Alora_The Wander-Jewel Read online

  “That’s not it! It’s the soulmate bond,” Beth raised her voice to be heard over the exclamations.

  “We’ve already explained this to you,” said Nordamen. “She simply needs nourishment.”

  “Then how do you explain him?” Beth pointed to where Kaevin was passed out on the ground by his father.

  Nordamen looked back and forth between the two, astonishment on his face. “It can’t be!”

  “I’m not listening to anyone in this crazy place tell me something’s not possible,” fumed Beth. “It’s like when people watch Star Wars and then say something crazy like, ‘You can’t hear explosions in space because there’s no air to carry the sound waves.’ It’s all impossible!”

  Nordamen stared at her, uncomprehending.

  “Just carry her over to him, please.” She put as much authority as she could garner into her voice and held Nordamen’s gaze. She could see on his face the moment he relented, and she sent up a prayer of thanks. He lifted Alora to carry her a few steps and lay her down by Kaevin. Beth put their hands together, and stepped back.

  A curious crowd gathered to watch the proceedings. Graely, Nordamen, Beth and the four newly arrived warriors stood staring at the unconscious couple, along with a number of other warriors Beth didn’t know. Morvaen paced behind them, muttering something about how he’d killed Alora by overtaxing her.

  “It’s going to take a while. And when one of them wakes up, they need to kiss. That seems to help.” Even as she spoke the words, she could see the doubt on their faces.

  “What’s going on?” asked one of the warriors.

  Beth crossed her arms and spoke with a firm voice. “They’re soulmates. And I don’t want to hear anyone saying otherwise. I’ve had enough of trying to keep them alive while everyone argues because they’ve never heard of it happening so young before. Guess what? I’ve never heard of any of this before, and I’ve learned to accept it. So just get over it!”

  As time passed and neither one stirred, Nordamen began to pace behind Morvaen. The size discrepancy between the two reminded Beth of a couple of cartoon characters. Nordamen shouted, “We’re wasting precious time!”

  “What do you propose?” Graely asked.

  A groaning noise caught their attention, and Kaevin stirred.

  “Get him food and drink at once,” Nordamen ordered.

  “He doesn’t need food, he needs Alora.” Beth knelt beside Kaevin, waiting for him to open his eyes. Even before he became fully conscious, his limp handhold with Alora became a fierce grip. As his eyelids fluttered open, Beth leaned over him. “She’s right next to you. She’s unconscious.”

  He rolled onto his side and lifted on his elbow, squeezing both of her hands. In his awkward position, he leaned in to kiss her. Beth could hear Graely muttering in the background. Some thirty seconds later, Alora’s eyes blinked open.

  “Kaevin,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize—”

  He smothered her words with another kiss. “I think you almost killed us. But it was my fault, too. I’m sorry I made you angry.”

  “No, I’m sorry. I know you were only trying to protect me. I just wanted to prove I’m not a liability.” She spoke around his lips.

  “You don’t have to worry. After this, I’m never sending you away. You need to stay close—my headache started this morning.”

  “Mine, too,” she said. “But I didn’t know what was wrong. I’m sorry.”

  “Ahem.” Graely cleared his throat. Alora glanced up, for the first time realizing they had an audience. She pulled her lips away from Kaevin as her face flamed.

  “Now, do you believe me?” Beth asked.

  Nordamen was speechless.

  “Could it be true?” asked Graely. “And if so, what can we do about it?”

  Nordamen shook his head. “I’m uncertain. It shouldn’t be possible. But it seems they actually are... uhmm...”

  “Soulmates,” Beth said. “They’re soulmates, just like we said all along. So maybe we could all give them a little privacy.” Alora was relieved when Beth herded everyone away.

  “I thought you said we only had to touch once a day.” She fixed Kaevin with a hard stare.

  “Well, I thought that was true. But the other soulmates described to me were older and married. Also, it’s quite rare. I’m not actually certain of anything about the soulmate bond except it enhances our powers and we can die from separation.”

