Carved

by Miki

  A big holo in the middle of the arena starts a countdown from ten. The crowd joins in, shouting the counting down numbers. When they say zero, the pulse thumps. It beats ‘GO’ though my body.

  I launch myself into the air, dodging around the crowd. Many try to follow me, but I can’t let them. I have no problem getting to the cave city’s entrance and out into the moonlit sky. I’m going to try my best to finish quick.

  Flying toward the Ranger’s post I feel a sting on my right wing and hear the sizzle of a laser that’s burning me. I can still fly, but wow, that hurts. Not enough to stop me. I never would have thought they would shoot at me from the ground. Especially not with a laser. How are they able to mark me, anyway? I’d have to have a chip or something on me to guide the laser. They could find me with heat-sensing sights, but those wouldn’t be accurate at this distance. Unless it’s magic. No way would Jericho do that to any of us.

  Going over a large hill, I drop. Running back, I find a mage I’ve never met in a deer stand. He’s searching for me in the direction of the hill I dropped under. I need answers, but he is a mage. He’ll be able to use his magic if I stall, so I can’t risk leaving him conscious. I seize him from behind. I grab him in a choke hold, putting extra pressure on his carotid artery. In seconds he’s out. That should hold him a few hours. I hope I’m finished by then. But, just in case, I drag him over to a big boulder. Placing my hands on his I use my gift to press his hands into the rock, then I let his hands go and pull out my own hands. This leaves his encased in the boulder. I tug on his arms to see if his hands stay encased in the boulder, and they do.

  Woohoo, that’s awesome! I tear off part of his shirt and gag him. I want to be able to come back and release him without him being able to spell me. Where did they find this guy? I didn’t know mages worked with us—well, besides Jericho. I better remember this. One down, four more and I am safe.

  Kendra

  I send Mega a tele-message. “Do you have someone following to make sure he’s okay?” He tells me back in tele-speak, “Already on it Kendra. Already on it.”

  I’m anxious. My donum is tingling. I’m going to call it my dragon sense from now on. That fits me better. The boys will get a laugh out of that.

  Amber’s by my side, telling me, “Spar is a good soldier. He’ll do this just fine.” She also brings me a plate full of fruit and some kind of dip for it. Mica brings me a drink. We sit and eat talking while we wait for news of Spar’s progress. I tell the Ducere sitting with me, including Mica and Spar, “My dragon sense is tingling. I’m going to the cave entrance to see what I sense from there.”

  I can’t see anything wrong, but I’ve got a bad feeling. I don’t want to interfere with the test because I’m worrying over my lover either. I trust in him. I’ll leave it at that. I’m waiting right here. They can’t make me leave.

  Spar

  I take off flying again, getting to the post in a few minutes. I land on top of the building where the stone is located and sink into the ceiling. I see the stone and start to grab it, but there’s another barrier. I sink into it, grabbing the rock, then I rise back through the barrier. The second barrier must have been an alarm. Once I tripped it, all four of my remaining combatants converge on me. I put the stone in a pocket of my jeans. The High Guild member telling me they aren’t my friends wasn’t kidding.

  I don’t know any of them. In fact, I haven’t ever seen any of them before. They’re gargoyles. Huge, like Megahir. If the looks on their faces are a sign of their intent, I’m dead meat. Before I can think, they rush me, each one landing hard punches. I go down. They’re brutal, beating me. One keeps shouting that I’ll never be part of the Ceorfan. I’m dirt beneath his feet. Die, human scum. They’re all over me. All I can do is protect my head. And… sink into the floor.

  I catch my breath. Ouch, they must have broken some ribs. I know it’s supposed to be hard, but this is worse than I thought. They’re trying to kill me. A ring on the one telling me die is especially noticeable every time he hit me with it. It’s a big ring, with an old-time coat of arms is on its face. I need to sneak back, so I start crawling. It’s quiet so I keep going. Once I’m on the outside of the building, I stand. Holy fuck, the pain is amazing. Holding my ribs helps. I know I need to still fly and I take off. As painful as it is, it’d be harder to walk all the way to Navan.

