by Missy Jane
More agreements were voiced around the table.
“It isn’t so different for a king,” Kadmos replied. “Of course, my wife left of her own accord, as everyone knows.” He turned to Gregori. “How is that search going?”
The wizard stroked his long beard with an aged hand. “I’m calling on Kephas for the next leg of the search. He has been resting these past few weeks and is at full strength. I must send him off far to the south to follow a credible lead.”
“For how long?” Wynn asked, concern for his brother now uppermost in his mind. Though they had superior strength, too much time spent away from the Wizard Stone that created them made them weak.
“I know not,” Gregori replied. “However, we have a way of helping him travel so far for a lengthened period of time. Worry not over your brother. He will be well.”
Individual conversations began amongst the wizards and King Kadmos began speaking to Bastien. Wynn frowned at the easy dismissal and wondered what protections would be given to Kephas. Warmth on his thigh brought his attention to Zephara.
She smiled up at him and rubbed his leg. “I’m sure all will be well. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you. None of us have ever traveled beyond Keva. We haven’t needed to.”
“I understand. There are dangerous lands beyond our borders, but your brother will find protection in my homeland.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you truly wish to travel with me to Hintersland? I’m not certain what will be required of me in Corbin’s home.”
Though an answer was on his tongue, he held it a moment to truly think it over. Did he want to follow her like a puppy? What would he do to occupy his time while she trained with the wizard? For a moment, doubt crept in. But then he looked into her mercury eyes again and lost himself to her beauty. He considered bringing up the possibility of her being forced to forget him but decided not to voice even a single doubt she might not pass the wizards’ test. She didn’t seem concerned about it so he would be just as confident in her abilities.
“Yes. I wish to spend what time with you as I’m able. As luck would have it, Hintersland is my town. My temple resides there and I haven’t visited in many years. It would be good to see to the people there.”
“That is lucky. We may not have many daylight hours together, but I’m happy to sleep in your arms every night.”
“That sounds like heaven.”
Her smile brightened the room and told him he’d made the right choice. His brothers might wonder at his odd actions, but he no longer cared. As soon as breakfast finished he found Steinn and let him know where he was off to. Then he packed his things and left them in Zephara’s room with her bag. They left just before dusk, heading to the Gargoyle’s castle and the Wizards Stone that sat hidden within.
Chapter Four
Kephas paced around the library of the Gargoyle castle and tried to think through his current summons. Gregori had just departed, and Kephas’s head still spun with everything the wizard had revealed. King Kadmos’s runaway bride had been spotted and now Kephas needed to find both her and the Princess. How in the many hells was he supposed to do that? Luckily he wasn’t expected to bring them home against their will, just check on them and maybe test the waters of a possible return.
He swiped both hands down his face and continued to pace. The Queen had left two decades ago, stealing away in the night with her infant daughter. There had been no note that he was aware of, and no obvious reason for her to flee. He had no idea what to say to her. The Princess would be in her early twenties now and most likely knew her own mind well. If she had wanted to return to the father her mother had abandoned, surely she would have done so. And if the princess knew nothing of her father the King? What then? He growled in frustration at the mere thought of the challenges he would be facing once he finally found them. If he found them.
The king kept a portrait of his long-lost wife and their infant daughter in the throne room. Kephas had seen it many times, but he knew there would be no way to recognize the Princess from that image. Concern that the princess might have been separated from her mother distracted him. The king wanted to see his wife again, but was mostly desperate for a reunion with his only child. According to Gregori, the Princess also had a birthmark shaped like a crescent moon with a star at one point. The only problem was its location in a very hidden place on her body. What did they expect him to do? Strip every woman he encountered?
A high pitched squeal followed by tinkling laughter wiped away his annoyance as if it had never been. He turned, a grin spread across his face as his sister-in-law and niece entered the library.
“Phas! Phas!”
He chuckled as his one-year old niece once again mangled his name. She was growing inhumanly fast, in both body and intelligence, but the wizards didn’t seem concerned. However, she still couldn’t pronounce most of her uncles’ names.
“Kephas, good morning,” Astrid said.
His sister-in-law looked radiant in her current pregnancy. A marked difference from when she’d surprised everyone with little Ourania. The wizards guessed Ourania had sensed the danger her mother was in and somehow accelerated her own birthing time. With all the things the youngling could already do, Kephas was inclined to believe such a feat.
“Good morning, Astrid,” he said as Ourania reached for him. He pulled her from her mother’s arms and held her to his chest. “And good morning to you, little beauty.”
Ourania giggled and clapped her chubby hands. Astrid laughed with her. “She is so happy this morning. I mean, more so than usual. I’m not sure why.”
“Perhaps she senses her little brother or sister is coming soon?”
She placed a hand on her protruding belly and seemed to listen to something he couldn’t hear. Then she shook her head with confidence. “Not yet. I’m not sure how I know that, but I do.”
“We’ll all just take your word for it.”
“Not just mine. I ran into Gregori on his way out and he laid a hand on me. He said so far this one is more in-line with a normal human pregnancy. I certainly hope this babe doesn’t turn to stone at the end like she did.”
