The HeartStone Path

The HeartStone Path   PROLOGUE The journey back from the oracle was long.  It had taken precious time to reach her isolated valley.  The armistice was limited.  I should have used it to spend time with those precious to me, instead of following the instructions on an obscure message to travel to a place for even more obscure ramblings from a timeless hag. She had mumbled incoherently while she puttered around her hovel, her milky eyes drifting inside of her withered eye sockets.  Just when I had been about to leave, she had appeared at my side and gripped my arm with surprising strength. The hag’s eyes cleared suddenly, and she spoke in a clear, sure voice.  Unfortunately, what she said to me made almost no sense whatsoever.  The rest of the message was clear, though. This war is not going to end the way my mother hopes it will.  What her sister has become, the one who shaped her – they are too strong.  And they are turning others to their side.  They believe only our people should exist.  They call my mother and those like her arrogant, prideful for encouraging life to grow on the physical realms and then protecting them, that it is beneath us.  But my mother is none of those things.  My mother is wise, loyal, honorable, compassionate…and foolish.  She is bound by her laws.  They all are – those who side with her, our people.  It is our strength and our weakness.  Because of this, my mother’s cherished Realms are going to be destroyed unless someone can stop her sister and the dark legions she has created.  I can’t watch the innocents in those Realms suffer for our petty whims and wars, I can’t watch my mother suffer if she is forced to face her sister – because I know she cannot.  The oracle was clear about that. To end the war, to save my mother’s Realms and to save my mother from her own conscience, I dive too deeply into the well of my power and I take her sister with me.  If the oracle is right, it will form a prison around her sister and her dark legions, and it will be my end.  Something my mother could not do and still be able to face herself afterwards.    My last thoughts are of my people, the Realms, and my mother.  And him.  I hope he can forgive me.  I hope it worked.  I hope they are all safe.  It is a mad hope. But it is hope.                                      --------------------------------------------------------- The prophecy appeared in a Human Realm of all places. Mattegeus had been summoned by a witch he had known for decades.  She lived alone, away from other Humans.  As was the way of most of her kind. He knocked quietly on the door of the cottage that was hidden deep in a forest.  He smiled to himself when he heard the woman within humming little spells to herself to clean up her space before she opened the door. “Ah, Mattegeus.  I wasn’t sure if you had heard my summons,” she sighed.  She had been a great beauty once.  Like all Humans, she was beginning to fade.  Though, those with magic lasted longer than the rest.  The evidence of the beauty still lingered in her dark eyes and long, raven hair.  Despite her age, she still carried herself with an elegance born of absolute confidence in her craft. “I will always hear and answer your summons, Lady,” Mattegeus smiled at the Witch.  “What have you found.” “A prophecy.  The crone in the mountain has seen it.  We knew to summon you.  We don’t know why it would appear here, of all places,” she whispered.  Her hand shook as she passed the velum scroll to Mattegeus that the Coven had written the prophecy down on.  He had not seen this type of fear in her or any witch in this Realm since he had helped them go in to hiding. “Lady, what brings you so much fear?  What has happened?” he asked her softly. She stepped back from him.  “It is a threefold prophecy.” Mattegeus unrolled the velum with shaking hands.  “It can’t be,” he whispered. The words were written out clear enough.  The Coven had made sure of that.  And the protection spells over the velum would make sure that the prophecy couldn’t be destroyed.  But the words… “This…,” Mattegeus choked. “It will have echoed,” the Witch whispered.  “The crone will not have been the only one.” “Thank you, Lady,” he managed.  “Protect her when she comes,” the Witch’s voice was stronger. Mattegeus could only nod at first.  “I will guard her and this with my life, Lady.” Mattegeus bowed deeply and kissed then hand of the Witch before he left.  Outside, he walked as slowly as he could manage to appear normal until he reached the stones.  He had several places to go before he hid the prophecy away.          CHAPTER 1   The sound of bells tolling tore through the pre-dawn light and pulled me not so gently from sleep.  I was heartily sick of bells.  They have marked every part of my days for the past thirteen years.  This morning was different, though.  I tugged the thin blankets over my head and tried hide from the morning. I could feel the excitement rolling through the dormitory around me.  Hushed, tittering voices drifted through my door as the girls on my floor greeted each other and made their way to and from the showers.  I should be out there with them, but I was exhausted. The voices in the hallway suddenly hushed.  Determined footsteps echoed down the hall and towards my door.  I knew those footsteps as surely as I knew my own.  I half-heartedly tossed a locking spell at my door, the kind I had seen my classmates use time and again.  Instead of locking my door, it blew the lock apart.  I sighed and dropped my face back in to my pillow.  I was too tired for any kind of control. I didn’t move even as Mistress Della marched into my room, her heels clicking sharply against the stone floors.  She halted just inside my room and something landed on my bed at my feet. “Why am I not surprised that you are not even close to ready,” the older woman huffed at me.  I could almost hear her rolling her bulbous eyes at me. “I don’t know, Mistress,” I mumbled into my pillow. “Get up, Morrigan.  I don’t have time for your attitude today,” she said, the annoyance dripping through her words.  She pulled my blankets away and removed the bundle she had tossed at me.  “There is a dress on your chair.  Hurry up, child.” That got my attention.  “A what?” “A dress, child.  I assume you know that that is.  This is not up for debate.  Get up, get dressed.  I will be back in a few minutes to make sure you are out of that bed,” she warned me. I watched her back as she marched out of my room, head high, searching for another acolyte to terrorize.  Sure enough, there was a blue lump of fabric draped over the old chair that sat in front of my battered vanity.  I groaned and forced my body up into the sitting position.  It would be easier for me all around if I just got up and gave in to her demands. The dress was made from rough spun fabric, definitely not something I would have ever chosen for myself.  Acolytes were rarely told what they had to wear.  There were so many students from so many different Realms and kingdoms, that someone long ago gave up on a standard uniform.  It must have been easier to simply allow them to wear their own clothes.  I, like many students, wore comfortable pants, boots and cotton shirts because they were so much easier to move around in.  Certainly, for those of us who took combat classes. What stopped me short was the garments she had left to wear under the dress.  Hose, dainty shoes, a thin cotton slip and a corset.  A corset.  I looked down at my body that had thus far stubbornly refused to move even remotely closer to womanhood.  Unlike my sisters and the rest of the acolytes my age, my body was resolutely stuck in gangly youth.  The idea of me wearing a corset was laughable. I didn’t have time to try to toss it away.  Mistress Della arrived back in my room to me standing in the hose and slip, contemplating the corset and its absurdity.  She snatched the corset out of my hands without a word and settled it around my torso.  I gasped as she laced the garment as tightly as she could and tied it off.  She had to help me into the dress after because my mobility was so limited.  When she was finished with the ties of the dress, she forced me roughly to sit in the chair and face the tarnished mirror as she started in on my hair. She had her work cut out for her.  My long, dark red curls were thick and unruly.  Normally, I twisted it into a single braid down my back and called it good. For some reason, she was determined to make my hair behave.  Her jaw was set stubbornly as she began to work. I waited until she was completely focused on my hair before I slowly stretched my feet under my vanity.  She didn’t see me push my dirty, dusty clothes further out of sight.  My pulse was hammering in my veins as I watched for any reaction from the brutal woman. I had been in the Archives far too late the night before.  Aine and I had been sneaking in to the Forbidden Archives for a few years.  When our teachers wouldn’t answer our questions, we went looking for our own answers.  Sometimes I went on my own, sometimes Aine went with me.  Last night, I had been on my own and I had lost track of time.  There had been missing items that should have been there which meant that there was no way to get the answer I wanted.  I had been frustrated and had gone further into the Archives than I ever had before.  Too late, I had realized the time and had made my way back to my room.  Dawn had only been a few hours away when I hid my dirty clothes under the vanity, next to the trap door, instead of putting them in the bottom of my laundry bag. Thankfully, Mistress Della didn’t notice anything.  I watched her face in the mirror as she willed my hair into a twisted bun on top of my head.  It was a handy style, in its essence.  Until she teased down a few curls to dangle artfully from the bun, around my face and at the nape of my neck.  