She stepped back, and the dozen or so people left after the fight filed past, sprinkling dirt over the rabbit’s body. Thank you.
Triena watched as the grave was filled, and a stone was placed over the top. There was one more thing for her to do. Here, in this space, using the last of the negative energy that lingered, Triena sought to transform it. She summoned it to her and formed a fountain pen, one that was strong enough to carve stone. She sensed Braklen’s energy with hers, helping, and supporting her. With graceful strokes she wrote: Rabbit. His life gave us freedom. In death, he watches over us.
Braklen stepped forward with a white rose scented candle. He knelt and placed it on top of the stone. When he stood, Triena saw him wipe his eyes.
The guilt she held of being responsible for killing the rabbit eased out of her. She wanted to keep hold of it, but it left her.
Let it go. The thought vibrated with the rabbit’s essence. It was all part of the bigger plan.
Triena sighed. She felt lighter as the guilt left her and she knew it was done. She’d sealed the past and with the help of others, she’d opened the door to the future and was now ready to step through.
“Gather at sunrise tomorrow. We’ve got work to begin.” Triena told the small crowd.
One by one they came up to her and Braklen, bowed solemnly, then left in silence.
I don’t think I’m used to this yet, thought Triena.
Braklen squeezed her hand. Me neither.
An older woman approached them, one Triena hadn’t noticed before. Her skin prickled.
“Remember he’s not far away,” said the woman.
Her familiar voice triggered Triena’s memory. “Margory?”
The woman lifted her hood. She’d aged about a decade since Triena had last seen her.
“How did you get here?”
The woman smiled. “You two look great together.”
Braklen hugged her. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I thought you two would be in need of some loyal help.” She released Braklen, then looked at Triena.
Triena embraced the old woman, who was much thinner and more fragile, but her inner essence remained strong and vibrant. “I think we’ve found our first member of the twelve.”
The old woman smiled, tears heavy in her eyes. “That would be wonderful. But, I’m here to help you two, and I’m old.”
“And full of wisdom that can help us,” Triena said.
“Whether or not, I’m part of the twelve.”
“We can sort the details out later,” interjected Braklen. “I’m just glad to have you here.”
“Me too,” said Triena. “We are in short supply of allies right now.”
Margory nodded. “What do you want me to do first?”
“Organize the others here,” said Triena. “Make sure that they are really loyal, and keep an eye out for others who will arrive.”
“Yes, they’re coming.”
“Even though the word isn’t out yet?” asked Braklen.
“A ripple of change went out through the Energy. All those who could read the Energy felt it,” said Margory. “Why do you think I’m here?”
“You must have been close to have arrived so quickly,” Triena said.
Margory nodded. “I’ll go and check how the others are settling in.” She bowed her head.
“You don’t need to bow,” said Braklen.
“Yes, I do.” She stood upright. “I have to set an example, for the younger members.” Her eyes seemed to shine with fresh energy. “I’ll see you two in the morning.”
“Wait,” said Triena. “There’s one other thing I want you to help with.”
Margory turned and waited.
“Braklen needs lessons with the Energy.”
“I’m doing just fine.” Braklen folded his arms over his chest.
“Yes, you are, my love,” said Triena tenderly. “But, there’s so much more you need to know.”
“I’m learning through you,” said Braklen. “You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes. How about you teach the both of us then?”
“Of course,” answered Margory. “But, you’re both getting the hang of the new knowledge. And don’t forget the rabbit will send you more information over time and you’ll gradually learn what can and can’t be done.”
“Don’t go telling people, I don’t want them to know I have no idea …” Triena’s voice faltered.
“They think you’re well skilled already,” said Margory. “There’s no fear of that. But, I’ll be discreet.” Her eyes had taken on a new life as she looked at them. “Thank you for giving this chance back to me.” Turning, she left the chamber.
“She’s a tough old girl,” said Braklen.
“She sure is.” A wave of weariness washed over Triena. Her knees buckled.
“I’ve got you.” Braklen caught her. “Time for some rest.”
Chapter 21
Triena stood with the crown on her head. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Braklen, she looked into the empty chamber, on the ground level of the castle. People were coming. The word was out, and there was a lot of work to be done. The ripple of what happened had gone through the Energy and the message had been sent. Margory had sent another message, so that not everyone descended on the castle at once.
Changes were going to be made. She felt the rabbit’s essence when she reached into the Field. He was there, the new guardian to make sure no one would come in and take from the Energy or manipulate it. It wasn’t going to be easy. Energy Traders weren’t going to like being shut down.
