I walked up and down along the line of females, ignoring the sweat forming on my brow. Summer was close to ending and we were having a heatwave. A surprise to everyone, especially as our court was the most Northern in Prythian. And we were in the valleys between towering mountains. I watched as the throwing knives spun through their air and hit their targets. All a hit, a few right on target, a few not quite.
"Higher," I told one of the female warriors. They were no longer novices. Those who had fought in the battle against Ironcrest were real warriors now. And more novices had joined since. Our once thirty was fifty-strong now. Some were new recruits who had travelled from other camps, others were females who had recently come of age and wanted a purpose. To be part of something new. Something special. Just as I had once done. "Change stance." I watched as they all did as I commanded, their Captain. "Good. Now aim and… fire."
I paused behind one of the new females, straightening her up. The sight of wings that had not been clipped warmed me. Yes, the High Lord's last visit had made it clear once again that the clipping of any female wings was forbidden and would be dealt with. And I had no doubt that Rhys would deal with anyone who broke the rules.
"Good work," I heard Lina, my second-in-command praising another warrior. Although she had not yet officially been granted a title by Devlon, I had named her my second and now that she was confident, she often helped out with training sessions. She had certainly been useful with the novices. She caught my eye and bowed her head- a sign of respect to her captain- before continuing with the training.
"Standing tall," I commanded. "Aim… and fire." I watched as the knives were thrown again, this time a much better result. "I think we'll stop there for today."
The females nodded, exhausted and overheating just like I felt. And it was still early morning. I moved to the training dummies and started pulling out the knives carefully, one by one, with Lina doing the same from the other end.
"The best they've been in a while, even in the heat," Lina commented.
"Definitely," I agreed, "The novices in particular are finding their footing now."
"I'm waiting for Devlon to bill you for all the new armour."
"He can if he wants," I waved my hand, "I'll pass it onto the General."
She laughed, "And we know that would go down well."
"Exactly." I sheathed and bagged the last knife and wiped my brow. "How is it so hot?"
"I don't know," She said, "But I can't imagine much work is going to be done over the next few days. My guess would be everyone would head towards the lake."
A blush crept to my cheeks. I knew exactly which lake she was referring to. "I wouldn't blame them." I lifted the bag and took the other from her, "Let me handle this, go and see to your family."
"Only if you're sure."
"I'm sure."
"One day it might be your family I'm sending you off to see," She winked and then jogged off, still a last bit of energy into hers.
I was sure one day it probably would, although my family were in Velaris, probably spending the hot day in Rhys and Feyre's lovely new house by the water. I carried the bags back to the barracks and dropped them down in the storage room.
"Captain," A few males greeted me with a bow of the head as I passed and I nodded in recognition. It was certainly weird not being stared at or avoided for being a female. Since the battle I'd been acknowledged more and respected by most males in the camp. I hoped it was more that I'd earned it and less that they were afraid of my mate, but I couldn't be certain.
"Good Morning, Captain," Cassian was stood outside the barracks, looking equally warm in his armour.
"Good Morning, General," I bowed my head to him. "What lovely weather we're having!"
He laughed at the small talk, "I'd love some rain."
"You and me both... or one of those lovely hand fans the fancy ladies have," I murmured and he smiled.
"I'll have one picked up for you in Velaris." Teasing from the man who had become like a brother to me, a brother I'd always longed for.
"Send over some of that ice cream dessert too, won't you?"
"I'll take note," His eyes flickered towards Devlon as he approached us.
"General, Captain," Devlon said in greeting. "Checking up on me again?"
"Just me," A smirk from Cassian, "Perhaps we could talk in private?"
I didn't miss the unamused impression crossing Devlon's face as he nodded and said, "Of course."
"Captain," Cassian nodded to me and then they were gone.
I felt disgusting. Sweaty and dirty. I didn't hesitate to fill the bath with cool water and all kinds of lovely scented things and then, even before it had fully filled, I shed my armour and climbed in. A sigh of relief escaped my lips at the coolness.
"I know you're out there," I murmured towards the open bathroom doorway. Sure enough Azriel, my mate, appeared in the doorway. He was shirtless, showing his perfectly carved warrior's chest- tanned skin, muscle and swirling tattoos.
"There was a time I was able to sneak about unnoticed," His mouth twitched upwards into a smile.
"And then I came along and ruined everything," I gave him a playful smile.
"Ruined is a strong word, my dearest… although Cassian does say you've made me all gooey."
"Probably right," I teased and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. He knelt behind me and carefully started washing my hair. I sighed, content with the feel of his touch and the massage my head was receiving as he rubbed in the cleaning products. "I didn't think you'd be back for a few more days."
"Rhys was happy with the feedback I'd given him and told me to have a couple of days off of work." His hands moved to my shoulders and I let out a moan as he worked the knots away. "Tough morning?"
"It's not easy with more recruits," I told him honestly, "Lina has been a great help though."
"Perhaps we should have a relaxing afternoon," His eyes caught mine in the mirror opposite the bath.
