by Sam Rook
The Daemons, all drawing their weapons except for the one in the middle of the group, flew toward them. Sir Lanclor ordered the attack and Datera’s squad tried to flank them. The Daemon in the middle, seeing the threat of Datera’s squad, raised its arms, and the Daemons around it cleared a path. A stream of red fire shot from the Daemon’s midriff and consumed Datera’s squad in minutes. Their cries of agony were short as the extreme intensity of the fire killed them within seconds.
Sir Lanclor ordered a halt. Lady Kathryn, shield spells, now!
F’enk’e’alath shel’an’re melan’keltoh sel’anthia. She created her most powerful fire shield just as the Daemon turned its inferno their way. Luckily, the shield held although she felt the intensity of the fire draining it. The fire from the Daemon ceased before the shield gave way, and Sir Lanclor ordered the advance before the Daemon could recover its strength.
The Fire Daemon was the first to fall and the surrounding Daemons fell shortly thereafter. Kathryn felt selfish, silently thanking God that Hal hadn’t been in Datera’s squad. Hal had joined Hook to the West for a special assignment.
The Daemon fire had left nothing of Datera’s squad except for clumps of metal and bone. The blow to the Knighthood was significant with the loss of one full squad today and most of Derrek’s squad during the Red River Battle. The Daemon threat increased, while the knights’ numbers diminished.
Everyone, fall back to the castle. Sir Lanclor ordered.
The loss of Hopent and the introduction of this new Daemon weapon darkened Kathryn’s spirits as they returned home. She remembered her time with Datera when she first joined his group to teach the first level spells. They hadn’t spent much time together after their acceptance into the knighthood, but they would still talk occasionally. Months had gone by without Kathryn saying anything to him, so caught up in her own problems she never thought to see how he was doing. She never appreciated people until they were gone.
A few days later, Kathryn allowed Hal to drag her to the market with his friend, Lesair. Kathryn couldn’t believe it, as she walked with Hal and Lesair, that the cloaked man looked like he actually thought he was inconspicuous. He pawed through a vendor’s wares, but the spell he used to eavesdrop on their conversation buzzed in her ears.
While Hal and Lesair’s discussion continued, she went through her mental list of shield spells in case the stranger decided to attack them. Armed with a long sword beneath his cloak, he made no move to draw it as they passed him, only turning so he could keep them in sight. She walked past a shop filled with woodcarvings and smiled. There was an entire section dedicated to mythical animals, or what she used to believe were mythical animals. Unicorns, dragons—or flying dogs as she thought of them—all were real on this world.
"Would you like to buy a carving, dearie?" asked the old woman in charge of the display.
"How much are they?" Kathryn received about five silvers per week with the Knighthood, a decent wage on this world. Since she never bought anything, she had quite a bit saved up.
"Two silvers apiece. I carved all of them myself. They each have their own unique powers bestowed upon them by a temple priest. I have one you might like better than any of these." She pulled out a winged horse about two inches tall in her gloved hand. A beautiful blue marble-like color with white swirls, its details were so perfect it seemed like it would fly off her hand. "I just finished this one this morning. Do you like it?"
"It’s beautiful. Only two silvers?" She nodded. "I’ll take it. Thank you."
She thanked Kathryn for the purchase, and then moved to the rear of the shop. Kathryn walked to catch up with Hal and Lesair who had moved on to the next stall. Before she could reach them, the cloaked stranger walked beside her. Her hand instantly went to her sword hilt. She held off casting her shield spells.
"I was wondering when you would approach me," she told him to let him know she was aware of his presence before now.
He looked surprised, but quickly recovered. "I would suggest destroying your new purchase as quickly as possible. The poison from the blue paint is fatal if handled enough times. I’m surprised they used it since it’s pretty expensive and hard to come by. I’d like to know how you made such a powerful enemy."
"I’d like to know who you are and why you’re spying on us."