Triena guessed there was enough products out there to keep them trading for a while before they’d turn on her. That was why she kept the Peacekeepers, but first she was going to screen them, with the help of Braklen and his newly developing skill with the Energy to make sure they were going to support her. Them. The new twelve.
She placed her hand on her belly. There was also something else. A potential growing inside of her, a little seed that she guessed could carry on the legacy they were building together. Triena looked at Braklen. He was uncomfortable in his new role, as if he wore clothing too big for him. But, he stood next to her, willing to step up to the challenge.
Braklen adjusted his crown. “I don’t know if I can get used to this.”
“You will,” answered Triena. She knew what Braklen meant. They’d been through a lot together, focused on the only goal of destroying the Queens. Now, with the old Queens gone, Triena realized this was really just the beginning. There was so much more to do.
Together. There was that word again. It sent shivers through Triena’s body. We can work together now. She enjoyed the fresh, vibrant energy vibrating between them. They’d found their peace with each other, worked out how they each fitted together in life and their future.
The door to the receiving chamber opened. The officers of the Peacekeepers marched in.
Triena held her head held and turned to Braklen. He smiled, adjusted the crown on his head and reached for her hand. His warmth calmed her. Together, we can do this.
He squeezed her hand. Yes, we can.
Together.
Also by Lilliana Rose and Soul Mate Publishing:
FLOWER READINGS
(Flower Readings Book 1)
Triena lives on an outback moon earning a living by offering flower readings for customers. Cast out from the Queens, the Energy Readers, Triena wants to return, but the only way to do that is to kill Braklen and use his energy to look into the future.
Braklen, a Peacekeeper with the Queens, arrives at the Triena’s Tea House. He doesn’t realize the danger he is in when he sits down for a flower reading.
Triena sees her chance to kill Braklen by using the potency in flower buds. The Energy guides her hand, and instead, the suppressed feelings toward Braklen surface.
Can she kill the man she loves?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/y9fom889
FLOWER PREDICT
IONS
(Flower Readings Book 2)
Thinking Triena would be safer without him, Braklen leaves her. Now a wanted criminal, Braklen puts as much distance between him, Triena and the Queens by taking up a job on a smuggling ship. He throws himself into his work to forget about the guilt building inside of him for leaving Triena as well as the love he has for her.
Triena is alone, her rabbit stolen from her, and the Energy is behaving in unexpected ways making it difficult for her to predict the future. Her love for Braklen is strong and she sets out to find him, while trying to keep away from the Queens. With no other option she takes passage with Captain Ri who forces her to use the Energy for his own benefits.
Will she be able to find her beloved rabbit, and Braklen, before the Queens find and destroy her?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yd8omfxl
GRAND PARADE
Megan is a young photographer with her first real job at the Royal Adelaide Show, where she has to capture the agricultural event. As a city girl, she is clueless, and when she gets too close to a grumpy bull, she is kicked in the head.
Guilty that his bull hurt someone and aware of the painful side effects of head injuries due to the loss of his sister, Jackson takes care of Megan.
Megan is determined that she will be all right and continues photographing during the day before collapsing. Jackson is there to make sure she is taken to hospital and cared for.
Recovering, Megan finds herself drawn to Jackson, but she’s not sure that she can be anything than a city girl, even for love. Can Jackson, in his quiet, strong, country-boy style, convince her to take life in a new direction, with him?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/zm297xt
STEALING THE SHOW
Kristie comes to the Royal Adelaide Show every year with the sheep. This year will she return with more than just prizes? Or will she steal the heart of a man as well, and snag the love of her life?
Kristie Johnson plans to run the family farm one day. As the only child, she lives with her parents and struggles to get them to see that she can make her own decisions and that she is a grown woman. Then, she meets Tully Row, a dancer performing at the show and she turns to him for a few days of fun. Instead she finds herself falling for him, especially when she finds out he’s a country boy himself.
The youngest of three sons, Tully was forced away from the farm he loved to the city to make his own living. He started dancing and was given a gig at the Royal Show. His family are at the show with the milking cattle and they spend more time arguing. He feels unsupported by them, and can’t get them see his performances. Kristie is a distraction, an enjoyable distraction at first, but then she steals his heart. Their shared lust turns into something deeper and more special between them.
Can both of them stand up to their families and follow their hearts to begin a relationship and their lives together?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/lpgrret
Flower Queen (Flower Readings Book 3) Page 21
