The Eden Series: The Complete Collection

by Stalder, Janelle

  Rain inspected it carefully. “I’m very honoured, thank you,” she replied, carefully opening the book. The first page had a title on it, Controlling the Elements. She stared at it in wonder.

  “If you can learn to control what is around you, you will never find yourself without a weapon. Think of the air and earth as an unlimited source to pull from. You will also learn to use smaller elements, microscopic cells that make up all living things, and manipulate them. You can learn to take nothing and create a living being, just as I have. Of course, you must learn to control the more basic ones first, before I can advance you to anything of that level.”

  She could hear her heart pounding. Up to this point, all he had taught her was the theory and history behind sorcery, but nothing that she could actually use. This would be her first time learning real spells! “When can we start?” she asked, barely containing her growing excitement.

  He laughed. “I love to see how eager you are for knowledge, my dear. It makes me realize what a strong Queen you will be one day.” She smiled up at him, ignoring the odd feeling in her stomach at the mention of being his Queen. “We will start now, with the fire spells,” he pointed to the fireplace.

  Rain could feel the colour drain from her face. “Fire? Shouldn’t we start with something a little less destructive?”

  His face turned more serious. “Never underestimate the power of the other elements, Rain. Water can drown you just as easily as fire will burn, and air can destroy anything if it is strong enough. No, we will start with fire. The water lesson will have to happen later, when I can afford to bring you to a large body. As for air…well, I’ll need Elex’s help with that one.”

  “Of course, I’m sorry to have questioned you,” she replied, casting her eyes downwards. His hand suddenly grasped her chin, gently lifting her face to meet his again.

  “Never apologize or lower your eyes. I am simply here to teach you, not reprimand you,” he leaned in and kissed her quickly on the lips. He had been doing this more often over the past two days. Rain wasn’t sure why, but assumed he was growing more comfortable with her presence. Also, in the last couple of days, she hadn’t seen Elex once. Not that she cared. Aziz hadn’t mention anything, and knowing his jealously, there was no way Rain was going to ask.

  Perhaps he is herding more people for Aziz to drain? She thought reasonably. It was a horrible thought, but not as farfetched as she’d like. Taking a deep breath, she tried her best to calm the sudden beating of her heart. This always seemed to happen when she thought about Elex. She didn’t understand why. He was moody, dangerous, and cold. She hated him. She certainly did not miss him. She growled in her head, focusing her attention on the lesson again.

  The following hour consisted of Rain meditating. Her senses seemed to expand tenfold, as if a window was opened, and all the sounds from the outside came rushing in. She could feel Aziz’s shallow breath on the back of her neck as he stood behind her. There were footsteps down the hall where the soldiers moved around. A bird must have been flying near to the opening down the hall in the dining hall, its loud voice now resounding in her ear. She could hear and feel things she hadn’t thought possible. Aziz said she had reached the level needed to possess one of the elements.

  “Feel the heat of the fire now,” Aziz said softly. She reached out again with her senses, looking for the warmth of the flames. There, she found it. She could hear the cackling of the wood, the heat enveloped her like a blanket. “Call it forth to you,” he whispered.

  She was about to open her eyes, and turn to him in question, but he laid a firm hand on her shoulder before she could move. “Use your mind and the words I taught you, Rain. Connect with the element. Command it,” he instructed. Taking a deep breath, she whispered the spell he made her memorize. “Hold out your hand, palm up,” he said. She obeyed, waiting nervously for what was about to happen. Suddenly there was a light breeze, and then warmth spread across her exposed skin. Opening her eyes slowly, Rain watched as a small ball of fire rested in her hand, and yet her skin did not burn. She cried out in astonishment. Aziz gave her shoulder a quick squeeze.

  “Well done,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “Let’s go have some dinner, you must be famished.”

  Rain looked up in surprise. Surely it wasn’t dinner time already! They hadn’t even had lunch. She started to agree, before realizing she still had the fire. “What do I do with this?” she asked, admiring the beauty she held.

