A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Two (Part One)

Caeli woke to the orange glow of the rising sun. She stretched, her back and neck cracking. What should I eat for breakfast? Walking to her closet, she chose a blue top with a black skirt and matching stockings. She combed her hair and brushed her teeth. For a brief moment she sat at her window, watching the sun rise.

Golden rays stretched upon Adyta, bathing the city in a warm glow. The citizens were starting their day with farmers already beginning their work in the fields and shepherds tending to their flocks. Bakeries would soon be opening, as well as the various other trades. Soon the city would be filled with life. Caeli smiled as she admired the city. Somehow the stone buildings seemed to glow. Oh how I have missed my home.

“Miss Caeli?” Aias knocked on the door.

“You may enter.” Caeli turned to her red olive wood door. 

Aias entered with a tray of fruits and bread. “Your friends have come for you..”

“Thank you.” Caeli nodded. 

            She quickly ate some bread then gathered her gear before exiting her room. She tiptoed past her parents room. I really don’t feel like getting slapped for waking them. She successfully arrived at the main entrance, opening the door to her friends’ smiling faces and Darius’s stoic face. 

Caeli was relieved to see that Darius had improved since her departure. When the war had started she didn’t want to leave any of her friends, but the prince was forbidden, Larissa had to care for her siblings and Darius was still recovering from his illness. She hadn’t been able to communicate with Darius but would send messages to be passed on. 

They had told her he was better, but seeing him at full weight, taller with shiny black hair, in front of her solidified their words. She was relieved.

“Morning. You ready?” The prince asked.

“Yep.” Caeli scanned their surroundings for a moment. “Where is your guard?”

“I do not need a guard when I am accompanied by the second in command.” Prince Maximus grinned. “Do you not agree?” 

“Ah, so I am on the job?” Caeli smiled. A woman’s work is never done.

“You know that’s not it at all.” Prince Maximus tapped her forehead. “It’s just the best excuse to finally not be a prince.”

Darius began to chuckle. “But honorable Prince Maximus, do you not enjoy being stalked everywhere you go?” 

“Been a long time since I heard that laugh.” Caeli pulled Darius into a hug. You look so much better, Dari. I’ve missed you.

Darius pulled from Caeli. “Good to see you.” Don’t, Cae.

Caeli’s brow furrowed. Is he not better? He looks fine. Stronger, even. They said he never leaves the temple but he’s obviously been training. 

“You guys ready?” Larissa gently shouldered Darius. “We won’t have too long. I do have to get back to the kids and Prince Maximus can’t stay out too long.”

“Please no prince guys.” Prince Maximus groaned, walking away. “How many times do I have to say it? When it’s just us, call me Maximus or Max. You’re my friends, you shouldn’t have to call me prince.”

“You forgot to say Maxy.” Caeli danced around the prince.

“Cae, I hate when you call me that.” Prince Maximus grumbled.

“I love your reaction.” Caeli smirked.

They entered the stables. Caeli greeted her horse, Sora, with oats and pets. 

Good morning, my beautiful baby. Caeli performed her morning routine of brushing Sora’s Spotted gray coat. 

It had been a time-honored tradition that every Adytan be given their own horse upon their fourteenth birthday. It was meant as a way to instill true responsibility in the future adults of Adyta, and to give every citizen their first opportunity to accomplish greatness. Caeli had woken before the sun on her fourteenth birthday. Marcellus had accompanied her, though it was meant to be the parents’ right. There were many foals, strong and ready but it was the one lying alone, in an unlit and open stall that caught Caeli’s eye. Her coat was a spotted pale gray, with the largest spot appearing in the shape of a heart on her chest. She was the last foal of the season and had been rejected by her mother, the breeder had said. Caeli sympathized with the innocent creature and vowed to save her. 

Two years later, Sora was one of the most loyal and fearless horses in Adyta. 

Caeli, where are we going today?

