The Eden Series: The Complete Collection

by Stalder, Janelle

  “I’ll take that as yes, you like the idea?”

  He chuckled. “It’s perfect. He would have expected nothing less, especially from you.” They both shared a sad smile at their friend’s memory. “Come, I want you to see something.”

  * * * * *

  Rose placed her hand in his, feeling the familiar hardness of his calloused skin. She loved his hands. He walked them towards the front railing. There they stood in silence as the ship slowly turned around a bend, keeping close to the land on their right. Suddenly ahead of them in the distance was a beacon of light shining towards the darkening sky. It took her a moment to realize what she was looking at. They had arrived.

  Before them, like a jewel in the sea, sat the city she had always longed to see: Nysa. There, on the shore, where even now she could see multitudes of ships waiting for trade and passengers, would be a war. Rose couldn’t help but think of her brother. Would he be among them? Would Jameson send down his troops to aid in the Sun People’s defence? Her heart picked up speed at the thought of being reunited with him. What if he wouldn’t accept her now that she was with Callum? Would he be excited at the thought of being an Uncle, or disgusted?

  She quickly rubbed her swollen belly as if to protect it from her thoughts. No one would hate this child, it would be impossible. Nothing made from the love of two people could be anything but magical. Turning away from thoughts of Felix, she turned back to watch the land ahead. Callum draped his arm around her shoulders holding her close. She breathed in his familiar scent and relaxed against him.

  “Our journey is almost over,” he said, giving her a gentle squeeze. Her heart tightened at the words. Something told her their journey would only begin once they stepped off the ship. She wanted to beg for them just to turn and sail away. The thought of what the future might hold for them left her feeling colder than ever, even wrapped in the warmth of his arms.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  The Riders were gathered at the base of the ridge by the time Aiden, Moose, and Lily returned. Many were bleeding. Some from what looked to be serious injuries, but for the most part they were okay. As far as Aiden could see the men from the North had retreated, besides the dead. A group of Riders were already making their way around, collecting their dead for proper burials, and putting the enemies in a large pile. Relief swept over Hawk’s face when he spotted them. Abruptly leaving the two men he had been talking to, he made is way over to where the three of them stood. His eyes fell on Lily, widening in surprise and distrust.

  “Where were you?” he asked, directing his question to Moose. Before Moose had a chance to answer he continued. “The survivors ran off, and the fighting ceased, but you two were nowhere. I had men turn over every body searching for you.” He was clearly upset. Aiden felt oddly touched by his concern.

  Moose put a hand on his father’s arm reassuringly. “We are fine, but we have bad news,” he said gently. Hawk’s brow furrowed instantly as he regarded his son’s sombre mood. He turned to look back at Lily.

  “You are of the Forest People, are you not?” he asked, sharply. Aiden felt an instant need to place himself between the two, to protect her. Lily simply nodded, seemingly unaffected by his demeanour. “Why is she here?” he turned back to Moose.

  Moose shifted uneasily from one foot to another. “As I said before, we have news father, and I think it would be more appropriate to move somewhere more…private,” he said, looking around at all the ears pointed in their direction. Aiden looked around and saw many of the Riders taking stock of the new stranger with them. Again Aiden felt the need to protect her against them all. Before Hawk could reply they heard a voice call out his name. All four of them turned to see Sunny running at him. Aiden and Moose’s eyes met.

  When she finally reached them she was out of breath. “What is wrong with you, woman?” Hawk asked lightly. “Can’t you see we’ve won?”

  She scowled at him quickly, before regaining her look of worry. “It’s Rain. I can’t find her anywhere.” Moose stiffened at the mention of her name. As trained as his father was, the change did not go unnoticed. He looked expectantly at his son.

  “This is what I wanted to speak to you about.”

  “Then speak!” he barked. Moose looked reluctantly at those around them. “Moose.” His voice warned. Aiden’s mouth went dry. Lily took a small step closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his. He reached out and discreetly took her hand in his.

