“I would appreciate anything you are willing to impart. Of course,” the sorceress responded.
“Very well,” Cliona said.
A humbled Kaitra said, “Nemainn, I must apologize for my earlier outburst.”
“Dear girl, you need not. You face difficult times. The burden you carry would weigh on anyone.”
Kaitra knelt down next to her and gave her a firm hug. “Thank you for all you have done.”
“Know that you are always welcome here.”
The young woman stepped over, hugged Cliona and said, “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.”
Kaitra closed the door gently as she left. The two elders paused quietly for a few moments to allow her to walk out of earshot.
“She’s not going to survive, is she?” Cliona asked.
“I’m afraid the fates are against her,” Neimann replied.
“We need an alternative plan if she becomes lost to us.”
The old woman stated, “The Valtyr have the experience and the warrior instinct. Focusing our efforts with them might be more beneficial. Besides, much of the problem we face is spawned from their culture. They are the ones with the most to lose.”
“You’re probably right,” Cliona noted with a distant feel in her voice.
“What are you thinking?” Nemainn could sense that something was conjuring in Cliona’s mind.
“I believe that a cunning plan has taken shape within me.”
Nemainn smiled, “Oh, please enlighten me.”
he twenty minutes or so had passed. Kaitra had looked for Kidreyli, but she was nowhere to be found, so she stood leaning on the great old stone, letting its warmth caress her. Off in the distance, Cliona and Destri approached, he carrying a sword, some knives and a crossbow. Destri was the strongest man she had ever seen. No wonder, he being the village smith. He was a young man in his twenty-second year and he stood tall at six feet. The muscles in his arms and shoulders overwhelmed his relatively thin waist, bulging out from under the open leather vest that served as his shirt. His black hair fell a bit unkempt over his shoulders. His black leather pants must have been recently made, as they showed little wear.
She took notice that the squirrels and birds had figured out that something was afoot. They had moved away, whether to watch or stay out of the line of fire, it really did not matter.
“Are you ready for this?” the elder asked.
“Absolutely,” Kaitra replied.
“Good. We should begin with the conventional types of weapons. For purposes of defensive magic, I like to categorize them into two types, those that are hand–held, such as swords and maces, and those that kill from a distance, such as bows, crossbows and throwing knives. The magic used for each category is not dependent on the weapon used, as it is designed to defend against the method of delivery. We have brought a few examples, and Destri and I believe we should start with the sword.”
“All right.”
He explained, “I will come at you. Use your magics to defend yourself.”
Cliona interjected with a smile, “But don’t hurt him too badly.”
Destri attacked with sword held high, but not at full pace. As he started down with the blade, she pushed her right hand toward him. A faint green pulse of energy from her magics stopped the blade and pushed him back a few steps.
“That was good,” he observed. “Now I am going to come at you stronger and with more pace. Yes?”
“I understand.”
He followed through as described. His blade got close before she was able to fend his attack off, sending him backward several steps.
Cliona stepped in. “I see you rely on directed magics. Have you used magic to create a defensive perimeter around you?”
“No.”
“Let’s try it then, shall we? The idea is to create and impenetrable circular wall around you. Envision a circle around you on the ground. Use your magics to give it life and then raise the wall around you from the ground up.”
Kaitra followed her instructions and stirred up energies that were a bit unfocused. Destri picked up a small stone and threw it at her. It hit her in the leg.
The young one was clearly frustrated at her failure as Cliona spoke more forcefully, “Focus on the task at hand. Clear your mind. See the circle form, then raise the wall. Do not hold back.”
Kaitra’s instincts took hold. She closed her eyes and used her hands to help achieve the desired result. A faint golden energy came up around her. Destri picked up another stone and tossed it at her. It failed to penetrate her defenses, stopping in mid-flight and harmlessly dropping to the ground.
“Well done,” Cliona smiled. “Now you understand the basics. It is time to make this process yours. Be creative. See that you are being attacked without warning from several fronts. You need to bring up your defenses quickly. Now, go!”
Destri grabbed up several stones and threw them in rapid succession in her direction. She held out her hands palms down and spun around one time quickly, then thrust her hands skyward. The transparent golden glow from her defenses was deeper and richer this time. The stones, one after another, fell harmlessly onto the ground. Destri took his sword and went all out after her. Her defenses held up to his assault. Then she directed her magics at him, a stronger and more vibrant light green pulse of energy that laid him out on his back.
He laughed at the sky as her defensive spell diminished.
Kaitra’s surprise at the success of her spell played out through her wide eyes as she asked, “Destri, I am so sorry. Are you all right?”
“Don’t worry, my friend. He’s a tough one,” Cliona said through a knowing smile as she went over and helped him up. “Now, we’ll try the crossbow. It is extremely difficult to stop a crossbow bolt, as they’re hard to see in flight and they are on you very quickly.”
Destri loaded the weapon and pointed it at her. She threw up her defenses as before, but they were not strong enough. Fortunately he had released the bolt just to her left. It sailed past her and crashed into the large stone behind her.