A hunt with the crew. I just need you to take me there and carry my spoils. You will be left to craze with the others. Does that sound like fun?

It will be fun to be with my friends again.

Caeli saddled and mounted Sora. The four friends were soon trotting to their destination. They rode quietly, as though none of them could settle on a topic of conversation. Despite the silence, the journey seemed to pass quickly. The four dismounted and allowed their horses to roam free, knowing that they would listen to stay near where they left.

A warm breeze seemed to be leading them as they entered the forest.

Auraka’s here. She’ll take us to a great bounty. Larissa’s intrusive thought spread through the group.

“You and Auraka.” Darius shook his head. “How many times do I have to tell you guys that stuff isn’t real?” 

“It’s what she believes, let her believe it.” Caeli punched Darius’s arm. Don’t bring her down, man. You know her mom was the one that first told her of Auraka. 

Get out of my head, Caeli. 

Both of you chill out, you aren’t exactly hiding your thoughts. Prince Maximus gestured toward Larissa, who was now standing with her head low. A breeze swirled her hair, as though she were standing in a small tornado. 

“Rissa?” Prince Maximus slowly approached her. “You okay?”

Caeli couldn’t make out what Larissa had said. The wind is so strong.

What’s going on with Rissa? 

Caeli glanced at Darius. You gotta admit, it gets really hard to deny the existence of the gods when you see crap like that. 

I said stay out of my head, Cae. Please, you know it gives me headaches. “Are we going to hunt or not? I got things to do today.” Darius stormed forward.

“Then why’d you even come?” Cbeaeli followed him. “It’s great to see you, don’t get me wrong, but if you’re just going to be an ass then maybe you should just go home.” 

“Stop it!” Gusts of wind blasted around the kids. Larissa fell to her knees. 

“Rissa.” Prince Maximus grabbed her shoulders. “You okay?”

What was that?

Darius eyed the sky. “Maybe a storm’s blowing in.” 

“Let’s just start tracking.” Larissa stood, shaking the prince’s hands from her, glancing at him. “I’m fine.”

The four walked in silence, Larissa noting wolf tracks. Darius fingered his bow, Larissa her dagger, Prince Maximus and Caeli their swords. 

The forest was quiet, not a sound to be heard, but the quiet breathing of the kids. Caeli never did understand how Larissa could be so silent while moving without shoes. She always says shoes disconnect her from the planet, whatever that means, but how aren’t her feet all torn up?

Larissa slowed pace. We’re close. 

Darius readied his bow. Caeli admired his perfect posture. His parents sure were something. Great hunters, great healers, amazing parents.

If you bring them up I swear by the gods, Caeli. Prince Maximus intruded her thoughts.

Hey, I’ve been giving you your privacy. I’m not going to block both Rissa aaaaand you. I’m not getting a migraine.

What, can’t block two at the same time? I’ve been able to do it for months. 

Well your mother passed her strong telepathic abilities to you and your sister. My parents weren’t gifted with that strong a telepathy. 

They’re too ignorant to become this strong of mind. You could, Cae. Like Marcellus says, the only limits are those we set ourselves.

Yeah, yeah.

Seriously, Cae, the four came upon the den. Stop thinking and talking about their parents, okay? Neither of them are ready for that topic of conversation.

Larissa sat still for a moment, head bowed and eyes closed.  

 I won’t, Maxy. It’s just been so long and honestly I don’t know you guys anymore. 

Larissa shook her head. “Six. There…” she shook her head again, looking back at the others with a smile on her face. “There should only be six.”

The other three nodded. 

“Piece of cake.” Caeli grinned. 

A wolf’s pained cry followed shortly after Darius released an arrow. 

“Five left.” Darius sighed.

Then get to know us, Cae. Without bringing up the things that’ll ruin our first real reunion. 

Caeli shielded herself from an attacking wolf, sending it back and jumping, pulling her sword from its sheath and plunging it into the wolf’s chest. “Four.” 

