Chapter 1 - Chapter 6

Chapter 1

I sat on my bed looking at the small box my grandma had given me last night for my sixteenth birthday. According to her this box had stones in it that used magic to record someone’s life. She said that everything I would see in the stones would be true. Of course I didn’t believe her. How could a box of rocks hold memories of dead people?

I opened the box and saw a bunch of what looked like quartz crystals sitting in slots. About half of them had a name in front of them. The rest were blank. There was metal tube strapped to the inside of the lid. I pulled it off and felt a tingle go through my hands. I dropped the tube and rubbed my hands. The tingle stopped and I heard a small hiss from the tube.

I looked at it and one end was opened. I hesitantly picked it back up and saw that a piece of thin leather was in it. I pulled it out and found writing covering the entire roll. I know that I have never even seen the language it was written in, but for some reason I was able to read it.

It was instructions on how see what was in the memory stones and how to make one of my own. I was kind of board so I decided to try making my own. I picked up the next blank one and followed the instructions on the piece of leather. I held the crystal and read the words out loud three times then waited. I thought I had done something wrong so I looked back down at the piece of leather and accidentally cut my finger on the edge on the crystal.

I looked down at the crystal and saw my blood running down it, but not dripping off of it. The stone was soaking it in. I felt a slight tug as the crystal pulled the blood out faster. When it was completely red I saw my name appear on the label that was in front of the crystal I was holding. The crystal went clear again then turned cloudy.

I sat the crystal back in it’s slot and set the box on my desk. I looked down at my finger and couldn’t see anywhere that I had been cut. I shuddered a bit then went back to reading the piece of leather.

According to what I read everything went exactly as it was supposed to. As I was reading the words on the page started to move. I set the piece of leather down and watched the words shift to give the instructions on how to view the memory stones. I picked up a random one that was labeled Valora and started watching.

I put the memory stone down and picked up a different one. After several stones I decided that if the Emperor ever found out this box existed it would be very bad for my family. According to the official history Le` Than’s people had been hunted to extinction for the assassination of the General and the Queen. The brave Queen knew she was going to die so she quickly signed the contract to surrender her kingdom to the Empire before she could be killed. In the history that signature freed her people from the slavery Le` Than’s people had forced them into.

This box of memory stones tells a completely different story of the birth of the Empire. Le` Than’s people were not killed, they just went into hiding. Queen Valora was not assassinated in the throne room that day. She died in childbirth in a barn two provinces away from her home.

Her daughter, my great-great-great-grandmother, was given a simple wooden box by a man claiming to be a wizard. Inside of the box were memory stones. The wizard told her to pass the stones down to her daughter and to her daughter after until Le` Than’s people returned. The wizard showed her how to make her own memory stone and told her to reveal the knowledge to no one but her daughter when she passed on the box.

I decided to try an experiment to see if Le` Than’s blood still flows strong in my family. I took off my jacket and looked in the mirror at the open-back shirt my mother had always insisted I wear before she died. With a little effort and a bit of focus I watched as leathery wings emerged from my back.

The stones were true memories. I let my focus slip and the wings vanished again. I put my jacket back on and sat back down, staring at the box.

“Gods, what am I going to do now? I’m a freak.” I put box behind a loose panel on the wall.

I heard Grandma calling me to leave for school. I stopped to check my reflection in the mirror before I went down stairs.

5’4” tall and skinny. Not anorexic skinny, there is no way I could starve myself like that, it’s just weird. I’m not involved in sports at school, but I like to keep in shape. The track coach keeps trying to get me to try out for the team, but I always tell him I wouldn’t want to embarrass the rest of his team. The real reason is that I’m just not all that interested in the sports they have to offer. I don’t know what sport I would like, I’ll figure it out when I see it. My black hair comes to the middle of my back when I let it hang loose. Most of the time, like today, I keep it in a braid. My emerald-green eyes tilt slightly up at the corners. A slight bit of freckles under them draw just enough attention that it keeps guys form spending too much time trying to look at my chest. Not that there is a lot there for them to see, but still, I would rather people look me in the eyes.

Up until this morning I had wondered where I had gotten the tilt to my eyes, but now I know they came from Le` Than’s people. I guess I should start calling them my people since I do have their blood running through my veins.

“Yarianna Nicole if you don’t get down here this instant I am going to drag you by your hair all the way to school! Now get moving!”

“I’ll be down in a moment Grandma!” I smiled, revealing slightly pointed teeth, and kissed my fingers then touched them to a picture of my mom I keep over my mirror. “Bye, mom. I’ll see you after school.”

I ran down stairs and smiled at grandma as she was tapping her foot. “Sorry grandma. I was looking at the birthday present you gave me. I guess I lost track of time.”

The foot stopped tapping and her jaw opened slightly. She quickly closed her mouth and pretended like nothing had happened. “Were you able to see anything?”

“Yeah.”

“My dear child, I am sorry. I had hoped, but I wasn’t sure. How do you feel?”

I gave her a puzzled look. “I feel fine. Why? Should I feel different?”

“No back pain? Eyes don’t hurt? No body aches?”

“No. What’s going on grandma? Your starting to scare me.”

“Maybe the blood is weak enough for the curse to skip you. Did you try to call the wings yet?”

“Yeah. They were beautiful, even if they do make me a freak now. Grandma, what is going on?”

“They didn’t hurt?”

“No. Can we go to school now? Your starting to freak me out.”

“Child, you are not going to go to school today. You and I are going to take a drive and I am going to tell you about who you are. How far did you get with the memory stones?”

“I was watching Valora cry in her throne room just after Le` Than left. Other then that, just bits and pieces. I did see what really happened to Le` Than’s people.”

“Did you see any of the other’s call their wings?”

“Yeah. That’s what made me think to try it myself. I was watching a bit of her daughter’s life.”

“Did you get to see what happened afterward?”

“No, you kind of sounded like you were going to start coming upstairs any moment.”

“Then you didn’t get to see the curse. Yari, from now on you are going to have to be very careful with your temper until you learn how to master it. Go change into some cloths to hike in. There are some things I need to teach you. Gods, I wish your mother was here. She should be the one to teach you. I am getting too old for this. Go on now, I am going to call your school.”

I gave her another look and went upstairs to change. I grabbed the box of memory stones on my way down. I have no idea why I did, it just seemed like the thing to do. It turned out that if I wouldn’t have grabbed it then grandma would have sent me back upstairs to get it, so it was a good thing I thought ahead.

I got in the car and looked at grandma. “So, what did you tell Mr. Stensen? He usually wont excuse anybody unless they have the plague.”

“I told him that it was a family emergency and that if he didn’t like it I could go down there and explain it to him in person.”

I laughed. The last time grandma went to the school to ‘explain’ things to Mr. Stensen she had threatened to gut him with her fingernails if he ever questioned her again. “So I take it he wants you to visit?”

“Ha! That twit started stuttering so bad I could barely understand him when he said it was ok and I didn’t need to go there. I want you to remember how to get to the place we are going. It is one of the only place you can go to learn how to use that other side. I was really hoping the curse would pass you by Yari.”

“Why do you keep calling it a curse? It doesn’t feel wrong or bad or anything. If anything it feels more natural then anything else I have ever felt.”

“It has caused our family nothing but heartache. Every generation has had to go through no end of trouble to hide what we are and the contents of that box you carry. I do not believe Le` Than’s people are ever going to come out of hiding. Sometimes I wonder if the Empire actually managed to kill them all. I have never seen any other outside of our family, not even in passing. It is also the reason your mother died. That is why I call it a curse.”

“How did she die? I know you must have told me when I was younger, but I don’t remember the reason.”

“Actually, I never did give you a reason. Your mother was stubborn. I told her that she should never tell anyone about that other side. You were asleep when your mother and father went for a drive. She had decided to tell him about what we are. They were up on the bluffs when she told him. He demanded proof and she showed him her wings. He reached up like he was going to touch them and broke them broke them instead. He didn’t count on her grip. They both fell over the edge. It was ruled an accident. Two people who got too close to the edge in the dark. If she would have just listened to me she would still be here.” Grandma wiped the tears out of her eyes and turned off on a dirt road that led past the bluffs. “I hate this place, but it is, unfortunately, the only place no one will be able to see us.”

We drove for a few minutes in silence and took another road that looked like it wasn’t driven on very much. I saw several ‘private property’ and ‘keep out’ signs along the road. We drove up to a gate that grandma gave me a key to open it. I locked it behind us and we drove for another ten minutes.

When we got there I could see why no one would be able to see us. We parked on the side of a ravine and climbed down some hand holds carved into the rock. We walked up the ravine for a while. We turned a sharp corner and my jaw dropped.

In front of me was the mouth of a cave. Somehow I knew that it opened up into a cavern large enough that several people could fly without running into each other.

“When you learn how to use your wings better it wont take as long to get here, but until then we have to take the long way. Go on in. I need to catch my breath.”

I knew she wasn’t telling me the truth, but I went in anyway. The floor gradually sloped down to form a large cavern. The ground was covered in sand and at the back there was a smaller cave that had a bed, food, and water. I wasn’t very good at judging how long food should last, but it looked like someone could live down here for at least six months before they had to worry about food or water.

There was a pool that had water continuously running into it from the wall or the cave. Grandma walked in behind me. “Amazing isn’t it?” She took a cup, dipped it into the pool and took a drink. “I forgot how good the water from this spring tasted. Help yourself, after we eat I am going to teach you the basics of what you are.”

“What is this place Grandma?”

“This is what is left of an underground city. Your great-great-grandma found the entrance when she was a young girl. She used to come here to get away from everybody. An earthquake just before I was born closed off the rest of the city and my mother bought the land. I try to keep it stocked just in case something happens. Before you ask what I think might happen, don’t. I don’t plan on anything actually happening, but I have lived through some hard times and want to be prepared.”

“There is a fine line between prepared and paranoid, Grandma. I think you might be dancing on it.”

She raised her eyebrow at me with a smile on her face. “Live a few more years Yari, you will see. The first thing I want you to get used to is the added weight of the wings. Just standing with them is one thing. Walking with them is something else altogether. While you are in this cavern I want you to have your wings out all the time. Expect the first few weeks to be hard to get used to. You will most likely find it difficult to judge exactly where your wings are at, but as you move around it does get easier.”

“Ok…how long are we going to be down here? It is getting close to lunch time.”

“You are going to be here at least through the end of the week. I wish there was another way, but I want you to spend the time getting used to your wings and studying those memory stones. When the curse first awakens it is hard to control. There are times that your wings will emerge on their own if you do not have proper control over them. They are just like every other muscle on you body. You have to properly develop them for them to be any use to you. One thing I am going to ask you is that you do not try to fly on your own. I know that you will want to, but it can be dangerous for you if there is no one there to catch you if you fall.”

“You mean you aren’t going to be down here with me?”

“No, I am going to go back to the house. You will be fine here. I can almost guarantee you will be better then you think you will be. Le` Than’s people are tied to the elements. That is one of the reasons they are hated so much by the Empire. You will be ok here. As for school, you wont get too far behind. I will make sure to bring your homework to you when I come back.”

“But grandma…”

“No buts. Keep your own schedule, study when you want to. Get used to your wings. The next few days you will experience mood swings that, frankly, I don’t want to be here see. There are some cloths here for you to change into. I am going to leave now and see you tomorrow. Ok?”

“Ok grandma. I love you.”

“I love you too Yari. Stay safe.”

“I will. You too.”

Chapter 2

I watched grandma walk across the cavern. I took my jacket off and focused on my wings. They emerged and folded on my back. Sitting down took a bit to figure out and when I stopped focusing on the wings they vanished.

I realized that I was angry when I heard a soup can hit the far wall and disintegrate. My arm was a bit sore from throwing it and, to my surprise my fingernails had changed shape and very closely resembled three inch claws. I knew without looking that my pointed teeth were longer and sharper.

