***
“I think you’re being hasty,” Alric said to the toddler’s parents.
“It’s been six months. My baby boy is dead,” the mother yelled. The time for tears had passed and now both considered him dead and blamed Alric and Sithias.
“Just calm down. He’s not dead.”
“We’ve been forsaken!” she screamed. “You and Sithias can both just leave us alone.”
“Please, listen to me.”
“No! We’ve listened and listened. Our baby is dead, all because of your wife.”
Alric sighed. “You can blame me, but Sithias still deserves your respect.”
The dad shook his head. “We blame you both. You both allowed that evil into Valhara. That evil woman took our baby, and now he’s dead.”
“How do you even know that?” Finn asked them. “For all we know, Kyrin’s still fighting to get back here.”
“You are both blind to her true nature. She’s an evil, and she tricked both of you.”
“My baby is dead because of her!” the mother yelled.
“This baby?” Kyrin asked from the doorway. They all turned, shocked. Kyrin stood in the doorway with the toddler hanging by a rope harness at her side. She put him down, and he ran to his mom with his arms out.
Alric moved to her quickly and pulled her into a hug. He jerked back and covered his nose. “What’s that smell?”
“Ever been puked on by a Senmurv?”
“I don’t even know what a Senmurv is.”
“It’s a half dog, half eagle…” Her words were cut off when he kissed her.
“What is this?!” the dad of the toddler yelled.
Kyrin and Alric both looked over at the toddler. His mom had his hand grasped tightly in hers, exposing the soft side of his wrist and a mark there in the shape of a ‘D’.
Alric frowned. “You didn’t.”
“I wouldn’t!” Kyrin told him.
“You gave him the same mark you bear for your god,” the dad said angrily.
“Oh for hell’s sake. I did not,” Kyrin said. She walked over, licked her thumb, and then rubbed the mark off.
“Are you hurt?” the mom asked, looking over the toddler.
“He’s fine. He just kept looking at the brand Creteloc and I have, and he wanted one,” Kyrin explained.
“He saw Creteloc?” Alric asked.
“Yes, for a day or so.”
Alric smiled and hugged her again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
“It just took longer than I expected.”
“Did you run into trouble?” he asked, pulling away from her.
“You have no idea. I told you that children aren’t treated like they are here. It’s hard traveling the dimensions with one.”
“Thank you. We owe you for saving him.”
“Niar,” the toddler said, pointing at Kyrin.
She smiled crookedly. “He wants some water. It was pretty hard to come by.”
“What language is that?” the dad asked, still angry.
“Yeah, no… just get the kid some food and water.”
Alric leaned forward and whispered, “Did he learn some black elf?”
“Shadow elf, and just some,” she whispered back.
Alric turned to the parents. “Take him home. I’ll send priests by to check on him. Then Sithias will have to hear about your loyalty or lack thereof.”
The parents nodded and quickly shuffled their toddler out the door.
“Now, let’s get you something to eat, and then I want to hear how it went,” Alric said.
Kyrin hesitated and then took his hand, and they walked up to their bedroom together. Food was already set out on the small table in the room, and Kyrin sat down and picked, uninterested, at the food.
“Are you okay?” Alric asked. He noticed that she was quieter than usual and seemed to be deep in thought.
“Yeah, I think that I just need to lie down.”
“Bed or floor?”
“Floor,” she said, and stood slowly. She dropped her flail and bag by the blanket on the floor and then sat down.
“Are you sure something’s not wrong?”
“I just need to sleep is all.” Kyrin took a long drink of clear water from a glass and then laid down and almost instantly fell asleep.
Alric watched her for a few hours. She didn’t move, and deep into the night, he finally moved to the bed and fell asleep as he laid on his side, watching her.
When the light of day shone into the room, Alric opened his eyes and immediately looked to see if Kyrin was still there. She hadn’t moved at all and didn’t seem to stir, even though the room was bright.
Alric got out of bed and closed the thick curtains, sending the room back into darkness. He slipped out of the room and went down to see what he needed to do for the day.
“Good morning, sir,” Trox said, smiling. “The priests report that the boy is in good health, though maybe a bit dehydrated.”
“They owe Kyrin an apology.”
“Yes, they do.”
“First though, they owe Sithias one.”
“That’ll be the easier of the two.”
“Have some breakfast delivered for Kyrin,” Alric said. “I need to go into Valhara for a bit.”
Trox nodded and headed off.
