“I can't relax, you're barking orders at me like a Sargent Major!”
He stood behind her and tugged her hair tie from her pony tail. “This needs to be well back,” he said as he quickly braided it. “If it's in your face it'll distract you. Knees bent slightly.”
Rolling her eyes, she corrected her posture and sighed. “There.”
“You need to keep yourself up.”
He pushed her shoulder.
“Move your feet, don't fall over.”
He pushed her again.
“Good. Now try and dodge me.” He made to push her again and she stepped away, returning to the posture he'd set her in.
“Okay. Now use your arm to block me.”
“Oww!” She hissed as she rubbed her forearm.
“Posture,” he muttered, moving to push her again.
As she stepped back, he hooked a foot behind hers and tripped her. Landing square on her backside she swore under her breath.
Dane shook his head. “Okay. Watch. Callan?”
Callan joined them as she dragged herself from the floor. “If he comes at me, I move back. If I go at him, he blocks me. Back and forth, smooth movements, keep your posture.”
Callan returned to the back of the room.
“Relax. Think. Move.”
She landed with a thud on the mat.
“Again,” Dane snapped, helping her up. “We keep going until you get it.”
On they went for over an hour. Charlotte repeatedly being knocked back, Dane becoming more and more frustrated.
“Dane, please, I can't do it,” she complained.
“Yes, you can. You just aren't trying. Again.”
“I am trying but you're just being…”
“Being what? How else do you want me to do this?”
“My arse hurts! How many times are you going to drop me on it before you realise I can't do this?”
“So, save yourself,” he shrugged. “Move your feet. You're standing there waiting for me to drop you. Get out of the way, stop me.”
Taking a deep breath, she took her place. Dane moved, she dodged him. He came again. She sidestepped. “Better. Again.”
“Okay. You've got that bit,” he said after a few minutes. “Have a drink and put your trainers on while I set the speed on here.” He passed her a bottle of water.
Not the treadmill!
“I don't run.”
“You do now. Ten minutes,” he said and walked over to Callan as she set off at a slow jog. She couldn't see them but could hear their low murmurs over the noise of the machine.
Oh, my god you're so unfit.
Her lungs burned as she sucked in ragged breaths. Every muscle in her legs ached and she was sure her rear was bruised.
I can't do another five minutes.
Stepping off the treadmill she bent over, hands on her knees. “I can't. I don't run,” she panted at the floor.
“You need to stretch before you can shower. Lie down, I'll do your legs,” Dane rubbed her back as he murmured in her ear.
“I can't do this, Dane,” she complained as he stretched out her aching muscles.
“You can. It's going to take some time, that's all.”
“I've never used a treadmill in my life. Can't I just swim?”
“Nope. You need to be able to run. If we're held up, you need to be able to get away. You'll get there. We'll build up slowly. Okay that's that. Stand up and copy me, we'll do the other stretches and you can go and shower.”
“I just want to go home and have a bath.”
Stretches done, Dane pulled her into a hug, and said “You've done well today.”
“Doesn't feel like it, you're really mean,” she sulked.
Dane laughed and kissed the top of her head, tightening his arms around her.
“It'll get easier,” Callan offered, “See you in the morning, Dane.” He took her hand and they appeared in their bathroom seconds later.
Callan ran her bath as she undressed and brushed out her hair.
“I told you,” Callan laughed as she sank into the huge bath.
“He's such a prick with it though,” she complained.
“He loves you and wants you to be safe. That's all.”
“He does not love me. You don't drop the people you love on their arses!”
He chuckled, “You know that isn't true. Are you prepared for our trip?”
“I think so. What's it like there? It won't be summer, will it?” She had hoped it would be.
“No. It's a stone castle surrounded by perpetual winter.”
“Fantastic. And, no, I'm not prepared, not for perpetual winter. At least I won't have to go through all that while I'm there.”
“Yes, you will.”
“What? You're joking? Can't you keep Dane here?”
“No. He has to be there to welcome us. It's an official visit. He and Lukas will escort us.”
“What's Lukas like?”
“He's pleasant enough,” he shrugged, “I don't really know him well enough to say. He doesn't leave Houska often.”
“Will I be meeting him before we go?”
“He should be at your session tomorrow. He's offered to help with your weapons training.”
Great, weapons.
“Do I really need a weapon? Of any kind? I don't like the idea.”
“Move up,” He said, sliding into the bath behind her. “Yes, you do. If you come face to face with anything he's dragged here, you need to be able to kill it. The fastest way is with silver. They're pretty stupid and just launch themselves straight at you. Straight onto a blade. You need to be carrying something and know how to use it.”
She tipped her head back into his chest. “I think I'd prefer something small. I couldn't swing a sword. I'm too short.”
“Yeah, you are a bit. Just go with a dagger and see how you go,” he laughed into her hair. “You've thought about it then?”
“I don't really have a choice, do I?”
“Of course, you have a choice. If you really want to stop, it stops. We move away and start again just us four. I meant what I said, Charlotte.”
She moved to the far end of the bath and turned around, scowling. “You know I don't want that, I'll try harder.”
