A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Eight

“Dearest Lady, ruler of the night, we ask for your protection. Dearest Lady, guide us with your light, keep our home from destruction. Dearest Lady, bestow to us your insight, for how you wish restoration. Dearest Lady, join us in our fight, we will give our lives with no objection.” The soldiers sang, feeling the words fill their souls.

Caeli didn’t feel the same emotions they felt when they sang to their goddess. She joined with them, loud and strong, though she was unsure if a deity truly heard them. Her parents would never allow her to worship any deity from this realm, and with every new ability; goddesses and gods seemed more like fantasy.

It was a complex subject for Caeli. Her parents claimed that their abilities were gifts from their gods, however Caeli didn’t believe this to be true. If we were to be the ones in charge of the dead, then why would the other races be given abilities as well? Why would the gods allow her people to be eradicated with war? She had no time to believe the gods would aid them. All outcomes are the responsibility of me and my comrades.

They’d been riding for three nights, resting each time the sun rose. Many of the soldiers were quite homesick already, but King Vitus reassured them that the battle would end quickly. Caeli was hopeful he would prove correct. She refused to allow any harm to befall any citizen of Adyta.

“Little one, to where has your mind wandered?” Marcellus positioned his horse beside hers.

“The past.” Caeli answered. “Paskoi, to be specific. Why would anyone eradicate a whole people? And when they came here, they were slaves. Our great king ensured my generation would grow free, so I can’t comprehend all that hatred, I suppose.”

“People fear what they are unable to comprehend, sweet girl.” Marcellus sighed. “Your people materialized from the very air with power none have witnessed but from mystics and gods. There are many afraid that your people are demons, here to end our world.”

“All they sought was sanctuary.” Caeli shook her head. “I was not born when the Paskoins were destroyed, however, both of my parents and the queen have shared their horrific memories and the sorrow that devastation brought. Why are some incapable of understanding our pleas for peace?”

“You speak as though you dislike war, little one.” Marcellus stated.

“I enjoy a challenging fight and the thrill of victory,” Caeli smiled. “However, if I could avoid war I would, for I do not wish to bring misery and sorrow upon any innocent being. If a fight is unavoidable, then I shall put forth everything I possess; for none will I allow to take my home away.”

“So young, yet so wise.” Marcellus smiled. “I am proud to claim you as my apprentice.”

“I could not have received a greater teacher.” Caeli nodded.

“My king, daybreak is approaching.”

“Let us set camp.” King Vitus halted.

Caeli tied her horse to a nearby tree, placing a pouch of grain at her hooves. She removed her saddle and proceeded to brush her coat. “You are a great companion, Sora.” She whispered to her.

“Caeli, why do you always pamper your mare before yourself?” A fellow soldier asked. “That animal does not appreciate nor understand what you do.”

Caeli rested her hand upon Sora’s nose. “She understands more than you think.”

Friend, I am thirsty.

Caeli unlatched her canteen and poured some water into a sack. Sora gulped it happily. Thank you.

May I please clean your hooves?

Caeli gently lifted Sora’s front right leg and thoroughly cleaned her hoof. She repeated the process for each foot. She patted Sora’s neck and proceeded to establish her camp.

Hammer there, there, there and there. She utilized her abilities to set her tent while gathering wood for the army’s fire. Marcellus helped King Vitus secure his tent then retrieved his bow from his horse.

“Caeli, would you join the general and I?” King Vitus asked, retrieving his own bow from his horse. “We are going to hunt so the men may feast.”

“Of course, my king.” Caeli reached her hand out to her tent. Bow.

“What I would give for abilities such as yours.” King Vitus stared in awe. “I am grateful to have children as capable as you.”

“Imagine the warriors.” Marcellus breathed.

“Are we to hunt?” Caeli grinned.

The three walked side by side, Caeli utilizing her abilities to ensure the area was secure.

“Caeli, what is your opinion of Larissa?” King Vitus inquired in a hushed tone.

“She is a kind girl, amazing hunter and a skilled seamstress. She has a greater grasp on her abilities than any of us.” Caeli answered. “And though she was not capable of besting me in battle, she is quite adept with a sword. You know I love Rissa.”

“Would you approve of her courtship with my son?” The king asked.

“It is not my place to decide their fate.” Caeli paused, catching sight of a buck.

The king and Marcellus paused, allowing Caeli to slowly approach. Once her path was clear, she strung her bow, pulled back, took aim and released. Arrow through the eye; down the buck fell.

“Well done, little one .” Marcellus gathered the animal.

“Was that skill or improved by your abilities?” The king asked.

“Skill, though the credit does not belong to me.” Caeli gestured to Marcellus. “My teacher ensured I would be capable of all things. I do prefer a sword, though.”

“Dearest friend, it seems you are as great a teacher as you are a fighter.” The king clapped Marcellus on the back.

“You entrusted me with wonderful students.” Marcellus led them back toward camp. “I do hope you will grant me permission to instruct the young princess as well.”

