Authors: Lisa Finnegan
“We can’t open the Second gate before time. It could become unstable and destroy you and everyone else.” He said.
“We can’t just sit here. Is it possible?”
“I shall study the matter.” Vaeryn left.
Ariana turned to Jarod. “Finally alone, how do you feel?” Despite her anxiety she couldn’t help her joy at his presence.
“I should go help.” He said.
“No, you need to rest.” She said, “There’ll be lots to do tomorrow. Come sit down.”
He sat down next to her. She snuggled into his arms. They kissed. She clung to him. He winced. “I’m sorry,” she loosened her grip.
“It’s alright.” He said. She shivered thinking how close he’d come to death.
“There is much to do tomorrow.” He pulled away for a moment.
“I just wanted you to myself for a few minutes.”
“You’re always first in my thoughts and heart.” He kissed her lightly.
She sighed and clung to him.
“I missed you so much. I was scared I’d never see you again. Never tell you how much I love you.”
He kissed her again. “You shouldn’t love me. I failed.”
“No you didn’t.” She said.
He stopped her with a gesture. “I couldn’t help anyone in my family, my brother, my father, Cerynus, all dead. Then I betrayed you. You should hate me, instead you love me.”
“Always and forever,” She reached up and kissed him. He kissed her back gently. She was filled with fear. What if she lost him? This time when she kissed him it was filled with urgency. She wanted him. She needed to be with him. He recognized the change, responded, but hesitated. She looked up at his forest eyes dazed with sudden passion and gave him a moment to think about it.
Then she pulled him down to her and thought vanished. They were on the bed. Their kisses grew ardent. Eager hands shed clothing. Passion swirled honey sweet up from the tips of her toes through her entire body. Her skin flushed, so sensitive, each kiss he dropped on her body was a flame, each touch a prayer. The scars of his ordeal stood out in livid contrast to the fair skin. With her mouth she traced the marks soothing the pain. He trembled and she knew her power. He groaned and rolled above her. He waited poised above her, mouth tight and eyes green fire. She arched up to meet him.
When he entered her, her eyes fluttered closed. She clasped him to her and held him inside her. The Heartstone filled with white light as she was filled with him. The Heartstone blazed like a star and she felt energy pulsing out from it in time with their movement. There was an intense almost painful feeling in the base of her spine. The world rocked on its axis. Everything had changed.
The world was still. Jarod rested above her. She held him against her breast. After a few minutes he lifted himself and looked down at her. His eyes were lazy and sated. Gently he nibbled at her breast and up the side of her neck. She reached up and kissed him. He smiled and untangled himself. He hissed a little as his ribs protested.
“I forgot about your ribs.” She said.
“So did I.” He grinned. She laughed.
“We should go to sleep,” She said.
“Yes we should, but not yet.” He said. She smiled. Eventually they slept entwined in each other’s arms.
The sun slanted through the window. There was the sound of movement outside. Jarod’s body was warm against her back and his hand cradled her breast. They fit together perfectly holding each other even in sleep. His breath was warm against the back of her neck. Ariana kept her eyes closed trying to stay asleep. She heard a bird’s sleepy chirp and a hungry whinny, time to wake up. Regretfully she opened her eyes. Gently she turned. His lashes made vulnerable black crescents on his cheeks. An ache shot through her. This was where she was meant to be.
He opened his eyes and smiled, “I thought you were a dream. You’re like sunlight in the trees.” He raised her hand and kissed it. She felt the kiss thrum through her. She smiled pushing back his hair with a tender hand. After a few minutes, he pulled away.
“We must get up, dearest.” He said.
“I know,” With a sigh she left his arms.
They dressed; a slow process. Every few minutes they’d stop and kiss. Ariana found herself just staring at him, forgetting what she was doing. Eventually they were ready. There was a soft tap at the door. It was Lorena with Geneth behind her carrying a pile of clothing.
“Good Morn children,” Lorena smiled pretending she didn’t see the rumpled bed.
“
I’ve brought some more clothes for Ser Jarod.”
“Thank you.” Ariana’s face flamed.
