She felt the blanket hem rise, and a wet nose touched her calf. “Morning, Maggie,” she sent.
"Maggie is hungry."
"Maggie is always hungry.” Regan felt teeth nip her bare toes. “Okay, okay. Let's see if Kelsey's awake."
"The other you is fighting the covers and making pain noises."
Regan turned and padded back to the balcony door.
Standing just inside she watched Kelsey. Her sister's head tossed side to side on her pillow. She reached upward with a closed fist and flailed against something that only she could see. “No ... no."
Regan walked to the side of the bed. “Kelsey,” she said, careful not to touch her sister. She had read somewhere a rude awakening from a nightmare could be hard on both parties.
Kelsey's head continued to thrash on the pillow.
"Kelsey,” Regan said louder. “It's time to wake up."
Kelsey dropped her arm to the bed. “You don't have to yell,” she mumbled, without opening her eyes.
"You were having a nightmare."
Kelsey opened her eyes and knuckled them as she sat up. “Nightmare, huh? After yesterday, that doesn't surprise me.” Her gaze went to the balcony doors and the sun that shone through the glass. “What time is it?” she asked, kicking off her blankets.
"I don't know. Still early. The sun just came up."
"Damn. I told Angus to wake me before dawn."
"Maybe he thought you needed some rest?” Regan said.
Kelsey turned and looked at her sister. “It makes no difference what he thought; I gave him an order."
A loud pounding on the door stopped Regan's response.
"Are you awake in there?” Angus called.
"Enter,” Kelsey said.
Angus pushed the door open and rushed in. He met Kelsey's eyes and went rigid. “Sorry I'm late, Queen's-Commander,” he said. “Peter put Rourk and me out with a sleep spell."
Kelsey frowned. “Are you sure?"
Angus's cheeks above his beard flushed. “When we woke he was standing guard over us like we were babies. He admitted it, just as bold as could be, said an hour's later start wouldn't make any difference."
Kelsey sighed. “Well, I guess he's right. Where's Rourk?"
"He's seeing to the horses. He figured you'd want to leave as soon as possible."
"He figured right,” Kelsey grumbled.
"I'll tell them, Queen's-Commander.” Angus pivoted and then rushed out the door.
"Are you going to ream Peter out?” Regan asked.
Kelsey walked to the old chest, opened it, and tossed a shirt and trousers to Regan. “No,” she said.
"Why not? You were plenty pissed a few minutes ago."
"He's my superior. If that was his decision, then I have to live by it."
"Peter is your superior, but you're Queen Tessa's commander."
"And the High Mage answers to none except the queen,” Kelsey said. “Why do you think I was so concerned that he wasn't thinking straight?"
Regan pulled the pants up over her hips and tightened the drawstring at her waist. “I didn't realize."
"He's not just any man,” Kelsey said, her voice muffled by the tunic that covered her head. She pulled the shirt down and tucked it in her pants. “The queen expects him to make clear, level-headed decisions for her and Daradawn."
"He has ... he will.” Regan tucked in her own tunic. “We both will."
"Good, that's all I ask. Now let's get going."
Regan turned and saw Maggie scratching at her ear. “Just a minute. I've got to get Maggie's bells back on.” She moved to the nightstand and picked up the collar. The bells tinkled as she slipped it around Maggie's neck. “Can't have pesky fleas on you. Okay,” she told Kelsey. “Let's go."
Kelsey walked toward the door, then stopped. “I almost forgot.” She walked back to the bed and scooped yesterday's trousers from the floor. “With your sudden departure yesterday, you forgot your earrings.” Grinning, she moved to Regan and laid the velvet bag in her hands.
"Are you wearing the pendant?” Regan said.
Kelsey nodded. “Peter wants them with us all the time."
Regan opened the bag and looked at the opals. They looked no different. “Did he tell you how this was supposed to work?” she asked, putting them in her ears.
"We can call to each other no matter where we are as long as the talismans are touching us."
"Do we verbally do it, or with a mind call?"
Kelsey shrugged. “That I don't know. You'll have to ask."