The elder’s encouragement was reinforced with a stern tone, “You can do this. Use your imagination and put as much force as you can muster into it.”
Kaitra paused for a moment to gather herself, and then commanded, “Again.”
He reloaded his weapon and took aim. She spun around as before and raised her defenses, but made an additional sweeping motion with her right arm, causing the air around the outside of those defenses to circle at great speed. The combination of tactics was fortunately successful as Destri had released the bolt directly at her. It hit her defenses and was flung harmlessly away into the nearby trees.
Cliona said, “Exceptional, my dear. The rumors of your talents have certainly proved true. I recommend that you practice your magics as often as possible until they become second nature to you. When the time comes that you need them, you’re not going to get a second chance to get it right.”
“I understand. Thank you both so much for this.”
“Now that you understand the creation of these types of defenses, you need to know how to defeat them. How would you take down a defensive perimeter?” Cliona asked.
“By grounding the energies.”
“And how would you do that?” she pressed.
The young one stood silent as her confidence waned.
The elder explained, “The best way I have found is to take some object of the earth and slam it as hard as you can into the ground at the base of their energy signature. It’s an act of directed magic that drives their energies back to their source. Do you wish to try it?”
“Yes, please,” Kaitra replied enthusiastically.
Cliona raised her own defenses with a slight motion of her hand. The young sorceress picked up a stone about twice the size of her fist and followed through as instructed, but her hand left the stone just before it hit the ground. It bounced off the defenses and rolled away.
Cliona emphasized, “Kee
p your hand on the object all the way to the ground. That completes the directed spell. You best put more into it if you want to take down my defenses.”
The young sorceress picked up a slightly smaller stone, took a deep breath and put her all into it. She slammed the stone to the ground and the energy field was broken.
Her eyes suddenly wide, Cliona drew in a deep breath as the energies of her spell were sucked away from her. She exclaimed, “Oh my, that was a rush! Well done, Kaitra. Anything of the earth element will work for this purpose, such as a staff from an oak tree, but the stone sends a clear message.”
“I understand.”
The elder continued, “Now, defending yourself against directed magics. What does your mind tell you about that?”
“I could use the defensive perimeter.”
“That could be effective. But you could also create a magical shield to deflect another’s spell. Try attacking me.”
Kaitra conjured a light green ball of energy in the palm of her hand and threw it toward her. She raised her forearm and deflected it harmlessly away with her defenses.
The elder explained, “This technique is quicker and easier. You envision something like a handheld shield that soldiers use, fill it with great energy and simply allow the attacker’s efforts to bounce away. Shall we try it?”
She nodded.
Cliona directed a weakened magic at her. Kaitra did as instructed and the energy was deflected left of her and into the ground.
“Nicely done,” she noted, “But how ‘bout this?”
The elder summoned up a much more powerful strike and directed it toward the young sorceress. She reacted quickly and decisively, deflecting it over her head.
“Very impressive,” Cliona complimented her. “These are but a few magical techniques I have seen used effectively. As you go, use your imagination and create your own. You have great talents and a powerful will. Use them.”
“Thank you, both,” Kaitra stated.
Cliona smiled and took her leave.
Destri came over to her and said, “I have something for you. I made a few weapons that you might find useful.” He unfolded a piece of cloth to reveal his creations. The larger knife had a blade about nine inches long and a beautifully crafted oak handle that had been carved with graceful interwoven patterns painted a deep green with a black background. He continued, “Its blade is made of strong steel and the guard should be able to take a hit from sword blade. This smaller knife is balanced well and could be used as a throwing knife.”
“You made these for me?” she asked with wide eyes.
“They are yours if you so desire.”
“Thank you so much. What can I do to repay you?”
“Use them well,” he said with a smile as he turned, picked up his weapons and walked away.
Kaitra was stunned by the generosity. She knew that the effort needed to forge and finish these weapons was significant. She made her way back to the center of the village to find Kidreyli. There in front of their hut, sitting on that same little bench as earlier, was her friend with eyes closed basking in the sun. She walked up and stood over her, casting a shadow over her face.
The warrior opened one eye and said, “There you are.”
Kaitra leaned over and kissed her.
“Where were you?”
“Cliona was helping me understand my magic.” She held out the knives for her to see and continued, “Look what Destri just gave me.”
Kidreyli was in her element now, “Oh my, these are wonderful.” She took the larger knife from its sheath. “Look at the beautiful carvings.” She flicked the blade with the claw of her middle finger and it gave off that distinctive ring. “This is high quality steel. You would pay greatly for this at market. He just gave them to you?”
“Yes. He told me to use them well.”
The Valtyr placed the blade back in its sheath. “I’m sure you shall, and if you don’t, I will.”
Kaitra took them back from her and said firmly through a smile, “These are mine, thank you very much. I was looking for you earlier.”
“I was with Eirran and Vatal looking over your horse.”