"My name is Drewton." He hesitated. "I’m a mercenary. They tried to hire me to take care of you, but I refused. It looks like they were sick of waiting for me to change my mind and hired someone else. I’m intrigued that someone so young and not even of this world would be a danger to them." Hal started to head toward them when he saw her companion. "I have no desire to face your friends right now. Know that I’ll be watching and am no danger to you or your friends. Guard yourself well." He turned and melted into the crowd.
Kathryn stood speechless, trying to process all that he had said. Without another thought, she tucked the winged horse into her leather pouch. Perhaps she could study it and find out more about her enemy. She’d wear gloves of course.
"Who was that guy?" Hal asked.
"A new friend, I think."
Chapter 36
"Elena, who’s that?" Kathryn pointed to the large knight with black wavy hair curling just above his penetrating eyes. His chiseled jaw accentuated his muscular body restrained beneath a blue dress shirt and black slacks. They’d only been at the Ball of Remembrance for less than an hour when she saw him make eye contact and head their way.
"No real names. I’m Grace, remember? You don’t want to get involved with him. It’s political suicide."
Kathryn glanced away from him and glared at Elena. "I’m not involved in politics. I’m far from everyone’s dream girl. Besides, how do you even know who he is?"
"It’s a long story. If it’s just for tonight, then go ahead, but if you think you want to move beyond tonight, I don’t know if you can handle it." Elena’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked away. Turning back to his approach, Kathryn flashed an uncertain smile.
"Good afternoon. My name’s Matthis. May I get you a drink?"
"It's nice to meet you Matthis. I’m Hope and this is Grace." Kathryn gestured to the empty space beside her. "Um, looks like Grace went to get her own." She felt a slight blush color her cheeks.
"I’m acquainted with Grace. Come, let’s get something to drink and talk." Matthis offered her his arm.
"Thank you." Kathryn hesitated, took his arm then prayed she didn’t embarrass herself. She felt his bicep bulge beneath his shirt. The other men she had dated had nothing on this guy. They usually bulged around the middle and expected her to follow them like a puppy. Matthis walked at a pace that complemented her short stride.
"What would you like?" he asked with his mouth close to her ear after they reached the drink station. The number of conversations going on around them combined with the music of the band sounded like a flock of geese gathering in a field on their way south for the winter.
"Something fruity and not too strong." She had to speak with her mouth next to his ear as well. He had a faint smell of pine and cinnamon. So familiar, yet she couldn’t place it.
"Two Kalniel nectars please." The server handed each of them a short glass with a pink liquid that deepened to red at the bottom. "I think you’ll like it. It takes a few sips to get used to, and then you’ll be hooked."
They stood for a while drinking while they watched the dancers. The Kalniel nectar tasted like an Amaretto Sour. Matthis timed it so he finished his drink at the same time as she. He flashed her a smile, looking around the room after they placed the glasses on a passing waiter’s tray. "Do you have a preference on a place to talk?"
The ballroom was crowded with dancing couples and occupied tables. Many people stood in small groups laughing and drinking, oblivious to the loud conversations around them. Kathryn didn’t want to have a shouted conversation with this man.
"Is there any place a little quieter?" she shouted above the din.
"Follow me. Stay close."
>
She followed in his wake. He occasionally glanced back to make sure she kept up. The noise receded when they left the ballroom through the drapes of an open window and stepped out onto the large balcony overlooking the trees of the park. A handful of couples were scattered around the balcony and didn’t look up at the new addition.
Matthis continued to the farthest end of the balcony away from the other couples. The sunlight reflected off the small pond nestled within the copse of trees. She hadn’t even known it was there. The chirping of birds was the only sound beyond the soft murmuring of the other couples. They must have spelled the drapes to contain the sound of the ball.
"How’s this spot?" He gestured to the edge of the balcony with an unobscured view of the park between the armory and barracks.
