The Wind's Call

by T. A. White

  Caden had survived, though the healer had been confused as to how. To Eva's relief there had been surprisingly few questions from him or anyone else about the mysteriously disappearing wound.

  Eva wasn't so naive as to think they believed her story. Not with the torn clothes over the wound or the amount of blood and Caden's overall weakness afterward—a product of all the blood he’d lost. But they had kept any questions or observations to themselves.

  For now, Eva would accept it. If the day ever came when they pressed for more, she'd face that hill when she got to it.

  Eva lingered on the edge of the group, present, but content to observe. It occurred to her she needed to correct Darius about continuing on, but that seemed like a lot of work and an argument she'd prefer to avoid for as long as possible.

  How did she explain the planned journey was no longer necessary because the alliance they thought they were securing hadn't been on the table to begin with?

  She didn't know much about politics, preferring the simplicity of her life over trying to think in a dozen sideways manners at once, but even she could guess the effect those words would have on those present.

  It didn't take a genius to see how it would play out. The Trateri who saw their word as their bond would not take kindly to being deceived. It would strain the alliances they'd already built with the Tenrin and make impossible any future alliance with the Kyren. That was a door Eva didn't think should be fully shut for all of their sakes.

  If nothing else, this journey had highlighted how important it was for humans to learn to live in a world with mythologicals again. This enemy had been defeated, but there were likely other offshoots to the rebellion.

  They'd won, but it was a hollow victory. Putting more strain on the Trateri's ties with mythologicals could only hurt them in the long run. As her adopted people she didn't want to see that happen.

  Caden sat on a wall close to the general, his color pale but his eyes alert.

  Eva waited for him to say something. By this point he had to have some inkling as to the deception Sebastian had perpetrated. He'd overheard enough to have suspicions.

  When he kept silent, Eva stirred reluctantly. Despite it being easier, she couldn't very well let Darius lead them further into the Highlands when the end destination was no longer open to them. Not when dangers lurked. She didn't want to see any more unnecessary deaths. And if a single person died from here on out, those deaths would be laid at her feet.

  Her hands already carried enough blood. They didn't need any more.

  "Darius—"

  "There's no need for that," Ajari said, his strong voice drowning out Eva's tentative one.

  Darius and the rest stared at the troublesome mythological in their midst, one who seemed entirely too amused given the grim events of the last twenty-four hours.

  "And why is that?" Darius asked. He didn't seem surprised by Ajari's interruption, flicking a glance at Eva. There was understanding in his eyes.

  Her heart sank. He knew—or at least suspected—what Sebastian had done. He'd just been giving her time to speak.

  "Because your Caller did her job. Orion will be here soon," Ajari said.

  Everyone knew Orion's name from the stories. They knew of him because of his link to Shea and the role he'd played bringing her out of the Badlands.

  There was a hushed silence that was filled with anticipation.

  "He was impressed with what she did for the pregnant mares, freeing them and then delivering one of the foals despite severe danger to herself," Ajari said. "Everything you've faced on this journey has been a test. She's passed all of them. He and his people are now willing to discuss an alliance with your people."

  Darius was still, his expression hidden.

  Ajari held his gaze, the two warriors locked in a silent and bloodless battle.

  "How convenient for us," Darius finally said.

  "Yes, it is. It seems the little Caller has fulfilled her purpose after all," Ajari said, his gaze dropped to Eva's, a weight there as well as expectation and anticipation. Ajari blinked, focusing back on the general. "Of course, this discussion will have to involve the Flock’s Burning One and the man she calls Warlord."

  Someone snorted. "We came all this way for nothing?"

  That was a hard thing to swallow. Especially considering all those they'd lost.

  "Not nothing," Ajari said lightly. "She, and all of you, would never have drawn his interest if not for your shared experiences. He'd like to thank you for escorting his nephew part of the way home. It is because of this kindness that all of the rest will be possible."

