CHAPTER 33 ~ TO CARE OR NOT

Hey! I was waiting for comments! That took forever! And I'm still missing some of my regulars! Where did everyone go???
Ah well. For those still here, enjoy the next chapter! It's time for Kristalyn's thoughts one what just happened!

CHAPTER 33 ~ TO CARE OR NOT

TWO YEARS AND SIX MONTHS AFTER BANISHMENT

KRISTALYN

Why had he done it? I couldn’t get the question out of my mind. He had to have known that kissing me would not help me forget him. Had he been thinking at all? The way he had spoke to me. So soft, and with wishes that were so unlike Aiden. Be happy? Since when did he care for that? Or did the kiss mean that he did care now? I wasn’t foolish enough to get my hopes up from that, but still I couldn’t keep the thought from crossing my mind.

I wanted to wring his neck after he had kissed me for making me feel so confused. But it had cleared up one thing. Deus might not be done with him, but neither was I. Despite the way Ricald had died, Aiden had changed. The way he spoke to me proved it. He would need Deus to make any more major changes and I knew that, yet he could do it. And more than anything I wanted to be there when it happened. I had to have faith that it would. Eternal life with Christos had always been something I had dreamed of, but now, without Aiden there, it looked so bleak. I wanted him to see heaven as well and to know the joy have living under Deus’ care and guidance. If I went home and let him travel without me I would miss that.

Besides, I owed him. All of Aerilya did. He was a hero of my people in his own right and even if they didn’t know of his sacrifice and his fighting I did. It was my obligation then to see that he was repaid in any way I could. He was going to find his brother now, but after he would face off against the man who had destroyed his family. Aiden deserved to have someone at his side when that happened. And more than anything I wanted to be that one.

Warrick and Egan had been far less than pleased when I had told them my decision to follow Aiden and help him. And I had no illusions Tray would be even less so. I had sent Egan with the explanation, but I did not envy Warrick or him the job. My mind drifted back to my conversations with my two friends.

“Absolutely not!” Warrick shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Warrick, please. The men can hear you.”

“I wish you would! Your mother will not be pleased and I refuse to think of your brother’s reaction to this news.” Warrick shook his head at the thought.

“I know, I know. And I wish it was different and I could go see them first, but…” I didn’t get a chance to say anything more.

“Excellent idea. Bring Aiden back to meet your mother and the Hunter. Once they get to know him, they can help you decide.” Warrick spoke as if it was the obvious choice for me to make.

“No, Warrick. Aiden is leaving now. His brother is in great danger and he wants to get to him as quickly as he can. There will be no stop over at home.”

Warrick sighed. “Kristalyn, listen to yourself. You are telling me that you are going off with this warrior to fight his battles in unknown parts. He is a warrior with a hard past. He cannot give you what you seek.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have eyes too, Little Lady. You care for him more than you will admit. He does not have the same capacity Kristalyn. It was killed within him many years ago.”

“Deus’ hand is on him, Warrick. I know he has much to learn, but he will grow in time.”

“But are you willing to give him that time? Do not use Deus as your excuse to stay with him. The decision is being made with your heart.” Warrick’s voice was gentle, but his words were hard.

“I will continue to pray and if I feel it is wrong, I will return. But for now, I must go with him. Please assure my family I am well and safe. It is them I am concerned with.”

“Your mother will be worried, but she trusts you, Little Lady. As for your brother…” Warrick shook his head.

He didn’t have to say it. Tancred would be furious, especially since I did not know how long I would be gone. “He will have to trust me too. That is the worst part of this. That my reunion with him again has to wait.” I sighed heavily. “But as much as the thought hurts, I will do this.”

Warrick nodded. “You have always been determined, Lady Kristalyn. I will pray Deus will on you both. Never stray from following Him, especially when it comes to your hardened friend. And do not expect him to change or turn to you. His eyes tell me he will finish his life mission no matter the cost to him or anyone around him.” Warrick paused to look into my own eyes. “It worries me for your safety.”

“Deus will protect me and guide me. Give my mother and brother my love and lead the men home safely. I do not know when I will see you again.”

Warrick nodded. “Take care, my Little Lady. Deus guide you.”

Dealing with Warrick had been easy compared to Egan’s reaction.

No.

“What do you mean no?” I asked crossly and knowing I was running out of time.

No tell Tray.

“Oh, yes, you will tell Tray. And you’ll do it just as I told you!”

No.

I sighed. This dragon was the most stubborn on the entirety of the planet.

“Look. I am going with Aiden and you are going to explain to Tancred.”

Explain how? The dragon stretched out his neck and looked at me, his eyes dark with challenge.

“I’m working on it!”

Out of time.

“No kidding.” I sighed. “Tell him I love him and I’m looking forward to seeing him. I got word that a friend is in need of help so I’m going to help. I’ll be back when everything is settled.” I nodded my head in satisfaction. That would work.

Egan snorted. Start with love?

I shrugged. It might soften him up some.

Egan cocked his head at me and hacked. I glared at the dragon.

“All right, pain, you don’t have to like this, but you are going to help and you’re going to be nice about it too. Tray will be upset enough without all you antics.”

Egan eyed me for a moment, then turned completely around to clack out something barely discernable.

“I call you a pain because you are. And I did not ask for this!” I exclaimed.

He swung around fast, his two foot long tail barley missing me with its spikes.

Like him. Want to go.

“Yes, well, you can leave that part out when you talk to Tancred.” I muttered.

The dragon snorted. Tell him what I want.

My eyes got wide. “No! Please, Egan. I know you don’t like us keeping secrets and making you choose between us. But I promise this is the last time. Okay? I will tell Tray everything. I just want to do it in person.” I pleaded, picking up the little dragon and cuddling him in my arms. I stroked his back tenderly and his scales turned bright blue and deep red with pleasure. “Help me this one time. Please, Egan. You’re the only one who I trust to pull this off.”

