Journey to Queyon: The Innocence Cycle, Book 3

by J D Abbas

  Celdorn wrapped his arm around her shoulder and swiped at his own tears. They crossed the courtyard and climbed the stairs in silence.

  “Thank you for letting me say goodbye, Ada. You ... you made a nice place for her.”

  Celdorn dipped his chin and attempted a smile. His mouth moved to speak, but in the end he just kissed her head and guided her toward the door.

  Chapter 25

  The eight men of Celdorn’s inner circle awaited them by the door to the hallway, traveling packs scattered around them. When Celdorn and Elena approached, his men immediately gathered around and without a word dropped to one knee, heads bowed. Elena slowly, and with a painful warning from her hip, did likewise.

  “Qho’el, may your Jhadhela lead us and protect us. May we be faithful and diligent in guarding the treasure you have entrusted to us.” Celdorn’s voice was husky and solemn as he prayed. Then, in a more rousing voice, he said, “Let us rise and go forth entrusting ourselves to the Source of All Light.”

  The men stood as one, shouldered their packs, and followed Celdorn into the hallway without looking back. Elena froze. The sound of the men’s footsteps receded down the corridor. They must not have realized she wasn’t with them.

  “Elena?” Celdorn’s voice echoed in the hallway. “Little one?” He peeked around the broad doorframe.

  “I can’t move, Ada,” she rasped. The room blurred as her eyes swam back and forth through a pool of tears. “I see only death ahead. I’m putting all of your lives at risk. The nine of you won’t return here—ever.” Her voice sounded oddly flat and faraway, as if some other voice spoke through her. “I see... I see...”

  Celdorn cupped her face. “Elena, come back to me.” His voice was even and commanding. “Now, Elena,” he said more loudly and tugged at her chin.

  The fog cleared. She stared at Celdorn, wondering where she had gone. She threw herself into his arms sobbing.

  “We’re no safer here, little one. Queyon is our best option. The battle has begun. It can’t be stopped,” he added, his voice steady and calm as he held her in his strong arms. “We must move, and we must do so now.”

  Elena took a deep, ragged breath, then pulled back from Celdorn’s arms, her head bobbing in rapid, nervous nods, and moved out into the corridor without a word.

  She never told anyone what it was she saw. From that moment on, she packed it away, perhaps because she did not want to admit it to herself.

  ~

  Elena trudged through the underground tunnels and caves without a complaint or even a sound. Silvandir watched her, sensing her turmoil. So much had happened in such a short time. No wonder she was troubled.

  Silvandir came alongside her and grasped her hand. He was surprised and hurt when she jerked it away. Her protective walls had risen up around her again, now three-feet thick and as solid as the ground beneath his boots.

  Pushing past the hurt and steeling his will, he reached for her hand and gripped it. Her eyes snapped up and looked at him as if he’d just appeared, but she didn’t withdraw her hand.

  “You were lost somewhere else.”

  “I suppose so. I’m sorry.”

  Her voice was so sad. It tugged at his heart. “I know it must be difficult for you to leave here, but it really is for the best.” He entwined his fingers with hers. “Our future is ahead of us,” he added with a wide smile.

  Elena gazed up at him, as if she longed to grasp onto his hope and enthusiasm. “I’m afraid,” she whispered.

  “I know.” He stopped and pulled her into his arms. “You are not alone.” He kissed the top of her head and felt Elena chuckle against his chest. “What?”

  “Being hugged by you is like being hugged by a tree.” When he looked affronted, she added, “A very kind tree.”

  Elena leaned into him then gasped, grabbing her side.

  Silvandir looked down. “What is it?”

  “I felt a surge in my belly again,” she replied, her voice puzzled. She was quiet as they resumed walking. “Do you suppose it’s a sign of life? Of hope?” She looked up at him. “Is the baby responding to what you’re offering?”

  Silvandir’s whole body smiled with a joy he’d never felt before. He kissed Elena’s head again and squeezed her shoulders tightly. “I hope so,” he whispered as emotion choked his voice.

