The Forlorn

by Calle J. Brookes

  She’d yet to return to Center Thrun City, and she doubted she would anytime soon.

  The library no longer called to her. She didn’t know if that was because of the attack there, or because she was supposed to meet Rion there.

  It didn’t matter. She’d met him, and was growing closer to him every single day.

  As was her family. The boys especially liked having a guy around, and he was around all the time.

  It was getting easier and easier for her to be with him, to expect him there when she turned around. To touch him, and to have him touch her.

  There had been a few times over the last two days when she’d found herself wrapped in his arms being kissed in ways she never had been before.

  She hadn’t wanted him to stop.

  Mara was trying to understand what it meant to have a Rajni. To feel the pull and the heat that all the legends said would be there. Things were changing between them, and quickly.

  She wore the key to the door between them on a chain around her neck. It was always there, just waiting for her to use it.

  That day was probably coming much earlier than she expected. And she was almost ok with that.

  She wasn’t quite ready yet, but she would be. She would be.

  Today was a special day for the ruling family.

  The Laquazzeana Nalik was about to be a father. His rajni was about to give birth to their son. The entire Hall was excited, and it was hard not to get wrapped up in it herself.

  She’d met Nalik and his mate Cass a few times. He was a distant cousin of her mother’s and he’d personally made a point of apologizing for the way his grandfather and uncle had treated their family since their relocation to Thrun. Mara had found him to be sincere, if not a bit terrifying, and kind. His wife or girlfriend or whatever she was reminded Mara of someone she’d known back in the human world. And she’d enjoyed their visits, though they’d been short.

  It was taking her a while to believe that most Dardaptoans weren’t like the ones occupying Center Thrun City. But most here had been nice. To her and the rest of her family.

  Rion worked hard, and he had a sharp mind she definitely found fascinating. They spent many hours each day just talking and pouring over ancient texts and searching out parts of the city where more information could be found.

  He was like the Dardaptoan version of Indiana Jones, or something. Only far better looking, in her opinion.

  When she wasn’t with him or her family she was with his sister Nora. The other woman was going practically nuts without a computer, and was determined to find some type of power source from the demon world that would work with her precious laptop. His sister spent just as much time with her inventions as Rion did with his books.

  Mara found Nora to be funny and snarky and downright normal. It was almost like having her friends from Colorado back again, at times.

  It helped some of the hurt and loneliness ease off.

  She definitely appreciated that.

  It was a bit different having an entire suite to herself. She’d lived with her mother her entire life, except for her years in a dorm with her friends. Not having someone right there immediately was a huge adjustment.

  She found herself going either to Rion’s at night for dinner, or to Nora’s. Where he’d end up often, anyway.

  He was always there, and Mara liked it.

  Rion apparently did to. The man touched her, every opportunity he got. He didn’t even seem aware he was doing it. And she didn’t mind at all.

  She was really starting to fall for him…

  He was meeting her in the main lobby in fifteen minutes. They would be joining the rest of the ruling families that were close to Nalik and Cass to wait for the baby. Everyone was wondering just what exactly the baby would be like. Apparently its parents were supposed to be powerful, god-like beings.

  And more of those god-like beings would be delivering the baby.

  It was almost more than Mara could process. God-like babies. Magical beings. Demon cities. Legends and myths she’d never heard of. It was like a dream, and one she wasn’t sure she wanted to wake up from. For the first time in a long time, she was excited to be doing something.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Rion saw her when she entered the lobby and he found himself losing his train of thought. He looked over at the male on his left and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I see her and I stop thinking, every single time.”

  Barlaam laughed. “I understand. I do have my own mate. She’s just the same.”

  Rion had met Barlaam’s Jade a time or two. But he did not see her today. “Where is she?”

  “She’s upstairs with Cass. Waiting for the rest of their family to arrive.”

  Rion ended the conversation with his friend and started across the lobby to meet his female.

  She looked so beautiful in the white vestis and pardus tied with turquoise hasha. Perfect.

  Exactly what he’d waited his entire life for. He met her half way across the lobby and held out a hand to her. “Mara, you look beautiful.”

  She flushed, like she always did when he complimented her. So sweet, so young, so unsure of herself. He could only imagine what she would be like in a hundred years or so.

  He kissed her softly on the lips. She didn’t pull away, but he didn’t push, knowing she would not be comfortable with the eyes upon them. He stepped back and led his mate to a small chaise nearby. “We are still waiting. The Laquazzeana will arrive soon.”

  “This is one of the weirdest things I’ve seen yet. These creatures are mythological. Yet…they’re real.”

  “There’s something I need to tell you. About my sister Aureliana…” His sister and her mate spent most of their time in Relaklonos City, but would be coming in for the birth of the baby.

  “She’s one of them, too. Cass said. What does it mean?”

  “No one really knows, yet. The others, the older Laquazzeana, they have yet to say. But whatever it is that happens, I will be there to record it.”

