by Lelia Eye
Nova nodded. “Don’t you worry, my prince. I often serve as our community’s healer. I will look at it and do what I can. If anything further is required, you can take her to the healers when you return to the palace.”
Skye thanked her and shot a smile at Tierra. Blushing slightly—though she hardly knew why—Tierra followed the older woman to a bedroom that had apparently once belonged to the woman’s daughters. Nova gestured toward the bed, and Tierra complied with the unspoken request, sitting on the edge.
“This room is probably nothing like what you are used to,” Nova said as she began to inspect the makeshift bandage on Tierra’s arm and work at the knot, “but perhaps it will do for the night.”
Tierra frowned, wondering how Nova might have any idea of what sorts of luxuries she was accustomed to. To her knowledge, Gusty had not explained why they had arrived in a fishing village in the middle of the night.
Nova appeared to recognize Tierra’s confusion and said by way of explanation, “Your clothes gave you away.” She had begun to unwrap the binding from Tierra’s arm, and she continued to speak as she did so. “I may not be as concerned with fashion as I was when I was young, but even I know that such fine material isn’t what you would usually find in a house like this.”
A blush came over Tierra’s face as she looked down. She had forgotten she was still wearing her nightgown. And considering she had come there in the company of two men—and the bottom of the nightgown was ripped—there was no telling what the couple must think of her.
“I—I kind of l-left my home in a hurry,” she stammered.
Nova smiled. “Well, I’ve still got some old clothes that belonged to my daughters in the wardrobe. When you wake up in the morning, please feel free to choose an outfit that pleases you.”
“Oh, no, I do not wish to be any trouble,” Tierra protested. “You have already done so much—”
“Nonsense,” the woman said, her tone allowing no demurral. “It’s our place as Skychildren to do whatever our prince requires of us. And he would certainly give you a lot more than a threadbare secondhand dress if he were in a position to do so.”
Tierra’s face heated up once again. “I d-do not know what you are talking about.”
“It’s not my place to say anything, but I will tell you that I do have eyes, and we’ll leave it at that. Though Skychild youths may like to tease Groundbreathers, most of us older folk realize there’s much to be admired about your way of living. It’s the Skychild aristocracy that tends to thumb their noses at your kind, and they order many of the raids that are done on your farms. A number of my kind would like to trade with the Groundbreathers if it could be managed. One of my daughters, for instance, makes some of the prettiest blankets you’ll ever see.” She gestured at the bed with her chin.
Tierra looked down at the bed and gasped. She had been so preoccupied when she came in that she had not even noticed the vibrant colors decorating it. Every color of the rainbow was featured on the blanket, and its appearance was unlike any she had ever seen. Unable to help herself, Tierra reached out and ran her fingers over it, letting the velvety softness caress her hand.
“It is beautiful,” she said in wonder. “There is nothing like this where I come from.”
“The Skychildren do have impressive artisans,” Nova said proudly. “We just have some difficulties, at times, producing enough food to feed our people. It’s unsurprising, I suppose, since we live high in the sky. That’s where trade would really be beneficial.”
Tierra gave a sad smile. Considering her mother’s dislike of Skychildren and the fact that Wisteria was next in line to the throne, it was unlikely that trade would open up between the two peoples any time soon. That was not even taking into account the fact that Tierra was being held hostage by the Skychildren. If anything, a war could soon shape up—not that the Groundbreathers were in a position to press the matter should the Skychildren decline to engage.
“There, all better,” Nova said, interrupting Tierra’s thoughts.
Tierra looked down to see that Nova was gathering the strip of bloody fabric she had removed. The cut Tierra had sustained in the duel with Skye was gone, with nary a hint of blemished skin to show that it had ever been there. Tierra had not even known that the woman had progressed that far with her healing, as she had felt no pain at having the bandage removed.
“Thank you,” she said, wondering at this woman’s skill.
“It’s nothing,” Nova replied, rising to her feet. “I can easily handle such a minor cut. I have been a healer in this village for a long time now.”
Aware that the woman was simply happy to be of service, Tierra smiled and thanked her for her hospitality.
A few minutes later, after preparing herself for sleep, Tierra climbed into bed, reveling in the softness and the warmth which soon enveloped her. Perhaps fear of what lay ahead should have kept her awake, yet despite all that had happened, she trusted Skye to keep her safe, and that enabled her to quickly fall into a deep sleep.
* * *
Exhaustion made Skye sleep later than normal. Exhaustion and guilt, to be more precise. He had found it difficult to fall asleep knowing that Tierra was in a room nearby . . . and wondering if she was awake in bed and hating the very air he breathed for what he was doing to her.
Skye tried to push these thoughts from his mind. What was important was that he be restored to his people, thwart Hawkins, and learn what had become of the Fenik; nothing else mattered.
It was with great relief that he dressed in the clothes left for him by Jay. It felt good to wear something other than the tasteless slave garb provided by the Groundbreathers, even if it was not as fine as that which he had been accustomed to at his father’s palace. He relished in the tight-fitting tunic and trousers, which were more appropriate for flying in the wind than anything he had seen in the Groundbreather castle. The bright blue color of the tunic also left him feeling more like his old self. He wished he had his signet ring and a necklace or two, but he was not about to request jewelry from his hosts. What he had would do fine.