She tied a light blue ribbon around the bun, set in place with a small army of hair pins and ties, and stepped back to view her work. “It will have to do,” she sighed, mostly to herself.  “Get a move on, Morrigan.  It’s almost time for the ceremony.” She left my room again in a hurry.  I couldn’t make myself move at first.  I stared at my reflection in the old mirror.  Green eyes and bold freckles set against pale skin glared back at me.  I didn’t have the grace my sisters had as their bodies shifted closer to womanhood.  My features still had the roundness of youth.  Thin and gangly, I barely filled out my dress.  It was just fine with me, though.  The lack of curves and softness meant that I didn’t have to adjust any of my training.  I didn’t have to strap down budding breasts when I ran or fought. I heard my sisters’ voices in the hall and that got me moving again.  I ran to catch them in the hallway as they made their way down to the courtyard with the rest of the girls in our dormitory.  I groaned inwardly when I noticed that we were all wearing some form of the same pale blue dress. “There you are,” Aine said when she saw me arrive at Rhiannon’s side.  “I wasn’t sure if you were going to show up for this.” “It’s not like we have a choice,” Rhiannon mumbled.  I nodded in agreement. The ceremony was anything but optional.  Every acolyte in their thirteenth year was forced to participate.  This was the ceremony where our futures were announced for us, our paths chosen based on the tests we had been taking for the past three years.  My sisters and I had been competing fiercely for top marks in our classes against the other acolytes in our year. Across the Realms, this same ceremony would be taking place in the various Keeps and Universities that were run by the Order of Ebon Lys.  Acolytes who had been either dedicated to service of the Order by their families or orphans taken in as babies, would be waiting patiently to find out if they were accepted in to the classes they had been working for or placed in to a path that the Order had chosen for them.  No one questioned the decisions of the Order.  We all went where they needed us, they knew where our talents would best suit the Order. My sisters and I had been working toward the warrior sect of the Order.  The Rangers.  The sect of the Order that was meant to police the Realms and the individual Kingdoms and enforce the Laws.  They were everything I wanted to be since I was six years old and one of the Pairs had been in our class to explain what they did.  I had thrown myself in to every combat class they would let me enroll in along with the history classes.  The only part I wasn’t too excited about was being bonded to a Tuillaryn. Only the Rangers were bonded to a Tuillaryn.  A male or female counterpart that they fought with side by side.  Each mission required either an individual Pair or several Pairs to complete.  Together, the Pair had more power and were able to defeat even the strongest Demons that slipped past the prison vail.  No one knew exactly how many Pairs there were, but there weren’t as many as there used to be.  Our teachers said it was because the Realms were largely at peace and the Rangers weren’t as needed as they used to be.  I had searched for a better answer in the Archives but had only ended up with more questions instead. Outside in the main courtyard, people were already in their seats.  Representatives from other Universities, Council members, Druids, families, Ambassadors from various Kingdoms.  Depending on the profession we were apprenticed to, we would move to a different Keep or stay where we were.  With any luck, we would be staying in the High Keep where Rangers were trained, though no one knew anything about their training in detail. Acolytes were already lined up in front of the dais where the High Seat and other Druids waited to start the ceremony.  My sisters and I took our places at the end of our cohort.  As far as we knew, no one else had applied for a Ranger apprenticeship except for us. The day dragged on relentlessly.  The Druids made their way systematically through each cohort, handing out scrolls and University assignments.  For the most part, everyone was handed what they wanted.  When the day was almost over, there was only my sisters and three boys I had never seen before left in front of the dais.  That was when the ceremony changed and the energy around the courtyard shifted markedly. Chairs were removed from the stage so only the High Seat was left standing in the center.  Acolytes and the rest of the audience were pushed back further from the dais.  When the High Seat spoke again, Aine was called forward along with a boy named Rafe.  They were told to stand at equal distance from the High Seat and to face each other.  A hush fell over the courtyard as they repeated ancient vows back to the Master Druid standing between them.  I recognized the vows from one of my many excursions into the Forbidden Archives.  I watched as Aine and Rafe, then Rhiannon and a boy named Cam repeated the vows.  I held my breath and waited for my name to be called. My heart jumped into my throat when my name was called, and a boy named Tristan.  I was so relieved to be called forward to join the ranks of Ranger apprentices that I didn’t care that I was about to be bonded to a Tuillaryn.  I repeated the vows of the bond along with the gangly boy who stood in front of me.  I barely registered his blue eyes, short brown hair or the gentle point of his ears. I came back to myself as we left the dais and joined my sisters and their new Tuillaryn.  We stood in a small group away from the rest of the acolytes.  Then I realized, with no small amount of horror, that there were no Pairs there to collect us.  A look of triumph skittered through Mistress Della’s eyes before she turned to the High Seat.  The Master Druid kept his face carefully blank as she spoke to him.  Something didn’t feel right at all.  We had been named Ranger Apprentices, but that meant nothing if no one was there for us. I shifted myself closer to Rhiannon, and we smoothly placed Aine behind us.  My hands curled into fists at my sides as I worked to focus my power.  I wasn’t going to go calmly into the ranks of some mundane apprentice path.  Neither were my sisters. Next to me, on my left, Tristan placed a hand on my lower back.  I felt my power ripple then calm and I found it easier to focus.  I looked over at Rhiannon and flicked my eyes to the door of our dormitory.  She nodded slightly.  She would get Aine out while I bought us time.  We would run from the High Keep if we had to. Time slowed down as the massive gates on one side of the courtyard shook dangerously.  I hadn’t even realized that they had been closed.  The stone pine doors shook again then were flung open.  Two large horses pounded into the courtyard at the same moment as several mountain gryphons landed in the courtyard, scattering people and chairs.  They were all covered in ichor, blood and dirt.  Gore even dripped from the gryphons’ talons and the horses’ hooves.  Mistress Della paled at the sight of them.  She stepped back as the lead gryphon let out a piercing cry. “Ah, Boudicca,” the High Seat said calmly, “late as always.” The woman, Boudicca smirked at him as she slid down from her horse.  Everyone gave her a wide birth as she walked towards us.  “Oh, you know how it is, Byr, the darkness never has been respectful of our timelines.” “The ceremony is finished,” Mistress Della blurted out.  “You weren’t here to claim them.” One of the Yova turned their stare to the woman and the full focus of the other Yova and gryphons followed suit.  Mistress Della had the good sense to take a step backwards from their intense gaze. “It is not over until a Ranger accepts or declines the apprenticeship,” the lead Yova ground out.  “That is the Law.  Even you cannot change it, Della.” “Not yet, anyway,” Boudicca’s Tuillaryn said under his breath. “Well, child, what will it be,” the High Seat asked Boudicca.  He appeared calm, but I saw the muscle flicker on his jaw.  He was not happy with the events transpiring in the courtyard. Boudicca’s grin spread into a full smile.  “I and their teachers accept their apprenticeships,” she said with authority.  Her Tuillaryn handed her a leather-bound packet from his dirty saddle bag.  “Presented before moon rise, as required.  Duplicated and approved.” “Only the High Seat can approve the assignment of teachers,” Mistress Della spat. The lead Yova spoke again.  “It can also be approved by the lead Ranger Pair and the ranking teacher.  The Master, himself, has approved the placements.” Mistress Della’s mouth snapped shut.  Behind her, the other people in the audience watched the scrambling for dominance unfolding before them.  A few barely hid smiles as the Yova leader and Boudicca put Mistress Della in her place.  A place that did not occupy a seat on any Council. I had no idea who the Master was, but I wasn’t going to question his authority to approve us or our teachers.  I watched the exchange carefully, still not pulling my power back down inside of myself. Boudicca didn’t take her gaze off of the High Seat when she addressed us finally.  “Gather your belongings and return to the courtyard.  Now.” We didn’t question her, and I didn’t look back to see where my new Tuillaryn went.  My sisters and I flew up the stairs and to our rooms.  It didn’t take long to pack my things in my small room.  It all fit in a pack that I had stored in the bottom of my pitiful armoire.  I didn’t waste time looking back when I ran back out, leaving the horrid dress laying on the floor of my room. My sisters and I raced back into the courtyard to find our Tuillaryns already there and everyone else exactly where we had left them.  I skidded to a stop next to Tristan and worked to control my breathing.  