by Jen Wylie
The Were themselves nodded or gave their party short bows, always avoiding her gaze, before returning to whatever they had been doing. A few quiet "Welcome, Aro-En" met her ears, but her guide did not slow, so she didn't have the time to find the owners of the words to reply. The odd giant wolf wandering around amidst the people drew her attention. Though used to Garen, her brain still had trouble dealing with their size.
They finally stopped, dismounting and gathering their bags. After Gillis spoke with a man who led away the horses, they entered a large building which reminded her of the Westwind with its bar and tables set out, people eating a variety of foods.
"Is this an inn?"
Gillis turned in her direction as he led them through a door to the left into a hallway. "A waystation. Similar to a human inn, yes." Stopping, he gestured to two doors. "Rhee-En arranged for two rooms. Please settle in. You may dine in the common area," he gestured back to the first room they'd entered, "and baths are at the end of this hall. Rest tonight. I will meet you in the morning in the common area after breakfast to take you to Rhee-En."
"Thank you."
With another nod, he turned and left, leaving them standing in the hall and staring at the doors. Stepping forward she opened one and looked inside. Two beds. The other room appeared the same.
"I'll take this one," she told the boys, going into the first room and then closing the door behind her.
Dropping her bag on the floor, she took a deep breath. Alone was fine. She was an adult. She could do this.
∞ ∞ ∞
The common room was quieter in the morning. Or perhaps they were just early, it being barely after dawn. The night before they'd cleaned up and then ate, talking for a while about everything they needed to discuss with the alpha. With nothing else to do, they'd gone to bed early. They might as well get what rest they could.
She had nightmares. They were not, however, bad enough to bring any of the boys running in. She was pretty sure she didn't scream.
After eating a light breakfast, she looked around, watching the few Were. She couldn't help the sadness rising within her. She missed when they talked to her, when they didn't care who, or what, she was.
Gillis walked in, his shoulders relaxing when he saw them sitting at a table. Motioning for them to come, he didn't say a word as he led them quickly through the town until they stopped at a nondescript log building.
She turned, and then frowned as she saw Baelan and Kei farther back down the street, stopped and speaking to some Were.
"I will make sure they know where to go. Please go on in, Aro-En."
She smiled at Gillis and then closed her eyes for a moment, gathering herself. She was clean. Her hair was even brushed. Her clothes not only fit, but were of the highest quality. Thinking of Roan, she raised her chin and pushed open the door.
The room seemed dim after the brightness of the outdoors and she blinked a few times. The alpha stepped forward to meet her and she tilted her head up. His black hair was still a bit wild. His eyes still a strange mix of gold and blue. The scars marring one side of his face from cheek to jaw didn't frighten her this time, though perhaps she'd just gotten used to them.
"It is good to see you again, Aro-En."
Rot. She'd forgotten about his voice. His smooth, beautiful purr of a voice. A shiver ran through her and she clenched her teeth, trying not to let his effect on her show.
He chuckled, and she knew she'd failed. Giving up, she smiled awkwardly and took another step forward. "It's good to see you again as well."
They looked at each other until it grew awkward, which would have worried her, but he didn't say anything either and he was supposed to be good at this sort of thing, being a centuries old Were.
She cleared her throat but didn't lower her gaze.
An easy smile curved his lips. "I believe you will do well, Aro-En. You have learned much over the winter."
"Some things. Likely not enough. I was hoping you could help with some of it."
He laughed, the sound making her breath catch and her stomach clench, not in a bad way. She held in a frown. "Still bold as well. Yes, I will help you as I can." His head tipped to the side slightly. "You know things have changed now."
Her brows drew down. "Many things have changed. What in particular were you referring to?"
Raising a hand, a finger moved back and forth between them. "You also, are now alpha."
"Does that mean we can't be friends?"
"Were we friends before?"
"I like to think so."
He regarded her for a long moment before his stance relaxed and he chuckled. "Bold, and straightforward."
She forced herself to smile. "I need all the friends I can get. Things have…not been easy and I don't think they are going to get much better," she said quietly.
He nodded, solemn now. "You had a hard winter. I often wished…" Stopping, he shook his head. "Yes, we will be friends."
She didn't expect it, but when he spread his arms she didn't hesitate to step into his gentle embrace.
"You can do this," he whispered against her hair, giving her a light squeeze.
"I hope so."
Baelan walked in as she pulled away from Rhee-En's arms. The Elf raised his eyebrows and smirked.
She sighed. "Rhee-En, this is Baelan, the troublesome Elf I told you about a while ago."
The Were turned his attention to Baelan. "Ah, yes. The outcast assassin now bound to you."
Baelan's eyes widened slightly, his lips parting as he stared. "Wither me, you sound like sex. On a cold night, in front of a roaring fire with a couple of–"
Horrified, Aro gave him a sharp mental jab and his mouth snapped closed. Rhee-En simply seemed amused. For all she knew, he'd heard that before. Her cheeks burned, and she cleared her throat.
"It's fine, Aro-En. No need to be embarrassed." His gaze moved to the side. "Kei, Garen. Welcome." Turning, he gestured to a long table set up farther in the room. "Come, we have much to discuss."