When he left the room, he found his other companions had already eaten, though Jay was notably absent.
“My husband is trying to find some proper transportation for you all to return home,” Nova explained. “Now, please eat. You’ll want to keep up your strength.”
Skye nodded, grateful for the couple’s foresight. While he and Gusty could have flown Tierra and Strix to the palace with ease, it would be more impressive to arrive on a skyfaring vessel.
Skye glanced at Tierra, whose face reddened at his scrutiny. A slight smile tugged at his lips as she turned her eyes downward. Her chair was pulled back far enough from the table that he was able to see what she was wearing, and he took a moment to study her. She had on a long-sleeved yellow dress that was typical of Skychildren, but certainly not of Groundbreathers. Most women in the sky realm—Nova included—preferred split dresses for everyday wear. Such dresses had buttons on them that would in essence enable them to be turned into pants, which were more practical for flying. This was the sort of dress Tierra was wearing. Dresses that had not been split were reserved for special occasions, and even then, they were much shorter and more form-fitting than what Groundbreather women wore.
There was something pleasing about the sight of Tierra in Skychild clothing, and Skye could not help smiling to himself as he sat at the table to eat. There was a simple but hearty fare before him, yet he appreciated it as much as he would have a royal feast. After days upon days of eating meals meant for a slave of the Groundbreathers, any food from the sky realm was immensely welcome. Still, even with the good food before him, he could not help sneaking glances at Tierra when she thought he was not looking.
As Nova bustled around the house and Skye continued to eat, he realized Tierra and Gusty were staring at him. Even Strix appeared to be expecting him to say something.
Finally, he said to his hostess awkwardly,
“I’m sorry we woke you up last night. We are thankful for your hospitality.”
“Nonsense,” Nova said. “Our home is your home, Your Highness. My sister-in-law worked in the palace when you were a boy, and she always spoke fondly of your exploits. I seem to recall in particular a rather amusing incident involving birds baked in a pie.”
Skye laughed. “I’d forgotten about that. I guess I was a bit of a scamp when I was a child.”
Tierra looked at him. “You mean you used to have a sense of humor?”
Skye rolled his eyes. “I still have a sense of humor. You’ll have to excuse me if I’ve been a little . . . under the weather, so to speak, lately.”
Tierra did not respond to that, and Skye turned to study Gusty. He had been rather withdrawn that morning, and Skye wanted to know why. “What’s wrong, Gusty?” he asked quietly.
Gusty looked at Nova, waiting until she moved away far enough that he could speak without being heard. “I’m going by faith that you’re going to be able to restore my honor to me,” he murmured, “and I’m a bit nervous. You’re the prince, and I’m nobody.”
“I suspect that I’ll be the greater problem,” Skye said dryly. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Escaping the Groundbreathers and returning in triumph will carry with it great honor. Don’t worry, Gusty. I’ll see to it that you are accepted back. It’s the honorable thing to do, after all.” Though the last was said in an attempt to draw a smile from Gusty, it did not work. While Gusty did appear slightly reassured by Skye’s words, he would likely be worried until the moment he was fully accepted back. It was simply in his nature.
“Gusty,” Skye said, drawing the other’s attention back to him, “remember this was a joint effort. I couldn’t have done it without your help. I know our people can be somewhat inflexible when it comes to our honor, but I have to believe that they are also fair. The simple act of escaping the ground world will help, and I’ll make sure that my father doesn’t forget how you acted during that escape. Relax.”
This time, Gusty was able to respond with a genuine smile, though there was a hesitant quality to it. But before Skye could say anything more, they were interrupted by Jay’s entrance to the house. The man favored them all with a cheerful greeting, and after giving his wife a kiss on the cheek, he turned to Skye.
“I’ve managed to secure a skiff for your journey to the palace, Your Highness,” he said. “It’s an older vessel, to be sure, but the owner tells me that it’s still sky-worthy. He would be honored if you would use it to return to your father.”
Skye nodded, grateful that news of his supposed disgrace had not reached this remote village as of yet. He did not think these people would have turned him away, but he was glad he did not have to test the theory.
“Then we will depart immediately after breakfast,” Skye said. His companions dipped their heads in acknowledgment.
Skye finished his meal quickly, and as everyone moved to pass outside, he pulled Tierra to the side.
“I like your dress,” he murmured, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The Groundbreather princess flushed. “I must admit that I am not comfortable with it in the slightest. It is better than my nightgown, of course, and I am grateful to Nova for being so gracious as to provide it, but it is much more . . . form-fitting than what I am accustomed to.”
Skye could not resist taking in the sight of her figure once more. There was a lot that he wanted to say, but he merely settled for a gentle statement: “It suits you.”
Tierra’s cheeks only turned redder.
At last, Celesta came upon the Groundwalker whom she loved. But despite the veil that cloaked Celesta and made her appear to be one of the Groundwalkers, Sterling, pure of heart and great of spirit, nevertheless saw the great goddess and knew her. He fell down to worship her.
