Thanks for the reviews Time Wolf and Between 2 Worlds. Feel free to write as many as you want!
Octavia hated the dry heat of the Great Southern Desert. It dried out her skin and left her irritable. She longed for the hot, steamy jungles of the Copper Isles. The burnoose that protected her face from the sharp winds and grinding sand was chaffing. Still, it was better than what life in Corus. She could brave the dangers of the desert better than she could stand home detention. Ulasim sensed a change in Octavia and he realized that she would never be his alone. They came to an agreement not to renew their courtship. They loved each other, but realized that, though they would be with each other forever, being lovers was not what either of them wanted.
The Bloody Hawk tribe, after feasting the night before as celebration of their new guest, the Shang Raven, was starting their daily activities when the four riders were spotted by a sentry. The strangers were surrounded by warriors and led back to the waiting chief and shamans. Kara sensed Octavia's powerful gift before the strangers were within viewing distance. Ulasim took charge at the group was led to the Chief of the tribe. Octavia stayed back. Once Chief Halef Seif had read Alanna's letter of introduction he welcomed the newcomers to the Bloody Hawk tribe.
The Shang Raven, Warrick Black, watched Octavia with interest. She was beautiful underneath her burnoose; he could hardly keep his eyes off of her. Her copper skin, lighter than his own, glowed in the sunlight. She was like a raka goddess; he wondered if she was a follower of his father. Maybe, Kyprioth was patron to the Copper isles. Warrick had only discovered the identity of his father once he had completed his Shang training. The Trickster God had hidden Warrick's wild magic as well so that he might be able to become a Shang warrior. He was the first ever to have the Gift, even if it manifested itself in an assortment of strange ways.
The man who introduced himself as Ulasim looked like her brother except that the boy was part crow and the lovely Octavia was not. She was something else. Warrick could see that she was god-touched just by watching the way magic and people were attracted to her. She introduced herself as a healer but he saw that her magic could be bent to fit her will in anyway she wanted.
Warrick could tell straight away that the mage Rikash would be a problem if he wished to pursue Octavia. Why would such a goddess be interested in a bookworm like Rikash, who was more interested in archaic magic than the beauty next to him? Adrian would be Warrick's true competition. The man was obviously a warrior, with the outline f knives visible beneath his clothes. He watched the crowd that had come to welcome the newcomers with hard eyes. Warrick also noted that he never left Octavia's side. When Adrian noticed the Shang Warrior watching him intently the thief gave Warrick a menacing glare. Octavia caught this warning from Adrian and looked to see who he had been staring at. Warrick's heart skipped a beat when Octavia smiled at him. She elbowed Adrian in the ribs and walked over to Warrick.
"My name is Octavia." She said pleasantly, extending her hand to the stranger.
"Baroness Octavia Wernlake. I have heard of you." Warrick replied. Octavia blushed and put her hands on her hips. Warrick fought to hold back laughter as Octavia berated him for using her title.
"Forgive me Octavia," He held up his hands in surrender, "if you don't use my title then I shan't use yours. Instead of calling me the Shang Raven I insist that you call me Warrick." Octavia sideswiped at Adrian who was just about to make a rude comment.
"Very well Warrick. We have a deal." She smiled at the Shang Raven.
So there you have it; the fourth contender in the race for Octavia's heart. Of course, now that Ulasim has accepted his role as Octavia's 'brother', there are only three suitors left. But I've got something earth shattering coming up for Octavia and by the time I'm finished there will only be one of them left. What is the big secret? You're just going to have to wait and find out…
Back at the Wernlake house in Corus…
"I'm sure that Octavia couldn't help but be taken by Damian as we all have." Clio assured Lady Kennan. Lord Cleon of Kennan sat with his son, Damian of Tasride, and Lord Wernlake talking of the up coming Midwinter festivities. Damian had past his Ordeal of Knighthood last year and was now a knight of the realm. Cleon had always wanted his son to marry for love. When he heard how Damian spoke of Octavia he could not help but agree to approach her parents about the marriage. After the wild rumors that had been circulating around court regarding her daughter Clio was more than happy to give her permission. It was high tie that Octavia accepted her role as a bride and wife. Clio would make her daughter see that Damian was a good match. Octavia would understand her place or else.