Feel the Burn

by MacDonald, Nicole

  It wasn’t like lifting Tomiar, or even Sito. The whole ceiling of shattered rock trembled under the spread of energy she pressed against it but occasional pieces of stone dropped from the outer section and smashed to the cavern floor. Loi squeezed her eyes shut and focused on the ceiling, trying to get it stable.

  Leave, earth one.

  Your friends are through to the next chamber, leave.

  At this depth the plants’ voices sounded quieter and Loi felt a moment of panic, then Cat’s red energy synched with hers and the murmurs filled her mind again. Her friend’s energy gave her the extra strength she needed and Loi thickened the shield then started to walk briskly toward the next chamber, mind focused. A vicious snarl echoed in the chamber and Loi twisted to look back then gasped. A strange creature with many legs scuttled across the floor toward her, snarling again. The scant light from the cavern’s entrance showed a crown of horns and alarmingly large canines as it swiftly covered the space between them.

  Rocks tumbled down at the start of the cavern, blocking the light and Loi shrieked when the creature vanished in the dark. She started running in the direction of where the others waited.

  ‘Cat, LIGHT!’

  The surge of energy Cat threw out to light the cavern rang in Sian’s head, as did Loi’s energy, still clinging in place.

  ‘Let go of the shield!’ Sian yelled while Sabyn and Gredel stood on either side of her, tense and ready to lunge. Loi wore a deep frown and sprinted toward them, arms pumping, the light from Cat flashing off her chainmail. Sian could sense the change in her energy then the ceiling started to collapse, beginning at the entrance. A hail of boulders crushed a group of ugly yeti like creatures trying to enter. The weird snarly crab thing yelped now, scrabbling across the cavern after Loi while she continued to release her hold on the rocks above. The saber-toothed crab lunged for Loi at the same time as Sabyn and Gredel. The men beat it by a mere second, snatching Loi in and a rock slammed down on the creature, crushing it. Sian heard a tiny whimper then a massive, deafening roar and the rest of the ceiling caved in. Coughing and choking they all backed up, moving away from the archway as rocks poured in, blocking it. A hand latched onto her arm, leading the way and she didn’t recognize Daron until he spoke.

  ‘A little further, watch your step, there’s a ledge.’

  She stumbled over the ledge and he held her firm, guiding her along. The air cleared the further back they got and she noticed light when she blinked with watery eyes, stinging from the dust. Her ears still rang from the sound of the cave-in and now and then the occasional loud heavy thud rang out, sending tremors through the floor. Still blinking Sian saw that the light came from lamps that the General Guards carried, short stout things with a wide circular band as the base, wide enough for a handle to slot in and convert it to a torch in the way several of the soldiers held theirs while they peered at the filled-in entrance.

  ‘Is there another way out?’ ventured one of the soldiers.

  ‘Yes,’ Loi said firmly, much to everyone’s evident relief and the somber tone lifted. Sian gave Daron’s hand a squeeze and ducked away, eyes searching in the darkness.

  ‘Sito,’ she thought while anxiety threatened. ‘Where are you?’

  How could it possibly be difficult to spot my giant of a dragon, she thought her eyes straining for a glimpse of tan scales.

  ‘Here, friend.’

  Tucked into what appeared an impossibly small alcove Sito stared down at Sian, his beautiful brown eyes glinting in the torchlight. The dragon’s long tail hung over the ledge and coiled on the cave floor, partially hidden beneath Kerak who spread himself across it, chin resting on a thick section.

  That can’t be comfortable, Sian thought in amusement and relief but she didn’t comment; both creatures looked content.

  ‘Whatcha doing up there?’ she thought to the dragon and stepped carefully around Kerak, patting his beak on the way. It was the only part of the griffon not covered in armor and received a loud purr that reverberated beneath the metal.

  ‘Feels like home,’ came Sito’s happy reply.

  Not any home I want to live in, Sian thought, stopping to have a proper look around. The cool air in the cavern made her shiver and the low ceiling meant Sito stooped to get into it. That evidently didn’t concern him, looking at the crevice he now occupied.

