sweetheart, I want you so much.”
“Leave me alone, Kappy! Stop!” Kappy had hold of her arm and was trying to pull her in once again when she saw his arm being snatched aside and he was pushed away.
“The lady said stop, Kappy.” Quin appeared and spoke in a quiet, calm tone. “I suggest you leave her alone, now.” Before Kappy could say anything at all though another voice was heard coming from behind them.
“Kappy? I have been looking for you. The band has started up and I thought we should start the dancing.” Birgit smiled at them all, oblivious to the struggle that had taken place.
“Sure, I was just coming in.” Kappy looked back at them and took his wife’s arm and headed back toward the reception hall.
“Ah, thanks yet again, Quin.” Dianna was still shaken. How many times had he saved her? She had lost count.
“Not a problem. He’s not a bad guy, just a little confused about some things. I’m sure he won’t bother you again.” Quin led her back to the palace where she excused herself and went straight to her room. She couldn’t wait to get back home where things were normal.
*****
Putting everything he had into his workout, Kappy was dripping with sweat by the time he ran the final lap. Dianna had left the following morning and he didn’t even have the courage to say goodbye to her. He had been so mesmerized by her beauty and bearing during her spell that somehow his blood was heated beyond his control. He felt foolish for what he had tried to do. Quin had said n
othing about it, but Kappy knew he should talk to his friend. When he got back to the barracks, he got his chance.
“Umm . . . can we talk?” They went to an empty area near the weapons room. “I guess I made a complete fool of myself. I don’t even know how to try to justify my actions.”
“Don’t worry, Kappy. I know you’re unhappy with how your marriage has gone. I also know what you were feeling with Dianna so I can hardly blame you. I think a monk would have been moved by the spectacle that stood before us. It was amazing to witness, but she is still Dianna, and more importantly, she is still your best friend’s little sister. Best you remember that.” Quin grinned and winked.
“That should cool my ardor. At least I know I was not alone with those feelings. I realize she couldn’t help the way she looked while under the spell, but it was like a sweet seduction. I wish my wife would show just a hint of that heat.”
“I know less than most but maybe you need to stoke the flames a little. Your little flower has never experienced that sort of heat, but if anyone can produce a fire there, it will be you. She has been looking at you constantly during training. Think of it as training one of the team—a bit of give and take. Never take more than you’re willing to give and you’ll be fine.”
After his talk with Quin, Kappy felt much better. He had, in fact, noticed that Birgit was watching him more often. She was even out by the training yard sometimes when he worked out. Though she always had an excuse why she had come out there, he did notice that her gaze clearly raked his bare chest. Maybe he could warm her up.
Thinking back to his wedding night, Kappy realized that he had made so very many mistakes. She had less experience than he did and he treated her like a piece of meat. This was his mate, the love of his life. He thought of all the great marriages around him. Frankie and Twig, Conny and Ekky, Sophia and Wagner, Darby and Arlie. All of them had one thing in common—they all treated each other with care and respect. Ruthlessly taking Birgit’s maidenhead on their wedding night was about the worst thing he could have done.
That evening he started down the road to redemption. He took his wife by the hand and walked her through the gardens. Slowly and casually they strolled. When they were near the far end, he led her to a bench and found a rose in full bloom for her.
“Beautiful, just like you.” Though she looked back at him with some confusion, she finally smiled her perfect smile and took the flower from him. While she sat there, he leaned in and captured her lips, a small kiss. “Mmm . . . you taste beautiful too.”
“Kappy, we need to start over. I made mistakes and so did you. Let’s start fresh.” Birgit wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He let her find her way. He knew that she was inexperienced with kissing, not that he had much either. They would find their way together.
“Birgit, you keep that up and we’ll need to go upstairs.” Fumbling their way through the kissing, Kappy was beginning to feel his passion grow. He knew he had to rein it in, though. Previously, he had just lashed out with it and taken whatever was there, but he needed her to come along with him this time—this time and every time. They were a couple and he wanted, no he needed to bring her to the pinnacle with him.
Chapter 19
City of Briar, Eastern Coast of Mandalay
Since returning home, Dianna had found a couple of changes. First was her sense of smell. She could smell different odors from great distances. She knew that this was one of the effects of the spell she had worked. She would forever be changed by it. The other change was in her eyesight, which was nearly the same by day, but by night her vision actually improved. She felt like a bloodhound bat—she could smell like a bloodhound and see in the dark like a bat.
For now, she didn’t see any sort of benefit for either, but she had talked to Amma and Uncle Ekky about going to the Academy for training. Twig had felt some of her mage ability even before the transformation that the spell brought. He believed she should at least train at the Mage School for a couple of years. Dianna remembered the skills that Malini had with the bow and she really wanted to learn that craft.