  The Trateri were silent as they considered him. Eva didn't know if that would be enough. People had died. It was hard to feel like they hadn't died for nothing, when they felt they were returning to the starting point without ever having accomplished what they’d set out to do.

  She released a breath. Sometimes life didn't work out the way you thought. It was full of twists and turns and sometimes to go forward you had to go back to the beginning.

  It wasn't the pretty solution, but it was still progress. Sometimes that was the only thing you could hold onto.

  "They'll be here tomorrow. I suggest you start thinking about who will take advantage of their offer." Ajari straightened and started to move away.

  "What offer?" Eva asked when it didn't seem like anyone else would.

  Ajari gave Eva a sidelong smile. "To fly several of you back to the Keep."

  That got a reaction from the warriors. There was a hush and then all eyes turned to Eva.

  "Remember, I was your friend first, and if that isn’t enough, I know multiple ways to kill you without anyone being the wiser," Fiona said very seriously.

  Ajari smirked and tipped his head at Eva before walking away.

  The insufferable mythological had thrown her to the wolves.

  "I'm sure the general has a list of people he’d like to remain with the main body," Eva started.

  The general in question was staring into the sky with a fixed expression on his face. At his mention, he glanced at Eva, his eyes as excited as a child’s. "Make sure you pick a good one for me. Handsome and fierce. I want stories written about our return."

  Eva gaped. His expression didn't shift, not even a little, no sign of his trademark smug smile anywhere to be seen.

  Darius rubbed his chin. "You've seen me ride. I'm trusting you to pick the best. Everyone else, I hope you've been kind to the herd mistress over the last few weeks. Otherwise, your mount may dump you while in midair."

  With that, he strode off, leaving Eva facing a crowd of excited Trateri who acted like children promised a treat. Eva sent a wild-eyed look Caden's way.

  He smirked and stood. "Have fun.'

  "You're not going to help?" she asked. He'd stuck his nose where she didn't want it more times than she could count. Now that she did want his help, he was retreating!

  He waved one hand over his shoulder. "I wouldn't want to save you when you've got it handled."

  She glared at his back. "I'll remember this."

  *

  The morning was crisp and bright when Orion and the rest of his Kyren appeared in the sky above. The mist that had kept the Trateri trapped in the city had long since burned off, leaving the path out of the it free. It was the type of morning that contained a slight nip in the air but you knew by midmorning any chill would be a distant memory. It was the sort of day Eva used to love. Full of possibilities and routine.

  Her routine was a little topsy-turvy but it was still there. She'd spent the morning looking over the horses of those remaining behind, making sure they were ready for the ride home and deciding which mounts would be used, and which would be reserved until the first batch tired.

  There was a small outcry when Orion and the other Kyren were spotted, bringing Eva out of the stables where she'd been cataloging the leftover tack.

  She shielded her eyes against the morning sun when she spotted the dark blots against the brig
ht blue as they grew steadily larger.

  Orion was first on the ground, his legs galloping while he was still in the air so it was a smooth transition. Ten of his Kyren companions landed next to him.

  Ajari waited beside Eva as the Kyren trotted toward them.

  Caller, Orion said in greeting.

  She quite sure of the proper response for him so she settled for bowing her head in respect.

  She felt rather than saw his amusement as Orion moved his attention to Ajari, taking in the mythological standing with ease, even with the humans at his back. I see things are beginning to change for you, old friend. Your views of the humans don't seem so grim anymore.

  "They've managed to grow on me. They might not be totally worthless after all."

  There was a rumble from Orion that Eva didn't know how to interpret.

  What is your will, Caller? Orion asked.

  Eva darted a hesitant glance between Ajari and Orion as they waited expectantly. Even Darius was content to watch.

  Sebastian had landed last and stood a little apart from his people.

  "Too much has happened for it all to be swept under the rug," Eva said. "You once helped Shea for reasons that were your own. I'm asking now that you consider the Trateri’s offer of a treaty and alliance."

