Unraveling Legends - Chapter 6

<-Chapter 5

 

“When it falls, the apple lands close to the tree.”

 

The rest of the day was spent preparing for the trip on the morrow. Gertie joined Xander to cook up food for the road; neither was letting Rihou step out of the Fortress without decent meals packed. He already didn't eat enough.

Rihou didn't need to do much thinking about who he wanted to take with him. For one thing, his options were limited right then. For another, he wanted to take a full six-member party with him. Combatant parties could have less than six members, but never more. Too many more than that without being a military unit could cause real havoc with the magic in the land since parties naturally linked together for convenience.

The final party consisted of him, Elissa, Naomi, Ewan, Kyle, and Nick. For this first foray into what was still a foreign land to him, he wanted Ewan and Kyle to be there. Elissa went without saying, and Naomi and Nick wanted to see more of the land too. Rihou promised Skyla and Ulrich that they would get to go with him for other journeys soon enough.

Bright and early, they started on their way toward Carvinia. They didn't have that many horses on hand—Thalia was looking into it—so they were left with walking, which no one minded. Elissa normally wore slippers or heels, but she had switched over to much sturdier boots since they were looking at a lot of foot travel. They just looked a bit odd with her slightly fancier clothing.

Noting it, Naomi told her, "Your skirts are long enough that no one will see them unless they go looking."

"And one certainly hopes Rihou's the only one who attempts to do so," Nick agreed dryly. "Else Kyle or Ewan have to defend her honor."

"She can defend her honor better than we can," was Ewan's dry retort. "But we've done our fair share of virtue defending, too."

"So have I." Elissa shook her head in bemusement. "I could tell some interesting tales from the brothel I grew up in."

Dead silence followed that statement. Rihou hid a grin. "A brothel," Ewan finally said. "As in a brothel?"

"As in where people will pay to have sex with other people?" the bard said politely, her tone grave but her eyes laughing. "Yes. I and Raine were raised by Lady Devenrue, the owner of a relatively popular brothel. Raine helped in the kitchen, and I was the bodyguard for the place."

Naomi opened her mouth and then closed it, for once at a loss for words. Nick found himself suddenly amused by the whole thing; wasn't it just like Rihou to find a woman as unusual as he was? Kyle and Ewan had certainly known some interesting people with very interesting histories, so they found themselves rolling with the punches. Still, both felt amused. It certainly explained why Elissa was adept as a seductress. She had learned from some of the best.

By the time they got to Carvinia, Naomi and Kyle were tired of being the only mages in the group. They needed an actual Magician, or at the least, other people needed relics. "Why don't you wear one?" Naomi complained to Ewan.

"I'm magically stupid," he told her with a sigh. "Which basically means that equipping a relic does shit for me because I just don't have the power to cast anything. What about you?" he asked Nick.

"I've never been comfortable wearing one," the blond explained. "Neither I nor Rihou ever have. We both have really big capacities, but the Relic Masters we've met have said that that might be what holds us up. Elissa?"

"I can wear some types," she admitted, "but only on my left hand. My right hand rejects all attempts." She suddenly smiled. "I'm left-handed too, so that might have something to do with it. Best I can figure, the only types of relics I'm comfortable with are negatively charged ones. I can try to get a Wind Relic while we're in town."

None of the information provided was a surprise to Ewan or Kyle. They had already noticed that Rihou had many of the mannerisms of someone who wore a relic though he didn't actually have one. Both had seen Tyrian act the exact same way before he had gotten his Pure Relic. It was a hundred percent certain that Rihou had been earmarked for a Pure Relic and was already influenced by its power somehow.

As for Elissa, her story paralleled Cassie. She could use only one type of relic, and only minor ones, on a specific hand. If she was to share eternity with Rihou, she would eventually come into possession of a Pure Relic herself. Knowing more now than they had before didn't help Ewan or Kyle any when they also knew terribly well how heavy the burdens were going to become. They could only pray that the burden of Rihou's relic was not in any way similar to Tyrian's.

Carvinia was located near the northern ocean, just far enough inland to be safe from high tide, but close enough to be considered a port. The forest portion stopped well before reaching the city, allowing an unfettered view from quite a distance down the road. Rihou was charmed instantly by its lively air.

It was roughly the size of Vella, perhaps a bit more, and something less structured and formal about the City-State lands made it more welcoming. It was such a curious thing to him, especially since he would have expected more structure from cities acting as their own countries.

People in militia uniforms milled around the exterior, and as he saw them, he had two thoughts. One, it was obvious that Carvinia was cognizant of the potential attack from Foresalia. And two . . . "We need a uniform for our soldiers," he told Ewan and Kyle. "Seriously. We can't show up to a battle wearing whatever is at hand. We need to be recognizable. Unit leaders not so much, but definitely the regular soldiers."

Naomi instantly put her hand up. "Raine and I can come up with something!"

"Better you than us," Kyle admitted. "Why do you think we didn't have a uniform yet at all?"

"Laziness?" Nick asked politely.

Kyle cuffed him in the back of the head with a grin. "Be nice or the next time you need saving, I'll leave you to rot."

People inside the city looked at the party with curiosity but no real concern or recognition. That, Ewan knew, would change very quickly. Rihou was simply too unique to blend in anywhere. His eyes alone would make him distinct, let alone the weapon he carried and his preferred red and gold colors. No matter what happened here, by the time they reached the next city, word would have started spreading.

"Where do we need to go?" Elissa asked. "I assume we need to talk to the mayor."

A young woman came out of nowhere and planted herself in their path. The delicate pink hair pinned on top of her head was matched by shimmering pink wings that earmarked her as being of the Faerie race. Her height did as well; she stood only an inch over five feet tall. She wore clothes designed solely for gardening, and gloves dangled from her back pocket. "Hi," she said, and the shimmering sweetness of her voice also gave away her heritage. "I'm Charity. I grow flowers and herbs. You're from the Rebel Fortress, right?"

"Right." Rihou smiled instantly. That little tug was inside again. While it underscored again his suspicions, he still found himself enjoying it. He wasn't alone anymore. "I'm Rihou Royaltine. I'm trying to get some sort of unity going among the cities."

She nodded firmly. "That's what I was hearing." She linked her hands behind her back and smiled. "I want to help! Yeah, I know you probably need combatants more than you need civilians, but my flowers and herbs are really useful! They're not only good for cooks, but my sister sells them to potion makers and the like. You could use both of us! You'll need money too, right?"

"Absolutely," he said instantly. "I know I can count on you."

"Great!" She turned and waved enthusiastically. "Temerity! Come here!"