Suddenly I understood what grandma meant by mood swings and why she called it a curse. I thought about what would have happened if I had been at school and lost control of my temper like that. I shuddered at the image of my claws buried in one of my friend’s neck. I sat down and tried to relax. I found the longer I sat the angrier I got so I got up and walked out to the main cavern.

On the wall of the cavern were several sets of weapons that caught my eye. I walked over to them and saw that they were all arranged by weight. I chuckled when I thought about how the modern world had rendered these weapons useless unless you were staring in a martial arts movie. I saw several stands that were obviously used for cleaning and repairing the weapons sitting at the end of the row. I looked back at the weapons on the wall and saw that every one of them needed work done on them.

I decided that I may as well clean them since I wasn’t going to be able to sit still. I focused on my wings to let them out again and picked up the first set of daggers. I set them down on the cleaning stand and worked slowly, keeping my focus on my wings.

I worked on that the rest of the day and found I didn’t get nearly as frustrated when I lost focus. I realized it was getting dark because I couldn’t see what I was working on. I sighed and put the set of daggers away.

I warmed up a can of soup and cleaned up the mess I had made with the other one.

That night I sat down and pulled out the memory stones again. I watched the life of Valora’s daughter. I saw how hard it was for her to learn on her own. I felt the pain of breaking a wing because it wasn’t strong enough to support her weight. When I got tired I put the stones away and went to the closet.

I found several open-backed shirts and sweats. I let my wings go just long enough to change and get ready for bed. As soon as I was ready I called them again and laid down to sleep. I thought I was going to have a hard time falling asleep, but with the sound of the water running into the spring I was asleep soon after my head hit the pillow.

I woke up with a strange feeling on my back. It took me a few moments to realize the feeling was my wings. As soon as I realized it they vanished. I suppressed the flash of rage and got up.

I took my time getting ready for the day. As soon as I was dressed I called my wings in again and ate breakfast. I went back to the weapons on the wall and went back to work.

I was done with the daggers and half way through the short swords when I realized that I was being watched.

I turned toward the entrance of the cavern and saw my grandma sitting on one of the other benches.

She smiled at me. “Hard at work I see. Your mother used to work with that same focus. I have already made lunch. Come and sit with me for a bit.”

I smiled back and followed her into the kitchen. She must have been there for a while before I noticed her because lunch turned out to be more then just a can of soup. I sat down to a full meal with grandma. It took me most of the meal to realize my wings were still out and, thankfully, this time they didn’t vanish as soon as I realized it.

Grandma grinned at me. “Fast learner. How many cans of soup did you go through before you could keep focused?”

“Just one. It would have been more if it weren’t for the work that needs to be done on those weapons. They have a calming effect that surprised me.”

“It doesn’t surprise me. When you start training with them you will find that you will learn them as if you were just remembering how to use them.”

“What makes you think I will want to learn how to use them? What if I just try to forget about all of this as soon as you tell me I can control myself?”

Grandma gave me a sad smile. “I know you will because you are your mother’s daughter and you, unfortunately, did inherit the family curse. Those two reasons are why I know that you won't want to stop yourself from learning. I know that once you taste the air with your wings spread it will take all I have to get back on the ground. I know this because your mother was the same way. I know that you will love flight, like you mother, like I used to. I can see that you are going to be ok on your own for a bit. I probably won't make it back until next week. As soon as we finish lunch I am going to leave. I left some of your clothes in the room.”

“I understand. I would hate myself if I lost control with you here and I hurt you. I think I will be ok by next week, but my temper is still too close to the edge. I can feel it just below the surface even now. Part of me is getting mad that you are here now. I don’t know why.”

“That is normal for us. The other side of you has claimed this place as her lair. Right now I am invading your territory. I could stop her, but then you would have to find another place to learn. When your wings are fully developed we will both be able to be in the same area without having to control our tempers, but until then I will let you get more control.”

“How will I know when they are fully developed?”

“You will know.”

I felt my vision start to tunnel as rage began to blind me. “I think you should go now grandma.”

She heard the change in my voice and stood up. “I think you are right. I will see you next week.”

I watched her back out the door and walk to the opening of the cavern. My rage didn’t start to cool down until I was finished eating and back working on the short swords. The rest of the week was a blur of weapons, memory stones, and rage.

Every time I thought about missing grandma I also thought about her being near me. My other side saw that as her being in my territory and the rage would flair again. I was determined to conquer my rage. I forced my other side to deal with thoughts of my grandma.

I learned to separate my other side’s emotions from my own. As her rage would flair I would silence it with my own. Her rage slowly died down to a quiet rumble by the time grandma showed back up. I knew she arrived when I felt my other side grumble. I quickly silenced her and turned around.

Grandma smiled, “Since I am looking at you without fangs and claws I am going to assume you have managed to control your other side.”

I smiled back, “Yeah, it took a bit, but all she does now is grumble. I know I’m going to have to sit down with her and work out who is more dominate before I even try to fly, but I think we have made excellent progress. I was just about to stop for something to eat. Care to join me?”

“I would love to.”

Grandma and I walked back into the living area and I started getting cans out to make supper. “I think I will be ready to go back to school at the start of the next school week. I still need a bit of work quieting her when thinking about other people. Are you going to be staying the night or are you leaving after we eat?”

“I can stay for a little while, but I do need to go home tonight. I will be staying all next week though. We will be working on flying and we will need all the time we can get to make sure you will be able to at least work on your own.”

“Do you really think I am ready?”

“I do. You are learning at an incredible rate. I can see it in your eyes. You are starting to yearn for the feel of the wind. You are more then ready to get a taste of the air. I was thinking we could start tonight, if you want to.”

“I would love it. Can we start after we eat?”

“Yes. I will tell you now it is best if you don’t eat a lot just before and just after you fly a long distance. It is better if you eat a light snack.”

“I will keep that in mind. Food is ready, let's eat.”

We ate quickly and walked back out to the cavern. We worked on getting off the ground then hovering first. It was late by the time I was able to keep myself in the air for more then five minutes.

That night after grandma left I sat down and meditated for the first time. I pictured myself in a clearing in an old forest. The trees reached up for hundreds of feet and were far enough apart that you could easily fly between them. I stood at one end of the clearing and invited my other side to join me.

I felt her as she walked up. She looked like a feral version of me. Her eyes were wild and her skin was covered in small scales. Her hands were slightly longer and ended in claws instead of fingernails. She moved with the grace of a wild animal, both beautiful and dangerous.

I walked to the center of the clearing and met her there. I knew her to be all of my instinct and raw emotion. We studied each other for a long time. Neither one of us spoke. Our eyes met and I felt the raw power that was always just below the surface.

I felt her anger rise at the challenge, so I let mine go. I felt her rise to the killing edge as she stood ready to fight. I let go of all restraint on my anger and stood ready to kill. I felt my own body shift.

I was more aware of my wings and small scales grew out of my skin. My hands lengthened and my fingernails grew into claws. I felt my eyes shift to vertical slits and my teeth lengthened to fangs. I stepped forward to attack and she broke eye contact.

My rage lessened on it’s own until I was back to how I looked before. She didn’t look up until I was completely back to being me. She looked me in the eye again and stepped into me. I felt all of who she was settle in me and fill the holes in me that I didn’t know existed. I finally felt whole in a way I never knew possible.

I opened my eyes and looked at the world with heightened scenes. I notices the small crystals in the stone and noticed how they caught the fire light and reflected it out in a rainbow. Suddenly the entire cavern was bathed in a wonderland of light and color. I was too tired to enjoy it fully, and was asleep before I made it to the bed.

I woke up feeling better then I had ever felt in my life. I had breakfast ready by the time grandma showed up. We ate quickly then worked on flying.

“Slow down Yari. You don’t want to hurt yourself.”

“I know, grandma. It’s just so hard to when I feel this good.”

“You had that little talk with yourself last night didn’t you?”

“I did. All the memory stones that I have looked through and none of them told me about this. Why is that?”

“Can you describe how it feels? Can you put in to words the pure joy of being whole? I couldn’t when I went through this same thing. My own mother cussing at me for pushing myself to hard. One day you might be able to, but for now, settle down a bit so we can build your wing strength. Ok?”

“Ok, grandma.” I did manage to keep myself under a bit more control while we were working on flying, but as soon as I hit the weapons rack I threw myself into the work. Grandma got supper ready and we ate.

The rest of the week pass much the same. By the end of it I spent the entire day without my feet touching the ground. It felt right to be in the air. I don’t know any other way to put it.

That night grandma told me that I had to go back home, but that I could come out here whenever I wanted to. I helped pack up all of my stuff and restock the food that I had eaten while I was there. Grandma had to remind me three times that my wings were still out before I realized that they were still out. I pulled them in and had to focus on them staying in.

Grandma shook her head and smiled. “Funny how that happens isn’t it?”

“Tell me about it. I hope I don’t slip up at school and accidentally let them out.”

“You won't. It’s your temper that I’m worried about.”

“My temper is fine, just as long as I don’t have to listen to too many stupid people.”

“Are there any other kind of people in High School?”

“Grandma, they are not all that bad.”

“As you say, Yari.”

I rolled my eyes and finished gathering up the rest of my stuff and put it all in my backpack. I put the pack on and flew to the edge of the cavern. Grandma and I flew back to the car and drove back to Grandma’s house.

When we got there I saw another car sitting in the driveway. I looked at grandma, “Were you expecting company?”

“No.”

“Then who is here?”

“Just you and me.”

“Then who’s car is that?”

“Yours.”

“Mine?”

“Yep.”

“Your joking. Right?”

“No. Think of it as incentive.”

“For what?”

“For passing your Driver’s Ed class. I signed you up for the class. They are going to call sometime this week to let me know when the classes are.”

“You have got to be the coolest grandma in the world.”

“I know. Now get inside. You have school in the morning and I am not going to accept any excuse for you missing even more class. I don’t care if you sprout horns. You are going to be there.”

“Can that happen?”

Grandma looked at me with a strait face. “Yes it can. Don’t worry about it though. I bought a new grinder just in case.”

I stared at her in shock for a few minutes.

Grandma put the car in park and started laughing. “You should see the look on your face.”

It took me a bit to realize she was joking. “Grandma!”

She laughed harder.

“Not nice. I thought old people didn’t have a sense of humor.”

“I may be old, but I still love a good prank. Come on. Get a shower and I’ll get supper ready. You are going to bed early so you will wake up on time.”

I got out of the car and grabbed my stuff. Grandma was still chuckling when we walked through the door. I dropped my stuff in my room and got in the shower.

After I washed I filled up the tub and fell asleep in the bath. Grandma woke me up so I could eat. I laid down on my bed and tried to sleep, but I couldn’t get comfortable. I finally folded one wing behind me and draped the other over me and fell asleep.

Grandma must have come in during the night because I had a blanket tossed over me when I woke up. I got up and looked at the clock. I still had another hour before I needed to wake up, but I got up anyway.

Grandma was already up and in the kitchen. I sat down at the table and she sat a plate of pancakes, sausage, and eggs in front of me. “Why is it that no matter what time I wake up, you are already up and have breakfast ready?”

“Because I am a grandma.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s your excuse for everything.”

“That’s because it works. Eat then go into the basement. I went to the cavern last night and picked up a few things for you.”

I gave her a curious look and started eating.

She just smiled. “You’ll see.”

I finished eating and went down stairs to the basement. I stopped when I got to the bottom step and looked around. All of the weapons that were in the cavern were on the walls of the basement and a work bench was set up in the back corner. I slowly walked around the room and brushed my hand on each weapon.

“So, you like?”

I turned and looked at grandma. “I love it. Thank you.”

“I left room in the middle so that when you get up to training with them you won't have to rearrange anything. You can work on them after school. Driver’s Ed is going to be early mornings. They just called to let me know. Come on. It’s time to go to school.” “But I got up an hour early. How can it already be time to go?”

“You’ve been down here for an hour. Now get dressed unless you are going to go to school in your pajamas.”