  Orion studied her. Still not the boon we owe you.

  Eva shook her head. "This would be as much to your benefit as mine."

  Very well. We will meet with your leaders. Orion's gaze fell on Sebastian. It's the least we can do.

  Eva felt her heart jump with relief. Perhaps there was a way out of this crisis after all.

  Pick our riders. Choose well. It is a long way to fall if man and Kyren do not get along.

  Eva wiped sweaty palms on her pants. This was a test. One she hoped she passed. She didn't think she'd like the consequences if she failed.

  She pushed any anxiety that wanted to infect her away, treating this as she would any Trateri warrior who approached her looking for a new mount from her yearlings.

  Pairing mount with rider was always important. The temperaments of both came into play. Choose wrong and both suffered, usually the horse more so, but occasionally the rider.

  "I'll take Sebastian," Eva said, her decision easy.

  She ran her eyes over the rest, needing to find a good one for the general. The obvious pick would be Orion, but some instinct told her Caden would be better suited to him.

  She found her choice in a large roan with speckled wings. His eyes were intelligent and he seemed well-equipped for battle. He'd suit Darius.

  "Him, for Darius," she said pointing. "Orion for Caden."

  After that, it didn't take long to choose. Fiona got a pretty gray mare with a white blaze on her nose. She was sweet but Eva could tell she was also fierce. Roscoe got a stallion who was the opposite of the mare but his eyes were gentle.

  "What about saddles?" Ghost asked. "I don't know about anyone else, but bareback is already difficult when the horse has four legs on the ground. I don't want to see how much worse it would be midair."

  Eva exchanged a glance with Orion. "He has a point. Talks will not go well if we end up splattered all over the ground."

  There was an irritated snort from him. You sound like the Battle Queen.

  Eva smothered her surprise, amusement threading through her at the thought of Shea having a similar conversation with him. It did sound like something like the Battle Queen would say.

  Orion bobbed his head before trotting over to the saddles they had set beside the buildings in the hopes of using. He nosed through them, snorting on several and spraying them with snot in a clear rejection.

  Finally, he nosed around Eva's, a simple blanket with a sparse saddle and two stirrups. It was one of her spares. Ajari had coached her on which stood the best chance of meeting with Orion’s approval.

  This will do. However, it will still need to be modified slightly.

  Eva relayed his instructions to the rest and it didn't take long to scrounge up several saddles that fit the Kyren's specifications.

  Darius clasped hands with Hanna. "Take your time on the way home and don't take any chances."

  She smiled, her gaze lingering on the Kyren with a trace of envy. "When I said I'd serve you in any capacity, I didn't quite know what I would be missing out on."

  He chuckled. "Next time."

  "If there is one," Hanna said.

  He slanted a look at Eva. "I have a feeling there will be."

  Hanna smirked. "You and your feelings."

  "Be grateful. It's what led me to give you a chance after all," he said.

  She shook her head. "Can't argue with that."

  Reece joined Eva as she went over the saddles. "Be careful."

  "I'm not the one who has to remain behind and guide them home," Eva said. She wouldn't classify the pathfinder as a friend, but they shared a lot of common ground. Neither were quite outsiders, but they weren’t Trateri either. Both existed on the fringes, necessary and needed but not accepted by everyone.

  "Our stories of the mythologicals say they can be capricious and cruel. It would be wise not to forget that," he instructed.

  "From where I stand, humans are the same. As long as I treat the mythologicals as I would a human, I’ll be fine," she said lightly.

  His lips twitched. "True enough, little Caller. Perhaps you're right."

  He turned to go.

  "Reece, do the pathfinders have stories about the callers?" she asked.

  In light of recent events, Eva decided it would be better not to trust the mythologicals to tell her everything she needed to know about herself and her abilities.

  "If we meet up again, ask me then." Reece waved a hand over his shoulder as he walked away.