Twelve hours later, Alric was finally able to return to the castle and was anxious to talk to Kyrin about her six months away. He saw flowers being delivered into the castle, and when told they were for Kyrin from the toddler’s parents, he asked that they be sent away. He wasn’t sure how she’d feel about that.
Slipping into the bedroom, he saw Kyrin asleep on the floor and noticed her untouched dinner was on the table. He stepped back out and called for Trox.
“Yes, sir?” Trox asked, walking up the stairs.
“Have you seen Kyrin today?”
“I think she’s in the room.”
“She is, but she’s sleeping.”
“No, I haven’t seen her today. I know her breakfast and lunch were untouched.”
Alric frowned and looked at the door. “So she’s been asleep for almost 24 hours.”
Trox thought for a moment. “Let her sleep through the night. If she’s not awake by morning, we’ll call Dewell in.”
“Good idea.” Alric went back into the room and sat on the bed to watch her. Just after nightfall, he frowned and moved forward when he saw movement on her face. He leaned down and gently touched a tear that slid out of her shut eyes.
Not sure what else to do, he laid down and wrapped his arms around her.
“I’m tired,” she whispered softly.
He kissed her lightly. “Then sleep.”
“It’s not the kind of tired sleep can get rid of.”
“What do you mean?”
Alric waited for an answer, but she was already asleep. He thought about what she said but eventually fell asleep with her on the floor. The next morning, he stood up stiffly and saw that she was still asleep. He tiptoed out the door and saw Trox and Dewell coming up the stairs.
“How is she?” Dewell asked, concerned.
“She’s still sleeping. She woke up long enough last night to say she’s tired,” Alric explained.
“May I?” Dewell asked, walking to the door.
“Yes, please.”
When Dewell disappeared inside, Trox turned to him. “Maybe it was just stressful.”
“I’m sure it was. There’s more though. She said something about it being the kind of tired that sleep can’t get rid of.”
“I wonder what she means.”
“I’m not sure. I also saw her cry… well… a tear. It was in her sleep.”
“Maybe something’s bothering her.”
“I want to talk to her about it when she wakes up.”
They both looked over when Dewell stepped out of the room and shut the door softly. “She’s still sleeping.”
“Did you find anyth
ing?” Alric asked him.
“No. She’s physically fine. At least as far as I can see. She opened her eyes for a second, saw it was me, and then went back to sleep.”
“She said nothing?”
“No, my king. She said nothing to me.”
Alric thought for a moment. “Should I wake her up to eat?”
“I would try. I don’t believe she’s eaten since she got back, and we know she never eats well when she’s away.”
“We have apples in storage. Bring me one.”
Trox called out orders and then took an apple when one of the cooks brought it up. Alric thanked them and disappeared into the room.
He sat down beside her and touched her shoulder. “Kyrin? I brought you an apple.”
She looked up only for a second and then went back to sleep.
“Please, eat,” he whispered, and brushed the hair from her eyes.
“I’m too tired.”
“You may feel better if you eat.”
“Food can’t help me either.”
Alric wasn’t sure, but he thought she may be on the verge of crying. Her eyes never opened, and she was soon back asleep. He watched her for an hour and then crawled into bed.
In the morning, he saw she was still asleep and decided to talk to Sithias. He snuck out and made sure she had food coming before riding into Valhara to the temple.
“He’s been waiting for you,” Saith told him with a bow.
“Thank you,” Alric said, and quickly went into the back room.
Once knelt, Sithias appeared without being called. “I heard she has returned.”
“Yes, and she brought the child back unharmed.”
“It is not the child I’m worried about. How is Kyrin?”
“She’s fine, although she’s slept since she returned.”
“Does she seem upset?”
“Yes, my Lord,” Alric said. “Is something wrong?”
Sithias began to float along the cross on the floor. “I suspect she’s done something to anger Daemionis.”
“Like what?”
“That I don’t know. I’m worried that he may try to punish her here in Paragoy for whatever it is she’s done.”
Alric stood suddenly. “What can I do to stop it?”
“I’m not sure there’s anything we can do. She belongs to him.”
“No, she doesn’t. She is mine.”
Sithias sighed. “But she follows Daemionis. I could be wrong. In fact, I hope I am. If she did anger him, then it’s bad.”
“What makes you think she angered him?”
“Just the way he acted when I told him she had returned.”
“What can I do then?”
“Nothing but watch her.”
Alric shrugged. “All she does is sleep. I can’t get her to eat or talk to me.”
“She may be upset also about what is to come if Daemionis is mad,” Sithias explained.
“She said to me that she was tired. When I suggested she sleep, she said it’s the kind of tired that cannot be fixed by sleep. What does that mean?”
