The falcon's daughters

Chapter 32

The sun disappeared on the horizon and with it the last remnants of daylight Sol turned her eyes to the flames of fire. Lee placed an armful of firewood on the ground.

- We should reach the valley tomorrow

- But Lee ...

- My lady, stop worrying. She’ll be there.

- I don't think I can be calm until Kit is in front of me and I can see that she’s alright with my own eyes.

- You will meet her tomorrow.

Lee’s unending confidence rubbed off on her and she smiled brightly at him.

- You know for the first time in a long time, I actually dare to believe that you can be right.

She lay down on the cold, hard ground and pulled the warm blanket around her. Deó lay close to her side and Sol dug her fingers into the thick fur before falling asleep with a smile on her lips. For a long time, Lee watched her peaceful face in the light of the fire as the stars lit in the sky and the twin moons rose on the horizon. He put on some more firewood and the flames flared up towards the sky. The heat from the fire chased away some of the night's coldness and he wrapped the blanket around him before he lay down and leaned his head against a saddlebag. The stars glistened brightly in the dark sky above and he slowly closed his eyes.

They left early next morning. After a quick breakfast based on bread, cheese and some dried meat they were on their way.

- The entrance would be a shrub or something a few miles west of Ipelé, right? Isn’t that what Lace said?

- If he hasn't been mistaken then we should ride straight at it. 

The sun rose quickly as the days got shorter and when it stood in the middle of the sky they approached a large grove.

- Do you think it could be here?

Lee took a look around them. In a not too far distance he could see Ipelé but not anything else that could hide the entrance to a hidden valley.

- It must be. I don't see any other trees here. I guess we better try to find a way in.

They jumped off the horses and began to search for an opening among the dense branches. Sol pressed her hand against a few branches that easily gave way for the pressure.

- Here!

Lee came to her side and peeked into the dark passage before them. The hope he could see in Sol’s eyes when he turned to her warmed his heart and he gave her an encouraging smile.

- Well then, shall we continue?

They pulled the branches aside and stepped into the passage. The sound from the horses hooves echoed high in the dark. After a short while Lee noticed the slight descent when they walked.

- We're going down.

- Where do you hide a valley that nobody knows about Lee? 

She burst out in a laugh that ended way too soon and he was in awe not only at what secrets lie within his own kingdom but also to what a short laugh from the woman in front of him did to him.

- Under the ground? The valley is beneath our feet? That explains how no one knows that it exists.

At the far end of the hall they could see a dim light and the sound of paws hurried away was heard.

- Lee, do you see the light ahead?

- Yes.

- The path ends there but continues down to the right. There is a steep cliff so be careful.

- Didn't you say that you haven't been here before?

- I havent.

- But how did you know?

- Deó told me.

Sol’s answer was so obvious and he smiled at her words while he sighed and said low to himself.

- Of course she did.

They stepped out into the light and Lee stopped in his tracks. He stared at the valley that spread out in front of them. The dim light that came from the rock walls and dissolved the dark. His eyes crossed the white grass and lush trees with branches heavy with red fruits.

- This is incredible. How can such a place even exist?

- One of nature's many mysteries. Shall we continue?

He nodded slightly and followed them down to the valley floor. Deó sniffed in the air before she set off over the grass. Lee saw how a black panther rushed to meet her and threw itself over her. Worried he looked at Sol. She was trembling and a tear fell down her cheek.

- My lady. Deo ...

She drew a shaky breath and there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

- It’s alright. That's Dorcha. She's actually here.

The two panthers rolled around on the ground and stretched out next to each other gently stroking their heads against each other and a young woman came walking towards them. Except from the clothes and the length of their hair he could immediately tell that it was her sister. He did a small nod in her direction.

- So that’s...

- Kit!

She rushed forward and quickly closed the distance between them until she could finally wrap her arms around her sister. Kit smiled and hugged her tight.

- Sol, I can't believe you're here. What are you doing here by the way?

