Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy)

Chapter 17

  After the single incident with the Water Guard, things went smoothly ever since. None of them have seen a single Guard ship or fishing vessel since the boarding. If it were to happen again they might not be so lucky if the situation were to be repeated. Though they were joyous the plan succeeded but none dropped their guard in systematically scanning the horizon every few minutes.

  For the next week they saw few things but water, water, and you guessed it, more water. And then on the seventh day land changed the northern horizon. It was a welcome sight. Alex’s heart beat with joy knowing that they had made it completely across the vast lake safely and the next leg of the journey was just up ahead.

  Kallel then followed the shoreline of Point Lake westerly for a few more days until entering the mouth of the Quad River.

  Each and every one of them were relieved to see trees and land once again. If the ship failed them now they would all be capable of swimming to shore.

  The Quad River runs from Point Lake all the way back to Nicronane or deeper into Alluan, depending on which route you wished to travel. Alex’s destination was further in Alluan so Kallel kept to the northern bank. The river is mainly freshwater, bled from Point Lake, but if you took the river south, into Nicronane, it becomes brackish.

  The relatively straight river was sailed for the next three weeks and at some points the water became murky. It was dangerous because Kallel grew afraid of underwater logs and other hidden debris laying beneath the brown water. There were many docks along the river and most were run down because no one had used them in many years. Kallel docked only once, at small a community to buy a few fresh supplies and then continued on. It might have taken some time to repair the ship, but Alex and the others saved at least four month of traveling continually on foot. Some points in the river were tight to get through, but Kallel was a great sailor and Marlin’s item saved their hides from crashing into underwater obstacles. His bobber saw everything in the water that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. When the ship became too close to any dangerous debris Marlin would float it to the surface or weigh them down, whatever he deemed necessary. There were four large rivers they could have turned on, but they stuck with the main one heading deeper into Alluan’s boarders.

  Around mid morning on the thirty third sailing day, Kallel shouted from the helm “WE’VE MADE IT!!!”

  Everyone was on the top deck as Kallel pointed to an unnoticeable dock. It was hidden by a small cove that choked at a point. You wouldn’t realize it was there unless you knew exactly where to look. The trees blocked most of the cove and no ships larger than Kallel’s could possibly fit through the inlet’s entrance.

  He somehow managed to fit his boat through the bottleneck and into the peaceful cove. The water was undisturbed until the boat’s wakes arrived, causing ripples. The color of the water stayed brown because of the surrounding trees, but it was strangely clear for about six feet below the calm surface. A faint breeze rustled the trees above and a school of fish kept swimming under the water’s calm surface. The cove remained relatively serene even with the intrusion.

  It was a beautiful place.

  Kallel spun the ship around expertly and docked perfectly. The sailing journey finally came to a harmonious end.

  Marlin and Alex slid the ramp onto the dock. All went quiet too suddenly. Then Shade howled and launched himself off the boat and into the water, causing havoc all around. His splash made the fish scatter and the sloshing noise echoed off the surrounding trees. Squirrels and birds joined together in anger to Shade’s appearance. All he did was rumble a laugh at his newfound freedom. He made everyone laugh because they knew they didn’t have to stay onboard any longer. They could move as they pleased instead of residing in the cramped quarters for so long, with little to do for entertainment.

  Below deck they went and grabbed their packs and loaded them with food as tightly as could be properly stuffed. Lily filled the two skins inside the water bucket one last time before walking off the boat. Clift was the last one to take the ramp to the pier. He still looked wary until he finally landed on the sturdy dock. He too was neighing in relief, but refrained from joining Shade in a swim.

  Kallel looked down at the five amazing recruits who did so much. “You kids had better be safe. You all should know the way to the relay point. Good luck and may you live freely.”

  Each one of them said their thanks of gratitude and then he departed the cove soon after while the four walked up the dock and Shade had already beaten them to shore. He shook his wet fur everywhere and he included everyone in the spray.

  Once they were moderately dry again Lily asked “Where to now?”

  “Now we head north and onto the plains. It shouldn’t be more than a few days journey.” Alex said and hoisted his pack in a comfortable position before walking down the trail.