“Thanks for your courtesy, Lady” Jarod bowed deeply to her. She nodded approval.
“You look better today, sir.” Lorena said with a look at Ariana. Ariana blushed.
“Please call me Jarod lady.” He said.
“Very well Ser Jarod.” She said.
“Good Morning, Geneth.” Ariana said.
“Good Morn, Ariana.” Geneth blushed. Ariana took the clothes from her and put them away in the chest.
“Would you break your fast with us, Ser Jarod?” Geneth asked.
“Certainly, lady” Jarod bowed with a smile. Geneth blushed. Ariana smiled. He’d have them eating out of his hands in no time, she thought.
“Will you tell us of your adventures, Ser Jarod?” Geneth asked eyes shining. Caroc was going to have some competition Ariana thought smugly.
“It would be my pleasure.” He said.
“Come child let them prepare. We shall see you soon.” Lorena ushered Geneth out and closed the door behind her. Ariana and Jarod laughed. They followed their hostess. After breakfast Ariana took Jarod on a tour.
They walked together around the plateau. Already the work was starting. The men of the Donnray were gathering the herds and the women were preparing provisions. Everywhere was activity and action. Instead of the fear Ariana expected she saw resolve. She realized Rhysin wouldn’t win until the last clansman was dead. She introduced Jarod to everyone.
Caroc and Tareg were waiting to discuss fortifications with Jarod. Lorena needed help in the kitchen. With a smile and a kiss on the cheek Ariana let Jarod go. Then she followed Lorena into the kitchens. After a short time a child came to fetch Ariana to Vaeryn.
“Well?” she demanded when she got there.
“I haven’t been able to find anything about opening the gate at different times. It won’t open until the Sun is in the proper position. We must work hard to make up for the past three days.” He said.
The day sped everyone was harried and busy but no one lost heart. At dinner Ariana sat between Jarod and Geneth at the table. As the meal went on she found her anxiety easing. She hadn’t been able to relax much in the last weeks. Knowing Jarod was safe was a balm to her soul. Her hand slipped into his as she chatted with Geneth. He squeezed it gently. Jarod was deep in a discussion of their plans with Caroc. His green eyes were intent as he sketched battle plans in wine on the tabletop.
They danced late into the night. This would be the last feast for a long time. Everyone wanted to wring the last drop of gaiety and courage from the evening. Ariana danced among the women like a swan. Jarod was never far from her side. They’d never been able to just enjoy themselves. She intended to take advantage of it. The dancing ended.
The torches were guttering and everyone made their way back home. They were alone. Ariana didn’t want the night to end. She looked up into the star filled sky, peaceful for the first time since the shipwreck.
“I want to stay like this forever.” She said. Jarod smiled and drew her closer to him. They kissed. The moonlight caressed them and the warm breeze shivered through her unbound hair. Held close in Jarod’s arms Ariana was filled with drowsy happiness. Taking his hand she led him back to their chamber.
The next week passed in a blur of activity. The Fireray scouts reported daily on Rhysin’s progress. He was making good time. People grew tense. Some of the warriors wanted to meet him at the base of the mountains and stop him there. Jarod thought it fragmented their forces, but he was outvoted.
It was decided that those unable to fight, especially young mothers and children, would be sent with the brood mares and studs to the camp at the spring pastures. The warriors would remain to defend Heulwen from Rhysin. The women objected. They wanted to stay to defend their homes. Everyone was packing and scurrying around trying to gather everything at once.
Meanwhile Vaeryn and the Sages drilled Ariana. She stayed isolated concentrating on her studies. The only way to stop Rhysin was to open the gate. Then he would follow her and leave the clans alone. Every night she stumbled back to bed and the comfort of Jarod’s arms. But when he was asleep, she stared up at the ceiling. The hours passed slowly. What if she couldn’t open the gate? What if Rhysin got there first and killed everyone?