A pained whine and loud thump came from Caeli’s left. 

“Three.” Prince Maximus was cheerful.

A whoosh brushed past Caeli’s right ear. A loud whine brought her attention to the arrow-pierced wolf on her right.

“Two.” Darius readied another arrow. “Watch it, warrior.”

“I knew it was there!” Caeli swung at another wolf, her blade piercing its throat. “But thanks, saved me some effort. One left.”

A piercing howl erupted from within the den. Larissa emerged carrying the large gray wolf over her shoulders. “That didn’t take long.”

Caeli rested against a tree. “’Cause wolves ain’t nothing to us.”

Larissa chuckled. “Cae, you’re gonna make aaaaa” A scream erupted from her throat as a massive wolf clamped it’s jaws around Larissa’s left shoulder.

“No!” Caeli jumped to her feet. How did we miss it?

“Rissa!” Prince Maximus rushed forward. 

“Get back!” Darius shouted. 

Larissa grabbed at her dagger as the wolf readjusted it’s bite, narrowly missing her neck. “Aaagh” She forced her fist into the wolf’s snout.  

The wolf flew back, hitting the cave wall. An arrow flew past Larissa’s face, piercing the wolf in the eye.

“Rissa!” Prince Maximus pulled Larissa onto his lap. “I thought you only read six wolves.”

“It must’ve been masked by the others.” Larissa winced. “How bad is it?”

“There’s too much blood to tell.” Prince Maximus wiped his sleeve at her wound.

Caeli rushed to her side. Blood poured from Larissa’s shoulder and pooled on her collarbone. She smiled at Caeli. “Could ya wrap it? I could but it takes twice as long trying to use only one arm.”

“Wait, we have to clean it.” Darius opened his pack, removing a clear liquid and white bandages. “And I need to look at it.”

“What’s that?” Prince Maximus held Larissa to his chest.

 “It cleans wounds.” Darius answered. “Max, let me look at her.”

“I’m fine.” Larissa wiped at the blood on her face. “Damn thing, I should’ve been reading energy the whole time. But it was all just…” she shook her head. “Max, let me go.” She pulled away from him. “Darius is the best healer in Adyta. I’m in good hands.”

Darius poured the liquid onto a clean rag and carefully wiped at the wound. Larissa winced, her hand clenching the dirt beside her. 

Caeli grabbed her hand. I’ll take the pain and you take my strength. Shoulda let the wolf bite me, I like pain.

You’re so weird. Larissa chuckled. 

“You’re lucky it didn’t get your neck.” Darius whispered. “As long as they don’t get infected you should be okay.” He began placing dry bandages on her shoulder. “Max, hold these here?”

“Darius, what is all this stuff?” Caeli eyed the various liquids Darius had laid out. “This isn’t the temple's normal remedies.”

“New stuff.” Darius answered. “You think I’ve just been hiding in the temple?”

“But...what have you been researching? How did you discover it?” Caeli persisted.

“From old books.” Darius answered.

“What old books?” Caeli pressed, ignoring the anger radiating from his body. 

“Ones my parents had.” Darius snapped. “Why does it matter, Caeli? Shaushka’s temple is supposed to heal people, why does it matter how it’s done?”

“I didn’t mean anything by it.” Caeli shook her head. “I’m fascinated, Darius. Medical advances are great for our people.”

“Both of you stop.” Prince Maximus ordered. “Can we focus on our injured friend?”

“I’m fine.” Larissa stood. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

*

Larissa’s shoulder ached from the heavy wolf around her neck. This day has been a disaster. Caeli and Darius can’t seem to stop fighting and now my shoulder’s all messed up. If those two had just stopped arguing I wouldn’t have stopped reading energies. But their anger was making me nauseous. 

“Your shoulder is bleeding again.” Darius stopped her.