“It could mean many things, but it’s profoundly disturbing.”
“If she leaves Paragoy, will he have a problem finding her?”
“She would be harder to find, yes, but not difficult at all.”
“I’ll take her. We’ll run.”
Sithias shook his head. “This kingdom needs you, and it may be best to get it over with. Daemionis needs Kyrin. He won’t kill her.”
“I’ve seen her suffer from his punishments.”
“As have I. However, it’s not my place to intervene.”
“I could talk to him.”
Sithias thought for a moment and then changed the subject. “How did you deal with the disloyalty of the toddler’s parents?”
Alric looked up. “I haven’t yet. I feel they owe you an apology for doubting you.”
“Sadly, it is common. Not only am I thanked for the good things, but I am blamed for the bad as well.”
“Even now that Kyrin brought him back safe, they have doubts about her.”
“I have no doubt that she saved the life of that child.”
“I know that. They don’t see it that way.”
“What?” Sithias asked when Alric smiled.
“He was all wrapped up in rope, and she was carrying him like a bag.”
Sithias chuckled. “I’m sure she did her best.”
“I can’t fully blame the parents for doubting her.”
“You doubted she would return?”
“No, but I admit to having thoughts she may return without him. She truly hates children.”
“Things may change if she has some of her own.”
“I’m not sure that’s going to happen.”
“It will. I assume that is what Daemionis is hoping for.”
“And you?”
“Yes, I am also.”
“What penance do you want from the parents?” Alric asked him.
“Require a week of fasting.”
“I will tell them, my Lord.”
“Stay with her for now. Let her sleep but be near. She may open up to you about what troubles her.”
Alric nodded and then looked up when Sithias disappeared. He drew the shape of Sithias’ cross on his forehead and walked out into the temple.
“Tell the toddler’s parents they are required to fast for a week to repay Sithias for their disloyalty.”
Saith nodded. “Yes, my Lord.”
Alric rode quickly back to the castle and hoped that Kyrin would be awake enough to talk. He found her still asleep in the warm room. She was sweating lightly, so he opened the windows and let in the cool air from outside. He tried three more times to get her to wake up, but each time, she mumbled about being tired and went back to sleep.
The following evening, he decided she either had to wake up, or he would be forced to take her to Saith in the temple.
He sat down beside her on the floor and leaned back against the wall. “Kyrin?”
She looked up at him briefly, but her eyes shut again.
“If you don’t wake up and eat, I’m going to have to take you to Saith.” Alric knew she didn’t like Saith.
“I’m fine,” she whispered.
“I’m not convinced of that.”
“I’m just tired.”
He leaned forward and touched her arm. “Tell me.”
“I can’t. Just let me sleep, please.”
“No. You’ve slept for too long, and we’re all worried about you. What happened out there?”
She didn’t answer but nuzzled deeper under the blanket.
“Kyrin, is Daemionis mad at you?” Alric decided to take a direct approach.
“Yes,” she said softly.
“For what?”
“I can’t talk about this.”
“Is he going to punish you?”
“Yes”
“When?”
“Whenever he decides to,” Kyrin said, now looking over at the wall.
“What can I do?”
“Nothing”
“I can’t sit here and watch you get punished!”
“He has to punish me,” Kyrin said. “I didn’t do something he asked.”
“Tell me what. What’s worth a punishment?”
“Telling you won’t stop it.”
Alric sighed. He hated feeling helpless and wasn’t ready to watch her endure one of Daemionis’ punishments. His heart sunk when he saw a tear trail down her cheek. He’d rarely seen her cry and wasn’t sure if he should leave or not.
Having nothing else to do, he curled up next to her and held her. “I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.”
“This I do. I disobeyed him, and I knew what the punishment would be.”
He’d always wanted to suggest it before but didn’t think she would do it, until now. “If you agree to follow Sithias, he can protect you from Daemionis.”
> “I can’t do that.”
“Why not? Sithias doesn’t punish like that! It’s not right.”
“I swore my loyalty to Daemionis, and I can’t leave him.”
He kissed the top of her head lightly. “I wish you would trust me enough to tell me why you are loyal to him.”
Kyrin looked into his eyes. “You really want to know?”
“Yes”
“There are gods much worse than Daemionis. Gods that never protect their followers and turn on them in an instant. I’ve seen gods that go out of their way to humiliate their followers and will send them into torment for no reason at all.”
“Daemionis doesn’t do that?” Alric asked her.
“No, there are worse.”
“What does this have to do with you though?”
“They want a magic user.”