  Alex led everyone through the path that led to the dock, realizing from past tracks in the ground that the last party to come through this trail had been three weeks ago in the least, four at the most. Trees surrounded their every step, sheltering their bodies from the sun with its welcome canopy, but the birds continued singing and Lily would hum; making the trek that much more pleasurable. The path shrunk too small to walk side by side, but they managed to talk freely and pleasantly.

  After two days of trudging through the thickly grown vegetation and varied greenery, it began to thin out rapidly. Before any of them knew it, they were on a relatively flat and grassy plain. Clift neighed at all the opportunity he was just delivered to. Everyone could see his mouth watering in anticipation.

  It was midmorning and the untamed grass bent with the wind. The grass was lush and a healthy shade of green. Alex knew that this land must have been rained on recently so water wouldn’t be too hard to find. There were only trees to their back and nothing but open space to the front. The air smelled sweet and the only noise came from insects. The sky was brilliant blue and clear of all clouds.

  Alex looked up and to his right as Lily rode expertly atop Shade, finishing humming the same delicate melody. She said “There is room for the two of us up here. I’m sure Shade wants to get a move on.”

  Shade shifted his gaze from her to his brother. He asked Shade “Do you want to pick up the pace?” He grinned and nodded once. It was astounding they were on the same wavelength. “Can you manage for two people to ride?”

  “Please. I could carry three on my back and not feel any discomfort. I cannot even feel Lily’s weight as it is. The two of you won’t disrupt my run. Besides it has been a long time since I’ve had an opportunity to stretch my legs with such room, plus we can make great time with such free land and no trees to dodge.” He grinned even larger, sabers flashing in the sunlight. “Hop on my big little brother.” Alex smiled as he walked up to Shade’s side.

  There seemed something odd about Shade, once Alex came closer he began understand the slow change that happened gradually in their journeys. He had grown yet again. The last time Alex measured him properly, the top of Shade’s shoulders had reached his, but now they reached his eye level and his sabers were closer to nine inches and sharper than ever. His shoulder and hind muscles had thickened and became more defined underneath his fur. His paws had become larger as did those sharply curved claws. His tail has also become longer. His tail frightened the others more than anything. It was a deadly bludgeoning weapon, especially when he became excited. Alex wondered when he’d cease to quit growing. Was Shade becoming a Shadow Fang Lord?

  He didn’t mention his thoughts aloud as he spoke to Lily. “Allow me to ride in the forward position. Please.” Lily smiled as she placed her hands on Shade’s back and lifted her rear slightly so she could slide back.

  Alex took the staff and planted it firmly into the ground. He then jumped on Shade’s back, but it felt almost too easy. Even with his new size there wasn’t any problem leaping the height, but usually he had to crouch down for Lily to climb up. His long legs straddled across Shade’s ribs and behind his shou
lders. Alex then felt his own thighs casually to understand why it was so easy to leap and the change made his eyes widen. They’ve been journeying so long that he hadn’t realized that Shade wasn’t the only one who’s grown. Alex’s legs had thickened and his chest had bulked up ever so slightly. The added muscle size had aided the ascent atop Shade’s back. He then reached down and retrieved the still standing staff. With his Xeal staff in his left hand Alex grabbed a handful of Shade’s shoulder fur with the other.

  Then Alex felt something that sent an electric current coursing throughout his body. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. Immediately his mind remembered the sensation from the past and it reminded him what it meant. Awareness of his whole body electrified as Lily had scooted forward. Her inner thighs touched his outer and then she wrapped her arms around his abdominals. The hilts of her swords barely touched his waist line. She pressed her chest into his wide back and he felt that her breasts were still plated with her armored item. Then her scent made him hyperaware of her. Where they touched felt like bliss, and where it did didn’t, ached for her contact.

  Alex turned his head to peer at her with a single eye. Her eyes were calm as she looked back at him. She wanted to hold him, but she couldn’t say that so she instead took a more logical explanation. “I need something to hold on to and you are all I’ve got.” She looked the other way as she squeezed her legs. She was unsure of how he would take her statement.

  Immediately Shade began walking and slowly increased his speed.

  Marlin began smiling at Alex while riding expertly Clift. He gave Alex a subtle gesture of approval and made it vanish before Lily looked in his direction.