"And do they act like a homing device? Will I know where you are at all times, or only when I want to?"
Kelsey's eyes widened. “God, I hope it's only when one of us calls. There are going to be times when I don't want you to know where I am or what I'm doing."
"Ditto."
The sisters grinned at each other. “That's something else we better ask Peter,” Kelsey said.
Regan linked her arm through her sister's. “I'm starving. How about you?” Maggie woofed affirmative. “Yes, I know you are."
"Breakfast is going to be eaten in the saddle today. I want to get to the place we found last night and be well hidden. I just hope the Ru'taha are still there."
"I think I'll take my notebook and work on some ad jingles as we ride,” Regan said.
"You can't ride and write, and this isn't a Sunday outing."
"I know that.” Regan squelched rising irritation. “Three quarters of the work is done in my head. I'll write them down—that is, if I come up with anything—when we stop."
Kelsey frowned, but said nothing.
"It's what I do for a living, you know,” Regan said, resenting the need to defend herself. “This little jaunt already has me three days behind on a jingle for doggie biscuits. Maybe I'll call them Maggie Snacks.” She reached down and patted the dog's head. “By the way, what are your plans when we get home? Going to get your old job back?"
Regan walked to the chest and pulled her notebook from the pocket of her discarded trousers and tucked it into her pocket. She turned and looked at Kelsey. Her sister stood still as a statue, her hand resting on the doorknob. A premonition chilled Regan. We won't be going back together. But will it be because she chooses not to, or for some other reason? “Kelsey, you haven't answered me,” Regan said through suddenly dry lips.
"I haven't given it much thought.” Kelsey finally said in a quiet voice. She shook her head and turned to smile at Regan. “We'll talk about it after Dirkk's taken care of. Now let's get moving.” Kelsey opened the door and Maggie whisked by. “That's one hungry dog."
Regan tried to laugh, but it came out a hoarse croak. She cleared her throat and said. “She's probably got a hot date with a bunch of kids."
"I'm feeling a little kid-like myself,” Kelsey said with an ear-to-ear grin. “How about a race down the stairs?"
"No way,” Regan said. “I'd be no good to anybody with a broken leg, or worse."
"I'll give you a head start, or are you—cluck, cluck, cluck?"
Regan stuck out her tongue at her sister. “You've never been able to outrun me. I'll give you the head start."
The grin left Kelsey's mouth. “Things change,” she said, “but I'll take the head start.” She ran out the door, yelling back. “Eat my dust."
* * * *
Regan followed Kelsey through the common's labyrinth of tents. Everywhere they passed, people halted what they were doing and bowed or bobbed in their direction. They were bombarded with “hellos” and “good mornings.” Regan soon tired of answering, and settled with a nod. Still, by the time she sighted the stable, her neck hurt.
The men waited for them in front of a watering trough. Peter held Gilda's reins as well as Skylar's. The mage met Kelsey's eyes and smiled as they approached.
"I understand it was your decision that we start later than I'd planned,” Kelsey said.
"It was."
Regan saw Angus and Rourk suddenly find things about their horses th
at needed their undivided attention.
"Thank you,” Kelsey said, “I needed the sleep."
Rourk shot a glance at Kelsey, and Regan saw his eyebrows rise toward his hairline. Angus turned and stared at both of them. Then, mumbling under his breath, he mounted Zax. Peter glanced at the two men, smiled again and then handed Gilda's reins to Regan. She patted the mare's neck and climbed into the saddle.
"You are welcome,” Peter said, then swung up onto Skylar's back. “There are coffee and sweet rolls in the side bags. Rourk says the ride is short. We will eat once we are there."
Kelsey nodded agreement and nudged her white-and-black mare in the ribs.
* * * *
The crowd separated before them as they made their way through the narrow aisles. Regan heard tinkling bells, then a whine, and turned to see Maggie heading her way at a fast lope. She reined Gilda in just as Maggie reached the mare's side. “Lady, will you talk to Maggie?"
"Her thoughts are jumbled, but she will understand mine.” Gilda responded smugly.