“Darius, we’re almost to the camp.” Caeli whined. “Stop pausing us and let’s get there. You can fix her up again at camp.”

“I’m fine Darius.” Larissa sighed. “A little blood loss won’t hurt.”

“Maybe not from a wound like that.” Darius muttered.

Prince Maximus set down the two wolves he was carrying. Their horses snorted from excitement of their return. 

Caeli set her wolves upon Sora and turned to Larissa. “Give me yours, I’ll take them to the shop and have Tia help me start skinning them. Darius can take you to the temple and get you properly fixed up.”

Larissa was grateful to release her wolf. “Thanks, but it’s not Tia there. I left Bella in charge of the store.”

“Where’s Tia?” Prince Maximus set Darius’s wolf onto Darius’s horse and his onto Caeli’s. “Cae, could you stuff this for me? I’ll pay good.”

“I’ll see.” Caeli smirked. “Since Bella’s in charge of the store, who's in charge of trophies now?” 

“Camilla.” Larissa climbed onto her horse.

“Sure you can ride?” Darius asked. “Maybe we should just lead the horses, or you could ride with me. I don’t want you to stress the injury anymore than you already have Ms. ‘it’s my kill and I’m going to be the one to bring it back.’ We could’ve come back for the horses if you were too stubborn to let us carry them. I could’ve easily carried one more.”

“It’s just a dog bite, Dari.” Larissa shook her head. Always so worried.

“Please, Rissa.” Darius sighed. “As you said, I’m the best.” 

“Listen to him, Rissa.” Caeli hopped onto Sora. Besides, walking means it’s that much longer before he  holds up in that temple again. 

“Fine.” Larissa winced as she hopped from Aura. Just please don’t frighten my siblings. 

“I’ll stop by the shop later.” Prince Maximus gave Larissa a glance of concern. Are you sure you’re okay, Rissa?

I’m fine. Don’t you have to go with either Darius or Caeli? You know, your escort.

“Ugh.” Prince Maximus rolled his eyes. “Caeli, allow me to accompany you to the shop as I need you to accompany me back to the palace.”

“As you wish, my prince.” Caeli clicked her tongue to signal for her horse to move. “See ya soon guys. Dari, thanks for gracing us with your presence.”

“Thank you for gracing us with yours.” Darius smirked.

What is going on with these two? 

Aura nuzzled Larissa. Are you okay, Rissa?

I am fine, don’t worry yourself. Larissa patted her neck.

Darius began leading his horse away, his three wolves swaying lifelessly with the motion of his horse.

“Well, I guess that settles it.” Larissa chuckled.

“Settles what?” Darius glanced back at her.

“Who the better hunter is, definitely you.” Larissa answered. “I mean, you hit that one in the eye.”

“Yeah, I did.” Darius hung back for Larissa to catch up. “But how did it end up flying into the wall? You can’t punch that hard.”

“I don’t know.” Larissa shook her head. He noticed that too? It was almost like with the lion.

“And the way the wind was surrounding you…” Darius trailed off. The books didn’t mention anything about that. She wouldn’t know, anyway. I shouldn’t ask them, they obviously don’t know anything. Caeli was way too flabbergasted by the medicine. 

What books is he talking about? “Darius, can I ask you about the medicine?” Larissa asked. “Does it come from plants?” 

“Sometimes.” Darius answered. “It’s complicated.”

“Okay.” Larissa whispered. “Tia was asking about you last night.”

“Yeah?” Darius asked.

“She wanted to know when she’d see you again.” Larissa sighed. 

“Soon.” Darius nodded. “I’ve been studying and experimenting. We needed a change. The plague taught us that we weren’t as prepared as we should have been.”

“Darius, it was a new disease.” Larissa whispered. 

“And we lost half the damn city.” Darius growled.

Larissa rested her hand against his back. His grief flooded into her, igniting her own in the form of tears. “We couldn’t save them, Darius.” 