  While Shade ran, there was only one thing Alex was able to think about. Lily’s last sentence rang inside his mind. She was holding on to me because I was all she had? She was the first one I could hold onto, but she already knew that. Alex thought. Her tone was well controlled so it was difficult to decipher if she meant more than she said or if she meant it only in a platonic way. It might have been said like that, but he chose to think of the implications rather than let her words slip away. Her importance to him was unequaled, except for Shade if they were speaking of close friendship. His romantic love for her was true, but would it ever be requited?

  Alex managed to keep his Xeal staff off to his hip to make sure it didn’t accidently contact Lily in a painful way. She still remained clutched to his body as Shade continued running.

  Shade on the other hand started howling with joy as his speed picked up even more. He enjoyed the way his body moved and the effortless speed he could achieve. The only time he stopped was because in his excitement he left Clift off in the distance, trying his best to keep up the impossible pace.

  A few hours later they took a short break and continued on the journey. They rested during the night and continued in the day. Shade didn’t lose himself again throughout the day’s run and leave Clift behind. Lily didn’t speak too much to anyone, but Alex still felt like he was getting through to her slowly. Right now she needed a friend and companion, not a person pursuing her hand. She needed to seek out what she wanted, not be forced into anything she wasn’t ready for.

  There was nothing but a sea of flat land covered in grass as they ran north, that they could see. The emptiness became disconcerting for them all.

  On the sixth day they had finally found something different in the open travels. Off in the distance to the north stood a lone oak tree. It was undoubtedly a local landmark and their next destination. It wasn’t difficult to spot once they had found it. It was a ways off, but a different terrain than what they’ve seen recently.

  It came as a sure sign of hope.

  Since Shade and Clift had run all morning, the three humans decided to walk along their side. With a destination in sight they didn’t need to rush.

  While they walked Lily and Marlin were jabbering about something, but Alex’s attention was occupied. “Shade, you’ve been quiet for a very long time. What are you thinking about so seriously?”

  Shade’s ears perked as he turned his head towards his brother. His tone had become calm and sure as he walked. “When Uncle Gambit died, I wanted to join this organization the moment I read it from your uncle’s final will. I do not want to hide who and what I am, when Freelan comes to retrieve us. I’m a Shadow Fang and I’m proud of it. If they can use my strength, they will need to accept me without us being covert like our past adventures. I’m no sneak. I’m an honorable warrior.”

  Alex patted his back. “I’ve thought about it as well. You’re right. We’ve come here to be accepted and you are an irreplaceable part of us. I’ll follow your lead this time.”

  He explained what Shade wanted to do to the others and they all agreed that Shade did have a point and a right. Lily mock punched Shade’s shoulder and they both grinned. Marlin and Alex sighed jokingly knowing that they will both get them all in trouble at some point in the near future.

  When they moved closer to the enormous tree Alex told the others that he saw seven people waiting under it. At least that was the amount of bodies that were visible to him. Lily and Marlin told Shade and Alex to wait here for a few minutes. Clift traveled with them.

  The three went off to inform the seven new companions who was to come. Shade and Alex hunkered down into the tall grass while cautiously watching the others under the tree walk up to the three. The conversation looked tense, but the wind muffled the words. Then the two of them saw Lily’s silver crescent sword glint in the reflected sunlight. That was the signal they were waiting for.

  Shade and Alex stood and casually walked in the tree’s direction. Once they were close enough they could see the stunned and scared expressions on the faces of the seven other new Freelan members. There were two teenage boys and a early twenty’s woman. The other was a husband and wife with their two teenage daughters. Each of their faces were sheet white as Shade and Alex made their approach. Marlin then walked between the two sides.

  He began introductions.

  “These are our other companions we spoke of, Alex and Shade. As you can see we weren’t lying when we said that we had an actual Shadow Fang with us.” Then Marlin turned to his friend. “Alex, these are also new members. This here is…” Marlin explained all seven of their names to him and he in turn told Shade.

  Shade grinned and the seven others took a retreating step back. They thought he was being aggressive. Shade then looked at the ground. He easily began tearing into the soil with powerful claws. Everyone watched as Shade began writing.

  Once he was finished he sat down next to his work. Alex looked at the seven and asked “Do any of you know how to read?”

  The only one to raise their hand was the young woman. “I do.”

