Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Allahandra seemed more composed as Mistress Marge and another worked on designing and making her dress as perfect as possible. The Queen of Alluan stood still in a flowing green dress with dark blue lining. A lighter yellowish-green pattern gave the look of flowing grass upon a plain. She arched an eyebrow and he nodded. She returned a smile in thanks. She had subtly asked if it looked nice.

  “Do you have something for me?” Allahandra asked.

  He approached, careful to stay away from the busy matron, and handed over the map he found. “I see, find my husband to be near the barracks and tell him to frequently mix up the shifts of the stationed guards. It will confuse those sent to watch us.”

  He nodded and went to turn around, but stopped before trampling over two little girls. Both were grinning at him openly. It took a moment to realize just who they were. Then he understood exactly why Jakz seemed so upset. “Girls? What are the two of you doing here? Where’s your mother?”

  “Turn around, buffoon.” Kori chided. “I swear you’re exactly like your uncle.” Alex spun back around to view Kori looking around from behind Allahandra’s dress smiling at him. “You’re a mess! Did both you and Shade decide to roll around in the mud?”

  “Kori? I thought you went to Royal City.” He spoke in shock. “Jakz said…”

  “And I didn’t listen.” Ah, now that’s the Kori I know. He thought with a chuckle. She then stood and addressed Allahandra while slipping her sewing needle item on her sleeve. “I’m finished with the train. Go to the mirror and tell me if it’ll suit you.” While the queen moved off looking as elegant as ever she returned to quickly embrace the sweaty prince. “It is good to see you again. You sure ruin clothes don’t you?”

  “Be thankful I don’t burn them off.” She raised an eyebrow at that. “Why are you here instead of back in Alluan?”

  “Because Jakz is my husband, not my master. You know full well I do things when I want to. I played along for awhile till the girls unanimously voted that we find him. We just arrived at the city early this morning. It wasn’t hard to follow the trail the army left behind. Don’t worry we didn’t come on foot, we each rode a horse and not one bit of trouble found us. Jakz isn’t too happy about us being here, but I can tell he missed us.

  “And when I heard of Allahandra’s wedding, that they needed seamstresses and the queen herself knew me, through you, and allowed me to help finalize her dress.

  A slight tug on his pants turned his attention to the youngest girl. “Can we play with Shade again?”

  He was about to tell them they could, but stopped when he looked upon his foster sibling. Shade’s nose and whiskers flared and his eyes were open wide. His large golden gaze stared over by the fireplace where Crest stared back with the same intensity while she laid upon her side in a submissive allure. His enormous body had went rigid and he looked bigger than usual and that is difficult to accomplish. The puff of his chest swelled and he seemed to nearly double in size.

  Alex gently pushed the girls aside and walked to Shade. “What’s the matter, Shade?” No reaction. He waved his hand before his eyes and still no reaction. Finally a gentle tug on his ear broke the intense focus upon Crest. “What’s the matter with you?”

  Shaking his enormous head Shade admitted “I’m unsure. It’s Crest she smells, different… more intoxicating and it has set my body afire. I believe she’s in…” And he shook his head again. “I need to go outside before I destroy this place.” He then dove into his shadow and left the room.

  “Awe… Where did he go?” the youngest asked.

  He then turned just in time to see Crest dive into her shadow to chase after the High Alpha.

  Lily approached with a mischievous grin again. “They probably won’t be back for quite awhile. She told me she went into heat about a few hours ago. Several males showed up, but she ran them off till Shade got here. He’s her rightful mate after all and she made them well remember why that is. It’s about time for them to enjoy a little play time.”

  “We want to play too!” the girls said together.

  Kori, Lily and Alex began laughing at their innocence. Ava simply blinked.

  “Are we done yet?” Niranene asked.

  “I’ll see what I can do?” Kori then said “Girls, go keep Ethan and Evan company while I work.” They both said Aye and ran to the kitchen door and disappeared.

