by Glenda Diana
Justin bowed as he stepped aside for her to enter the dining hall. Wisely he held his smile until she passed by him. He had worried that Connor was letting his baser needs do his thinking, but within his short conversation with Arysa he now knew why his friend was drawn to the woman. He had angered her and she had retaliated verbally. She was quick of thought and full of a fiery nature, he also knew that she possessed a great power. Elements that she was going to need before all was said and done.
Wiping the smile from his face, he followed her. The housekeeper was in the process of placing the food on the table. He noted that the older woman seemed overly nervous. Placing his hand upon her shoulder he offered her a smile. "Arysa, this is Mrs. Reed the housekeeper and cook."
Arysa smiled at the elderly white haired woman as she ignored Justin. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
The older woman returned her smile.
"Mrs. Reed, please bring in the others so that they may be introduced to Arysa."
Bobbing a quick curtsy, Mrs. Reed hurried from the room. She returned posthaste with two young women and two men following close on her heels. Hanah and her husband Edmond were introduced first and then Tairam and her husband Reese. Each of the young women gave her a shy smile, as the men inclined their heads in acknowledgement.
Mrs. Reed waited until the foursome departed before turning back to Arysa and Justin. "Will there be anything else?"
"I think that you have enough food here to fill several bellies," Arysa said smiling. "I cannot think of anything I would be needing, but I thank you for asking."
The older woman returned her smile and then scurried from the room.
"I believe you have frightened her off." Justin said, as he took a seat.
"What a pity that you are not frightened so easily."
"I have angered you. Would you hold it against me because I too care for Connor?"
Arysa thought for a moment. "Nay," she murmured softly and then smiled. "Shall we begin again?"
"I would like that."
"What needs to be done here in preparation for a battle?"
Justin watched as she filled her plate. For some unknown reason it pleased him that she was a woman with a healthy appetite. "Connor has put up warning sensors on the borders surrounding Syra."
"Syra?"
"This manor."
She nodded her head slightly as she began eating. As Justin filled his plate, she let her thoughts wander. What else would be needed to secure the manor? When it came to war she knew little about preparations and such. She had read about wars, but that was as close to any that she had come.
"I feel inadequate to this task," she murmured.
Justin looked up. Arysa's worry was most evident. "There is nothing to worry over. Connor and I will see to the details."
Arysa leaned back in her chair. "I am not some simple-minded maid that I need to be sheltered from the details and chores that must be seen to. I have a good mind and I would venture to say that my powers, though unused, are stronger than your own. I will not be treated as some simpering fool."
Justin cocked his head to the side. "I never meant to give that impression, Mistress. I was only trying to calm your worries."
"And I appreciate that," she said slowly. "But I will help in all matters. It is I that our adversary will be coming for after all. It is each of our duties to protect one another. I will not be hidden away while others stand ready to fight."
"My opinion of you has grown," Justin stated, with a smile. "Connor will tell you all you need to know. He will be back shortly."
"Thank you," Arysa replied.
"Nay, I thank you, Mistress."
Connor returned after dark and found Arysa sound asleep in his bed. Obviously she had been waiting for his return. It made his heart swell with contentment as he stripped off his clothing and climbed beneath the covers with her. His hunger gnawed at his belly, but he pushed it aside and instead pulled her against him. He was not such a rutting beast that he would wake her just to satisfy his hunger.
Arysa sighed and cuddled closer to the warmth of his body. Four years ago this had only been a fantasy, but fantasy had turned into reality. She was his. She accepted him for what he was without any hesitation, just as he did her. Though he had fought fiercely with himself over this very topic for years, no amount of reasoning ever stayed within his thoughts long. He could not help the way he felt about her. Just as he could not help the beating of his heart and the need for air.
That made him smile. When most thought of his race, they concluded that they did not have a heart that beat, nor did they think they needed air and they were right in some instances. His race had many different colonies. He was from a land-bound colony, which meant that he had a heart and in most cases he needed air, but he could also go without it for several days before any damage was done to him.
Closing his eyes, he tightened his arm around Arysa and counted each breath she took. Nothing could have stopped him from making the choices he had made in the past hours, just as nothing could change what lay ahead of them. The enemy was coming ... he could feel him as he drew closer. Upon the setting of the sun tomorrow eve, they would meet face to face yet again.
The sensors on the front border came to life in warning. Placing a soft kiss upon Arysa's lips Connor ordered her to stay inside. Arysa watched in fear as Connor and Justin walked outside to meet the intruder. She fidgeted for a moment with indecision and then did exactly the opposite of which Connor had commanded. One thing stood out quite prominently in her mind. She had to see the face of the man to whom she had been promised. Only one thing stood in her way, Mrs. Reed. The older woman was standing in front of the door as if to guard it. They stared at each other for several seconds. Arysa was against using force on the older woman, but if it meant getting past her then she would. As if reading her thoughts or perhaps detecting Arysa's determination, Mrs. Reed stepped aside.
At the sound of the door closing behind them, Connor turned. His eyes narrowed and his muscles tensed. "Get back inside!"