  He pointed to Shade’s writing and stepped to his side. She walked up to the two reluctantly. She had long brown hair and worn clothes. She has also been on a long journey like the entire pack has. Her hands were slightly dirty and she clutched her item in her hand. Alex couldn’t see exactly what it was because of its small size. She then slowly looked down at the writing and her eyes grew. “Hello. I’m Shade. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.”

  The woman’s eyes met his golden. “You know how to read and write?”

  “Aye, he can. I can promise that none of you will be harmed by him. If you are nice to him he will be respectful of you.” Alex clarified.

  They were reluctant to meet Shade, but they allowed everyone under the tree’s canopy for protection from the unwavering sun.

  The tree was massive, but nowhere near as large as the Xeal tree lord inside the Ruler’s Forest. Marlin, Lily and Alex had all sat their packs and belongings against the tree’s trunk. The grass under the tree has been cut and maintained which meant that this place has many visitors. There was a soft and comfortable breeze coming from the west which cooled the warming air. It was a pleasant place to rest one’s tired and aching muscles.

  The Pack stayed off to the side, so that the others w
ouldn’t feel threatened by their presence. They all sat under the canopy except for Clift. He decided to graze ravenously.

  While they sat they asked the others simple questions.

  The young woman explained she arrived two days ago, but she missed Freelan by only a few hours and she has been waiting here ever since. Alex saw the steed and boot tracks and they were as old as she claimed. The teenage boys had arrived yesterday evening and waited with her. The family arrived earlier that morning. What they didn’t know is that Alex found old hidden tracks that explained Freelan patrols usually arrive every five or six days, if the pattern remained the same. So everyone had a minimum of two to three days in their wait.

  The next day the others became slightly less uncomfortable around Shade. They found out quickly that Alex was able to commune with Shade and Clift. The boys especially wanted to know how he could do such a thing with his voice and they wanted Alex to ask Shade a bunch of questions.

  On the third morning since their arrival, a thundering noise sounded from far off in the distance. Shade had heard it as well and approached his brother’s side moments later. The sound emanated directly from the north. Alex and Shade both focused their eyes on a dark point in the distance, creating dust.

  Wanting a better view of who approached, Alex climbed up the tall tree for the advantage. Once he made it up half way he could see between the branches. He yelled down to the alerted group. “Rides are coming.” A large detachment of cavalry riders were heading in their immediate direction.

  Once he climbed back down, Marlin helped put Alex’s things in his leather pack. Marlin handed it to him and he slid it on. Alex grabbed his staff from the tree trunk and walked to Shade’s side.

  While they waited together everyone decided to stand in front of them for some reason. The other newbie’s stood at the head, while Lily, Marlin and Clift stood behind them. Shade and Alex remained at the rear.

  The group became larger as they approached. A troop of thirty people appeared, each riding horses in a V formation. There were twelve extra horses that weren’t carrying a rider. Only seven women were amongst the group of riders, the rest looked like battle hardened veterans and above average warriors. Each person wore a different clothing style, but only one thing was the same. Each one wore a silver ring on their right index finger. All of their expressions were calm and their eyes scouted the horizon for any signs of danger.

  Leading the group was a large man with a dark brown beard, frosted with hints of gray that hung down to the hollow of his throat. His arms were large and his chest was wide. Alex had guessed he was in his mid-thirties. He wore a dark green sleeveless tunic along with brown pants. His leather boots had spurs on the heels. His brown eyes looked directly at the group beneath the tree.

  As he drew closer, his eyes widened in shock. His voice boomed. “Look Out! Shadow Fang!”

  His company came to an abrupt halt, warhorses neighing from the unexpected stop. Alex could easily tell that out of the thirty, only five weren’t of the weapons class. The other newbie’s ducked as weapons were drawn, but Lily, Marlin, Clift, Shade and Alex looked relaxed. They knew something like this would probably happen. Alex needed to do something before things got too out of hand. Alex’s voice boomed with authority once again. “You do not need to fear my companion! Holster your items!”

  Over half of the people instinctively obeyed his words and the other half sat stunned. Even the leader looked at the human beside one of the Big Three with wide eyes as a menacing flanged mace hung off his side.

  Alex walked around the others, Shade stayed right by his side. Shade and Alex walked a safe distance to greet the leader. They stopped together and he spoke casually. “My name is Alex, and this here is Shade.” he patted Shade’s shoulder and he glanced at him before looking into the man’s eyes. “He will pose no danger for you or anyone else, unless they attack him. If they do attack than he won’t show leniency.” Alex then looked at Shade directly. “Give him a greeting.”