“Of course, my friend.” King Vitus nodded. “Now, Caeli, our conversation was not completed. You are not deciding the fate of your friends. I simply seek your counsel. You three are very close, you must have formed some opinion of their relationship.”

I can’t lie to the king.

“I believe those two would honor your legacy together. Rissa needs time, however they have spent more time together. I am happy to give my opinion, though would it not be wise to consult the queen and prince on these matters?” Caeli was uneasy. “I just want them to be happy.”

“That is true.” King Vitus nodded. “A queen must love her people and be loved by them. She ensures the king remembers humility and compassion. Without a strong yet gentle queen, a kingdom would perish. But if they are unhappy, Adyta would suffer.”

“Rissa is strong and kind. They’ve fancied each other for awhile” Caeli stated. “Her love for Adyta is great. Should they marry, I believe she would perform greatly.”

*

Let’s ride. Aura galloped through the open fields. Larissa embraced the wind, warming under the rays of the sun. I needed this.

Me too. Tia’s thought glowed gently into her mind.

The two sisters had decided to get away. Tia was missing her instructor and Larissa her friends. Darius had yet to leave the hospital and the royal children were hidden away.

I didn’t think I’d miss him this much. Larissa sighed, envisioning the nights Prince Maximus had come to her.

You love him, Rissa. We all know that. Tia smiled. It’s okay, you know. You can court him.

Tia, I don’t want that kind of target on your back. Now focus, I want to see if you can do what Cae and I do. Do you feel the energy in the wind?

Tia closed her eyes, Larissa glanced forward. Trees blurred past them, as nothing but open fields and the shimmering sea lie ahead. She sighed, consuming the energy around her.

I feel it. Tia’s thought resonated with excitement.

Good, now feel it as the wind on your skin. Envision it entering through your skin, flowing through your body like a river. Larissa was excited. She needed Tia to possess the same abilities. She needed someone to explore them with.

Wow. I feel like I’m flying.

That’s it, now focus on sending that energy out through your fingers, point toward the words and just release.

Larissa watched as Tia extended her hand toward the nearby wood. Tia’s arm jerked as a strong gust slammed into the nearby trees. Tia’s body limped.

Tia! Larissa felt a jolt as she appeared beside her sister. She gently lowered with her. “Tia, can you hear me?”

She rested her fingers to her sister’s neck and closed her eyes. Her pulse thumped slowly beneath her fingertips as her energy appeared dim in Larissa’s mind’s eye. Aura, you and Frina return home. Darius. A jolt tingled her body.

“Goddesses damn it.” Darius took startled breaths. “You’re going to give me a heart attack, Rissa. What’s wrong?”

“Tia uses wind.” Larissa laid her sister on a bed, noting the strange . “But she passed out, almost fell off her horse. She’s almost completely drained.”

Darius began examining Tia. “Probably just over exerted herself. Don’t make her push so hard.”

“I didn’t mean to.” Larissa felt a pang of guilt. “It was her first time. I wasn’t even sure she could use it. She’ll be okay, right?”

“Just let her rest.” Darius sighed. “You’re lucky, I just cleaned from the last patient.”

“Pretty busy, huh?” Larissa admired the glistening room.

“Allergy season.” Darius sighed. “Many are concerned, but none have fevers.”

Larissa nodded. “Yeah, that’s been on everybody’s mind.” No one could handle another plague sweeping through.

“I’d never allow that to happen again.” Darius covered Tia with a blanket. “I’d make a cure.” He hopped up on a counter, swinging his legs like a kid.

“A cure to a plague?” Larissa was intrigued. That’d be revolutionary. “You’d save so many lives.”

A smile lit Darius’s face. His crystal eyes glistened with hope. “That’s what my mom and dad wanted to do.”

“You’ll honor them, you already have.” Larissa rested her hand on his shoulder.

“Thanks.” He sighed. “Any news from Cae?”

“No.” Larissa’s shoulders slumped. “I hate this.”

“Can you pick her up when you read the planet?” Darius asked.

“I’m supposed to focus mainly on Adyta, but I do occasionally expand my reach.” Larissa admitted. “They’re all alive and the enemies are nowhere near them yet.”

“Wait, you can see the enemies?” Darius asked. “How many are there? Can you see their weaponry too?”

“Just their energies.” Larissa shook her head. “As for their numbers,” she wasn’t sure how to word it. It doesn’t look good. “We have Caeli. No matter what, we’ll win.”

Darius’s hair covered his eyes as he lowered his head. “You tell Cae?”

Larissa wrapped herself in a hug as a chill crept up her spine. “Yeah.” She whispered. What’s that energy? She focused for a moment but whatever had been there was gone.

“We have Cae.” Darius attempted to force optimism. “Did you tell the queen?”

“Of course I did.” Larissa closed her eyes. “She might…send the cadets.” Tia’s so young.

“They haven’t completed training.” Darius shook his head.

“Starting tomorrow they’ll be living on site. Living military life and draining all day, every day.” Larissa stated. “If they do send them, Darius, I...I’m going to.”

It was a decision Larissa didn’t want to make, but she couldn’t allow her little sister to fight without her.

