Kept Silver Ch 7
Sorry it has taken me so long to update, my mom has been in the hospital. So, I hope you enjoy the next chapter. I've been trying to write as close to the books as possible, with the What-IF thrown in, and don't worry it won't take Kari long to get with...well...you'll see, won't you? More of Dyer Wall to come too! R &R!!
They had ridden in the mist for quite some time when Karigan realized it was long past midday. "It is a shield, isn't it?" she asked Somial.
The tienden looked up at her, nodding. "We prefer to travel within shadows, during the night. Many of this land, like you, think we are nothing but myth."
It made sense. Especially with all the occurrences of wild magic, the people of Sacor wouldn't react well to Elts parading through the countryside.
"Lady," Eiddoel appeared beside her, the only other party member who rode.
"Your Highness," there was something about him that immediately made Karigan shy. She had never had a man lay claim to her, though Zachary said he loved her, he had never stated 'mine'.
"We will begin our training even before we reach the Forests of Eletia. Your Marking enables you to understand our language, and reacts instinctively to magic. This is not enough, before we convene with the King, you must speak in our tongue. You must have the basics of mage-craft," his demeanor left no mistake to how important this was.
Karigan nodded, "is there a book on your tongue, or"
His laughter startled her, and he reached forward to touch her hand. "No, beloved, all the tools are within you. Do not think so much, rather feel the language. Feel it inside of you, the whispers of your mind that tell you what is truth."
His words were like a caress and Karigan felt gooseflesh break across her skin. "I'll try," she said doubtfully.
"In Eletian," was his stern retort.
After an hour the only Eletian words she wanted to know were curses. Which Somial was happy to inform her that there was no cursing in their beautiful language, that maybe she should continue her attempts.
"I'm trying!" she growled frustratingly to her companion.
"Try harder!" came a barking command.
Karigan drew Condor up short and wheeled him around tightly. The chestnut snorted in indignation. "I am!" she responded hotly to Eiddoel.
The Eletian Prince tilted his chin aristocratically. "Apparently not, Lady Karigan. You, who have ridden the Wild Ride. You, who have defeated my brother! Are the only trials you succeed the ones that your life is in danger?"
Karigan felt her skin flush and the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. "You have wrenched me from my home, I am changing into gods know what, and you have the audacity to question whether I'm trying or not?" she almost screeched. Her saber was drawn without her realizing it.
Eiddoel looked appraisingly at her. She seemed to live on spirit alone. He motioned for his men to put away their weapons. "You made no fuss when we left your land."
"What could I do?! You gave me no choice! You told me that unless I was trained the bursts of magic would continue! That I would die, or worse, hurt someone!" she heaved, her chest suddenly constricting with unshed tears.
The entire party had come to a stop, and surprise showed on the usually stoic faces of the Eletian tienden. Never had they seen anyone speak to their Prince in such a way.
"Calm, beloved," Eiddoel started,
"That's another thing! Beloved? Are we getting married?" Karigan demanded.
Eiddoel resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Come," he slid off his white gelding.
Karigan opened and shut her mouth as quickly. Something told her that he was at the end of his patience. She slid off Condor, handing the reins to Somial.
"Your situation is precarious Karigan," Eiddoel told her solemnly as they began to walk into the forest.
"What do you mean?" she asked. Was she always to live her life in danger?
"Shawdell should have never chosen a mortal as a mate. It has never occurred in an Elt's lifetime. My brother," he paused, and his expression was pained.
"Was never well. We were three brothers, unusual for the Elt people. His desire to be first, to be paid attention to, made him an angry person. Anger in our race is looked down upon," he said this, giving her a pointed look. It was a silent reminder to reign in her most famous trait.
"So you didn't know what was going to happen to me," Karigan mused, tugging her dress up so she didn't stumble. What she wouldn't give for her trousers.
"No, I must stress that many in our council voted to just kill you. I was the only voice that objected."
"Why?" the question flew out of her mouth before she could think twice.
"I dreamt of you, Karigan, long before your birth. You are important to Sacordia, and, to me," he said softly, staring into the trees.
Karigan flashed back to another dream. Of a man pleading with her to return to him. Zachary. She turned away from the Eletian. "You don't even know me," she reasoned.
"Don't I? I know you hear hoof beats in your dreams, that you are passionate about doing what is right, and will risk yourself for those you love. I know you are scared to love, of your own feelings. You hate being perceived as weak, and you look beautiful when you laugh," he turned from the trees to regard her.
Karigan sidestepped, uncomfortable. "Please, stop," she murmured.
Eiddoel sighed. "I did not intend to claim you as a bride, and I will not force you to marry, but Karigan,"
She turned to him, startled to see how close he was. His fingers brushed against the mark on her forehead and she opened her mouth in a sigh.
"I have marked you, and we will be forever bonded," he finished.
"This mark is yours?" Karigan asked, stepped away from him again, her skin still tingling.
"Yes."
"The flying horse?" Karigan puzzled, before looking at him in surprise, "you created the broaches!" she exclaimed.
Eiddoel laughed, nodding. "I did. I know more about the riders than any other being. It is why I could not let you be killed. If I train you Karigan, you can teach your fellow Riders what it truly means to be a Green Rider," he sobered, "and when the darkness of Mornhavon comes, you will be ready to face it."
"Your Father, Ari-matiel Jametari, told me that I would have an effect on your people," Karigan remembered.
"Yes. I will be hard upon you, and you will be angry, but think of one thing, beloved," he murmured, "to save your land, you must learn."
Karigan nodded. The anger had dissipated within her. As they turned back to the horses and the rest of the tienden, she only felt one emotion. Determination.