  Several people gasped as he spoke to Shade.

  Shade turned his back to the lined group. He then began writing again. While he wrote Alex spoke. “He is extremely smart and is writing you a letter to show he isn’t a mindless beast. If I might ask your name?”

  The man eyed the tall young man and especially Shade suspiciously. He then grudgingly holstered the shaft of his hanging mace. He glanced at his men and nodded. They too put their weapons away while eyeing the pair warily. Cautious brown eyes bore into the boy’s gray, but he had a hard time keeping his fire lit while maintaining eye contact with Alex. He then sat up completely straight before addressing the Shadow Fang’s speaker.

  “I am Commander Yort. I command this battalion along with a quarter of our land based forces. I am charged with delivering new recruits to the main city, after you have been tested.”

  “What kind of test? Takka didn’t say anything about that.”

  Yort grinned. “Takka is a sly man who only tells you what you need to know. He gives the first ok, but to become a full member there is a few tests one needs to take.” He crossed his burly arms. “If you wish to continue you will come with us, otherwise leave.” His tone told everyone there was only one option. Since each knew the meeting spot beneath the oak tree they’d be killed if any were to bow out now. They would think they were a spy and that would be detrimental to their health if any were to refuse.

  “You are likely a truth seeker… I can pass any test you’ve got in store for me.” Whatever it takes, Alex told himself for personal reassurance.

  He grinned. “Good choice and I am.”

  Yort’s eyes shifted as Shade nudged Alex’s shoulder with his nose. “I’m finished, Alex. Tell him he’s allowed to read.”

  Alex stepped back to allow Commander Yort to see what was written. His eyes narrowed as he read the soil. Once he was finished he threw his head back and laughed, slapping his hand against his thigh. He then pointed at the ground. “Men, come look at this. A fiend can write, and legibly too.”

  He moved his warhorse back as his comrades moved in so they could read. Some laughed while others stared dumbfounded.

  Suddenly Yort dismounted his steed and so did most of his men. Fifteen stayed behind to hold the other horse’s reigns. Fourteen men, plus the commander, came over to stand in front of Alex. They stopped fifteen paces away.

  “You said your name is Alex correct?” he nodded. “Very well, Alex. There is one test that will be performed.” He pulled out his mace, holding the shaft’s handle out to the tall lad. “You will hold my item and I will ask you two questions and you will tell me the truth. I will warn you. You will only get two tries at giving an honest answer for each question. If you lie, my item’s reaction will heat up too hot for you to handle. Do not try to hold on or else your skin will melt. If it senses that you’ve lied on the second attempt, you will be killed by our hands.” He gestured to his men who all had a hand on their weapon items. “My item cannot be lied to nor can it be tricked. If I lie it does the same to me.” He held up his burned and melted hand. It had healed, but the damage was unmistakable. “This helps weed out any spies. That is why I’m a truth seeker.”

  He then gestured Alex forward with a flick of his handle. Alex walked up closer, but a man took his staff away. He declared “No weapons permitted.” and any could understand the reasoning. They were putting their lives on the line and weapons would only hinder their advancement back home, to those they cherish.

  As Alex walked forward the fourteen men surrounded him. Shade didn’t like it, but he was told to stay put. The circle thought the lad growled at them, but he reassured them by saying that he told Shade to not interfere.

  Still he remained completely surrounded with no chance to escape, except to take the tests and pass. He walked closer and grabbed the handle of the commander’s mace. He then released his grip and the item was heavier than it looked, but Alex was more than capable of holding it in one hand. Alex stepped back and waited.

/>   “My first question is; are you really called Alex?”

  He wanted to see how his item worked so he said “Nay.”

  The shaft of the mace flared red hot instantly in his left hand. His hand reflexively dropped it before the heat could singe the flesh away. Alex then started laughing and so did a few of the surrounding guards who got a kick out of his reaction. Alex picked it back up once it turned black and cool again. Commander Yort grinned as Alex said “I had to try it once.”

  Yort then continued with the next question. “What is the reason you’d like to join Freelan?”