Boudicca’s Tuillaryn dismounted and took the reins of her horse. “Take them around to our Keep,” she told him.  “I will be there when I can.” Boudicca stayed in the courtyard with the Yova while her Tuillaryn led us through another archway and around to a side of the Keep that I had no idea existed. We entered a large courtyard that was the center of a cluster of buildings.  Through another archway, I could see a second courtyard and set of buildings.  In front of the stables, there were three more Pairs all covered in varying degrees of filth.  I wondered, not for the first time, what they all had gone through to get to the High Keep for the ceremony. “Boudicca?” one of the women asked. “Still with the High Seat,” the man leading us answered. They all chuckled at that.  “Didn’t stay for the festivities, Corbyn?” another man asked. The man leading us, Corbyn, smiled and shook his head.  “I had to bring the acolytes.  She has Phaedra with her.” “This them?” a woman asked. Corbyn nodded again.  “Yes.  I’m going to take the boyos over to their side.  Mind settling the girls, Bridgette?” The woman he spoke to stepped forward, handing off her reins to a man who stood next to her.  “Sure.  See you this evening, Corbyn.” The men gathered up reins and led their horses behind Corbyn as he took our Tuillaryns through the archway to the other set of buildings.  Once they were through, the gates eased shut and we were left with the women. “I’m Bridgette,” the blonde said.  “This is Roslyn and Sabeyne.  We are some of your teachers.  Come on, let’s get you settled in your rooms.” “Why did he take them?” Aine asked. “It’s part of the training,” Bridgette told us.  “You will be trained separately.” “Why?” Rhiannon asked. “When you are trained with your Tuillaryn, you depend on them to make up for your weaknesses,” Roslyn, the dark-haired beauty answered.  “When you train separately, you don’t rely on anyone.  You learn to account for and get rid of your own weaknesses.  When you are finally together on a mission, you compliment each other.  Make each other stronger.  You are more effective if you are able to be strong alone and together.” Rhiannon nodded like it made perfect sense.  Aine looked less convinced, but kept her mouth shut.  I saw the merits to the concept, but I wasn’t sure if I cared to ever see my Tuillaryn again. Bridgette led us through a wooden door.  “This is the mudroom.  There is the sink, through that door is our garden and animals.  Always wash in here when you come back in from training or caring for animals.  Boots go there.  Through here is your kitchen.  Well, our kitchen.  We have rooms on this side, too.  Pots, pans, cooking utensils.  Cooling cabinet, oven, sink.  We prepare our own meals.  For now, only your teachers will go in to Trulium for supplies.  If you need something from there, tell us and we will pick it up.  This is your dining area.  Come on.  The rest is through here.” She showed us a large library, our training rooms, offices and then to the hallway where our rooms were.  They left us at our doors and told us to meet them back in the kitchen for the evening meal.   They needed time to clean up before dinner. I stood in front of my open door and stared.  The room was large and well furnished.  To the left of the door were shelves that stood ready to hold the books I would want and need for the next several years.  To the right was a fireplace that had an overstuffed, long couch situated in front of it.  That front area also had glass doors that opened to a patio and a small patch of grass and trees.  In front of those doors was a table with three chairs situated around it.  The next area held a vanity, armoire and a bed large enough to fit four people comfortably.  I set my bag down on the bed and went through the door that was open a few feet from the headboard.  That room turned out to be my own bathroom.  What I supposed was the bath was more like a soaking pool and was sunk into the floor.  On one side of the pool were shelves that held soaps and oils.  One wall held a rectangular mirror that was set above a marble counter and sink.  In front of the counter, a cushioned bench sat with a new robe on top of it.  In a corner, opposite the sink, was a low wall that separated the toilet from the rest of the room.  There were shelves with new towels and another robe.  It was too much. I went back out to where I had left my bag on the bed and set to unpacking my things.  My few belongings barely filled up a portion of the armoire and vanity.  I looked around when I was finished, imagining what it would look like some day when I had enough to fill the space. As the sun was starting to set, I met my sisters in the hall outside of our rooms and we made our way back to the kitchen.  The older women were waiting for us there.  They showed us where everything was again and helped us with a minimal dinner. When we were finished with cleaning our dishes, Bridgette stood up from the table.  “We have one more thing to do before you go to bed.  Come with us.” “What are we doing?” Rhiannon asked as we crossed the courtyard towards a door that stood open in the wall. “Ancient vows.  Our vows.  Only we know about them.  They must be said under the moon,” Roslyn told us.  “In the morning, you will meet the rest of your teachers.”   CHAPTER 2   Pale, pre-dawn light was beginning to change the shadows in my room.  I opened my eyes and rolled on to my side, trying to figure out why I was awake so early.  “Mor, are you awake?” Rhiannon said through the door to my front room. I groaned.  That was why I was awake. I stretched and immediately regretted it.  I was still sore from the long, painful final the day before with our Gairn.  He had not been gentle.  I had almost given in and let my sister heal me.  Almost. “It’s open,” I called to her, unwilling to get up from the softness of my bed. I heard the door open and close, then her footfalls as she crossed the front room on her way to my bedroom. “Sweet Goddess above, Mor, how can you study like this?” she asked. I didn’t need to look at what she was referring to.  She meant the state of organized chaos my front room was in.  There were books, maps, scrolls, study guides, labels and weapons all over the place.  Most of them still laid open to where I had left off reading before I had rushed off to a final.  I just hadn’t had the time to clean. “What do you want, Rhi,” I grumbled at her. “Are you sure you don’t want me to heal you?” “I told you, I’m fine.  Nothing an ice bath can’t fix.” She raised an eyebrow at me, not buying it for a minute.  “It doesn’t make you weak to let someone else heal you.” “I know.  But you aren’t always going to be there.  You still haven’t told me what you want,” I pointed out. “Oh, Aine wants us to go in to Trulium with her.  Something about preparing for her final tomorrow.  It’s her last one.” “It’s my Court Final,” Aine said, walking through my front door.  “Gods, what happened to your room?” “Morrigan happened to her room,” Rhiannon sighed. “Don’t you dare,” I said to Aine, sitting up in bed.  Her hand froze mid-air and she turned to look at me, her eyes wide.  “I can’t help it,” she whined.   “I will clean it when I get a chance,” I told them.  “On my own.  I can’t go to the city today, though.” “Why not,” Aine pouted. Um, besides the fact that I still felt like I had been pounded into the earth?  “I have to meet with the Master this morning.  There was a message waiting for me when I got back yesterday from our final.” Rhiannon looked suspicious.  “We aren’t supposed to have any classes anymore.  Aine’s final tomorrow is the last one.” I shrugged.  “I don’t know what it’s about.  Why do you need both of us for your final anyway?” “I had to design gowns for all three of us, plus necessary accessories.  I was given a scenario and I have to present exactly how I would navigate it with all three of us,” Aine explained.  “All I need the two of you to do tomorrow is wear the dresses and dance.” “I will help tomorrow,” I promised.  “I just can’t today.  You don’t need me to go shopping.” “Whatever it is, it likely won’t take long,” Rhiannon told our sister.  “And hopefully Mor can get some cleaning done.”  She gave me a knowing look. I rolled my eyes.  “I will.  Goddess above.  It’s not like you two live in here.” “Go ahead, Aine,” Rhiannon told her.  “I’ll be here in a minute.” Aine offered me a brilliant smile.  “Thank you, Mor.”  Then to Rhiannon, “I’ll go tell Bridgette we are leaving for the city.” Rhiannon waited for her to leave before turning back to me.  “Are you going to be able to dance tomorrow?” “I will be fine.   I will figure it out.  Maybe that’s what he wants to see me about,” I said. “At least the bruises aren’t as bad as last night.  Seriously, Mor, you will tell me if you need help healing?” Rhiannon pushed. “I will tell you,” I sighed.  “And I will clean my room.” That won a rare laugh from my sister.  “I don’t care about your room.  I just don’t understand how you can focus in this chaos.” “Order comes from chaos,” I mumbled. “What was that?” she asked from the door. “Nothing,” I said quickly.  “I will see you at dinner.” She smiled and closed my door again.  I had no hope of going back to sleep again.  I slid my legs over and twisted so I was sitting on the side of my bed.  I took my time standing up and walking into my bathroom.  I wasn’t as sore as I had been the night before.  The ice bath and sleep had helped, thankfully, but I was still moving slow.  I cleaned my teeth and twisted my hair up into a bun so I could soak in a bath again.  Maybe a warm bath would be better this morning.  I turned on the water and poured in some oils.  While the bath was filling up, I trudged back into my room to get clean clothes to wear. The warmth of the bath was perfect.  