I ran upstairs and changed. I was out of my room and halfway down the hall when I realized that I needed to change again. The shirts and sweats the cavern had wouldn’t be good to wear to school.

I changed into an open-back shirt and jeans then ran back down stairs and pulled my shoes on. I grabbed my backpack and met grandma in her car. We drove to the high school and I looked at grandma. “It’s not too late to detour to the cavern.”

“Yes it is. Go. It will be fine.”

“But what if I lose control because some stupid person decided to piss me off?”

“Then you will have to learn how to hide the body. Go.”

I got out of the car, grabbed my bag, and walked into the campus to face high school again. I was almost immediately assaulted by a pack of girls more commonly referred to as my friends.

Over the din of questions about where I had been and if I was ok I heard the voice of my best friend Skyler. “Back off devil spawn or I will cut you faces off and sew them into the lining of my duster.”

They cleared a path and Skyler walked forward. He is five feet seven inches tall with black hair pulled into a ponytail that hangs down to the bottom of his shoulder blades. Pale complexion, ice blue eyes, and a toned build make girls drool over him. The black dress pants, black dress shirt, black dress boots, and black duster made those same girls avoid him.

I smiled and took his offered arm, telling my friends I would catch up with them later. “Thanks for the rescue Sky.”

“Anytime Yari. You’ve changed. Want to talk about it?”

“Not right now. I will later, but right now I just need some quiet time. A lot has happened since the last time I was here. What are you doing after school?”

“Catching up with you. Your place or mine?”

“Mine. I have some things I need to show you.”

He nodded and we walked to our tree and sat down. I call it our tree, but we don’t really own it. It used to be his tree, not that he owned it, of course, until I refused to be ignored by him. The first day of school I saw him sitting under the tree avoiding people, so I sat next to him and ignored him. Everyday for the first week this went on until he asked me, “Why are you here?” To which I replied, “Why are you?” We’ve been best friends ever since.

We tried the whole dating thing for a little bit, but it didn’t work out. We both agreed to be friends with benefits. The friends part was his idea and the benefits was mine. Now whenever we need a place to just sit we go to our tree.

Someone tried to take it once. Skyler looked at the poor kid and said, “Move.” The kid tripped over himself trying to get away.

I laid my head on his shoulder and held his arm until the bell rang. He kissed the top of my head and we got up. “See you after school. Is your grandma going to pick you up?” “Yeah. You want a ride?”

“If she doesn’t mind.”

“I’m sure she won't. She never has before. See you later.”

“Bye.”

I felt a lot better as I walked to first hour. I sat through History, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing, as the teacher droned on about the glories of the early days of the empire. History passed without any outbursts and I went to Geometry. Luckily I was ahead in my math before I left, so I was still up to date with the rest of the class. P.E. was kind of boring. We had a sub, so all we did was play dodge ball. At lunch I was assaulted by my pack of friends again, so I told them I was out of town visiting a cousin on my dad’s side that was in the military. They asked what had happened and I told them that I would have to kill them if I told them. They all laughed at the joke, but I kept a strait face. Granted I just barley kept it, but it did stop the questions. The rest of the day was a blur of Language Study, High Imperialism, and Study Hall. I used Study Hall to get caught up on the classes I had gotten behind in. I met Skyler outside of Study Hall and took his arm.

Grandma was waiting in the parking lot and took us both to her house. “So, what is this mystery that you won't tell me at school.”

I smiled at him. “You’ll see.”

“I hope your not planning on taking him to the basement Yari.”

“I was grandma. Why can’t I?”

“You know the reasons.”

“I trust Skyler. If I can’t trust him then I can’t trust anyone.”

“That is the point Yari. You can’t trust anyone. Your mother trusted and look where it got her.”

“I’m intruding aren’t I?”

“Yes!”

“No! Grandma. I am going to show him. It will either be here or the other place. You get to choose.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Wouldn’t I? Ask yourself that question. One way or another I am going to show him.” I could feel my anger starting to build along with grandma’s. We locked eyes and I could feel both of us rising to the killing edge.

Skyler must have felt it too because he suddenly slammed his fist down on the table. “Both of you stop! Why are you fighting like this? By the Gods the both of you are blood! You would dare to shame your ancestors by spilling the blood of your own?”

“And what would you know of shame, boy? What would you know of anything?” Grandma took a step toward him and I lost what was left of my control on my change.

I clung to my temper, refusing to let that go as my body changed. My wings snapped out then folded half way back to my body. My scales slid out as my teeth elongated. I stepped in front of Skyler and let my claws lengthen. My eyes went to slits and narrowed all in the space of a single heartbeat. I felt a growl rumble deep in my throat and grandma took a step back.

Skyler stepped around and stood next to me. “Yari, She did not mean the threat. Fold your wings back and breathe. She is blood.”

My eyes refused to look anywhere else but at grandma’s. I went to take another step forward and Skyler stepped in front of me.

In the blink of an eye I felt his power unfold and watched the change ripple across his flesh. His wings extended and began to slowly wrap around me. “Peace, Yari. No harm was done. Breathe, it will pass.”

My anger drained out of me almost as soon as eye contact was broken with grandma. I changed back into my usual appearance and felt very weak. I collapsed against Skyler as his wings folded around me.

“What did I almost do?”

“It’s over now. It was a misunderstanding. Are you ok now? Can you control yourself?” “Yes. Thank you.”

His wings folded and vanished and I saw grandma sitting at the table. “I’m sorry grandma. I should have asked you first.”

“No Yari, I’m the one who should apologize. I knew better then to look you in the eye so soon after your change. Can you forgive an old woman for her mistakes?”

“There is nothing to forgive grandma. I knew better then to try show him in your house. You were just protecting your lair. Can you forgive a foolish young girl?”

“There is nothing to forgive. You, however, have some explaining to do. Who are you?”

I sat down and looked at him.

He closed his eyes for a moment the looked at both of us with silted eyes. “I wasn’t supposed to let you know what I am. I blew my cover, but it was all I could think of that wouldn’t end in bloodshed. I am one of Le` Than’s people. One of your people. I was sent by Le` Than himself to watch over you both, but more specifically you, Yari. I was told that I was not to ever make contact with you beyond a passing acquaintance. I was told to never reveal to you what I am. I was told to never reveal to you the reason I was sent. That being said, I am going to go three for three. Yari, Le` Than wants to talk to you before he dies. He wants to name you his heir.”

Chapter 3

It was a good thing I was already sitting down, otherwise I would have fallen. Grandma’s mouth was flapping like a fish and I know I had a deer-in-the-headlights look. Grandma finally found words. “He wants what? After centuries of not even knowing if any of his people were even still alive and now all of the sudden he wants Yari to be his heir? What’s wrong with his own people that he can’t pick one of them? Why now, after all this time?”

“There are some not so good reasons as to why he has waited until now. I’m sure he will tell Yari what they are when he talks to her. As far as why he chose Yari as opposed to one of his own people, as you so eloquently put it, you and Yari are his only blood descendants. I am supposed to quietly guide you to some sources where you can learn more about your other side, but as I have already broken every rule I was given, I am willing to teach you myself.”

“What makes you think there is anything you can teach either Yari or I that we cannot learn on our own?”

“If you had already learned it on your own this house wouldn’t be standing right now with the amount of energy you both were putting off.”

“What if she doesn’t want to be his heir? He sure hasn’t done anything to deserve her. He has never shown any trace of caring about our family before. In fact he even abandoned us. Why should we…”

“Grandma, shut up.”

Grandma’s mouth did the fish thing again and I looked at Skyler.

“Grandma does raise a good point, but If you are willing to teach me what I need to know I will learn. It will take me a bit to process what has happened today and when I do I am sure I am going to be pissed at you. In the mean time, grandma, can I take him to the cavern now? It’s not like we have anything else to hide.”

Grandma looked from him to me and back. I looked at her, waiting for her to answer. She finally sighed, “I guess. If anyone can teach you it will be one of them. I don’t want to learn what he has to teach. I know I am just being a stubborn old woman, but I have lived my whole life without it and I don’t have a need for it now. It is too late tonight to drive out there and Yari is going to have to get up early tomorrow for Driver’s Ed. I will take you both out there this weekend. There are some training weapons in the basement. Is there anything you can teach her with those?”

“Actually, If you have the weapons here it will work out very good. We shouldn’t need anywhere protected until much later. If I can come by tomorrow after school I can start teaching her then. Will that work for you both?”

“It will work for me. Yari?”

“It’s fine by me. I’m just gonna go shower and go to bed. Too much has happened today. See you tomorrow Sky.”

“See you later, Yari.” Needless to say, I didn’t sleep very well. I tossed and turned most of the night and finally gave up. I spent the rest of the night in the basement working on weapons.

Grandma came down to let me know it was time to eat and get ready for the day. My friends could tell something was bothering me, but they didn’t ask. Grandma picked Skyler and I up and took us to the house.

All afternoon and most of the evening was spent learning how to fight. He started me on hand to hand forms and several exercises to tone my body. It wasn’t so bad because I liked to keep in shape anyway, but I was still pretty sore by the time grandma took him home. Neither grandma or I felt much like talking for several days.

Most of what we thought we knew about our other side was just basic information taught to children of Le` Than’s people. Grandma didn’t join in on the fighting part, but she did listen to the rest of it. Skyler taught us how to us our own energy better for healing, recovering, and meditating. He said that I needed to practice using the energy all the time because the habits would become useful later on in the training. I poured all of my worry and frustration into training and used it as a type of meditation.

The rest of the school term was a blur. If I wasn’t learning something I was asleep and dreaming about it. Skyler said that I was a fast learner even for their kind. I found that while I was learning about my other side I had to make an extra effort to hold my temper. Skyler also taught us how to internalize our anger flairs. He said that they were natural for our kind. Working with weapons helps contain it, but he explained that we are predators. We are a very violent race that is prone to short tempers. He also explained that the only reason you ever look any other of our kind directly in the eye is if you wish to challenge them. He also explained some traditions of our race.

He told us that when males reached the age where they began their training they were only referred to by their last name. When training was completed the first two letters of their first name and last four letters of their middle name were combined to form their permanent name. When females began training they were referred to by last name until they completed training. Afterward they resumed use of either first or middle names.

He told us that there were thirteen clans of our race, named for the thirteen elders who settled this planet. He also told us that of the thirteen original clans there were only seven that they knew where they were. There had been a war between the clans.

At first Sa` Tain refused to fight, but when he saw that the war would eventually destroy all of his people he put the full for of his clan in the middle of the two armies. Since his clan was the biggest clan descended from the Kier Sona, the warrior race of the Kier, a truce was reached between the two armies. The two groups were so opposed to each other that the only way for them to keep the peace was for one to leave. The other army agreed that Sa` Tain and his Clan would be the ruling Clan of the remaining six.

He said that the other three races of the Kier were the Kier Lan, the Dancers, the Kier San, the Walkers, and the Kier Son, the Adepts. The Dancers were known for their grace and beauty, but were unable to retract their wings. The Walkers were known for ability to become part of their element and were able to retract their wings. The Adepts were known for their ability to fit in with any environment, but were born without any wings. By the time Skyler said I was passable, meaning I could hold my own against him, school was getting out for summer break. By that time I had my driver’s license and grandma said it was ok for me to take Skyler to the cavern.

We got there the day after school was let out. As soon as my feet touched the sand on the cavern floor I felt like I had come home. My wings gently slid out and folded behind me as I walked toward the living area I was most of the way across the cavern when I realized that Skyler wasn’t with me. I turned and looked for him. He was still at the entrance so I flew back to him. “Are you going to come in or are you just going to stand there all summer?”

He stepped in to the cavern and smiled, “I wasn’t about to enter your lair with out permission. I like having my head attached.”

I shook my head, “You are always welcome here. Come on. There is plenty of room to fly. I will show you where you can sleep.”

We both flew down to the living area and sat down our packs. I pointed to the couch where I slept while grand ma was there. “You can sleep there. I claim the bed. You can settle in later. Stretch you wings a bit. I know I have felt like I have been clipped ever since I got back to school. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.”