Egan’s scaled turned deep blue and my arms widened around him as he puffed up with pleasure. When all else fails, use flattery. At least, with Egan.

I do.

“I know you’ll do perfectly. Don’t mention Aiden or Travon either. Know what, if possible, don’t even mention I’m helping a male.”

Egan laughed in my arms, then crawled up and perched on my shoulder. He nipped my ear softly.

All fine. Anything else?

“No. Well, give both Mom and Tray my love.” I stroked the dragons head with a finger. “I hope he sends you back to me. I’m going to miss you.”

I smiled as he puffed out again.

Back when can.

With that, Egan took off from my shoulder and flew high into the sky to take the news to my brother that I would not be returning to his side. Tancred would not be happy. I hoped Egan would be all right.

I poked the campfire again as my thoughts drifted back from the morning confusion. Aiden and Travon had caught some prey earlier, so our stomachs were full, but the fire needed to be kept going for warmth. It was late into the fall now and winter would come in just a month. If the weather showing up now was any indication, it was not going to be a fun winter to deal with.

“Do not use Deus as your excuse to stay with him. The decision is being made with your heart.”

Warrick’s words floated back to me. It wasn’t true. Well, not totally at any rate. I had consulted Deus. In fact, while Aiden and Magnar had been out flying, that was about all I had done. But I hadn’t received an answer. My heart was torn completely in two. Wanting to go home and see my family, to live the life we only dreamed would again be possible, but it just as desperately wanted to stay at Aiden’s side. My answer hadn’t come that night. It had only come after Aiden had told me to forget about him.

In truth, before he had even kissed me. As I struggled to find the words and tell him I cared, he had stopped me and told me to wall up my pain and forget him, to go to my brother and live happy and safe. And before his lips had even touched mine, before I realized what he was about to do, I had known with crystal clarity what he asked of me was impossible. Happiness would not come from leaving him to fight his battles on his own. That would leave me with only guilt. If I could do such a thing, than he would be right. I had used him only for the skills he could bring to my country and nothing more. I would not let that stand as truth.

Aiden was a warrior, even a hardened warrior, and yes he could lose his temper when his family was threatened, but that was when he lost it. It was Ricald’s threat against his family that had caused him to see death. Aiden had in him the capacity for great love and loyalty and that meant he also had the capacity for great hate. After his banishment, he had chosen the latter, yet the former never really left him and it was the former that drew me to him.

As I had stood and watched him leave, I knew he was certain it was goodbye and it was for the best. But I had only one question.

Deus?

He is mine. Follow.

It had been clear. As I had known from the beginning, Deus would change Aiden’s heart. It was only a matter of time. I was simply glad Deus saw fit for me to continue to be a part of His work.

“Now what is that pretty head of yours coming up with?” Aiden’s voice called to me from across the fire. Travon was asleep next to him with Kurioden at his side and Magnar behind him.

Pretty? Had he just called me pretty? Whatever I had been thinking, it was gone now.

“Nothing,” I answered, giving the fire another unnecessary poke.

“Kristalyn, for as long as I have known you ‘nothing’ has not been part of your mind,” Aiden scoffed.

He was right, but he wouldn’t be happy with my thoughts on Dues changing him. Still…

“I was thinking about Dues and how He is not finished with you yet.”

Aiden laughed, but his voice held no humor. “Do you ever think of anything else?”

“Of course, but you asked about this moment and that’s what I was thinking.” It was an honest answer.

“And before that?” Why was he pursuing this?

“That is was right for me to come with you.”

“Why?” There was genuine curiosity in his voice. I guess my answer from earlier hadn’t really satisfied him.

“Why was I thinking about that or why was it right?”

Aiden shrugged. “Both.”

I poked at the fire as I tried to frame an answer to satisfy him. Could he read my face from across the fire? Probably not, but it didn’t matter if he could read what I did not say in my voice. “I guess I’ve been thinking about it all day. As for the other, it was the only thing I could do.”

“Follow me? Kristalyn, you could have gone back. You would have forgotten.”

I stilled my motions to look across at him. “We both know that isn’t true. And neither would you.”

Aiden stared at me for a moment before giving an almost imperceptible nod and that was the end of the conversation… for now, anyway.

***

We traveled for two weeks straight avoiding every person and village we saw for speed. The only place were we encountered absolutely no one was in Mairbrac Forest. Most everyone had cleared out of the forest during Ricald’s latest raids. Between him and slavers no one was safe. It looked as if they had yet to return to a forest just relearning what peace looked and felt like. We had left the forest a while ago though and now traveled deep in Aerilya country. It was a wonder to travel through a country now freed from oppression. The air even seemed to rejoice and the villages had a calm and cheerful feel surrounding them. Up ahead of us, looming in site, was the Mountains of Cirthain. The mountain pass was treacherous at any time of year, but only fools crossed it so close to winter and that was only two weeks away. Supposedly, Arnan was somewhere in the lower regions of the mountains. If he was still where Travon had heard, then he was in a large town located at the west end of the mountains. The rest of the trip would be through those mountains. It would be insane to try, but Aiden was determined to find his brother no matter the cost and the rest of us would not leave his side, no matter how much fuss he put up.

“Magnar and I are flying!” Aiden’s voice was tight with control.

I glanced at Travon, but the youth only shrugged. Whatever had Aiden uptight it wasn’t one of us. He and Magnar took to the sky seconds later. He spent more time flying with Magnar now then he did riding with the rest of us. That was fine, what bothered me was that he refused to talk to me.

“What’s gotten into him?” Travon exclaimed as soon as Aiden was out of hearing range.

“I have no idea.” I watched Magnar’s form get smaller. “We haven’t seen anyone to get news from since we left the camp. Maybe he is just concerned for Arnan.”

“Isn’t Arnan the bad guy here?” Travon asked. Kicking his horse into a faster walk to make up for some time the flying twosome would gain.

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “Most would say Aiden is the ‘bad guy’ too. It’s only us that know differently.”

“Guess so,” Travon said sullenly, before lapsing into silence for a few moments. “How much do you really know Aiden?”