I could have stayed in there for hours, just draining and refilling hot water.  But I had to go find the Master.  He no doubt knew I was already awake and stalling.  So, I pulled myself out of the bath, dried off and got dressed. Somewhere in the mess of my room was my favorite pair of boots.  I found them next to the foot of my bed where I had kicked them off evening before on my way to the bath.  After the boots was my weapon belt, then pants, then bodice…you get the point.  Rhiannon had been right behind me summoning in ice to fill the bath.  She left me to clean up my own mess, though.  Ah, sisterly love. I picked up my dirty clothes and dropped them in to the already full basket of dirty clothes.  Oops.  I really needed to do laundry.  I mentally added that to the list of things I needed to do.  It would all have to wait, though.  I could feel the mental nudge coming from the Master.  I opened the patio doors for Kai.  “I’ll be back later,” I told her.  I was sure she heard me, even if she hadn’t moved from her spot on the bed. The Master’s garden was one hall over in the hall where the majority of our classrooms were.  It was anything but a normal classroom, though.  When I opened the door, the familiar sight of an open air garden welcomed me.  I closed the door gently and flipped the lock, like I had been taught, and walked further into the garden, looking for my Master. “Master?” I called. “Here, child,” he said from somewhere deep in the garden.  I could tell he was walking towards me, though, so I waited where I was. “I got your message,” I said needlessly, following him over to our customary places under a large rowan tree.  “Where is Lady Cassidra?” “She was called home,” he answered simply. “Is everything okay?” I asked. “It is nothing you need to worry about, child.  She needed to return to her family.” I knew better than to press when I got a non-answer.  “We weren’t supposed to have class today.” “You would prefer shopping with your sisters?” I mentally cringed.  “No, not really.” “Come, child.  Walk with me.”  He started down the path between the trees. I slowly raised myself up from my cushions and followed him.  I was healing faster than I used to, but not as fast as everyone else in the Keep. He turned and frowned at me.  “You heal slower in this form.” I narrowed my eyes at him.  “I didn’t feel like shattering things if I dropped the glamor.  I’m not exactly in best control right now.” He looked around.  “Nothing to hurt in here.” I wasn’t in the mood to argue.  I dropped the glamor.  My bones stretched and my features changed.  It wasn’t as odd as it used to be. Years ago, when the Witch and the Master had insisted that I had a true form that I needed to unlock, I had laughed in their faces.  I knew what I looked like, like an Immortal Kindred.  Which is to say I looked Human, just with access to magic and harder to kill.  Was I ever wrong.  Along with my power being volatile and unpredictable, apparently so was my lineage.  As we unlocked different facets of my power, we also unlocked different features.  I could shift like a Khaskarii, though I wasn’t too keen on testing it completely.  I had the pointed ears and longer canines of the Fae, the runes and symbols that moved under my skin like the Ancient Battle Mage Elves, the height and look of a Mountain Yova, and the strength and scales on parts of my body like a Dyr’scal.  I was a mix of so many different races. It was a good thing that all of this was done in the Master’s garden.  Every time I unlocked a different part of myself, I inevitably destroyed some part of it.  Which the Master immediately restored.  The Battle Mage capabilities were difficult to keep caged during weapons training.  I wanted more than anything to unleash it upon our Gairn, the arrogant bastard.  But I was terrified of someone seeing me like this.  That fear had led us to discover that a glamor was like a constant drain on my power.  It was just enough to take the edge off so that I wasn’t so volatile all of the time.  I still couldn’t use frivolous magic like my sisters could, but I didn’t feel like I was going to blow everything up anymore. “You heal much faster this way,” he said, not turning to look at me. “I know.  But the last thing I need is my sisters walking in on me like this,” I pointed out.  On a whim, I summoned wings.  Black as midnight, tipped with silver.  Just like an arrow lark.  Simply because I could.  I had never tried to fly.  I just liked the look of them. He turned to look at me and raised an eyebrow.  “You could seal your room.” “The last time I tried to seal my room, I shattered every window in my room.  Probably not a good idea.” “It will settle, child.  When you say the Rites.  Your Tuillaryn will settle your power.” Goddess above, I hoped he was right. We walked on down the path, the forest around us changing a little as we passed through it.  I recognized every part of it.  As we walked, I could feel my body healing.  I wished I could just sit in my room like this when I needed to heal.  It would solve a lot of problems.  Above us the sky changed from the blue and white rolling clouds to a night sky and stars came out.  I watched as familiar stars I knew became brighter.  I could feel a lesson coming.  He couldn’t resist.  “Do you remember when we spoke of patterns, child?” he asked I kept my eyes on the stars, unable to look away.  “I remember.  Lady Cassidra called it Sacred Geometry.” “And how the Realms fit in to those patterns?” “Yes.  There is a pattern in everything.  Even Realm Patterns.  Across the universe, there are an infinite number of Realm Patterns.  Within the patterns, life exists in realms and planes of existence,” I answered, my eyes still on the stars. “Our Realm Pattern, our history.  How is the Order of Ebon Lys tied to it.” I pulled my eyes from the stars and looked at the Master standing next to me.  This was an old lesson, from the beginning of our training.  I frowned at him but answered anyway.  “Millenia ago, there were the Wars between Celestials on their planes and the Races among the Realms.  The Dark Goddess sought control over it all, to destroy her sister, The Queen of the Celestials.  The Queen’s armies won, and the Dark Goddess was imprisoned along with her legions, but at great cost.  Because she wasn’t killed, some of her darkness still seeps into the Realms.  The Celestials decided they could not chance interfering with the Realms again, so the Order of Ebon Lys was created to protect the Realms.  The Order exists to protect the Realms and maintain the balance and to keep the darkness from rising again.” He nodded approvingly and turned his face up to the stars.  “Tell me about the Councils.” I paused again.  Confused at the repeat of lessons but answered again. This went on for hours.  We sat down in the soft grass, my wings tucked carefully behind me, as the Master went over old lessons from the past seven years.  He had filled in a lot of gaps for me about the Races and their histories, which had helped.  He had even taught me about subjects that weren’t in books in any other class.  The Witch, a Human from a Lost Realm, had taught me about potions and healing that had become invaluable for me.  She had also taught me about her Realm, that had been cut off from the High Keep for centuries. Finally, he stood up and waited for me.  “Now, how are you feeling.” I shrugged.  “Better, I guess.” He raised an eyebrow at me.  “Physically, I suppose you do.  What else is bothering you?” “Who said something else is bothering me?” He just stared at me. I groaned and dropped my head in to my hands.  “How do you do that?” I said through my hands. “Practice.  So, are you going to tell me what it is?  Or, are you going to make me guess?” “Please don’t.” “Then you had better just tell me that you are unsure about your Tuillaryn and the Prince and your power.” I stopped walking and glared at him.  My old teacher merely stared back impassively, like he was waiting for me to figure it out for myself. “There is nothing going on with me and the Prince,” I growled. “The flare of your power says otherwise,” he pointed out. “That is because I want to flatten him into the ground and slice him into pieces,” I said through clenched teeth. “Graphic.  And unnecessary,” he said.  “He drives me insane,” I said angrily.  “He pushes me within an inch of my breaking point every day!” “Ah, but you have never broken.” “That’s not the point.” “Isn’t it?” he asked. I froze on the path.  “What?” “You have nearly lost your temper, but you haven’t.  You have maintained control.  Though, you have managed to just make it in here before you lose said control.  Spectacularly, I might add.  Why does he cause such a reaction?” “Because he’s a bastard,” I huffed. He just stared at me again. “Fine.  Because my power is weird around him.  I don’t know why.  It feels…different.  I don’t like it,” I told him. “Explain,” he said simply. “Explain,” I repeated.  “Explain how he drives me insane?   Explain how my power even hates him?” “Do you really believe that?” “What is the other possible answer?  It feels feral when I am near him.  Like I have to beat him.  I can’t stop myself from competing with him.  It’s like fire.  Like a beast stalking…another beast.” “And you interpret that as hate?” “What else could it be?” I asked, incredulous. “Mhm.  What of your Tuillaryn?” he asked, changing the subject. “I don’t know.  I’m nervous, I guess?” I answered, thankful for the change of subject.  We had started walking again down the path, back towards the door of his garden. “Why nervous?” I shrugged, my wings moving with my shoulders.  “Because I haven’t seen him since I was thirteen.  We have obviously changed.  People keep telling me that he will settle my powers.  But what if he doesn’t?  What if we hate each other?” “That would mean that the Rites and the spells done when you were babes were wrong.  