He sat forward and caught her under the chin with a finger. “You did really well today. Dane just pushed too hard. We'll go for a run before your session tomorrow, get that bit out of the way. Give it two weeks and you'll see the difference. It takes time.” He kissed her gently and sat back.
“Yeah. You're right,” she sighed, sitting back. “I need some running shoes.”
“We'll get some this afternoon, take the children with us. You all need new clothes for Houska anyway.”
“I have a question,” she said, cocking her head. “What are you doing in my bath?”
“Sharing,” he grinned, reaching for her.
“Oh, I was hoping for a different answer,” she crooned, sliding her hand down his chest.
After a brief meeting at the primary school, arrangements made for a January start and paperwork completed they were ready to go.
“Where are we?” Charlotte asked, looking around her.
“Glasgow. You need outdoor clothes, plenty of knitwear, that sort of thing. We'll have a look round, see what jumps out.”
“Toy shop?” Enya asked, hopeful.
“We'll see,” Charlotte laughed.
“I want cars. Daddy didn't bring mine.” Zander sulked.
“Okay, we'll get the clothes we need and if you manage not to complain too much you can have a toy. One toy,” Callan offered.
Both children looked quite happy with the offer and fell silent.
“Okay. I should manage everything in here and in there,” Charlotte said, pointing out two nearby shops.
“Look round, get what you like, not what's easiest,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“I hate shopping,” she muttered, marching away gripping Zander's hand.
Several sho
ps and many bags later, Callan steered them towards a busy chain restaurant. “I'm famished. We'll eat here then go to the big toy shop. We'll find a table and I'll take these bags home while you order.”
Seated in a booth, Charlotte picked up a menu. “I've never been here. What's best?”
Callan handed a children's menu to Zander, “It's all good. I like the burgers. I'll be back in five minutes.” He left them, taking their bags.
“What do you fancy, Enya? Zander what's wrong?”
Zander was rubbing the back of his head.
“Dunno. It itches.” He looked behind him, “Mummy, who's that?”
She looked past him, following his gaze. Families and groups of friends were all seated, chatting and laughing but no-one seemed out of place.
“Who, baby? I can't see anyone.”
“The lady with the black hair.”
Scanning the room, Charlotte couldn't see anyone that stood out. “Point to her. Who?”
“She's not there now,” he murmured, looking confused. “She was looking at me. I could feel it.”
Callan took the seat opposite him. “What's wrong?”
“He says there was a woman looking at him. That he could feel her.”
Callan went still, as though listening, “I can't feel anyone.”
“Can I have the burger, mummy?” Enya asked, oblivious to the conversation.
“Yeah, whatever you want,” she said scanning the room again.
“What are you having, Zander?” Enya went on.
“Nuggets,” he muttered, clearly uncomfortable.
Charlotte and Callan exchanged concerned glances.
“Probably a fae family passing who recognised you, nothing to worry about,” he grinned at Zander. “What are we planning on buying in the toy shop after dinner?”
The distraction worked, Zander's head snapped up, “Cars and a track.”
“That's two toys. I want two toys too,” Enya complained.
A young waitress arrived to take their order. Charlotte couldn't help but be annoyed at the way the girl flushed, batting her eyes at Callan as he placed their order.
“Honestly,” she muttered under her breath.
“Keep a lid on it, Charlotte,” he smirked.
She scowled but didn't say any more.
“Are you sure you have everything you need?” He went on.
“Don't they have shops over there?” She snapped.
“I think I want a dolly, Mummy.” Enya went on. “And a high chair. I don't have a high chair and my babies need…”
“Listen,” Charlotte said in a low voice, cutting her off. She felt Callan's eyes on her and realised how short she had been. She softened her tone. “We're going away tomorrow. We've been invited to visit King Markus in Czechoslovakia. We'll be there for almost a week. You don't have to stay that long, Daddy can take you back to stay at the palace while we're there. What do you think?”
Zander looked thoughtful, “I think I want to stay with you, Mama.”
“Enya?” She prompted.
“What will it be like?”
“It'll be fun. It's a big castle, lots of new people to meet,” Callan offered.
“You can leave whenever you want to, but we have to stay,” Charlotte explained. “I'll have Daddy with me, so I won't get poorly like last time.”
The waitress arrived with their drinks. Charlotte shot her a scathing look and continued with her conversation.
“What's the King like?” Enya asked. “Is he like Granddad?”
“I don't know. Callan? What's King Markus like?”
The waitress almost dropped the glass she was handing to Callan at the mention of royalty.
“Thank you.” He turned from the waitress, and said, “He's very nice. He'll be very happy to meet you both. It's Dane's father. Dane will have told him all about you.”
“Oh, is Dane a Prince like you and Zander?” Enya exclaimed.
The waitress spluttered a question about needing anything else. Charlotte waved her away.
Oh, my god, did I just do that?
“Yes, he is,” Callan smiled, the looked at Charlotte. “That was rude,” he murmured.
Flushing, she ignored him.
The children turned the topic back to the toy shop and what they planned to buy.
“They're going to leave with half the shop, again aren't they?” Charlotte groaned.
He flashed her a gleaming smile.