  Moose didn’t look at Aiden once before delving into the story. “The Shaman took Aiden, had planned on trading him to the sorcerer Aziz. That is how the army was able to see us. The Shaman removed our shield and left us to their mercy.” Hate was palpable in his voice. Hawk narrowed his eyes, taking a quick glance at Aiden then back at Moose, his face disbelieving. Sunny raised a hand to her mouth, her face white as a ghost.

  “He would never,” the Chief began.

  Moose raised his hand, interrupting what his father was about to say. “Trust me father, he would and he did. Look at Aiden’s arm,” he said pointing at him. “He cut him in order to conjure some portal that would have brought them straight to Aziz.”

  Hawk looked at Aiden again, this time with a sense of reluctant acceptance. “Why?” was all he asked.

  Aiden answered for Moose. “He said the sorcerer would use my healing abilities and drain my energy to fuel his magic. They knew I would quickly recuperate, so I am an endless supply to him.” It was strange how calmly he recounted the details. The fact that he was safe and with his friends again made him view the whole thing in an almost detached manner.

  “That’s horrific,” Sunny whispered.

  Hawk was silent for a long time. Aiden saw the man’s hands begin to shake before he asked the most important question. He felt horrible for Hawk, knowing how his mind must have begun to connect the dots before Moose even explained it. “How is Rain involved?” he asked, his voice catching slightly.

  “No,” breathed Sunny. She gripped onto Hawk’s sleeve, her knuckles white.

  Moose could not look at his mother when he replied. “She was helping the Shaman. He promised her things, brainwashed her into following him. After I killed the Shaman, Rain went through a portal…some kind of magic. She’s gone.” There was a horrible strained silence that seemed to fall not just on their small group, but all of Avalon. It was the first time Aiden had seen Hawk vulnerable. Hawk broke down, his shoulders slumping under a new weight, something he could not hold. Sunny’s sobs filled the silence. Soon there were people approaching. Women took Sunny away, her sobs still ringing in the air.

  “Her heart is breaking,” Lily whispered beside him, her voice filled with sympathy. Aiden gave her hand a quick squeeze as Hawk walked off on his own, his men waiting nervously behind him. No one approached as he mourned the loss and betrayal of his daughter. Moose walked up to Aiden and Lily, his face grim.

  “I hated to be the one to tell him,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

  “I think it was better coming from you,” Aiden offered. “What do you think will happen now?”

  Moose shrugged. They both turned to look at the back of his father. The sun had lowered in the sky and the wind was picking up pace and growing cooler. It still smelled of blood and sweat. Aiden could only imagine what it would be like when they started to burn the bodies. He shivered at the thought.

  Just as suddenly as he had left, Hawk turned and started back towards them. Aiden could swear he looked older than he had a moment ago. There was a tired, worn look to his face now. He started to call others around them, forming a circle.

  “You should return to your people,” he said to Lily, his voice like stone. “These matters do not concern you.”

  Her grip tightened on Aiden’s. “I’m staying with him,” she said, lifting her chin slightly, her voice strong and unmoving. Aiden was surprised by her response. He kept a firm hold on her, making sure she did just as she said. When he looked up Moose was grinning suggestively at him. Aiden rolle
d his eyes at his friend, and looked back to the Chief. Hawk opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again.

  “Fine,” he said. Turning to look at the men around him, he brought them back to the issue at hand. “This attack was unexpected, but you all did exceptionally well. We have won this battle, but I’m afraid we haven’t won the war. The fact that Brutus came alone makes me think this is a part of a much larger plan.”

  “Do you think Callum is moving against the south on his own?” someone offered.

  “Perhaps they are attacking us simultaneously, trying to decrease the High King’s allies before attacking him again,” another called out. Aiden’s blood heated. That was exactly what they were doing, he realized. Why else would they split their forces?

  He turned to Hawk. “What are the south’s defenses like?” he asked, giving credit to the man’s idea. Hawk rubbed his chin in thought.

