The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  “Rill and I took off just as the sun hit the horizon, but the Dokkalfar didn’t do what was expected. Instead, a small contingency led us to believe our plan would work, but as our battalions flew over the wall, the enemy massed together and charged the center. Instead of the right and left pushing them away from the gates, we found ourselves chasing after them. The black elves were shielding the sun’s rays with the bodies of animals and slaughtered kinsmen ... they reached the King easily.” His voice grew aggressive, his features sharp. “I ran toward King Frey, but the true desire of my heart was to find Elaine. My need to protect her had put her in the worst position possible. I was now separated from my source and surrounded by the enemy. Worse, they were blocking her thoughts; she didn’t even know if I survived. I killed as many as I could, but it was too late.” His eyes found mine.

  “Elaine has struggled over the years, thinking I was right to doubt her abilities. Even though she is one of the best warriors, the experience has left her scarred. She still feels she was not strong enough to defend the King.”

  I shook my head. “She bears the burden of nothing. She was in a war, and she was young and without her source.”

  “Exactly, Princess. She was without her source because her source tried to control her path. I fear the Prince is making the same mistake.”

  “Then Gavin should try and understand. Open his mind to the possibility that I am stronger than he thinks.”

  Elias squared his shoulders and smiled. “You misunderstand, Princess. I will always protect Elaine, as the Prince will you. My mistake was not in trying to keep her safe; it was in making decisions based in fear.”

  I sighed, and he hesitated, turmoil swirling around him. “The Prince has spoken of your desire to train.”

  Gavin’s emotions ached through me, but I ignored them.

  “And I suppose you feel the same as he does—that I’m insane for wanting to try.”

  “Not exactly.” His sardonic tone caught me off guard. “Princess, you must understand. It’s Gavin’s instinct to protect. He has a warrior’s heart. You cannot change that.”

  “I wouldn’t want to change him.” I scowled.

  “No? And yet you ask of him that which he cannot give.”

  “I just want him to have a little more faith in me.”

  “That is where your thoughts falter. It is not your ability in which he lacks faith, it is his.”

  “That is enough.” A deep voice cut through the constant rush of distant water. Gavin stood at the entryway, his arms folded across his chest, his exasperation blazing the walls white.

  Elias tensed, but his focus stayed on me. “Tomorrow, Princess, I’ve requested the Elite Guard meet us on the practice fields. There, we will explore your new-found gift.” He put the frame back on the shelf, bowed deeply, and then left. Gavin’s eyes followed him down the path. From the anger seething through me, it seemed he was making his opinions known.

  I concentrated on the sketch of Elias and the King.

  “I can’t imagine what Elaine must have gone through.” My voice grew thick as I looked at the prostrate figure at Elias’ feet. “That’s why Elaine went to the forest, isn’t it? When she doubted her abilities?”

  Gavin’s hand reached for mine, “Yes. I was just an infant when the Queen offered Elias the position of leader of my guard. The only reason he took it was he hoped Elaine would eventually heal.” We walked past the waterfall. “And he was right. With time and encouragement, she overcame her doubt.”

  I glanced at Gavin. “I have to learn how to control what I did tonight—creating that protective barrier.”

  “I don’t want you training with the warriors.”

  “Gavin, you couldn’t get to me.” My voice remained calm. “Think about it. If I can learn to make an energy field around me for long periods of time, you’ll never have to worry about my human body again. It’s a good plan.”

  “So was going over the walls and dividing the Dokkalfar and look where that got King Frey.”

  I had to think back. “You’re afraid they’ll find a way around the barrier?”

  He nodded, pulling me forward.

  “All the more reason to explore the possibility. Let’s see if the warriors can get to me first. I must grow stronger; you need a source you don’t have to worry about in the heat of battle.”

  “I see your mind as clearly as my own. I know you need to prove yourself, even to me.” His voice held no heat or accusation. “Are you sure you aren’t allowing your insecurity to cloud your judgment?”

  “Are you sure you’re not allowing your fear to cloud yours?” I asked back.