  “Anything else I’ve missed?” he asked Lily.

  “Nope, that is about it. I’ve already finished all my tasks and Niranene’s whining over this dress is getting irritating. Care for some company over to the barrack’s?”

  “I’d enjoy that.”

  Together the three of them exited the building to relax as the madness didn’t reflect outside as it did in.

  Slower pacing allowed them to see more of the city. Three Freelan defenders stood at nearly every street corner, keeping the peace while allowing the inhabitants to roam and do like they usually do. The people seemed more subdued and quiet, but as long as they kept order they weren’t harassed.

  “Traitor!” one woman yelled and a single glare from Alex silenced the young woman. Those in the crowd stepped back to see what would happen next. “Don’t bother right now.” Lily said and tucked a few strands of moonlight hair behind an ear before moving on. “Their words don’t hurt like they once did. In many eyes I’m seen as a traitor, but that is their problem. I know now what I’m fighting for, because I had you show me the way.” She took his large hand in hers. “If everything works out they will come to understand, but right now they need someone to blame for the inconvenience to their livelihood. Their anger means nothing to me and they know it’s foolish to try anything with so many members here to watch us. And if all work’s in the coming days we’ll have even less to fear.”

  They walked in silence for a few minutes and Ava decided to fly for awhile and to give them alone time.

  “Back at Hanna’s estate,” he began and she turned her amethyst eyes on his. “I never really thought about it, but did you want a wedding like what Allahandra and Niranene are preparing for?”

  “Nay!” And she laughed richly. “If you thought Niranene looked uncomfortable, I’d be doubly so. The Marking Ceremony we did is all I wanted and hoped for. I don’t like large crowds staring at me over something so meaningful.” She grinned again. “I also wouldn’t have had the patience to be clothed for very long even if we did what they’re preparing for. I couldn’t wait for you to take me. And that night after your return is my favorite day of my whole life. Let them be flashy, I’m pleased with my own way of bonding.” Then she wondered aloud “Crest should be having the same pleasures by now as well.”

  “After the way she chased him I doubt she’d give him much choice.”

  At that they both chuckled.

  Before long they found their way to the barracks and met up with Rakkian to show the map he discovered and Allahandra’s instructions. On the way there Lily wondered and asked “Rakkian, after tomorrow you’ll be king. Will you appoint a new top general?”

  He shook his head. “That isn’t how Alluan’s monarchy works. Ya, I will be Allahandra’s king, but as she is the one with royal blood she will still technically outrank me. And thankfully Alluan allows their leaders to utilize their old positions as they wish. I’m still going to be the general for a long time.”

  “You’d better!” One of his men roared and another commented “We’d hate to break in another general!” That got a round of laughs.

  “Alright boys, back to your duty!” The general ordered lightly.

  “Where’s Marlin?” Alex asked.

  Rakkian thumbed over his shoulder, gesturing to the enormous barracks. “He’s inside getting some rest. Our women kicked us out till tomorrow for the ceremony. I’ve got work to do before dawn. Good luck, we’ll both be needing it, ya?”

  He received a nod from the tall Furion.

  Starting a new day after a fine night alone with Lily, Alex awoke alone, but a paper wrapped
package rested atop the table beside the bed. Ava sat on the windowsill, watching the outside world with what looked to be the remains of a sparrow beneath her talons. Alex thought it must have been a well fought battle to win such a trophy.

  He rose and walked over to stroke her back and blow the mass of feathers outside. “You seem to have had an exciting morning.”

  “This one put up an excellent fight. He evaded me for nearly a minute.” She crooned proudly.

  “How long have you been back?”

  “Long enough to see Lily put that package on your table before leaving. She looked suspicious and did everything she could to not make a sound before leaving. I believe it is a surprise.” Her sharp eyes twinkled

  “Let’s not wait in suspense and see what it is…” And he turned and walked to the desk to unwrap the string binding the paper around the contents.