"Then tell her to stay and play. We won't need her today."
Gilda lowered her head and touched the top of Maggie's right ear. Maggie looked at Regan and whined. The mare snorted, then gently lipped the basset hound's head. Maggie drew back, raised her brown eyes to Regan, then turned and walked away.
"What did you say to her?"
"I told her I would protect you today,” the mare sent.
Regan patted Gilda's neck. “Thank you. Now let's catch up with the others."
* * * *
They wound their way through the planted fields. Stooping workers straightened and waved as they rode by. A little girl ran from the end of a row of tall vines and reached up toward Rourk with a large purple gourd in both hands. Rourk leaned from his saddle and scooped it from her. “Thanks, little one."
Sentries melted from their posts, saluted, then turned their searching looks outward again.
The protective mountain walls veered in as they neared the throat of the valley. Just ahead, and angling to the right, Regan saw the barricade of massive tree trunks. The morning sun glinted off the dewy green vines weaving in, around, and through the bare branches. She remembered well the thumb-length thorns that jutted along each clinging inch.
Angus pulled Zax to within three feet of the barricade. Peter rode up next to him, lifted his hand to break the ward, then hesitated. He turned and faced Regan. “Would you like to give it a try?"
Regan's stomach knotted, but she kneed Gilda forward. “What do I do?"
Behind her, she heard Angus's quick intake of breath, then he forced Zax between her and Peter. “Do you think this is a good idea?"
Startled, Regan faced the dwarf. “Angus, I've learned some control since the fairy glade."
Angus frowned, refusing to meet Regan's eyes.
"It would be easier on me if Regan did it,” Peter said. “The magic does not tire her as much.” Regan nudged Gilda closer, then reached out and touched Angus's arm. “I know what to expect now. I won't let it get away from me."
Kelsey and Rourk rode up. Kelsey looked from Regan to Angus. “What's the problem?"
Angus gave Regan a piercing stare. “Nothing,” he said, then backed Zax from between Regan and Peter.
Regan released a deep breath and faced Peter.
"All you will need is a small tendril of power,” he said.
Regan searched inward, found what she was seeking, then nodded.
"You have it?” Peter said.
She closed her eyes. “It's like a warm piece of string curled in my stomach."
"Let it know your will, your command."
Regan frowned in concentration.
"Now, draw it up to your hand,” he said.
She pulled the tendril of heat along her arm, then cupped it in her palm. “I have it."
"Open your eyes and raise your arm toward the barricade."
She faced the wall of trees and thorns and lifted her arm.
"Start at the ground and slowly move your hand in an arc until you reach the other side."
Regan brought her hand up and moved her arm in a slow upward curve. The wall of thorns and tree stumps shimmered and then the black void and spinning vortex appeared in the center of the arch.
"Everyone, through,” Peter said.
He stood silent beside Regan as the others rode by. “I must leave you,” he told her. “When you release the magic, the wall will look as if it has returned, but your magic will let you through. You will feel dizzy when you pass under the arch because you are passing through an extension of yourself. Just give Gilda her head. We will take care of you on the other side."
"Don't worry,” Regan said with a tremulous smile. “I've told Gilda the problem and she knows what to do."
Peter reached across and squeezed her hand. “Count to ten, then drop the arch. I will see you on the other side."
Regan's heart started to pound as Peter rode away. What if I can't draw it back? A memory of scorched tree-trunks in the fairy glade surfaced.
Gilda tossed her head. “I was not with you then."
Skylar vanished under the arch. Regan closed her eyes and licked her dry lips. “One ... two ... three ... four...” At the count of ten she lowered her hand and fused the flow of power. Her arm heated, the skin turning bright red. Regan gritted her teeth. God, it burns. She looked around wildly.
From behind a rock on her right a slight figure emerged.
"Give it to me,” Thomas said.
Regan's eyes filled with tears. She glanced down at her arm, half expecting to see her flesh aflame. With a groan, she lifted her arm toward Thomas and opened the channel. A blue flame arced from her fingertips and caught the mage square in the chest. His body arched and shuddered and a wild laugh rang out from him.
