“And mine?” I stood and stretched.
“We’ll talk about it later.” He got up and grabbed his boots off the floor. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.” He left the room, whistling as he strolled away.
***
I bent over, resting my hands on my thighs, gasping for air.
Vidar patted my back. “You’re not out of shape, exactly, but there’s definitely room for improvement.” He stepped around me, not even winded, and walked along the dirt road that led to the center of the remote town. I hurried after him, still unable to believe he’d forced me to sprint the entire three miles here.
The village was nothing like the capital. All the buildings were single story structures of varying shades of brown, blending in with the surrounding land. The entire town was only a few blocks wide with a large, prominent farm on the west end. About a dozen people were in the field tending to the vegetables. Not a single soldat was anywhere to be seen.
Vidar took me to the only tailor shop in town. Inside the tiny store, a woman in her thirties sat sewing. Her blond hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and her blue eyes darted between Vidar and me. “Good to see you again, milord.”
He smiled kindly at her. “It’s good to see you, too, Aina.” He waved me forward. “My sister needs some help.”
She put her sewing down and stood to examine me. “What would you like?”
“Sturdy pants and tunics for working and moving freely about in,” he answered.
“No dresses?” the woman asked.
“She has no need for them.”
Aina picked up a long string with marks evenly spaced on it. “Let’s take some measurements.”
“That’s my cue to go,” Vidar said. “I’ll be back later. Take good care of … my sister.” He winked at me and ran from the store.
I bit my lip, furious he’d left me there. After being poked, prodded, and thoroughly measured, Aina ordered me to sit on a small wooden stool in the corner of the shop while she cut and sewed two pairs of trousers and three shirts.
An hour went by. I started to nod off. Needing to stay awake, I begged the seamstress to allow me to help. She reluctantly put me to work sewing the seams of my shirts, which apparently I didn’t do very well, but good enough.
Vidar finally returned, carrying several bulging burlap sacks. He paid Aina for my clothing, and I took the completed items. As we left the store, I inquired about the contents of the bags.
“Just some necessities, like food. Oh, and rope.” His eyes sliced over to mine, and he grinned.
I whacked his arm, still embarrassed that he’d tied himself to my legs just to make sure Morlet didn’t lure me away. Wanting to change the subject, I asked, “Are you going to make me run home?”
“No.” He nodded to the large bags swung over his shoulder. “We’re going to go and visit someone before we walk home.”
We went to the outskirts of the village where a small hut stood at the edge of the woods, separated from the rest of the town by a large clearing. Smoke rose from the chimney. Vidar dropped the sacks to the ground and knocked on the door. I put my new clothes on top of the bags. The door creaked open, and a hunched-over woman with white hair sticking up in all directions answered.
“Ah, I was wondering when you’d show up,” she said, ushering us inside.
The only light came from the orange glow of the fireplace illuminating a bed situated in one area, a small chair before the fire, and an old table placed in the center of the hut.
“Grei Heks, I’d like for you to meet Kaia.” Vidar put his hand on my lower back and pushed me toward her.
She was a witch endowed with immense powers? I’d never seen a Heks before. Grei Heks were ancient beings who used their magic for good. The kingdom of Nelebek was rumored to have only one. My father spoke of her with great reverence since she created the Order of the Krigers and bestowed on us the power to destroy Morlet.
The old woman smiled, revealing several missing teeth. “I’ve been waiting for you,” she said by way of greeting, taking a seat on the chair near the fireplace. Vidar and I each sat at the table. The small room smelled of lavender and rosemary. “I felt your presence and knew your power came early.” She glanced at Vidar. “What have you told Kaia?”
“Nothing. She only arrived yesterday.”
“Ah, child,” she mumbled, facing me. “You come from a line of very strong Krigers.”
“It has never had anything to do with family lines,” Vidar said. “It has always been random. When one Kriger dies, another is born. Power is dormant until the age of eighteen.”
Grei Heks leaned back against her chair. “True,” she nodded, “for the other eleven Krigers. The twelfth is different—that’s why you’ve never found her. It has always been a female from Kaia’s family.”
Confusion overwhelmed me. My father never mentioned anything about the women in our family being Krigers. No one else in my family was even alive. If my own mother had been a Kriger, certainly Papa would have known and told me. Our last conversation replayed in my mind. He’d wanted to tell me something important. My heart sped up as the pieces started fitting together. Is that why he’d spent so much time training me to fight?
“Did your mother die in childbirth?” Grei Heks asked, reclaiming my attention.
“Yes,” I replied. “But Papa never told me anything about her.”
“She was a Kriger,” the old woman said.
The word Kriger echoed in my head, like a bird singing, and I felt the truth of her words deep inside my bones.
“When she died, her power shifted to you.”
Vidar leaned forward, placing his arms on his legs. “Why is the twelfth Kriger a woman from Kaia’s family?” He spoke to Grei Heks with a warm familiarity, hinting that they were well acquainted.
She smiled kindly at him. “I’m surprised you don’t know, Vidar.” What was their connection to one another?
“I have a few theories,” he mumbled. “Nothing definitive.”