He smiled, “It will be good to fly. How long can you go without touching the ground?”

“I can go all day. I haven’t had much time to see if I can go longer.”

“Want to learn how to fight in the air?”

“I would love to. First though, I just want to have fun.”

“I’m up for that.”

We spent the rest of the day being, well kids. It makes sense. I’m only sixteen after all. I showed him my weapon racks, which were all still there so grandma must have been letting me use hers. I fixed supper and we both crashed that night.

I woke up feeling happy. I knew that I had to worry about learning enough to keep myself from embarrassing Le` Than, but it didn’t seem as important. Skyler was up and moving so I got out of bed and got dressed.

He had his shirt off and wings out with his back to me so I just watched him for a little bit. He turned and saw me and I swear it got twenty degrees hotter in the cavern.

We stood there looking at each other for a bit until he said, “Um, What do you want for breakfast?”

I shook my head trying to clear out the cobwebs that suddenly sprang up and turned me into an idiot child. “There is some breakfast stuff over here.” I walked to the cupboard that had all the breakfast stuff. “We have cereal, pancake mix, dried fruit, What do you want?”

I could have sworn I heard him mutter something about smothering something in chocolate, but he just said cereal would be fine. I took some powdered milk and water from the spring and made enough milk for both of us.

After we ate we walked back out to the cavern. “Have you been working on finding your energy like I told you?”

“Yes, I can reach it like I can with my wings.”

“Good. Before we can actually fight in the air there are a few more things I need to teach you. The first is how to fight with your wings. Following that you will need to learn how to channel your energy then how to call blades to you. After that I will teach you how to form your own out of the elements. This should take most of the summer, even with your ability to learn. We also need to build your endurance up. I don’t mean any offense, but before I can teach you how to fight in the air you have to be able to go for at least one week without touching the ground.”

“Except for sleeping right?”

“No. You will have to learn how to get the rest you need from meditation. This is where learning how to channel your energy comes in. As one of the Kier you have a very deep connection to the elements. This will allow you to be able to teach yourself how to subconsciously draw enough energy to keep yourself up in the air. By the end of the week you will probably want to sleep for twice that long, but that ability is one reason your particular race is so feared. Le` Than was able to fight for a month and a half during the reign of Queen Valora. Even today he is able to fight for three weeks before he needs to land. The training that the warriors of our race go through is rather intense. It is to prepare us for the final exam, which is a week long fight with one of our instructors. In order to keep our warrior status we are required to improve until we can maintain ourselves for two weeks. After that we are able to go on assignments. If we can no longer stay in the air for one week we are no longer part of the warrior cast.”

“How long can you fight for?”

“I was up to three weeks before I took this assignment.”

I stared at him with my mouth slightly open.

“Stop looking like a fish, it’s not very attractive.”

I punched him in the arm. “Jerk.”

“Yep. Ready?”

“Yeah. let's get this going.”

Learning to fight with my wings out took a little bit to get used to, but once I figured out how it seemed unnatural to fight without them. I discovered that short swords were a lot easier to use with wings then the others and finally understood why Le` Than used them as opposed to the longer weapons. I felt drawn to the wavy keris style blade so I used those most often.

When I wasn’t working forms I was in the air. I worked on picking things up, setting them down, cleaning and repairing blades, flying patterns, catching and throwing things, and handing things back and forth. At the end of the day I was almost too tired to fix supper, but I was determined to prove I could fight just as good as any other my age.

I know it was a bit irrational, but I had to be able to prove to myself that whether I accepted Le` Than’s offer or not I was worthy of it.

Skyler said that it was common for our kind to be competitive. It was common for our kind to get angry. It was common for our kind to push ourselves too far. I finally got sick of hearing how common it was.

I don’t know if it was instinct, my other side, or exactly what it was, but I reached for my energy and pulled it up my core and down my arms. Blades found their way into my hands as I swung them from crossed at the shoulders to straight out. Skyler was hit by the blast of energy that erupted out of my blades and was pinned to the wall.

I raised myself up to where he was held and shifted to my true form. “I am not common. I have never been common. I never will be common. If you use the word common in reference to me one more time I am going to skin you alive with my fingernails and make you beg me for death. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

He lowered his head into a bow and said quietly, “Yes, my Lady. I will never refer to you as common again. I believe my Lady has exceeded even Le` Than’s expectations as she has already formed and called blades of her own. Will she let me down so that I may continue to teach her or is she done for the day?”

I couldn’t pick up even the slightest trace of mockery in his voice so I gently lowered us both to the ground. “We can continue. I am sorry I lost my temper…”

He jerked his head up. “Never apologize for doing what you feel must be done. I was in the wrong. I should be the one to apologize. You are descended from the closest thing our kind has to a king. As such you are above the accepted standards of our kind. Furthermore you are descended from a race born to fight. The standard you should hold yourself to is much higher then that of others of our kind. From here on out I will hold you to those standards and you will live them. You are right in that you have more to prove then the rest of our kind. You were not born to this life. Your blood is not as pure as most of our kind. By the end of the summer you will be able to match Le` Than blow for blow or I will break my own blades. This is my vow to you. I will not fail you and you will not fail me.”

I looked at him for a long time before I was certain he was serious. I nodded. “Then we have a lot of work to do.”

I thought Skyler was pushing me before, but he stepped it up to a whole new level. Luckily I could remember how to channel my energy and form my blades. He became critical of every mistake. I became even more critical of my mistakes then he was. If anybody had found us in the cavern they would have thought we were two demons trying to kill each other.

I picked up a lot of the language because the harder we trained the more Skyler slipped into it. By the end of the month neither of us spoke the Common Tongue to each other. I refused to show him any weakness and he refused to accept any from me. I followed instinct and training with everything he taught me.

I felt my body shift and change to support the abuse I was putting it through. I discovered my connection to the elements and used them to push myself harder.

We started our fight at the beginning of the second month. I called in my blades and finally saw his. They were a black gladius style that was serrated on both sides. We fought with everything we had. Insults were shouted when one looked like they were starting to tire. Blood was spilled several times from both of us. I finally knocked him out of the air and he didn’t get back up. I drifted down to him to see if he was ok.

He smiled at me. “Congratulations. You have passed my final exam. Now I’m going to lay here and die for a week. Wake me up before summer is over.”

Chapter 4

I wasn’t tired at all so I helped Skyler to the couch and checked the date. I laughed when I saw that we had gone the entire month. I knew that I was going to crash as soon as I went to bed, but I wasn’t ready to yet. I took the time to finish repairing the rest of the weapons in the cavern then went through my forms.

Skyler woke up a week later and went through forms with me before I went to bed. I still wasn’t tired, but I knew I needed the sleep. I let go of the energy as soon as I was comfortable and fell asleep. I woke up felling refreshed and checked the date. I was quite happy to see that I had only slept through the night.

Skyler was already out working forms so I ate breakfast and went out to join him. When we finished forms he looked at me. “Your supposed to still be asleep.”

“I woke up early. I didn’t see any reason to stay in bed if I wasn’t tired.”

“Le` Than chose very well when he chose you to be his heir. He is the same way. Even most of his clan require at least two days.”

“Well, I still don’t know if I can match him blade for blade.”

“You can. I was his sparing partner before I left. That is one reason he chose me for this assignment. He knew I would be able to protect you if I needed to.”

“So what do we do now?”

“Well, we still have another month. We can either continue to train or I can inform Le` Than that I feel like you are ready to meet him. It is up to you.”

“Can I sleep on it and let you know tomorrow?”

“Yes. Take all the time you need.”

“Thanks.”

We spent the rest of the day doing light training exercises. I knew the moment he offered to option that I was going to go meet Le` Than, but I still hesitated. I had questions about why he left my family to learn on their own instead of teaching at least one of us about our kind.

Early the next morning Skyler knew my decision when I woke him up with my pack loaded. He got up and loaded his own. I felt a small thread of energy leave him. He looked at me and nodded. “He is expecting us. Before we leave I need to teach you how to communicate mind to mind. When we are in the air it will be difficult to talk otherwise.”

It took the day to learn how to communicate mentally. The hardest part was learning how to send it to a specific target. We left just after sunset.

The freedom of flying under the stars is indescribable. The feel of the fresh air over my scales was a sensation that sent tingles up my spine. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to fly like this on an everyday basis. It took almost no time to pass over my home town. I followed Skyler as we flew along the river for about an hour. We banked north and headed out over the wastelands. Just before dawn we landed and got into a small cave just as the sun came up. Skyler explained that it was harder to see our kind at night because of our scales, but during the day we stuck out like a sore thumb.

I asked him, “So why don’t we just shift the color of our scales to blend in with the landscape?”

He stared at me with a curious look on his face for a bit the shrugged and said, “If you can figure out how then be my guest.”

I let the energy of the land surround me and concentrated on my scales changing to match the land around me. I guess it worked because Skyler’s eyes opened wider. “How did you do that?”

“I just focused on the energy of the land around me and let my scales adjust to match.” “Huh.”

I guess he must have figured it out because his scales rippled then he vanished from sight. “Did it work?”

“Yep. Does this mean we can fly during the day now?”

“Yes. let's go.”

We walked back out of the cave and took flight again. I had to keep a constant awareness of the ground below as well as the sky above me so that I could continue to blend in. Skyler must have had a harder time picking out the landmarks during the day because we made better time at night when we could drop our camouflage. We made it across the wastelands in four days traveling night and day.

On the evening of the fourth day we were met in the air by other winged people. They escorted us to the mouth of a cave that led into a large cliff. We walked without speaking for several hours before we were led out of the cliff on the other side. We walked into what looked like a large crater.

My home town was pretty big, but I could have fit it in the crater three times and still had room left over. I could tell that they had been living here for a long time because the walls of the crater had been terraced all the way down to the bottom.

In the center of the crater was a large building. It looked like it was several stories tall if the small winger figures flying around it were any indicator. Our escorts told us in the Kier language that we were to follow them to the palace where we would have an audience with Le` Than.

We glided down to the center building where we picked up even more people to escort us in. I sent a privet thought to Skyler. “This is normal right?”

“No. It may be because we never get visitors. Even still this is a little bit extreme for security. Do not show aggression, but be ready to fight.”

We landed at the entrance and walked in. The palace was as big as I guessed. I saw windows going up for ten stories on the towers and eight stories throughout the rest of it. Some of the guard had wings out and all of them made me feel very small. I let the arrogance inherent in my race seep out so that I didn’t cower like a scared rabbit, even though I wanted to. They led us to a court room area where a herald asked us our business.

Skyler stepped forward. “Sk` Yler De` Cain and Yarianna Nicole Sa` Tain here to see Le` Than Sa` Tain. He is expecting us.”

The herald nodded. “Wait here. Enter when you are announced.”

Skyler nodded and motioned for me to have a seat. I sat down and he took a guard position to the right on my chair. Most of the escort was still there when the herald announced us to the court. I could hear whispers through the court room when we entered.

I walked forward with Skyler a pace behind and to my right. When we reached the designated spot we stopped. I looked up to the throne where an older looking version of Le` Than sat. I could see the top of the scar that was a fresh wound when he had blown open the throne room on Queen Valora.

Le` Than stared at us for several minutes before he stood. “Court is dismissed for the day. You two follow me alone.”

He turned and walked out of the room. Skyler and I followed. He led us deeper into the castle to what I assume was his private rooms. Every ten feet there was a guard doing something. Sometimes they were standing, sometimes patrolling, sometimes just sitting around sharpening blades.

Le` Than finally turned around and shouted at them. “If they were here to kill me they would have done it already! Go do something productive and get out of my hallway!”

We finally got to his private sitting room and shut the door. As soon as the door was shut he looked at Skyler. “Sk` Yler, you are relieved of duty and your status a Warrior of the Clans. You are to return to training on a trial period until a complete investigation is completed to determine if you are guilty of treason.”