“We could have, if we only tried.” Darius shook his head. “Get off, I know it hurts.” He gently pushed her hand away. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll talk whenever you need to.” Larissa grabbed at her now throbbing shoulder. 

“Is the pain worsening?” Darius immediately began examining her shoulder. “The bleeding is bad, Rissa.”

“Dari!” The Princesses’ tiny voice startled the pair. Young Princess Mariana attacked Darius’s back with a hug. “My Dari!”

Darius sighed, an easy smile formed on his face as he turned to face the princess. “Princess Mariana, how wonderful it is to see you again.” He knelt, offering his hand to the princess.

“Princess, you mustn't run off like that!” Her escort ran to them. “I apologize Sir Darius.” 

Sir Darius? I forgot, he was promoted to head healer last month. 

“No need to apologize.” Darius stared into the Princesses’ eyes. “My dearest Mari, it is always a joy to see your smiling face. But your escorts are there to protect you. If you run from them, they are unable to do their job. You do not wish to hinder their job do you? To dishonor them?”

“Never Dari.” Princess Mariana shook her head. 

“Then stay close to your escort and ask them to accompany you when you wish to visit people.” Darius pulled the princess into a hug. “You must stay safe for Adyta, Princess Mariana. That is your job. Can you do that for your Dari?”

“Mmmmhmmm.” Princess Mariana nodded. She pecked his cheek before running back to her escort.

“She’s still sweet on ya?” Larissa chuckled.

“Still don’t know why.” Darius shook his head. “Come on, we’re only halfway there.”

“It really isn’t that serious, Darius.” Larissa shook her head. 

It’s just a dog bite. I can handle it. 

“Animal bites can cause serious infections.” Darius sighed. “Besides, I wanted to check on ya. You missed the energy of, well, something. You literally pick up on everything so how did you miss that wolf?”

You and Caeli were smothering me in your anger and pain.

“There was just a lot of other energy around.” Larissa avoided his gaze.

I’m so glad he can’t read minds. 

“You suck at lying, Rissa.” Darius sighed. “Is it an empath thing?”

“Yeah.” Larissa answered. 

“I’m sorry.” Darius closed his eyes.

“It’s not your fault.” Larissa playfully punched Darius’s arm. “I should be able to control it by now.”

“Strong emotions can be difficult for even the most adept empath to handle.” Darius stated.

“How do you know that?” Larissa asked.

“Something I read.” Darius shook his hand at her. “Mom and dad kept detailed notes about everything and everyone in Adyta.”

“Are one of the council members an empath?” Larissa quizzed. Father never mentioned another empath being on Adyta and I never really talked to Darius’s parents about my empathic abilities. Maybe my father talked to them? But if he knew things about empaths then shouldn’t he have told me?

“Doctor-Patient Confidentiality.” Darius grinned. “I can’t tell you or it would be an invasion of privacy and break our most sacred vow.”

That boyish grin. There’s the Darius I know.

“Can you tell me what else you know about empaths?” Larissa asked. “My father didn’t tell me much. Just that we pick up on emotions easier. I really only feel them when I’m touching someone or it’s super strong.” 

“You can utilize those emotions to your advantage, by collecting the energy from them and using it within your own body.” Darius seemed to be reciting the line of a book. “You can also alter someone’s emotions, but that requires controlling and forcing your emotions into them.”

“Seriously?” Larissa gasped. Emotions are energy too? How? And altering someone else? “How are emotions energy?”

“Emotions flow through our bodies like energy, like when we’re sad we feel a tightening in our throat and chest; we call that sorrow, grief or sadness and when we feel these things we cry. Scientifically we feel better after we cry, like the negative emotions or energies are leaving our bodies and relieving us of that pain, correct?” Something seemed to spark within Darius. 

Scientifically?

“Sadness is an energy that comes out as tears?” Larissa tried. 

“Yes!” Darius was ecstatic. “You could take that energy and convert it into whatever energy you wanted. You’d just have to imagine that energy changing and moving. But it’s possible.” 