  “So who knows something about it?”

  Kaevin kissed her again, with an impish grin on his face. “Right now, I don’t care. I kind of like the recovery process. It almost makes up for the headache.”

  “No, it doesn’t. Let’s not do that again.”

  “Maybe we should kiss each morning to prepare for the day’s work.”

  Alora stifled a giggle. This whole kissing thing was still really embarrassing, especially when they had an audience.

  Graely’s voice made her jump. “I think perhaps we need to have a discussion.”

  Alora pushed to a sitting position, glad to find her strength returning. She tried to pull her hand away, but Kaevin held it fast.

  “When we return to Laegenshire, we’ll attempt to ascertain whether this bond can be safely removed.” Graely’s gaze was focused somewhere between them.

  “Why don’t you want me to be soulmates with Kaevin?” She forced the question through her tight throat.

  “I have nothing against you, Alora. You’re both simply too young for this type of bond. It is quite dangerous.”

  “I don’t wish to remove it.” Kaevin squeezed her hand as he spoke.

  “All right, we will discuss the bond at another time. But don’t think we will allow this to continue without attempting to protect you.” Graely rubbed his forehead. “How much of this kissing is necessary to be ready for the attack? Or will you need to be standing near one another?”

  “I was hoping you’d know the answer to that question. We’re still trying to figure it all out.” Alora’s spirit sagged in disappointment. Aren’t parents supposed to have all the answers?

  “I don’t believe we have to be close,” said Kaevin. “I’ve been thinking, she could wait someplace safe, someplace out of the way. And if she begins to feel any symptoms, the beginning of a headache, she could simply transport me.”

  “What can I do to help out during the attack?” Alora asked.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. Bearers always train one another on those things. It’s a shame Raelene isn’t here to advise you.”

  “Yeah, that’s too bad.” She shared a guilty glance with Kaevin.

  “To be quite honest, she probably wouldn’t recommend your participation in the battle since you lack experience. Mistakes could be disastrous.” Alora tried to hide her distress, but Graely leaned over to pat her arm. “But you’ve already done more than we’d dreamed possible. So I’m glad she wasn’t here to stop you.”

  “I’m getting better, and I didn’t make any mistakes today.”

  “So, you truly brought Willow here on purpose, then?” Kaevin asked.

  “Okay, I’ll admit that was a total surprise—I was just wishing.”

  “In that case,” Kaevin murmured, “you should be very careful what you wish for.”

  *****

  Abaddon was arguing with Vindrake, although he knew he was risking much by doing so. But he also knew he needed to prove himself indispensible. And to do that, he must have inspiration, knowledge, or ideas Vindrake judged to be invaluable. And for that to happen, he had to make Vindrake listen to him.

  “Sire, I know you want to use the iron belts to protect the men, but it is highly unlikely the girl can move anyone except herself at this early point in her training.”

  “Fool! I already told you she almost overcame my warding and transported me! Of course, she can move someone besides herself.”

  “You misunderstand my statement.” He scrambled to correct his blunder. “I meant she could probably only transport
people to herself. And of course she’s unlikely to bring an attacker to herself.”

  “So what are you recommending?” His expression resembled that of one who’d bitten into a bitter fruit.

  “The iron belts interfere with movement during fighting. Of course, Sire, I think you should be protected with iron. But for the other men, they would be unnecessary, and place them at a disadvantage against Graely’s warriors.”

  “Your idea could have merit. I will consider it.” Vindrake turned to leave, still scowling.

  “There is more to my proposal, Sire. Something that could help you accomplish your abduction quickly.”

  “What now?”

  Abaddon hurried to appease his obvious impatience. “While some of us have gifts that will aid us in the attack, others could fight as well if they were giftless.”

  “And your point is?”

  “If half of our men had green eyes and no visible bondmark, the confusion in the midst of the battle would make a capture easy to achieve. Rather than wearing an iron belt, these men could strap a belt to the horse, ready to lock around a prisoner. As soon as we take a prisoner and belt them in iron, we can retreat, before the Stone Clan warriors realize what has happened.”