  “Get rid of it,” he answered. How was she supposed to do that? Looking back at the fireplace, she drew her hand back, and then threw it with all her might, as if she were throwing a mere ball. The fire flew through the air, landing in the hearth with a sizzle. Small sparks shot out on to the floor. Unable to hold back, she started to laugh. Rain, the daughter of the Chief of the Riders, just controlled fire! It was amazing. Power surged in her veins, filling her with a sense of contentment she had never felt before. When she turned to face Aziz, she caught him watching her, amused.

  “That was amazing,” she blurted out, her mouth stretched in a wide smile.

  “Sometimes I forget how exciting things like this can be for others. I’ve been doing it for so long, I’m afraid I no longer find the kind of joy you seem to. It is – refreshing,” he replied, reaching for her hand. “Let us eat, and then after I have a surprise for you.”

  * * *

  They were silent on the way to the dining room. When they entered, Rain saw that a magnificent meal had already been laid out. Her eyes instantly went to the opening in the ceiling. The sun had set, the stars now twinkling back at her. She couldn’t believe they had spent the entire day in his office.

  “What happens when it rains?” she asked, voicing one of the things that had struck her when she first saw this room.

  “My dear, I can create a whole army, do you not think I can manage a barrier from the weather?” he chuckled.

  She turned in surprise. It had never occurred to her that there was some magical shield up there. “Is that why it’s never cold in here?” she asked. He simply nodded. She looked back up at the dark night sky. “But I’ve flown through that opening,” she said, almost as an afterthought.

  “It doesn’t affect Elex, or yourself, in that circumstance. Come now, sit down and let your mind rest for a little.” She absently nodded her head, walking slowly to her seat. After all the work they had done, Rain could admit her mind was feeling tired. Perhaps food would help rejuvenate her. As per usual the meal was delicious, and Aziz encouraged her to eat as much as she could. Apparently his surprise would entail her to do more work, and he wanted to make sure she was up for it. As they ate desert, Rain was suddenly aware of another presence in the room. When she looked around there was no one. Confused, she looked up to the sky just as Elex entered. Her mind must have latched on to his now that they were connected.

  “Good evening father,” he said politely, before turning to bow his head in her direction. “Rain,” he acknowledged. She hadn’t seen him for a couple of days, and now found herself speechless. His cheeks were rosy from the night air, and his hair was blown in wild disarray, that seemed to suit him somehow. His strange eyes lit up when they met hers, bringing a flush to her cheeks. Nodding back, somewhat awkwardly, she looked down at her food again, trying to disconnect his eyes from her own. What is wrong with me? She scolded herself.

  “What news?” Aziz asked, his voice betraying no sign of noticing her awkward moment.

  “The two armies are in place. They are to meet at sunrise,” Elex replied.

  A wide, pleased smile spread across Aziz’s face. Rain kept her focus on him rather than Elex. “And so things will finally begin to progress,” he said happily. “I am pleased with this. Any trouble?”

  Elex shook his head. “Nothing immediate. Three people sensed me, but I stayed above the clouds.”

  Aziz sat up straighter, his face filled with surprise. “Who sensed you?” Rain looked to Elex for his answer, and found herself admiring the intr
icate tattoo on his face as he spoke.

  “It was the witch the High King keeps with him, the forest person, and, of course, Aiden,” he replied. Aziz sat back, deep in thought. Elex turned his head slightly so their eyes met. Your face is still bruised, his deep voice filled her mind. Are you well?

  I’m fine, she projected back to him in a flat tone. She raised one of her hands to touch the still tender side of her face where she had been struck. It was yellow now, but would probably be gone within another day or so.