Another Faerie, perfectly identical to Charity, fluttered over and landed beside her. "Hi!" she said cheerfully. "I'm Temerity! Leave it to us to cover the Fortress in flowers!"

Kyle smirked at Ewan. "Well, Ewan is a blooming idiot."

"Yeah, but I'm not the one that has a fan club that sends flowers to me every month," was the retort.

"You do?" Naomi asked Kyle.

His color rose. "Shut up," he muttered.

The two Faeries exchanged a quick grin. Ewan had a fan club, too, but the members were too smart to let him know about it. Even in the City-States, people knew about the great things these two knights had done in Taron and were now doing for Arinsberg. "Okay," Charity said, "then we'll head for the Fortress. We'll see you there!"

"Oh!" Temerity rummaged in the bag on her hip and emerged with a bottle that she handed Elissa. She leaned up and whispered softly in her ear, "Perfume. It drives your lover nuts because it enhances your natural scent. Have fun!"

Elissa grinned wickedly. "I assuredly will." She tucked the bottle away safely and smiled innocently at Rihou when he eyed her. "It's just perfume." She saw Naomi lifting a brow and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

Naomi instantly snickered. Her brother was doomed. Not that he hadn't been before, but now he was really doomed. And she was just really glad that she loved Elissa like a sister. She couldn't have picked anyone better for her baby brother.

The Faeries hurried off to pack up their things, and the party continued into the city. With some helpful directions, they were shortly shown in to the mayor's office. He was an older man, though likely not yet fifty. Strong and fit, he seemed more like a soldier than someone who ran a bureaucracy.

"I'm Mayor Wylan Mardel," he said as he offered a hand to Rihou. He studied the younger man intently as he sensed something under the surface of his easy-going nature. "I understand you're from the Rebel Fortress."

"I'm in charge of it, actually. Former management couldn't manage it." Rihou tucked his hands in his pockets. A memory of hell flickered across the glitter in his dark eyes. "I won't let what happened to Erube happen to other cities. This isn't about war, Wylan. The Foresalia Army is seeking death and destruction."

"Erube's militia unit wasn't as well trained as ours," Wylan noted. "I think my soldiers can handle things if the Army comes this way." Still, he hesitated. There was something about Rihou that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Wylan had known some amazing people in his life, but he had never seen anyone with eyes like these. Eyes that held an indomitable spirit and iron will. The eyes of a leader, and a hero. It was the last that unnerved him. If a hero had shown himself, then there was a need for a hero, and heroes could only be chosen by Destiny. Was something happening like what had happened in Taron?

"I know the Army," Rihou immediately disagreed. "They're some of the best. They also have around a hundred units to their name. You have how many units?"

"One."

Nick frowned. "If the Army shows up with three or more units, you'd be screwed. And they have no reason to play nice. They didn't even follow the rules of engagement at Erube, mayor. It was a massacre."

The color left Wylan's face at that knowledge. The laws of engagement had been in existence for millennia. They dictated the rules of war and battle, kept things as civilized as could be amid the insanity of people trying to fight and conquer. Breaking the laws meant you forfeited the right to them. It also meant that many, many innocent lives could be lost.

In the end, the decision was taken from his hands. As he turned over the outcomes, a soldier came bursting into the office, her eyes wide with alarm. "Mayor!" she said urgently. "We're under attack! The Foresalia Army just appeared outside the city with two units! They're not even in formation; they just started coming after us! I don't know how long we can hold up like this!"

Wylan turned instantly to Rihou. "Can you lead us to victory? If you can, I swear my alliance is yours for all time. I will not lose any innocent lives to those rule-breaking murderers."

Rihou had never been in large-scale combat. He knew the rules intimately because of his intent to join the Army, yet that was wholly different. He would have been lying to say he wasn't nervous, but this had to be done. He nodded. "I'm going to try my hardest."

Ewan pulled out a relic flare. "Should I call for our unit? We have transport capabilities."

Most units transported via magic to battle sites, which was how the Army had gotten there that swiftly. Rihou quickly ran over every possible plan of action. "Yes," he said. "Have them transport in behind the Army, and I want you and Kyle to take Ulrich to serve as a distraction. Just split the attention of the Army; buy us some time!"

"You got it!" Kyle and Ewan ran out quickly.

Rihou turned to the soldier in the room. "Split the militia unit. Half of you need to evacuate the civilians as fast as you can. Most City-States have underground catacombs. Do you?"

"Yes," she answered swiftly. "They were built for just this sort of thing." She saluted crisply. "I will lead the evacuation myself, Lord Rihou!"

"I'll go with her," Naomi offered. "Just in case any stragglers make it into town. I can take care of them." She looked at Elissa who nodded in understanding. Elissa's sole duty would be to protect Rihou. He was more valuable than everyone else put together.

The soldier led Naomi out of the office, and Rihou urged Wylan to follow them. "You too," he said. "Your people need you there. I'm going to take the other half unit and lure the unit leader from the Army into a trap. We'll try not to knock down any buildings."

"They can be rebuilt," Wylan said. "Just don't lose your life!" He was beginning to believe they would win. This young man, this hero, could do anything. He could save all of them. "Be safe!"

As soon as he was gone, Nick asked, "How the hell are we going to convince that madman to get in here, and even if you kill him, why would the units surrender?"

"Soldiers follow the orders of their unit leader," Rihou countered. "So if they're told to break the laws, they will. But it might be, just might be, possible that swiftly ending this fight will not only make them once more follow the rules, but maybe even join our side if I can convince them of the wrong they're doing."

Somehow, when Rihou said it, Elissa believed it could be done. Even Nick was beginning to think they had a chance of pulling this off. "Okay," he said. "What do we do?"

The lieutenant in charge of the Foresalia Army was not happy with the events unfolding around him. He could name every soldier he trusted to spare innocent lives and those he could not trust. He felt sick to his stomach with the chaos happening. He had been grateful to see the Rebel unit appear on the field. Yet he didn't have a choice. Returning home without victory would be the end of his life, and possibly the end of the lives of his soldiers, all of whom deserved better. Prince Sarcon did not abide by failure.

Quite suddenly, he spotted movement from the corner of his eye. He turned sharply and spotted a door in the wall around the city standing open. He could see a flash of red and gold just inside it. He was instantly sure he had found Rihou Royaltine. Everyone in Foresalia knew the son of the former Lower General had defected to the City-States, though no one knew why. His hometown claimed he still loved their land, that he had been betrayed by the Army first.

This was a chance to end things before it got worse. Without hesitation, the lieutenant made his way toward the open door. Several of his loyal soldiers went with him. If they could capture Rihou, they might be able to figure out just what was really happening. Someone was lying, but there was no knowing who.