The table was covered with a map, nearly the same length, and she paused, eyes flicking over landmarks she knew. Kei stopped at her side as her fists clenched.
"I assume you know how to read a map?"
Instead of the Were, her eyes met Kei's as she nodded. "It's not…"
Kei scowled then bit his lip, worry lines forming between his brows. "No, it isn't."
"Is there a problem?"
Clenching her jaw for a moment, she then turned to Rhee-En. "We had…plans. But this," she flung a hand out indicating the long map, "isn't what we were told." At the alpha's raised brow, she continued, "Prince drew us a map in the dirt once, the sea, the mountains, " she pointed from one end of the map to the other, "and the boundary between Were and human lands."
"He should not have done that," Rhee-En said crossly.
She shook her head. "He was wrong. His map was nearly square. The human lands not much less than the Weres."
Kei's hand slipped into hers. "It's fine, Aro. It will just take us longer than we expected."
Huffing out an angry breath, she forced a smile.
"What was your plan?"
Stepping down the table, she found the village on the map and then drew a line with her finger, north to south. "Work it like a grid. Down, east a bit, up, and so on. We'd spread out on each pass, cover as much ground as we can."
She turned to Kei. "Is that still doable?"
He paused for a moment, and then nodded. "Follow the Guide, Seek those who hide, Back and forth, again and again, Through the lands of Rhee-En."
She blinked a few times, then smiled faintly.
Rhee-En stared at Kei a long moment. "Very good." He cleared his throat. "The Fey like to hide. Their trails can also be difficult to follow. They know how to hide them, and even if not, they fade quickly."
"We're hoping to have a few Fey join us to track them down. A few others to help those we find. We'll set up camps here," she drew a line up the center of Rhee-En's lands, east to west,
"moving them east as we go until we reach Furia."
He nodded. "That certainly would be more productive than dragging them all along with you."
"We'd have supplies delivered there as well, or to villages close by, if possible. We have Bo in Westport to gather what we need, it's just getting them here we need to discuss with you."
"Very good, Aro-En. That will not be a problem. We have Were working as night guards at the quarry. I can send my supply teams down and bring loads up."
Aro couldn't help but grin at that. "I'll pay you. And for help delivering them to us as we move."
Now knowing better than to argue, Rhee-En merely tipped his head in agreement.
They huddled over the map, working out specific routes, adjusting some so they could stop at villages, or ensure nearby water sources for the camps. After breaking for a quick lunch, they continued, and then discussed supplies. Rhee-En found a large notebook for Baelan to take notes.
"I believe we have missed dinner," Rhee-En finally commented. "You will still be able to eat at the waystation though."
She hadn't even noticed someone came in and lit lamps. Rubbing her stiff neck, she smiled and nodded.
"We will meet again tomorrow, though I am busy until noon. I will have Gillis bring you once I am free and we can finish up."
As they headed for the door, Rhee-En stopped them, placing a hand on each of her and Kei's shoulders. "I am proud of you. Well done."
With that he slipped out the door and she grinned at Kei, feeling some of the tension slip from her shoulders. They could do this.
∞ ∞ ∞
Baelan frowned when Gillis led them into the building the next day and Rhee-En wasn't yet there.
Aro rolled her eyes. The Elf had been in dream land since the night before and mentioned the alpha too many times. "Pay attention today." He'd also written almost nothing down.
"I am. Mostly."
"Just remember to take notes."
"It's not like I'm going to forget," Baelan muttered.
"You're not paying attention, so you might."
"It's not my fault his voice is so distracting."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Rhee-En came in and she opened her eyes to see Baelan's cheeks flush and a beautiful smile cross his face.
Kei sighed.
Rhee-En glanced at the Elf with an amused smile. They looked at each other for a long moment and she wondered what sort of mental conversation they were having.
From the discouraged sigh Baelan finally let out, she decided she didn't want to know.
Rhee-En greeted them and got straight to business. "Shall we continue?"
After dealing with a few comments or questions each had come up with since they last met, the alpha moved to the map.
"I have spoken again with my Were. As far as we can tell, the Fey, at least those in my lands, are concentrated here." He indicated a good-sized area around Furia. "There are pockets, here and here, which is unsurprising as the area has a number of caves. I believe there are also a good number in Alar-En's lands."
Her eyes slid over the map. "There are still some out this way though. Or are we wasting our time?"
"Some, yes."
"The closer we get to Furia the more we'll find," Kei said. "Even now, after all these centuries, it is our home and we won't travel far." His eyes met hers. "The more we heal and bring together, the stronger we will be. Others will be drawn to us."
"Such a unique society," Rhee-En murmured.
"What about the Vor? When will we need to worry about them?"
"Hopefully not for some time." His look turned sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his head, likely remembering last fall when some got far enough west they were attacked. "I will, of course, keep you updated."
"So, for now we've just Elves to deal with," she muttered to herself.
"Should my Were be near and you are attacked, you will be assisted," Rhee-En stated firmly. "You are now pack." His gaze slid to Baelan. "Unfortunately, you have no such protection."