“Can I see her?”
“Of course. I just left her in the field. Come.”
Kaitra paused and said, referring to the knives, “Wait, I should leave these in the hut.”
“Come here.”
“What?” Kaitra stood confused.
Kidreyli walked up and grabbed onto the belt around her waist, unfastening it.
The sorceress asked in a sultry voice, “What are you doing?”
She took the larger knife and slid the loop of the sheath along the belt until it sat properly on top of Kaitra’s right hip. She refastened the belt loop, and then affixed the small knife in her friend’s left boot with the metal fastener that was part of its sheath. She explained, “Weapons of such quality should not be hidden away.”
They walked side-by-side into the open field behind their hut. In the distance, Sestru was grazing on the knee deep grasses that were waving in the warm breeze. She was young and full of life. She had large sections of black fur surrounding smaller patches of brown. A distinctive white stripe went up her nose and split in two between her ears. She stood much shorter than Tyral, maybe sixteen hands.
As they came up to her, Kidreyli said, “Approach slowly, but with confidence.”
The sorceress instinctively put her hand next to the horse’s nose. Sestru took a few good whiffs of her scents, while at the same time testing the intentions within her energy, and then she slimed her hand, an obvious indication of acceptance. Kaitra rubbed Sestru’s nose and hugged her neck.
“She certainly likes you,” noted Kidreyli.
“I have been around horses before and we always seem to get along. She looks very strong.”
“I believe she will serve you well. Vatal has tack for her that we can have, so I think we are well-prepared.”
Kaitra rubbed Sestru’s ears and the horse expressed her appreciation by leaning her neck against her.
Kidreyli confirmed, “She was a perfect choice.”
“Cliona has suggested that I perform a binding spell, so I need a small strand of your hair.”
“To what end?”
“Its purpose is to bind the two of us and this village together in case we encounter forces that threaten us. If something tries to come between us, then this spell is intended protect us.”
Kidreyli took out one of her small knives, nipped off a few tiny locks of her hair and handed them to her.
Kaitra said, “Thanks. I need to go finish this project on my own. How about I meet you at the hut in an hour or so?”
“That will be good. I have a few things to tend to as well.”
The young sorceress patted the horse’s nose and said, “It was good to meet you Sestru.” She smiled at her friend and walked off toward the center of the village.
Kidreyli stood silently watching her away.
Tyral’s thoughts came to her, “I see what’s in your mind.”
Tears fell from both of her eyes as she said quietly out loud, “Then you know I am in love with her.”
“Your timing could not be worse,” Tyral noted.
Kidreyli laughed quietly to herself.
Her Katrion continued, “I’m serious. What lies ahead for you will be difficult enough without this distraction.”
“Kaitra is not a distraction,” Kidreyli firmly replied. “My heart sees us growing old together.”
“If you bond with her, you know your people will do everything in their power to kill both of you,” Tyral said. “Can you imagine the repercussions if the Valtyr killed a princess of Dhoya.”
“I know,” she replied sullenly.
Tyral’s tone turned more nurturing, “You would not be the first person who has had to forego love for the greater good. I find it hard to imagine that you would wish to place Kaitra at such risk.”
“I would never want that.”
“And you would never see your mother or your friends again.”
“Yes, yes, I am aware of the consequences,” Kidreyli was noticeably frustrated with the nagging. There was a protracted silence before she continued, “She’s gotten into my heart and I don’t know if I can separate from her now. Everything that I am is telling me to pursue her, and Eirran tells me that I should, as well. Who am I to question the depth of my spirit or the wisdom of the Clannya?”
“And when the elders send an elite force of warriors, how will you keep Kaitra safe?” Tyral posed. There followed a telling silence. She continued, “There is nowhere you could hide. You know how they operate—they would wait for a most vulnerable moment when they would strike swiftly with unmatched precision. You are my closest friend, and I only wish for your happiness, but both of us know that this path has but one end.”
Kidreyli wiped the tears from her eyes, “This is really difficult for me.”
“I know, but consider this option…love her, be with her, hold her close, but do not bond with her.”
“You’re suggesting I settle for…what do they call it?” she could not capture the word on the tip of her brain.
Tyral helped her, “Marriage.”
“Yes, marriage. From what I understand of it, that ritual seems quite shallow.”
“When compared to the way your people bond, it most certainly is, but the humans place great emphasis and value on it, so for them it can be a very deep and fulfilling arrangement.”
“But not so fulfilling for me.”
“Probably not, but it would be safe, since it would not threaten your people, and you could make it as close and complete as you desired.”
“Without the joining of our two spirits,” the Valtyr finished the thought.
“Yes,” was the reply.
“That’s not exactly how I envisioned the most important relationship in my life, save for the one I have with you,” Kidreyli stated.
“No, it is not, but it would allow you to safely be with her for as long as you desired.”
The young warrior pondered the situation for a few silent moments, and then said, “I suppose I could give it a go. It might be better than I expect.”
Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series Page 9