Arysa ignored his growling order and moved forward. "Nay, I will see his face."
"Nay, you will not!"
"Connor, how can I protect myself if I do not know the face of my foe?"
"You do not need to protect yourself!"
Arysa smiled sadly. "Aye, I do and you know this. If ever there comes a time when the enemy should sneak upon me, how will I know he is my enemy if I do not know him by look?"
"She is right, Connor. We would both do her an injustice not to let her look upon him."
Connor's heated glare turned toward Justin. "She is wrong!"
"Nay," Justin shook his head. "You fear for her safety and that is why you wish her to stay inside. She understands that, as do I. But in order for her to have complete safety she must know what his appearance is."
It was too late to argue further for a lone rider was approaching. "Stay behind me and whatever you do, do not use your powers on him. Until the joining vows have been spoken between us, he will have the greater strength. Do you understand me?"
"Aye," Arysa moved behind him and laid her hand upon his back. "I love you," she whispered.
"And I you. It's not too late to go inside. You can observe him from the window."
"Nay, this needs to be done this way. I do not fear him," she murmured, close to his ear.
"Well, I do!" Connor snapped out softly. "It has taken me what seems like eons to have you as my own and I do not relish the thought of losing you so quickly."
"Never will you lose me. No matter what may happen."
"Enough," Justin sighed heavily. "You will have me emptying my stomach with all this sweet talk."
Arysa smiled at the sound of Connor's growl. "I will try to behave myself."
Justin cast her a wink before turning his full attention on the rider.
"Do you think he came alone?" she whispered.
Connor shook his head. "Nay. His men wait outside the borders."
&n
bsp; "How do you know?"
"He is powerful, but he would never come alone. He is not a foolish man." Connor glanced over his shoulder. "And do not think to send your powers out to see if I am right."
Arysa made a face at him. "I would not."
"Aye, you would."
"You are very much wrong." Arysa raised her chin and gave a small sniff. "In order to do this I would have to strip my clothing off and I have no intention of doing that."
Justin was startled by her words. He glanced at her and then to Connor.
"We must tend to that flaw once we have things settled."
"'Tis not a flaw," she said, with a touch of anger. "Clothing hampers my powers."
"You must overcome the urge to remove them. It is not always convenient to have you stripping off your clothing while others are in residence."
"I am sure that Justin would not mind at all, would you, sir?"
Justin held up his hand. "Nay, I will not be drawn into this argument. Connor will always give you sound advice ... even though some might think it is selfish and smells of jealousy."
Arysa gave a soft laugh when Connor glared at his second in command. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, "I will do as you say ... if, you will let me continue in my fashion when we are alone."
"Woman! Stop your teasing! Now is not the time to get me over-heated!"
"Later," she whispered, before stepping back a pace.
The rider approached the front of the manor slowly. His head turned as he surveyed the surroundings. It was easy to acknowledge that he was expecting an attack. The closer he came the more tense Arysa grew and before she knew what she was doing she was pressed up against Connor's back.
Arysa was not sure what she had expected, but the man coming closer fit no image from her imagination. He was a large man, broad of shoulder, and long thick legs hugged the sides of his steed. He wore no helmet his long black hair fell mid-way down his back. He looked huge and dangerous. The one thing Arysa had not expected was his looks. He was handsome, but his appearance did not hide the cruelty that gleamed within the dark brownish/black eyes that came to rest on her. A shiver quivered through her, bringing a smile to the enemy's face.
"I have come for what is mine."
His voice was deep and seemed to vibrate through the air that surrounded all of Syra. Not wanting to hamper Connor with her clinging hands, Arysa let go of his shirt, which she had clutched within her hands, but she did not move away from him.
"There is nothing here that belongs to you, Lucian."
"Oh, but there is. The sweet maid that stands behind you belongs to me."
"There is no maid behind me. For therefore you are wrong."
Arysa's cheeks heated as the meaning of Connor's words washed over her.
"You have stolen what was mine to take!" Lucian voiced lashed out, making the steed prance nervously beneath him.
Embarrassment was quickly replaced with her own dose of anger. "You are wrong, sir," she stated in a calm sweet voice. "He has stolen nothing ... it was mine to give to whom I chose."
"Seal your lips before I punish you more than I had planned!" Lucian growled in fury. "Women do not speak unless commanded to do so!"
Arysa could not help but laugh. "Women of your race perhaps, but not of mine. We do not stand down or hide simply because the male species declares us to."
"You are of my race!"
Arysa shook her head. "Nay, I am not. I chose my path and that leaves me without a race to call my own. I will bow down to no man."
Connor sighed. Arysa was going to get Lucian in a worse temper with her careless, yet brave words. "Leave my land and do not bother to come again."
"I will not leave without the woman!"
"Aye, you will. She belongs to me. It was me she chose, me she gave her innocence to and me she wishes to stay with."
Lucian gritted his teeth. "You know that with one blow I can destroy you!"
Connor shrugged. "Do your worst."
"I will have the woman!" Lucian shouted, as he shook his fist in the air.
