by Cathi Shaw
Dinner was an awkward affair. They didn't talk about the kiss but it hung in the air between them. Kiara tried not to think of it but, of course, her mind kept going back to it. As usual Caedmon was a master at hiding his emotions so there was no way for her to know how he was feeling.
After an hour and a half of stifled conversation, Caedmon pushed back his chair and suggested they get to bed early, as they needed to be back on the road the next morning. This was news to Kiara and it reminded her of her earlier questions.
"How long will we be on the road before we reach Séreméla?" she asked.
Caedmon told her he was hoping they could make it to Séreméla by the following evening.
"Oh. So soon?" she asked softly, hoping that he didn't detect the disappointment she could hear in her voice.
Caedmon nodded. "Séreméla is only a day's journey from here. We are almost at the end of this trip at long last," he said, relief tinting his words.
Kiara tried to hide the stab of pain she felt at his eagerness for their journey to be over. She pushed back her chair and after thanking Mistress Clare for the lovely meal and the dress, then she followed him upstairs.
As soon as they arrived in their room, Caedmon dug his sleeping roll out of his bag.
Kiara watched as he unrolled his sleeping mat and arranged it in front of the door, a lump rising in her throat. She hoped her face was as implacable as his was. But she felt a pain in her heart that she didn't want to think about. She bit her lip and started making her own preparations for bed. That's when she realized that she couldn't reach the lacing of her dress. Another reason why such attire was ridiculous, she thought darkly.
"Caedmon," she said hesitantly, her face burning with humiliation.
He looked over at her and raised his eyebrows.
"Um, can you," she faltered for a moment, gestured with her hand toward her back, "I, um, can't ..."
He didn't say a word but stepped across the room and deftly unlaced her gown with practiced ease. To Kiara felt it like a slap. It was obvious Caedmon was experienced in helping ladies out of their gowns. She didn't want to know how he'd come by such experience. It was clear he had no intention of using that experience on her. She knew she should be thankful that he was treating her with such respect but she couldn't help wondering if her kiss had been so horrible that he didn't want to be near her any more.
She whispered a quick thank you and then waited until he'd climbed into his sleeping roll and turned his back to her before she took off the dress, carefully laying it on the chair by the bed. She slipped between the sheets hoping sleep would come to her easily.
She listened as Caedmon's breathing slowed into the long slow breaths of sleep. She willed herself to also go to sleep but it eluded her. She spent most of the night tossing and turning, telling herself that her lack of sleep was due to her anticipation and worry about the trip tomorrow. But deep down she feared that her lack of sleep was due to the fact that she had become accustomed to sleeping with Caedmon's arms around her. And after that kiss she had no idea what that might mean.
****
The next day Kiara and Caedmon left the inn in a carriage. Caedmon had contracted the carriage driver to take them all the way to Séreméla. He reasoned that there was no sign of them being followed at this stage and they were overdue anyway so the sooner they could get to the end of the journey the better.
"Plus, I wouldn't mind staying warm and dry for a change," Caedmon said with a grin. His attempt at levity however fell flat and they ebbed into silence.
Kiara wasn't completely convinced. She wondered if he'd decided to get the carriage after he saw her dolled up in her dress. Mistress Clare had returned Kiara's travelling clothes, clean and dry in a bundle when she came to help Kiara dress for the day. Kiara had been tempted to put them back on and leave the dress in the room of the Inn for good but then she remembered their story about trying to impress Caedmon's mother.
Séreméla was a seven-hour carriage drive. Caedmon suggested that they could stop for the night if Kiara didn't wanted to travel for such a long day. She looked at him wondering what had happened to change his behavior toward her. Suddenly he was treating her like she was a fragile doll. Had he completely forgotten who she was based on a dress and a bit of ribbon in her hair? She shook her head in disbelief.
"I'd rather make good time and get to Séreméla as soon as we can. If we can be there by tonight, why would we stop?"
Caedmon looked at her, hurt she didn't understand reflected in his dark eyes. What was his problem now? He was the one who had said the sooner they ended this journey the better. His face emotionless, he nodded. "I agree." He gave some instructions to the driver and they set off.
It was dark when they entered Séreméla. Kiara couldn't help but notice the change in the temperature as they approached the gates. It was significantly warmer and the snow that had been on the ground just a kilometer back was now gone, replaced with green. The coach rolled to a halt.
"This is as far as I go," the driver told them as he opened the door for Kiara.
Caedmon nodded and paid him. After he had rolled away, Kiara looked at Caedmon. "Now what?"
"Now we walk," he said and turned to the gate. She watched him for a moment in surprise. Although he had never mentioned it during their journey, it was clear that Caedmon had been to Séreméla before.
Kiara followed him slowly, expecting him to stop at the gate but to her surprise the gate swung open for him.
"Come on, Kiara!" he called to her impatiently and she hurried to where he was standing.
Despite the darkness, the scent of the air made it clear to Kiara that they had entered a very different climate. A pleasant flowery scent floated to them on the warm breeze.