I watched every muscle in Skyler’s body tense with each word Le` Than spoke. I looked at Le` Than. “Why? He did what you wanted him to do.”

“He disobeyed direct orders of his commander and shared secrets of the Clans to an outsider.”

“An outsider you want to name your heir, if I even want to be associated with you.”

“An outsider I had considered naming my heir. Do not assume your position here is guaranteed. If Sk` Yler is found guilty you are forfeit.”

Skyler finally relaxed his muscles into a relaxed stance and smiled. I could feel a deadly tension building in the air. Skyler started looking up and I knew that he was going to challenge Le` Than even if it meant his life. I also knew that it would cost him his life. I stepped in front of Skyler and met his eyes. The slight glaze that had been forming dimmed when he recognized who I was.

He broke eye contact and lowered his head. “I will follow where you lead, Yari. I am sorry for overstepping my bounds.”

Le` Than cocked his head to one side, “Interesting.”

I whipped around and glared at him. “You are not off the hook yet. What did Valora ever see in you? You force one of your best warriors into a position where you know he would chose death rather then the dishonor you would have him accept. Right now I am ashamed to name you as an ancestor.”

“If you knew anything about our people you would understand why I did this.”

“If you understood anything about honor you would have killed him on the spot rather then giving him that ridiculous command. Would you report back to training or chose to die? If you are going to give him the option then you chose as well.”

“Was there anything in my voice that made you think it was an option? My mistake. Sk` Yler, you were given an order.”

“Disregard that order. Le` Than, I offer you a choice. Your first option is to set a challenge. If I succeed you name me your heir and withdraw Sk` Yler’s punishment as well as cancel the investigation. If I fail I will execute Sk` Yler myself then open my own veins. You may name any challenge that will not end in the deaths of you, me, or Sk` Yler.”

“If I should refuse you the challenge?”

“I will challenge you to a fight to the death and claim your position by Rite of Conquest.” I slowly raised my eyes to the spot between his eyebrows.

An immeasurable amount of time passed before a slow smile formed on Le` Than’s face. “Yarianna Nicole Sa` Tain I deny your request to a challenge before the Clans. I deny your request for Rite of Conquest. In place of these two requests I make you two offers. First I offer you the option to enter the challenge for the position of my heir. Second I offer to withdraw the investigation and punishment of Sk` Yler De` Cain on the condition that he accept the post of your Captain of the Guard, said post will relieve him of all responsibility to the Clans and make him answerable only to you. This second offer is on the condition that you accept the first. What say you Yarianna?”

I smiled. “I accept both offers.”

“I wish you the best in the challenge. I believe you will make a formidable enemy. I would have hated to cross blades with you. Sk` Yler you are relieved of your responsibilities to the clans. I will let you get ready for the challenge. You were the last contestant we were waiting on. It starts tomorrow and ends when the last one remains in the air. There is a girl on the other side of the door that will show you to your rooms.”

“If I may ask. Why did you assign Sk` Yler to my Captain rather then keeping him with you?”

“I no longer have his loyalty. He has chosen his General and it is not me. It is up to you to see that his loyalty is not misplaced. Understand?”

I looked at Skyler then looked back to Le` Than. “I understand. I will see you when the challenge is over.” I turned and walked out of the room with Skyler keeping pace.

We didn’t say a lot while we followed the girl, whose name was Sasha Na` Sean from the Clan Sa` Tain and quite vehemently informed us that she would be training as a warrior just as soon as she was old enough. Sasha stopped at a door and took out a key.

She opened the door and looked at us. “These will be your rooms during the challenge. I will leave the key with you. I am assigned to you while you are here so don’t tell me to go away. I will simply nod and keep following you as if I didn’t hear you. If you need to have a private conversation let me know and I will ignore what you talk about. This is not optional. Know that no private conversation will ever be repeated by me in any form on my honor. That being said any conversation that is not designated as private will be heard in one form or another by every person that works in the main palace by the next day. We may be a warrior race, but we are still prone to gossip, a fact that no one seems to realize for some reason. Any questions?”

I looked at Skyler who shook his head. I looked back at Sasha. “My only questions are about who I have to look forward to crossing blades with during the challenge. Care to fill me in on my competition?”

Sasha handed me the key with a big grin that lit up her entire being. “If gossip is what you need then you have come to the right person. I know everything that goes on here.”

I passed the key to Skyler who was trying to keep from laughing. We walked into my set of rooms listening to Sasha as she spilled every secret she knew on each contestant.

The next morning Sasha showed me to the armor smith so I could get my armor. I declined the armor and discovered that most of the contestants had as well. I heard the announcement for all contestants and their Captains to report to the training grounds. Sasha smiled, “Best of luck to you. I will be in the stands when you finish.” She stepped into the stone wall that was next to us. I do meant that literally. She walked like she was going through an open doorway and the stone rippled like it was water. I touched the wall and found it was as solid as it looked.

I shook my head and looked at Skyler. “Ready?”

“Are you?”

“As ready as I am going to be. Show me the way.”

We walked into the arena and gave our names to the herald. Skyler was sent to the Captains’ area. I walked to the area on the other side of the arena where the herald sent me.

As I walked forward I could feel the animosity from the other contestants. I knew that they were going to try to kill me. I smiled and sat down to meditate until we were told to begin.

Le` Than arrived and announced that the competition for his heir would begin in five minutes and all contestants were to take to the air. I stood and called my wings. I called in my blades while I was rising to the spot I had already decided I would start from.

The call to begin sounded and I drew my blades. I was immediately attacked by five of the contestants.

I smiled and let myself slip a little further into my Kier side. I fought them for a few minutes and got board. They were good, but didn’t hold a candle to Skyler.

I let a small amount of energy bleed out and analyze my surroundings. I spun until I was facing the strongest one of the group. I winked at her and shifted to blend in to my surroundings. I sheathed my blades and shot above them. I reversed a shield and dropped, forcing all of them together toward the ground.

I pulled back the energy and let myself be seen as I shoved all five into the ground. I laughed and shot into the sky again. I had two take positions behind me and saw another angle to intercept me. I stopped just out of striking distance to the one and blew him a kiss.

I spun in mid-air laughing and dived back to the two that were behind me. I shot between them and slammed the hilts of both blades into the small of their backs. I tossed shields under them to soften the impact and let them drop to the ground. The other one had caught up to me by this time so I turned and fought with him. I knocked his blades from his hands and went for the kill shot. I shifted my blade out just before I hit his neck. I wrapped his shocked body in a shield and let him drop.

There were only six of us left by this time. I know the excitement was dancing in my eyes as I surveyed the remaining contestants. These were just as focused as I was and carried their armor like it was a second skin. I was the only female left by this time so I smiled at them as we drifted toward each other.

One of them waved the signal requesting a temporary truce. We acknowledged and sheathed our blades. We met in the center and pushed shields down to give our wings a rest. The one that called the truce gave each of us a bow of respect. I admit that I was a little surprised that I got one as well. I returned it and smiled.

He smiled back and looked at each of us. “I called this truce because I have been watching each of you fight. I do not believe any of us will walk away from this alive if we continue this. Out of each of us I believe that you, Yarianna, has the best chance of surviving the contest, but I feel that you will soon after die from the wounds inflicted. There will have to be wounds for any of us to go to the ground. Yarianna, are you able to call in armor?”

I thought about it then closed my eyes and focused on creating armor the same way that I called in my blades. I opened my eyes and saw shocked looks on the faces of the other five.

I looked down afraid that I had forgot my pants and saw the armor I had called. I didn’t notice any additional weight, but I knew that it would stop any of their blades.

The armor looked like larger scales layered to cover my entire body. The shoes had talons, the gloves flowed evenly with my claws and the elbows had spikes that folded up to my upper arms to be out of the way. The shoulders were ridged and I was holding a helmet that would emphasize my heritage. Even my wings were armored and has claws and spikes on them. The symbol that was on the pendent that Le` Than had given Valora was on the chest just over my heart.

I looked up and saw that each of them had knelt before me. It was then that I noticed that the entire arena was silent. I felt Skyler tell me to put the helmet on so I did.

The other five lowered to the ground as I turned all the way around to see everyone in the stands. Le` Than raised himself up to where I was standing and stopped out of striking range. “Do you have any idea what has happened?”

“To be honest, no. One of them asked if I could call in armor so I did.”

“Have you ever seen this design before?” He pointed to the symbol that was over my heart.

I nodded. “It was in Queen Valora’s memory stone on the pendent that you took from her.”

He slowly reached his hand toward the symbol and I felt energy build in it. He stopped and pulled his hand back. He pulled out a pendent that I knew was the same one he had given Valora. “If you could shift you armor away please.”

I let the armor and blades vanish.

“Yarianna Nicole Sa` Tain, I name you a Warrior of the Clans and promote you to General and Second in Command of the Armies. Before the assembly of the Clans I name you my heir. If any will dispute this speak now.” He waited for five minutes before moving closer and placing the pendent around my neck. “May you serve the Clans with honor.”

I heard Sasha’s voice give a cheer then the entire arena erupted into cheers. Le` Than smiled at me, “Welcome to the family, young Sa` Tain. Meet me in my study later and I will go over what you need to know for your new position.”

“Thank you.”

He laughed, “Don’t thank me yet. You may decide to give it back when you find out what will be expected of you.”

“Not a chance. I earned this.”

“Yes you did. Go on. Your Captain is waiting for you.”

I lowered myself to the ground and met Skyler about halfway. “I don’t believe I taught you how to call in armor.”

“No, you didn’t. Slacker.” I smiled at him and he smiled back.

“Nice call on the design. Traditional war armor is difficult to do even with training. I’m surprised that they didn’t drop out of the air out of pure shock.”

“One guy did. I cut it a bit close on shifting my blade out on a kill shot. I think I drew a little blood.”

“I saw that. He was fine. We get worse our first day of training. You were playing up there weren’t you?”

I grinned, “Yeah. I know that I should have taken it a bit more seriously, but it was just so fun. I don’t think I’ve had that much fun since I was five. I was sorry that it ended so fast.”

“Fast? It has been three months. I had to let your grandmother know that you would be late going back to school, and you will be going back to school.”

“What can I say, time flies when you’re having fun. I need to meet with Le` Than before we go back so I know what I am supposed to do.”

“Ok. I told her that we would be here another week so take your time. Will you be needing me with you?”

“I should be fine…”

I heard Sasha’s voice as we got closer to the ground. “Move. Pardon me. Excuse me. Out of the way. Please move. You know what!?”

I looked at Skyler, “Uh-oh.”

I barely got my shield up to block the energy wave that cleared a hole in the crowd around Sasha. “Better.” She walked up to me smiling. “You just made me a very rich girl. Good thing too. I put my Academy money on the line for a twenty to one bet that you would win. I would have had to be a servant for, like, ever to pay it back. Going back to your rooms?”

“Not just yet. I need to go to Le` Than’s study first. I will probably be there for a while so if you want you can show me there then enjoy your winnings.”

“Fine by me. Let’s go.”

The five who had been in the air when I called in my armor walked up and looked at Skyler. The one who had called the truce spoke. “Permission to join the Heir’s Guard Captain?”

Skyler looked at me and I nodded. He looked back at them, “Permission granted. Escort her to Le` Than’s study and stand by outside of the door. I am going to arrange for uniforms. What is your name?” “Ja` Lynn Na` Sean, Sir.”

“Na` Sean? You wouldn’t happen to be related to young Sasha here would you?”

Ja` Lynn nodded. “She is my younger sister sir.”

“Is that going to cause loyalty issues if something happens to the heir while you are on duty?”

“Not at all.”

“Why?”

“If she is with the heir and something happens that would put her in danger then I will already be dead and the heir will already be fighting. Besides, I can’t think of any other person here except perhaps Le` Than that could keep her any safer. Can you?”

Skyler laughed, “No I can’t. Ja` Lynn, you are in charge until I return.”

“Sir.” Ja` Lynn put a fist over his heart in a salute.

