Chapter 9

The anxiety in the ready room where everyone gathered was palpable. There was no cheery fire lit this morning, there were no platters overflowing with foodstuffs to fill a craving stomach, and no pitchers of ciders or ales. The somberness of the room’s energy was unsurprising with the weightiness of the unknown surrounding them. They all felt the coming hours pressing down on them.

Cedri was not happy with Royce volunteering for the crown’s hunt and had opined clearly and fervently the night before, but Royce wasn’t going to change his mind. Not even for his best friend. This was something he had to do. Not like Cedri was attempting to hide his harried worry and constant grimace, leaning against the fireplace mantel and scowling in his direction. He was sure if his tiger had been in his place, he would be growling at him, arguing to change his mind. After the encounter in the woods, Royce refused to abandon Duran again.

Jayce was trying to hide his deeper feelings but his brusque laughter never reached his eyes. The tension across his frame was evident in the tight lines around his eyes and the firm hold he maintained around Rune’s given hand while leaning toward Rune, as though seeking a heat source. Royce completely understood their dynamic and knew what they were all facing was going to take a toll.

Remy had parked on Duran’s arm, huddling close in comfort, as though aware of his mage’s inner turmoil. Iba perched like a silent watchtower on Rune’s padded shoulder. At least he understood now why his cloaks had leather and padding sewn into them. She barely moved, occasionally picking at his hair, as though to groom it. A gentle reminder she was there for him. It spoke volumes about their relationship.

Everyone was present, which made the room feel full with so many powerful energies and Jayce’s growing personal guard. Bankor stood nearby, the same way Royce had seen him the last couple of times he’d been included as a part of these gatherings. There were two more men standing watch right outside the closed door. Leodinn’s falcon was resting on the top of his chair, overseeing everything from behind him. Grayson was on Duran’s opposite side, observing the same as Royce. Ulcieh and Brin were on the couch, chatting between themselves about the machinations of the keep. It sounded like the first set of blades had met inspection and were being handed out to start the primary guards for training. Lord Atkill’s exiled men had officially decided to join Lord Morrow’s journey and had promised their services and training. Several were even calling for their families to move them south. It was an optimistic and auspicious turn of events after the attack they’d managed to defend against.

And this might be the last time he saw any of them alive.

Royce’s eyes closed as he slumped between his shoulder blades, refusing to accept the possibility. No one could promise they’d succeed. No one could promise they’d survive. But they weren’t young cubs going off into the wilderness. They were rational men with individual strengths and abilities. He didn’t know Duran’s age, but knew he was in the centuries range. Most mages of his ability and experience were if he remembered the stories correctly. Of course, he could ask him, and he may. But not then. There were certainly more pressing matters at hand.

Rune and Grayson would be the same, and he knew Rune was powerful. He’d witnessed it for himself yesterday when he’d created a powerful attack from such a distance. So three mages and himself. Yes, he was the odd cat out, but not everyone needed magic to accomplish a goal. And there had to be enough manpower left behind to support and protect the keep but to also allow Jayce to continue with his own plans. They couldn’t put their goals on hold simply because other needs had been presented.

Not only did Jayce need to continue to grow as the reemerging royal line, but any means to halt or stop the incoming army nipping at their paws had to be considered.

His eyes widened when he had the thought. But… Was that why? Could the crown be a force against the army? Did it carry secrets to bolster them? What powers did the crown harbor that it could destroy a demon infested marching river of annihilation?

The invading army was a new development in recent memory, but it had grown monstrous as it marched across the different lands, all while continuing to expand if Ulcieh’s reports were true. Who was leading it? There had to be a force to direct it, ordering an end goal. And other than sheer destruction, what was the army’s purpose?

Royce wondered if returning with the crown would reveal those answers. Or if it would create more questions and problems to be solved.

“I want to say something.” Jayce’s rich voice sliced through the subdued chatter. Everyone sat up straighter as silenced descended. He rolled his shoulders then seemed to steel himself and marshal his thoughts. Royce saw the varied expressions, expectation and wariness amongst them as they all turned toward him. “My parents aside because they don’t know anything concerning what’s about to happen, before everyone takes their next journey, I need to do something.” He turned on his seat and swallowed hard, his gaze firmly set on Rune. “You and I have had our problems, but even when I couldn’t see the end of my nose through my doubts, you stood with me. You have been my guide, and yes, my guard, many times since that fateful day you arrived in a land you couldn’t have dreamed, fulfilling a prophecy which grows stronger like a beating heart inside my soul every day. You have given me direction yet never forced a decision. You have given me friends who have taught me the skills I need to become a ruler. Thankfully, too many of those same friends will point it out now if I get a big head for it.” He winked to the group and several quiet chuckles followed in answer. “Hopefully a ruler who will one day prove the prophecy and one elf’s dedication were not in vain. I have faith in you and your tenacity. In our bond. In the vision before us. I have faith in those who sit in this room, and I treasure every one of you as friends.” He cupped Rune’s held hand and he brought it to his chest in a kind of embrace. “All that I say comes from my heart, and I solemnly swear to all to be true.” Royce noted the expressions of surprise growing around the room. That must be a big deal between mages. “Before my closest friends and those I trust, I hereby claim Rune as my future consort. If he’s in agreement,” he finished. Then fell silent, waiting.