  Odd, there’s no follow-up attack on my return to Navan. Now that I see the entrance to the cave city, my adrenalin takes control. Before I can pulse the coded echo to the sentries, something hits me in the head. I drop to the ground and roll to face my attackers. They’re like an angry mob bent on killing me. I take one, out latching onto him and using him as a shield. One of the others hit him in the face and knocks him out. Okay, three to go.

  I see Kendra rushing out of the cave with a crowd. “I’m okay, Kendra—don’t help me. I got this.”

  I rush the one who knocked out his cohort and punch him in the throat. Turning, not forgetting the other two, I kick out as hard as I can. The kick lands hard on the side of a remaining attacker’s knee, and he’s done.

  One more to go. This one is going to use his gift. I can tell because we all get this look of concentration when we use our gifts. The question is, what can he do? I see what looks like a throwing star come out of his hand. I dodge, but it strikes me in my shoulder. There are others hitting me all over as I grab his head and twist. I kill him.

  I see Kendra; she’s cutting her hand for me. That’s nice. I can’t stay awake and fade out.

  Kendra

  I’m sitting next to Spar in the medical room. He’s going to be fine. I never want to have to see him like this again. The worst thing was when he told us not to help him. For a stupid test! I’m going to give the High Guild hell! If I hadn’t been there, I don’t think he would’ve made it. Dragon blood pulls us out of a jam, once again. Mica and Kino are questioning the assholes who did this to him. He groans and opens his eyes, smiling at me. He reaches into his bloody pants and brings out the topaz. I hold out my hands, and he puts it in them gently.

  “Kendra, I think those assholes where trying to kill me. I left a mage in the desert on the way to the Station. We need to send someone to get him. Where is everyone?”

  “Can you tell me what he might be close to?”

  “Yeah, he is tied up in a deer stand about five miles from the cave entrance, going north.”

  I take my tablet and call Mica and Kino. I want them to know first that Spar’s awake and talking. They say they’re finished with what they’re doing and will be here soon.

  They’re here in minutes. I’m giving Spar some water and he’s sitting up. His clothes are a bloody mess. I’m glad that when he fights, he wears a vest made of Kevlar. It’s a male version of the ones I wear. Lots bigger, it velcros around his waist and neck the same way. Way sexier. It caught some of the sharp little stars the strange gargoyle threw at him. He’s going to need new everything anyway.

  “Do you want to know the information we collected from the prisoners?” Kino lets Mica do the talking.

  “Yes, here’s fine,” I answer, not wanting to leave Spar.

  “They’re nomadic gargoyles hired by the High Guild member Traver and four others. Each of them had been hired by one of the members who left the meeting last week. They all chose to leave Navan instead of loyalty to you. They do have family here who know where they’re staying. They’re all in Cueva Hallow. We have the Elites collecting them now. They should be in cells before sunrise. The ones who attacked Spar were paid half last week. They were paid very well—$500,000.00 apiece. The terms of the contract were to deliver Spar tonight. Dead. The attackers believe Spar is going to destroy the Ceorfan from within. They have a mage working with them. But they think he ran off, because they haven't seen him since before the test.”

  “How do we know what they told you is true, Mica?” I ask.

  “We’re sure, because Jericho spelled them to tell the truth. They had no idea Spar was consort
to the queen, or there is a new queen. They believed Spar was an outlaw, a rogue carved gargoyle and they had been sent, lawfully by the high guild.”

  Spar tells them where the mage is located, and Mica calls Mega, so he can tele-speak to one of the Ducere to apprehend him. “Tell them I stuck his hands in a boulder. They can give him water and I’ll be able to go get him free tomorrow if no one else has a gift to get him out. I don’t feel up to it right now.”