  He ignored the remark, and we walked in silence until we were past Malachi’s chambers.

  “Gavin, what if your protection is starting to limit my potential?”

  He opened the door to our chambers. “I won’t allow you to put yourself in danger. You are not an Alfar, you cannot train as we do.” He remained resolved.

  “I think that’s true, but I can fight my way.”

  “You don’t remember the last time you were hurt.” Gavin walked to Malachi’s portrait. “Every time I left this chamber I was afraid your heart would stop. Malachi finally vowed in the ancient language you wouldn’t die while I was in the yard getting strength from the unicorns.” The tip of his finger lightly brushed over the scene, making its way across the canvas until it stopped on me.

  His tone became poignant. “Since your first touch, my instinct has been to keep you safe, but the moment I realized it was Mia who had tried to kill you, vengeance smothered my need to protect. My sole purpose became making sure Mia paid. I wanted her to suffer. And then I saw you riding toward me, your clothes and hair spattered with blood. When you fell into my arms, I could feel your heart struggling to keep you alive. The trip to the castle was a nightmare. We had to stop every few hours as you weakened, and I was forced to heal your heart over and over because you lacked the blood to keep it pumping.” His hand fell away from the portrait, and he reached for me, encircling me in his arms. “It was the worst kind of torture. That experience taught me well. I’ll never lose sight of you again.”

  Tears stung the back of my throat, but Gavin continued, determined to make me understand.

  “I can’t bear the thought of watching warriors come at you, but at the same time, I have to be there in case you’re hurt. And the thought of Weylin or Micah trying to find your weakness—I can’t even go there. I know the guard’s abilities, and any of them could snap you like a twig.” His eyes became liquid with worry. His pained voice deepened. “Elias is right. My biggest fear is I’ll not be the source you need. What if there’s an accident, what if something goes horribly wrong and I’m not strong enough to heal you?”

  “You worry too much.” I kissed his chin, trying to lighten the mood. “You and I both know the guard will wait to see if the barrier holds before they even think of fighting full force. You saw Weylin’s concern after I drank Ester’s tea. His need to protect me is almost as strong as yours.”

  Gavin’s lips warmed my forehead; he tugged at my shirt, slipping his hand under and resting his palm between my shoulder blades.

  “I still don’t like it.”

  “I’m not too excited about it either. But I know you’ll feel better once you see that I can fight my own way ... Nora style.”

  In one fluid motion, he swept me in his arms. “All right. We’ll try. But let’s not talk about it anymore. Tonight, I’d rather concentrate on you.” His eyes warmed as he made his way up the stairs.

  We spent the entire night entwined, exploring, rejoicing, needing to give. My body, ever satiated by Gavin, finally grew tired and I drifted off to sleep.

  “WE COULD ALWAYS TELL them we need more time.” Gavin murmured as I stirred awake. His hand found places he knew would rekindle desire.

  “Don’t tempt me.” I smiled, nipping at his ear. “As it is, I have a feeling everyone has been waiting for a while. The sun’s already high in th
e sky.”

  Gavin rested his head on my shoulder. “Nora, I really don’t want you to do this.”

  “Once you see I’m all right, it’ll get easier.” I kissed his chest, trying to find the courage I wasn’t sure I had. He sighed and pulled me toward the shower.

  Rune’s flute lilted up the stairs as Gavin opened the door.

  “Did you find Ester?” I asked, making my way to the small table that held too much food for three.

  Rune grunted, putting his flute away. “Nay, damnedest thing I’ve ever seen. She’d be as shifty as the wind. The old one’s searchin’ inside the mountain, but I’d bet me feathers she’d not be gettin’ in.”

  “We’ll find her, and when we do, she’ll rue the day.” Gavin’s voice grew dark.

  We talked of nothing but where Ester could be hiding all through breakfast, and I grew uneasy.

  “What’ll be botherin’ ya, lass?” Rune asked as we made our way to the front of the castle.

  “I don’t think Ester’s a bad person. She had no idea the tea would affect me the way it did.”