  ~

  Celdorn and Elbrion slowed their pace and flanked Elena and Silvandir. Elena glanced around at the other men, some who forged the way, others who trailed behind. The tension in the air told her the Guardians were on alert; even these caves might not be safe.

  It was then Elena realized she hadn’t seen Mikaelin since they’d entered the tunnels. He must have gone ahead. She glanced at her hand entwined with Silvandir’s and wondered if she’d made the right choice. Was she being fair to Silvandir? Mikaelin didn’t want her, yet that didn’t end her feelings for him.

  But ...she also cared for Silvandir. Knowing some of the guilt he carried made her feel more at ease. He wasn’t perfect—though he was close, in so many ways. He was doggedly loyal to both Celdorn and Mikaelin. He was cautious with his words, never wanting to injure with careless ones. When he spoke, she could trust what he said—with her history, that meant so much. He was scrupulous with his appearance as well. His neatly trimmed beard was near perfect, his clothes as clean as travel allowed, and his hair tidy and smooth. The silver streaks framing his face gleamed in the torchlight, and the flecks in his eyes were so enchanting. She could get lost in those star trails. She recalled their first kiss, and a flood of heat coursed through her body again.

  “Elena?” Celdorn was looking at her as if awaiting an answer.

  She glanced sideways, wondering what she’d missed. “What?”

  Celdorn chuckled. “Whatever you were day-dreaming about certainly brought a smile to your face.”

  Elena blushed, letting her hair fall around her face as she focused on the unsteady ground of the tunnel. “I was just thinking ...” She couldn’t come up with a convincing lie.

  Celdorn held up a hand. “It’s all right. I know you have a lot on your mind.” He brushed her hair back so he could see her face more clearly, his expression serious. “Not to detract from your good mood, but I asked if you’re ready to hear about my encounter with your father.”

  “Don’t call him that.” All happy thoughts fled. “You and Elbrion are my fathers.”

  Celdorn put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.” His tender smile softened the scowl that had formed. “It was a slip of tongue. That’s all. Of course we are your fathers, and proud and happy to be such, little one.” He kissed her hair and a different kind of warmth filled her heart. She felt a tiny flutter in her belly and wondered if the baby had just kicked with shared joy.

  “We haven’t had an opportunity to tell you about it with all that’s happened. Do you want to know?”

  Yes and no. Her stomach churned, but she nodded. Silvandir’s grip tightened on her hand.

  “Domar was devious.” Celdorn shook his head as if still bewildered. “He used my love for Elbrion to draw me into his trap.”

  Celdorn went on to explain about Shatur coming for him and Zhalor’s resistance, describing in graphic detail the battle with Domar and the rock creatures.

  Elbrion spoke from the other side of Silvandir. “I was unaware of any of that as we journeyed through the gap, but at one point, I felt Celdorn’s pain so intensely, I almost collapsed. I called our company to a halt and gathered them around. I drew on the strength of the Jhadhela in our men and focused on the image of Celdorn’s heart. I sent the power forth, something I hadn’t attempted in twenty years.

  “I felt breath return to Celdorn’s chest but knew he was still in danger. Having a vague image in my mind of where we would find him, we turned back.”

  Celdorn continued from there. “I didn’t know the source of the light. I just knew it entered into me and exploded outward, shattering the rock creature. But there were plenty more to take its place.
One of them was pummeling me, when Domar commanded it to stop. He wanted to be the one to finish me. It was his intent to lop off my head, but I pulled myself upright and the blow struck just below my shoulder instead.” He massaged his upper arm, though he didn’t seem to realize it. His focus was elsewhere.

  “When the impact of his sword knocked me to the ground, I saw a flash of intense light plow into Domar like a battering ram. I found out later it was Zhalor.” Celdorn shook his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. “But it didn’t look like Zhalor. Maybe it was delirium, maybe ... I don’t know. What I saw was more upright, like a man, but taller than the rock creatures. Dazzling, like the Guardians of old were said to be.” He shrugged and looked embarrassed. “No one else saw it, so I guess we’ll never know.”

  “So Zhalor did protect you,” Elena said, then her brow furrowed. “What happened to the other rock creatures?”