Are you saying that you think the High Seat was wrong?  That the Rites are wrong?” he asked. “No, no.  Nothing like that,” I said quickly.  “I mean…I don’t know what I mean.  I guess I’m more worried about trying to be an effective Ranger and having to worry about blowing out every window in a place whenever I try to use a simple spell.” “Yes, that would be a problem,” he agreed. “Oh, you think?” He smiled at me.  “You don’t need to worry, child.  Your Tuillaryn was chosen by fate.  Not by any spells performed here.  The spells merely helped find him.” I frowned at that.  “Fate.  The all-encompassing entity that makes decisions for all of us.” “It’s not that simple,” he sighed. “I know, I know.  I remember.  Whatever entities that do meddle, you would think that they would be more involved with this mess down here,” I complained. This won a rare laugh.  “Oh, child.  Nothing is that simple.” “Of course, it’s not,” I mumbled. The forest around us began to change, morphing back to the smaller plants that made up a garden.  I noticed a new, stunningly beautiful flower that I had never seen before at various patches along the path.  There were varying colors of the velvety curling petals that were folded away from the tall stamen in the middle.  I knew instinctively that the petals would be as soft as silk and the smell would be divine. I pointed out the flower to the Master.  “What kind of flower is that?” “I don’t know,” he frowned.  “It began to show up here after the Witch left.  I can’t make sense of it.  I can’t find it in any of the books I have here.” “Odd,” I said, more to myself. “Indeed,” he agreed. “Is it poisonous?”  I asked. “No,” he shook his head.  “I have tested it thoroughly.  It is simply a beautiful flower.  Quite lovely.  Some even bloom only at night.  I can’t make sense of it.  I have considered that it is a sign from the Witch, but I can’t reach her from here.” “If it’s just a harmless flower, why would she send it?” “That’s what I can’t understand.”  He shook his head, as if shaking away a thought.  “I will ask her the next time I see her.  You should probably get back to your sisters, though.  I suspect they are back from the city.” My stomach growled in response.  “Probably.  I have to help Aine with her Court final tomorrow morning, then prepare for the Rites.  Will you be there?” “I will be at the Rites, yes.  Don’t worry about your Tuillaryn, child.  It will settle,” he said, trying to sooth my fears. I settled the glamor back over my body as we reached the front door of his garden/classroom.  “I know.  It’s a silly thing to worry about.” “It’s not silly.  You have been fighting your gifts for twenty years.  It’s understandable.  Don’t downplay your fears, child.  Face them,” he told me.  “They are valid.” “Thank you, Master,” I smiled.  “I will see you tomorrow night at the Rites.” I stepped back out into the hallway and closed the door behind me.  It felt like closing a chapter in my life.  I would never have another lesson with the Master and the Witch ever again.  A part of me hurt a little bit at that thought.  They were important to me. I followed the sound of voices and laughter to the kitchen.  Aine and my other sisters were in the kitchen preparing dinner.  She was showing them everything she had bought in Trulium and describing the dresses she had made for her final the next day.  I had gotten used to our evenings being like this, too.  Dinners with my sisters then studying for our classes.  That was going to change.  Another chapter closing.  I heaved a heavy sigh, then plastered on a smile and stepped into the kitchen to join my sisters.     CHAPTER 3   I woke to the sound of my door opening and heavy feet dragging across my front room.  Next thing I knew, Rhiannon was climbing into my bed next to me and pulling the blankets over her face. “What are you doing?” I mumbled at her. She only raised a hand and pointed at the door. Aine flounced in a second later, hauling in dresses, baskets and stools for us to stand on.  “Come on, you two.  Out of bed.  You promised.” “You said nothing about before the Gods were awake,” I said in a gravelly voice.  “Nonsense,” Aine huffed.  “It’s just dawn.  Look outside.” I cracked open my eyes and looked towards my windows.  Sure enough, the barest light of dawn was starting to break through the sky.  I pulled the blankets back over my head. Aine promptly pulled the blankets off of both of us, winning a growl from not only Rhiannon and me, but from Kai, as well.  “Big babies.  All of you.  Get up and get washed.  You are NOT getting my dresses dirty.  And that cat better not get hair all over everything.” ‘That cat’ was Kai.  I found her a few years ago out in the forest that surrounds the High Keep.  Lady Cassidra had taken me out to teach me about the plants that could be found in each Realm and their uses.  I had been in the middle of reciting something when I had heard a pathetic mewling from somewhere deep in the brush.  Lady Cassidra and I had followed the sounds to a rather small and starving Shadow Cat cub.  We searched the surrounding forest for signs of an adult Cat, but there was nothing.  So, I bundled up the cub in my cloak and carried her back to the Keep. Boudicca had not been happy about it, but she couldn’t argue that the cub needed help.  I started with goat’s milk and kept her with me all of the time.  I even stopped in the middle of weapons training to feed her, much to the annoyance of our Gairn.  Within a few months, I started to add strips of meat softened with the milk along with the bottle.  The cub had grown quickly.  I was forced to get better at hunting to not only keep her fed but to also teach her how to hunt on her own.  When she was full grown, I tried to send her back out into the forest to find her own territory.  Tried.  She wouldn’t leave me no matter what I did. Kai stayed and had the run of our side of the Keep.  Roslyn and Bridgette spoiled her endlessly when they were cooking.  Boudicca wouldn’t go hunting without her and Lady Cassidra took Kai into the forest with her when she had to gather plants for her potions.  But Kai slept in my room at night, stretched across the foot of my bed. “She’s not going to stop,” Rhiannon sighed, pushing at me from her side of the bed. “I blame you,” I mumbled, sliding off my side of the bed. “Nope.  This is all you, my friend,” Rhiannon said, pushing me the rest of the way into the bathroom. We tried to hurry through cleaning our teeth and washing up.  Rhiannon admittedly woke up much faster than I did.  That had nothing to do with anything other than the fact that I have never been a morning person and needed copious amounts of coffee to survive. Aine had taken pity on us and had brought coffee to my room while we were getting cleaned up in my bathroom.  Three cups and two full pots sitting on warmers were on my table when we came out of the bathroom. “Aw, she does love us,” I said to Rhiannon. Aine stuck her tongue out at us.  “Grab a cup while I fix some things on your dresses.  Then I need you each on a stool.” Nectar of the Gods.  I closed my eyes as I took my first sips of my cup of coffee.  How was I going to survive if I ever went to a Realm that didn’t have coffee or something like it?  Nope.  I wasn’t even going to think about that. Rhiannon and I finished our cups and took our places on the stools Aine had set out for us in my bedroom.  Aine handed both of us thin shifts that we obediently pulled over our heads, then stockings.  Next came the corsets that she had designed specifically for the dresses.  I hated corsets.  Then the dresses that we stepped in to and held our arms out so she could lace and tie them on to us. “How did you do in Master Orin’s final,” Rhiannon asked me as Aine tugged on her laces. “I passed,” I told her.  “You?” “Passed.  Aine did, too,” she told me. Aine smiled at me over the pins in her mouth. “It wasn’t too bad,” I sighed.  “I had expected worse.” “I did, too.  But Aine was right.  Once you remembered the formulas, it was easier,” Rhiannon smiled at our sister who was kneeling down at my hem. “What about Master Duraethil?” I asked. Rhiannon groaned.  “The test saved me.  I hated the dissection.” “The dissection saved me,” I laughed.  Our biology and anatomy Master had been brutal.  Demanding near perfection like all of our other Elven Masters and Mistresses.  I had spent hours studying for that final.  We had had to learn about every Race.  If you got down to it, we weren’t all that different, for the most part.  But, add horns and shapeshifting capabilities and things could get complicated fast.  My specimen had been Fae.  Apparently, our professor also had a sense of humor. “I’m just glad the finals are over,” Aine said.  “Well, for the most part.  The last month has been awful.” “It hasn’t been that bad,” Rhiannon frowned. “Speak for yourself,” Aine said.  “I don’t know how I passed Histories.  Or languages.” “I do,” I laughed. “That doesn’t count,” Aine pouted.  “I wouldn’t have had to resort to that if Mistress Aethvil hadn’t been so brutal.” Rhiannon rolled her eyes.  “If you had just studied a bit more…” “I did study,” Aine interrupted.  “Who wants to learn that many languages anyway.  Everyone uses that common tongue in the Known Realms.” Rhiannon frowned at her.  “It’s a sign of respect, Aine, to use someone’s native tongue when you are in their Realm or in their kingdom.  Not everyone enjoys using the common tongue all of the time.  What if you had gotten caught?” “Oh, please,” Aine rolled her eyes.  “No one can catch me.  I was in and out of the Archives before anyone had a clue.  It’s just a silly language spell, Rhiannon.” “She’s not upset about the spell itself,” I interjected.  “It’s a handy spell.”  It really was.  Once cast, whomever it was cast on only had to hear a language being used fluently for a few moments and then it was set, they knew the language and could converse in it.  