  “They are not fighters,” he said simply. “Markus isn’t a complete fool, he has men, but they might not be enough.”

  “We need to go and aid them in this,” Aiden said quickly.

  Hawk looked hesitant. “We can’t leave our children and women here alone.”

  “Then we will go,” he answered, signalling to himself and Moose. Hawk was about to say no, Aiden could read it on his face, before Moose interjected.

  “I will not lose another sibling.”

  Hawk studied his son thoughtfully. “Fine, you two may go. When we have things settled here I will send more, but for now go to the High King and have him send reinforcements to the South. The rest of us need to start burying our dead.”

  Moose looked over and smiled at Aiden. “Looks like we get to go where all the action is,” he said eagerly.

  Aiden couldn’t hide the smile forming on his face. “Go get the horses,” he told him. “The sooner we get out of here the better. It will be dark soon.”

  “Full speed, no stopping?” he asked. Aiden nodded. “Just the way I like it.” He turned then and walked towards the houses. “I’ll get you a shirt too, while I’m at it,” he called over his shoulder.

  Aiden turned and looked at Lily. “I’m sorry, I need to go and take care of this,” he said sadly. He realized he might not see her again. Who knows what would happen when they left here, or if he’d ever be back. Diana could send him home at any time. The thought of being reunited with his other friends was like a fire had been lit in his veins. He almost trembled with excitement, wanting to leave that minute and ride as fast as they could. But that also meant leaving her. It was funny. He had never thought anything would happen with Lily, but seeing her there, and knowing she had saved him, made him realize there was more to her than just his strange feelings. She was beautiful, the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. And she cared for him, he could tell. The next words out of her mouth proved that.

  “I’m going with you,” she said, as if it were obvious.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “For what?”

  Aiden sighed. “What I mean, is I don’t understand what you just said.”

  “How can you not? I’m going with you. It is simple.”

  “Why would you come with me?” he asked, ignoring her misunderstanding of his first question. “Not that I don’t want you there, but you must know it will be dangerous.”

  She shrugged her slim shoulders indifferently. “You need me, obviously. I can help protect you and I am a good fighter. I am stronger than a human.”

  “You are willing to leave your home? Your friends?”

  She bit her lip, looking quickly over at the forest. Then she looked back at him and smiled confidently. “Yes I will leave them. To be with you.” His heart swelled then dropped just as quickly.

  “I will have to go home sometime, Lily,” he said, sadly. “You know I can’t stay here forever.” Her smile looked sad now.

  “I know,” she said. “But while you’re here, I will make sure you are safe.”

  “Why?”

  “Why not?”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.” She shrugged again. He couldn’t help but laugh at her stubbornness. “Fine, come.”

  Moose walked up with the horses in time to hear Aiden’s last remark. “Great,” he sighed. “Does this mean I have to go find another horse?”

  “No,” Lily answered before Aiden could. “I’ll just ride with Aiden.” Then she walked up and jumped onto the horse’s back as if it were nothing. The two boys looked at her with wide eyes. Atop a horse she looked like a war Goddess. Her hair blew in the wind, and the waning light made her violet eyes shine. “What are you two waiting for? I thought this was important!”

  Climbing up behind her, Aiden turned to look at Moose. “Lead the way,” he said with an encouraging smile.

  “Don’t have to tell me twice,” he smiled slyly. With a shout, he kicked his horse forward, taking off towards the east. Aiden and Lily followed closely behind.

  * * * * *

  It was almost morning when the stone walls of the Capital City came into view. A streak of orange was low in the sky, but soon it would brighten to a new day. Both boys stopped their horses when the city appeared. Aiden couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

  “It’s good to be back,” he said, almost to himself. His rear hurt, as did his back and thighs, but the rough night had been worth it. Lily hadn’t complained once. She had actually been incredibly useful. Her eyesight was far superior to theirs in the night. She was able to see any threats en route. She had shot her arrow while riding at full speed, killing an animal that would have tried for their horses, as easily as she would have if she had been on the solid ground.