- Looking for you.

She laughed and wiped away some tears before she pushed Kit away at an arm's length. She looked up and down on her body and gently touched the now almost fully healed cuts in her face.

- Are you okay? Have your injuries healed now?

- I’m fine. How did you know I was hurt?

Lee could see the confusion in Kit’s face and realised that she was unaware about the link between them as he approached.

- She could feel your pain.

Kit stared in shock at Sol before she turned to Lee.

- How is that even possible? And who are you? 

Sol blushed a bit the moment she realised that she forgot to introduce them.

- Oh I’m sorry. I forgot. Kit, this is Prince Leerian of Carlan.

- Prince Leerian?

Kit looked at her sister and then at the young man who bowed slightly to her. He had a nice smile and she got the feeling that his smile reflected his personality.

- Call me Lee.

- What have you been up to Sol?

Sol shrugged her shoulders at Kits question and had a coy smile.

- Yzza thought we needed help getting you and Lace from Crayden so we asked King Worgan for help. He sent Lee and a few hundred soldiers with us.

- Lace! Is he...

- He is on the way to Laniro with Lady Y'zora and my soldiers. He is in need of some food, rest and some slight medical attention but otherwise he is good.

- Blessed be the gods.

She closed her eyes and put a hand over her heart as she exhaled in relief. Sol looked worriedly at her and took her hand in hers.

- Are you sure you're okay?

- I'm fine Sol, but what was it Lee said? Have you really felt my pain?

- Only part of it. I don't know if it’s because of my powers as a seer or if it’s the bond between us but I knew you needed me. What happened to you little sister?

- I'll tell you later. I don't want to let the memories ruin this.

A dark voice was heard and Cade became visible between the trees. He walked up to them and embraced Lee.

- Lee, what are you doing here?

- Cade, what in the name of all gods! I've escorted  lady Sol here. What are you doing here?

- I’ve tried to prevent that miss stubborn over here won't get herself in more trouble then she has already been in.

He nodded at Kit’s direction and Sol giggled when her sister's eyes darkened. Apparently something had happened between the two and she couldn't wait for her sister to tell her about it. 

- I am grateful for everything you have done for her.

- Cade this is ...

- Kits sister. 

Cade bowed to Sol and raised his eyebrow slightly when he saw Déo.

- The similarity is striking. And with another cat I see.

- My name is Sol and the panther is called Deó. She is my guardian in the same way that Dorcha is Kits.

- But what are they guarding you from?

Lee's sudden question made the girls look at each other and Kit lowered her eyes.

- I wish we knew.

- How did you get involved in all this Lee?

- Father sent me to help Sol get her sister back from Crayden. He thought that a little brain could be needed instead of just muscles. We stopped by the little rat’s place to pick up Lace.

- I would have loved to see that.

Cade laughed but Lee just shrugged his shoulders disappointed.

- It wasn't much to see really. He caved too easily.

- We should return to Laniro as soon as possible don't you think?

- You’re right my lady. Tomorrow we’ll start the journey home.

- Good. I know Lace will be overjoyed when he sees you again Kit. And now we will find somewhere where we can be at peace and you can tell me everything.

- As you wish sister.

 They started walking toward the trees when Kit stopped and turned to face the two men.

- By the way. How do you two know each other?

- Lee is my brother.

- Your brother?

Cade felt a bit uncomfortable when she walked up close to him and stared him in the eyes.

- You are Prince Cadenor of Carlan?

- I am.

- Why you...you.

She quickly raised her hand and Cade grabbed it a second before it would have hit his face. With her wrist in an iron grip he camly met the rage that flashed in her green eyes. He pulled her one step closer and his voice was cold when he said.

- Don't ever try to hit me again!

A low curse slipped over his lips and he let go of her when she put down her heel straight over his toes. He looked after her as she hurried off toward the trees with her sister by her side. Lee laughed heartily and put a hand against his stomach.

- This time you really messed up brother.

- Shut up!