They hadn't walked far when they were greeted by two tall figures on horseback. They introduced themselves as the Guardians of Séreméla. They told them they would take them to the Sanctuary where they were expected.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Mina couldn’t believe that Kiara was standing in front of her. She had to fight the urge to rub her eyes. "I was so worried." She paused and then asked quietly, "Thia?"
Kiara shook her head, tears in her eyes.
Mina felt a stab of fear in her heart. "What happened?"
Kiara looked sick. She swallowed and started talking, her voice raw with emotion. "We were separated. We hoped maybe Teague and her had found their own way here?" She trailed off the hope clear in her voice.
Mina sighed. “No, they haven’t arrived yet.” She paused. “But there is still hope then – you didn’t see any harm come to her?”
Kiara stared at her sister. “Did you expect that I had?” she asked.
Mina looked around nervously. She had to be careful of what she shared with Kiara. “I have a lot to tell you but not here.” She looked into Kiara’s confused blue eyes. “Kiara, we are in danger.”
Suddenly Brijit rushed into the room and swept Kiara into an embrace. Mina saw Kiara watching her over their mother’s shoulder. Mina shook her head slightly in warning and she was relieved to see understanding dawn in Kiara’s eyes.
Weylon was right behind Brijit and seemed thrilled to see his son. Mina watched as he clamped Caedmon on the shoulder. Could it really be that they couldn’t trust their own parents? She found it hard to believe that Brijit and Weylon knew what was happening to the Marked Ones? As she watched them embrace Kiara and Caedmon it didn’t seem likely. And yet Meldiron was adamant that they couldn’t discuss their suspicions with anyone – especially not Brijit or Weylon. He said their positions as coimirceoirí meant they would be bound to tell the enemy anything that was shared with them, even if it meant their own children would be harmed.
Meldiron stepped forward, interrupting the reunion.
"Caedmon and Kiara, there is much for us to catch up on," he said. "But you must be tired from your journey. Why don't we meet in the morning after you've had a night to rest and catch up with your families?"<
br />
Brijit came with Mina and Kiara back to Mina’s bedchamber. Brijit sat holding Kiara's hand, seeming to be unable to take her eyes off her daughter’s face. Mina felt tears gathering in her own eyes as Kiara spilled out the story of what had happened on the mountain.
"I tried to dig her out," she sobbed, "I tried."
"Of course, you did, darling," Brijit soothed. "But one woman against a mountain rarely wins."
They sat in silence for while. Then Brijit stood. “I’m going to leave you girls now. But don’t stay up talking all night – you must be exhausted after your journey, Kiara, and Mina you are still recovering.”
Kiara turned to her as soon as the door shut behind Brijit. “What does she mean recovering? How long were you sick for, Mina? Tell me what has happened to you?”
Mina sighed. “Where to start? I feel like I haven’t seen you in a year, never mind a few months.”
“Start at the beginning,” Kiara said. “I want to know everything.”
Kiara was surprisingly patient while she listened to Mina’s recounting of her experiences in Séreméla. That was until Mina told her about Meldiron’s attack and the revelation that he was her brother.
Kiara was stunned. “You’re a princess?” she asked, her expression darkening to one of anger. “Brijit has some answering to do, doesn’t she?”
Mina shook her head. “I was surprised as well, Kiara, but we can’t blame Brijit for doing her job. Her duty as coimirceoirí is to do as the Elders instruct. She couldn’t tell me where I was from. We don’t even know how much she knew.” Mina paused and bit her lip. “But Meldiron believe that we must be cautious now.”
Kiara sat up from where she was lounging at the foot of the bed.
“His attack wasn’t random, Kiara. His own men attacked him.”
Her sister cursed.
“He’s convinced that the Marked Ones are being targeted.” She paused wondering if Kiara would think Meldiron was paranoid. “He says the only ones we can trust are each other.”
Kiara looked troubled.
“What’s wrong?” Mina asked when her sister was silent.
Kiara next words shocked her. “I think he’s right, Mina. We can trust no one.”
****
The next morning they met Caedmon and Meldiron in the gardens. As Meldiron led them deeper into the trees, Mina couldn’t help noticing the silent byplay between her sister and Caedmon. She suddenly wondered what had happened on their journey. It was clear that Caedmon’s feelings for Kiara had shifted. He kept looking in her direction but whenever Kiara met his eye he quickly looked away. Mina pressed her lips together. Something was going on between the two of them.
Meldiron finally stopped near the massive waterfalls that were located a fair distance from the Sanctuary. Mina smiled. He’d picked a perfect location if he thought there was any danger that they might be watched. It would be impossible to overhear any conversation this close to the thundering water.
He gestured for them to sit on the rocks surrounding the falls. “I won’t waste your time or intellect with small talk,” he said once they were settled. “It has become more and more apparent in recent months that all of us are in grave danger.”
Kiara met Mina’s eyes.
“What do you mean?” Caedmon asked, his dark eyes on Meldiron.
He told them of how he’d been ambushed by his own men.
“Are you certain it was your own men? You say you were close to death,” Caedmon pointed out.
Meldiron looked at him steadily. “I know when I’ve been attacked and this time I knew who was doing the attacking. At least who was set up to do the attacking.”
