He searched through his entire mind, hoping to find the words that had escaped from his tongue, but it was to no avail. She slowly turned to him, saying, “I wanted to thank you for getting me out of that cave.”

  “I believe anyone would’ve done it,” he replied. His stomach knotted as the conversation became very familiar. He lowered his brows as Stella came to mind.

  “What is it?” she asked softly.

  It took a moment before he could ask, “Who is Stella?”

  Sighing, she closed her eye. Of all the things to talk about, that woman was brought up. “She was sent to assassinate me,” she huffed. “We brought her down and imprisoned her until she revealed her name.”

  “Why is she with us? Is that not dangerous?” he began to grow agitated.

  “It is worse to allow her to ambush me if she wished it. She said she wanted to follow wherever I lead. She must prove herself before becoming a Zeil and she must prove herself before I set her free.”

  “I wouldn’t let your guard down even then,” he said quietly. She scrutinized his face as he continued, “She seems devious to me. An assassin is trained to seem like something they're not. It's how they hide.”

  “I understand that," she said coolly. "But I was the one with her for weeks in captivity. She broke down, and I can see her growing."

  "Well," he muttered, "if you insist."

  "Don't fool yourself, Davin," she smiled a little. "I am no fool. I still have my eye on her."

  He laughed with her quietly. It seemed calm; like the whole world was at peace. The golden sun glossed over Kiaran’s face and hair as she lowered her head. Her hair fell over her good eye. He couldn’t move his gaze from the blood stained bandages and skin. As she looked back to him, he gently brushed her hair to the side of her face, his chest filling with heat.

  Her skin crawled as her grin faded away. His eyes were so concentrated on her. The feelings within her arose so powerfully she was unable to tell what it was that she was even feeling. There was something about him that was different--the fear in his eyes, the softness of his frown, there was something about him.

  “A-are you okay?” she finally asked.

  Taking her hand and helping her up, he said, “Yes. I think it is time to go back. You need your rest.” Then, he helped her to her room, and she rested.

  The next morning Kiaran sat in her bed as Alana and the nurse peeled the bandage from her face. It ripped at her skin, sending pain through her. She grimaced as they fought to get it off. “Come on,” the nurse huffed at herself.

  Finally, they got it off, the smell of her blood filling the air. Alana’s eyes widened as she said, “It’s infected.”

  “No surprise,” the nurse sighed. “She skipped her changing yesterday.” Their eyes were stern on her.

  “I know,” Kiaran growled. “I am paying for it, no need to preach.”

  Alana laughed as she gently patted alcohol on her wounds. She filled the entire floor of the inn with her groans; her face felt like it was lit on fire.

  The little dragon sat on her lap, growling at the unfamiliar woman. Finally, a new bandage was wrapped around her eye once again. The throbbing was contained within the tight bandage.

  “Stay here tonight and wait for us to check on you in the morning before you run off again,” the nurse said. “You must be careful, Kiaran.”

  “Yes,” she nodded. The dragon nuzzled against her neck, comforting her.

  The nurse left Kiaran and Alana alone in the room. “Do you happen to know who may become king once Murdock is gone? I know I’ve asked before...” Kiaran finally asked as the question buzzed about her head.

  Alana sighed as she rubbed her graying head. “I am not sure,” she answered.

  “Perhaps you should figure that out soon,” Kiaran mused. “Would you mind coming to eat with me?”

  Smiling, Alana nodded, saying, “Of course, child.”

  They moved to the pub just downstairs. The Holloway brothers and Stella sat at a booth, conversing. Torin waved and they walked to them. Stella and Torin moved down the seat, allowing Kiaran to sit with them. Alana sat on the other side with Davin.

  Kiaran rested her elbows on the table, her arm against Stella’s. She leaned in, her voice very soft, “We must figure who should take the throne.”

  Everyone paused and stared at her in silence. Stella glanced between each of them, keeping her mouth closed tightly. “In my opinion it must be someone with great intelligence and power.”

  “Compassion and grace,” Torin added.

  “Experience,” Davin continued the list.