Grei Heks twitched. “We don’t have much time,” she said, jumping to her feet. “Morlet is searching for her—I can feel it. As her power grows, so will his. Keep her hidden until the time is right. Once you’ve managed to free the other Krigers, we can meet again. Until then, it’s too dangerous.”
Vidar stood. “I understand. Thank you for speaking with us.” He went over to the old woman and kissed her cheek. He whispered something in her ear, and she smiled, patting Vidar’s shoulder.
“Come, Kaia,” he said. “We must be going.” He took hold of my hand and pulled me from the hut.
I picked up my clothes, and Vidar heaved the sacks over his shoulder. “Do you know the word Kriger means warrior?”
“No.” My father had often spoken of the Krigers and their fighting abilities, but he’d never mentioned what the word meant. In hindsight, my father knew more about Krigers than the average citizen did. All the training, all the fighting; I thought he wanted to empower me against the soldats—not prepare me to fight the king. It all seemed so obvious now.
“It’s going to take twelve warriors to destroy one man.”
“Are you certain Morlet isn’t a Heks?” No one but Heks could wield magic.
“He is a man tarnished and changed by dark magic.” We walked in silence for several moments. Just when I thought he wouldn’t elaborate, he said, “Years ago, Morlet sought out Skog Heks. They made a bargain that resulted in him being able to use her magic. That’s how he managed to kill the king and queen.” The corners of Vidar’s lips pulled down.
I had so many questions but decided to keep my mouth shut. We walked in silence, my mind reeling over everything that had just been revealed.
***
Sitting on the chair before the hearth in the main room, I peeled open The Order of the Krigers and started reading the section on how to defeat Morlet. It explained that the twelve warriors had to link their powers together u
sing their weapons, which contained magical properties bestowed by Grei Heks.
My eyelids eventually grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.
A gentle hand caressed the side of my face. “Since you won’t come to me, I’ve come to you.”
I was still on the chair with the book resting on my lap. The only difference—Morlet knelt next to me. Was this a dream or reality? I furtively glanced about the room to make sure Vidar wasn’t present.
Morlet plucked the book from my lap, placing in on the ground. “It’s time we get to know one another better.” His voice was smooth and seductive.
Afraid he’d use his magic on me, I stood and walked to the window, staring outside into the starless night. Dealing with him required the utmost caution. There was a reason it took twelve Krigers to defeat him—he was powerful, perhaps more powerful than even a Heks.
“Kaia,” he purred.
I closed my eyes and focused on my surroundings, allowing instinct to take over. Morlet’s magic felt weakened. It had to be taking an enormous amount of energy for him to be here with me. Somehow, I knew he couldn’t control me as he’d done before. Relief filled me, and I turned to meet his gaze from across the room. The only light came from the dying fire in the hearth.
Morlet stood and reached up, pushing back his hood to reveal his striking face. The gesture seemed intimate, forbidden. I couldn’t help but stare. He had a handsome square face, coal black hair, and crystal blue eyes.
He sauntered toward me with a wicked smile and seized my hands, holding them tightly. “I want us to be friends. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.” Something flashed through his conflicting, dangerous eyes, hinting at a deep pain. “I don’t have anyone who knows or understands me.”
I believed he was telling the truth and found myself wanting to help him.
His head jerked toward the door. “Who’s there?” he demanded. “Are you with someone?” His face contorted with fury and rage.
Was it possible for Vidar to enter my dream? In case he could, I wanted to placate Morlet and keep his focus on me. “I’m alone. It’s just the two of us.”
“I feel I’m losing you.” His eyes sought mine, revealing betrayal. “Please help me. I don’t want to live like this any longer.” He placed his hands on each side of my face, cradling it as if I were precious. “I need you.”
I woke up, once again sitting on the chair, Vidar now kneeling next to me. Both of his hands were on my cheeks, in the exact placement Morlet’s had been a moment before.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his forehead pinched with worry.
Closing the book, I leaned forward, and Vidar released me. “I’m fine,” I said, placing the book on the ground.
“You’re shaking. Did Morlet contact you?”
“Yes. This time was different, though.” Not only did Morlet come to me, he had shown me his face. Something about the intensity in his eyes hinted that there was more to him than simply the evil man everyone claimed him to be. There was definitely darkness and cruelty in him, but that innate feeling that told me to trust Anders now told me there was great sadness in Morlet. Against all common sense, a desire to understand him took root.
“What happened?” Vidar asked.
Not wanting to tell him about seeing Morlet’s face or about being drawn to him, I said, “He was here, in this room.”
Vidar let out a deep breath. “Grei Heks told us his magic would grow stronger.” He rubbed his face. “I didn’t expect it to be at this rate.”
My hands started to pulse with a dull pain. I frantically searched for the source of the danger lurking in the shadows.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, pulling me to my feet.
I rushed over to the window. “Could Morlet be outside?” The dark forest appeared normal.
“I don’t think so,” Vidar whispered behind me. “Why?”
My spine tingled as if spiders were crawling up it. “My hands hurt. It’s only a mild throbbing and not the awful feeling I usually get before something bad happens.”