Skyler returned it and looked at me. “I’ll be back. If I don’t see you sooner I will meet you in the rooms.”

I nodded. “Ok. Ja` Lynn, lead the way.”

The five took up positions around me and let a small amount of energy bleed off as they started moving. People noticed the energy and when they saw our group they quickly made a path. Sasha was walking beside me with a big grin on her face. “This is so cool. They never move like that for anybody else.”

I smiled at her, “Five armored Kier walking in a group obviously headed somewhere. Would you stand in their way?”

Sasha giggled. “No. I would be too afraid that they would eat me if I got in the way.”

I looked around. “Lots of people here to eat, they might get full awfully quick.”

The guard in front and to the left spoke without letting any emotion show in his voice. “What we don’t finish now we will bury for later.”

I looked at him and he looked back with a grin on his face. I shook my head and smiled.

I could hear the chuckle in Ja` Lynn’s voice. “Eyes out, not in. She’s not going to attack herself, at least not today anyway.”

Chapter 5

We made it to Le` Than’s study with out any problems. Sasha knocked then held the door open when Le` Than said to enter. Ja` Lynn started to walk in with me, but I stopped him. “I don’t think I will have any issues while I am in here. If Le` Than wanted me dead I would not be breathing right now.” Ja` Lynn nodded and closed the door behind me.

“Gets annoying, doesn’t it?”

I turned and saw Le` Than standing by a fireplace with a glass of what looked like deep red wine in his hand. “Yes it does and this is just the first day. How do you put up with it?”

“I send them away every chance I get and designate areas where they are not allowed. I’m sure you will find a way to cope with it. Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?” “What are you drinking?” I asked as I sat down in a comfortable looking chair.

He smiled and took another drink. “Blood wine. If you want to try some I will warn you that it does get you very drunk until you get used to it.”

“I’ll try a small bit, thank you.”

He chuckled, “Don’t thank me just yet. You haven’t had any yet.” He poured another glass of it and handed it to me after he sat down.

I took a small sip and felt the sickly-sweet coppery taste slide smoothly down my throat. I felt a double rush, first from the blood then again when the alcohol hit me. I almost immediately felt lightheaded so I sat the glass down. “Wow. You weren’t kidding.”

“No, I wasn’t. It will pass in a moment. Unfortunately the only way to get used to it is to drink it. So, I asked you to come here to explain to you what is expected on my heir. First of all you are the heir of the Sa` Tain Clan. That means that when I finally step down from my position or die you will be in charge. I don’t plan on doing either for some time so don’t worry about it too much. I will expect you to come up with something that will be a benefit to Sa` Tain specifically and the Clans in general. With that pendent you can contact me directly, so when you do, let me know and I will tell you to either go ahead with it or not. As for you status as my Second in Command, that does refer to all the clans. If I were to fall or resign you would be in charge of the entire military force of the Clans. I made you a General because you are my Second. If you don’t feel like you deserve it get over it. Either you are a General or you are dead. I watched you fight out there. I could tell that you were having fun, so could everybody else out there. Based on that and the fact that you seem like you could still go out there for as long as you need I can see why the others chose to surrender rather then face you when you decide to fight. I believe that you held back because you didn’t want to kill any of them. For that reason I think you are the best choice to be my heir. It doesn’t hurt that your best competition has joined your guard. Now, to explain the pendent. That is the traditional seal of Clan Sa` Tain. The only one who still uses it is me, and now you. No one else has even seen it in real life since Valora’s betrayal.”

“She didn’t betray you, Le` Than. Did you even stop to think about why she would do something like that?”

“At the time no. I found out later when I ran into her court wizard that she was pregnant. By that time she was beyond my reach because the Emperor had found a way to kill our kind and was hunting us. Her wizard was also looking for her, so I did the only thing that I could. I gave him the feeling of her energy. I am guessing that he found her because you have seen her memory stone.”

“He never found her. He did find her daughter, your daughter. Our family has been passing the memory stones down ever since. It is the only way we were able to learn anything about our other side.”

“For that I am sorry. I don’t deserve you forgiveness, nor do I want it. What has happened has happened. Now I understand why Valora did what she did, but it doesn’t change the fact that she still died thinking that I hated her. To get back on subject, that pendent is linked to a specific spell that ties to every warrior in the Clans that are here. If it is activated we pick up our blades and go to war. We fight until there is no one left to kill or the one who activated it deactivates it. Also, if you ever need to contact me by paper rather then thought press that seal on the outside of the envelope and drop it off in any post office. I will respond to it as soon as I can. Do you have any questions?”

“Will I be expected to stay here?”

“I would like it if you did, but you are not required to stay. I do ask that you never take the pendent off. I will immediately know if it is removed and will assume that it was not by your choice. I would hate to show up in a killing rage while you are in the shower.” “That would be embarrassing. Will I be expected to sit in on any courts?”

“When you are here I would like for you to. It will help you get to know the people that you may one day ask to die on your command. Also I may ask you to investigate reports so that I can make the best ruling possible.”

“What exactly do you expect of me?”

“I expect you to learn everything you can about your people. I expect you to do what you feel is best for them. Other then that, I expect you to spar with me once in a while. It has been a bit since I had a new challenge. Sk` Yler is good, but it will be nice to have a new perspective.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

I finished off my glass of blood wine and looked up at both Le` Thans that stood in front of me. “Do you mind if I take a few bottles of this with me? I want to be able to drink it when I come back.” At least that is what I meant to say. What came out was a little closer to, “Do you bottle a few minds to drink with me? I want to drink back here.”

He laughed and said, “I will pack some for you. I think you need to sleep for a bit.” He helped me stand up and delivered me to Skyler, who was standing outside of the door.

I looked at him. “Your hot. Want to go back to my place for a drink?”

Skyler looked at Le` Than. I’m sure Le` Than showed him what I drank because Skyler just nodded and helped me back to the room. I woke up some time later in a dark room that still seemed too bright and a pounding headache.

I heard a whisper that sounded like a shout say, “Good afternoon. There is a glass by your head that will make you want to throw up soon after you drink it, but I wouldn’t advise it. It tastes worse coming back up. You do need to drink it all then bathe. All of your clothes are clean and waiting in the bathing chamber to your left. Sk` Yler said that he would meet you in the training grounds when you felt up to it.”

“Sasha? Why are you shouting?”

“I’m not. You are experiencing the after effect of too much blood wine. Now get up before I open the blinds.”

“You wouldn’t…”

“Don’t forget to drink.”

I heard a rustle then saw the light start to slowly seep into the room. I quickly downed the glass and had to stop myself from throwing up. I stumbled to the bathing chamber that was still nice and dark. A foul odor assaulted me and I realized that it was coming from me. I striped off my clothing and sank into the bath tub.

I must have dozed off because I woke up feeling better, my hair has been washed and wrapped in a towel, and my dirty clothes were no where to be seen. Fresh clothes were sitting on a stool so I scrubbed the dirt and grime off of me and got dressed.

The soft light from the setting sun didn’t bother my eyes nearly as much as it had earlier. I noticed it was getting brighter so I checked the sun again. I shook my head and mentally corrected myself. The soft light of the rising sun didn’t bother my eyes as much as it had before.

I walked out of my bedroom and into my sitting room. Skyler was wearing a uniform that was crimson and silver on black with the traditional seal of the Sa` Tain clan on the left shoulder and his rank as my Captain on his right.

I smiled at him, “Morning. Nice threads. They cost too much?”

He shook his head, “Nah, government program paid for it. They do that sort of thing you know.”

I looked at the other five that were on my guard who were wearing the same uniform with their rank on the right shoulder.

“I can see that. These government programs. You would think they would have a better imagination.”

“You would think. So, we have four days to get back home. When did you want to leave?”

“I need to run something by Le` Than first then we can start.”

“Ok. Sasha said she will be back. She is recruiting your staff. Something about you being too much for her to handle by herself.”

I laughed, “She seemed to do a fine job. Are you going to be recruiting more guard?”

“As soon as I have a chance to look for some. Ja` Lynn is my Second and will be recruiting here when we go back. The other four are coming back with us. They will be staying at my place. I have already taught them your trick of going invisible. They seem to like it as they have been practicing using it while they fight.”

“As long as they don’t kill each other on accident.”

We found Le` Than in court. I nodded to him and he signaled for me to take my place. I walked to the front of the court and took my seat. There were not very many people that needed to see Le` Than so court was out with in an hour.

Le` Than looked at me, “I was just about to have breakfast. Care to join me?”

“I would love to. I have a some things I wanted to run by you.”

“That’s fine. We can discuss it while we eat.”

We walked to the dining hall and sat down while servants brought us food. He looked at me while we ate, “So, talk. What did you want to run by me?”

“There is an underground city near where I live that an earthquake closed off the entrance. I would like to take some of the Clans back with me to restore the city and link it with this one so that travel from here to there can be made without having to go above ground.”

“How does that benefit the Clans?”

“First, it gives them more room. This crater is huge, but the day will come that it will fill up. This will give our people a place to expand. It would be better to find a solution now before it becomes a crisis later and leads to bloodshed. Second, our entire race is concentrated in this one area. I know there is strength in numbers and that the likelihood of someone crating something strong enough to destroy this place is nearly nonexistent but why take the chance? If nothing else this second city can be a fallback place.”

“I will run the idea before the Clan Leaders. Anything else?”

“Yes. This next thing is for the benefit of my Clan and my Guard, whom I consider to be part of my Clan.” I shifted to blend in with my surroundings then shifted back.

He nodded, “Good to see that you have not wasted any time. When do you leave?”

“I need to leave by the day after tomorrow.”

“I will give you the Clans decision by then. Anything else?”

“Not at the moment. Is there anything you need from me?”

He smiled, “I could use a sparing partner.”

I smiled back, “After we eat?”

“That will work.”

We finished eating and made our way to the arena. I got a chance to look at his guards uniforms and noticed that the main difference between them and Skyler’s uniforms was they wore silver and black on crimson.

Skyler and his Captain looked at each other then at us, “We will stop you in four hours.”

I nodded, “Should be enough time to beat this old man.”

Le` Than raised an eyebrow, “Old? I’ll show you old man, little girl.”

“I’m sure you will. Don’t worry, I’ll take it easy on you.”

We took our places and stood ready.

Le` Than smiled, “let's dance, you and I.”

“Let's.”

Both of us had fun sparing. I was a bit faster, but he had more experience. We were just getting into a good match when we felt our Captains signal for us to stop. We traded our last couple of blows then landed.

I decided that I was going to go shopping while I was here. I decided that I really liked the Kier style of dresses and wanted some more. Skyler just rolled his eyes at me. I sent one of the guards to find Sasha to tell her where. We were going and started toward the market. Sasha caught up with us and had two other girls with her. Somehow she had managed to get servant dresses to match the uniforms Skyler had made.

I rolled my eyes, “You both are putting way too much into this.”

Sasha looked at me, “Do you realize how long it has been since we have had an heir? Do you realize how bloody it would have been if Le` Than would have died with out naming an heir?” I tried to speak but she kept on going, “No. You don’t. So just shut up and let us spoil you.”

“Ok. I can do that. I have decided that I like the Kier style of clothing. I need more dresses, shirts, and pants to take back home with me. Where do you suggest I go?”

She grinned, “Of course it has to be the best. Nothing less will do.”

She looked up at me so I hurriedly said, “Of course.”

She nodded, “Better. Now the best shops are going to be down this way.”

We browsed through several tailor shops letting Sasha ramble on about which cloth was better and why. We spent most of the day getting new clothes and by the time I left the tailor’s area I had twenty new dresses on rush order and thirty new tops and bottoms. I told Sasha that I would have a hard time getting all of this back to my home town but she just rolled her eyes.

“That is my job to worry about. Of course you are going to be in a bind when I finally go to the academy, but we will have something figured out by then. The majority of your outfits will be ready before you leave. Don’t worry about it.”

“What about the cost? I don’t want to have to have Le` Than pay for that much.”