  Is that all? Maybe there is more to this. Is there something he’s looking for that cannot be seen? Just to be safe, I’ll explain myself. Alex straightened up proudly as he said “Because I want to free the minds of the people from the king’s archaic notion that sacrifice is the only key to ensure happiness. I want the people of all lands to live how they want to, without persecution and the only way to accomplish my goals is to join Freelan.” The entire time the heavy item remained cool to the touch,

  Yort grinned and took his item back. “Welcome to our ranks. Now wait until the others have been tested.” The circle opened up and the man returned the staff back to Alex. Then the commander yelled “Next!”

  Shade was the first to greet him and he wanted to know what happened. While they walked back, one of the boys entered the closing circle of warriors. Lily and the others remained in the same spot, and they met up with them. They also wanted to know and Alex explained everything that went on. He told them not to lie because his hand still stung.

  While they talked the other two went on and they all passed the test. The family also passed without incident. And then Marlin went up and handed his collapsed pole over to the man who took Alex’s staff. Alex listened to Marlin’s answers and his answer about joining was similar to what he told Takka back in Nicronane. He still wasn’t abashed about his position.

  Marlin returned and tucked his item in his back belt loops again, grinning from ear to ear.

  Lily squeezed Alex’s shoulder before she was the last to approach. She handed her sheathed items over to the man again and Yort first asked “Why do you want to join?”

  “I want to help others and save their…OUCH!” The mace sizzled as it hit the ground. She was shocked by the sudden reaction of his item. Whatever she said or was about to was a lie. Alex’s heart started thrumming when the circle all grabbed their weapons and drew them.

  Alex crouched forward and Shade knew what his body language meant without saying anything. He crouched forward and lowered his head too.

  Yort made it voice tight and controlled. “You only get one more chance to tell the truth. If you lie once more you will be cut down.”

  Lily turned and met Alex’s defiant grey eyes, but she’s never seen such a protective look from him before. What are you looking at me for? Alex asked in his thoughts. She was taller than most of the people around her so it was easy for her to find him. Her eyes were frightened and haunted, but not from the situation. She was more than capable of dealing with those around her, even without her items. She seemed worried about something she was about to say or do. Alex knew her well enough to be worried for her immediate safety. Her expression was like a personal secret that she didn’t want to reveal to anyone, but there was little choice. It made his heart beat even faster, but only to see her safe. She then broke eye contact and picked up the mace again. She then looked Yort in the eye and asked “May I whisper my answer in your ear?”

  “Only if one of my men can keep a blade at your throat,” He said evenly.

  “That will be fine.”

  One of the men in the group held a knife to her throat as she bent closer to whisper. Yort and Lily both showed impassive expressions. They were both used to life and death situations and a blade at Lily’s throat didn’t unsettle her like it would to most others. Her voice was too soft for Alex to hear. But what she said made Commander Yort look directly at him and the mace remained cool. Once she pulled back he studied her expression for a while.

  He nodded and stated “That answer will get you access.” The knife moved from her throat and the knife wielder moved back into his original position. “Now what is your name?”

  “Lily of the Blood Moon.”

  Everyone was stunned into silence at such honesty. Yort recognized her name almost immediately and began laughing until she held up his unresponsive mace and then his face turned to rage. “Arrest HERRR!”

  The men converged on her and Alex snapped. This will not happen again. Because of her name, they were about to…

  His heart had begun thundering and things slowed once again. Senses became sharper and his limbs felt stronger. Heat poured of him as his staff began falling to the ground, he’d need both hands for what was needed.

  Before anyone seemed to move, Alex had already pushed one man out of the way and gotten within the circle. Lily had an even look as she gazed at Yort, who remained in mid-scream. He wound his arms around her taut middle and jumped backwards. Her body snapped forward from the speed and the mace left her hand as he leapt out of the circle. Alex landed about twenty paces away and maneuvered her behind him. Then his heart slowed and things sped up again. The crash was a little stronger and more violent than it was at Takka’s place. The shakes returned to his limbs and he had to focus before anything else could happen.

  The man Alex pushed, fell on his back and the others took another step and then looked between each other. Before anything happened, it took all Alex’s control and willpower to stop the spasms rolling through his body. They all had dumbfounded expressions as they searched for her so he gave a hint with a whistle. “Over Here!”