They entered the city and had only gotten a few feet past the door before it suddenly slammed shut. When the lieutenant turned around, he discovered a sultry, fair haired bard standing in front of the door. She had a dagger balanced delicately on the tip of a finger, blade side down, and it didn't wobble. The utter precision and balance of the weapon was a stark statement as to her skill.

"You want to stand or surrender?" a calm male voice asked behind them. "I might suggest the surrender option. You're surrounded."

The lieutenant turned again to discover Rihou right behind him. He stood with his tonfa in hand, but his body was relaxed and casual. A cursory sweep of the area revealed soldiers crouched on rooftops, the sunlight glinting off weapons of assorted shape and type. Far more soldiers were on the roofs than the lieutenant had with him. He immediately drew his sword and threw it on the ground. "Yield," he said with relief. "On the condition of parley."

"Done," Rihou immediately agreed. The offer to parley meant the lieutenant wished to discuss the current state before deciding to surrender or retreat, as were the normal stipulations of defeat in battle. "Call off your soldiers."

The lieutenant touched the small relic he wore as an earring. Nearly everyone wore them, especially in battle; they allowed communication across great distances between ally or enemy, depending on the frequency you used. His voice carried to everyone on the field. "Cease fire!" he ordered. "I am engaged in parley with Lord Rihou! I give my soldiers the option now to stay or retreat. When I have determined the facts, I will make my choice."

One unit left the field instantly. The other stayed, loyal to their lieutenant and trusting him more than they trusted the prince. The Rebel unit immediately rounded them up to be held until the parley was completed. Casualties dotted both sides, though not too severely. Rihou's quick thinking had kept the battle from getting worse.

"Holy hell," Ulrich murmured. "He did it."

"Get used to it," Kyle murmured back. "You're going to be seeing him do a lot of really amazing things."

In the city, the militia soldiers came down off the rooftops and rounded up the few soldiers with the lieutenant. Nick scooped up his sword and held onto it until they determined the outcome. He was still boggling himself. He had seen Rihou pull off some crazy things, but this was far beyond anything he had expected.

"Tell me your side of the events at the training camp," the lieutenant said quietly to Rihou. "I knew General Royaltine. I can't believe that his son would turn traitor in this way. More, I trust a man who abides by the laws more than I trust a monarch who willfully breaks them. This battle was not my choice."

"That I believe." Rihou locked his tonfa and equipped them once more. "To put it simply, Vandel orchestrated the attack on the camp to give Foresalia an excuse to go to war. My informant is currently looking for more information as to why, but that doesn't change the fact that Sarcon Malady has overreacted. He personally orchestrated the massacre of an entire city." Something cold and hard flickered across his eyes. "I watched him behead an innocent civilian after offering her escape. Your prince is a madman."

Elissa slipped her hand into his and held on tightly. She would have taken the memories away from him if she could, but she knew they were permanently branded inside him and now a part of what made him who he was. His fingers laced with hers as if she was his lifeline though his face didn't change expression. Even someone who rolled with the punches could eventually stop rolling and end up battered and broken. It terrified her to think this was still just the beginning.

The lieutenant looked pale and visibly shaken. He swallowed before he lost his lunch. He knew the Foresalia Army had done some truly terrible things in their attempts to gain more land for the monarchy, but the extent came down to who was in charge of the units. Those commanded by King Utheron abided by the laws. Those commanded by Prince Sarcon did not.

"My father lived and died for the freedom of the people, even if they were not of his country," Rihou said fiercely. "It was because he knew how precious the rights of people are. I will not let the City-States give up the freedom they once fought for. If they wanted a monarchy, they'd damn well have it. It's not Utheron or Sarcon's right to take that choice from them!"

A little shiver went down the backs of those observing. Never had Rihou looked or sounded more like a leader. No longer did anyone doubt why he was in charge of the Rebel Fortress when he had no practical experience on a battlefield. This was a man who could lead thousands, millions, to victory.

It did not take long for the lieutenant to make his choice. "My name is Lore," he said. "I surrender to you and seek to fight by your side. I can't stomach what my country is doing to this one. I will lend my sword to the City-States until this insanity ends." He looked at his soldiers. "You are free to return if you so wish. I will stay with Lord Rihou."

"We stand with you, lieutenant," one soldier said as he removed the Foresalia emblem on his jacket. "Therefore we stand with Lord Rihou."

All the remaining soldiers also formally surrendered and removed the emblem of Foresalia that they wore. In less than an hour, not only had Rihou saved a city, but he had also doubled the size of his army. He looked at Elissa in consternation and said, "We need a bigger Fortress, and we really need uniforms."

She found herself laughing. Leave it to Rihou to gloss over the amazing things he had just done. She went on her toes, framed his face, and kissed him tenderly. Those observing cheered loudly and she smiled. "I'm proud of you."

"Just hold onto me," he said softly. "When this sinks in, I have no idea how I'm going to feel."

As if she could ever let him go! She remained very close as the civilians were fetched and allowed to return to their homes. There was a great euphoria in the air, and dozens of people wanted to meet and thank Rihou for saving them. By the time Ewan and Kyle caught back up with them, the crowd had reached immense proportions.

Ewan took one look at Rihou's eyes and knew he was being overwhelmed even though he still smiled and talked to everyone. Rihou's higher sensitivity wasn't just for that sixth sense that warned a Kaiten of danger. It was also for that inner desire for peace that, while effective at making him want to end war, meant large crowds would be too much for him to handle.

Ewan let out a piercing whistle that cut through the cacophony and had heads turning. "Would you let the guy breathe?" he demanded. He muscled his way through the crowd, caught Rihou's arm, and ushered him back out with Elissa and Nick hurrying to keep up. "For god's sake," Ewan muttered. "Like hounds after a bone!"

"Hey, I'm not that skinny, thank you." Rihou was exceedingly grateful for the rescue nonetheless. "I don't mind crowds, I really don't, but sometimes it's just too much for me to take in and I need some quiet. Really, I do like people." He sighed. "It's like having an allergy to something you like. Much as you like it, it doesn't like you back!"

"Rihou!" Naomi popped up beside her brother and enthusiastically hugged him so hard that she knocked him over. "You did it! Not that I doubted you," she said loyally. "You can do anything!"

"Except keep my sister from running me over," he grumbled. He took Kyle's offered hand and got to his feet before helping Naomi up. "Where's the mayor?"

"Right here." Wylan was flanked by two of his lieutenants, and a look of mingled awe and respect filled his eyes. "Lord Rihou, you have my thanks, as well as my alliance. For as long as Carvinia stands, it will stand with you. If you have any need for my unit, you have only to ask."

"Is one unit enough to protect Carvinia?" Nick asked Rihou.