“If they were painful, I’d say you’re in danger. However, since it’s a dulled sensation, it’s probably just from your dream. A delayed reaction, if you will.”
My hands never hurt with our previous communications. Gazing through the open window at the forest, the chilly night air engulfed me with its heady pine scent.
Vidar placed his hands on my shoulders, rubbing them. “I’m sorry,” he said. “It’ll be better once Anders returns with my medallion.”
“Did Grei Heks give it to you?”
“Yes. It was a gift to protect me from Morlet. It’s imperative that he doesn’t know I’m alive.”
My suspicions were confirmed. “How are you and Anders tied to all of this?”
His hands slid down my arms, instantly calming me. “I’ll show you.” He led me out of the main room, across the bridge, and to his bedchamber. He built up the fire and then searched his bookshelves. “Here it is,” he said, pulling out a small wooden box that had been hidden behind several books. Sitting on his bed, he patted the spot next to him.
Something shifted between us, and I no longer felt nervous around him. Instead, his friendship soothed me. I sat down and he opened the lid. Inside, a sapphire roughly carved into the shape of a ball rested on a white handkerchief. He lifted the stone, placing it on the palm of my hand.
The light sparkled on the polished sapphire, reminding me of Morlet’s eyes. “It’s beautiful, but what is it?”
Vidar lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Everything,” he responded, flinging his arm over his eyes. “It means everything.”
The stone felt warm, as if it had a life of its own. It began pulsing slow and steady, a soft glow emanating from the middle, growing until the entire sapphire shone brightly. “It recognizes I’m a Kriger, doesn’t it?” I asked, captivated by the blue light that somehow felt familiar.
“Yes.”
I carefully placed the stone back in the box and closed the lid. I lay on my stomach next to Vidar, waiting for him to explain.
“Grei Heks gave it to me,” he said. “It’s a sapphire infused with a sliver of magic. It allows me to properly identify a Kriger. Although, I’ve been doing this for so long, I can feel a Kriger’s power. The stone also allows me to communicate with Grei Heks—similar to the way you do with Morlet.”
“But you yourself have no power?”
“No, none at all.” He sighed and moved his arm down so he could look at me. “Today, in the kingdom of Nelebek, only two witches exist. Grei Heks and Skog Heks. They always have to be balanced with one another. When they’re not, something happens to right the wrong and create balance again.”
Thunder boomed. I hoped it didn’t start raining until after Anders returned. He shouldn’t have to travel through treacherous conditions on my account.
“You look tired,” Vidar commented.
Laughing, I said, “Haven’t been sleeping well.” I rested my head on my arms. “How are you involved with the Krigers?”
His penetrating blue eyes stared at me. “Like you, I’m faced with a destiny whether I want it or not.”
“What about Anders?”
His eyebrows drew together. “What about him?”
“He’s an assassin who considers you his best friend, as close as a brother. How does he fit into all of this?”
“He’s cursed like you and me. He won’t be free until the twelve Krigers defeat Morlet.”
“Who cursed him?”
Vidar chuckled. “Hard to say.”
“What was he doing in the capital the day I met him?”
“Why are you asking me? Why don’t you ask Anders?”
I wanted to scream that Anders never spoke to me and refused to answer any of my questions. “Was he there on a mission? Or for some other reason?”
“He was checking on the Krigers,” Vidar admitted.
“Aren’t th
ey locked in the dungeon?” He nodded. “Was he going to rescue them?”
“He can’t.” Vidar rolled onto his side, propping his head up on his hand, facing me. “The Krigers are in cells that have a magical ward on them. Only a Heks or someone with power”—he looked pointedly at me—“can break the ward.”
My stomach dropped. “Why don’t they free each other?”
“The ward prohibits them from accessing their powers while in the cells. You can free them so long as you’re not in there with them.”
“And you’re going to ask me to break into the fortified castle and rescue the Krigers, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not going to ask you. I’m going to train you. And when you’re ready, I expect you to save your fellow Krigers. Because then, and only then, can the group of you link your powers together to defeat Morlet. Once he’s gone, we’ll all be free from his tyranny.”
“Why doesn’t Grei Heks save them?”
“When she created the twelve Krigers to defeat Morlet, she greatly diminished her own magic. She rarely leaves her home.”
My eyelids were getting heavy. “How do you propose I make it through the night? Are you going to tie us together again?”
“Speaking of which, you never told me about Morlet’s visit. You simply said he came here to see you. Was that the only reason you were so afraid?”
I didn’t want to reveal anything about the strangely intimate encounter.
His eyes narrowed. “You can tell me. I’ll help however I can.”
“He still wants me to go to his castle.”
“What did he do to entice you this time?”
How did he know Morlet had done something different? I shook my head and yawned, wanting to end this conversation.
Vidar got up and took the box over to the bookshelf, putting it away. “Just know that Morlet has been around for a century. He’s very good at manipulating people to get what he wants. Always remember that, and whatever you do, don’t trust him.” He turned and faced me, rubbing the back of his neck. “When he visits you, how does he appear?”
Rise Page 8