Apparently the man was going to be the topic of conversation whether I wanted him to be or not.

“Only what he’s told me, which isn’t a lot.” I wasn’t sure exactly how much Aiden had told Travon either.

“When we were in camp together,” the boy’s voice had a far away quality to it, “at night, he’d call out for people. I wanted him to teach me. I used one of the names he called. Zoe. He reacted big. But he taught me.”

He called out for Zoe in his sleep? Did he call out for the others as well?

“I never heard Arnan’s name. But I heard others. Wren, Daliea, Ilara, Sam…”

Two more names I did not know. How many siblings did he have? I knew it was many, but he had never given me a number. Of course, I could barely get him to talk about them at all.

“He cares about them.” I looked up at the sound in Travon’s voice.

“He cares about you too, Travon.”

The youth shrugged. “Sure.”

It wasn’t convincing.

“He let you come along, didn’t he? And when he thought you were in Elangsia’s camp he went after you.”

Travon shook his head. “He couldn’t say no. Magnar wanted him too.”

“He didn’t want Magnar at first either. Now, look at them. The two have become very close.”

“Yeah.” Travon didn’t sound persuaded.

I sighed. “Aiden has a hard time showing he cares about anything, Travon… even his siblings. We know he does, because we pick up on the little signs we find. He cares about you too. I’ve seen that.”

The youth turned to face me. “Really?” His voice was skeptical.

I smiled. “Yes. You might not see it, but trust me, he cares and he’s proud of you too.”

Travon glanced up at the sky. “Hope so.” It was said so low, I could barely hear it.

I followed the direction of his gaze. Why did Aiden refuse to acknowledge that we cared about him too? Why was he so insistent on keeping us at a distance? A thought struck me. Was it because of Duard? The evil guardian had split up his own family and hurt them beyond belief, was he somehow afraid Duard still had that type of power? He had to be. Otherwise he wouldn’t still be trying to get strong. Aiden could just go back and defeat Duard. It was worth thinking about.

***

At the base of the Mountain Pass was a village. All who entered our country from the Pass went through here. It was the deep in Aerilya, so if by chance Arnan had made it though the pass and into our country, we would be able to find out here. Even though it was the town for supplies for all who came through the pass, it was still relatively small. The pass was troublesome enough that not too many tried to come through it and that was the way we liked it.

“Magnar, you and Kurioden skirt the village and head into the mountains a ways. We’ll meet up with you there,” Aiden commanded when the village finally came into view.

The two animals looked at each other for a moment, before Magnar spoke. “Fine, Aiden. All right you will be?”

“Yeah, Magnar. Don’t worry about it. We’ll see you soon.” Aiden’s voice was firm, but held an almost kind tone that was never heard in his voice.

Magnar nodded and Kurioden looked at me for approval. I smiled.

“Try to stay out of trouble while you’re at it.”

The big cat glared at me with out blinking, before nodding his head in assent. The two animals took off. I glanced at Aiden.

“Do you have a plan?”

“Plan? Go in, get information and supplies, get out,” Aiden supplied.

I shook my head to hide my grin. “Oh? I have contacts in there. Why don’t you let me see what I can come up with?”

“You think it will be any different then Aiden’s information?” Travon asked.

“Maybe, in any case it will be more reliable. He’s probably headed to the tavern.”

Aiden shrugged. “Do what you want, Kristalyn. You will anyways.”

I shot him a look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Take Travon with you. I’ll get supplies. We can meet at the other end of the town and head up to Magnar and Kurioden.”

I looked at him, surprised at his harsher tone. “Sounds like a plan.”

Travon nodded as well and we split up well before we entered the town of Hailos. I led the way down the main street before making a turn to the right. The street was quite despite the time of day. A few people walked around getting their chores done and some children played in the street. I stopped before the blacksmith shop and dismounted. Attaching my rains to the hitching post outside, I turned back to Travon.

“Will you stay with the horses?”

Travon shrugged and dismounted, leaning against the hitching post. I took that as a yes and headed into the darkened room. The blacksmith shop smelled of fire and melted metal. The smell made my eyes tear up for a moment, before I could see clearly. Ruten was at his forge. He finished his job before looking up to greet me.

“My Lady! Good ta see ya after too long! Can I help ya?”

“Hi Ruten. How is the family?” I asked.

The large muscled man nodded vigorously. “Good, Good. Yas? We are free now!”

I laughed. News had traveled here already. “Yes. It has taken much sacrifice, but Aerilya is finally free.”

“But what can I do ya for then?”

“I am looking for information of a different sort. Have you heard of Arnan Romany?”

The big man blinked slowly. “The killer? Aye. There is a bounty out that make anyone want his hide.”

“Do you know any details?”

“Just’n the basics. He’s runnin cuz he done murdered the King and Queen of Aerisea. Twasn’t just’n a murdern neither. He done it in real cold blood. Gruesome, ya know?”

“Sounds serious. Do you happen to know if it is true or not?”

Ruten shrugged. “They’s dead and he’s runnin. If he didn’t do it, he’s acting like he did.”

“I’d run too with a bounty that size. Do you have any knowledge of his current whereabouts?”

Ruten cast me a suspicious glace. “Dan’t tell me ya’s turning bounty hunter, Lady Hunter.”

“No, Rutan. I have a different interest in his story.”

“Last I heard he’s in mountain country. Cequelet. Can’t be plannin’ on stayins there much longer though.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Ruten. Tell your family I said hi.”

He gave me a side grin. “They’s be sorry they’s missed ya.”

“I’d love to stay longer, but I have to get moving.”

“Aye. Bye then, Lady Hunter.” The blacksmith returned to his work.

I grinned as I exited the door. Ruten was the only one who called me that. He didn’t even know I was the Hunter’s sister, only that I was involved in helping him, but to the blacksmith that was all that mattered.

“Well?” Travon asked, as soon as he saw me.

“No better news than what we already knew.” I replied, taking my horse’s reigns.