She nodded toward Ourania who was playing with Kephas’ short beard and mustache. He tried not to cringe whenever her little fingers tugged with too much strength.
“Worry not,” he replied. “Every person in this castle, humans included, will be alert for your safety this time. Yours and Phaidra’s.”
Astrid laughed. “Phaidra has nothing to worry about. As soon as the Kevan discovered she was with child, they sent a company of soldiers to watch the castle. Did you know we have warrior women camped outside our walls?”
He didn’t try to hide his surprise. “How did I miss that when I flew in?”
“Well, it was dark outside and they’re highly trained. I imagine if they don’t want to be seen, even keen gargoyle eyes won’t find them.”
He huffed his annoyance and Ourania tugged again. Then she slapped both little hands on his cheeks and held his face still to peer into his eyes. “Phas.”
“Yes, my beauty. Kay-phas.”
She just giggled and kissed his nose.
Astrid lowered herself to a nearby bench and he stepped closer. “Are you well? I can call for Orestes.”
She waved the offer away with one hand as she leaned on the other. “No, no, please don’t. I love the man with everything in me but he is driving me absolutely mad. He actually carried me to dinner last night. Me! Big as a sow and he carried me down all those steps so I wouldn’t tire.”
Kephas chuckled and joined her on the bench. “I’d do the same for my love so I don’t see your point.”
She smiled and shook her head. “I love all of you dearly but you can truly be overbearing at times.”
“We all remember what you looked like when Orestes first notice
d you, Astrid.”
That made the smile fade from her lips and he wanted to kick himself. But the image of her thin, pale, bruised, and dirty would forever be etched in his memory. He couldn’t imagine how Orestes felt every time he thought of it.
“I’m fine now,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “More than fine. Your brother treats me like a queen and I’m happier than I ever thought I could be.”
“Good. That’s all we want for you and Phaidra.”
“And your woman? When will you be bringing a female home to stay?”
He rolled his eyes at the mischievous look on her face. “Not anytime soon. I’m to go after two females but not ones I intend to keep.”
“Oh?”
“Gregori came to give me the task of retrieving the King’s lost bride and daughter. They’re somewhere south of Pastel.”
“Truly? Well, that will be an adventure.”
“Hmm.”
“Did you meet the Pastel Wynn brought home? Such lovely eyes.”
He chuckled and settled Ourania against his shoulder. She had settled down and seemed to be dozing. “The land is Pah-stell, but the people are Pah-stay.”
She looked confused at his careful pronunciation. “Oh? I’m glad I didn’t say anything of the sort to her. She seems very sweet to Wynn, but wary of the rest of us.”
“They are a mysterious species. She is the first I’ve ever met.”
“Wynn certainly seems taken with her.”
“Hmm.”
She sat up and clasped her hands together. “Maybe it’s a sign. Perhaps each of you will be finding your true love soon just as my Orestes and Nel have.”
He barked out a laugh, startling Ourania who grumbled before releasing a light snore. He patted her back and turned again to Astrid. “True love, eh? I fear you’ve been reading too many stories in this room.”
Astrid grinned at him before glancing around her domain. After Orestes had claimed her, he’d all but threatened Wynn from assigning her any menial tasks within the castle. They had settled on the library where she dusted and kept everything organized.
“This is the most wonderful room,” she said with a sigh. Then she looked at him again. “When must you leave on your adventure? I’ll go to the kitchen and make sure they prepare something for you.”
Another reason he adored Astrid was how she took care of everyone in the castle. He leaned over to place a kiss on her temple. “Thank you, sister. That would help get me on my way.”
“Get your mouth away from my wife.”
They turned to the grumbling voice of Orestes as he walked into the room. Kephas chuckled at the jealousy on his brother’s face and Astrid made a sound of annoyance. “Behave, my love. Everyone knows I’m yours.”
Orestes came over and helped her stand, keeping her in his arms once she was on her feet. “Bloody right, you are.” He looked at Kephas. “Where are you off to now?”
“South of Pastel is all I know for certain until I meet my contact there. I’m to retrieve the King’s wife and daughter.”
“Why now? Is all well with the King?”
Shock and concern rang through Kephas. He hadn’t even thought to question Gregori on the timing of this quest.
“I don’t know. I was bid to do this now but the Wizard gave no reason.”
“I see.”
“I’m sure the King is fine.” Astrid ran one small hand over Orestes chest in a soothing gesture. “Surely Bastien or Corbin would tell you if it were otherwise.”
Orestes nodded and Kephas thought she might be right, but really they didn’t know what the wizards might keep from them. The Twenty kept so many secrets the king might not even know them all.
“Wynn’s woman is a wizard,” Astrid said. “Maybe she knows.”
Kephas started in shock. “She is? A woman?”
Astrid snorted a laugh. “Yes, she is a woman. And she is a wizard.”
Orestes chuckled as well and kissed Astrid before releasing her. He held his arms out to Kephas. “I’ll take the sleeping bundle while you prepare for your trip. Do you need any weapons?”