Chapter 5
Callan left her at the door to the training room. “I'm going into work, there are a few things I need to arrange before we leave. I'll find you soon.” He kissed her and turned away.
Watching him walk away, she sighed through her nose.
Weapons training.
She pushed the door open.
“What happened to the lovely set I gave you yesterday?” Dane asked in greeting.
“I burned it,” she smiled looking down at her comfortable cropped joggers.
“Spoilsport,” he pouted. “Lukas, this is Lottie. Lottie, my younger brother, Lukas.”
She turned to Dane's brother. They were very much alike, dark, pale, those rosy full lips. His eyes were the palest lavender, glossy black hair scraped back in a long braid down his back. His expression was blank as he nodded his head. “Princess.”
His voice was soft, he seemed almost shy.
“It's lovely to finally meet you,” she grinned, glancing to Dane.
“Weapons,” Dane announced, taking her hand and leading her to a table set up at the back of the room.
She cringed as she looked over the items on the table top.
Dane picked up the one on the far right. “Mace. Its heavy but small. Give it a good swing and it'll smash a Daeva to bits.”
“A what?”
“Daeva. Shadow demon,” he explained. “They're born of shadow and blood. Bloody nasty beasts, they can easily tear a human to pieces in seconds. So, a good swing of the mace and they're dealt with.”
A chill spread through her as she imagined what they looked like.
Don't think about it.
Dane continued. “Sword.” He swung it in one hand. “Clean cut, but,” he looked her up and down and held it up against her, “you're a bit short. Dagger. Small, easily carried, subtle thrust and you're done. Bow.” He ran a hand over the smooth curve of the wood, his fingers curling slightly as though he was about to pick it up. “Handy at range but not much good in close quarters, and these things like to get close. Same for the cross bow. Ah, gun.” He gestured to the small handgun but didn't touch it. “Noisy, requires a good aim but effective.”
He stepped back as Charlotte stared at the table.
“Which would you like to try first?”
She shook her head, reluctant to touch any of them.
“Try the dagger,” Dane sighed.
Lukas held the dagger by its blade and offered it to her, “It is not sharp, Princess.”
No, this isn't who I am.
Dane took her hand, gently pressing the dagger into her palm. “Hold it like this.”
It was heavy, it's rough handle uncomfortable. The dull, blunt instrument looked and felt out of place in her palm.
“I assume you have covered defensive stance?” Lukas asked.
Nodding, she followed him to the sparring mat. Lukas glanced to Dane, asking a silent question. He nodded once and sat on the bench to watch.
Lukas cracked his knuckles and stalked towards her.
“Excuse me,” he murmured as he placed a hand on her hip, “you must turn this way, bend the legs.” His gentle hands guiding her, she moved to the correct position. “OK?”
“Yeah, I think,” she said, nervously.
“OK. Good. Now you must move this leg, bend, thrust. Back,” he stepped away. “Now you.”
She copied the movements he'd guided her through and looked to him. A smile twitched at his lips. “Good. Now,” he crossed the mat, “come.”
She glared at him. “What?”
“He wants you to stab him,” Dane laughed. “Off you go.”
“I'm not going to stab you,” she whispered, eyes wide.
“Yes, you are. Come,” he extended a hand, “you cannot hurt me.”
They're all mental.
She walked to him slowly, shaking her head. When she was close, she lunged. The next second Lukas was behind her, the dagger at her throat. “Too slow,” Lukas growled in her ear. “Again.”
Dane's brother…
Seconds later she was in the same position. “No. OK. I move, you turn the dagger, like this.” He moved the weapon and re-positioned her hand, “Thrust back, hit me here,” he patted his abdomen. “Again.”
Remembering her training the day before, she moved. He moved with her and she side stepped, turned quickly and thrust the dagger at his exposed side. “Good!” he grinned, “again.”
Now he smiles.
“Well you've made me out a liar, Lottie. I told Lukas you were hopeless!” Dane joked taking the dagger and placing it back on the table. “We'll have an hour at the cairn then we'll have to get ready to go.”
“Dane I've had enough…”
“Just a little play, please?” he pleaded, holding out his hand.
The smell of earth and grass was much more welcoming than the rubber and metal smell of the gym. She relaxed slightly, now she was in a familiar, comfortable setting.
“Lukas hasn't seen shadow-fire. He's been looking forward to today,” Dane smiled.
“Super. What are we doing this time?” she said dryly.
“Knocking down Zander's wall. Off you go,” he slapped her rear.
Rage raced through her and flames leapt to life in her hand. “Do that again!” she growled through gritted teeth, turning on her heel.
Dane chuckled at her threat and followed. They stood a good few meters from the huge structure.
With a deep breath, Charlotte closed her eyes and concentrated. The tingling began at the back of her head and spread steadily through her. Power humming in her veins, she gazed up at the wall. “Okay?”
“Blast a hole through the bottom right hand corner. Just a small one,” Dane murmured beside her.
Flexing her hand, she pulled the shadow and flame into a ball, shrinking it down to fit in her palm. The violet and black mass swirled and flashed as she picked her target.
“Now let it go,” Dane whispered.
Riftkeepers: Pursuit Page 4