“So, that mean its worse?” Travon asked, mounting up.

I laughed. He was a smart kid. “If Arnan did do what he’s accused of, it is. If he’s innocent, he better hope we get to him first. Actually, he better hope that either way.”

Travon was silent a moment, before nodded slowly at my news. I mounted quickly and we hurried to the designated meeting spot. Winter was coming and we were heading deep into the mountains. I hoped Aiden had gotten all the supplies we needed or it would be a very long trip.

When we arrived to where the others waiting, Aiden had already started to divide up the supplies. There was a rolled up blanket with supplies for each horse and rider and one for Kurioden as well. Aiden was tying Magnar’s onto his back.

“Did you get everything?” I asked, getting down to grab my own pack and hand Travon his.

“That plus some extra. It sounds like it supposed to be a harsh winter, more so than years past.”

“And we’re heading into the mountains?” Travon asked, gazing up at the suddenly looming mountains.

“No one is forcing you,” Aiden pointed out. “How’s that, Magnar?”

Magnar raised his wings high and lifted off the ground slightly. He grinned when he landed. “Best it is not, but work it will.”

“Fine,” Aiden turned to look at Travon and myself. “You ready?”

I glared at him. Didn’t he realize how is words affected Travon? The boy was still looking for Aiden’s approval and Aiden continually shoved him off. It almost made me want to shoot the lug again. I glanced at the youth, but his eyes were hooded. He must have learned that trick from Aiden.

“Why? It’s not as if we are being forced to move fast or at all.”

“What?” Aiden gave me a bewildered glance.

I glared at him a second, before mounting. “Come on, Travon, we don’t want to be in these mountains any longer than we absolutely have to be,” I said, in a cold voice.

Travon glanced at Aiden, then nodded, and moved to follow me.

“What?” Aiden called again, but we ignored him. Maybe one day he’d get the point. “Annoying girl.” I heard him mutter just loud enough to hear.

Or not.

***

It was going to be a long trip, but it was going to be even longer if we were going to travel along the top of the mountain ridge and I had to look out over Aerilya. My homeland was in its full glory as the trees began their change into fall colors and the wide open spaces looked like a green sparkling sea. It probably looked best because it seemed to have a new aurora about it that breathed freedom, yet as gorgeous as it was, the sight made me very homesick. Travon wasn’t helping either.

“So, can he really split a twig with his arrow?” Travon thought of his latest question.

Aiden had ridden on slightly up ahead, though I noticed he was careful enough to stay in hearing range. Magnar had taken to the sky long ago, declaring it was the best way to travel over the mountains, while Kurioden jumped from rock to rock below. I was quickly coming to agree with Magnar, if only to get away from Travon’s questions about his hero. Unfortunately, it didn’t help me to think of Tray when I was already homesick for him. I wasn’t sure if he had made it home or not, but I did know I missed him more than I would have believed possible and thinking about him only made it hurt worse.

“Actually, that’s me, but a twig might be a slight exaggeration.” I finally answered Travon’s question.

“Wow. You have to teach me that sometime. How many slaves do you think he’s rescued?”

I sighed. The questions had been going on for quite a while now. “Now, that the war is over, almost all of them. I’m sure one of the conditions for the end of the war was the release of all those still kept in slavery. But personally? I don’t know that we ever kept a certain number. Individual people stick out in our minds, but we always knew there was one more.” Faces of those we had helped and those that it had been to late to help as well flashed through my mind’s eye.

“That must have made it hard,” Travon commented, more thoughtfully.

“Yes.” It was Mertala’s face that haunted me more often than anyone else. She had been my friend, but Tray had made it his personal mission to rescue her. Not that it had mattered, her very soul was gone by the time she was brought home and none of us had been the same. Her face was on every slave that I worked to rescue now, but worse than that, on every slave I failed.

“But you were a hero to all that you rescued,” Travon stated, as if that was an obvious fact.

Mertala’s face took center stage once again. “Not all,” I said quietly.

“Did the Hunter ever have to leave someone behind?” He asked, his face still thoughtful.

“Once we came upon a slaver’s camp. We waited until nightfall and then went in after the slaves. We rescued them, but one of the guards woke up and started a fire that cut some of the slaves off from us. We got everyone else out, but the next morning, we found the slaves we had to leave behind all dead. The slavers had killed them rather than let us help them escape." The memory still stung. “It was a pure act of hatred because the slavers lost a lot of money by killing the five slaves.”

“I didn’t know it was so hard,” Travon muttered.

“The Hunter’s life is all action, but that doesn’t mean it is all fun adventure. We learned many hard lessons we wish we never had too. But each lesson made us smarter and stronger. Next time, we didn’t make the same mistakes and we saved more lives.” My answer made me wonder what other lessons Tancred had learned since I had been gone.

Were they hard lessons that I should have been there to help him with? In some ways, it seemed like I had almost abandoned him lately. Our separate missions had kept us apart for the better part of a year. And now I had chosen to stay away from him. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. I didn’t want to stay away, but I did have a duty to be with Aiden right now, unfortunately, that meant I still couldn’t see or really talk to my brother. For just a moment, I allowed myself to wish I was back with him. I could hear his voice, feel his hug, and see for myself that he really was all right. Until I saw for myself, I wouldn’t believe it. I wanted desperately to be able to do just that. I could only pray this mission of Aiden’s wouldn’t take that long and I could be back with him soon. Of course, that would mean saying goodbye to Aiden all over again…

“What’s your favorite part of being the Hunter’s sister?” Travon’s voice interjected into my thoughts. Apparently, he had decided we needed a question with a lighter answer.

“My favorite part?” I had to think about that one. To everyone in Aerilya he was the Hunter, but to me he was my big brother, Tray. “I guess my favorite part about my brother is how close we are. We understand each other extremely well and we take care of each other no matter what. I know he loves me and I can always trust my brother no matter what.” Like I trusted him with the news of Aiden? I shook the thought off quickly. “As for the Hunter, I love that I can help him rescue those who need us and that he trusts me to know my mission and do it well.”