  “It is interesting that he has allowed the witch to remain this time,” Aziz said, interrupting her private thoughts. She looked across the table at him as he rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “The forest person is also a surprise, although more of a pleasant one I should say.” He looked to Elex, and Rain had the distinct impression they were communicating silently to each other. Now that she thought about it, she remembered that the Shaman had also been interested in the involvement of the forest person. She wondered what was so significant about her. The Shaman had almost been afraid, although it didn’t appear that Aziz was having the same sort of reaction. He looked quite pleased about the news, which confused her even more. She would have asked, but didn’t want to interrupt what was happening between them.

  The image of the white haired girl sprung into her mind. All Rain could think about was how she had killed the Shaman. She had wanted to attack the girl in that moment, but had been rooted to her spot in disbelief. There was also the fact that all forest people were much stronger than normal humans. Rain never understood exactly what was different about them, but her father had always said they were something more than human. Directly bread from the Gods he said, and lived longer than humans could. The girl who killed the Shaman had been tiny, but Rain wasn’t fooled.

  “And did you sense Aiden as well?” Aziz spoke out loud. It startled her, and she jumped slightly in her seat.

  “Yes, father,” Elex replied.

  “Excellent.”

  Aiden’s face now popped into her mind, along with the feeling of guilt that always accompanied it. She hated feeling guilty. When he first arrived, she had done her best not to like him. The Shaman encouraged her to keep a distance, while still keeping an eye on him. Then Aiden had to go and ruin it by taking her out riding. It was that one act of kindness that almost made her want to save him from Aziz and the Shaman, but it was just too important. No matter how nice he was, she needed this and wasn’t going to give it up for a boy. Lots of people are nice, she told herself. That didn’t mean she had to be friends with them. No, he was no friend of hers, and she would not care about anything that was done to him.

  “Make sure you keep him in your sight at all times,” Aziz was saying, bringing her back to the present conversation. “If Callum does not do the job correctly, you will.”

  Elex bowed his head. “Of course, father.”

  “Now,” he said, his face suddenly brightening, “why don’t we go see the surprise I have for you?” They were both looking at her. Even though Elex wasn’t saying anything, Rain had a feeling wash over her that he did not approve. It made her heart race, weary of what Aziz might have in store. Of course there was no way she could show this, so instead she plastered on a smile, and nodded agreeably.

  “Yes, lets,” she agreed, not meeting Elex’s gaze. The three of them walked down towards the cavern that held Aziz’s army. He led the way, with Rain in the middle and Elex at the rear. She could feel his towering presence behind her as his large frame and wings filled in the small space. He was completely silent, but she was still aware of him in her mind and couldn’t shake it. Did it mean her mind was constantly open to him? Would he be honest if she asked?

  I will always try to be honest with you, he said. Her spine stiffened, and she found herself grinding her teeth but didn’t turn to look back at him.

  As if I can trust you, she shot back. Her hand immediately went to the fading mark of his bite on her neck. A feeling of regret filled her, and she knew it was not her own. Stop that.

  I cannot undo the past, but I am trying to be better. What can I do to prove you may trust me?

  You can’t, she said sternly. They were silent for a moment, the only sound their footsteps against the stone floors. Can you then? She asked.

  Can I what?

  Hear all my thoughts?

  Only when you let your guard down, and only when we are close. I cannot hear you after a certain distance.

  She thought about this and wondered if that was why he hadn’t arrived sooner during her attack. How do I know when my guard is down?

  When you are not thinking of keeping me out, he replied, matter-of-factly. She wanted so badly to turn then, but knew better. He was so vexing.

  You mean I have to be constantly closed off, or you’ll be able to hear everything? She could only guess what he must have heard her think already.

  I believe it will come to you easier the more you are around me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a conscious thing, especially if it becomes second nature. And don’t worry, he added, you do not project as much as you may think. You seem to instinctively guard yourself against me.