  They waited, along with the two dozen others in the room, until the celebration began that would mark the first son of Thrun’s birth. Rion understood the significance, even for those who were not related to the small babe.

  It signaled a future for the city, and for the Dardaptoans and other Kinds who now found themselves living their lives out in a demon city in an unknown world.

  It was change, hope, and new beginnings.

  He was glad he and Mara were there to witness it.

  Less than an hour after the babe’s birth and the two eldest Laquazzeana Phaenna and Eaudne entered the lobby. The crowd hushed.

  Rion wrapped his hand around Mara’s. She leaned against his shoulder. He could feel her nerves and awe through the physical connection of their hands. Rion understood it.

  The two Laquazzeana were beautiful, and sometimes difficult to look at. One was dark, the other fair. The power radiated around them. When Nalik and his Rajni were next to them, along with his sister Aureliana and the young healer Bronwen it was a true sight of awe.

  They were the most powerful creatures he had ever seen. That they were gathered because a war was coming terrified him.

  He understood the way destiny worked sometimes. There would not be so many Laquazzeana if there was not to be a need for them soon.

  What would it bring for the future?

  Phaenna was laughing, her happiness almost contagious. He knew then his cousin’s babe had arrived in the world safely, and his cousin’s mate had survived the birthing. The blonde woman at her side looked exhausted, but there was deep emotion in her eyes.

  Eaudne limped further into the lobby. Everyone looked at the oldest Laquazzeana. She held up a hand. “The babe, a boy to be called Dylin, does well. His mother rests now.”

  She waited until the celebratory wishes had been given. Someone handed her a glass. She took it, then lifted it toward the crowd. “The babe is strong, powerful. Beautiful. He will live in a world where he knows lov
e. There is nothing more we can give our young but love. We do not know what tomorrow will bring for any of us, but today…today there is love, and there is life. Now, come, let us go. Give the new babe the gift of peace and rest, for him and his parents. For such a spirited babe will soon exhaust both his mother and father. I can’t think of anything Nalik deserves more.”

  There was laughter, of course. If anyone was up to the challenge of an all-powerful child it was Nalik Black.

  But Rion saw the worry in the Laquazzeana’s eyes.

  He did not know her well at all, but the worry had him concerned.

  What did she know that they didn’t? Would she share that knowledge?

  Something compelled him to wait until the others in the sitting room left before he stood, Mara next to him. Eaudne looked directly at them.

  Rion’s chest tightened. He pulled Mara closer.

  Eaudne crossed the room to them. At first he thought she was looking at him.

  It shocked the three hells out of him when she held out her hands to Mara and spoke. “Another daughter of the Nellana line reborn.”

  Mara looked at Rion, obviously confused. He just shook his head. He knew not what the woman was talking of.

  “I…”

  “I know I have confused you, child. We will speak again soon. When I am more rested. Just know that you have a soul reborn, one of Nellana Druid ancestry. Your male will explain more to you of that. And when Cass is feeling more like herself, she will be able to explain what being reborn will mean to you. It will answer some of your lingering questions, the way your male has not been able to.”

  “I…”

  “Blessings on you, daughter of the Nellanas. You are greatly welcomed—and needed—here.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Mara knew she was staring. Did she believe the woman? “I’m sorry, but…what’s a Nellana? I’ve never heard that term before.”

  The woman smiled. “Nellana is the name of a family from long ago. They and their eleven children suffered greatly before they passed. Their daughters are being reborn into today’s times. You hold the soul of the middle daughter in your heart. Her name was Agrippa. She was near one thousand when she was killed by the Dark Sorcerer. She was also one of great knowledge.”

  “I’ve never heard of her.”

  “We will speak of her and the others later. Not today. But know that what is in you, what has made you feel so different from all the others in your life is a great thing. A powerful thing, and you should be proud to carry it. Her heart and mind will guide you well.” Eaudne brushed a hand against Mara’s cheek, and that was when Mara saw the horrible scars running around the woman’s arm. It looked like a giant hand had seared its imprint into the skin. “She was a friend. It hurt very much to lose her, and the rest. The goddess Nelciana was their only child to survive that day. And with you three of the eleven lost children of the Nellana line have been reborn. Cassandra, the Sebastos babe, and you. There must be great meaning in that. And it gives me hope…it gives me so much hope this day.”

  “How do you know it’s me? I am just…”

  “I was there the day of Agrippa’s birth, I held her in my arms much as I did the child birthed today. I saw the soul as she breathed her first. I recognize her in you.”

  Rion slipped an arm around Mara’s shoulder and she leaned into him. “Mara has not been raised in our ways, my lady. There are many pieces of our history she is still learning. She will need time to understand what it is you are saying.”

  “Of course. To understand and become of balanced heart with it. It is difficult at times for a reborn soul to find peace in a new life. We shall talk more soon. For today, you have need of your male. And that is what matters. Take your moments with him and cherish, for they are what is truly precious.”

  She turned and limped away. No one stepped in her way. Mara studied her as she left.