  Crackling sounds from the paper ceased as the pair looked upon new clothing. Immediately Alex knew Kori’s handiwork from the stitching and overall design of the clothes. Dark blue saturated the cloth and nearly looked dark enough to be considered black in lower level lighting. He smiled and knew what his love had done. She had asked Kori to do this and his usual attire couldn’t be worn to the ceremony. He and Ava shared a look. She then began preening herself after kicking the remains of her meal off the sill. He took her example and retrieved his knife. Using the mirror finish of his sword he began shaving and didn’t knick the flesh once. His smooth jaw quickly received a splash to remove any tiny hairs. He then quickly washed himself and finger brushed his black hair back.

  Firstly he pulled up a pair of dark blue trousers that ended right at his ankles and formed just enough around his largely muscled legs while remaining loose enough to utilize a full range of motion without being a hindrance. The half-sleeve tunic also slid on carefully and clung tightly to his highly developed and broad chest and shoulders. A button upon each shoulder looked peculiar till he noticed a third piece to the attire and he slung on a matching cape that reached the center of his calf muscles. He then went over to the side of his bed and pulled his leather pack from underneath and brought it over to the ewer and table. He withdrew the two bracers, shoulder perch molded to his shoulder and a fine cloth.

  Using the cloth Alex dipped a corner into the remaining fresh water and began cleaning the fang bracer until it shone like the day it finished being formed and etched. The weight of the unique metal is more than steel or iron of equal size and make and never had to worry about dents, scratches or cuts. After it shone he began polishing the wing bracer and then his sword, getting into every crack and bend the blade, guard, wire wrapped hilt and pommel had. Even after all its use in protecting its master the blade looked newly forged. Then he began oiling and polishing the leather perch he’d soon strap to his left shoulder for Ava. His belt and sheathe of his father also received a proper treatment before he belted everything on.

  Just as he finished applying the sentimental and functional equipment to his body his bedroom door opened and in walked Lily. “Well don’t we look dashing this morning.”

  He turned and nearly swallowed his tongue.

  Lily stood framed in the doorway wearing a flowing silver dress made of fine silk. Her item hid just beneath the cloth and the dress wrapped behind her neck, exposing a portion of her back. Her dress didn’t have sleeves and allowed all to see arms that accented both her amazing strength and femininity. Her pure white hair had been pulled back and hung behind her shoulder. Instead of wearing boots she stood in bone white high heels with amethyst stones jeweled into the top to match her eyes. Keeping her hair from coming forward sat a silver circlet upon her brow. To finalize her stunning presence were her two violet new sheathes that held her short swords upon a mother of pearl jeweled belt and it hung seductively on her hips. Her eyes seemed more amazing with a gentle application of green powder and her lips were redder from makeup.

  She looked like a queen and one day would be.

  “Amazing.” He had to Shake his head. “Your beauty never ceases to stun me Lily.”

  “Then I take it that you approve?” Her fair complexion became amused.

  “I couldn’t even possibly find fault. You are so beautiful, words cannot describe.”

  He came close and they kissed. Then his head bumped her silver circlet and she withdrew saying “Whoops…” And gently put it back in position. To make sure it was she drew her curved sword and sighed contently before returning it. “As you can tell I’m wearing the circlet Allahandra gave me for celebrating our union. I also had my sheathes painted overnight, but Allahandra loaned me the jeweled belt for today…”

  “And the clothes? I know Kori made both of our clothes. She only uses fine and sturdy material and her prices aren’t cheap. Unless she owes someone, she’s quite expensive.”

  She grinned. “Two gold actually. I used some of the gifts from Allahandra to pay and I know she would charge more so I also made a deal with her. When we kill Runkamon I’m going to hire her to be our royal seamstress. She actually looked shocked to be requested and accepted my offer. She even said she’d finally be able to afford some kind of clothing material she’s been hunting. I cannot remember exactly what she wanted, but she is hopeful.”