Then it was time for the exodus to the spring pastures. They were usually a four-day ride away. But for a party of children and laden pack animals it would take ten days. The morning of the journey the air was filled with the shrill cries of children and the muffled sobs of the women as they said goodbye to their men. The healers and warrior clans had stayed behind except for the pregnant or elderly but no one was unaffected. Lorena and Geneth came to Ariana to say goodbye. Lorena’s eyes were red and she looked old as she grasped Ariana’s hands.
“Child you’re as dear as my own. Stay safe. I pray we meet again when this is over.” Abruptly she hugged Ariana, they were both crying. With a final almost brisk nod she turned away. Ariana felt her stomach cramp with tension.
“Geneth,” Ariana’s voice broke. “Be safe. I’ll miss you. You’re like my little sister.”
“I wish I could stay with you.” Geneth sniffed skin blotchy from tears. ”Please say I can stay.”
“No. This is something I have to do by myself. It’s too dangerous. I can’t concentrate thinking you’re in danger. Besides they need your help in the camp.” Ariana said.
“I suppose.” Geneth’s lips trembled.
“Geneth, promise me you’ll leave. Swear it.” Ariana said sternly. “This is not like Leudwen, Rhysin will kill you. He enjoys causing pain.”
“I swear.” Geneth hugged her.
Ariana held the slim form; glad she’d gotten her to swear. Geneth had a stubborn streak. If anything happened to her, Ariana would never forgive herself. “They’re ready to go.” Ariana said. With a final hug Geneth rejoined her family.
The lead horses started out and slowly the procession started. The wealth of the clans, glossy mares, prancing foals and snorting stallions trotted up the trail in a cloud of dust. Behind them walked the herders and children carrying small bundles. They were laughing at the great adventure. Here and there Ariana saw a solemn face as a child realized what was happening.
Behind the children came the women searching the crowd for a loved face. Pregnant women walking slowly eyes locked on their husbands. Then older women passed by giving last minute instructions to their sons and husbands to hide the terrible fear in their hearts. Then the elders passed carrying the wisdom of the tribe. Reed thin they walked slow but steady proud eyes filled with tears. They stood watching until the last figure disappeared over the ridge of the mountains.
Ariana turned and buried her face in Jarod’s chest. She already missed them. He patted her shoulders. “I know,” he said. She looked around, the clansmen were silent and some of the men had tears in their eyes. Lyon looked desolate as he watched the trail where his people had disappeared. Ariana looked away. Caroc was standing caressing something in his hands. Ariana recognized it. It was Geneth’s favorite ribbon.
“Are you alright?” Ariana asked him.
Caroc tucked the ribbon carefully into his belt; “The black demon will pay for this day.” He bit his lip. “Ser Jarod, a question, if you will excuse us?” She nodded. They left.
The plateau was desolate. Ariana wandered back to the Hall of the Silveray. The empty rooms echoed around her. The weaving room usually the active heart of the Silveray was barren, the bright threads gone. There wasn’t even a scrap of lint on the well-scrubbed floor. She fled. She had to get away for a minute. This was all her fault. If she hadn’t come here everyone would still be here weaving and training the horses. Rhysin wouldn’t be threatening them.
She decided to go for a walk to clear her head. Randomly she walked west. She wanted to get up the hill and have a moment to herself. Walking eased her tension. There was a flash in the distance. Curious she walked toward it. She found a narrow trail, little more than a sheep track, leading up toward the light. She climbed the trail. In front of her was a small high valley of red rock.
A huge arch formed of the mountain’s coppery stone rose from the sand. Inside the arch a slab of gold stone carved with sinuous scrollwork shimmered in the afternoon sun. It was Heulwen; she’d found it. Triumph filled her. Ariana thought she saw the carvings move. She walked closer squinting. If she could read them she’d be able to open the gate. She stood within six feet of it. The gate Heulwen was enormous, energy hummed from it. This close she saw the carvings dancing, they pulled at her like tongues of flame. Hissing red embers intertwined with the golden flame and occasional electric blue shimmers.
Entranced she held out her hand, the Heartstone blazed, for a moment she thought she almost understood. The next second, she was flung twenty feet away by the concussion from the suddenly white-hot gate. Dazed she lifted up on her elbows glaring up at it.