But it had been an unnecessary risk just to pass a final.  “She is just worried that you will get caught.” “No one is going to notice.  It just looks like we have been studying like good little students for seven years.  And you might just thank me one day, Rhiannon,” Aine said from her spot at Rhiannon’s hem where she was working on a stitch. Rhiannon wasn’t so sure. “There, done,” Aine announced a little while later.  “What do you think?” We got down from the stools and moved to stand in front of the full length mirror she had carried in to my room. “Oh, Aine,” Rhiannon breathed.  “They are beautiful.” I nodded my head in agreement.  They were absolutely breathtaking, if a bit daring.  A sheath bodice that went halfway past our hips flared out in to a bell skirt that moved around our legs like wisps of smoke.  The neckline dipped low, thus the need for the special corset, in the front and the back.  The barest sleeves covered a fraction of our shoulders and down our arms to just below our wrists and connected to rings on our middle fingers that had gemstones that matched the color of our dresses. The color of my dress was a shiny mossy green that made my eyes stand out softly.  Rhiannon’s was a lovely soft shade of red that matched the color of her lips, the color of the bright ruby on her ring.  Aine helped us slip into shoes that matched the dresses perfectly. “Now for the best part,” Aine whispered, clapping her hands.  She dressed our hair and began to add the accessories she had made.  Hairpins that were, in fact, deadly night shade, and the antidote in our earrings.  Another poison in our rings.  Stacked bracelets that were garrotes, and necklaces that were even more poisons.  Next, came garters that held stilettos.  I nodded at Aine, impressed. Aine got dressed next with the help of her magic.  Her dress was like ours, but a pale pink.  It looked perfect on her.  She was similarly armed. “I have to explain each piece,” she told us as we were walking out of our room.  “Thank you for this, sisters,” she said as we walked out into the hallway. “Of course,” Rhiannon said.  Aine frowned, though, as we got closer to the ballroom.   “It really means a lot.  Both of you.  Because you know I would do anything for you.” “Aine…,” Rhiannon said, putting her hand on the door to stop our sister from opening it.  “What aren’t you telling us.” Aine looked at me, suddenly nervous.  “I…my final is on the High Forest Fae Court of the Fourth Realm.  King Einal’s Court.” The floor dropped out from under me.  I put a hand on the door to steady myself. “We all have to dance.  We have to dance with Prince Aerron, Lord Rhys and Lord Loren.  It’s the most complicated and intricate Court and Bridgette knows it and they are the best judge on if I navigate it correctly…” Rhiannon put up a hand to stop her from talking.  “You should have told us.  You should have told Morrigan.  Aine, you saw what he did to her during the final.” “You wouldn’t have helped me if I told you,” Aine whined.  “Please, Mor.” “Just…get this over with,” I managed to get out.  I closed my eyes and forced myself to focus inwardly like the Witch and the Master taught me how to do.  I had to keep my power in check just long enough to get through this for Aine.  She needed us. Rhiannon shot a worried look over at me behind Aine’s back.  I nodded back.  I could handle this. Aine opened the doors to the ballroom and we followed her in.  I forced myself to only look at Bridgette and Tobin where they stood to the right of the door, talking quietly. “Aine!” Bridgette said happily.  “The dresses look exquisite!  Wonderfully done.  Tell me about the design and the pieces and why you chose them.” I forced myself to follow Aine and Rhiannon across the room.  I kept what I hoped was a light smile on my face while she talked to Bridgette and Tobin about the dresses and the accessories she had designed and why she chose them specifically.  Gods, please let this be it. Nope, the Gods apparently wanted to test me. “Perfect,” Brigette was saying.  “Now, Prince Aerron and his sworn have graciously agreed to help you with your final, Aine.  Morrigan, if you would, please, you are paired with the Prince.  Rhiannon with Lord Rhys and Aine with Lord Loren.  I will call the dances.  Aine, I have given you instructions and Lord Loren has his.  Begin.” I was going to throttle Aine when this was over. I found myself standing in front of Prince Aerron, our bastard of a Gairn, waiting for the music to start.  He was so close, I could feel the heat of his body against my own.  I had been close to him before when we were sparring, but this was entirely different. I braced myself when he picked up my right hand in his left and put his right hand on my waist.  I resolutely refused to look in to his eyes as I placed my left hand on his right shoulder.  I could do this, I could do this.  I didn’t have to look at him, I just had to dance. Prince Aerron Draeskril was nothing to shirk at, by any means.  He was the Crown Prince of the High Forest Fae Kingdom of the Fourth Realm.  The Prince was tall and powerfully built, like nearly all of the High Fae, with hair as dark as a raven’s feathers and golden amber eyes.  He had the perpetual golden skin, like some of his brethren.  It was the killer predatory grace that sealed the package.  Oh, and let’s not forget the absolutely absurd ego. When we first arrived on this side of the High Keep, we had been excited to start our training.  I had barely slept the first night because I was so nervous about meeting our new professors the next morning.  We were all out in the courtyard, lined up in training gear and being introduced, when the High Seat had breezed in through our gate and to our courtyard with the Prince and his sworn in tow.  Master Byr had pulled Boudicca aside and argued with her for a moment before pulling a sealed scroll out of his sleeve and handing it to her, as if that settled whatever argument they were having.  Boudicca had almost lost the precarious hold on her temper when she opened the scroll.  I had seen her flush a disturbing color of red.  Master Byr had only nodded and left our courtyard, leaving the three Fae behind.  After that, Prince Aerron was introduced as our Gairn, our weapons Master.  None of the Rangers had seemed happy about the change in their chosen staff, but they couldn’t do anything about it. Our mornings had started with our Gairn easily enough.  We began with moves of Easkilyn first, or the Dance of Death.  During that time, my sisters and I had all three fallen victim to the charms of the three Fae in our midst.  They were beautiful.  The moves were simple enough.  When we were confident and strong with the moves, our Gairn added light practice weapons.  The stronger we got, the heavier the practice weapons got.  Then, we began to spar.  And that’s when it all went to s**t. I learned very quickly that I had an intense competitive drive that rivaled even Rhiannon’s, but only really when it came to Prince Aerron.  With the others, I could usually let it go.  Depending on how frustrated I was with the Prince. By the time our practice weapons were replaced with real weapons, about two years ago, I thoroughly hated the Prince and, quite possibly, his sworn by association.  He was absolutely brutal.  He pushed me harder than was necessary and for no other reason than because he could.  Because no one would stop him.  Our sparring sessions in the past year were increasingly ending in draws.  Occasionally, I won, but I never felt good about it, because I couldn’t shred him limb from limb. I shook my head and tried to focus on the music.  It was a relatively easy dance and didn’t require my body to be close to his.  There was a good four inches between us.  Good.  Let’s keep it that way. Then the music changed. Prince Aerron hesitated for a moment before pulling me closer to his body.  I resisted for a moment before I remembered Aine, and that she needed this to go perfectly for her final.  My body was flush with his for the first time ever and I wanted nothing more than to run away. I made myself look up at him, finally, and found him looking down at me with the most intense look in his eyes.  He didn’t want to be here, either, I guessed.  But, godsdammit, I was hooked.  I should have never looked. My power roared to life inside of me and prowled along my bones, looking for release.  Fire licked along my insides and threatened to burn me from the inside out as we moved across the floor.  Our bodies found a rhythm that I didn’t even know existed.  One predator circling another.  The beast inside of me opened an eye and looked around.  Oh, this was so not good. His hand flexed on my lower back, pressing me against his body as we completed a turn in the dance.  I should have known he would dance as effortlessly as he fought.  Some part of me just had never thought about it.  But, Gods, I was thinking about it now. A Tuillaryn.  I have a Tuillaryn.  What was his name again? The music changed again.  A faster song, but required our bodies to be just as close, but with lifts.  I braced myself for my legs to be moving between his and for the first lift.  I was breathless as we spun through the first circuit of the dancefloor and prepared for the first lift.  His hands seared my skin through the thin layers of the dress at my waist as he picked me up and spun me around like I weighed nothing more than a feather and pulled me back down so I was flush with his body again, my legs moving between his. Sweet Goddess, what was happening. Out of nowhere, the music just stopped. Prince Aerron set me away from him like I had burned him and stalked out of the room, his sworn close on his heels. Bridgette and Tobin stared after them, unable to speak for a moment.  