He nodded instantly. "Sarcon won't want to waste time attacking someplace that he failed to capture to begin with. If we routed him once, we can do it again. Especially since Carvinia is now onboard with uniting the City-States. He needs to get to a place I haven't gotten to first. If he really is trying to conquer us in the most brutal way possible, uniting the rest will ensure they don't just surrender to spare themselves. And if we can amass a big enough army, we can just kick him out entirely."

"It's not that easy," Elissa murmured to Kyle.

His blue eyes darkened sadly. "No," he said just as softly. "It never could be. When he realizes it, he's going to need you to hold him together." A part of him was beginning to be frustrated. While he wanted to tell Rihou what he was, he didn't feel he had the right. Where the hell was Lady Tanelia? Why hadn't she revealed herself to Rihou? The Great Sage was the only one who knew the true legend of the Kaiten Star, and she was the only one who could guide Rihou's destiny. What was she waiting for?

"What should we do next?" Naomi asked Rihou. "Just go back to the Fortress?"

"If I may," Wylan spoke up, "I'd recommend going to Riverbaynk next. It sits on the river that leads to Grace, and you definitely want to talk to Belle Marshton about this. Grace is the biggest city in the country. You need her clout."

"I agree," Ewan said instantly. "I think we're finally looking as serious as she said we needed to in order for her to help us. Let's hit Riverbaynk, get them onboard, and then scoot down south for Grace."

"Is she your girlfriend?" Elissa asked him curiously.

"Ha!" He snorted. "We'd kill each other. She's more like a sister than anything. I don't have a girlfriend, thanks."

"Only because you're a chicken," Kyle noted politely.

As brows rose, so did Ewan's color. "Shut up," he muttered. "It's been more than three years. She probably hates my guts by now." It was a painful revelation for him, as it had been for nearly all those years. He had tried every method possible to forget about his dark haired ex-lover, and not a single one had worked. He would remember her until the day he died, and he would always lament blowing his chance.

"What would you do with a second chance?" Rihou asked. "Would you take it?"

"I don't know," Ewan admitted. "I'd like to hope I'm older and wiser than I was, but, hell. There's no knowing." He scowled. "Why are we off on this subject? We have more important things to do, damn it."

Rihou grinned. "But not more entertaining." He laughed when Ewan grabbed him in a headlock. "Sorry, sorry."

Wylan hid a grin. He was beginning to see why Ewan and Kyle had put Rihou in charge. Not only was he brilliant, he was also incredibly personable. You had to like this young man with a hero's eyes. It was mandatory. "We can provide some horses for the journey, to make it go quicker. Riverbaynk is a few days from here, and it's a few more beyond there to Grace."

"We'd be much obliged," Rihou said as he got released.

Wylan sent orders for the horses to be prepared, and the party headed for the town stable once they had stocked up on fresh supplies. When they got to the stable, they found a man waiting for them. He looked strong and capable, and he wore the familiar style of clothing that most brawlers did. Lightweight for speed enhancement, but sturdy to withstand anything that tried to hit back.

Just looking at him, Rihou knew he was another friend. A kindred spirit to help ease his burdens. This person was important; he was sure of it. He smiled. "Hi. I'm Rihou."

"I'm Barro." The man smiled. "A brawler. I want to help you kick Foresalia's ass. I saw what you did here, and I know I can help you out!"

"I'm sure of it," Rihou instantly agreed. "I need a lot of skilled combatants. Can you head for the Fortress to train our other hand-to-hand soldiers? I know you've got the higher class training that regular soldiers don't get."

Barro didn't find it surprising that Rihou would know that, just as he didn't find it surprising how badly he felt he needed to help Rihou. He was sure, positive, that Rihou needed him, and there was something only he could do. "Gladly, Lord Rihou," he agreed swiftly. "You can count on me!"

"Of course!" Rihou's smile slowly faded as Barro hurried away. "Ewan?" he asked softly.

Ewan took a breath. He had a feeling he knew what was going to be asked. Rihou was very smart, and he had been friends with Tyrian for several years. "Yeah?"

"Just yes or no is all I need." Rihou's hands clenched together. "Do I remind you of Tyrian?"

"Yeah," Ewan admitted quietly. "A lot. When I told you that first day that you reminded me of a friend, that was who I meant."

Kyle nodded briefly. "Tyrian was our brother in all ways but blood. We never thought we'd love anyone else that much. But then we met you." He found a real smile. "You're just as easy to love, Rihou."

Naomi and Nick both began to get a sinking feeling that told them they knew what was being discussed, and it terrified them both. Elissa had already known. She simply held onto Rihou's hand and reminded him without a word that she was there and would remain there.

Rihou took a little breath and then nodded. "Thanks," he said to Ewan and Kyle alike. "That's all I needed to know. It kind of explains why we felt the way we did when we met. We both felt like we'd met a long lost brother. We blamed our dads." He also found a smile. "I guess maybe it was something a bit simpler than that."

"That's one way of putting it," Kyle murmured.

 

 

©Stacy J. Garrett. Do not reprint or redistribute without permission.

Chapter 7->

Unraveling Legends - Chapter 5

<-Chapter 4

 

“Understanding is half the battle.”

 

Having a purpose seemed to completely change Rihou's manner. With something to focus on, he was able to push past the macabre images burned into his mind and soul. It didn't take long before he acted like normal again. It was only a relative normality, though. Even those who hadn't known him long knew something had changed. He had made the transition to being an adult under painful circumstances, and though he and his brother and sister were all technically the same age, he looked older than they did.

A meeting was called for that evening, and Rihou didn't feel at all awkward with his new position among the rebels. He could only assume that his innate bossiness had finally become useful. Still, he was grateful for Elissa's presence. She didn't always say anything to him. Sometimes she simply held onto his arm or his hand and reminded him that she was there. She had become his lifeline.

The meeting consisted of them, Ewan, Kyle, and Thalia. Rihou liked Thalia a lot. She was quick and nimble both physically and mentally. She looked ridiculously innocent for someone in her mid-twenties, but he knew it to be one of her best weapons. She was also a master of disguise, and claimed she could pass as anyone. He thought he would be able to know her anyway, so she would test him once and while. It would be something fun amid everything happening.

Nick and Naomi had opted out of the meeting since the room was small, and both were still reeling a little at the things happening. Rihou's ability to roll with the punches was something they had both always envied, yet they also knew that their ability to heal was much better than his. They wouldn't forget what they had seen, but it wouldn't fester inside. It just felt surreal. Everything they had ever known was no more.

In the meeting, Ewan spread out a map of the City-States. "This is just cursory since you need to brush up on the area. I'm no Scholar, so I can't just tell you everything I've read myself. But essentially, we're looking at a serious pain in the ass."