"Arysa, do you wish to go with him?" Justin asked in a mild and pleasant tone.
"Nay." Arysa shook her head and lifted her chin to the glaring enemy.
"You have no say in the matter!" Lucian leaned forward and glared into her eyes. "Come to me!"
Arysa smiled and shook her head.
"You are wasting your effort. You have no powers here to use on her." Connor announced. "In this battle we fight as mortal men do ... the only one with the ability to use their powers will be Arysa herself. But she cannot use them to assist either of us ... only to protect herself."
"I will return with an army of men!"
"That will be your choice. But it will make no difference. The moment you cross the borders of Syra the rules go into force. Bring as many men as you like, but the moment that they cross into Syra then they will be destroyed."
"I will be back for you, Arysa. This you can count on. You have been mine since the moment you were conceived and you will be mine until the end of time. Such beauty you hold for a traitor. But I admire your courage, fool-hearted though it may be. Resign yourself to the fate that awaits you. I will take pleasure in not only your supple body, but in mastering you to the ways of our people."
"I thought you were leaving?" Connor asked, in a tone that reeked of boredom.
Tearing his gaze from Arysa, Lucian smiled at Connor. "Enjoy her while you can, my friend. Soon she will be mine and soon you will pay for each pleasure you have tasted of her."
"You are becoming quite tedious, Lucian."
"And soon I will curb your wayward tongue, witch!" he snarled. "The quickest way to that objective is to remove it all together."
If he thought his words would frighten Arysa then he was mistaken. "Please, I beg you not to put fear in my heart." Arysa kept her voice free of any emotions and then she added insult by smiling at Lucian.
Without further words, Lucian pulled the reins, turning his steed.
"You certainly love to provoke, do you not?" Justin stated, watching the enemy ride away.
Arysa glanced at Justin. "Not really," she whispered.
Connor reached behind him and pried her fingers loose from the material of his shirt. Before he could turn completely around she was plastered to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and tried to calm the trembling of her body.
"She is scared!" Justin muttered in awe and then took a step back when Connor's blue eyes heated on him. "I am sorry. It is just that she sounded ... she was so blunt and fearless ... or so I thought."
"I fear that my lady sometimes has more boast than brains." Connor murmured and then laughed when Arysa pinched his side. "She was in fact quite brilliant. To show fear to Lucian would not have been wise. Instead she pricked his manly arrogance and withstood the blazing heat of his anger."
"Not so brilliant, if your lady should ever find herself at his mercy," Arysa whispered. "I think if I were to find myself in such a predicament I would choose the path my mother took rather than suffer what he would inflict on me."
"You will never find yourself at his mercy, my love. Through the years I have found one thing that does not exist within Lucian and that is mercy."
"Are you trying to comfort me or frighten me more," she grumbled and then shivered again. "When do you think he will return?"
"He will not wait overly long. He will lick the wounds that you inflicted. He will build upon his anger toward you and me. And then he will let his hate fester ... then and only then will he return."
"So, he will be less than pleasant on his next visit?"
A smile spread across Connor's lips. "Exactly. He will want to have himself filled with hate, greed and vengeance, for to your people those are all qualifications that he will need in order to win the final victory."
Arysa shook her head. "But my people are wrong. Anger, greed and hate only makes one more brave rather than wise."
Connor smiled. "Your grandmot
her did well. Aye, in order to win you must keep all emotions from interfering. That is why I told you to wipe all thoughts of your grandmother from your mind. He would have been able to sense it and he would have played upon it to a degree that it would have brought your own anger to the surface."
Arysa nodded in understanding. "I will keep all thoughts of her away if it means her safety."
"Now, let's go in and see what Mrs. Reed has prepared for us to sup upon."
"I do not think I am hungry," she murmured.
"You must keep up your strength."
"Why?"
"Because Thomas arrives tonight to read the vows over us."
"Thomas?" Arysa asked, looking up at the profile of the man she loved.
Connor smiled. "Thomas has always been a wild one. In the early days he had left our colony because of their unrelenting ways."
"And that is why he will read the vows over us?"
"Exactly. If Thomas could have had his way, a joining of our two races would have taken place many years ago. But his rebellious ways caused him to be the focal point of anger among our clan. He disliked knowing he was the cause of unrest among us, so he left. Some say that to come in contact with him will bring about being shunned and cast out."
"And you feel as though you have nothing to lose ... for you will be shunned and cast out for choosing me," she whispered.
"A wise choice, if I do say so." Connor placed a kiss upon the top of her head and led her into the manor. "Justin has told you of the vows, do you have any objections?"
"Nay," she replied, smiling up at him.
"Then let us prepare."
Thomas was a robust man that liked his food as much as he liked to smile and jest. He and Mrs. Reed seemed to be at odds with their words toward one another, yet there was laughter and admiration in their eyes as they looked upon one another. It was then that Arysa realized just what it was she was witnessing. These two older people were from different clans, different societies and yet they had found a common ground and were in fact sharing a new friendship. Just as she and Connor were doing. Each of them was forging a path that someday might be traveled by many of their two societies.