Finally, Bridgette found her voice.  “Well done, Aine,” she said quietly.  She shook her head and turned to look at us.  “You are released until the Rites tonight.  You know where to be,” she said, her voice stronger. I glared at the door where Prince Aerron had stalked out of and wanted to kill him.  It took everything I had to keep my power in check and stormed out of the room.   The last thing I heard was Bridgette telling Tobin, “We have to tell Boudicca.  Now.” I barely made it into my room before I started tugging on the laces of the dress, trying to rip it off of me.  The only thing that stopped me from cutting it off of my body was the tiny squeak that I heard coming from Aine behind me, begging me not to destroy her creation.  I held my arms out to her.  A silent demand to get it off of me.  Immediately. Aine worked quickly to take everything off of me, then raced from the room, followed closely by Rhiannon, to change her own clothes.  They both knew what I was going to do. I lunged for my normal clothes.  Socks, pants, soft cotton shirt, leather bodice and tied my hair back in to a tight braid.  I was pulling on my favorite boots when my sisters rushed back into my room, their own boots in hand and weapons belts over their shoulders. “You will wear a bodice, but hate the corsets,” Aine clucked her tongue against her teeth.  She was trying to cheer me up. “Soft leather.  More movement,” was all I said as I finished with my boots and slid my knives in to them.  I made my point as I slid the knives in to place in the bodice.  I reached for my sword and weapons belt next and bow and quiver. “Wow.  Okay.  So, we are going there,” Aine said.  “Don’t,” Rhiannon told her.  She turned to me.  “We have until sundown and we need to be back.” I nodded.  I knew.  We had to prepare for the Rites.  We would be back in time. I grabbed one more sword to tie to my saddle and stalked to my door.  When I stepped out in to the hallway, my sisters ducked back in to their rooms to grab a few more weapons for themselves.  When we passed the kitchen, Roslyn only tossed three packs at us and reminded us about sundown.  The stables were eerily silent when we walked in and started pulling out our tack.  Rhoca, my horse, started to fidget in her stall when she caught sight of me.  I didn’t say anything to her, just ran my hands over her softly before I started to get her ready for a ride.  I put my forehead against hers, apologizing.  It was going to be a hard ride.  She pushed her head against mine and blew a breath against my chest.  She understood.  I patted her neck in thanks and put my foot in the stirrup, hoisting myself up into the saddle.  My sisters were waiting for me out in the courtyard.  Our horses danced out through the gate, barely containing the energy that was flowing out of us and in to them.  Once through the gate, I let Rhoca have her head and she took off like a bolt of lightning.  Next to me, Rhiannon whooped a war cry.  I guess I wasn’t the only one who needed a ride to release pent up energy. The ride towards the forest was glorious.  I felt free, if even for a brief moment.  I could feel Rhoca’s strong body moving beneath me, gliding effortlessly across the ground.  Next to me, my sisters were keeping pace on their own horses.  Ahead of us, the forest was welcoming and cool.  A promise of a quiet afternoon away from the Keep and everyone in it. Then hoofbeats sounded behind us. Angry, I turned to look behind me and saw the Prince and his sworn gaining ground on us.  I signaled Rhiannon next to me, and then Aine.  They both turned to look back and then turned angry looks at me.  I nodded and turned Rhoca towards a small path that I knew we would have to ride single file on. We hit the trail first.  Aine took her customary lead and Rhiannon took her place behind me.  Not ideal, as I had wanted a ride with my sisters, but at least we couldn’t be forced to talk since we were riding single file.  Aine knew were we would go before we would turn back to the Keep. I tried to slow my breathing and focus on the forest around us.  The Ancient forest was teaming with life.  In the past seven years, I had spent days at a time out in the forest with the Master and the Witch.  Sometimes Boudicca would join us, sometimes Phaedra, the Yova Princess, would join us.  They had made sure I knew every tree, every plant, every animal.  I knew how to survive without my magic. Surprisingly, many of the same plants and animals were found in every Realm.  The only differences were between the Known and Lost Realms, because of the magic.  Creatures that depended on or were drawn to magic typically weren’t found in the Lost Realms.  This made me sad for the Witch for when she had to leave the High Keep.  She had marveled at the creatures that weren’t in her Realm. Like I had been taught, I focused in on the life energies around me.  Initially, I found the wolf pack I knew first.  They were lounging near the entrance to their cave.  Then the Shadow Cats I knew of, gryphons in their aeries, arrow larks and ravens drifting on the air currents. Focus, Mor. I took a deep breath and settled my energy better.  There it was.  The elk and roe deer herds.  Sprites, forest folk, and others.  Other peaceful beings that made up the forest.  Balance.  It’s all about balance. The Witch and the Master had puzzled over why I was drawn to specific energies, specific animals, for a few years before they finally gave up and decided it was just part of what made me, me.  Like why I had a massive Shadow Cat that never left my side.  Some things just…were. Glittering beams of gentle sunlight drifted through the canopy of trees around us, decorating the foliage and path around us with golden warmth.  Small birds and sprites flitted among the bushes and branches of the trees, caring for the plants themselves and the blooms, eating the bugs that might cause harm.  Higher above them, larger, more predatory birds, were watching for easy prey that they could snatch from the air or off of the ground. The whole forest had the desired effect, even with the Fae riding behind us.  My power had evened out and I no longer wanted to level half of the High Keep or shred the Prince.  I was keenly aware of his presence, though.  I could feel his power pushing against mine, ever so gently.  Just enough to let me know that he was there.  Had that press of his power against mine always been there? The path widened so that I could ride beside my sisters.  We were getting close to our turn around point.  Aine waited ahead for Rhiannon and me to catch up to her so that she was riding at my left and Rhiannon was at my right. “I’m sorry, Mor,” Aine finally said. “It’s okay, Aine,” I sighed.  “It’s not your fault he’s like that.” Aine looked confused.  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she clarified.  “I knew you wouldn’t help me if I did.  You’ve been weird about him.” Rhiannon answered before I could.  “Probably because he’s harder on Mor than either of us, Aine.  He beat her almost to a pulp during our final.” Aine frowned.  “Mor, you’re just as rough on him.  I see the shots you get in on him when you spar.  Besides, it’s not like he would ever purposely do any serious damage.” Rhiannon rolled her eyes.  “Obviously.  None of our professors are allowed to do that.” Aine laughed.  “It has nothing to do with that.  It’s the same reason why he’s out here now.  We certainly don’t require an escort anymore.” Rhiannon and I both turned in our saddles to stare at Aine, waiting for an explanation.  Aine sighed and rolled her eyes at us.  “He loves her.” “I beg your pardon,” Rhiannon said. I said nothing.  I stared straight ahead and pretended I didn’t hear the cough behind us. “This isn’t one of your books, Aine,” Rhiannon said angrily.  “The Prince isn’t going to suddenly wake up and discover that he’s in love with the girl and defy his father for her.  Especially not an orphan Ranger with not a drop of noble blood.” “Ouch,” I whispered. “Sorry,” Rhiannon grumbled. “Honestly, Rhiannon, you have the emotional range of a blade,” Aine said haughtily.  “I know it’s not some fantasy book, thank you very much.  I’m quite sure his father approves.  I heard him and Boudicca and Corbyn arguing about it some months ago.” “It doesn’t mean anything,” Rhiannon said, “other than you shouldn’t be eavesdropping around the Keep.” Behind us, the Prince’s power pressed against mine for a moment then went away again.  I wondered if he could hear our conversation.  Who was I kidding.  Of course, he could. “Just, let it go,” I said.  “It doesn’t matter.  The Rites are tonight and then we will be full Rangers.  You know the laws within the Order.  No marriage, no families.  Only service to the Order.” We rode in silence for a while.  All of us lost in our own thoughts.  After Aine’s little insight, I could only guess what they were thinking about.  It was insane, though.  The Prince wanted nothing to do with me.  That was made very clear with his behavior the last seven years and this morning in the ballroom. “What do you think it’s going to be like?” Aine asked, breaking the silence. “What?” Rhiannon asked. “Seeing our Tuillaryn again,” Aine said.  “What do you think they are going to be like?” There was the press of the power behind me again and, with it, something that felt like he was angry.  I shivered at the feeling. Rhiannon shrugged.  “Taller, I guess.” I couldn’t hold back the laugh that burst forth from my lips.  It startled me, but I let it go, my sisters joining it.  It felt good to laugh with them.  The press of the power behind me lessened again. “I don’t know,” Rhiannon said.  “We didn’t really see much of them before they were taken to their side of the Keep.” We had reached the glade that was our turn around point.  There was a crystal clear, cold stream that ran through the middle of it.  