“Every last bit of it was donated by the shop keepers. Did you see how much business they got when you were in there? Besides, they all saw you fight and said it was the best match they have seen in fifty years. Some of them say that they still owe you a balance for putting on a good show. They put a value on things like that here.”

“You are sure on this? You didn’t spend any of your Academy money on me?”

She looked at me and turned red, “Not that much. And not for any of the clothing. I promise.”

“Ok. I will hold you to your word. Now, I have all of these clothes and nothing to wear with it. Shoes or jewelry first?”

“Shoes then jewelry. This way.”

I got back to the castle much later and sat down to a glass of blood wine with Le` Than. I told him about the shopping trip and he sighed, “The sad part is Sasha is right. That is the best show they have seen in fifty years because it is the only show they have seen in fifty years. I ran your idea by the Clan Leaders and they all agreed that it is a good idea. I have sent a proclamation throughout the clans asking for volunteers to return with you to start the excavating. I have already received requests from several smiths, tailors, and carpenters to go. I also have a strong force of Kier whose primary element is Earth that have said they want to go. I would expect no less then five thousand to make the trip with you.”

“Five thousand? Isn’t that going to be a bit hard to conceal?”

“Probably. Keep in mind though, these are Kier. Only about five hundred will be traveling directly with you. The rest are going to follow behind. Quite a few of them will be bringing tools with them and won’t be able to make the journey as fast. Some will be farmers, some guard, some craftsmen, some apprentices, some laborers. It is a big operation that you have planned for us.”

“I had better warn Grandma then.”

“I think that would be a wise idea. The initial force will be gathered in the main courtyard tomorrow. You can let them know where they are going then. All of you should be able to make it within three days. We travel faster as a group.”

“Well, then I think I will bid you good night.”

“Good night, Yarianna.”

I downed the rest of my glass and stumbled back to my room. The foul tasting drink was waiting for me so I downed that and went to bed.

Chapter 6

I woke up and made my way to the bath that was waiting for me. I sent a thought to Grandma to let her know what was going on then got dressed in one of my new dresses. I walked to the main courtyard with Sasha and my guard. The sound that I had thought was distant thunder turned out to be hundreds of Kier gathered in one spot.

Ja` Lynn looker at Skyler, “Fly?”

Skyler nodded, “Yeah. I think that is the only way we are going to get through this crowd.”

I looked at them both, “Um, I hate to break it to you, but I’m wearing a dress. I think flying is out for the time being.”

Skyler got a grin on his face, “I could always fly behind you so that nobody else could see. You do think I’m hot after all.”

I turned at least fourteen shades of red and punched him in the arm. “No. No flying through the crowd. Not while I’m in this dress. Maybe if I had some bottoms on under it, but the matching bottoms weren’t ready yet.”

Ja` Lynn and Skyler shrugged then started making their way through the crowd. At first it was slow going, but as word spread that the heir was walking through a path opened up that brought us to the castle steps where Le` Than was waiting.

He smiled at me and I returned it. “Let’s of people here to see you Yarianna.”

“Are you sure this is only five hundred? It seems like more to me.”

“I would say there are about twenty-five hundred. Don’t worry, not all of them are going to be going with you at first.”

“You keep saying that, but I am beginning to doubt you.”

“Well, if more decide to show up just go with it.”

“Gods, if I didn’t know who would have to take your place I would kill you.”

“Careful with your words or I may just choose to resign on you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Remember, talk loud, there are a lot of people here to listen to you.”

“Bloody hell.”

The courtyard went quiet as my voice was amplified to carry to the far end of it.

I glared at Le` Than as he tried and failed to suppress his laughter. I turned back to the crowd. “If I didn’t know who would have to replace him, I’d kill the bastard.”

The laughter of twenty-five hundred plus Kier echoed back to me. I smiled, “Anyway, I’m not good at this whole public speaking thing so I’m just going to get right to the point. Some of you are going to go with me to start reopening an underground city near my home town. Those of you who are here only because you wanted to say that you heard the Heir’s first official speech, go home. You are taking up space that can be filled with others who are actually interested in going. Those of you here that think you might sort of think about maybe wanting to go, go home and think it over. I leave this evening. If you haven’t made up your mind by then you can always come with the next group. Those of you here that are absolutely sure you want to go, thank you. That’s all I have to say. Go home and pack. We leave this evening.”

I stepped back and sent a thought to Le` Than, “Drop the amplification.”

“Already dropped, good speech.”

“Huh.”

“Well, it looks like you have some planning to do. I will let you get to it.”

“Gee thanks. Skyler, Sasha. Plan for five thousand and we will see how many actually show up.”

They both nodded and each headed off in a different direction. I looked at Ja` Lynn. “I know most everybody is going to bring their own stuff, but what should I arrange that neither Sasha nor Skyler will think of?”

“I would speak with the cooks and the Treasurer to find out how many of them are coming and what food stores we could take. After that I would speak with the tent makers to see about housing for five thousand plus while the excavation is going on. Sk` Yler is going to be worrying about how to keep order among that many people and Sasha is going to be worrying about how to organize them all and how to keep the area clean. More then likely Sk` Yler and Sasha both are going to be looking at this like a war campaign and not a permanent settlement.”

“So, who do I need to talk to if I want to enlist the cooks?”

He smiled, “That would be the Head Cook, Reyla De` Cain.”

“Do I need to arrange a meeting?”

“It is best if you do.”

I looked at one of the guards, “I need five messengers with swift feet and wings. Send them to the office in my rooms.” The guard nodded and went off. I looked at Ja` Lynn, “I need the names of the Heads of the tailors, the woodworkers, the blacksmiths, and the tentmakers.”

“Gladly. You know. For not seeming to have any experience at this you act like you know what you are doing.”

“To be honest, I have no idea what I’m doing. I figure if I go with my gut and let people do what they know how to do I will be ok.”

“That is usually the best policy.”

We made it back to my office where the messengers were waiting. I wrote out five invitations to each of the heads for a meeting between all of them and sent them with each of the messengers. The first messenger returned saying that the Head Cook would be here in two hours so I sent him to get the Treasurer. The next one returned saying that the Head Blacksmith would be here about the same time so I sent her to let Sasha know I would be needing refreshments and who they were for. The next one returned saying that the Head Tentmaker wanted to know when. I sent him back saying in two hours and did the same for the Head Woodworker and Head Tailor. Sasha came back and asked when she needed the refreshments here so I told her. She sent two of the messengers that had returned to the kitchens to get refreshments and the other three to bring in more chairs.

The treasurer arrived and I told him what I was expecting. He gave me the bare minimum and the absolute maximum that could be expected so I wrote up a request for the average between the two and sent it to Le` Than for his review. I thanked the treasurer who bowed and left.

The refreshments arrived just before the Heads of their profession arrived. As each entered I offered them refreshments and told them we were waiting on the others. The messenger returned with the paper Le` Than signed approving the amount I sent the messenger to the treasurers with the approval and a request to meet with the Head Treasurer. The messenger left just as the Head Woodworked came in.

I nodded to each of them, “Ladies and gentlemen, now that we are all here I will get down to business. Each of you has your own work you want to get back to so I will be brief. I need to plan a permanent and a temporary settlement for five hundred to five thousand Kier. I wont have any permanent number until this evening how many will be in the initial group and by that time it will be too late to do anything. I am requesting from you enough supplies and craftsmen to support up to five thousand people who will be involved in heavy labor. I am not about to tell you how to run your professions. I will let you sort out everything on your end. I leave in a few hours with whatever I can get.”

The Head Blacksmith looked at me, “How far are we going?”

“Myself and one other flew day and night for four days.”

They looked at each other and nodded. The blacksmith looked at me, “You will have what you need. We are going to be sending a few Masters, some journeymen, and several apprentices. We can see that you will do just fine as long as you let us do our jobs. That is what Le` Than does anyway. As you said, we all have work to do. Good day Yarianna.”

They left just as the Head Treasurer came in. I worked things out for several treasurers to go with us to keep track of the spending and sent him on his way.

One of the messengers came up to me, “Do you need anything else?”

I smiled, “Yes. I need for you all to rest and have some of these refreshments. You did such a wonderful job.”

“Um, we were wondering. Do you think we could go with you?”

I looked at him, “How many are we talking about? Don’t lie because that will mean someone has to get left behind if I do let you go.”

“There are thirty of us in all.”

“Can all thirty of you keep up with full grown Kier for at least a four day journey without rest?”

He hung his head, “No.”

“I see. Ja` Lynn.”

“Yes?”

“Get with Skyler and arrange for my new Messenger Service to get to the city. There is just no way that I can run the place without them. Tell him that there are thirty of them.”

The kids’ eyes lit up and I looked at them, “Get some of these refreshments and go get your people together. I expect you all there before we leave.”

They grabbed cakes and drinks on the way out the door. Ja` Lynn looked at me and smiled, “You know, you just saved those kids from a life of hard labor or an early grave.”

“I’m not that much older then those kids, you know.”

“In terms of number of years you have been alive? No. You aren’t. Responsibility ages you, Yarianna. You have already settled yourself into the role of Heir. That makes you quite a bit older then you are.”

“Great, so now I’m an old lady.”

“That’s not what…”

I started to laugh and Ja` Lynn shook his head, “I guess humor is something I am going to have to get used to isn’t it?”

“Yes it is.”

One of Sasha’s new serving girls came in and whispered something to her. She nodded and sent her back out them came up to me, “The rest of your clothes have arrived. You should probably get changed for flight.”

I got up and looked at Sasha, “Thank you. Tell everybody to get their stuff together. It’s time to go.” I looked at Ja` Lynn and the rest of my guard, “That goes for you too. Go get your stuff together. I would hate to have to leave you behind.”

They started to protest but I held up a finger, “I am already in my chambers. I won’t hear any arguments. Go.”

They saluted and left. I shook my head and went to get changed. I stepped out of my bedroom with my own bag stuffed with clothing to find Skyler and the rest of my guard, all fifty that he had recruited for my personal guard, waiting for my with bags packed. At least I hope it is the rest of my guard. I looked down the hall where they were all standing at attention and whistled, “Does anybody else feel like they just did something really stupid in the police station?”

Skyler laughed, “I know I would if I walked out to see this. This is your honor guard. I had to limit the number to fifty because we wouldn’t have fit down the hall. Every last person you went up against in the competition wanted to be on your guard. I was kind of amazed.”

“What makes you so sure that they won’t just kill me and take my spot?”

“Le` Than was curious about why they all wanted to also so he told them that if anything happened to you he would skin them all alive and leave them in the wasteland to die. They still wanted to join.”

“Well then.”

I walked into the hall and they all saluted. As Sasha and I made our way down the hall with the rest of the serving girls she had recruited the guard fell into step around us. With Skyler on my right and Ja` Lynn on my left and twenty-five serving girls with fifty guard on either side of them I have to admit it would make an impressive sight.

We arrived to the sight of close to six thousand Kier gathered in the main square. The number crunchers later informed me that there were five thousand eight hundred and thirty nine that left with me on that first trip.

All of the supplies were loaded onto what looked like long wagon boxes with the wheels taken off. I was told that these would be carried by the group and later taken apart to be used in the excavation process. We were directed to a set of litters, as they were calling them, to put our stuff on. I saw that one of the litters had almost thirty children on it. I could see some of them going between the different groups to get everything ready.

I sat my stuff down on the litter and raised myself into the air to see everybody. Skyler drifted up close to me and sent the thought, “Gods, this is a lot of people. I hadn’t planed on this many.”

I sent back, “I planned for them, but I didn’t really expect them all to be here. I’m just a sixteen year old girl. How much do I know?”

“Apparently enough to convince at least five thousand Kier to follow you. Are you ready to leave?”

“Yeah. Can you do that voice amplification thing?”

“Yep. Just tell me when.”

I watched everybody for a little bit and when it looked like things were just about ready I nodded to Skyler. He nodded back and sent the thought, “They will all hear you now.”