  The three of them moved their gazes to Alana whose eyes were wide. She raised her brows as she said, “And who would this be?”

  “You know it is a wise choice,” Davin said. “You have all the qualities you need. You have been close to Murdock…well, close enough to know how to run the kingdom.”

  “And better than he has done,” Torin added.

  "What about Walter?" she questioned. Davin shook his head. "Well, I am a woman. It will be difficult to prove my worth," she grunted.

  "You'll prove it by leading this rebellion," Kiaran said.

  She sighed and hid her face in her hands. “Fine,” she huffed.

  They each grew excited, but kept it hidden from the others around them. A woman brought them their food. They ate, conversing and laughing together.

  Kiaran told amusing stories just as the others were. Her laugh was strong, beautiful, unadulterated. She, Torin, and Stella were rather close as they spoke. Davin and Alana sat in their seat, silently watching them. They cracked smiles with them, enjoying their giddiness.

  And to think, Kiaran had almost died.

  Chapter 2

  Water dripped from the ceiling of the cave, running through Raven’s hair. She led her children into the back of the caverns with the rest of the Zeil. Touching their heads gently, she spoke softly to them. “My children, stay hidden here and listen to your elders. I will return soon.”

  “Be careful,” Tonna cried, “I don’t want to lose you too.”

  “You won’t,” she fought back tears as they formed in her eyes. Kissing her children on their foreheads, she turned and rushed out of the caves.

  Soldiers were heading toward them. That nasty woman had sent word to Murdock’s army about the thievery of the tribe. Most likely, things were exaggerated into murders and pillaging. Her heart sped as she moved quickly toward the camp of the Zeil soldiers.

  Once she neared them, she watched Kane as he stood ahead of them. His strong stature reflected in the men watching him. “We are not here to defeat them but to keep them from our family,” he said. “There is no possibility we can win against them…But so long as our people survive, I am fine with that.”

  “I will do whatever it takes,” one of the men replied.

  Kane nodded as the men departed. He looked over, finding Raven in heavy, leather armor with bits of shining metal and a sword slung to her hip. One of his brows lowered as he said, “You are fighting?”

  She rolled her eyes. It was unnecessary to answer. “Kane,” she paused, unsure of how to go about what she was hoping to say.

  “I know,” he breathed deeply, “This entire thing is because of me. I caused this woman so much pain that she has to target all of you.”

  “No,” she cut in, but he continued…

  “If there was a way I could fix this…I would even give my own life,” he said.

  “Kane, listen to me,” she chirped. “I do not blame you for this woman’s foolishness. I was actually going to tell you not to feel guilt. You are one of us, and we do not see any wrong in what you’ve done to her.”

  He rested a massive hand on her shoulder as he said, “Thank you, woman.”

  "Raven, is your sword sharp?" Harl asked as he passed by.

  "Always," she smiled. She looked back to Kane, saying, "Whatever happens today. Know this: You are a brave man. And no matter the outcome, I know you've done everything in your power to protect us."

  A very weak smile touched him as he gripped her shoulder. Then, they both turned to lead the warriors.

  Hours irked by as the small Zeil army hid on the high hills. They held bows, watching for the unwanted soldiers in the lower fields. Kane sat atop his horse, brightly colored feathers in his hair to signify his importance. He, Raven, and a few other swordsmen waited in the fields for the confrontation.

  Soon, they were near, the soldiers wearing blue and gold. His grip tightened on his reigns as he watched. A messenger ran to him, speaking loudly. “This tribe is wanted for pillaging, murder, and thievery.”

  “They are false accusations,” Kane replied sternly. “I ask you to reconsider.”

  The boy ran back and spoke with the general for a moment. Finally rushing back, he replied, “They will not reconsider. You are to be imprisoned or executed. The choice is yours.”

  “I was afraid of that,” he sighed. He looked to the hills where the archers waited.

  That was their cue.

  Arrows fell upon the men, bouncing off armor, piercing through flesh. A few horses fell, dead, their riders pinned. Once the arrows stopped, Kane and his soldiers charged. It was a suicide mission…but he forced himself to move forward.