"Nice. Peaceful. It was pretty loud in there." She took his offered hand and sat with him on the edge of the rail less balcony. Her fear of heights had withered when she got her wings. If she fell, she could just glide to safety.
"The Ball is always loud. Knights, Guardsmen and servants are equal tonight and all raise their voices to get each other’s attention."
Kathryn studied him out of the corner of her eye as he gazed out upon the landscape. His strong hands gripped his knees as his feet dangled over the edge. He had training scars on almost every knuckle. The width of his chest stretched the seams of his shirt and his pants didn’t hide much of what was underneath. Her cheeks colored and she chastised herself, focusing on the trees and pond.
"What shall we talk about, Hope? The weather? The war? My desire to feel your hair between my fingers?"
His last question took her off guard and she looked at him in surprise. "Um..."
He smiled and placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "I wouldn’t force you to do anything, Hope. I’m just probing your intentions. I wouldn’t want you to take advantage of me."
She laughed and shook off his hand. "You think I couldn’t force you to do anything?" Pursing her lips, she felt some annoyance. "So, you think just because I’m short I can’t hold my own?"
"Well..." He held his hand to the top of his head, and then lowered it down to Kathryn’s. Her head came just above his shoulder even while sitting. "Yeah, I’d say barring any type of spell, you couldn’t really force me to do anything."
One night of freedom in the middle of a war. Screw it. If that wasn’t life on the edge, she didn’t know what was. Everyone agreed the rules didn’t apply tonight, so she would follow suit. She needed something—anything—to fill that empty space.
"Fine, let’s test the theory." Kathryn brought her legs up to her chest and pivoted until she faced the opposite direction. She extended her legs to her left and scooted toward Matthis to her right, with her hands coming to rest upon his shoulders.
With her wings facing the view of the trees and her chest an inch away from his, she looked up at him and pulled herself up using his shoulders until their eyes were even with each other. He brought both of his arms up around her to keep her from falling backwards. She was close enough to see the flecks of gold in his light brown eyes.
Licking her lips, she moved her mouth close to his and stopped just short of meeting them. She felt the heat of his body through her blouse and saw the look of desire in his eyes.
"Am I twisting your arm?" She whispered and felt her lips brush his as they formed the words.
He leaned his head forward and met her lips with the gentlest kiss she’d ever felt. Her other boyfriends had always kissed her with a forceful passion that left her feeling dominated. She gave in and returned the kiss with the same tenderness, reveling in the unexpected passion she felt stirring inside her.
She’d never kissed a complete stranger before and it felt exhilarating. Then again, he may not be a stranger at all. Normally so careful, she dismissed her fear of repercussions and lived in the moment. So many months of working beside men she couldn’t have, all protected by the barrier of their armor. Her days were void of physical human contact beyond self-defense and she hadn’t realized how much she longed for intimate contact.
The kiss continued and she felt his tongue gently caress hers, sending chills of pleasure throughout her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her chest against his. With a low growl deep in his throat, he pulled her onto his lap and she felt his arousal. Unless she wanted to go all of the way right there on the balcony, she had to stop this or she’d lose control of herself.
Kathryn pulled away just enough to break the kiss. They were both breathing heavy and she glanced to her right to see if others had noticed their passion. The other couples were focused on themselves and paid them no heed.
"I believe your theory has been proven." He purred in her ear. She turned to face him and was surprised when he lifted her off him and set her beside him in their former position. "If you stayed on my lap, I couldn’t guarantee that we’d be ignored."
Kathryn smiled and looked away in embarrassment. They’d been thinking the same thoughts. His admission emboldened her to move beyond excuses and tell the truth. Facing him, she met his eye and said, "I had to stop or I couldn’t guarantee the same thing."
His eyes widened in surprise and a smile touched his lips. "You’re an intriguing woman, Hope."
"Thank you, Matthis."
"Let’s talk about something ordinary so we’re calm enough for the toast in an hour. Everyone has to stay for that and then we can decide how to spend our evening."