  "Mysterious and unhelpful as always," Caden remarked from beside her.

  Eva controlled her startled jump.

  "It's smart to look for information from many sources," he told her.

  She made a grumpy sound. She hadn't really needed his approval.

  "Never trust anything fully," he said. "This is a dangerous world and everyone's motives are suspect."

  "Even yours?"

  His smile was brief and warmed his eyes. "Mine most of all. I want things too deeply to ever be trusted. It's why I've worked so hard to not want anything real at all."

  Eva couldn't help the way her heart clenched at that admission.

  "Until now," was murmured so softly it could have been the wind playing tricks.

  She put a hand where his wound had been. "Are you sure you're up to this?"

  He'd died. Or at least he'd been so close to the edge. Now he wanted to fly halfway across the Highlands.

  "I'm Trateri and Anateri. We're made of hardy stock," he assured her.

  "Arrogant too."

  This time his smile nearly cracked his face. "It's not arrogance when its truth."

  "Keep telling yourself that." Her smile faded. “Caden, there’s something I haven’t told you about what happened after you were knocked unconscious.”

  She’d gone back and forth over how much to reveal about that presence shadowing Pierce. It might be a flight of her imagination, something her mind conjured in a stressful situation, but she couldn’t let them return home without telling him what she’d seen and felt.

  He sobered. “I know what you’re going to say and it’s probably best you don’t.”

  She shook her head. “If that presence gave Pierce his ability to compel people to his cause, it means that it could do it again with someone else.”

  Caden’s forehead furrowed, confusion crossing his face briefly before clearing. “Pierce is dead.”

  “Yes, but I sensed something in him before he died—a presence that felt malignant and greedy. You and Darius thought he was myein, like me. What if he wasn’t the one with an ability? What if he made an agreement with another mythological who used him as a host?”

  Caden’s thoughts moved across his face. “It would mean we didn�
��t kill the leader of the rebellion. We simply weakened them for now.”

  She nodded as his gaze turned inward.

  After several seconds, he shook his head. “This is speculation. I’ll carry your observations to Darius and Fallon, but for now, be happy with our win. If they move against us again, we’ll be ready. An alliance with the Kyren will help.”

  She nodded. That would have to be good enough for now. There was no sense worrying about something that hadn’t happened yet.

  She hesitated and cocked her head. “What did you think I was going to tell you before?”

  His gaze was enigmatic and knowing as it met hers before sauntering away, saying over his shoulder, “Nothing of import.”

  She shook her head. It certainly hadn’t seemed that way.

  There was a stomp of a hoof behind her and then a hard nudge to her back that sent her flying forward several steps. Eva’s smile was bittersweet and rueful when she turned and looked up at her friend.

  Caia’s expression was disgruntled. It seemed it had dawned on the horse what was happening, and she didn’t like it. Not one bit.

  Caia stomped her hoof again like a petulant child before letting out a demanding nicker. She bobbed her head up and down several times.

  “Don’t go getting all bossy with me, missy. It won’t work,” Eva told the horse. Her expression softened. “This is only temporary. We’ll be together again before you know it.”

  Eva had to believe that. Otherwise she didn’t think she’d be able to get on Sebastian and fly away. She’d see Caia again, she promised herself.

  Caia’s ears flicked and her lip lifted, a silent threat that the mare was thinking of biting her.

  Eva couldn’t help the laugh that burst from her. It was good to know that Caia remained herself in all things. She wasn’t easy; she wasn’t nice. She was Caia. Stubborn and prone to acting like a spoiled child, but there was a love that threaded through everything she did.

  Unafraid, Eva rubbed Caia’s cheeks and then her nose. “I know. Believe me, there isn’t anything I’d like more than to stay.” She dropped a kiss on Caia’s nose and pressed her cheek to the horse’s. Helping the Kyren and the Trateri was important, but that didn’t mean it was easy or that she didn’t feel like she was being pulled in two directions.