  After only one brutal hour of battle, the Zeil were pinned down, tied up, and tossed into the king’s army’s camp. The tribesmen were broken up, individually interrogated to find the rest of the tribe.

  The general, Tron, walked through the camp, passing the little fires where groups of soldiers had gathered. He’d watch as some of the Zeil were beaten nearly to death. Finally, he came to a stop as he saw a beautiful woman. She sat, wearing her armor, her face beaten and tufts of hair lying at her side. Her back was erect and her expression was blank, pose for some tears in her eyes.

  “Why are you ripping hair from her head?” he barked at the soldier in charge of her.

  “She is doing it to herself,” he responded.

  He stared her down as she glared at him. Without flinching, she slowly reached up, took a small handful of hair and pulled it from her head. Dots of blood surfaced on her scalp beneath the rest of her hair.

  “Every time I ask her, she does that,” he growled.

  “Leave,” Tron demanded. The man stood and left. Tron took the prior man’s seat, an upturned log. “I am sure you have children, no?” he said. She remained unmoved. “If they were to be found…without anyone’s help…I am sure they would be killed along with the others.”

  She was still unmoved and he stood. “However…if you help me…I will help you. Give me the location of your tribe and I will keep your children. My wife is barren and would raise them in a good home….A much better chance than them dying.”

  Raven stared at him as he walked away. Her heart shattered and her body gave way. Her children was all she had anymore. Chances were…She knew the chances of their tribe surviving was, well, nonexistent.

  Standing, she said, “I will tell you, only if you do not kill them. Any of them.” He faced her once more. “Imprison them if you must, for you’ll see the truth behind the fables this woman fed you.”

  The man seemed to smile at her response, though his lips did not curl. Sitting back down, he said with a much more pleasant tone, “Please, do tell.”

  Chapter 3

  It was late, nearly everyone going to their rooms. The musicians began playing catchy songs and thus the drinking began. Davin stood at the bar, sipping on his ale. Stella walked to him, also with her drink. “A woman ruling over your country?” she mused.

  He shrugged a shoulder, saying, “I don’t see why not. She is wise.”

  She put a hand on his shoulder, continuing, “Kiaran is wise, as well. I seem to really enjoy following her.”

  Once again, he gently pulled away from her hand. “I can see why.”

  “She is so powerful and rather compassionate for someone so…cut off,” her voice trailed off. “I was imprisoned as I am sure she told you.”

  “Somewhat,” he replied.

  “The entire time, she fed me; made sure I had what I needed,” she paused. He could tell she was nearly drunk already. “She even had the guards take me out occasionally to enjoy the fresh air.” Stella looked at her mug as she sat it on the counter. “She is rather remarkable. I would’ve loved to meet Fargo. She learned this from him…from the Zeil. I wished so hard to be one of them, to follow her…and she accepted me.”

  He raised a brow, somewhat surprised. “She has?”

  She chuckled, “Yes...But I do not feel as if it is right...”

  “Why not?” he asked cautiously.

  She took his hand and said, “Come dance, I need to celebrate…We all should.” Odd. She avoided answering.

  Reluctantly, he followed her, their hands embracing as they danced. He was clumsy and awkward as she led him through it. She laughed, her long, light hair framing her. She spun from his hands, her feet dancing rhythmically with the music.

  Torin nearly ran into her, his eyes on her while he walked to his brother. “She is excited,” he laughed a little.

  Davin nodded, asking, “What are Kiaran and Alana doing?”

  “Getting some rest, I suppose.” He grinned as he added, “Women.” He pointed to Stella, saying, “She is a little wilder than they are.”

  He laughed with him, saying, “I’d have to agree.” He patted Torin’s shoulder, saying, “Brother…I am proud of you.”

  Smiling, he said, “Thank you.”

  Kiaran went through another cleaning by the nurse, Alana at her side. It was much easier than the night before. Alana looked to Kiaran, saying, “If you are to leave the room, do not stray too far. You are still weak.”