  “If that’d be true, then why’d she run?” Rune asked as we passed the statues in the yard.

  “Maybe she was afraid.”

  Gavin raised an eyebrow. “You are too trusting.”

  The hills that overlooked the practice fields came into view, and a frisson of fear ran through me. There were no archers, no warriors with whips. Only the Elite Guard stood in a circle in the middle of the field.

  Elias’ eyes did not meet the Prince’s. Instead, he looked at me. One by one every warrior did the same, and my nerves prickled in awareness. Their eyes held a flinty quality, their faces were devoid of any expression. They were given orders, and they would carry them out at all costs. I now understood why Gavin was so concerned. I’d expected to greet them with the same open friendliness we shared when we had our weekly dinners with the Queen. Instead, they looked at me with disinterest, as if they didn’t know me. My heart sped as I swallowed past the lump in my throat.

  “We don’t have to do this. You’ve nothing to prove.” Gavin’s breath warming my ear.

  I shook my head. “I have to see if the barrier will work.”

  Gavin’s protection heated through me to the point of pain. He took a deep breath, let go of my hand, and started down the hill.

  Gavin? What’s—

  “I believe it is important you first watch to see how we train. You need to experience my emotions before you try this lunacy.” His voice became fierce.

  Gavin stood among the guard, a quiet understanding passed between them. The silver uniforms circling Gavin bowed. He returned the gesture and then crouched in a defensive stance. The guard charged, and my amulet warmed as I watched silver bound on him, attacking him at once. I’d seen Gavin kill the Dokkalfar; I knew what he could do. But this ... this bordered on barbaric.

  Gavin jumped, his fists pummeled the closest two. They lay on the ground taking a few moments to heal before darting to the trees. Two more warriors took the lead, sailing through the air, their feet extended in front of them aiming for his chest. Gavin tucked into a roll, emerging a few feet away unharmed. The shortest of the group darted from behind, reaching for Gavin’s neck. He would have dodged him with ease, except another one lunged, punching Gavin in the back. I swallowed a scream. Gavin flinched but didn’t miss a beat as he turned, his fist rendering the guard helpless.

  They came at him over and over in pairs of two or four, and each time Gavin managed to put them down. As soon as they hit the ground, they darted to the trees, waiting to be called back until only Micah and Ruth remained. Gavin smiled at the challenge. His love for the art of battle ran through me; confidence soared as I focused on his beautiful form. He looked at me and grinned. Micah waited for the diversion and charged, blindsiding him on the left. I held my breath, watching him throw a right hook aiming for his head. Gavin dodged and counter-attacked with a kick to the ribs. Ruth ran toward him, and Gavin flipped her to the ground.

  The warriors suddenly stopped. A thick silence fell over the field. Elias held up his hand as if to silence a conversation. All eyes looked at the forest.

  Weylin came from the trees. As the leader of the upper guard, Elias had ordered him to take charge of the security detail while we trained. My heart jumped into my throat as I ran through the possibilities of why he was here. Did they find Ester? Were there more Dokkalfar sightings?

  Weylin made his way onto the field. Gavin kept his back to me, but Weylin stared past him, looking at me with that same harsh appraisal—openly challenging me in some way. He smirked like he knew it bothered me. Gavin’s aggression grew. They slowly circled each other, trying to find a weakness.

  Elaine reached for Elias’ hand. It was a subtle gesture, but it spoke volumes. I found Rena and Tark. Their faces were masked in that same empty expression of the guard, but they stood a little too close. At first glance, it didn’t look odd until I realized Rena was leaning into him for support. My heart raced.

  Gavin’s eyes found mine, his features etched in turmoil. Protection smothered me, and I fought to keep control.

  “Gavin, watch out!” I screamed as Weylin slammed into his back. Gavin’s feet flew out from under him, he grunted as he landed on his side several yards away. Stumbling, he got to his feet, trying to shake off the blow. Weylin’s eyes blazed with determination as he came at him again. He spun around, his large foot aiming at the back of Gavin’s knee. Gavin fell, his head smacking the ground. He jumped up before Weylin could kick him. Blood trickled from his lip, and he wiped it with the back of his hand.