  The sense of relief at seeing those hideous creatures disappear, fast vanished. Kassie shook, unsure whether the cold or the fear caused it. For her first time—ever—in a cave, with a cave-in to boot and it all happening so fast! Kassie’s mind boggled at the sudden adjustments and the tremors within her body refused to settle down.

  ‘W-w-e-e ca-ca-can g-get out?’ she demanded again to Loi.

  ‘Don’t panic, Kass. I can get us out,’ Loi smiled tiredly then allowed Sabyn to lead her away.

  Nobody around Kassie seemed concerned. The soldiers and allies all moved determinedly around the stone chamber, setting up bed rolls and checking all the nooks and crannies along with Nesha, Loushka, Phroma, and Tomiar. Kerak looked happy curled up on Sito’s coiled tail and even Rumal looked unconcerned while he spoke with Rashid and Larvaste. Snapping her fingers in irritation, both at everyone’s lack of concern for this dire situation and at her cursed bodily reaction, Kassie stalked over to where the bag she’d packed sat and rummaged through it for her jersey. Taking the chainmail suit off wasn’t an option, not until sleep, and she shrugged into the soft oversized garment. It didn’t offer the same sense of comfort through the chainmail, but it would do for the moment. The deliberate action helped to calm the shaking somewhat. Kassie glanced at Kerak and watching her footing, avoiding the smaller unobtrusive stalagmites, she made her way to the griffon, climbing into the curl of his body, tucked against Sito’s long tail.

  ‘How you doing?’ she thought to the griffon.

  ‘Okay. Pleased we’re off the ship.’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Kassie thought. ‘I think I preferred the ship. I don’t like not seeing the sky.’

  Kerak lifted his head off Sito’s tail and regarded her in surprise, eyes wide through the slots of his helm.

  ‘Are you scared, Kass?’

  ‘It’s not all that weird,’ she thought grouchily, not wanting to acknowledge the twist of fear in her gut at the awful panic that kept threatening. ‘I am the air elemental.’

  ‘Don’t worry, little bird,’ Kerak teased, his nickname for her after Alek shot her into the air those few times. ‘Rumal and I will keep you safe.’

  Kassie glanced at the griffon, marveling to herself how grown up he seemed now and she cuddled as close to him as their respective suits of armor allowed.

  ‘Not too uncomfortable?’ she thought, rapping a leg greave.

  ‘It’ll do.’

  They didn’t talk and the distraction of watching everyone work at setting the camp up helped Kassie’s anxiety to settle.

  The exhaustion I used to feel at using my energy so extensively didn’t hit me now. This new, stronger version of energy made it feel almost like a separate entity. I could sense it lying there, tense and ready if I called on it and the realization of that other part, something ancient, primal, and fully elemental, both terrified and thrilled me. The fire within the very planet, deep beneath the surface called to me and it lusted for Jenviet’s death.

  For too long the DeNaga’s had toyed with the natural alignment of the planet and its elements. The debt they owed required payment and only blood would suffice.

  The dark thoughts made me shudder and I shook them off, turning to look for Loi. I could feel her fatigue from holding the ceiling up. The three girls didn’t know how close they stood to the barrier that prevented the archaic things from claiming them. I couldn’t get them there quicker but I could sense the distant and every time they forced their gifts to the extreme, it drew them closer. Loi’s performance today drew her much closer than Kassie or Sian but the exertion had exhausted her, and that I could help with.

  I walked to
where she sat with Sabyn, Tomiar curled around their backs.

  ‘Cousin,’ Sabyn greeted me with a smile which I returned, feeling a pleasant tingle of affection for the handsome man even while my throat swelled at the reminder of Alek. The memories of Alek that Loushka shared with me frequently included Sabyn, the two of them forever play fighting or getting into mischief when younger.

  ‘Loi, how are you feeling?’

  I could see the tell tale paler than usual complexion, eyes looking hollow, but she nodded and answered with a smile, in typical kiwi ‘she’ll be right’ fashion.

  ‘All good.’

  I arched an eyebrow and sat beside her, tapping her knee.

  ‘Liar. Give me your hand.’