Darius hopped off the counter and grabbed Larissa by the shoulders. His bright eyes were fierce and saddened.

“You can’t leave Adyta.” He shook his head. “Max would not survive. He needs you. You’re the only one that can calm him down.”

“I won’t let Tia go alone. I’m her big sister.” Larissa argued.

“And what of your other siblings?” Darius spat. “You would leave them to fend for themselves?”

“Camilla and Sabina can care for themselves and the others. They already do more than I do now.” Larissa vibrated. “I won’t let Tia go without me. I have to protect her. I promised mom and dad I would take care of the others.”

“I can’t lose you, Rissa!” Darius’s eyes glistened with tears.

“And I can’t lose my sister!” A gust of wind sent Darius to the ground; medical supplies scattered around the room. “I won’t lose my sister! Mom and dad would never forgive me! You weren’t the only one that lost things!” The door and walls began to shake as the energy she released strengthened.

“Rissa!” Darius’s desperate shouts were drowned from the roar of the wind.

“I don’t want to go! I’m terrified of dying and leaving my siblings alone! But I won’t let Tia die either!” Larissa’s hair whipped her face as the wind surrounded her. “I just want all this to end! I’m so f*****g terrified!” Hot tears streaked her face, as a strange sensation overcame her thoughts. I don’t feel the floor anymore.

She glanced down, noting her feet an inch from the ground. I’m flying! A final surge escaped her body, as Darius’s arms swept beneath her.

Her sight filled with darkness. “I flew.” She muttered, noticing fresh blood dripping from a large gash above Darius’s eye. I hurt him. Her eyelids were too heavy to keep open; darkness swirled her mind. “Sorry.”

*

They were greeted by a roaring fire upon returning to camp. Two other hunting parties had already returned and were cooking their meat. Marcellus and Caeli skinned their catch and prepared it for the fire. The meat would be cooked, the skin preserved for clothing and trade, the bones for tools, worship, trade, jewelry or emergency stew and the hooves and antlers would be crafted into tools or altar pieces. Nothing was allowed to go to waste.

Half the soldiers sat with the king, eating and resting before taking their turns to patrol. Though they seemed relaxed, Caeli was well aware that they were still on guard. Each soldier would periodically scan the forest and Caeli; though not entirely focused, kept herself open to any changes in the atmosphere. I may not have a reach as far as Rissa’s, but I’m grateful she told me how to do it at all.

“Soldiers,” the king called attention. “There is every chance that we shall encounter our enemy within the following days. It is imperative that we end their pursuit upon our home and its citizens. Failure is not a path we shall take, though I know that I need not worry. Our army is strong and none shall defeat us. This battle shall be like all others and we all shall return to Adyta once more. So eat and drink your fill. At dusk, be fully prepared for battle.”

Caeli joined her comrades in cheers and merriment. King Vitus returned to his seat beside Marcellus.

“And to what do we owe those encouraging words?” Marcellus asked.

“A feeling, my friend.” The king answered, his eyes meeting Caeli’s; with a look so fierce it sent chills down her spine. “We shall soon face battle.”

*

A small branch snapped from the tree above her.

You’re getting better.

“Thanks to your coaching.” Tia beamed under the warmth of the sun.

“How have things been?” Larissa felt concern for her sister, noting the dark bags under her eyes.

“We have today.” Tia answered. “One day a month. It’s our favorite day.”

Larissa nodded. “We miss having you home. Camilla’s collecting all the ingredients to make your favorite tonight.”

“Do you really think we’ll be called away?” Tia’s voice cracked.

“I really hope not.” Larissa whispered. “But I will follow wherever you go.”

“Has Caeli mentioned anything?” Tia seemed desperate.

Larissa stopped and forced Tia to face her. “No, which means we’re safe. With Caeli, Adyta will always prevail.” She pulled her sister close. “I won’t ever let anything happen to you.”

“I know.” Tia whispered. “Calm down.”

Larissa took calm breaths. “I do want to fly again.”

You will sis, but Darius had to get thirty stitches.

A pang of guilt knotted her stomach. I really didn’t mean to.

Darius had forgiven Larissa, but she truly felt guilty. She’d destroyed the room to the point that it would require two months of repairs.

No one knew you could be that strong. I thought only our dear prince could create such chaos. Tia began leading them.

Neither did I. Larissa shook her head.

Has he said anything about Magnus?

No, nothing. I don’t want to bring it up.

He needs to talk about it. He killed someone.

I know, Tia.

Tia sighed. “At least he didn’t stay.” She shuddered. “Those shadows would’ve returned.”

Tia’s words forced the memory of the dark beings who’d come during the plague. They ripped away screaming souls.

We all still have nightmares. And these...allergies? They’re scaring everyone.

“I know.” Larissa sighed. “But Darius explains to everyone that they’re just the person’s body reacting to pollen in the air.”

“Yeah, but after what happened…”

It’s okay.

“Can we go to the beach?” Tia asked. “And the springs after?”

“We can do whatever you want.” Larissa grinned. You’re still just a kid.