We would typically leave our horses to wander and graze while we dipped our feet in the cold water and talked a bit before we turned back to the Keep.  I had been looking forward to it.   With the Fae behind us, though, I was only going to let Rhoca get a drink before we turned back. I swung my leg around over Rhoca’s neck and dropped down to the ground at her side.  I grabbed one of the split reins and led her over to the stream.  Behind me, I heard the Prince and the other Fae reach the glade.  I shut out listening to them.  I didn’t want to. When I reached the stream, I leaned against Rhoca’s side and closed my eyes as she dipped her head to get a long drink from the cold water.  I was aware of my sisters, further down the stream with their horses.  I distantly wondered why they had gone so far down. Then I felt the heat of a body close to me and my eyes flew open.  I kept my eyes on the forest in front of me, but I was acutely aware of the Prince standing next to me.  What I didn’t know was why he was there.  I wasn’t about to ask why, though.  “Morrigan, I wanted to apologize for my behavior this morning,” he said quietly. Well, what do you know.  He does know my name. “You don’t need to apologize, Your Grace,” I said quickly, not trusting my voice.  “It’s fine.” He grabbed my free had and turned me to face him.  I knew better than to fight the movement and let him turn my body. “It’s not fine, Morrigan.  I was just…I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have…I should have spoken to you sooner,” he stumbled over his words.  He ran his other hand through his hair, like he was frustrated with the whole situation. I squinted up at him, utterly confused.  “Your Grace, I don’t know what you are talking about.” “Aerron, please.  You don’t have to use my title.  Ever.  I just…the dress…I thought I could handle it.  I didn’t believe him.  And then you were getting better and I knew I had to make sure you were better than me even.  I wanted to…but I told him no.  But he won’t…”, the Prince paused. I stepped back, taking my hand out of his.  “Your Grace, you aren’t making any sense.” He reached for my hand again, but I was distracted by Kai stalking into the clearing and heading straight for me. Rhoca tossed her head and snorted at the Shadow Cat as she got closer.  Down the stream, my sisters paused their conversation with the other Fae to watch us.  Kai pushed her head against my hip and then tilted her head back to the forest.  When I didn’t move, she pushed me towards Rhoca. I got the hint and jumped back in to Rhoca’s saddle.  “Show me.” I wasn’t waiting for anyone else to follow me, I knew my sisters would.  Kai took off through the forest the way she had come from.  I strained my hearing, listening for anything that might give me a clue as to what had her spooked.  But there was nothing. That was just it.  Nothing.  The forest was completely silent.  Like it was holding its breath.  I pushed out my awareness and tried to focus on the energy around me.  The animals of the forest were all making their way towards the High Keep.  The opposite direction of the way we were going.  That couldn’t be good. Kai led us up to the top of a ridge line where the stench of decay and death kept getting stronger and stronger.  We left our horses on the edge of the tree line where they would be hidden from sight and we crawled to the edge of the ridge on our bellies so we wouldn’t be seen. Stretched out below us, destroying the land as they marched, was an enormous demon legion.  The vanguard was made up of hell hounds.  Their shadowy forms moving across the landscape, sniffing out any magical prey.  And they were heading straight for the High Keep. It was difficult to tell how many hell hounds there were because of their blurry bodies.  They were like living shadows.  The only solid parts of them seemed to be their jagged iron claws and teeth that dripped acid.  Behind the hell hounds were mounted demons on horehounds.  Larger versions of the hell hounds and definitely more solid.  Rows upon rows of demons that I didn’t recognize from any of my classes. I turned to Rhiannon on my left, hoping she would recognize more.  She only shook her head at me.  So, I turned to my right, where the Prince had settled himself and asked the same silent question.  And received the same answer.  He didn’t recognize the majority of them, either. Well, isn’t that just a peach. I dropped my head in my hands and groaned inwardly.  Not only was a demon legion in what was supposed to be the most heavily fortified Realm, but not a single Yova or Dyr’scal was in the sky.  No one had noticed them yet.  Not a single warning had been sounded.  How was that possible? I signaled everyone to drop back to the trees and didn’t turn to see if they followed.  Once I was back to the safety of my horse, I dropped my forehead to hers and breathed deeply.  Oh, friend, I am about to ask a lot from you. I turned back to the others.  “Rhiannon, Aine, get back to the Keep and sound the alarm.  Tell them what’s happening.  Take the Fae with you.  They can shield you.  Kai will lead you back.” “What are you going to do?” Rhiannon asked. “I’m going to give them something to chase,” I said.  “I will lead them to the front of the Keep, where the gate is stronger.  That should give the Yova and Dyr’scal time to get into the air.  Don’t waste any time.  Get back.  Find Boudicca.  Raise the alarm.” My sisters nodded and vaulted into their saddles.  The Prince grabbed their reins before they could take off, though. “What do you think you are doing?” he demanded. “Giving them time!” I whispered a little too loudly.  “That legion is moving fast and our horses can’t fly.  I can stay ahead of them.”  I didn’t like him challenging me.  It wasn’t going to end well. The Prince growled and turned to his sworn.  “Go with them.  Keep them shielded.  When you get to the Keep, find my father.  He should be with the High Seat.  Tell him I am guarding her.  Go!” He jumped up in to his saddle and we raced back down the ridge after the others.  I knew Kai would get them back safely.   When it was time to part ways, the Prince and I left the protection of the shield that his sworn had wrapped around my sisters. “I don’t need a babysitter!” I screamed at him as we charged through the forest. His only answer was to glare at me. Any minute, the hell hounds would pick up our magical trail and we would be riding for our lives. An unearthly howl tore through the air around us and sent a shiver up my spine.  They scented us a lot faster than I thought they would. I sent a spear of thought out to Phaedra, hoping I was close enough for her to hear me.  I couldn’t focus enough to send actual thoughts, so I sent images of the legion from when I had seen them on the ridge and hoped she could understand.  I really should have worked harder on being able to focus my thoughts. In the mountains, a horn that I recognized blew, echoing across the mountains.  Phaedra had heard me.  Behind us, the hell hounds were gaining ground.  The stench of their rot and decay was getting thicker around us as we plunged through the forest, racing for the open plain.  We had been taking a longer route, leading the legion away from the Keep then back towards it so that we could get to safety. As we neared the edge of the plain, the hounds were nearly on us.  The Prince and I were sending wild blasts of power behind us, trying to stay ahead.  On the walls of the Keep, horns sounded bright and clear and steaks of magic lit up.  My sisters had made it and raised the alarm.  In the sky, gryphons were launching to the air up on the mountains.  Higher up, dragon shadows shot across the plain. “We are too close to the legion!” I yelled to the Prince.  “They can’t attack without hitting us!” He turned to look back and then back to me.  He nodded and started throwing more flashes of power behind him.  Every time we knocked a hell hound back, another took its place.  I had already stopped Rhoca from being taken down several times.  We weren’t going to make it.  Not without something drastic. I noticed that most of the hounds were zeroed in on me and my power.  The more I threw at them, the more frenzied they became.  I started shooting more at the hounds behind the Prince, drawing their attention towards me. “Come on, Rhoca,” I whispered to her.  “I need you to run, Sister.  I need a little more of a lead.” Rhoca shot ahead and the Prince’s horse followed, sensing the urgency.  I gave up all pretense on hiding and called on the Battle Magic, flinching when the runes came to life on my skin.  The blast of power that I loosened on the hounds knocked the whole line back and sent them rolling, stunned, in to the charging horehounds behind them. I looked at the Prince.  He was charging head long for our back gate, confident that I was beside him.  Good.  I had bought enough of a lead.  He would get there.  I turned Rhoca in a wide U and set myself in the face of the charging legion. I sent another spear of thought to Phaedra who was circling above me, telling her to be ready.  I was going to give her a gap. I dove down into my well of power and sent a blast of power towards the legion.  A shock wave of blue light burst out of me, from my outstretched hands, and hit the charging legion head on.  The earth shook dangerously underneath me and all around.  Where the wave hit, a great chasm opened up and the first of the legion tumbled into the fiery depths that had opened up in front of them.  The remaining legion on the other side roared at me and I roared right back at them. I sent another blast of power at the legion then the world around me began to shrink.  The edges of my vision started to turn black, my vision blurred.  The last thing I remembered was being lifted out of my saddle by strong arms and the smell of sandlewood and clean leather.