"Where do we stand? We're called rebels, but that doesn't quite seem accurate." Rihou propped his feet on the table and leaned back in his chair.

Ewan liked him for that alone. "It's definitely a bit of a misnomer, but since we're technically rebelling against the status quo, it's apt. We're more like . . . misfits than anything else."

"As for where we stand," Kyle spoke up, "our personal army size is roughly one unit's worth of soldiers. We have some stragglers here and there, but we're not much over a thousand total. Everyone here has come from all over the City-States, though some soldiers actually came over from Taron to join us when they found out what Ewan and I were up to."

"Why's that?"

Thalia murmured, "Let's say that there's a lot of respect for Sir Kyle and Sir Ewan."

"Sir?" Rihou began to grin. "You two are knights?"

"Yes." It was a mutter from Ewan. "Tyrian is a sadistic man. He wanted us knighted for doing things we couldn't not do, and made sure it happened. We still can't live it down." Casually, he added, "I assume you've met Tyrian before. He vowed to be the one who brought Divan home and told his family what had happened."

"Yeah, I did. When we met, we kinda understood why our dads had been friends." Rihou smiled. "We're friends too. We've sent occasional letters over the last few years. I told him when my birthday was, and he was going to try to make it in time for the celebration. I'm glad now that he didn't. He doesn't need to deal with our crap after dealing with his."

Kyle had no doubts whatsoever that if Tyrian caught wind of the goings-on, he would be there in a heartbeat to support his 'little brother.' He also couldn't be sure that Tyrian hadn't already known Rihou was the second Kaiten Star. Tyrian's sixth sense, while not as expansive as Rihou's seemed to be, was certainly more developed since he was a full-fledged Kaiten. "Tyrian protects his friends," he said after a moment. "You may as yet see him."

"I'll send him home." Rihou waved it off. "So we stand at one unit in size, and since our Fortress isn't located in a city, we're essentially under our own authority." He crossed his arms as he thought quickly. "If there was anything left of Erube, we could count on them joining us. Well, technically, we could say they have. The survivors are Gertie and Ulrich, so the city belongs to them, the people, and if they're with us, then so is the city."

"That . . . is a good point." Kyle smiled wryly. "That never even occurred to me."

"That's why you put me in charge," Rihou noted cheerfully. He drummed the fingers of his right hand on the table, drawing two curious gazes and two unsurprised ones. "Until we figure out who led the attack on Erube, and why, we can't really go knocking on anyone's door saying 'hey, you're next. Help us and we'll help you.' How many cities even know we exist?"

"Most of them. Word travels fast. I'm friends with the mayor of the biggest city, so she definitely knows about us." Ewan shook his head wryly. "In her words 'Ewan, I can't do anything to help you until you get your head out of the sand and look and act as serious as I know you are.'"

"Start shaking out the sand then," his leader told him. He looked at Thalia. "While you're checking into the asshole who chose to destroy an innocent city, get a feel for how the other cities are reacting. I'd think that those who are wary of similar treatment might be the most likely to want to join together. Then we can just start a wave rolling."

"You've got it, Lord Rihou," she said instantly.

His brows shot up. "Lord Rihou?"

She grinned. "You're the son of the late General Divan Royaltine, so you are nobility. You and Lady Naomi. I know you two want to keep it hush-hush that you're from Foresalia, but you can't change the fact that you're from a long lineage."

"Yeah, but our parents died."

"And that doesn't automatically mean you're not noble anymore," the informant retorted politely. "You inherited everything, right?" She ruffled his hair with a grin. "Then you're Lord Rihou. I say so, and I know everything. So there."

The door swung shut behind her as she left and Rihou suddenly laughed. "Damn it. Naomi and I chose to give up the titles that came with Dad's estate. We were adopted by Nick's parents, and there was no need to be formal. And the town never was formal with us anyway."

"Ah, well." Ewan grinned at him. "Now you know how we feel! And, anyway, if this snowball you're predicting starts gaining enough momentum, you'll likely get called 'Lord Rihou' as a sign of respect anyway. And Elissa better watch herself or she'll get the 'guilt by association' title of Lady Elissa."

Elissa smiled demurely. "I'm no lady, but I do a great impersonation of one."

With nothing they could truly do until Thalia returned with information, the Rebels were left at a standstill. Rihou immediately assigned Nick and Naomi the task of training Kyle and Ewan on the tactics and techniques of Foresalia. Naomi, though she had never intended to join any army, was as well trained as her brothers. Once Ewan and Kyle got up to speed, they all four took on training the soldiers. Naomi could only marvel at her little brother and the transformation inside him. He hadn't been made a leader. He was a leader. The ease and skill with which he took over seemed to imply he had always been meant to do it.

While training went on, Rihou holed himself up in the small library at the Fortress and began reading everything he could get his hands on about the history of the City-States. He wanted to know as much as the citizens did, if not more. He didn't want them to see an outsider butting into their business. He wanted them to see someone who loved the country as much as they did.

And, curiously, he did. Though the City-States didn't truly look any different from Foresalia because both were dense with forests, there was still something about this country on the west side of the river that he liked. Maybe it was because of the layout; the maps showed that the route between all cities was clearly labeled and marked by roads wide enough for wagons to pass. Trees were kept trimmed back away from the roads so that it was easier to see where the roads went to in the distance.

All cities, not just Erube, were built inward of trees to prevent fire spread if something burned. One city on a lake had cleared the land of trees for quite a ways around the border so that there was room for farmland. People could live in the city but still be on a farm. Most other farms scattered across the country. Whatever city they were closest to was the one they followed the laws of, but they were not actually beholden to them. The concept behind the City-States was certainly sound, and would no doubt have worked for quite a while longer had there been no war in the world.

Rihou felt as if he had come home here in the City-States. He was sure, no matter how things went in Foresalia, that he wouldn't go back. Maybe to visit his family, but not to live. He had no doubts in his mind that he would unite the City-States and drive out Foresalia. He wasn't sure beyond that, though he really hoped for more than staying to each side of the river. An alliance or something would be MUCH better for all involved.

And, really, if the City-States were strong, then Foresalia would have to play nice. They would be sandwiched between two peaceful, allied, countries. That was on his agenda too, once the country was united. He knew he could count on Tyrian to help him get an alliance with Taron going if he couldn't do it himself, but he wanted to try it on his own first. Ewan was right: he was the only one who could do this. He didn't know how he was sure, but he was.

Unfortunately for the other Rebels, his single-minded determination to learn everything he could meant that he neither slept nor ate much. Naomi was pretty sure it was just another way he dealt with the things they had seen, but it drove her crazy. She stormed into the library and demanded, "Eat before I force feed you!"