  Power surged through me as my breath slammed into the back of my throat. It never occurred to me Gavin might get hurt. He was the best warrior. No one could beat him. Gavin’s expression became grim. Weylin charged, his large fist finding the side of the Prince’s face. The sickening sound of bone hitting bone cracked through the air, and I wasn’t aware I’d started down the hill until my feet found level ground. Gavin dropped to his knees; Weylin kicked his chest so hard that he landed several feet away.

  “What are you doing?” I shrieked as I ran toward him, but Weylin had already picked Gavin up and thrown him so hard that he rolled several yards before coming to a stop at my feet. I knelt, Gavin’s eyes were closed, the left one swelling, and the fresh bloom of a bruise darkened the entire side of his face.

  For the first time, my rage welled as Gavin’s emotions waned. Who was this brute? I had no idea why Gavin wasn’t fighting back, but I’d be damned if I was going to let him get beat to a pulp.

  Energy filled every cell in my being, humming around me, pouring over his body. I glanced down, relieved to see the purple and black fading, the flesh around his eye no longer bloated. Gavin’s protection locked with mine, the space around us took on a hazy quality like I was looking through the curtain of energy in the mountain. I crouched over Gavin, daring Weylin to try it again. Astonishment registered in his turquoise eyes, and he backed away. I bared my teeth in a hard grin. So focused was I on the warrior before me that I didn’t see silver charging from the side. Gavin shook, his desperation became almost debilitating. The energy poured out of the amulet, creating a barrier, the hum of it so strong that it drowned out the sounds of the forest. Micah’s foot collided within a yard of my torso; his leg snapped to an odd angle as he cried out in pain.

  My heart sank. This was supposed to be an exercise ... no one was supposed to get hurt. The haze of power dissipated as I touched the leg that was now askew. Ruth sailed through the air, her leg locked straight in front of her. Gavin lunged, trying to block her but he was too late.

  My left side exploded in agony. I could feel the ribs crack knocking me on top of Micah’s broken leg.

  “Stop!” Gavin thundered. Pain radiated through my chest, and I struggled to breathe. Gavin’s panic spiked. His illumined palm caressed my ribs, and I leaned into him, whimpering from the searing heat as the bones fused back together. Even though the ribs healed in
stantly, the flesh around them still pounded and ached. Micah tried to back away, but I kept my hand on his leg. He needed to be healed.

  “Let him go. His source will tend his needs,” Gavin growled.

  As soon as I released him, Ruth helped him back away.

  Weylin came forward, I scowled at the smile on his face. He was the cause for all of this. I stood, taking a few steps toward him.

  “You hurt him.” A voice came somewhere overhead, and it took me a second to recognize that the person speaking was me. “You’ll not do that again.”

  My eyes grew hot with the energy coursing. I could feel the power closing in on Weylin, containing him. It would be so easy to allow the energy to crush him. It would undoubtedly render him helpless, possibly end his life. The power around him tightened as if it waited for my command. The guard backed away, Rena’s eyes rounded in fear.

  Weylin’s gaze never left mine. His expression held a gentle understanding that somehow made me angrier.

  Who did he think he was?

  “Nora?” Gavin’s voice was soft, coaxing. “Let him go, love. You wanted to test your abilities, remember?”

  I didn’t understand. Why was he speaking in such soothing tones, and why did Elias look so worried?

  Gavin’s hands tentatively touched my hips, his fingertips traveling in soft circles meant to soothe. He pulled me to him, his chest warming my back as his lips found the base of my neck. “I’m all right,” his husky voice brushed against my cheek. “Weylin is one of my oldest friends. I trust him with my life.” His gentle assurance coated the fury burning in my heart.

  What was I doing?

  The energy scattered like dandelion floss in the wind and Weylin backed away.

  I turned in Gavin’s arms, closing my eyes and resting my forehead on his chest, fighting the urge to weep. This whole experience had been just awful. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”