Kephas stood and handed over Ourania, placing a gentle kiss on her before releasing her. She was so small and perfect. All the brothers enjoyed spending time with her as much as their schedules allowed.
Orestes’ arms tightened around his daughter and a look of contentment crossed his face. For a heartbeat, Kephas’ chest ached in longing. Then he shook his head both at himself and to answer his brother’s question. “I’ve all I need for this journey.”
“What about your strength?’ Astrid asked. “How long will you be gone, away from the Stone?”
Concern creased Orestes’ brow as he waited for the answer. Kephas reached beneath his shirt to pull out the silver chain he’d tucked inside. At the end hung a wire cage no bigger than Ourania’s fist. Suspended within floated a small stone surrounded by purple light.
“This piece is much like the Wizards Stone. Gregori told me there are other small pieces and each is powerful, though none as powerful as the one we retain here.”
“That will help if you are injured?” Orestes asked.
“Yes, just as our Wizard Stone would.”
“Why are we just now hearing of this?” Astrid asked with obvious anger. “All of you should have such charms every time you leave the castle.”
Kephas shrugged. Yet another question he hadn’t thought to ask the Wizard. “Perhaps others are being fashioned as we speak. I don’t know if these stones are a new discovery or not.”
“Or maybe they meant to keep you chained to this castle until they decided to send you so far away,” she said.
Both men stared at her but neither said a word.
Finally Orestes cleared his throat. “Whatever the reason, we know now and can ask to have others made for the rest of us. Did Gregori say if the power will run out since it’s such a small stone?”
“No,” Kephas replied, happy he had at least thought to ask that question. “Its power is inherent within the stone. However, he did recommend I set it on the larger stone for a while once I return.”
“So it doesn’t run out, but can use a recharge,” Astrid said with obvious skepticism. “Hmm.”
Orestes grinned at her. “Don’t worry, my love. I’ll thoroughly question the next wizard who happens by. Until then,” he looked at Kephas. “When do you leave?”
“Within the hour, if Astrid works her magic on the kitchen staff. I’ll fly to Keva but ride a horse through Pastel for safety’s sake. Gregori said something about the treaties, but I’m not sure what all it entails.”
That made Astrid and Orestes frown.
“All will be well, I’m certain,” Kephas said. He clapped his brother on the shoulder and held his arm out for Astrid. “Can I lead you to the kitchen?”
Orestes growled in annoyance and she laughed. “Of course, brother.”
Long minutes later he was finally in the air. Gregori had assured him a fast horse would be waiting in Keva. For a moment he considered staying the night with a willing woman, but the question of whether the stone around his neck truly worked changed his mind. It would be best to have this task done quickly.
He landed in Keva to a warm welcome from an old friend. Krista was a beautiful woman with short-cropped honey-colored hair and light blue eyes. Kephas had spent many nights with her over the past few years.
She smiled at him as she handed over the reins to a powerful stallion. “This is Triton and he’ll serve you well. Are you certain you wouldn’t rather stay until morning?”
He returned her smile and placed a quick kiss on her lips. “Yes, I would. Which is why I shouldn’t.”
She laughed and stepped back as he mounted. “Perhaps on your return journey? Just remember to find me and not one of my sisters.”
He nodded
in reply before turning the horse toward the border gate. Keva was a large kingdom full of female warriors, but they remembered well their times of war and guarded their lands strongly. Phaidra was Kevan but nothing like her sisters. She was soft and kind. Most Kevan were not, though Krista came close. Kephas enjoyed his time with her but had never felt the need to remain with her past sunrise. Would that ever happen for him with any female? Perhaps such a thing was not in his nature.
* * * * *
Theda brushed an arm over her eyes, wiping away sweat, dirt, and tears. It was okay to cry now. No one was left to witness her weakness or remark on it, not that she cared any longer. In truth, she had never cared about the whispers that accompanied her through the village. It was her mother who had worried. Her mother who had tried so hard to blend in and pretend they were something they were not.
But now her mother was dead, so it no longer mattered. None of it did.
She shoveled the last pile of dirt onto the mound and straightened her aching back. She could’ve used magic to bury her mother, but there was small satisfaction in doing it by hand like any other human. The burn in her muscles was a small price to pay for this final act. She loved her mother, truly she did. But they had almost never seen eye-to-eye on things, especially where her father was concerned.
She pushed the thought away, along with the loose auburn hair hanging over her sunburnt face. It was a curse of her mother’s people that her light skin burned at the slightest hint of sun. Today was full of bright light and absent clouds. Not even a breeze was in evidence to cool her heated flesh. She focused on her physical discomforts to mask the emotional pain. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on her loss. She needed to get as far away from here as she could, and quickly.
The mound was a small but noticeable mark in the earth. Surrounding trees shaded the spot and Theda pulled brush from around her to cover it. She yanked a knife from her belt and stood before the large tree at the head of her mother’s grave. Her palm vibrated with life when she rested it against the bark. “Forgive me this trespass. And please look after her for me.”