  She was no taller than Mara, and her body was thin and almost frail. Eaudne favored one side completely. And the scar on her arm…she must have suffered so horribly.

  It made Mara’s own recent struggles seem trivial. The wounds on her own arms were fading quickly. She’d probably not even scar.

  Eaudne had survived something so horrible, and was still there to this day. Apparently doing good and making an impact.

  How could Mara do no less?

  She had to at least try.

  Rion rubbed her shoulder and Mara leaned her head against his chest. He was so strong and protective. Sweet and kind when it mattered.

  She dropped her hand to her side, then laced her fingers through his.

  No matter what happened in this world, at least she wasn’t alone anymore.

  She had her family, and now she had him.

  Nothing else really mattered. Her mother would be ok, the boys would be safe and happy, and so would Mara.

  And now she knew it, too.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Eaudne found her the next morning, while Mara walked around the gardens. Rion was in a meeting with his sister and a few of his brothers, and her mother had taken the boys down to the basement of the Ruling Hall where a small two room school was set up for the children who lived in the Hall. There weren’t many, less than twenty, but everyone thought the boys would enjoy participating, since school had been such a large part of their lives in Colorado.

  It was the first time Mara had really been alone for more than fifteen minutes since the birth of the Blacks’ son. She had a lot to think about.

  Eaudne was apparently waiting for her. The older woman stood when Mara walked by. “Child, please…sit, talk with me a while.”

  Mara didn’t know what else to do, so she sat.

  Eaudne patted her knee. “Still so scared. So questioning. Agrippa was often the same way.”

  “I’m not her.”

  “No. In many ways you are not. Different life experiences, different times. Most reborn souls never know of their previous lives. It itself is a rare event. Most souls do not earn the right to come back to any world.”

  “So why me?”

  “Only the Four Destinies can really know. I certainly do not.”

  And she was Laquazzeana—what exactly did Eaudne know?

  “How did she die? Agrippa?”

  “The Dark Sorcerer. He took all but the Druid Goddess of that line, child. And he took all but a handful of my own children. Agrippa was consumed by the sorcerer’s blaze.” Eaudne held up her scarred hand. “I will tell you no more of how she died. You do not need those images burned upon your soul.”

  “What does it mean for me?”

  Eaudne was quiet for a while. “I do not quite know yet. But there is a reason for so many who were lost that day being reborn. Cassandra is a Nellana soul. Her mate is my own son Kilan reborn. Young Lana the healer, Bronwen, both daughters of my own heart reborn these past one hundred years.”

  “Why now?”

  Eaudne was quiet for a long while. “I will not lie to you. You know the wars are coming. The Dark Sorcerer killed so many people thousands of years ago. But he promised to return. I have feared these days ever since.”

  Just how old was she? Mara couldn’t fathom… “I still don’t know why you think I am Agrippa.”

  “I just know, sweet Mara. That is something you will have to take on faith. I do not know your role in these times, or why you were chosen. I do know that you are meant to be here.”

  “So what am I supposed to do?”

  “What you do every day. Live, breathe, love. That is all any of us can. When your destiny arrives, you will know and that is when you will make your choices. Not a moment before.”

  It sounded both complicated and simple. “I…”

  “Just think on my words. There are no real decisions to be made today. Other than those between you and your male. A fine one, is he. Strong, brave, quick of mind. You should be proud to claim him as yours.”

  “We’re still learning about each other. I…I’m not ready for an
y more than that.”

  “And there is nothing wrong with that. In my world, Dardaptoans of old, we would meet our mates—if we had one, as we didn’t always—and would take our time to know each other first. It is just Kennera’s Dardaptoans, those made in the last five thousand years who do things a bit differently. What is it called in the human world? Evolution? When Kennera’s Dardaptoans were first made, they needed their mates for survival. That need has continued to this day.”

  “I don’t need Rion.” Did she? He had become very important to her, already. She knew that. But that didn’t mean…

  “But you want him. All who look at the two of you can see it. Need will come with time.” Eaudne leveled a look at her. “You still struggle with that.”

  Mara thought for a moment. “Maybe I do.”

  “Take your time, but remember that each moment you wait is one you are willingly giving away. Every moment with the male you love is one that should be cherished. Every single one…promise me that you will remember that.”

  Mara watched the other woman as Eaudne limped away a few minutes later. There was such sadness in the older woman. Such regret and longing. Was it just for the mate she’d obviously lost?

  Her mother had the same sadness, didn’t she?

  Because they’d lost the men they loved?

  Mara stood, suddenly filled with the knowledge of exactly how she felt and what she must do.

  She wanted him, and needed to tell him exactly that.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  She found him in a small sitting room, one that was lined with bookshelves stuffed with ancient texts. He spent most of his free time there, studying. He had notebooks spread out in front of him. He had to have brought them from the human world.

  The sign of something so normal to her made her certain of what choice she was about to make.

  He looked up when she entered the room. His expression immediately turned worried and he stood. “Mara, love, what is it?”