  “So you want some of our men to be masked with your potion?” Vindrake’s lips lifted on the corners, and his nostrils flared. “Yes, I like this idea. Their sniveling emotions will be their ruin. They would never shoot an arrow at someone who might possibly be an innocent. And while they’re willing to risk many lives in battle, one hostage will put them on their knees. Such a ridiculous notion, that one insignificant life could be so valuable.” His mouth widened in a sadistic smile. “And then Lena will come to me.”

  “Yes, Sire.” Abaddon’s breath eased in the wake of Vindrake’s approval. “Your plan is excellent. With your leadership and my skills, we cannot lose.”

  *****

  Alora slept heavily, despite feeling awkward about the sleeping arrangements. Graely had finally consented to let them sleep beside each other, but only if he slept adjacent to them. And he declared himself to be a light sleeper. Kaevin had remarked to Alora, “Sounds familiar.” But nestled against Kaevin for warmth, exhaustion had overtaken her, and she was surprised when he wakened her at dawn.

  “Good morning.” His breath was soft on her cheek. “It’s time to head to your cleft in the rock. Beth will be with you. And Wesley and Arista will be close by. We have the advantage of higher ground, and, thanks to you, we have an advantage in number of warriors. Hopefully, this will be over quickly.”

  “How’s your head?”

  “Good. And yours?”

  “It’s good, but I was wondering.” She chewed her lip. “Should I bring Raelene over so she can help me?”

  “You don’t think it will utilize too much energy?”

  “If I do it now, you could kiss me before you go to your station.”

  “We’ll have to face her sooner or later.” He chuckled. “This way, I get to go fight a battle as soon as she gets here. You can do all the explaining.”

  “Fine.” She laughed. “But you have to explain it to my uncle when we go back.”

  “Ugh! I might hope I’m killed during the battle instead. If you’re going to do it, get it over with.” He reached to take her hand.

  “Here it goes.” Alora was pleased she performed the transport almost automatically. Before her stood her grandmother.

  And Uncle Charles.

  *****

  Wesley and Arista practiced with the compound bows from the first light of dawn, until Arista felt confident with the powerful bow and Wesley felt comfortable with the wooden arrows. From their vantage point and with their extended range, he felt certain they would play a key role in controlling the road access. He couldn’t help being impressed with her skill and determination. She wasn’t like any of the girls he’d known at home.

  Frustrated with the wind blowing her hair, she’d finally tied her tangled blond tresses behind her with a short piece of rope. “I’ll never be able to get the tangles out. We may have to cut it off.”

  “I hope you don’t. I like your hair long.” He wondered if his expression showed the horror he felt at her offhand remark.

  “Well, I hate it, and I wouldn’t have to keep it this long if I were a guy. It’s just a nuisance.”

  “I think it’s really pretty.”

  “You do? Then why do you keep yours so short?”

  He felt the blood rush to his face. “It’s just the style back home. All the guys wear their hair short like this.”

  She continued to examine the compound bow in her hands. “That’s interesting.”

  “So...” Wesley said, as he fidgeted with his bow. “Do you have like a... uhmm... like a boyfriend?”

  Arista frowned. “What does that mean? Are you asking if any of my other friends are boys?”

  “No, uhmm... I mean, uhmm... are you dating anyone?”

  “What’s dating?”

  Wesley felt his face getting progressively redder. “Do you like some other guy?” Why did he even ask? She probably wasn’t interested anyway.

  “Oh!” Arista’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, uhmm. No. Well, I’m too young to marry. So, I don’t like anyone.”

  “Jeez! I wasn’t talking about getting married! Don’t you have some kind of in-between thing, where you just kind of spend time with a guy?”