"What did you have in mind?"
Azriel winnowed us to a place we'd not visited before but from the surroundings, the plants and trees, I knew we were still relatively near to Windhaven. A cabin stood on the hillside on my left and on the right we were in a valley surrounded by mountains. There was a river with a few streams flowing into it and a waterfall cascading down the hillside, I noted. It was beautiful. And quiet. Not a single Illyrian nearby.
"Wahoo!" I watched as Cassian and Mor appeared, winnowing in from Windhaven, I assumed, although Cassian was now out of his armour, instead in loose-fitting trousers and shirtless like my mate, who rolled his eyes beside me. The General ran towards the river and launched himself into the cool water. Mor, like us, stood back and watched. She was in her signature red but this dress was loose and flowing, perfect for the summer weather, much like the light green one I'd put on. Rhys and Feyre and Amren appeared moments later. I'd not seen them in weeks and there was no questioning that they were expecting a child now- Feyre's belly had started to round and she cupped it protectively.
I looked at Azriel with a raised eyebrow and he shrugged, "Thought you deserved a getaway."
"No one will be working the next few days," Mor said, "In Velaris or Windhaven. It's far too hot."
It was. Even in the weather-appropriate wear I was still warm. I wasn't surprised Cassian had launched himself into the water so quickly. I watched as Rhys and Feyre walked down to the river too, the future mother perching herself on a rock whilst the High Lord joined his General in the water. Mor and Amren were close behind them, although less urgent to reach the bubbling rapids.
Azriel squeezed my hand, "Would you like a tour?"
The cabin couldn't be winnowed into, he told me, and had a protective shield around it. It belonged to Rhys and Mor, their family's cabin, and the Inner Circle sometimes used it when they wanted to escape for a few days. Like now, I supposed. It was small but cosy. Four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and two bathrooms. Leather sofas, fur rugs and blankets, a fireplace, a kitchen filled with food and drink. Everywhere was painted, though. Little touches around window frames, eyes I recognized painted, watching.
Azriel followed my eye line and smiled, "Feyre." I gave a nod and he added, "Before she had accepted Rhys as her mate, she was pretty pissed off at him for not telling her and Mor let her hideaway here for a few days… and she redecorated."
My fingers traced a painted pattern by the fireplace and I smiled at the Illyrian wings I spotted, "She's a good artist… although the eyes…"
"Apparently she wanted Amren and Mor watching over us when we had weekends away here, just us males."
"Dare I ask what happens on those weekends?" I quirked my lip and he grinned.
"That's a secret," He tapped on my nose and I pulled him in for a quick kiss.
"So really, no work for the next few days?"
"It's too hot in all that armour," Azriel replied, "Devlon will be giving everyone a well-deserved break."
"In which case, why don't we go for a cooling dip?"
He raced me to the river and, without cheating, he won. Much to my disappointment.
Later that afternoon he led me off away from the others to a secluded part of the river. Birds sang in the trees somewhere as the sun lowered and somewhere I could hear the chirping of grasshoppers. I took advantage of being alone, moving towards him and pressing my lips to his. He smiled against the kiss and then stepped back.
"I didn't bring you here for that," He murmured and I raised an eyebrow. He tapped the siphon on my wrist. "Have you been practising?"
"I can't seem to do anything," I frowned, "Not since the day…" The battle where I somehow had blasted back some enemies.
He looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well you definitely have some power or it wouldn't have worked. I wonder if that comes from your mother's side."
"Autumn?"
"If so, there's a possibility of you wielding fire."
"I think if I could, we'd know by now."
A ghost of a smile on his lips, "Clearly I've not pissed you off enough."
"And everyone thinks Cass is the sassy one," I rolled my eyes and leaned in for another kiss but he stepped back.
"I'll kiss you when you show me some magic."
"If I kiss you then I can show you some magic," I said and he winnowed, ending up several metres away from me. His arms were folded, his face amused. "Maybe Rhys gave me a broken siphon." He raised his eyebrow. "Or maybe you were channeling through mine."
"It doesn't work that way." He picked up a stone and placed it on a rock between us. "Knock it off," But before I could make a smart remark, he added, "With your power." I furrowed my brow, willing my siphon to do something but nothing worked. "You're trying too hard, it should come naturally." I blinked at the warrior who had been alive for over five centuries and was known for being powerful. "Close your eyes," He told me and so I did. "Feel for that magic, that power. Feel it pumping through your veins."
I searched for it. I switched off the sounds around me and tried to focus on my mind and my own body. I could hear my heartbeat thudding. Feel the blood moving around my body. A humming. A slight buzzing. Was that it? I concentrated on it. That buzzing sound. My blood felt hot. Warm. Was that Autumn? And then I was knocked back, landing on my butt.
I opened my eyes and saw my shadowsinger hurrying for me. "Are you okay?"
"What was that?" I blinked as he helped me back to my feet.
"That, my dearest, was your power."
And, as promised, he gave me a kiss.