Though Amma had been adamant that she remained safely tucked away at the manor, eventually reasoning returned and she agreed that the Academy would be just as safe if not safer. She would also be among friends there with Twig and Frankie. So in two weeks’ time, she would be moving to the Academy.
Prior to that, though, her invitation to Birgit had been taken seriously and they were coming for a visit this afternoon. Conny had made up rooms for them all. Sylly would be coming along with Malini and Quin. Dianna got butterflies thinking about Quin. When those began she had no idea, but started they did. As excited as she was at going to the Academy, she was even more excited to see Quin again.
The infatuation she had with Kappy all of her childhood seemed paltry next to the feelings Quin stirred within her. Where Kappy was beauty and light, handsome beyond words with light-colored hair and the brilliant blue eyes of a god, Quin was dark and rugged. Handsome in his own way, he had the sultry dark eyes of a devil and a smile that sent tingles to certain areas of her body.
When they arrived from across the bridge, Dianna was surprised by the change between Kappy and Birgit—there was obvious chemistry between them now, where only coolness was previously. When they glanced at each other, Dianna could almost see the sparks fly. But when Kappy looked over at Dianna it was with a look of deep regret. She knew what he was thinking and tried to put him at ease.
Another profound change was seen between Malini and her brother, Sylly. She wasn’t sure when that had happened but it was obvious with the smoldering looks between them that they were no longer combatants. Dianna was very happy for all of them. Then she brought her attention to the other one, Quintus. He seriously was even more dark and alluring than ever before. Maybe because she had spent so much time recently fantasizing about him, but he looked captivating.
They had a great time together, Dank was included—he had gone to the Academy with all of them, well, with the exception of Birgit. They all told Dianna stories of what to expect and a complete rundown of all the Directors and what they expected from the recruits. Dianna had lots of questions and they were all more than happy to answer all of them.
The following morning, Conny brought them all down to the shipping office. She had told them about some recent shipments that arrived from the far country of Mal Ingo. Blankets mostly, but they were beautifully made. She told them all to pick something out for their barracks or rooms. They led Birgit to the other end to look at some new stunning material woven by the elves of the Silvanas Forest.
Dianna took the time to step outside and breathe the fresh sea air. She could smell something else also. “Quin, I know you’re here. Did you follow me?”
“Why would I follow you?” Quin dropped his shadows and smiled innocently at her.
“To tell you the truth, I just was hoping you were. You always are there to protect me whenever I need you.”
“You don’t seem to be in any danger. Why would you want me to follow you?”
“Why do you think? Do I have to say all the words?” Dianna walked over and stood directly in front of him. She looked up into his eyes and smiled. She left little question as to what she was hoping for. She began to feel vulnerable. What if he turned her away?
“Oh, how sweet you are, Dianna.” Quin dipped his head and captured her lips in his. The result was something she hoped would never end as she leaned into his body, wanting to feel even more of him. But end it soon did.
“Dianna? Where are you? I found something perfect for Frankie, you can bring it along with you,” Conny yelled from the warehouse. Dianna reluctantly moved away from the heat of Quin’s body.
That heat stayed with her for many months. The winter at the Academy brought fierce snowstorms and weather colder than any she had ever felt, but the thoughts of that short contact kept her warm through it all.
Dianna spent much of her time at the Mage School. She had a s
mall amount of inherited magic, but her main goal was to understand and utilize her gift of Dream Dancer. No one at the school had ever heard of such a thing but Twig helped her to experiment and expand the boundaries of what she could accomplish through dreams. She found that anyone who could use magic of any kind were not hard to summon to Dreamscape. She could summon Twig, Conny, and her brothers. Dianna was hoping she could expand even more.
Come spring, she left the Academy for a short break while she went to check on the desert. Sylly had announced his engagement to Malini, and Dank was also getting married to someone he met in town. Dianna hadn’t even met her yet, but first, she wanted to visit the desert.
Kappy volunteered to escort her personally, but she explained to him she truly didn’t want to upset his plans and asked if he could just spare Quin for the excursion. They took their time on horseback to the small hamlet, which was at the very edge of the desert, or at least it had been.
Dianna was shocked at what lay in front of her. A sea of green, which wasn’t too unexpected, but she also could see the sprouts of trees—kol-da trees—a whole wondrous forest of them. Though it would take years for them to grow to maturity, they had already grown about four feet tall and she could tell they would be beautiful. They rode on, the day was bright and warm and the ground that once was desert sands was now firmly packed earth.
After a couple of hours, they arrived at the temple. Dianna looked around at the ruins and saw vines growing all along the platform. Where she had once stood to create the magic, now stood a fully-formed arch of ivy and colorful blossoms of a variety Dianna had never before seen. Something else that had been extinct.
As they left their horses to graze, Dianna led Quin over near the arch. “So, have you thought at all about the last time we spoke?” Dianna needed to know she was not the only one pining for her love.