“Are you saying that you think someone may have put those men up to attacking you?” Kiara asked.
Meldiron nodded. “I’m certain of it,” he said grimly. “But I don’t know who.”
“You’re the crown prince of Séreméla,” Caedmon noted. “It is possible that there are many who could want to harm you, is there not?”
Meldiron inclined his head. “In theory. But that is not the case this time.”
“How do you know?” Caedmon demanded.
“Because of this.” Meldiron pulled his tunic roughly over his head and turned his shoulder for them to see the Mark. He looked at Caedmon. “That is why they are trying to kill me and that is why they have and will continue try to kill you.”
Caedmon’s face was suddenly guarded. “What are you saying?”
Meldiron pulled his shirt back over his head. “I know you are Marked, Caedmon. As is your brother and all three of the girls,” he paused considering. “And we are not the only ones.”
At that Caedmon looked surprised.
“He’s right.” Kiara spoke up. “Brijit and I saw three dead children in the Lowlands. All of them murdered in the same way and all of them Marked.”
Mina stared at her sister. “Kiara? Why didn’t you tell us?”
Kiara looked at her. “Because our mother told me not to. In fact, she swore me to secrecy. I thought it was just because she didn’t want to burden you with the knowledge that children were being killed. Now I’m not so sure.”
Caedmon looked troubled. “Okay. So Marked children are showing up dead and your life has been threatened. Why does that make you think that someone is out to kill all of us?”
Meldiron shook his head. "You misunderstand me," he told them, "I think that there are many individuals both within Séreméla and beyond its borders that are behind this."
"In other words," Kiara said softly, "you are saying we can't trust anyone."
Meldiron nodded. "And I'm not convinced the mountain slide that separated you and the others was unintentional." He paused. "Something that is made to look like an accident is better than something that does not."
Caedmon looked puzzled. "Are you saying the mountain came down intentionally?"
"Perhaps," Meldiron said. Then he added quietly, "I believe the Draíodóir are involved."
Caedmon looked grim.
"But the storm could not have been planned," Kiara protested.
Meldiron nodded in agreement. "No, but winter storms in the mountains at that time are hardly unheard of." He paused. "Let me ask you this, Caedmon, who gave you your route."
Caedmon met his eyes, his own troubled and a touch angry. "I don't like what you're suggesting," he said darkly.
"Neither do I," Meldiron admitted. "But there are those who are not happy that you made it to Séreméla. I know this and your lives are in danger if you leave."
"Who did give you that route?" Mina asked curiously.
"Weylon." Kiara answered and the four of them looked at one another in stunned silence.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SOMETHING
Celeste’s gift of a last dreamwalk was hardly generous. Thia couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Teague behind while she returned to the surface. She was sure that they could come up with a plan that would insure they both safely return aboveground. But when she saw Teague in the dreamscape, her emotions overcame her. She ran directly into Teague's arms and wrapped her arms around his body. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him and not seeing him ever again. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over.
Thia? What is it? Teague asked her as he tried to pull away enough to see her face.
They want me to return to the surface, she told him between sobs. I won't leave you.
Teague stepped back. Have you been ill? he asked, concern filling his face. Why didn't you tell me?
Thia shook her head. Not exactly. I think they’re overreacting. I had a small nosebleed when I was meditating this afternoon. But they say that's how it started with the others and the end came quickly after the bleeding started.
Teague pulled away. And they do believe that if you returned to the surface you will survive?
Thia nodded reluctantly. Well, yes, that’s what Celeste and Delphine are hoping. But there is no guarantee.
Teague grasped her arms tightly. Thia, you must go. I
f there’s even the slightest chance that your life will be spared, then you must go.
Not without you. Please, Teague, don't make me leave you. I'd rather die here.
Teague paced away from her, his head down. Finally he turned and looked into her eyes deeply. Thia, you can't do this to me. The torment on his face was clear. You can't leave me here not knowing if you've died underground when I know you could possibly live if you go to the surface.
Thia felt tears spilling down her cheeks. But Teague there is no guarantee that I will live. And here I can be with you when you wake up.
He laughed bitterly and Thia stared at him. Let’s be realistic, Thia. I may never wake up. In fact, it seems likely I won’t. I'm stuck in this trap and it's only a matter of time before I die anyway now. Thia, please, promise me you will leave.
Thia looked at him, his eyes were filled with tears and anguish. She was certain that there was a way she could save Teague. But she needed to stay and perfect her control of her lifeforce. She needed more time.
Then Thia tried to imagine what it must be like for him to be stuck in this dreamland since she’d woken him to it. He never told her what he did in the long hours when she wasn’t present but she knew he’d been growing more and more restless.
Alright, I will go, she whispered.
Tomorrow? he urged. You'll leave tomorrow?
She nodded as despair filled her. She might need more time but it didn’t look like she was going to be getting it.
****
When she woke from the dreamwalk, she looked over to Teague. A thin trickle of blood was flowing from his nostril, painting a red line down his cheek. Celeste was sitting in a chair watching him silently.
When did this start? Thia demanded.
While you were both asleep, Celeste replied calmly.
