by J D Abbas
Keymar made a brave attempt at a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Maybe you’ll see for yourself one day.”
Elena smiled. “Maybe…” She would like that very much, but she doubted Celdorn would allow it. Not for some time anyway.
A dozen Ilqazar trotted into the bailey through the southern gate in the curtain wall, and Guardians appeared from every direction.
“Mount up!” the leader from Dussendor called.
Keymar glanced over his shoulder. “I guess this is farewell then.” He gave a quick bow. “Silothani, my lady.”
“Silothani, Keymar.”
She watched as the company clad in their sky blue livery rode under the portcullis then out of sight. For some reason this made her sad, as if an end of an era had come. Sasha pressed her head into Elena’s chest with a whine.
“Are you empathic as well?” She patted the dog’s back. “I’m just being silly. I’ve only been here two months, and I’ve known those men for an even shorter time. I’ve no right to be sad.”
Arms grabbed her around the hips from behind and squeezed. Elena gasped then chuckled. She glanced behind her at Mishon, whose smile was as strong as his tiny arms.
“Mishon, unhand the lady this instant,” Charaq called from across the yard, his face flushed with embarrassment.
The boy stepped back and hung his head.
Elena smiled and lifted his chin. “It’s all right, Mishon. Thank you for the hug.” She glanced at his small Ilqazar. “Are you leaving soon?”
“Yes, ma’am. And I got exciting news.” His face lit up. “I’m going to Queyon!”
“Oh, I’m so happy for you. Will you travel with the rescued children then?”
“Um hmm. Lord Celdorn said they needed Guardians to escort those from the caves.” He motioned for her to come closer. When Elena squatted beside him, he leaned into her ear, covering his mouth with his hand. “To protect them from the enemy,” he whispered. The young boy patted his tiny sword. “I volunteered, and Lord Celdorn said I could go but only if Charaq went too.” He shrugged. “That was okay with me.”
“I’m so proud of you. Those children need people with great hearts to care for them.” She put her mouth close to his ear. “And they need friends too.”
Mishon puffed up his chest and flashed a smile that brought tears to her eyes. “I can do that.”
Elena grew serious. “They’ve lost everything, Mishon.” Like you, my brave boy. “They will be frightened and sad. You have to be extra gentle.”
The boy surprised her by laying his hand on her heart. “You mean they have holes in their hearts like you and me?” He blinked back tears.
Elena threw her arms around Mishon. “That’s exactly what I mean.” When she embraced him, his memories and pain blasted her again, but she held on, sharing in it, offering what comfort she could. Sasha leaned in and licked each of their cheeks as if she understood.
Someone cleared his throat. They looked up to find Charaq standing over them.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we must mount up now.”
“I’ll miss you, Mishon,” Elena whispered in his ear, then she squeezed him and stood up, dabbing her eyes. She gave Charaq an embarrassed smile, then realized he was swiping at his own wet cheeks.
Mishon gave her a six-year-old version of a sweeping bow. “I’ll miss you too, my lady. And I’ll remember everything you told me. I’ll make you proud.” He stood as straight and tall as any soldier.
“I’m already proud of you.” Elena stood and ruffled his hair. “Now you better go before Charaq leaves without you.”
“He won’t.” Mishon looked sideways at Charaq. “He promised he’d stay by my side until I’m as big as him. That might take a while.”
Charaq helped the boy mount, and as they rode away, he waved furiously. Elena returned the gesture until he was out of sight. Sasha leaned into her, tail thumping.
“I’m sad he’s leaving,” she whispered in the dog’s ear.
When Elena turned to go back into the keep, she found Elbrion behind her, watching the departing company and looking pensive. “He is a perceptive little boy.”
“He is. I’m so glad he’s going with the children. It will be good for him—and them, I suspect.” She put her arm around Elbrion’s waist and joined him in gazing toward the front gates. “I almost wish I was going with them—to help with the wounded children, to offer what support I can.” Her eyes followed the trail of Ilqazar winding off into the distance. “Maybe one day we can go there… when it’s safe again.”
“I have no doubt we will, Sheyshon. I sense the Jhadhela calling you to the source. I believe your gifts will find their fulfillment in Queyon.” Elbrion’s arm pulled her in closer to his side. “And I would love for you to see my home.”
Elena looked up at him with a frown. “Don’t you mean our home?”
Elbrion’s face lit with joy, and he kissed the top of her head. “Yes, our home.”
Acknowledgements
First of all, thank you for reading my second novel. It’s been such an odd thing to have people come up and talk to me about the first one, very surreal after so many years of working on projects in private or with other writers. The conversations I’ve treasured most are those who have found their own healing while reading Elena’s journey. For even one person to say that makes all the time and energy poured into the novels worthwhile. Thank you for being brave enough to share with me.
Again, a dollar of every book I sell is donated to support services for survivors of human trafficking. I appreciate your investment, not only in my work, but in the lives of those often overlooked. It means so much to me.
To my husband, best friend, and love of my life. Thank you for being one of the first men to show me that not all men are monsters. You have modeled with your life, not just your words, such a deep compassion and sacrificial love for me and those you serve. Thank you for believing in me when I doubt myself. We’re in this marathon together.
To my mentor, editor, catalyst and friend, Portia. What a gift you are. It takes true dedication to read and reread however many times it takes. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. I love that you “get” me. See Portia’s blog at slant-life-story.blogspot.com/.
To my bestest critique partner, Jessica Kapp. Again, what would I do without you? You are a great writing partner and your input has been invaluable. I’m grateful for how enthusiastic you are about my work. Thank you. Learn more about Jessica at jhwritesblog.wordpress.com/.
To my other critique partner, writer Elisabeth Hamill. I’m grateful we do an exchange of work because I love reading your stories as much as I value your input on mine. Thank you for your time and spot-on feedback. Check out Elisabeth’s work at elisabethhamill.com.
Great thanks to my other beta readers, Brittany, Cindy, Darren and Dawn, who’ve read my work at different stages of completion. I’m grateful for your time, encouragement, and honest reactions.
Last, and most importantly, to my children and grandchildren. Thank you for your love and laughter. You make my life full. I see such giftedness in each one of you. You have much to offer in this difficult, often cynical world. I love you always and forever.
About the Author
J D considers herself a modern day abolitionist in the fight against slavery and human trafficking. She has a particular concern for survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. One dollar from each book sale goes to help survivors in the greater Seattle area.
In addition to writing and abolitionist work, J D loves to travel and has been to four continents and fifteen countries. But Kenya holds her heart.
She and her husband live in a rural part of the Pacific Northwest. They have four children and five grandchildren living nearby, who fill their lives with great joy.
Feel free to connect with J D via:
WordPress blog
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Goodreads
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Because of her advocacy work with human trafficking, J D writes under a pseudonym, gives out minimal identifying information, and does not post pictures of herself. Thank you for respecting her privacy in that regard.
Table of Contents
Names & Pronunciation Guide
Foreign Words
Trigger Warning
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Acknowledgements
About the Author