"No, thanks."

She fought the urge to pull on her hair. "Rihou," she said in aggravation, "there's nothing stopping you from eating while you're reading! It's been three days! I know I've always said you could subsist on your stubbornness, but come on!"

"I'm not hungry, sis, but thanks." He barely looked up from the book in front of him. There were hints of dark smudges under his eyes that made the glitter inside all the more pronounced. It seemed to always be there lately, as if no longer hidden away.

Frustrated, she swung out of the room. "Damn it!" She propped her hands on her hips as she stared at those in the area. "I'm going to kick someone's ass over this!"

Everyone moved out of her way quickly. Working with Ewan had taught them that the temperamental types were not only honest about being violent when angry, but usually quite correct. Naomi saw the reaction and rolled her eyes. "Not you guys! I'm not at the point of picking a random target yet!" She spotted Nick and pointed at the library. "You try! He won't even listen to me!"

Nick gave her a high-five as he went past as if handing off in a relay race. He went into the library and over to Rihou. He firmly closed the book in his brother's face. "Hi. We're worried. Time for lunch, Rihou."

Rihou let him pull the book away and then promptly grabbed another. "No, thanks. I'm not really hungry right now. Maybe later."

"You said that this morning!" Nick was beginning to understand why Naomi had swung out of the room the way she had. He was beginning to feel a bit dramatic himself. "Rihou," he said, frustrated, "you don't need to be the new Scholar of the City-States! Leave it to Thalia to have the information you need!"

"She can't be with me at all times," Rihou noted reasonably. He propped his feet on the table without looking up from the book. "I know my limits, Nicholas. Don't worry about me."

Nick muttered under his breath, "Limits? You don't have any!"

He stalked out of the room and somehow refrained from slamming the door. He looked at Naomi and she looked at him. As one, they both turned down the hall and shouted, "Elissa!" If there was anyone who could outwit or out-stubborn Rihou, it was the blonde bard.

They found her helping Raine fine tune her aim with her daggers. Raine's skill with them was not only a caravan trick, but also an effective method of self-defense. At slightly over thirteen, she was old enough to enter large-scale combat—between military units—if needed. She was as determined as anyone else to help Rihou however she could, and that meant upping her skills from just small combat to large.

Elissa herself was flat out lethal no matter how she held a dagger. Both Nick and Naomi suspected she was vastly more than just a bard who knew a bit of self-defense. She moved and walked with an ultra-feminine and sultry rhythm, but it seemed more like a veneer than bone deep. She actually moved with the precision grace of someone fully trained for a long while. She was a year older than Naomi, and the caravan had never said where they came from. She was almost as much an enigma as the whole situation.

"Help," Naomi told her without preamble.

"Let me guess: Rihou." Elissa sighed when both nodded. "I was actually going to make him take a break this evening, but now is as good a time as any. I understand where he's coming from, but he can't live on sheer stubbornness." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and headed into the Fortress. "Leave it to me."

When Rihou heard the door open, he barely stifled a sigh. Why couldn't they all just let him be? Really, he was just fine.

The book was pulled out of his hands and he looked up with a scowl. To his surprise, it was Elissa standing beside him. Before he could blink, she had tossed the book across the room and sat down across his lap. It forced him to put his feet down and sit upright before they both fell on the floor. Not that that was a hardship. He was just enough taller that she remained at eye level even when she sat on his lap. The way she faced him gave him an unfiltered and glorious view of her sultry beauty.

Her hands splayed across his chest with a visible tactile delight that had his instant attention. Every muscle tightened and hunger prowled hotly through his blood. "You have two choices," she almost purred. "You can take a break and go for a walk with me, or we can sit here for a few hours while I torment you."

His hands curled around her waist of their own volition. If she was near, it seemed as if he couldn't stop himself from touching her. The scent and feel of her skin had become as crucial to him as air. He could do what he needed to, but only if she was there. "You do realize that the second option is not entirely unappealing, correct?"

"Oh, I know." She feathered her lips across the pulse beating so hard in his neck. "But if I torment you, I won't be sharing your bed. Everyone will know it. And I'm sure you can concentrate if you try hard enough, but I'm thinking you won't be of much use to anyone in that state."

He could have called her bluff. He knew damned well that whatever she dished out would be just as much torture on her because the fire that burned between them was very mutual. He could already feel it inside her body, the fine trembling inside that was a feminine giveaway of her own desire. More than her threat of torment, that delicate shivering was a serious turn on. And that, he then realized, was her real ultimatum. He could go for a break, or he could endure the guilt of knowing that she suffered as bad, if not worse, than he did.

"You win," he said on a sigh. He skimmed his lips across her cheek and then lightly across her lips. She wore makeup only when performing, so her lips were free of the red paint she used. She didn't need it, in his opinion. Her lips were naturally dark and tempting and it took much effort on his part to not nibble on her lower lip at any given moment. "Wanna know something?" he asked softly, his voice husky.

Her fingers threaded into his hair. "What?" Her voice, when she spoke, sounded soft and almost breathy. It couldn't be helped. The way he looked at her made breathing optional rather than obligatory. Her whole body ached to feel his as close as possible. If he had called her bluff, she wasn't even sure she would have survived the effort of going through with it.

"In my life, I have only found one thing that I don't have the willpower to resist. I've survived losing my mother, my father, and now I've survived witnessing a madman's massacre. I've willingly jumped into the fire rather than the frying pan, and I'm trying to save a country from war and devastation. Among all that, only one thing has ever made it near impossible to find self-control."

"And that is?"

"You."

She had heard some of the most poetic words in the world from some of the most adept would-be lovers. She had been flattered and praised and even been written about in poem and song—much to her chagrin. For almost four years, she had gotten used to people visibly lusting after her.

Not a single one had ever affected her as much as the knowledge that she alone could rattle the control of this man. This man who bore up under the harshest circumstances and had the weight of Destiny riding on his shoulders. A man whose iron will was great enough that he could not break under any circumstance . . . was shaken by her mere presence. Her breath unraveled raggedly. "Well then."

He gave in to temptation and lightly nipped at her lower lip just to savor the shiver that rippled through her body. "Unless you want me to start getting intimately acquainted with you sooner rather than later—as in right here, on the library table—you might want to get off my lap so we can take that walk, and I can jump in the river."

"To paraphrase someone around here, that option is not entirely unappealing." She did, however, get off his lap with more grace than haste. When his hand slid up her leg under her skirt, she burst into laughter. "Rihou, that tickles!"

"I was wondering what you had on under here," he told her unrepentantly with a grin. "Since I know it has the same splits as a female dagger user, and I know you wear a dagger hidden on your leg," his fingers lightly toyed with the garter and tormented her sensitive nerves, "I was wondering just what you had on under this."