“Please rise and worship me no more,” said Celesta, putting forth her hands and pulling the man to his feet. “For it is not meet that your brethren should know me for who I am.”
Though astonished the goddess would act in such a manner, Sterling readily complied. The two set off for Sterling’s home, moving and living amongst the Groundwalkers, Celesta bestowing her great powers and wisdom upon them, though they knew her not.
And when Sterling, whom Celesta loved, saw the myriad examples of her goodness, he freely gave his heart to her. They were joined together, and they begat ten children.
—The Book of Celesta
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
Homecoming
The skiff was indeed sky-worthy, and moments after Skye had inspected the craft, he and Gusty bustled Strix and Tierra into the vessel. After a few farewells and heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the people of the small village, they were off, soaring through the brilliant firmament toward the palace.
Exactly how Skye felt as they cruised among the clouds toward his home seemed impossible to accurately decipher. Both elation and the sense of utter freedom were certainly present, though he always felt such things when flying a skiff. There was also a certain amount of apprehension in the mix—after all, he was unsure how his father would receive him, regardless of his assurances to Gusty and Tierra. And all of this was rolled up with his lingering anger for what his father and the Seneschal had done to him and Cirrus, his determination to make his father see sense, and his resolution to ensure Hawkins was dealt with once and for all.
Underneath that mixture of emotions, there were further feelings which were especially baffling to the Skychild prince, and they were centered on the person of the young woman perched only a few feet in front of him. Unaware of his scrutiny, Tierra continued to watch the skies with a mixture of wonder and wariness as the borrowed vessel darted through wisps of clouds, bearing them ever closer to Skymount. She looked beautiful in her yellow Skychild dress, her long hair billowing behind her in the wind, and Skye felt something strange twist in his gut.
His feelings regarding Tierra were muddled, to say the least. There was a strong measure of guilt over the fact that he was essentially holding her as a hostage to bring about the return of the Fenik, yet there was also an eagerness to show her his world. He felt a fierce desire to protect her, knowing that some people at the palace would look down on her and mean her harm. Underlying all of that was an inexplicable tenderness toward her that he would never have expected given their troubled history. It was throwing him off balance . . . and he did not like that sensation at all.
A gasp pulled him from his thoughts, and he looked at Tierra, who was staring ahead in wonder. There, in the distance, rose the tall and graceful walls of the Skychild palace, the seat of power for Celesta’s descendants. The early morning sun shone off those great walls, and as the skiff approached from the east with the glory of light behind it, the palace seemed as if it were wrought of jewels rather than simple stone.
“We’re nearly there,” Skye called as the vessel raced forward, bringing them ever closer to the gleaming edifice. He was almost home.
But his companions were not as eager to arrive as he was. Gusty, who sat at the front of the skiff, appeared to be growing more nervous, as he kept tapping his right hand against his leg. Tierra’s face seemed as composed as ever when she glanced back at Skye, but he believed she was hiding a certain amount of trepidation. As for Strix, he remained unreadable as always.
“Relax,” Skye said as he steered them toward the skiff docks situated some distance from the entrance of the palace. “Everything will be fine.”
They did not respond, but he hoped his words had some effect.
Moments later, Skye pushed the skiff next to a wooden mooring at the docks. Gusty jumped out from the front of the skiff and lashed it in place, and Skye gave himself a moment to take in a deep breath and try to calm his suddenly ragged nerves. He would have to remember to have someone take the skiff back to its owner. But at the moment, that was the last thing he needed to be thinking about.
> The docks were nearly deserted, and although Skye had slept later than he had wanted to that morning, it was still early, and his father would likely be abed. But that was not a consideration to give him pause. His father would be awoken if necessary.
The group left the docks and approached the palace, Skye walking confidently while Tierra and Gusty hurried along behind. Actually, Tierra is striving to act as regal as I am, he thought while suppressing a smile. Gusty’s gait could only be termed as “scurrying” as he cast his eyes this way and that, like he expected someone to appear and demand to know what he was doing back in the sky realm. The only one among them who appeared to be completely at ease was Strix; the bird was perched on Gusty’s shoulder and appeared bored.
When Skye and his companions arrived at the palace gate, the Sentinels on duty looked up at them and gasped, jumping to attention once they realized who was standing before them.
“Halt, Prince Skye,” the leader of the group said, brandishing the spear he was holding. “I am surprised you would dare presume to return here—and with a Groundbreather in tow, no less!” As he spoke the last, he sneered at Tierra, his contempt an almost physical entity.
“I am here to see my father,” Skye said coldly.
A grumbling arose from the group of Sentinels.
“A fallen Skychild here to see the king?” the spokesman said. “You should have stayed among the Groundbreathers, where you belong.”
“That’s not for you to decide,” Skye snapped. “You will take me to see my father.”
“I don’t think so,” the guard said in a menacing tone as he stepped forward. “A dishonored Skychild has no business with the king.”
“You will take me to my father now!” Skye declared. To emphasize his point, he buffeted the Sentinel with a gust of wind, knocking him back. “I do not have the time for a dispute with the likes of you! You will take me to my father immediately, or the consequences will be on your head!”