  They turned as one to the sound of Alex’s voice. And then their eyes turned to disbelief once they realized he saved Lily and she stood behind him. He even heard her voice speaking in complete denial. “How? Wait…! What just happened? Alex?”

  He ignored her and spoke. “Commander Yort! You and I need to have a personal discussion, now! The rest of you will stay where you are. If anyone moves to intercept Lily they will have to deal with Shade.”

  Perfect timing occurred as Shade walked to stand between them and the others. His deep voice was calm, but his golden eyes weren’t close to matching his tone. “Alex, what is going on? Things look too serious.”

  “Just make sure that no one tries to move after Lily. They want to most likely kill her wherever it is we’re going.” He moved deliberately closer to Lily and growled deeply to the warriors, threatening any who came closer. Alex then began walking away from everyone.

  Then Yort demanded “Who gave you the authority to order us around!?”

  Alex stopped cold and his patience was very thin at the moment. He slowly turned his vision completely upon him. No one else mattered, but the focus on Yort. His heart wasn’t hammering, but some other part of Alex wanted to beat him down into submission. He felt commanding, like no one could contest him without losing their sanity or their life. It was as if Alex became cloaked in authority and the sense put a weight to his words that couldn’t be ignored or disregarded. The feeling had always been part of him, but he still cannot understand himself nor does he understand why. The feeling of authority had flared again, but it didn’t recede as abruptly as it usually does.

  Yort began weakening under such an intense stare and weight on his chest. It was like he submitted his own soul under those grey eyes. He had no choice except to obey. As he bent down to grab his mace Alex continued walking away.

  He silently followed the strange lad, away from his troops. Once they couldn’t be heard, but could easily see the others under the tree, Alex stopped. Yort was looking down and almost bumped into him. His mace’s leash was clutched in his hand and it swung forward with his abrupt stop. Once he stopped Alex began speaking casually. “Commander Yort, there are things I must know before I explain anything to you. Tell me why you ordered Lily to be arrested?”

  Yort’s brow
n eyes looked into his unwavering grey. The boy with raven hair watched both him and his item for any signs of untruths. “Lily of the Blood Moon is one of our largest threats. She has a price on her head for killing so many of our members. She is in the top one hundred people that must be taken care of.” His item started heating up, but he continued. “She was also the one who slaughtered my home village a year and a half ago. She did it all by herself.” The shaft began cooling. “Believe it or not she’s not the kind of person that deserves a second chance.”

  “Thank you for the truth. Now hand me your item so you will know the truth of my words.” He did so reluctantly, but didn’t have a choice. Alex clutched it in his left hand and brought it forward so Yort could easily watch it for any lies. “Now let me tell you what she has been through to come here, knowing her past deeds.”

  He explained about how she killed her commanding officer to save a Freelan family. Takka gave the ring for her because she passed his preliminary test. He laughed when Alex explained how they rescued her from Central City. Yort stopped once his item didn’t respond to a lie. Yort was told almost about everything about how she has changed from her former life and into the one he was proud of. At times Yort couldn’t stop himself from looking at Lily in wonder.

  “Now here is what you are going to do.” Yort’s eyes widened at Alex’s ruling. His commanding cloak didn’t weaken even once during the whole speech. It was a frightening thrill to have, but it wasn’t right to force Yort’s submission. Unfortunately it was necessary for them to continue being together. “Lily will not be arrested or harmed by anyone and she will stick with us. She will not be executed after being detained and tortured because she doesn’t need to be put in that predicament ever again. I will take full responsibility for anything that should happen. She will be by my side and will be a great asset to the cause. She wants a chance to prove herself to others and that is why she is here and not deserted us. She has changed to better herself.”

  “Are you sure about that?” He smiled in a way that said she wanted something else altogether.

  “It doesn’t matter why she is here. Her thoughts are hers alone. Lily has her own reasons for keeping secrets, just as we all do. Whatever she told you shouldn’t be reiterated. I’ll wait until she wants to tell me herself, if ever.”

  He smiled deeper and changed subjects. “Alright. Lily will be your number one responsibility. I will not put her under arrest, but I will keep an eye on her regardless. I do not want to wake up with a blade to my back.” His eyes spoke that he was telling the truth. He was deathly afraid of her as well he should be.