Regan leaned over and buried her face in Gilda's mane. “Oh, my God. What have I done? Now he knows of my power and will tell Dirkk."
"Well done,” Thomas said.
She lifted her hot face from Gilda's neck and glared at him. He smiled at her and motioned in the direction of the barricade. “Now you'd better join the rest of your group, or they will wonder at your lateness."
Thomas turned, then hesitated. “I almost forgot.” He faced Regan again and waved his hand in her direction. “You and your mount will remember none of this. You will remember only that you absorbed the power into your body. Now ride. I can hold your arch open no longer.” The mage turned and disappeared around the rock.
Regan blinked, then looked at her cool arm and the wavering arch. I did it. Well, that's one lesson I did learn in the glade.
Gilda shifted nervously and Regan's gaze went to the wall before her. The wall was already beginning to solidify back into tree trunks and thorny vines. I can't ride through that; we'll be ripped to shreds.
"We go.” Gilda sharply mind sent, then leapt forward.
"No.” Regan yanked back on the reins, but Gilda continued her headlong charge.
Regan looked up. The approaching wall was a green-and-brown blur. She screamed, twisted her fingers in Gilda's mane, and pressed her face against the mare's neck. Beneath her she felt the mare tense, and then Regan gasped and jerked straight up in the saddle as every inch of her skin tingled with the touch of her own raw power. It pulsed around and through her, a feeling of intense joy. Tears filled her eyes and ran unheeded down her cheeks. She felt the fleeting touch of scores of hands as soft musical voices whispered words of love and encouragement into her ears. Then they were through, and Gilda was racing toward and then beyond Peter and Skylar.
The trees rushed by in a haze of green. Behind her, Regan heard Peter shout, then the sound of pounding hoofs as he raced Skylar up beside her.
Regan pulled back on Gilda's reins and the mare slowed to a canter and then to a walk. Peter reined Skylar in to match their pace.
"Are you all right?"
Regan stared at him for a moment, then nodded.
Rourk, Kelsey, and Angus gallo
ped up beside them. “Are you okay?” Kelsey's face was pale and her eyes were wide with concern.
Peter waited for Regan to answer.
"Everything's fine. It was just more than I expected,” Regan said.
Peter reached across and squeezed her hand. “Did you discover something of yourself in the Power?"
Regan looked over his head, back towards the barrier. “I'm not sure. It was more of a sense of pride and encouragement ... from others."
"Others?” Kelsey said.
Regan faced her. “Spirits."
"Did you feel that they were happy with your choice of action?” Peter said.
"Yes."
Peter smiled. “Right is with us."
"Was there ever any doubt?” Rourk asked, urging his mount forward. “Let's ride.” He tossed back over his shoulder. “I'm starving."
* * * *
The jagged exit from Peaks’ Pass to the deep woods beyond loomed before them.
Kelsey halted, then slid from her mare's back. She bent, picked up a branch and walked along a line of scrubby bushes. Twice she paused and pushed the stick into spiky leaves. Frowning, she backed up and surveyed the mountainside.
"Can we help?” Regan asked.
Kelsey shook her head and walked closer to the brush line. “It's here. It just looks different during the day."
Gilda sidestepped restively and Regan urged the mare nearer to Kelsey. She peered at the green brush wall. “What are you looking for?"
Kelsey glanced at her sister and then back toward the thicket. She passed by a tall bush with red berries, then stopped and walked back. With a small smile, she leaned toward the bush, sniffed and then touched it with her hand. At her touch, the greenery vanished and a curved opening into a cave appeared. She grinned at Regan. “It's the red berries that gave it away last night. They're elven and don't normally grow outside Vilsathor. Bend closer. Can you smell them?"
Regan guided Gilda closer to the bush. The berries smelled like watermelon. She looked at Kelsey in surprise.
"Watermelon berries. I've had them while visiting Margeaux. They're delicious, but don't try to eat these. I'm willing to bet they're poisoned."
The Blue Flame [Book 1 of the Daradawn Series] Page 23