The Elf shrugged a shoulder. "I am here to protect Arowyn, and I can take care of myself." He paused and then tipped his head to the side. "Will there be repercussions if I do?"
"No. We may not agree with the hunting of outcasts, but do stay out of it. Try not to damage my forest. If you start a fire, put it out. Bury the dead." A wry grin crossed the Were's lips. "If you do not leave a trail of bodies, that should keep the Elves off all our backs."
"Understood."
"Aro-En, our king will want to be kept updated."
Our king.
Oh, rot. She had a king. The Were king. How had that happened? No, how could she have never even considered it?
Rhee-En tipped his head to the side as she squirmed. "Do you still fear him?"
She shrugged a shoulder. Yes, yes she did, but wasn't about to admit it.
The alpha sighed. "That is partly my fault, I know. You need not fear our king, Aro-En. He is kind and just with his people. Until you, or he, decides otherwise, you are now considered one of us."
"Do I have to talk to him?"
"It is customary for us alphas to do so on a regular basis. He wishes to be kept informed."
Nodding once, she tried to hold back her rising panic.
She should have known she couldn't hide it from the Were. He let out a loud sigh. "Are you afraid to talk to me?"
"No, of course not."
"Then for now, if you promise to speak with me regularly, I will pass on the information for you." He leaned closer, making eye contact. "Just for now."
"Thank you," she said softly.
Leaning back, his gaze grew thoughtful. "However, I do think it would be helpful for me to send one of my betas with you, at least for a time. Terris, perhaps."
She nodded her agreement to that, remembering how Garen once mentioned betas were Were with alpha tendencies, and after the alpha, the strongest in the pack. Should the alpha die, the next would be chosen from them. They were a second tier in the hierarchy of the pack, often leading villages, or in charge of various military units.
"I am not sure if she can be here before you head out. If not, I will have her meet you."
"Thank you," she said.
"Do you wish to leave tomorrow?" At their nod, he continued. "The day is not over yet. Gillis will take you to our supply master."
It took them a while to choose, gather up, and then pack supplies. Though they had the two horses, Aro wanted room left for at least one of them to be ridden. They'd also be able to restock, but the time she and Kei had spent with nothing still influenced them and it was hard not to take more than was necessary.
By the time they finished, it was past dark. Walking back to the waystation, Baelan flirted with nearly everyone they walked by.
"I'm eating and going to bed," she finally said. "If you want to stay out for a while though, that's fine."
His eyes lit up and he bounced up on his toes as his enthralling smile appeared.
"Be back by midnight," she said firmly. "And don't drink too much."
"Yes, yes. Of course! Perhaps Kei would like to–"
"No," the Fey said sharply, eyes glowing.
"Or not." Baelan's smile became a bit forced.
"Stay out of trouble," she warned him.
"I'll be no trouble at all," the Elf promised with a smirk.
The birds were chirping too loudly.
She wasn't sure why she thought so, though she hadn't slept well. Since she usually didn't, the chirping shouldn't have annoyed her. Perhaps it was because they'd gotten up so early to pack up the horses and set out. She'd gotten used to sleeping past dawn over the winter.
Ahead of them, Garen shifted their direction slightly and they followed. After a few words of good luck and caution, Rhee-En had seen them off, sending one of his Were to guide them to the point they would begin their initial trek across his lands.
At least they didn't have to start right at the border of the human lands, but fart
her east within. The alpha kept extensive patrols all along that border to keep the humans out and assured her no Fey were in the area.
"When are we stopping to rest?"
She looked up to where Baelan rode on one of the horses, raising her eyebrows. "We just started. Probably at noon."
He let out a dramatic sigh.
Kei huffed in annoyance beside her.
"I'm bored," the Elf whined.
They both ignored him.
"We could play a game?"
"No."
"I could tell you about my night..."
She cast him an irritated look and knew she was blushing. She needed to find a way to stop doing that.
He smirked at her, but at least shut up.
Rotting Elf.
By the time they did stop to eat, he'd complained at least a dozen more times.
"This is a quick stop, stretch and eat. Check on the horses."
Baelan sighed. "Fine."
As she shoved food into her mouth, her gaze kept straying to Kei. Unlike Baelan, she hadn't been bored. Her mind whirled with a crazy, buzzing mess of thoughts and plans. And worries.
Kei hadn't asked her to run with him.
She would have thought he'd be more excited their quest to heal the Fey had finally started, but he didn't act like it. He hadn't complained either, about their delay, or even the early morning. He hadn't said much of anything. When she smiled over at him she was lucky to get a faint curve of his lips in return. Most of the time he didn't even notice her.
It was hard to keep the worry away, though at least she knew to keep it from him. Off her face and not felt through their bond.
The boy–no the young man–beside her wasn't the Kei she knew. More than once a bit of panic sped her heart. She just needed to keep reminding herself his faraway, lost looks had a reason. He too had been through much this winter. Perhaps he was even working on his mind and memories as they walked. Maybe he was thinking about the prophecy and what they were to do.
Her Kei was in there somewhere. He had to be.
He'd come back to her. She just had to give him time. The alternative stole her appetite away.
Garen walked over and pressed his large head against hers. Everything will be fine.