Aiden glanced back at me at that comment, but said nothing. He actually hadn’t spoken much since our disagreement earlier. Though, I wasn’t positive what had him uptight. He couldn’t still be that annoyed with me, yet I hadn’t done anything since then either. He certainly wasn’t going to make this trip easy. Aiden looked up and I quickly felt the rush of wings beating hard. Magnar swooped in low.

“Return Egan does!” He called out loudly. “East he comes from!”

I gasped and straightened, looking in the direction he had said. I couldn’t see anything, but I watched until the small blue dot appeared and began to grow larger. Egan was on his way!

I smiled excited to see him. Hopefully, he had good news, but regardless, he had seen Tray and returned. I needed Egan and his message right now, no matter what the contents.

Magnar called a greeting to the dragon and then flew up to pass Aiden and call back a challenge. Aiden shook his head, but sped his horse up slightly. Travon grinned at me and gave his horse a slight kick, leaving on Kurioden at my side to greet our friend.

Egan landed gracefully on my arm. He folded his wings in and looked up at me with golden expectant eyes. Before he could speak, I pulled my arm in and gathered him close in a very tight hug. Maybe a little too tight, as the dragon let out a little squeak and stretched his neck to give me a piercing look.

I laughed and hugged him again, but gently this time. “I’m sorry Egan. I’m just so glad to see you. I’ve missed you. Have you seen Tray? Is he doing okay? Does he look good?”

Egan dipped his head, as if he had been expecting the questions. He was silent for a minute, perhaps remembering the answer he had already come up with.

Worn, weary, concerned. Sounds strong.

I sighed. They all fit, but that wasn’t helpful at the moment. I wished I was there to take some of the pain away from his thoughts. “What did he say?”

Mad at me. The little dragon almost sounded sorrowful. Keep away truth.

“Oh, Egan, I’m sorry. That must have been so hard for you.” I stroked under his chin. His tail rose up in pleasure. I hated the thought of not telling Tray the whole truth, but no one would ever be able to convince him I was okay if he knew who I was traveling with. He would have stormed after me and it wouldn’t have done either of us any good. Still, not telling him, put our friends in an awkward situation. “If it helps, you have my eternal thanks for giving me the chance to tell him everything in person.”

Warrick helped. Egan explained.

“How?” I asked and waited as Egan filled me in on all the details. Apparently, Tray had been furious to find out I was not only not coming back, but was going further away to help a nameless friend. Only Warrick’s timely arrival and calming advice to let me go in Deus’ hands and trust us both had settled him down enough to think things through. Instead, he said he sent Egan back so I could contact him again if I needed help and he would pray for me. “Then he said what?”

Egan clacked again and I laughed, but it was more forced than anything. “So, I have a lot of explaining to do when we next see each other, huh? Well, I’m well aware of that! He has some explaining of his own!” Egan ducked his head. I smiled and stroked his neck. “Don’t worry. You have been though enough. I won’t ask you any questions about the girl with him.”

Egan let out a very loud sigh of relief.

“He’s really upset though, isn’t he?”

Egan cocked his head and his eyes held the sadness from earlier. Finally, he replied with only a single word. Hurt.

The one word caused a lump in my throat. I had hurt him. We had never lied to each other, much less kept secrets. Tray would be hurt by this and probably hurt quite a lot. It was so out of character for either one of us that he wouldn’t know what to think or what was wrong with me. I could only pray that when this was all over I could make it up to him. I just didn’t know how.

“Dues, I know I’m right. I know I need to explain things to him in person. But, this is a whole lot harder than I thought. Please, help us. We’ve always trusted and understood each other. I’m not telling him everything and it’s hurting us both. Please, help him to understand without my explanation. Help him not to be furious with me and to… I don’t know. I hate the thought that he’s mad at me, but I would be too in his place! You told me to go with Aiden, Deus, but it was my choice to wait to tell Tray until I could do it in person. Please help my choice to be the right one. I hate to think of my brother in pain, especially if I am the cause.”

Egan whimpered his sympathy, and his long tongue came out to uncharacteristically lick my check. I smiled sadly at the little blue dragon.

“I wish I could make this better now, but…” my voice trailed off.

“Kristalyn!” Aiden’s voice reached back to me.

I looked up to see the three of them had stopped and were staring back at me.

“Are you coming?” Aiden asked.

I looked away from him and out over Aerilya again. My home was east of me now. How long would it be before I could make things right with my brother?

“Kristalyn?” Aiden’s voice held a note of concern that I hadn’t heard for quite a while.

I smiled up at him. I would miss my home and my brother until I returned, but that wasn’t going to stop me from accomplishing what I had set out to do. “I’m coming.”

Aiden nodded. “Good. Then let’s go.” With that, the three turned and headed down deeper into the mountains.

I looked down at Egan and Kurioden, green and yellow eyes stared back at me, unblinking. “We have to go. Tray has to trust me to Deus and I have to do the same with him. I just wish it was easier.”

Have me. Egan said proudly and Kurioden purred out his agreement with that statement.

“Yes, I do.” I grinned at my faithful friends. “Let’s get going. Tray is going to be just fine and he may not know it, but Aiden needs us.”

Egan scoffed at that, but he rubbed his head against my check and then took off to the sky, following in the direction of the others. Kurioden bounded after him, but paused to look back at me, when he saw Aiden up ahead. He had returned to wait for me.

I smiled at him. I did miss Tray and I would until I could see him again. Our war was not over until we were reunited, but mine couldn’t be over until I had helped Aiden complete his own mission and despite missing my brother and Aiden’s odd attitude, I was where I needed to be. We were all just going to have to get use to that!