  With a skeptical glance Loi offered her hand wondering what Cat was up to. Cat closed her eyes and Sabyn gently squeezed Loi’s leg, resting his chin on her shoulder while he watched his cousin.

  The darkness enveloped her so swiftly she didn’t even have time to gasp. Panic at the blackness constricted her chest then a sudden flame engulfed her, the brilliant ruby light filling her eyes. Sounding like he stood miles away, Loi could hear Sabyn calling her name and the fear returned in a flash when she struggled to respond.

  Don’t panic, Loi. You’re safe.

  Cat?

  Sort of. Just hold still for a moment.

  The flame surrounding her flickered brighter and brighter then began to change to a strong, beautiful green. Loi could feel the energy flowing freely from that spot behind her heart, filling her limbs and senses until the overwhelming sense of it felt unbearable, like she might burst. A single solid thud of her heart jolted through her, like waking from a falling dream and Loi opened her eyes. Stalactites hung above her then Sabyn’s anxious face came into view, staring down.

  ‘Ugh,’ Loi groaned and he helped her to sit up. ‘What happened?’

  ‘How do you feel?’ asked Cat, still sitting there, curious but unconcerned, unlike the others staring at Loi.

  Glaring at her, about to give her a piece of her mind for the fright caused, Loi stopped. How did she feel? The heavy sensation of exhaustion was gone, her body felt light and strong. Strangely strong. Loi extended her hands then willed her energy into them. They glowed that beautiful green she’d seen in the darkness; much healthier and stronger then ever before, especially considering how much she’d pushed herself today.

  ‘Good,’ Loi said hoarsely, unnerved at the intensity of the energy humming within. ‘I feel good.’

  How did you do that? she thought to Cat, incredulous.

  I don’t know. But I do know you’re close to achieving your full Elemental state.

  Cat winked at her then stood and walked away to where Ignatius and Leseach argued. Loi looked back at her hands, not entirely believing what she saw and felt.

  ‘Goddess, are you sure you’re okay?’

  She looked up and saw the tense anxiety in Sabyn’s eyes and cupped the hand that held her face, smiling reassuringly.

  ‘Yes. Cat helped me to link to’, Loi paused unsure of how to describe it. ‘Well, something. It made my energy feel strong, bright.’

  ‘I know,’ Sabyn said wryly. ‘You lit up the cavern like the Southern lights.’

  He pulled her onto his lap, back to his chest and hugged her tight, pressing his lips to the side of her throat.

  ‘Had me worried.’

  ‘All good,’ Loi tipped her head back and smiled into his concerned eyes. ‘I promise.’

  It wasn’t until later that evening when Loi lay in Sabyn’s arms in the now quiet and dark cavern that she realized just how much her energy had increased. When they first entered the cave the voices of the plants diminished but now they sounded even clearer than when she’d first heard them, on the surface.

  The faint light from a torch of one of the soldiers on first watch flickered on the stone wall near her head and she watched idly at the shapes it created. Breathy snores from the mass of sleeping bodies were punctuated by the occasional growl or wheeze from a griffon or Sito and Sabyn mumbled in his sleep, throwing an arm over her and shifted closer. Loi smiled and squeezed the hand that gripped firmly under her ribs before tuning back into the plants. They weren’t talking with her at the moment; too busy conversing with each other about the day’s events. It sounded like Cat’s burn off would be beneficial for new growth the next spring.

  Loi dozed off while listening to the simple, soothing thoughts.

  Waking in total darkness when your body clock knows it is morning feels weird. I didn’t move at first and listened to see if I could hear others stirring. Beside me in the small tent Ignatius shifted then sat up, the light from a soldier on watch not far from us giving the Lieutenant a faint outline in the darkness.

  ‘Your Highness?’ he asked in a quiet voice.

  ‘Morning,’ I whispered.

  ‘Did you sleep okay? With the drink, I mean, not the bedroll.’

  I smiled at his wry tone; not much could make a cave floor comfortable.

  ‘I did.’