Gasps were loud but no one interrupted. Rune’s hand trembled when he flipped his palm, threading fingers together to grip tightly. “I say with full ability and awareness, in front of witnesses, that I love you. I agree.”

Jayce grinned, relief making him almost glow. “Good. All of you have to come back then to see that happen. And I love you, too.” He faced the group at large with more seriousness. Royce caught it when Bankor wiped a thumb beneath his eye, unseen by many for his angle at the wall. He completely understood. That had been unexpected. “There’s no way to know what your three days will look like for us, but I will continue with my training, with installing and training the guards for the keep, and working with Ulcieh and Brin to ensure the keep is protected. This is our home and will be until the next chapter of whatever the fates and the goddess deems.” Jayce met each gaze individually as though making a promise, even to Royce that they would have something to return to. “The time apart will be used wisely. We are not squandering the advantage we have right now. All of you are my family and whether your goal is to find the crown, maintain our security here, or to join me to form alliances, stay safe and return. Or I’ll personally make it my mission to find a way to kick your ass after death.”

With that warning delivered, Jayce stood and everyone did the same. One by one, he approached the other three leaving on their dangerous journey and gave them a strong hug in support. When he stood before Royce he said, “I haven’t known you as long, but I know Cedri and that you’re his best friend. So even if you’re not scared of me, be scared of him, because he’s going to be pissed if not worse if anything happens to you.”

Royce’s gaze swept quickly over to meet Cedri’s flat glare. The taller skin shifter grimaced then heaved a sigh to straighten from where he’d been standing stiffly, posturing against the wall. Stalking forward, he stated, “You will come back, do you hear me?”

Royce nodded hard. A chilled frisson blanketed him when he realized that even though they expected to be gone for three days, elapsed time here on Kielbos was unknown. There was no way to let them know if they’d succeeded or not because their return was undefined. “I will. Take care of Zahari. Please?”

Cedri looked skyward for a scant second, as though he hadn’t considered her reaction. Zahari was Royce’s cousin. He did not want to be around when Cedri broke that news. “She’s going to kill me when she finds out the truth.”

Royce smirked. “Better you than me.” To minimize those who knew of the journey’s intention, Jayce had limited who would be there this morning to see them off to those who had been present the night before.

Cedri grunted then pulled him in tight for a clutched hug. “Stay safe, brother.”

Royce couldn’t swallow through a thickening throat, rather managing a hard nod. A solid slap on his back and Cedri released him. There was nothing else to say.

“Are we ready?” Rune asked. “I’m hoping to put us close to the area of Duran’s map but we have to be prepared for anything.”

Duran stepped forward, Remy on his arm. Grayson joined him and Royce pulled up to Duran’s other side. Each carried a pack with supplies, food rations, and two skins with water. They were as ready as they could be.

Jayce and the others parted to give Rune space. “We’ll be here when you get back. Just…” He released a harsh exhale, his eyes on Rune, pleading but refusing to say more.

“I know.” After a long moment, Rune faced the wall and began to chant, moving his hand and staff in a pattern before him. A sparking glow began to build against the gray stone in spider-webbed tendrils outward, spreading to be taller than the closest door and twice as wide. There was little to see beyond its undulating reach. The spell’s brilliance hid it from view.

Royce’s heart pounded now that he was faced with the reality. Three days. He could do this for three days. And it didn’t matter what he returned to, so long as he returned.

He whipped to stare downward at his side in surprise when he felt fingers curl around his loose hand. Seeking upward, Duran’s expression was wary but resolved. He squeezed back once and nodded. Together.

 

* * * *

Duran focused forward while his heart beat with a vicious tattoo into his ribs. He’d never traveled like this. Remy’s body trembled lightly on his arm as the glow broadened along the wall.

Once the doorway was wide enough, Rune asked, “Everyone ready?” He searched faces to stop on one in particular. “Until I see you, my love,” Rune said with a single tender look to Jayce, then he strode through the opening. Duran, carrying Remy, was next. The sweep of energy against his skin was warm, but delicate, like a silken web as it brushed without clinging. He steadied himself, pushing away his fears, and then his feet were on a different soil. An involuntary shudder rolled over him. Thinking of the experience later, he would say it felt like his magic was realigning. There was an infinitesimal shift in his power he’d never experienced before.

Royce immediately joined him at his side, his face pale. “I don’t think skin shifters are supposed to do that.” He lurched to turn away abruptly and immediately lost everything in his stomach with hard heaves. Duran rubbed his back while he hung braced over his knees, his entire torso trembling from the effects of the spell. Grayson appeared on Duran’s other side and faced outward, alert for threats while Royce was incapacitated.

Rune waved a hand and the portal light was extinguished. The doorway snapped out of existence.