CHAPTER 32
A CHOICE

Hello All! Sorry to make you wait so long. I have added a few more chapters during your reading break. I believe I now have to write about eight more chapters and the story will be finished. Ah, how odd that will feel! Of course, that is all provided that Aiden and Kristalyn do their part and that hasn't been going so well lately. Everything I try to write from this chapter forward, they seem to believe they have something better and proceed to write it with or without my permission. Good thing I've learned they are usually right! For instance, Aiden did his own little rewrite in this section, I'm sure your recognize it when you get there. I questioned him about it, but he said he had to do it and of course that meant I shrugged and let him. For all my complaining, you must realize that as a writer it is our greatest frustration, but also our greatest joy when characters come into their own and take over their story. To us, it means they have fully developed into characters we can love and share an adventure with. I hope you are able to do that with Aiden, Kristalyn, and their friends!

On to your comments: I'm glad you all liked the chapter and the ending of it left your heads spinning! I know that was the way Kristalyn felt and I wanted you to be able to get her full reaction. While you won't have to follow Arnan's story as you did Zoe's, I would highly recommend that you do! It is going to be a wonderfully fabulous story that I am dying to read all of! Hopefully, knowing a little about it from Aiden's perspective will help you to enjoy it all the more! Thank you, Britt and Libby, for the encouragement on Kris. It's good to hear that sometimes! Oh, Britt, you commented on Aiden needing more time and not being ready to face Duard, you are so right. And yet, quite without my permission, our little boy does some quick growing up in the five chapters coming! Shh. Don't want to spoil too much!


Kristalyn's POV: I have to tell him goodbye. He's going to leave. I know it. What will the others do? What will I do? I don't want him to go. But, his brother.... Oh, Deus! The tears want to come and I can't let them. I'm going to tell him goodbye and I know when I do, it will be the last time I lay eyes on him. The thought tears me apart. Aiden, what are you doing?

CHAPTER 32 ~ A CHOICE

AIDEN

My brother! A killer? No, it couldn’t be true! Arnan was mischievous and could get himself into a whole lot of trouble, but a killer? And he changed as much as I?

Kristalyn and Travon were both watching me with stunned faces at my hard reaction to my brother’s name. I swallowed and concentrated, even as Magnar moved closer and almost pushed me over. The griffin never did get his own strength. I put a hand on him to steady myself and keep him at bay, before turning my full attention back to Travon.

“Do you know the whole story?” I asked as calmly as I could.

“Not really, but I got the jist. He killed a king and queen, maybe their kid too and he’s wanted for it. It’s a huge bounty. Everyone’s searching for him.”

Arnan was in trouble. It was the only thing I could think of and the words pounded through my mind so clearly I could see them. Arnan had known Duard was about to split us up, but instead of coming to Tearith or I, he had kept silent. As they rest of us stood stunned by Duard’s command, Arnan had been the first to leave, not even saying goodbye to his closest sister, Wren. I didn’t actually have proof he had been fully aware of Duard’s command, but back then I had known every one of my siblings very well and I didn’t need proof to know I was right. Arnan had betrayed the family just as I had. Yet he was my brother. And he was in a lot of trouble.

“I need to think. Can you stand watch?” I asked quietly.

Even Kurioden nodded. I looked away from Travon’s stricken face and Kristalyn’s worried eyes to climb onto Magnar’s back.

“Let’s fly, Magnar,” I said absently.

The great griffin stretched his head out to buck it gently against my knee. He turned and spread out his large wings, waiting as the others got out of the way, and took off to the sky.

***

I will never know how long we flew, but I believe it was most of the night. It didn’t seem to matter though, because both Kristalyn and Travon were waiting for us when we arrived back. Kurioden was at his mistress’ side. My decision had been made even before I had climbed onto Magnar’s back. Arnan might have betrayed us, but he was my brother and I would not let something happen to him… not again.

“You’re going after him,” Kristalyn stated, as I dropped of Magnar’s back.

I nodded.

“Cequelet is over the mountains, isn’t it?” Travon asked quietly.

I nodded again.

“What about Duard?” Kristalyn asked her first question.

“I will deal with him in time, but Arnan is in immediate danger. Duard can wait a little longer.” It was really the only decision I had to make. If I went to deal with Duard now, ready or not, there was a chance something could happen to Arnan that I couldn’t prevent. By going after him now, I might arrive on time to make a difference. I wouldn’t risk my brother’s life, even if it meant Duard’s.

“Your going up against every bounty hunter there is!” Travon exclaimed incredulity.

“Then they had better not get in my way.” I paused to look at the people most would claim as friends after what we had all been through. It was hard to realize that I would be saying goodbye to them, but what was even harder to accept was that the thought hurt. I had been distancing myself from them on purpose, but now that the time was here, old feelings of watching my siblings leave were returning. I had hated those emotions then and I hated them now. I swallowed the pain. Forcefully moving them back into the forgotten regains of my heart.

“I’m going to go pack and saddle one of the horses. It is okay that I take one, right, Kristalyn?” I didn’t need her permission, but I had to say something. The look of painful loss on her face was tearing me apart more than I wanted to admit. She nodded and I turned quickly away. Magnar stood behind me and he stretched out his great head. “Where is that falcon friend of yours? He’s been flying around for days now.”

“Trees yonder.” Magnar acknowledged.

“Can you get him? Wren might know something about Arnan and since that bird is still hanging around I might as well use him.”

Magnar nodded, but didn’t move. He didn’t even take his eyes off me. Was he afraid I was going to sneak off? It wasn’t a bad idea really. I had no wish to say goodbyes to anyone ever again, but especially if Kristalyn was going to look at me with those sorrow filled eyes of hers.

I shook my head and turned slightly so I could see them all. “Stop looking like that. You knew this was coming. We all did. If you want to come with me, you’re welcome. But either way, I’m leaving to find my brother. And I’m not coming back after.”

With that said, I walked over to where I had placed my pack by my sleeping space. Now, why in all of Aerilya - I was even using their expressions - had I invited them to come with me?