  I reflect, “The question is, how many Ceorfan believe like Traver and his crew? We need to ask each gargoyle. Fuck, this is a mess! I’m going to need some time to think. When you guys torp today, I want to go talk to Jose. Mica, given the situation can you get some rest now and stay awake with me?”

  “Of course, princess. Good idea. I’ll go rest now. I’ll be in my own quarters if you need me, okay?”

  I watch as he leaves. “I need some rest too guys. As soon as you torp, I’m laying down too. This is my new normal. Crazy. I have one thing to do—call Clifton and give him this dratted topaz.”

  I send a message to Jose Brinker to let him know I need to speak with him today, so I won’t be a total surprise. I don’t get into a lot of detail, but do tell him my subject.

  Then I message Jared. I’m not surprised when he messages me right back, saying he is not at Fiatril Hall. He’s checking out some potential sources of information on the Horde. I tell him to please be careful and call when he can.

  Thirty-Four

  Fire

  Kendra

  I can’t sleep, no matter how hard I try. Is Mica still asleep? I reach out to see if I can detect his presence. I can sense he’s here. I can’t tell if he’s awake.

  I practice feeling Kino and Spar. Yes, my perception of them is a little stronger because they are right here in my room. I get up and get dressed. I’m in the mood for some fun, so I put a bra on top of Spar’s wing. Taking a pair of panties, I put them on Kino’s. I’ve got to do my best to be here when they wake, I tell myself, smiling.

  I’m going to find Mica, so I can crawl into bed with him. Maybe that’ll help me sleep. Reaching for him with my mind, I start off. I haven’t been to his room before now. That gives me pause. What if it’s his private space? What if he doesn’t want anyone in it, including me? Well, I guess I’ll find out.

  To get there, I must wing my way up. It’s off the training room. It looks like there are lots of little cave rooms up here. I go quietly into his room. Yay, he’s lying in a bed, not an upright torpefied stone statue. I take off my shoes and pants then, creep over to him, get into bed, and squeeze up close to him. I’m sleepy now. I close my eyes to drift off as he wraps me up in his muscle-bound arms. That makes me feel better about barging in without asking.

  I wake to a noise and locate it when I figure out Mica’s up, getting dressed. I lift myself onto an elbow to see him better. He’s putting on his pants without underwear. Well, commando fits him well, better than boxers or briefs. He notices me watching.

  “I had the best present this morning, princess, when I woke up with you in my bed, all warm and sexy.” He hops onto the bed, bouncing me up a little, right as my tablet beeps a notification.

  I can’t ignore any messages when the Horde is still wreaking havoc through the world. It’s from Jose, in answer to my message to him last night. He says he’s going to be interviewing couples who want to foster the children today. He’s free right now, for about an hour. I message back that I’ll see him in 15ish minutes.

  “Well, Mica, I guess we’re going to talk to Jose right now instead of making out with your hotness.” I kiss him quick, so I won’t get caught up. I still want more. “Mica, after we talk to Jose, let’s spend some time together, okay? I don’t have any ideas, but if you do, I’ll be happy with whatever you want to do.”

  “I’d love to spend some time with you, Kendra. What’re we talking to Jose about? What happened with Spar last night?”

  “Yes, I need to make some decisions. I keep coming back to the idea the structure of the current Ceorfan government isn’t working. I want advice before I jump in and change it. That could backfire on me. What do you think, Mica?” I ask, getting dressed.

  “Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll do it for the benefit of our people. I’ll back you all the way, my fair lady. I trust you. It’s possible you’ll do everything right, ironing out all the problems. If you do something wrong and make a mistake, I’ll still be here for you. I do believe Jose’s a good choice for this kind of advice. I’m a good choice for other stuff. Like fun.” He grins, gathering me close to give me an idea of what kind of fun.

  “Good thing I’m dressed, or I’d delay talking to my friend the TASS Chairman,” I flirt in return.

  We meet with Jose and learn they’ll place the children in homes today. “Kendra dear, these children are as healthy as possible. If you had not been there, as fast as you were I do not think they would have survived.” Jose is using his ‘Chairman’ voice as he speaks. It’s clear he wants me to know the actions the Ceorfan took saved these children without question.