  Celdorn shrugged again. “I don’t know that either. Silvandir wasn’t there to relay Zhalor’s thoughts, so I have not been able to debrief with him yet. I suspect there is more to that story, however.”

  “Again, the Ilqazar have always been careful with what they expose about themselves,” Elbrion said. “More power is there than we realize.”

  Elena shivered. Something inside her recognized the truth of Elbrion’s words and it made her heart beat faster.

  ~

  It was nearly three hours before they reached the north end of the caves. Elena’s naturally small steps were further slowed by the illness and injuries of the last few days. Silvandir and Celdorn offered to carry her, but she refused. Though frustrated she had to stop and rest so often, she persevered without a complaint.

  Dalgo checked her wounds each time they stopped to make certain none of them had reopened. Her hip was causing her the most discomfort, but all of the injuries were throbbing and burning. Braiden pointed out that she was limping and favoring the injured hip. He saw this as a sign of reconnecting with her body, a good thing. She wasn’t convinced. There was something to be said for not feeling pain.

  When they finally emerged from the caves, Zhalor and the other Ilqazar were waiting. Elena hobbled to the stallion and threw her arms around his massive neck. He nuzzled her cheek.

  “Thank you so much for bringing my adai back to me safely.”

  It was my duty and my pleasure, my lady, though no easy task. That one is a stubborn man. He eyed Celdorn.

  Other than Elena, only Silvandir heard Zhalor’s thoughts, which he dutifully relayed to Celdorn.

  “Zhalor, you have every right to be angry with me,” Celdorn said with a slight bow. “I told you I would listen to you if ever you opposed me, and I did not. You sensed the danger to which emotion blinded me. I should have known that you wouldn’t lead me astray. I’m truly sorry and will not make the same mistake again.”

  He stood behind Elena, his hands on her shoulders. “Thank you for being willing to join us on this journey, in spite of my mulishness,” he added with a grin.

  Humans are notoriously intractable. Always certain they know best. Zhalor shook his luminous head. There is wisdom that has existed for thousands of years before your kind and truth that runs deeper than you humans can possibly understand, he continued as he leaned his broad forehead into Celdorn’s. And yet there is great heart in your kind, much to love and admire.

  The two stood head to head in silence for some time. Many of the men and Ilqazar bowed in respect. Elena put her hand over her heart, which twisted with an unexpected pain, and her tears flowed.

  Nakhona stepped toward Elena and leaned her forelock into her chest. Where their flesh touched, sharp rays of light burst forth, surprising everyone, Elena most of all. She stared at the small filly, trying to grasp something that was just past the edge of reason. Nakhona nickered and shook her pale head. Elena locked the moment away, to puzzle it out later.

  No further words seemed necessary. Silently, Celdorn lifted Elena onto Nakhona’s back. They had brought a special padded blanket for her, in hopes it would make the ride more tolerable than a saddle, but as they started down the trail. Elena felt every bump in their path, wincing repeatedly. When they tried to pick up the pace, she couldn’t bear the jostle of a canter or even a trot, which frustrated Elena to no end. She longed to let Nakhona run free and feel the wind in her own hair once again.

  After a slow four hours of riding, they took a break. Celdorn lifted Elena from Nakhona’s back.

  “D-Dalgo!”

  Elena turned at Braiden’s exclamation and saw him nod toward the blanket, which was saturated with blood, as were Elena’s trousers.

  Braiden and Dalgo moved her off to the side and examined her hip. They found the stitches torn open and the wound widened.

  “A-apparently, I didn’t do a very g-good job of stitching th-that,” Braiden said.

  “You did the best you could with the angle and location of the wound,” Dalgo replied.

  “Excuse me, but would you please cover up my backside while you continue your deliberation,” Elena said, her cheeks burning. “It’s humiliating enough that it’s the center of your attention.”

  “S-sorry.” Braiden immediately covered her with the edge of the blanket before stepping a few feet away to speak with Dalgo. “W-we’ll have to try something else if she’s g-going to survive this j-journey. She can’t continue t-to lose this much b-blood,” he whispered.