It was her eyes. I had started reading Kristalyn ages ago and she could hide nothing from me ever since. I didn’t know that she would actually come, really I doubted it, but she had wanted me to offer. For reasons I couldn’t or wouldn’t explain to myself, I needed to at least give her that. The others were no better. Magnar and Travon both looked like I was abandoning them. They were all tag-alongs in the first place. I shouldn’t have cared.

As I rolled the blanket to put on the back of the horse, I felt my stomach clench. I did care for them. All of them and whether I wanted to or not, if any of them decided to come along, I would be glad. Not that I would tell them that.

I stood abruptly and went to the horses. What was happening to me? I needed to get rid of these thoughts. I sounded to close to the old Aiden for comfort. I couldn’t let him back in. He was the one who was too weak to do what had to be done. I needed to be stronger than that, much stronger. Arnan needed my help and the others counted on me to defeat Duard. I could not fail them again. I had promised I would succeed no matter what and I would keep my promise, even at the old Aiden’s death. My siblings might not be happy with the thought and Wren would probably wring my neck, but at least they would all be home and safe. Even if they hated me, I would fix my betrayal. Emotions had no place in my heart. I needed only my strength.

“Aiden?” Travon’s voice came from behind me.

I turned to see the youth with Magnar at his side. In his hand he held some parchment and a piece of coal. Sitting on Magnar’s back and preening himself was Myrddin. I only remembered the bird was still around because he seemed to have taken a liking to Magnar and the two were often off flying together when I needed Magnar for something. It had become a rather annoying habit, but the friendship was suddenly useful. Travon handed me the writing tools and I bent down to scratch out a quick letter to my sister.

Wren,

I’ve heard Arnan is in trouble. It is said he is in Cequelet being hunted for killing a king and queen. Is it true? I am heading in that direction now. Send me anything you know.

I got your other letter. I tried to take your advice, but my path is different. Maybe one day it will work for me. Who is this ‘we’?

Aiden

How much would my younger sister read into this letter? I couldn’t be sure, but at least I had replied to hers and she would send me news of our brother. Meanwhile, I wasn’t wasting any time. I turned to Myrddin.

“All right, Myrddin, you need to take this to Wren. Remember her? Your mistress is probably wondering what happened to you,” I spoke as I approached.

The falcon cocked his head to the side and watched.

“I’m going to need that leg,” I stated.

Myrddin screeched and Magnar turned his head to argue back.

I glanced at Magnar. “What did he said?”

Magnar shook his head no, but then screeched out, “Like you he doesn’t.”

I glared at the falcon. “He’s no great bird himself. Just make him give this message to Wren while he can still fly.”

“Tell him that you want me too?” Magnar questioned, obviously amused.

“Tell him whatever you have to so this letter gets to my sister as fast as possible!” I exclaimed.

Magnar laughed, but relayed the message. The falcon glared at me, obliviously not impressed, but held out his leg anyway. I tied the message to it and after a screech goodbye to Magnar, he took off. One problem down, I glanced at the two standing before me, far too many left.

“Well?”

Magnar looked at Travon then back to me. “With Aiden Magnar will go. Magnar and Aiden together needed.”

Relief coursed through me. The feeling surprised me. The relief must have come because Magnar would make convincing people to cooperate even easier. After all, I couldn’t really care for the griffin that much, could I? Eventually, I would stop lying to myself, but not today.

“Good, Magnar.”

Magnar nodded his head regally and I turned to Travon. I needed only my strength, no other emotions allowed.

“And you?”

“You’ve changed,” Travon observed instead of answering.

What did he mean by that? “So have you.”

“Yes. But I can still learn. I’m coming too.”

So, the three of us would travel together once more. I allowed no thought past that.

“All right, Travon. Have you said your goodbyes?”

“I promised I would talk to Geoffrey and Richard again.” He paused. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to Kristalyn and Kurioden.”

He wasn’t the only one.

“Say goodbye to your friends. I will find Kristalyn.” Maybe by the time I did I’d have a clue what to say.

***

She sat on top of a hill watching the last of the Wild Men pull out. Absently, her hand stroked the top of Kurioden’s head. She hadn’t noticed my presence yet. What was it about this girl that invaded my mind? She was smart, independent, strong of heart and mind, and had a wit I had only seen in some of my sisters. She could battle with the best. Her Deus had her full devotion above all else and while her own loyalty and love might be fiercely guarded and given, others gave theirs freely to her. She inspired those around her to be not who they were, but who they could be… even me.

Kurioden shifted and his eyes turned towards me. But Kristalyn must have been deep in thought, because she didn’t move. Kurioden watched me silently as I studied his mistress. It was true. No matter what I thought or wanted to think, Kristalyn had changed me. She forced me to do things differently. Somehow, she had become my conscious. When Kristalyn arrived, Zoe’s apparition had disappeared and not returned. Kristalyn was the voice I heard in and out of my head. She was the one whose voice had become a soft humming to me. I remembered it well. Despite my attitude towards her, she was a constant contradiction, refusing to let me take out her brother and yet helping me at the same time. More than likely, she and Magnar had saved my life. If the Hunter was who I might have been if I was good, Kristalyn was the girl I didn’t deserve.

But why did that matter?

“Aiden.” As I watched, she turned and stood her soft voice calling out to me.

I didn’t move, only looked at the vision of beauty in front of me. The sun had risen enough so that it was clear to see, but it had not yet made its way up to the height of the sky. Now, the rays shown around her face, giving her tan skin and green eyes a new light. I had noticed before she was beautiful, but this was a vision I had not seen. Beautiful did not begin to describe this woman.

“Aiden,” she called again, her voice soft and I could hear the sorrow in it. Sorrow, I knew I had caused. Was I forever going to be causing pain to those I cared about? “Are you leaving now?”

I did care. I had admitted it before. I shook my head no, trying to shake off the thought. I couldn’t care! Look what had happened to my siblings! She had asked me a question.

“Not yet,” I managed. “Travon decided to come. He is saying goodbye.”

“So, is this ours then?” Her voice was so low, I almost couldn’t hear her.