Out loud I said, “If I had thought there would be this many going I would have snuck out a hour ago.”

They laughed and slowly turned their attention to me. As soon as I had most of everybody’s attention I said, “I’m not one for words. I don’t like listening to long speeches so I won’t make you listen to one. We are leaving soon. I want each litter to elect a leader and a second for each group that will carry the litter. If you have trouble relay it through the leader or the second. I hope this will keep down the mind traffic. Either I, one of my guard, or one on my messengers will be there to see to your problem. If one needs to stop for any reason we all stop. I will not leave any behind. See to your final preparations. We leave in thirty minuets.”

I lowered back to the ground and looked at my guard, “Go to each litter and find out who they elect. I want to know the names of each one. Send some of the messengers to help also.”

They saluted and headed to the messengers litter. Within twenty minuets I had all of the names. We were in the air just before sunset. We made sure we stuck to only flying at night because it would have taken too long to teach everybody how to blend in and the litters would have been next to impossible to hide. The only times we touched the ground was to switch groups that were carrying the litters. It was just before dawn on the third day when we came into the ravine to get to the cave.

I had them land the litters on the top near the path to get in and out of the ravine and took the leaders and their seconds with me and my guard into the cave itself. The leaders had everybody start unloading the litters and setting up the tents then followed me into the cavern.

We sent Sasha and a small group of Earth workers into the back where the entrance used to be. Some time later they returned. I looked at Sasha and she smiled, “Well, good news and bad news.”

“Ok.”

“The good news is we got here without too much trouble. The bad news it now we have to work. What is left of the city is huge. There are all kinds of natural vents throughout it and the cavern it is set in goes down several stories. From the little bit of exploring we were able to do it looks like the place was evacuated with no plans on returning. Some of the building closer to the entrance were newer and the further out you got the older and more deteriorated the buildings became. What I think is the most likely thing that happened is that they just got tired of living underground. From what I could tell it was a human city, so they wouldn’t have been able to fly out. There is what looks like a road that we are going to have to see where it goes when we get to work on the actual inside.”

“Anything else?”

“Yeah. One more thing.”

She tossed me one of her pouches that she had emptied and filled with something heavy. I opened it up and pulled out a silver bar stamped with the seal of the first emperor.

Sasha smiled, “I found this in a small cave that looked like it had been sealed off until the earth quake that closed the entrance happened. I think that the founders of this city were resistance fighters that had stolen a shipment of the emperors silver and hid it. I don’t think they ever came back to it and failed to pass on the location to future generations.”

“How many of these bars are there?”

“The small cavern is twice the size of this one and it is nearly full of what is left of the wagons that carried these.”

“Can you show me?”

She smiled and held out her hand. I took it and he pulled me into the stone. That is one of the most indescribable experiences I have ever had. An eternal moment later we stepped out on the other side. It was eerie how quiet it was. We walked through the city to a portion on the cavern that had collapsed in. We stepped through the stone again to another smaller area and Sasha raised a ball of blue-white light. Hundreds of what was left of wagons littered the floor. In every single one was broken chests of silver bars.

I looked at Sasha and smiled, “Well, I know how I’m going to fund this trip now.”

She smiled back, “Exactly what I was thinking. So, we gonna start the excavating?”

“Yep. Take me back.”

We stepped back into the entrance where the leaders and their seconds were waiting. I looked at them, “Let’s get to work.” The cheered and left to get things going. I looked at Skyler, “I almost don’t want to bring them all here.”

“I know what you mean. It feels like we are invading your territory.”

I looked at him, “You are.”

He looked up and met my eyes. I could feel my other side stirring below the surface. My claws began to slide out so he walked up and wrapped his wings around me. I began to settle down and my other side calmed back down into dormancy. I leaned into him and took a deep breath. He gave me another good hug and kissed my forehead. I looked up at him and smiled.

Sasha gave a discrete cough and he let go. Ja` Lynn walked up, “We have our camp set up. Will you be staying here with us?”

I shook my head, “I would, but unfortunately I have stuff here that I need to do. Skyler also so you will be in charge of the guard while we are gone. We will be back on the weekends to check on the progress. Use the messengers if anything happens that you need me to be here before then.”

“I will. You two stay out of trouble down here. If you need us all you have to do is ask. We will go to war for you.”

For some reason I had to blink back tears but I managed to nod, “Thank you.”

We headed out of the cavern and I mind spoke to everybody, “While we are here try to stick to mental communication while we are on the out side. We will have to see what the situation is like when we get inside, but remember, down here you all were hunted to extinction by the brave emperor. I have to go pretend like I didn’t just sneak more then five thousand extinct warriors into the empire to reopen a city that was an out post for resistance fighters. Stay safe all.”

I heard several chuckles as Skyler and I made our way to the top of the ravine.

Sasha met us at the top, “I’m going with you.”

“Sasha, you can’t. I have to go back to school.”

“So? I’m going with you.”

“There is no way I can take you to school with me. Forget it. Besides, what do I tell everybody?”

“I don’t really care what you tell them. I am going with you.”

“Sasha…”

“Look, here’s the deal. One way or another I am going with you. I know your energy pattern well enough by now that I can track you anywhere you go. You can either take me with you and know where I am at of I will follow you on my own and you can wonder where I am. It’s up to you, but I am going with you.”

“Bloody hell.”

“Pretty much.”

“Fine. Come on.”

We walked to the gate where grandma was pulling up. She parked the car and got out. I ran up to her and wrapped my arms around her.

“Well hello to you too Yari.”

I leaned back and smiled, “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. Who is this?”

“Grandma, Sasha. Sasha, Grandma. Sasha has insisted that she is going with me.”

“That is going to be a bit awkward isn’t it?”

Maybe a bit. It’s ok though. I think I can give them a good reason.”

“Oh?”

“Yep. I’m going to tell them as much of the truth as they need to know.”

“The truth.”

“Yep. I am going to tell them that I spent the summer visiting with some distant cousins of my mother. Her family was nobles before the Empire was formed and her cousins still consider themselves to be such. Sasha here was assigned to be my attendant while I was there and insisted on coming home with me.”

“Well, if that isn’t stretching the truth I don’t know what is.”

“Just wait until I try to explain my guard.”

“Your guard?”

“Yes. You can show yourselves. I already know you are there.”

“Ja` Lynn and the other four appeared. “How did you know we were there?”

“I was expecting it so I knew to keep an eye out for you.”

“Ah. I see. Well, like Sasha said, you are not leaving us behind.”

“I expected it. This just means I am going to have to act the part of a noble. Sasha, take two of these guards and go get several dresses and a few tops. You have already said you can find me anywhere so I will let you know when and you can just bring them to the basement of my grandma’s house. Ja` Lynn, you and the other two will have to follow us in the air. There is not enough room in this car for all of us.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“It’s like Sasha said, it’s better to know where you are then wonder if you’re there.”

Grandma shook her head, “It’s amazing what four months can do.”

I smiled, “Let’s get out of here. I am so looking forward to sleeping on my own bed.”

We got into the car and grandma looked at me, “There is one small thing we need to take care of before we get home. I will drop Skyler so we can take care of it.”

“That’s fine grandma. Wake me up when we get to Skyler’s.”

“I will.”

I leaned my head on Skyler’s shoulder as he put his arm around me and we both went to sleep.

The Queen sat in her throne carefully reading the document that would turn her proud kingdom into a province of the newly forming empire. I could feel her heart-felt agony as she read the document that she knew would consign her kingdom to the Emperor and would put her name in the history as the monarch that would betray her people.

The Emperor’s General sat in the chair across the table watching her read the document again. “I promise not a word of the contract has changed since the last time you read it two hours ago. Sign it so I can deliver it to the Emperor and get back to my people.”

The Queen looked up from her reading. “I want to be perfectly clear so that you will know exactly what you will be getting when I sign this paper. I may be the monarch, but it is only at the sufferance of the people I rule. There is a very good chance that before the ink dries on this page I will be dead and my head on the way to a pike as a symbol of what will happen to the next monarch who betrays her people. If I am lucky they wont put preservation spells on it. If I am very lucky they will let my name be forgotten. I think I am entitled to a few extra moments of existence.”

“I have already told you that once you sign you will have the Emperor’s protection. No weapon in the kingdom will be able to touch you. Of course, if you don’t sign I will take you head and put it on the same pike you fear as an example to your people. It really is up to you.”

The queen sat the paper down and reached for her quill. She picked it up and the door to the throne room burst into splinters of wood and metal.

I shuddered at the image of the twelve-foot tall, two-foot thick, six-foot wide door reduced to splinters. The amount of power that would take is beyond my ability to grasp. A single leather-winged man walked into the throne room. Blood was splattered on his face and ran freely from his left shoulder down his bare chest. His bloodstained pants were shredded on the right side and more blood ran down his leg.

As he walked forward he drew twin short scimitars. He twisted them so that they pointed behind him. With a flick of both wrists, dagger length blades slid out of the hilt of both blades and locked into place. As he got closer power visibly radiated around him and death danced in his eyes.

The Emperor’s General stood as the Queen began to sign her name.

“Your Majesty, don’t do this. It is not too late.”

The General smiled and looked at the Queen. “You know the cost of refusal. Decide who you are going to listen to. It does not matter to me. If I die the Emperor will just send another. That contract is bonded to a similar one sitting in front of the Emperor. All it requires is your signature on this one to seal the contract. Choose now.”

The Queen looked at the winged man. “I am truly sorry Le` Than. This is for the best.” The Queen finished her signature and the document flashed with power.

The General rolled the document up and walked by the winged man. “You lose Le` Than. Your Queen has betrayed your people.”

The General laughed and started walking toward the doorway.

“She is no longer my Queen, General Khoman. My people are no longer bound to hers.” Le` Than moved faster than the General could react. His blades were in his sheathes before the General’s head stopped rolling.

Le` Than walked up the Queen. “Return it or I will take it back.”

“Please Le` Than, listen to the reason. I am begging you.”

“You could have called on our people in stead of betraying them. Return it. This is your last chance.”

“Please listen.”

“No, Valora. You had your chance. You betrayed us to them. I will not have my people bound to you any longer.”

Le` Than placed a claw on the front of the Queen’s dress and slowly sliced down. He slipped his finger inside of the dress and lifted a black pendant out and over her head.

She sank to her knees in front of him and whispered, “Please…” Le` Than turned away from her and left the room. The Queen sat on her knees with tears rolling down her cheeks. “Le` Than I didn’t have a choice,” she whispered as her hands settled on her stomach. “He was going to kill our child. I had to protect our child Le` Than. Please forgive me.”

The Queen sat on the floor for a while. She wasn’t sure how long it was, but she looked up when the court wizard walked into the throne room.

“Why are you still here your Majesty? You know they are going to kill you if they find you.”

“Does it matter any more?”

Her vision went white and it took a few moments for her to realize the wizard had slapped her.

“What…”

“Do I think I am doing? I getting you off your rear and out of here before you get yourself killed. I can stage your death to satisfy the mob, but you cant be here or it wont work.” The Queen stood up and wiped her eyes. She was almost at the doorway when she stopped.

“My memory stones…”

“I will get them to you. There is a bag and a dress in the next room. Change and go. Now.”

The queen changed into a plain dress, grabbed the bag, and was on the road when the mob was going into the castle. One of them stopped and walked up to her.

“Miss? It isn’t safe here anymore. You need to leave.”

The Queen looked up with tears still threatening to fall.

“Oh sir, it’s awful. The Queen, she’s dead. Killed with that general right there in the throne room.”

“It’s ok miss. You get out of here now. Ok?”

“Ok. Thank you, sir.”

The Queen walked the rest of that day and well into the night before she finally stopped and looked in the bag. She found another dress, a large bag of gold, silver, and copper pieces, and another smaller bag. She opened the smaller bag and found her crown, seal, and scepter. She took a few pieces of silver out and put the rest back in the bag.

She placed her hand over her stomach and said quietly, “We’re going to be ok now. I promise.”