“Those other gods do?”
“Yes, and Daemionis is strong enough to protect me and keep me away from them. I was too young when I left Kyrstalis. I couldn’t protect myself, and the gods were fighting around me and threatening me with atrocities I can’t even talk about. Daemionis put a stop to all of that in return for loyalty.”
“Things have changed though.”
“I can’t follow another god.”
“Just think about it,” he said, then pressed his lips to the back of her head.
“I will. Right now, I’m just tired.”
“Of what? Tell me something.”
“Of everything.”
“Shifting?”
“Yes”
“Missions?”
“Yes”
“What else?” Alric asked.
She fought back tears. “I’m tired of hurting. I’m tired of running and being strong. I’m tired of having to fight for everything. Of being hungry and thirsty and sleeping out under the stars where I can get attacked.”
“Stay here then. None of that will happen here.”
“I’m a shifter. I can’t stop.”
“That’s stupid though! You aren’t forced to shift.”
“Please let me sleep,” she said, and turned her face away so he wouldn’t see the other tear fall.
“What if I tell Daemionis to punish me instead?”
“It’s mine to bear.”
“You’ve done so much for me and for Valhara.”
“I’ll do this too. Then I’ll brush myself off, and I’ll be fine.”
“I hate this,” he said, resting his forehead on her shoulder.
Alric held her as she slowly fell back to sleep. He drifted off with her in his arms and didn’t wake until she screamed out into the darkness.
He flew to his feet and looked around for attackers. The room suddenly filled with knights, and Finn was in the lead. He was the first to focus in on Kyrin. Her back was arched, and she was groaning in pain as blood poured out of her skin.
“Daemionis, stop it!” Alric yelled, kneeling beside her. The pain caused her to sweat, and blood began to drip down her face.
“Get the priests,” Finn shouted. “All of them!”
“Sithias, can you not help at all?” Alric asked, watching helplessly. When his god didn’t reply, he knew the answer.
Kyrin’s eyes rolled back into her head, and she began to seize. Finn took her legs and Alric cradled her head, so she wouldn’t get hurt.
The priests all rushed into the room and were shocked at what they saw. Blood pooled under Kyrin and soaked the blankets around her as it continued to pour from her skin.
“My god,” Dewell whispered. He knelt down and took her arms as she thrashed in pain. “What can we do?”
“Try something!” Alric yelled.
Saith nodded to the priests, and they all began to try to heal wounds they couldn’t see but nothing was helping.
Finally, Alric stood up and dropped his sword at his side. “Take me, Daemionis! Leave her alone. If you have to shed blood, then take mine.”
“No!” Saith gasped, and looked around nervously.
Kyrin fell silent, though she still didn’t wake up and was breathing in short, harsh gasps.
“Is it over?” Finn asked, leaning back on his knees.
“I don’t know,” Alric said. He knelt down beside her and touched her arm. “Kyrin?”
“Who does that?” Dewell asked, still in shock.
Saith watched her. “Demons do.”
“She can’t keep losing blood. He’s going to kill her.”
They all moved back when Kyrin began to levitate off of the floor slowly and then stayed in mid-air almost three feet above the blankets.
“Now what?” Finn whispered as his hand tensed above his sword.
No one answered. No one knew what to say.
After a few hours, the priests returned to the temple in the city, while Finn and Alric waited to see what was going to happen next. She slowly lowered to the floor and stayed asleep on top of the blood-soaked blanket.
“Do you think she’s in pain?” Alric asked softly, still watching her.
“I’m almost afraid to know,” Finn replied.
“I asked her to follow Sithias to avoid this.”
“I take it, she said no?”
“If she had agreed, she wouldn’t be in pain right now.”
“Maybe it’s a good thing she hates kids.”
Alric looked over at him. “Why’s that?”
“Imagine if she was pregnant right now.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.”
Finn shrugged. “Maybe he would be nicer if she was, but I kind of doubt it.”
“I need to clean up the blood, leave.”
Finn started for the door. “I can have someone come do that.”
“No, I’ll do it,” Alric said, and went into the wash room. Trox had worked on a system in the wash room that brought hot water up from the kitchen eight floors below. It allowed the king hot water when he needed some, so he was able to get water to start washing the blood off of Kyrin almost immediately.
She didn’t move as he carefully cleaned the blood from her skin and checked for injuries. He’d never seen that amount of blood with no injuries before, but he couldn’t find the source.
Once he’d done all he could, he tenderly picked her up and moved her to the bed. The room had grown cold, so he covered her with blankets and laid down beside her.