  “I know,” she grunted.

  The nurse was finished and she lifted her pack of supplies. Walking to the door, Kiaran waved to them as they left. Once they were gone and the door was closed, Kiaran grabbed her bag, sitting it on her bed.

  Rummaging through it, she found the book of the Zeil. It had nearly everything there was to know of their culture. Her gaze moved to the ribbon tied around her wrist. There was nothing written in the book on the knowledge that Kane gave her. Nothing was mentioned about keeping memorials or reminders of others.

  Sitting at the desk near the window, she opened the book to a blank page. She took the quill, dipping it in ink, she began writing. Finally, she added at the end: One’s memory is kept not by keepsakes, but by thought. Remember them well. And be sure to leave a good memory of yourself.

  Closing the book, she paused. Slowly, she pulled the ribbon off her wrist and tied it around the book. She tied the bow perfectly in the center of the book cover. Then, she stood and looked out the window. She smiled, her fingers still on the cover.

  She opened the window, the wind briskly making its way through the room. Her dragon perched on the windowsill, its wings stretched out slightly, enjoying the air. It looked to her, flicking its tail and then dove off. She watched it fly away.

  It was rather late by the time she could escape the nurse’s watchful eye, but early enough for people to still populate the pub. Loud laughter and a lute played through the building. Her fingers tightened around the book somewhat nervously as she made her way down the stairs. Rounding the corner, she nearly ran into Torin.

  “Oh, hello,” he said in surprise as he took a step back. “I was just coming to find you. I hoped you’d like to join me.”

  “Sure,” she smiled.

  They walked out of the building, the fresh air never seizing to refresh her. “Did you enjoy your night?” Kiaran asked with a smile, keeping the book held against herself. “The music is nice.”

  “Did it keep you awake?” he asked.

  “The pain did,” she replied coolly. “However, the lute is rather soothing.”

  “I think Stella enjoyed it most of all,” he said. “She was celebrating your acceptance.”

  Kiaran was unable to hide her smile as they walked just to the outskirts of the town, the trees young and far apart. They stood beneath the shade as his eyes landed on the book in her hands.

  She gripped it uncomfortably as she kept her eye away from him. She touched her pulsing, wounded head, wishing for the bandages to come off.

  The bugs chirped around them in the trees. Gently, he took the book from her, touching a finger to the ribbon. A brow rose and he said, “Interesting.”

  “I thought,” she spoke slowly, “your brother may enjoy reading this. It is about the Zeil.”

  “I’d suppose,” he replied. There was a silence as he handed it back. Finally, he said, “Do not hesitate to gift it to him.” She stared at him, puzzled. “I think it’s rather sweet,” he said almost playfully.

  She rolled her eye as she said, “Thanks, Torin.” She shoved the book beneath her arm, holding it against her side.

  “No, really,” he grew slightly more serious, “Davin will love it.”

  It grew even darker as they returned to the inn, nervously entering. Several of the soldiers were around Davin’s table, laughing and carrying on as Stella told a slurred story.

  But the one who seemed to be enjoying the night the most was Stella who was conveniently seated on Davin’s lap. Her arm was wrapped around his neck, the other hand holding a mug of ale, pointing as she said, “...that was the time she--”

  Kiaran’s heart shattered as her hands grew weak. Davin’s eyes met with hers and he shoved Stella away and she fell to the floor with a grunt.

  Instantly, Kiaran stormed outside. Before she could get too far, Davin grasped at her elbow, saying, “Kiaran, wait.”

  “Wait for what?” she snapped without facing him. Her eye grew hot as tears tried to form. Luckily, the dark hid her expression. “You weren’t doing anything wrong. Just…perhaps getting rather chummy with the devious assassin.”

  “No,” he began. “She was telling a story, and acting it out a bit. She just happened to sit on me to animate her point.”

  She cut him off by throwing her hands in the air. It became very silent. She slammed the book to his chest as she rushed back inside, her insides shredded. Torin tried to stop her but she shoved him aside, moving upstairs. His blood grew hot as he walked outside to his brother.