  “You did the right thing.” He then turned and chirped quickly.

  Ava looked and flew to land on her favorite landing and looked over Lily with approval. She chirped and he translated. “She say’s your plumage is stunning to behold.”

  Lily reached up and stroked the beautiful Fury and smiled tenderly.

  “Are all the preparations complete?” He asked.

  “Almost. The two brides are still finishing up and the carriage have yet to arrive.”

  “What about our partners?” he queried because they hadn’t returned all night.

  “Haven’t seen them at all. They might not come. Those two must be having the time of their lives.”

  “Not as much as what will await you tonight.” He promised and she grinned in expectation as she noticed the hunger he had for her burning in those grey eyes.

  Downstairs they waited with fifteen of the queen’s personal guards who all wore their finest issued clothing and stood out stunningly. They could kill and look amazing at the same time.

  Several ladies in their best dresses waited and conversed among themselves. Lady Hanna even stopped by and couldn’t help admiring the three. Alex and Lily fitted together like none she as ever seen before. Their impressive height, build and way they carried themselves revealed much to any who paid attention and even Ava stood a majestic figure upon his shoulder. The young couple complimented each other. Princess Lily stood proudly between the realms of warrior and womanhood with grace, poise and ferocity. And Prince Alex positioned himself both like a wild beast and unequalled ruler loved by all with control, command and friendliness. She made introductions to some of the ladies and their daughters. When some looked to be flirting or tried gaining Alex’s favor Lily delicately arched an eyebrow while casually caressing the round pommels of her short swords. Her point always made them move on for she had taken him and would not think twice to fell someone over her domain she has worked so hard for. All it did to Alex was make him smile. Ava laughed in a subdued way.

  Then came several loud sounds from multiple feet and allowed the crowd knowledge that the wait is over.

  First to appear was Niranene in a flowing blue dress that rippled like the sea. A blue veil shadowed her features, but it left no doubt she looked stunning beneath. Her long brown hair had been simply braided in one long line, but it had been adorned with colorful flowers.

  Krum also came beside her, but not as he usually does. His orange hair had been washed and brushed to perfection while the shell upon his back had been polished to a brilliant shine. Still he had the small leather packet tied to his left arm that held medicinal herbs.

  Allahandra followed in her stunning green, black and lighter greenish-yellow dress, but she didn’t cover her featur
es and whoever applied her makeup is an artist. Her gold crown kept her hair in place as two braids hung casually on each side of her neck and threaded together like a necklace at the end and hung just above a classily exposed amount of cleavage. The rest of her ebony hair hung loosely behind her shoulder while several delicate gold and silver chains streaked and accented her hair.

  Breaker stood at her side, only a bit shorter but not by much. His yellow talons and black tipped nails stood in contrast to his dotted white and brown breast while his woodsy wings gave everyone the notion he had been preening for some time to reach his level of predatory beauty.

  Behind the two brides followed a tear streaked Mistress Marge and joyful Kori who always loved unions. Several other of Allahandra’s and Niranene’s dearest friends also followed showing happiness or joyous tears upon their faces.

  Together the queen, head healer and their partners descended the steps until they reached the silent crowd.

  “My, don’t we look dashing, ya.” Allahandra noticed Alex and his love immediately.

  “I doubt if we’ll be noticed between you two stunning ladies.” He commented and bowed respectfully.

  “The two of you are the entertainment and you’ve dressed the part beautifully.” Lily gracefully bowed herself.

  “Alex,” Ava chirped and he listened. “Ava wishes for me to say that your beauty matches the wings you soar upon and hopes that any vermin in your future give up and surrender to your great talons.”

  The queen curtsied to the Fury and Breaker puffed up in pride for his daughter’s great words.

  “Is everything ready?” She asked Mistress Marge.

  “It is. I’m still surprised at how quickly everything came together.”

  “We will meet up shortly.” Lily said.