She firmly removed his hands before he distracted her further. She then found the split in the skirt and pulled it up so he could see that she wore a pair of snug shorts that matched her bodice. "Common fare for any female dagger user," she told him. "You never know what's going to happen in battle." She winced wryly. "One memorable incident, I was trying to outrun some monsters. Ended up in the river, and my skirts were slowing me down. Had to abandon them. Wearing what I do underneath, I was lucky enough to not arrive in my underwear at the nearest town."

He nodded gravely. "There would have been mass heart attacks amongst the people of town, no doubt. But I'm sure this wasn't much better." He got to his feet and tried to ignore the throbbing in his arousal. Hell, his whole body throbbed, including his teeth and his skin. Wryly, he said, "It wouldn't have taken you hours to torment me." With characteristic humor, he asked, "Will you torment me later when I can return the favor?"

She just shook her head. "You're impossible." She caught his hand. "Come on. Let's take that walk." She fluttered her lashes at him. "You can try to court me. You promised you would, and I see nothing stopping you."

"And here I was hoping you'd court me." He sighed. "Oh well. A man can hope." He didn't bother to resist as she tugged him out of the library and through the Fortress. He just grinned a bit at seeing others boggle over her strength; she kept it hidden deceptively well.

There were also many grinning faces as they headed outside, but he didn't mind. He was putty in her hands. He knew it, wasn't ashamed of it, and therefore wasn't embarrassed by it. She was just as weak to him. It was all fair.

The walls of the Fortress enclosed quite a bit of forest so it didn't matter that they didn't go outside. A few feet into the trees and they had privacy. He took a deep breath of air and felt some of the tension melt out of his shoulders. "You were right," he told her. "I needed this."

She rested her head against his shoulder. "I'm often right. Haven't you heard you should never argue with a bard?"

"I begin to be the tiniest bit suspicious that you are a bit more than just a bard, 'lisa. Don't get me wrong. Most would never think twice about the image you present. And I believe you have the heart of a bard. The soul . . . maybe not so much. Raine seems more like a bard than you do, but there's something a little different about her as well."

"Possibly because we weren't born bards," she offered readily. "When Raine was about one, our hometown in Foresalia was lost in a battle against the Empire. I was about seven or so. I don't even really remember where our town was located. I think it was rebuilt, but I just don't know." She stayed quiet for a few moments, turning over the things she could and could not say. "I had been injured. We got away somehow anyway. Ended up in another city, and we were taken in by a brothel owner."

His head jerked toward her sharply. "What?" His eyes darkened with the promise of temper. "Tell me you weren't hurt."

"Of course not! Lady Devenrue is a very kind woman. If I had no desire to grow up and work there, then she was certainly not going to make me! The people that worked there were there because they wanted to be, as is nearly always the case." She smiled ruefully. "That doesn't mean, however, that I didn't learn a few things by observation and listening to conversations. For the record," she continued candidly, "I've never practiced anything I picked up. You would have been my test partner."

"I stand ready and willing to help you practice anything," he told her with a grin.

"I got that impression when I was sitting on your lap." She eased up to kiss the corner of his smile. "Our time there was not unhappy, though it was certainly . . . unusual. See, when I was twelve, a fight broke out in the brothel. A client beat one of the girls pretty badly. He was going to go after someone else, but I knocked him down the stairs. We'd never encountered something like that before. We hadn't even had a bodyguard for the place because it was so rare to happen."

"So you decided to step in?" he asked.

"Did I neglect to mention that I'd been training for the last five years before the incident in how to use daggers as well as how to handle myself with my hands? Lady Devenrue was determined I be able to protect myself if needed. I'm damned good, Rihou. I'm one of the best dagger users in the world, frankly. It's not just my aim, which you can't discount. I can do short-range combat in a way that other dagger users can't."

"And that explains that," he said in satisfaction. "You move like you do because your body is as well trained as mine or any other soldier's, if not better."

"I'm stronger than you have thus far seen." She grinned at him. "Just remember that."

"You have yet to drag me anywhere I don't want to go, so it doesn't bother me." He caught a handful of her hair and tugged her head back to steal a kiss. "I find you to be sexy and beautiful and impossible and I'm crazy about you."

Her lips trembled and she suddenly turned to throw her arms around his waist. She burrowed against him, seeking his heat and his strength, needing to imprint him inside her soul. She couldn't determine where it had started or how it had happened. From that moment she had seen him at the celebration, she had known she was lost. Love? It seemed a vulgar and inelegant word for the emotions that burned inside her.

He didn't hesitate; his arms slid around her just as tightly. He buried his face in her hair and savored how it felt to hold her. She was incredibly safe and secure to him. The strong arms circling his waist were his only sanity. "Elissa." He framed her face with his hands and drew her up for a tender kiss.

Even as she sighed softly into his lips, he kept the kiss gentle. He wanted, needed, her to know just how deep his feelings went. That something special they had both sensed was there. Partially love, partially something else. Something even more powerful. They would not exist without each other.

They slowly eased apart. "We know where we'll end up," he said huskily. "And no doubt sooner rather than later."

She pressed her fingers to her lips. The man was dangerous with his kisses. "I knew it from that first kiss. I'm worried I could get addicted to you, Rihou."

He grinned swiftly. "Good. I say we take it a day at a time. If we can resist, then it isn't the right time. We've waited this long, we might as well wait for it to be right." When her brows came together suspiciously, he dropped a kiss on her nose. "Yes, I inferred what you think I was inferring. Most people take their first lover at or around sixteen with their parents' permission, but I never really met anyone I wanted that much," he admitted candidly. "And then I saw you on my birthday."

"I suppose I should be grateful I don't have to ask your adopted parents for permission to seduce you," she murmured drolly. "That was my thought when I saw you. 'Please be legal!'"

"I am legal and more than willing to be seduced." He tucked her under his arm and continued on their walk. "But I do feel it only fair to tell you my intentions are honorable. You'll never get rid of me, 'lisa. I'm an honest guy. I know my heart. When I saw you, I knew you were it for me. And I'm fine with that."

She sighed contentedly and let her head rest on his shoulder again. "I'm honest too. And I definitely knew you were it. I love you so much it's ridiculous. I guess I don't mind taking it a day at a time."

"I see many cold showers in my future. Especially since you like to tease me."

She snorted softly. "You sound inordinately cheerful about that."

He skimmed his hand down her body and let it rest on her waist. "You're hot. I'm a lucky guy; what can I say?"