  “I can hear you.” Elena gave them a half-hearted scowl. “Could you include me in this discussion since I have a vested interest here?”

  “I beg your pardon, Elena,” Dalgo said, stepping closer. “Perhaps if we remove the packing and stitch the wound more thoroughly, you can manage. But I don’t think it would be wise to put you back on a mount for another day or two, at least.” The healer tugged at his beard as he studied her covered rump. “We’ll need to inform Celdorn.”

  Braiden patted her on the shoulder. “W-we’ll be back shortly. Try n-not to move much.”

  She gave him a disgusted snort in reply.

  ~

  Celdorn wasn’t comfortable stopping while they were still so far south. The company from Marach would soon be more than a day ahead of them. At the pace they’d been traveling, their vanguard would be several days ahead of them in no time; he’d hoped to keep them closer. Dussendor, on the other hand, was still two and a half days north and west of them.

  “I would advise sending someone back to Kelach for reinforcements,” Elbrion said. “We cannot move forward now. We must tend to Elena.”

  The other men had gathered while they conferred.

  “I’ll g-go,” Braiden offered. “D-Dalgo’s going to w-work on Elena’s w-wound, so I’m n-not needed. Sh-Shemeron is as swift as the w-wind. We’ll m-make it in no t-time.”

  Celdorn hesitated. “If we bring reinforcements, we’ll draw attention to ourselves.”

  “But we cannot move for at least two days. If we are being hunted and are found, we do not have the manpower to protect Elena,” Elbrion said.

  Celdorn didn’t like it, but Elbrion was right. He turned to Braiden. “Getting back to Kelach should be no problem, but when you return, stay off the main paths. Bring thirty men with you.”

  “It w-will require more t-time using the old trails, b-but we should be here b-by evening,” Braiden said, whistling for Shemeron.

  “We’ll camp near the cave at Roth Rock,” Celdorn told him. “And, Braiden, be watchful.”

  “I-I may be young, b-but I’m not f-foolhardy.” Braiden grinned as he mounted. “I’ll b-be careful, Celdorn. S-see you tonight.”

  ~

  Roth Rock was several miles from where they had stopped. The men discussed how best to move Elena without doing more damage. In the end, Elena ended up sitting sidesaddle in front of Silvandir, leaning on her undamaged hip. It was awkward and uncomfortable, but it got her to their destination.

  The men set up a tent, and Dalgo repaired Elena’s hip. As he worked, he told her the poison had eaten away at th
e tissue around the wound, causing it to tear away from the sutures. He had to cut away the putrefying flesh before he could restitch the area.

  “I’m applying alianthar as I go in hopes it will stop the mortification of the tissue.”

  Elena didn’t really care. She just wanted him to finish and cover her.

  “One of the wounds on your thigh looks fairly ugly after all the movement. I think I’ll restitch it while we’re here.” Dalgo spent nearly two hours working on her.

  While the healer tended to Elena, Celdorn set the other men to establishing the camp. He and Elbrion stopped in to check on her before they rode off in opposite directions to scout out the area and make certain they hadn’t been followed. Dalgo gave her something to make her sleep, so her mind was muzzy as they said farewell.

  Just before she drifted away, a deep shadow of foreboding swallowed her, but she was too far gone to utter any warning.

  Chapter 26

  It was late afternoon before Elena awoke, groggy and disoriented. In that tenebrious world between waking and sleeping, she sensed something sinister lurked. She wasn’t sure if it lingered from her dreams or was a foreboding of something in the waking world. It grew stronger as the haze of the sleeping draught diminished. Something was definitely wrong. She lay for what seemed like a long time, wondering what the others were doing, worrying. In spite of Dalgo’s orders to lie still, she was about to get up and search for herself when she heard footsteps.

  “Are you awake?” Silvandir stuck his head into the tent.

  “Yes, come in. I was hoping you’d check on me. I’d almost given up and was ready to disobey Dalgo and go searching.”

  “How’s the wound?”

  “It’s stitched anew and has stopped bleeding. I am, however, going crazy with just lying here.” Elena rolled from her stomach to her right side so she could look at Silvandir. “Any news of Celdorn?”