  Compared to the other nights last night had been peaceful, with no aching desire of Alek from my dreams. I felt both grateful and sad at not seeing him but with my bedroll hard against Ignatius’ bedroll I didn’t want the risk of sleep talking. In the darkness Ignatius quickly dressed then left so I could dress and he turned up a lamp outside the tent. The extra light made finding and wriggling into the chainmail easy but that dratted back seam still took a good amount of grunting, tugging and general struggling to get it right and it felt nearly momentous when I succeeded. With a congratulatory nod to myself I started to plait my hair. A centaur horn sounded in the chamber, just soft enough to echo and it woke everyone. When I climbed out of the tent, soldiers hustled about, some packing, and others organizing the breakfast of dried meat, hard bread and carefully allocated water. I walked to grab a plate and heard a Medanga soldier in hushed conversation with Chaieth; it sounded like the other cave system had water and they’d counted on that. I sat with Loushka and the other griffons, the guys and Loi, Sian, and Kassie joining us. The griffons and Sito had eaten a huge meal of the remaining fresh meat on the ships the day before we left and in theory it’d keep them satisfied for the two weeks. But they still needed water.

  ‘Can the plants tell you if we’ll find water?’ Sabyn asked Loi, while we all ate and she nodded, her mouth full.

  ‘Yes,’ she said after swallowing. ‘We should be fine. There’s a lake that we’ll find tomorrow or the day after.’

  Rumal, in the midst of fixing Kassie’s hood to her suit, asked, ‘Do you know how long it’ll take to reach the castle?’

  Loi fell silent while she communed with the plants. Lieutenant Rashid, overhearing the question, waited with a tense expression. Having finished my food I slipped a hand between the armor plating on Loushka’s back leg and scratched gently.

  ‘Here?’ I thought.

  ‘No, a little high—Ooooo.’

  Loushka stiffened when I hit the right spot and her leg jerked involuntarily while I scratched. A funny whine slipped out her beak when I worked at another spot lower on the same leg. Gredel did the same for Phroma and she looked as awkward and funny as Loushka. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop from giggling.

  ‘Twelve nights!?’

  Rashid’s astonished exclamation made me twist around. The Lieutenant gaped at Loi who frowned.

  ‘Yes, is that not good?’

  ‘It’s fantastic,’ Larvaste said in a dry tone. ‘The route we had intended would have taken two full weeks.’

  My mind automatically calculated two weeks as fourteen days so it felt both longer and shorter when I re-calculated for the nine day weeks. A saving of six days does sound good, I begrudgingly admitted to myself.

  ‘Let’s get started then,’ Oomoth called from where he stood and his excited tone roused all the other soldiers. Everyone hurried about, packing up the last pieces, snapping on armor and weapons. The hollow sharp sounds of boots against stone echoe
d through the cave. Sito eased himself out of the crevice he’d tucked into and crouched under the low ceiling. Sian and Daron made their way to him and strapped various parcels and bags to his armor. As the line up started I got a surprise when little Leynorah and her mother alighted on my shoulders.

  ‘Hello! I wondered where you guys were.’

  ‘We went exploring for dinner.’

  I nodded agreeably while wondering what the fae ate and they settled down for the day, content to latch onto my armored shoulders and chat to me. We watched while the Cavalry Lieutenants and Nyjens argued with some goblins. Ignatius appeared at my side, a brief frown flickering when he regarded my guests. The frown deepened when Leseach straightened up from fastening her boots, on my other side.

  ‘What are they arguing about?’ I nodded at the goblin troops ahead of us.

  ‘The Nyjens want to be on the outer of the formations. The goblins challenged that because they are more familiar with caves.’

  Evidently the goblins won that argument and the Nyjens moved in a layer. The goblins all moved around the cavern’s walls and ceiling with the ease of a person walking, their long muscular limbs with dexterous fingers and toes easily gripping the stone. I watched one casually scale the wall to the crevice Sito had slept in with no difficulty, even though the vertical ascent looked at least four times his height. The armor they wore allowed full movement thanks to the clever design of narrow diamond shaped plates overlapping each other like snake skin. Their hands and feet remained uncovered and they wore helms of a similar style to our hoods, protecting the head but allowing full vision. Another soft call on the centaur horn drew everyone into position. With Ignatius before me, and Loushka, and Leseach behind me, I moved forward, lighting my hands to see the way.