  “Well, not really. We don’t believe in getting married until we’re a lot older, so they don’t want us to spend a lot of time with boys while we’re young.” She leaned in to whisper, as if there were someone nearby who might be eavesdropping. “But you and I have been spending time together, and no one has objected so far. Of course, my parents are going to be really mad when I get home anyway.”

  “Well, I was kind of hoping for more than that. But I have to go home soon, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

  “You have to leave?”

  “Yeah. My parents don’t even know I’m here. I just thought it would be a one-time thing, coming here to help Kaevin. But... well... if I thought I could see you again, I might try to come back.”

  “I hope you come back. We could see each other.”

  “We could?” His chest constricted with hope.

  “And I can show you how to make your own bow.”

  “Oh ... uhmm ... I guess that would be cool.”

  “Cool?”

  “Sure. I mean, I like archery and all. But really, you might not want to be seen with me. You probably don’t like my short hair and blue eyes.”

  “I like your eyes; they don’t look evil blue, like Water Clan. They’re a pretty sky color. And I like your short hair, too. It makes you look mysterious.”

  No girl had ever called him mysterious before. Maybe she might like him after all. “Really? So you wouldn’t mind if I came back to visit?”

  “It would be great if you came back to Laegenshire. You could stay at our house, and it would be just like I had another brother. Except you don’t order me around like Jireo.” Her face lit up with a dazzling smile.

  “Great.” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice. “I always wanted a sister.”

  *****

  “I’m glad you finally decided to bring me here,” said Raelene. “We’ve been holding hands for quite some time, just in case I was transported. But you need to know you should avoid transporting people to you from afar at this stage of your training. Remember, I told you mistakes are common before you have experience. You could have sent me somewhere dangerous by accident with an errant thought. Nonetheless, I’m glad you’ve brought me to you.”

  Alora’s stomach churned with acid as she tried to avoid her uncle’s gaze.

  “I think I may be in shock,” said Charles. “I can’t believe that just happened.” His eyes narrowed. “Alora. Kaevin. I think you have a bit of explaining to do.”

  “I take full responsibility. I should have insisted I come here alone.” Kaevin stepped in fron
t of her.

  “No.” She pushed him aside. “If I hadn’t come, you might not have saved Arista from that kidnapper. She said he was getting ready to kick her in the head when I transported her.” She turned back to her grandmother. “We felt it was the right thing to do at the time, and I admit we should have asked permission. But please, can we can talk about it later? Right now, I need your direction so I can help with the fight against my father’s men.”

  “Raelene!” Graely called as he bounded toward them. “I’m so glad you’ve come, and just in time. We expect the attack to begin at any time, although we cannot be certain. And who might this be? Another blue-eyed man who isn’t Water Clan, I assume?”

  “Graely, this is Charles, Alora’s uncle. And what’s this I hear about an imminent attack?”

  While Graely explained to Raelene the events of the previous days and the expected attack by Vindrake’s men, Alora pulled Kaevin to the side.

  “Kaevin, my head hurts already. I think it takes more out of me to move someone from Montana. It must be a really long way off. Can we do the kissing thing?”

  “I agree. Mine is already aching a little. But what about your uncle and grandmother?”

  “Quick, while they’re talking to Graely, or we won’t have time before the attack.”

  Kaevin leaned down to press his mouth against hers. In addition to feeling her headache ease, she felt a warm tingle in her stomach. When he started to draw away, she pulled him back for a little more. He grinned around their joined lips.

  “So, you like this?” he teased, before returning her kiss with a bit more fervor.

  “It’s awful.” She breathed the words into his mouth. “But I’ll tolerate it for the sake of my head.” She thought he was the most handsome boy she’d ever seen. She couldn’t believe he liked kissing her as much as she liked kissing him.

  “Ahem.” Graely cleared his throat, having evidently finished his explanation. Raelene looked unhappy, but her expression was pleasant compared to her uncle’s.

  “Alora, I thought you said you two weren’t dating. We have a clear rule—you’re not to date a boy more than one year older. We’ve already established Kaevin is seventeen.”