“Are we going to be able to get back?” Grayson murmured. Duran spun to hear Rune. How had no one thought until now to ask when they were already there?

“My magic is not bound by worldly rules. I don’t believe mage magic ever has been.”

“How is that possible?” Grayson asked with a rush. “You’ve been able to test it?”

“It’s a long story,” he said, one eye on Royce as he recovered, while investigating outwardly. He lifted his chin to sight location markers. “Hoping this world has a similar day cycle as our own, we are at approximately midday. The shadows are nearly directly beneath the sun.” He tipped upward on his neck with a hand over his eyes to view the red-tinted sun overhead. Next to it there was a small, white orb, possibly an orphaned planet or a large moon. It was impossible to know if it was circling the sun above, or the planet they stood on. Framing a hand in an L-shape, he pinpointed the secondary orb’s location. The sky was an odd tint of blue green, but otherwise felt much like theirs to be able to breathe. There were similarities, but a single look at the terrain told them they were nowhere near Kielbos. “We will see in a few hours how the shadows sit as well as where the orb is to discern time.”

Royce was finally standing straight though he was panting a little. He wiped a hand over watery eyes as he collected himself to be able to accept one of the skins. After a few sips, he rinsed and spat, then took a longer drink.

“Better?” Duran asked with sympathy.

“Yeah. Never felt that.” He shuddered.

“A dimension portal affects some people differently. You carry only your skin shifter ability, and no true natural or elemental magic. I’m sorry. I didn’t know, but it makes sense.”

Royce shrugged it off. “I’m here. We’re all here. And we have three days.”

Rune agreed with a curt nod. “Duran? Does any of this fit your map?”

Duran closed his eyes and studied the superimposed image on the blank wall of his vision. “I see a waterfall dropping off a cliff, I believe into a river. We need to find it.”

“How do we find the river?” Grayson wondered. They currently stood on a wide plain that stretched untold distances all around them.

“Iba. Scout please.” The raven swooped forward from his shoulder with open wings and glided upward with a firm stroke to become airborne.

“Remy, would you please look around too?”

Whuhu.

“Thank you.” He gave his arm a bit of a bump and Remy swept upward with a strong beat of wings.

“I don’t expect a familiar. I’m too heavily elemental, but I can’t say I’m not a little jealous.” Grayson watched both birds take off in different directions circling higher and higher.

“You don’t have any natural magic?” Royce asked him.

Grayson shook his head. “I’m an earth mage. We rarely do. We are steeped in the stability of the solid.” He raised a hand and a moment later a pocket appeared in the soil a few feet away, a sinkhole that rose and fell like the ground was a living creature, breathing. He returned it to the way it had been, ensuring it looked like it hadn’t been disturbed at all. “Good to know I’m still capable here. Maybe your theory of no real mage magic limitations is true,” he mentioned to Rune.

Rune followed Iba’s path even though she was out of sight now. “She’s found the river. There are animals along the way. Winged creatures she’s never seen. Iba’s too high to see them clearly.”

“Not the dragons, right?” Royce asked, worriedly hunting across the mages.

Rune’s brow furrowed. “No. These are remarkable though. They are winged, but seem to be plant eaters.”

Remy returned and Duran flexed his covered arm to let him land. Whuhuh. Whu.

“Remy says they look like horses. Horses with wings? Pegasi? Really? I truly thought they were fantasy.”

“All legend, myth, and fantasy has a possibility for being real,” Rune said. “Let’s go. I’m sure we’re going to see many unusual things while we’re here.” Foot forward, they followed Rune who was being guided by Iba.

The grass was a deep rich turquoise color that felt plush and bouncy beneath Duran’s steps. There were trees dotted in clumps throughout the flat plain where they seemed to have emerged from their doorway, abundantly filled with wide yellow leaves spreading along the lower branches and thinned higher up with light pink bark. Not exactly like a wood or forest. They almost stood out like scrub trees. It was an odd dichotomy of flora against the open plain.

“So different from home,” Royce murmured.

“The land Jayce is from has similarities to Kielbos, but many differences as well. Being there to gather him that day was a shock. Seeing this in comparison, I know your feeling,” Rune offered over a shoulder.

“Does he miss his old world?” Grayson wondered.

“Not since he accepted his lion. He had several trying moments though.” He chuckled ruefully. “He truly has grown so much since those early days. I’m glad his one regret was resolved. He dearly missed and loved his rearing parents.”

“He has settled into his skin,” Duran mentioned. “He’s a good man, and a good friend.”

“That he is,” Rune agreed.

“Did you know when you found him, you’d fall in love with him?”

Rune stuttered to a stop and blinked at Royce as though taken by surprise by the question. “No, in fact when I first found him, I thought he was sarcastic and too immature to ever be a king.” He shook his head. “It is funny the goddess put the two of us together, though, because he was nothing I thought I wanted and even less of what I needed. And truthfully, he’s the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.”

Royce smiled.

Grayson affirmed, “Then we will make sure we all return because you have a promise to keep.”

“Agreed.” Rune turned and started walking again.