She nodded, wracking her brain for something ordinary that wouldn’t give away her identity. Her favorite food was chocolate and they didn’t have any here. They sat in silence for some time.
"All right, maybe talking right now isn’t the best thing." He said with a smile. "I can’t think of anything beyond questions that could give away your identity and I’m not sure you feel comfortable doing that. So, how about we dance?"
"I’d love to." Her classmates had always picked on Kathryn throughout high school and college about her passion for ballroom dancing. Everyone else preferred sports or drama, but dancing was the only thing beyond her academics that she did well. Smiling, they rose together and headed back into the ballroom, melting into the hundreds of couples flowing around the dance floor.
The opportunity to tune everything out and focus solely on her dance partner proved the perfect remedy for her stress. She didn’t know the dance steps, but Matthis’ gentle guidance allowed her to catch on after a few bars and she realized the Av’lorian dances resembled classic ballroom with a hint of swing.
She hadn’t smiled this much in years. Occasionally, she gripped Matthis’ shoulders to overcome her dizziness after the spins and he smiled in turn and gripped her tighter. During the few slow songs, he held her the proper distance away while still indicating his desire for her with his eyes and a smoldering smile. Political suicide be damned.
Hours after the toast, Kathryn and Matthis found themselves back out on the balcony watching the shadows of the buildings grow while the sun made its descent behind them.
"You’re a beautiful dancer." He said in a soft voice. "Most women I’ve danced with tire quickly, but you have the stamina to dance for hours and never lose your grace."
"You dance pretty well yourself. I love dancing. Sorry if I forced you to dance longer than you anticipated. The toast is long over." She looked down, feeling guilty that she had wanted to dance so much. Greg was the only one of her boyfriends who had ever danced with her for more than an hour and she remembered the days that followed with his bickering over his sore feet. She felt Matthis’ hand upon her shoulder and looked up at him.
"I enjoy dancing. You didn’t force me to do anything. I chose to dance with you for that long and not just to get lucky." He grinned and looked her over with exaggerated movements of his eyes. "Dancing with someone tells me a lot about them."
"Really? Like what?"
"Well, you’ll follow my lead when it suits you, but you stand up for yourself if I push you in a direction you don’t
want to go. If you don’t know the dance, you cautiously follow my lead and after a few rounds, you relax. You’re a fast learner."
"I never really thought about it like that. You’re an interesting man, Matthis." Kathryn meant it. He was unlike any man she had ever known. He didn’t use a condescending tone or lather her with insincere praise.
He removed his hand from her shoulder and gazed out at the trees. She saw his jaw clench. "I’ve not yet heard ‘interesting’ when describing me."
Fearing she had insulted him, she placed her hand upon his forearm until he looked at her. "I didn’t mean it as an insult. By interesting, I mean you aren’t like other men I’ve known." She struggled to find the right words. "The other men I’ve known were all lacking one big thing. Respect."
"Respect? I’m not sure I follow." His jaw remained clenched.
Kathryn feared she lost him. Maybe she had misjudged him and it was all an act? This entire night could have been one big act to get another notch in his belt. Might as well plow on and find out.
"We didn’t have to stay for the toast. You didn’t have to dance for that long just because I enjoyed myself. You showed me enough respect to allow me to choose what I wanted to do. Respect enough to allow me the extra hours of dancing. I didn’t have to put your needs above my own tonight, which I can tell you, is very rare for me."
With his jaw relaxed, he brought his hands up to her face and used his thumbs to wipe away the tears she hadn’t realized she had shed. Kathryn, embarrassed by her show of weakness, tried to turn away, but his hands held her face toward his.
"You should never have to put others needs above your own when it comes to relationships. A relationship is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Never forget that." He let go of her face, but she didn’t try to turn away from his gaze. They had just this one night. Elena said he wasn’t someone Kathryn could handle beyond tonight.