“You read this all in books?” Larissa couldn’t believe it. An access to knowledge of herself and she had no idea.

“Yeah.” Darius confirmed.

“Can I read them?” Larissa asked.

Darius’s smile faded. “No, I’m sorry.”

“Why not?” Larissa pressed. He can’t keep this from me. It could have the answers I’ve been searching for. 

“Because my parents wrote in them.” Darius’s eyes held a glint of sorrow. “When I read their writing I can hear their voices in my head. I won’t let anyone take those from me.” His voice cracked.

“What if I read them at the temple?” Larissa pressed, too excited to let it go. “Please, Darius, you have no idea what it’d mean to know more.”

“Temple eyes only.” Darius muttered, pressing forward.

“That’s not fair!” Larissa grabbed Darius’s arm. A suffocating knot filled Larissa’s chest. Like a gaping empty hole filling her with more anger and grief than she’d imagined any one creature could feel. She fell to her knees, hot tears stinging her eyes.

“Nothing’s fair!” Darius ripped his arm from Larissa. “Life will never be fair, Larissa!” He took a breath and stepped closer to Larissa, placing his lips inches from her ear. “Knowledge is something that should always be pursued, Rissa, but sometimes you must hide it in order to protect it. I shouldn’t have told you anything. I apologize.” Darius began toward the temple once more. 

“Darius, you don’t have to feel that all alone.” Larissa shook her head, not able to shake his emotions. “I know what it’s like to lose everything.”

“You don’t know the half of it, Rissa.” Darius sighed. “The temple’s right up there, come on.”

*

“Bella, my you’ve grown.” Caeli dismounted.

“Caeli!” Bella hopped over the counter and squeezed Caeli. “Camilla, Caeli’s here!” 

Camilla came running from the back, joining her sister in hugging Caeli. “Bless Auraka, she led you home.” Camilla chuckled. “Just like sissy said.”

Caeli held the girls close to her. They were as much Larissa’s sisters as hers. You are so beautiful. You’ve grown so much. I’ve missed you.

“Sure did, hon.” Caeli patted Camilla’s head. “Help me with these wolves. Camilla, we need you to stuff this one for Prince Maximus. If you do a great job you’ll get an amazing pay, trust me. Bella, I’ll have you start these others the usual way. I must escort Prince Maximus home but I’ll be back shortly after.”

“Where’s sis?” Bella asked.

“She had to make sure Darius got home safe.” Prince Maximus answered.

“Ah.” Bella nodded.

“What about Tia?” Caeli asked.

I forgot to ask Larissa why she wasn’t running the shop. I hope she isn’t sick.

“Not sick, she’s in school.” Camilla smiled.

“School?” Prince Maximus seemed confused.

“She joined the cadet militia.” Bella answered. “She told sis she wanted to start training and she took her this morning.”

“Well who woulda thought.” Caeli grinned. 

“Careful, Cae. Tia might be after your position.” Prince Maximus teased.

“She’s got a few years to go.” Caeli rolled her eyes.

Caeli removed the wolves and the kids began their work. Caeli mounted her horse once more. “I’ll be right back, girls.”

“Okay.” Camilla waved.

“Nice seeing you again, Caeli.” Bella waved. “Thank you for visiting our shop, Prince Maximus.” 

“Please send for me when my wolf is ready.” Prince Maximus nodded. 

The two rode toward the palace, their horses' hooves clacked against the stone road. The sun warmed Caeli’s face as a warm breeze brushed her cheek. 

“Do you think Rissa will be okay?” Prince Maximus was concerned. 

“The bites weren’t too bad, they just looked that way because of the blood.” Caeli sighed. “Rissa’s tough.”

“I know, it’s just...she never misses anything.” Prince Maximus shook his head. “How could she have missed it? What if it had gotten her neck instead of her shoulder?”