They had circled around the Fortress and were back at the entrance. Ewan waited for them there, and he smiled when he saw the way they walked. "Is there going to be a need for a betting pool?" he asked politely. "To see who can guess when you two are going to take the logical and, in my opinion, necessary next step in your relationship?"

"Hey, if you guys need something to do," Rihou told him, "feel free. We don't even know. We're just letting things happen as they will." He absently nuzzled Elissa's hair and then studied his friend. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Thalia's back with some interesting information." He fell into step beside Rihou as they went into the Fortress. "Things are going to be more of a bitch than we thought. Since we all need to know, we're just gathering in the common room."

The common room was very packed because of it, with a lot of people hanging out on the railing of the second floor. Nick and Naomi sat with Xander, Gertie, and Ulrich at a table while Kyle stood near the front of the room talking to Thalia. Kyle didn't look very happy about whatever he was being told, and Thalia wasn't much more cheerful.

"Okay," Rihou said as he stopped next to them. "Let's hear it." He glanced at the cacophony of noise behind him and then looked over at Naomi.

She let out an ear-piercing whistle that instantly silenced the room. "Thank you," she said. "Go ahead, Thalia."

Thalia took a quick breath. "It would seem that the attack on Erube was carried out directly by Sarcon Malady, the crown prince of Foresalia. He's taken over command of the Foresalia Army. King Utheron has fallen gravely ill. Many think he won't live for much longer, and that would make Sarcon king. The princess of the kingdom, Sarcon's little sister, Calandra, has been tending to their father and may be completely unaware of events."

"I know she is," Nick said instantly and fiercely. "She came with King Utheron to visit Rihou's father when we were eleven; she was twelve. We got to talk with her. She was really nice, and I really believe that if she knew what was happening, she'd try to stop it!"

"I agree," Naomi said swiftly. "This isn't us being loyal, guys. Most of Foresalia have always bemoaned two facts. One, Princess Calandra is younger than Prince Sarcon. Two, women can't inherit the throne because of some stupid archaic law we can't get rid of. King Utheron is land-hungry, but not bone-deep nasty. I don't think he'd have done what Sarcon did!"

Thalia nodded. "They're both correct. To be honest, no one knows anything about Sarcon Malady. While the type of attack from Foresalia was shocking, I'm finding that no one was shocked to learn that Sarcon was behind it. We can't even hope to guess what his goal is right now. Maybe he's just trying to conquer us by the most brutal method possible. You know, if he completely wipes out a city or two, the others will surrender to avoid the same thing."

Rihou crossed his arms tightly against the chill roughening his skin as he remembered the man who had laughed delightedly in the face of death and blood. How that man had deliberately murdered a woman after offering her escape. A flicker of darkness and a memory of fires burning in hell flickered across his eyes. "It's not that simple," he said softly.

Neither Ewan nor Kyle said anything. Though they didn't know how, they knew he was right. It couldn't be simple, not when he was there. The others didn't know what they did, yet they all felt that Rihou was right. They wanted it to be easy, but how did you fight against someone who didn't play by the rules?

The front door suddenly banged open and a shout lifted as a small griffin flew inside. It was little more than a fledgling, roughly the size of a small pony, and its paws were still slightly too big for its body. Half of its feathers were fully developed and the other half downy. With a trill of happiness, it shot across the room and tackled Ewan onto the floor.

"Oomph!" He sighed as the griffin sat on him. It had been three years, but he would have known this overgrown bird-cat anywhere. "Hi, Xero. Kyle, get her off me!"

Kyle hid a grin as he firmly tugged Xero down. "Don't worry," he called to those present. "She's an old friend of mine and Ewan's." He turned Xero's face toward where Rihou stood. "Xero, that's Rihou. He's our friend and our leader." Like Tyrian, he thought, though he didn't say it aloud. He was fairly positive Xero would notice.

And indeed she did. She sniffed at Rihou and then brightened visibly and rubbed against him contentedly. The sound she made was somewhere between a purr and a trill and she sat beside him as if to stake a claim. Griffins were notoriously possessive of their prides, and if she considered Rihou part of that pride, then there would be no stopping her from protecting him.

Rihou couldn't help but be both fascinated and amused at how he could feel the same kinship with Xero that he felt with the others. He ran his hands over her head softly and rubbed the itchy new growth of feathers. Normally only a Listening Relic allowed people to understand beasts who could not speak. But Xero . . . he heard her heart clearly without one. "I guess now we have a mascot," he teased her. He laughed when she butted him, and it seemed as if those fleeting memories of hell had evaporated.

"They gather when needed," Elissa murmured so softly only Kyle and Ewan heard her.

The door opened again and a bedraggled Elf walked in. She wore the familiar clothing of an archer, and a bow and quiver perched on her back. Her pale pink hair had been tied up on top of her head, and her brown eyes looked quite grumpy. Her delicately pointed ears hung more down than up, a clear indication of her mood. "Has anyone seen a griffin with more sass than sense?"

Rihou grinned at her. "I think she's claimed me. I'm Rihou Royaltine, resident leader of the Rebels. Can I borrow Xero for a while? I think we need her as much as we need the others here."

In a way, Skyla was not shocked by the news. If what Xero felt for Rihou was at all like what she felt, then she didn't blame the griffin at all. It was a very fierce and unusual feeling to have, that instant punch of love and recognition and desire to protect. Rihou needed her too. She was sure of it. "Her mistress asked me to take over training her, so I guess you'd need to borrow me too."

Gravely, he asked, "Do you hit everything you shoot at?"

"Ninety-nine percent of the time. The other one percent I'm deliberately aiming to miss." She propped a hand on her hip. "I have no home. No country is mine. But I have this tiny issue with war and death, so you can count on me to help you save the City-States, Lord Rihou."

"Thank you," he said simply. Not by so much as a blink did he reveal the suspicions that suddenly churned inside his heart. It seemed far too coincidental that this would be happening. A war was brewing, he was the only one who could end it, and now he had all these people showing up that he knew he needed to help him? Even if he hadn't been friends with Tyrian—which, really, was its own clue—he would have begun to start wondering.

His hand sought Elissa's, and he held on tightly when she laced her fingers with his. A part of him didn't want to know if he was right. But more of him, the deepest part of him, knew he was. Running away wasn't an option. If he left, there would be no one to stand in the way of the madness encroaching on the land.

"Well, then," Ewan said after a moment. "I say we head to Carvinia next. It's the closest city to where we are. A day or two to the west. Let's see if we can't get them on our side. Do you agree, Rihou?"

Rihou nodded. "They were the top of my list too. We can set out tomorrow." His gaze lowered slightly. "I only pray we get there first."

 

©Stacy J. Garrett. Do not reprint or redistribute without permission.

Chapter 6->