The falcon's daughters

Chapter 68

- Was that really the smoothest solution you could come up with?

Dorcha wondered as Kit closed the door to their chamber behind them. Kit sat down on the edge of the bed.

- I couldn't think of any other way. I just have a feeling we have to be there.

- Let's just hope Cade's right in his theory. That a small group can get to the rik'oti undiscovered.

She pulled off her boots and stretched out on the soft bed. Her thoughts wandered as she relaxed and somewhere far back in her mind she could sense a presence. She smiled and waited. The presence grew stronger and when she was sure it was there she sent out her thoughts.

- Sol how are you doing?

- Sol?

Said the strange presence and a cruel laugh filled her mind. 

- I do not think so. So interesting that the little princesses are telepaths. I did not expect that. 

She sat up straight in the bed and nervously looked around her chamber even though she knew that the voice was only in her head.

- Who are you?

- It does not matter, princess. The only thing that matters is that as soon as you and your little cat put your feet on the island of the rik'oti you will die. You have disrupted my plans long enough. Without the cats you and your sister would have died eighteen years ago. But she protected you. Now you can no longer escape my wrath. There is no one who can save your miserable little lives now.

- What are you talking about? Who are you?

- I'm the one looking for your blood. When your sweet blood fills the ground, my senses will rejoice. And when you're gone, I'll take care of your sister. Then my revenge is almost complete. Sweet dreams princess.

The cruel laughter filled her senses again when the presence broke the contact. Her body was shaking as Dorcha jumped up on the bed and pressed against her side.

- Kit? What happened?

Shivering she put her arms around the panther's neck and hid her face against the soft fur.

- He was here. He who was trying to kill us. He was in my head. 

- What did he say?

- As soon as we get to the island of the rik'oti, we will die. And that when we are gone, he will go after our sisters.

- How does he know that we're going to the rik'oti's island?

- I do not know, but his voice ... I have never heard such hatred before. It scares me. Oh Dorcha what are we going to do?

A man sat staring into the fireplace. His cruel, cold laughter filled the air. The dancing flames threw their light over his grotesque face. In the dark eyes only the deep evil that filled his whole being was seen. In the flames a face was formed before his eyes and his eyes blackened with hatred. With a wild rage he evoked a ball of fire and threw it into the flames. The flames hit the sides of the fireplace before they calmed down. He breathed heavily and hugged the armrests of the chair he was sitting in. In the night sky the stars flashed and he got up. He went to the only window in the room and looked up at the glittering sky.

- You thought you could save them by giving them the gift of telepathy. That through that they would escape my revenge on you.

He laughed and a hard smile took shape on his lips.

- By that gift you have made them available to me. You have made it possible for me to penetrate their minds and destroy their will.

Far back in his mind he could sense the faint, bright voice.

- Let them be.

- They will pay the price for your treachery.

- I will not let you hurt them.

- You will not be able to stop me. I will crush them for what you did. And then I will destroy you.

- Why?

- You betrayed me.

The voice softly whispered before it faded away.

- Just remember. You betrayed me first.

A low knock on the door woke Kit from her restless sleep. She choked a yawn as she got out of bed and walked to the door.  A maid bowed her head when Kit opened the door and in her arms she held a bundle which she handed out.

- Good morning, your highness. His majesty wanted you to have this.

Kit received the bundle and the girl nodded again and left.

- Thank you! 

She called after the maid when she disappeared around a corner before she closed the door and laid the bundle on the bed. The light paper was tied with a white string. She untied it and folded away the paper. In front of her lay clothes in dark brown leather. A smile spread across her lips as she put on the new clothes. The skin was thick but still soft and pliable in her movements as she sat down on the bed and pulled on her boots. Dorcha stretched and followed as Kit left the room. They walked towards the throne room where they met Cade and Tyrall. Her father smiled and nodded at her appearance.

- I see the clothes fitted.

- Yes father, thank you.

She smiled and gave him a hug. His voice was strained and he put his hands around her face. He tenderly pressed a kiss to her forehead.

- You needed something that was more protective than your regular clothes. Just make sure you come home unharmed.

- Yes, father.

- And I have your word Cade. No one will hurt her.

- You have my word, your majesty.

- Good good. There was only one more thing before you left.

He turned and took out what was on the table behind him. When he turned around again, he was holding a shield that had two crossed swords on the inside. The shield was made of a gray matte metal and on its front was the image of a raging black panther. The green eyes shone from the panther's face.

- You can’t go into battle without weapons. The best blacksmith in town has made these. He worked half the night to get it done.

- Father.

Kit's hands were trembling when she accepted the shield.

- It is not easy for a father to realize that his youngest daughter is a warrior. But you would not be the woman you are if you did not have the will of a warrior. The only thing I can do is to make sure you have the things needed to get through the battles that lie ahead.

She stroked the picture of the mighty feline with her fingertips and looked up tearfully at her father.

- Every warrior with noble blood has his own weapon. I thought Dorcha should represent yours.

- Thank you, father. It is perfect.

She smiled and gave him a big hug. Tyrall patted her back and took a deep breath.

- The men are waiting at the stable. Go now, before you waste too much daylight.

- I will be home again soon father. 

With that promise she hugged him one last time and Tyrall looked for them as they left the room and then sank down on a chair. He buried his face in his hands and tears ran down his cheeks as he looked up. His gaze wandered to the portrait of a beautiful young woman. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy and her black hair fell freely around her shoulders. 

- Milly. If you are anywhere and can hear me. Look after our daughters. I couldn't bear the pain of losing any of them again.