  This made her feel slightly better so she dropped the conversation, making sure to keep herself guarded. By that time they had reached the cavern and were beginning the slow decent to the floor. The creatures all around them were excited by their presence. Aziz lead them through the same hall she had taken the day she found Elex, and into the same room. It was horrible to be back, although thankfully the large cage was gone. Instead, there were chains with manacles secured to the walls. They were empty. Rain looked to Aziz in question, but he simply stood against the wall with a small smile playing on his lips. A shiver ran down her spine. Something was off.

  “This is my surprise?” she asked, gesturing towards the chains.

  Aziz scoffed disapprovingly. “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous,” he replied. Down the hall came sounds of men’s voices and a distinct struggle. There were curses, and sounds of flesh hitting flesh, before Rain could make out figures. It was a group of five soldiers, between them a figure that was walking awkwardly with his feet and hands in chains. “This is your surprise,” Aziz said, his voice right beside her ear now. She looked up over her shoulder at him. His eyes were bright with excitement, and the hand he had laid on her shoulder squeezed tightly, almost painfully. She looked back at the approaching group. A sickening feeling was building up from her stomach.

  Breathe, Elex’s voice spoke softly. She did, but it didn’t seem to be helping. When they came into the faint light of the cavern, she saw that the man was none other than the one who had hit her during her attack. His eyes were swollen shut and blue. One of his lips was cracked and bleeding, and he was having trouble breathing. He hadn’t died after all.

  “Chain him to the wall,” Aziz ordered. Rain watched this in a detached silence. She felt like she was hovering over the entire scene, seeing it unfold as if it were happening to someone else entirely.

  “I don’t understand,” she whispered. Aziz was standing close enough to hear. His hand moved to the center of her back, pushing her closer to the man. His caramel eyes seemed to shine against his brown skin.

  “He attacked and hurt you,” Aziz said pointedly. “If you are to be my future Queen, you must show people what will happen if they defy you.”

  She swallowed awkwardly around the hard lump in her throat. Her eyes looked to the man, who was now crying silent tears. He wasn’t even begging for his life.

  “Use what you’ve learned today,” he continued, motioning with his hand. A soldier stepped forward, carrying a burning torch. Rain stared unseeingly into the fire.

  I can’t do this, she said silently.

  Yes you can, Elex replied. You must show my father you are strong.

  This is not me, she argued. I am no killer.

  Rain, he said, almost sadly, I don’t think you have a choice.

  “Come now, Rain,” Aziz urged, making her j
ump. “Show my men what you are capable of.”

  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. With whatever courage she could muster, she focused her energy and said the spell she had learned that morning. Warmth spread across her palm. When she opened her eyes and looked down, she saw a perfect ball of fire resting neatly in her hand. Her gaze slowly rose to the man cowering against the wall. How was she to do this? Kill a man in such an awful way.

  “I-I can’t,” she said, lowering her head. She sensed Aziz straighten beside her.

  “Yes. You can,” he replied, emphasising each word. She shook her head vehemently.

  “No, I won’t do it.” Aziz moved in front of her, his eyes full of barely repressed rage.

  “You will do it, because I say you will. I need you strong, Rain.” She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped when she felt a strange sensation take over her. Her hand seemed to be lifting of its own accord, the ball of fire waiting to be launched.

  What’s happening? She asked in a panic. She could still feel Elex’s presence in her head, which she found oddly comforting. There was something new though, a foggy feeling that was clouding her mind.

  No one denies him, Rain, Elex replied in a matter of fact way. He feeds you his food, all the while making you ingest his potions. You are another tool for him to control, just like me, just like those creatures out there. You’ll never be able to act against him if he does not wish it.

  “No,” she whispered, her heart thudding loudly in her ears. He wouldn’t have done something so cruel, would he? Yet she watched in a disconnected sort of way as her hand aimed for the prisoner. He had tricked her, had turned her into some pawn for his use. She was his Queen, not some puppet! She turned her eyes to look at him, showing him the fury that was building inside.

  He smiled, his mouth stretched wide. “Don’t look at me that way,” he chided. “I’m making you stronger, someone not to be trifled with. You will thank me in the years to come.”