  “I wish we could catch the sociopathic POC. We have to stop him before he hurts anyone else.”

  “Kendra, what is a ‘POC?’”

  “Oh, sorry, a ‘piece of crap.’”

  “Ah, thank you. About that—we found the installation from the coordinates you gave me. It’s empty. No one there at all. In fact, it doesn’t look like anyone’s been there in weeks. Your man may have been fooled into thinking their base was there to keep their real location secret. I believe it was used for the one meeting. It is a wonderful place to hide, I’ll give you that, but no sign they were using it. Only the front rooms had any sign of use in the past month.”

  “Shit! I thought we’d be able to end him. Back to the fucking drawing board.”

  “We are following up on clues, Kendra. I will be in touch as soon as I find out anything.”

  Calming down, we eat breakfast with Jose, talking all the while. He gives me some great advice. “Take it slow, get to know your people, they will let you know the best way to go. No need to rush. Be patient, little queen—these things usually take care of themselves.”

  Mica and I leave, but not back to Navan. He portals us straight to Oahu. He says this is big wave season. We can watch the daredevils surf the North Shore. It’s not hot, not cold. Chickens are everywhere. The ocean is choppy with huge swells. It takes my breath away to see the surfers surf those big waves. No one is getting hurt. It’s astounding to watch.

  “Oh Mica, how do they do that?”

  “Well, it takes lots of practice. Look, there’s a two-hour whale tour. Would you like to go do that?”

  “Yes, that’d be so cool. Let’s do it.”

  He gets us tickets and we’re off.

  “You know, I’d never been out of New Mexico until Scotland, and now here. This is wonderful.” I lean back on him. He’s steady and strong. Of course, he’s getting his share of looks from the ladies.

  He laughs when I point that out. If the Rock had a fair, blond twin, he would look a lot like Mica in his glamour. If they could only see his horns. I want to stick a sign on him that says he’s mine. It makes me feel good that he only has eyes for me when we are around so many beautiful people.

  We can already hear whale song. No matter how nice the movies are, it’s much more exciting to hear them in person. When a giant humpback whale jumps, it surprises me, and I jump back into Mica. I hold my breath at the marvelous sight.

  Mica folds his arms around me. Bending close to my ear, he blows his hot breath on me and kisses me. Oh Mica, too bad we’re limited out here.

  It’s over before I know it. I love every second. Just being alone with Mica is nice. I want to move faster in this relationship, but it’s a little scary. Today was wonderful. In summer, we will discover if I can learn to surf…or not. He loves it, dare devil that he is, makes a lot of sense. I love the water. Swimming is lovely. These are great plans.

  “Let’s go to
the lunchroom and get something to drink,” Mica tells me.

  We find a private place to portal back home. We are the only ones in here, so I get us some tea. I like mine with lemon; he likes his with lots and lots of sugar. I decide I’ll make us some cookies. I start, and he joins in. We make lots of plans. I can’t keep my hands off him and kiss him as much as possible.

  Finishing the cookies, I take them to a table, still hot, when Jericho arrives. Several other gargoyles come in, so we know it’s dark already. This day went by fast.

  Talking to Jericho, Kino and Spar enter the lunch room. Oh great! I’m going to die of embarrassment. They still have my underthings stuck on the top of their wings.

  “Get over here, you jokers.” I take off my bra and panties from their wings.

  They sheepishly say, “How did those get there?”

  “I get it, you got me back.” I can’t help but laugh. “Come on guys, let’s fly. I have business tonight.”

  We’ve been making it a habit to fly first thing after dark. We want to look around the Ranger’s Station to ensure everything is up to scratch. That’s when we see a fire in the south, close to the tourist caves. We hurry over to see if we can help without being seen. Mica and I take more chances at being seen since we look human. It’s dry here, and the fire is spreading fast.