No! I heard the voice shout in my head. It was stupid! This was better. It was the only way it could work. I wasn’t worth her time or her effort. There was only so much one can change! I was who I had to be. There are others, others who are better for her than me. I’m a cold hearted murderer. I even lose control and kill in rage. What happens if she is there again and gets hurt? Beyond anything I have felt in the past that would destroy me. No, Kristalyn had to be safe. At all costs she must be safe. That meant this had to be goodbye and we both knew it. “Yes.”

She nodded slowly. “That’s it then?”

“What did you expect, Kristalyn?” I asked, wanting an honest answer.

“I don’t know.” The pain in her voice was cutting me in two. “I guess I didn’t realize this would be so hard.”

“I warned you not to let your heart get involved, but you couldn’t help that could you?” I winced at the coldness that crept into my voice.

“I guess not,” her arms, which had been at her side, came up to cross over her chest. Her pain was becoming my own. I could almost feel the wall she was trying to erect to save herself.

She would forget about me. In time, she would forget. Her brother would make sure of that. He would strive to erase all memories of the man who had fought beside his sister and then broke her heart. He would make her forget me. I couldn’t fully understand the knife of pain I felt at the thought. Wasn’t it better this way? Better that she was safe with the family who loved her and the god she followed? I could only corrupt her.

“It’s better this way, Kristalyn. You’ll forget about me in time.” I thought saying the words out loud would help, but the pain inside me didn’t go away and by the look on her face neither did hers.

“Forget about you? Aiden, I can’t. Not ever. I.. I…”

I moved to her and put my fingers over her mouth to stop her words. Her eyes got wide. She couldn’t say it out loud. She couldn’t admit that she cared for me. It would only make it worse. Make this goodbye harder than it already was. Neither one of us needed that and I refused to cause her any more pain. I could not return her feelings, now or ever. I had a mission for which I needed to be strong. These feelings were not something I needed or wanted. They would only distract me and I couldn’t afford that. Arnan and our siblings needed me focused now and for once in my life I was going to be the brother they needed. I would not care about this girl…any more.

“Don’t, Kristalyn. Put up your wall. You will forget and you will heal. Go back to your brother. Be happy. Be safe. Live.”

I have no idea what happened next. That’s not true, I just have no idea how I let it. Without forethought, I leaned over slightly, moving my hand, and brushed my lips against hers. They tasted of sweet mint. I heard her breath catch and saw her eyes widened again. I pulled back to look at her, moving my hand to stroke her chin very softly, before dropping it.

“Forget me. I will only hurt you. Go live happily with your brother.”

I turned and left without looking back.

***

What had that been? I hadn’t been thinking. I wanted her to forget me and that probably wasn’t going to help. That wasn’t completely true, I knew she needed to forget me, but I didn’t want her too. Whatever had happened, it was over now. I had to refocus. I had a brother and family to save.

Travon and Magnar were waiting with the horses when I got back.

“Did you find Kristalyn?” Travon asked.

I nodded. Magnar gave me a strange look, but said nothing.

“Could we stay for breakfast? I’m real hunger.” Travon pleaded.

“No, we need to get moving. We have a long trip and at the end we still have to search for Arnan.”

“So, your last name is Romany, huh?” Travon looked excited about the new piece of information. It reminded me how Kristalyn loved to find out about my family.

Would I always have her on my mind?

“Yes.” The irony of my answer did not fail to escape me.

“Breakfast is almost done. I could grab us some. And I think I can say goodbye to Kristalyn now. She’d be at breakfast, right?” The youth turned to look to where the others were starting to gather. I didn’t see Kristalyn’s long dark blond hair, but I knew why.

“She should be there soon.” I needed to get away before she showed up. “Go get your breakfast. Grab some for all of us. Magnar and I are going to start walking. I’ll lead the horses for now.”

Travon grinned and hurried off. I tugged on the horses’ reigns I now held and we moved towards the edge of camp.

“Hard it was?” Magnar asked as soon as we were alone.

“Saying goodbye? More than I thought it would be,” I admitted.

“Care for her you do,” Magnar said in a wise voice.

“You don’t know everything, Magnar. I can’t care for her,” I spit out the words.

The griffin laughed. “Matters not it does. Care for her you do. Why admit it you won’t?”

“Because it does neither of us any good. I need to focus on Arnan now. Not some girl from the past.” One day I was going to start to believe those words and that day had better be soon.

“Easy to forget Kristalyn is not,” Magnar commented.

I didn’t answer. No, she wasn’t. My thoughts of her character floated back to me. What made it worse, was that despite my resolve, I wasn’t sure I wanted to forget her. When had she snuck past every defense I had laid out? How had this one girl gotten into the heart of a cold hearted murder? I didn’t understand, but now that she was gone and it didn’t matter, I could admit she had.

I heard a horse gallop up behind us and turned with a frown. Why was Travon bringing a third horse? We didn’t need a pack animal. Magnar snickered with glee next to me. On top of the horse were two people. The first had long dark blond hair that was flying in the wind. At the horse’s side, a black panther with a lightening streak on his front left shoulder was keeping pace.

Magnar and I waited in silence as the horse and panther stopped in front of us. Kristalyn put out her hand and Travon grabbed it to slide off her horse. He grinned at me and held up his bag.

“I brought breakfast and a few more things.”

I kept my gaze on Kristalyn. “I can see that.”

Her green eyes held mine. “Someone’s got to make sure you stay out of trouble. Be safe and live, Aiden.”

“This was not what I had in mind,” I responded firmly.

“I know,” she said in a lower voice.

I tossed Travon his reigns. “Mount up.”

We both followed the order. I glanced at Kristalyn again, once I was properly seated. She simply smiled. Her face more content than I had seen it in…well, ever. So be it. I nodded once and kicked my horse into a trot. Kristalyn and Travon did the same and Magnar and Kuriden fell into step next to each other.

Together, Kurioden, Magnar, Kristalyn, Travon and I left the camp behind. It was time to find my brother.

***