  With that said they turned around and headed back. Everyone had remained where they were and all silently watched the two men returned.

  Eventually he walked over to Lily and Shade, while Yort walked to his men. The commander was the first to speak. “Lily of the Blood Moon is to be watched, but not be placed under arrest! Alex has convinced me that she is different now. We will give her a single chance. The moment she becomes a threat, we will act. If she runs away, she’ll be found and properly arrested and tried for her crimes. Until then, she and the others are now members of Freelan.” He then walked up to his man and grabbed her items. He brought them only as close as he could to them because Shade started to growl. It wasn’t a friendly approach and Shade sensed it. Yort then turned around and ordered “Saddle up so we can get away from here and back home.”

  All of the members began walking back to their horses, periodically glancing back in Shade’s direction. The feeling of authority subsided in Alex.

  A hand on his shoulder made him turn abruptly towards Lily. She looked both puzzled and pleased. “What did you say to change his mind about me?”

  Alex’s next move came without warning, in the form of a smile. She blinked several times in confusion. “We can discuss it on the way. Right now we need to get moving or risk being left behind.”

  Lily released her hold on his shoulder and walked around Shade to retrieve her items. Alex strapped his pack on and Marlin gave him back his staff. He then leapt atop Clift. Soon Alex climbed atop Shade and offered a hand to help Lily up to sit behind him once again. The other newbie’s were riding on the spare horses that were brought along with the riders.

  Commander Yort turned to Alex and Lily. “We had better move on out of here. One of my men said we were in the clear, but we don’t rely on chance. Keep up if you can.”

  In response, Lily embraced him from behind again. Just her touch made Alex joyous that they were together and safe again.

  Soon the group started running north once again. Both Clift and Shade were laughing at the mediocre pace these steeds could run. Clift might not be a fully fledged warhorse yet, but he was certainly more powerful than these stabled horses. They weren’t even trying to gallop and Shade could do circles around the entire company and not lag behind. Their journey had made both Shade and Clift powerful runners compared to these steeds.

  Clift and Shade ran together on the far right of the formation. While they ran, Alex explained how he’d changed the commander’s mind. She said she was grateful and hugged his back with a gentle gesture. Unfortunately her firm breasts pressed into his back and he could feel the exquisite contours. Alex needed to bring her hands up higher on his midsection once he felt a sudden, personal sensation coming to life and the pressure was uncomfortable.

  He also spoke with Shade to catch him up on the events and also to clear his vivid thoughts of him and Lily.

  Suddenly Lily’s hands slid too low after Shade made a small bound over a large rock. A singe giggle escaped her lips before she moved her hands back up. All of the muscles over his body locked in embarrassment. He was mortified, knowing what she now could do to him. Alex’s face flared, but was glad she could only see the back of his head.

  She didn’t say anything on that subject, but she did ask a question. “Alex, how did you get me out of their circle before they could catch me?”

  Lily deserved the truth. “Sometimes, something happens to me and my body has a reaction. It’s like I’m taken over by some other power. It isn’t reliable, but it has helped me save you thrice. When we first met, when I rescued you from the prisons and just a few moments ago. Everything seems to slow and…” He continued explaining the odd sensation that occurs.

  A minute later she said “I’m glad to have you around.” And for the first time she rested the side of her head against his upper back. It was a pleasant feeling for her to rely on someone, but it was still new for her to do so.

  What is that supposed to mean? Her words could be taken a hundred different ways, but the words were received with reverence. Oh Lily, there is so much that I’d like for you to hear, but I’m not secure enough to explain myself as it is. Hopefully my jumbled thoughts could become coherent when the time is right. Maybe you might not hit me this time. Alex thought jokingly.

  Lily’s soft touch, along with her warmth was more of a comfort than he could have ever realized or imagined. Lily was by far the strongest woman he has ever met. She could fight and survive the most brutal of battles, but this was the first time she has clutched someone in such a way. That was a certainty. He could feel how uncomfortable it made her because she was holding his midsection awkwardly, but having her like this was one of the happiest times in his life.

  She held him and didn’t inflict any pain.

  Then Alex glanced to his left.

  Marlin was looking at the content pair and a proud and satisfied smile spread across his lips. He then mouthed the following sentence. ‘It’s about time she did that.’

  Alex grinned until his jaw ached.