  “I’ve never been here,” Moose said, his eyes soaking in every detail on the horizon.

  “Me neither,” Lily added. “Never this close, at least.”

  Aiden couldn’t handle it another minute. “Come on,” he said, kicking his horse forward again. “I’ll race you to the gates,” he shouted over his shoulder at Moose.

  “Oh you’re on!” he cried, starting forward. The two boys raced towards the front gates, their laughter spilling out behind them.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Elisa hadn’t been able to sleep all night. By the time the first grey light of morning seeped through her window, she had given up. Every part of her was exhausted.

  Franca had been delighted when she returned to her room. Her maid exclaimed what a blessing it was to have such a wealthy man want to wed her. She had spent the rest of the night annoying Elisa with wedding planning that finally resulted in Elisa erupting and telling the woman to leave. Thankfully she was in too good a mood be hurt by Elisa’s rudeness.

  She started to think again about Markus as she dressed. He certainly was a catch. She didn’t understand why she was finding it so difficult to warm to the idea of being with him. It wasn’t being away from home that was bothering her. She could get use to that. It was something else, like something was missing between them. They were attracted to each other, and she enjoyed his company, but she felt like there should be more? She didn’t know.

  Walking outside and down into the streets, her feet began to take her to the place she truly wanted to run to the second she had left the sanctuary. When she reached her destination she took in a deep breath. What would she accomplish by being here? She didn’t know, but she felt like she needed closure.

  The wind at the top of the walls was much worse than it had been on the streets. She shivered, rubbing her arms. The sun was still too low in the sky to offer any warmth. Bracing herself against the breeze, she started to walk towards the place she knew he’d be. Wolf’s shift wasn’t over yet, so he’d have to be here. It actually surprised her that her father was still going through with their punishments. She figured he would have caved right away, but he appeared to be quite angry with the boys. Elisa hadn’t seen Wolf since the throne room. The closer she got to where he’d be, the more her nerves kicked in.

  Finally, she spotted him. His back was to her but s
he knew it was him instantly. His shoulders were so broad, she caught herself admiring them from afar. Not that she would ever admit it to anyone, but she did appreciate his good looks. But only when he wasn’t irritating her. As if he could feel her presence, Wolf turned, his eyes meeting hers right away.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice as cold as the air around them. This was not a good idea, she thought, kicking herself inwardly. She wanted to turn and retreat the way she had come, but he was waiting for her answer.

  “I-I wanted to talk to you,” she answered hesitantly, stopping in front of him. He looked down at her, his face unreadable.

  “Why?” He sounded angry. Was it at her, or had something else happened? She couldn’t tell. His scrutiny made her gulp. This had definitely not been a good idea. Shaking her head, she turned to leave, but his hand shot out, keeping her in place. His palm was hot on her arm, like he was fevered. “Answer me,” he said in a detached voice.

  Elisa bit her lip, avoiding his stare. Instead she looked at the ground, trying to figure out herself why she had wanted to talk to him. “Elisa,” he said her name warningly, his patience obviously waning.

  “I don’t know,” she replied honestly, shrugging her shoulders. He stepped back, releasing his hold on her. He crossed his arms over his chest, raising his eyebrows to signal that she should continue. She should. She knew that. But she just didn’t know how. Get it over with, she told herself. Since when was she such a chicken? “I guess I just wanted to know what you thought about Markus’ proposal.” There, she had put it out there…partially.

  His eyebrows came together. “You came here to ask me that?” She nodded. “What do I think of it?” he repeated. “I think nothing of it.”

  “Nothing of it,” she whispered, saying it over and over in her mind as well.

  “What do you want me to think?”

  Her gaze wandered to the forest, wishing she could be hiding in there instead of standing in front of Wolf. When she looked back at him his eyes were searching her face intently.