

### Paragoy Dimension

Dimensions Saga Book 2

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

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http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2011 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

# Chapter 1

Kyrin sat on her horse, swinging her feet and looking out over the gathered knights of Valhara. Finn was back at command, having recovered after being found three months ago in the dungeon of Qualsax. King Alric was away on a mission to the elves, and Kyrin was helping Finn out with training. He wouldn't tell her what he wanted her to do but was quite adamant that she attend.

"I've called Lady Kyrin here because there are some things I've seen that are disturbing," Finn said. She cringed at the use of her official title.

The knights were lined up in perfect rows with their perfectly polished armor glistening in the sunlight. Every one of them had a long-sword at their side, the preferred weapon of their king.

"I don't want to involve King Alric. He has enough to deal with without knowing his elite knights have been disrespectful."

Kyrin frowned slightly, wondering what Finn was talking about. She knew how dedicated the knights were to Alric, and she was shocked that they were being accused of disrespecting him.

"You know what I'm talking about, and I won't have it!" Finn yelled. Kyrin could tell the knights were nervous as their captain spoke. "Kyrin is the Lady of Valhara, like it or not, and any disrespect to her is disrespect to your king. Is that understood?"

Her nose wrinkled when she realized he was mad at the knights for how they treated her. She didn't really care if they liked her or not. They went with her any time she left the castle grounds, and that was fine, because when they did they were usually silent and kept a watch out for Qualsax.

Qualsax had staged four more attacks on her, but each time, she had knights with her, and the warriors were easily dispatched. Kyrin had heard that knights would actually request to be her personal guard on outings, all because it gave them the chance to take on the Qualsax single-handedly.

Kyrin could protect herself, and everyone knew that, but if the knights wanted to fight, she let them. She only involved herself if she felt she was in danger at any point. So far, the knights had stayed ahead of the Qualsax, and she'd never been in any real danger.

Daemionis had backed off and was taking a watch and see approach. He used Kyrin to study the Valharans, and Sithias kept regular tabs on her too. It was dangerous to have an evil in his land, but with her use of magic and her extensive knowledge of fighting, he found her presence to be beneficial.

Kyrin hated when Alric was gone, and this time, he was supposed to be away for a month. Trox had gone with him to the elves, and she was just glad that Finn was around. Her first thought was to shift out of Paragoy and visit Creteloc in Paramide, but Alric had been concerned about her leaving and hadn't told her why.

She got the feeling he was keeping something from her, and when he returned, she planned on finding out what it was. He hesitated being away from her and always kept a close eye on what she was doing and who she was with.

Kyrin sat on the horse and watched the knights shift nervously under the scrutiny of their captain. There were two captains now, but the other had gone with Alric and Trox. That left Finn in command, and he'd seen a lot of the behavior of his knights around Kyrin and wasn't going to have it.

"As knights, you swore your allegiance to King Alric and swore to follow his command and do as he asked," Finn said angrily. "That included accepting who he chose to take on as a wife! Now that the king is gone, I want to hear the reasons behind the back-talk and the mocking."

Kyrin watched, not at all surprised when no one spoke.

"For the next hour, I'm giving you all a pass," Finn told them. "Anything you say will not be used against you. I'm here to figure out how to get you to back off of the Lady and how you can do your jobs without the petty gossip and juvenile bickering."

"We're free to say anything?" one in the front row asked.

Finn walked up to him. "Anything you want, Bines. Speak up."

The knight he called Bines looked nervously at Kyrin and then turned to his captain. "Sir, she's an evil."

"Right"

"It's hard to accept an evil in Valhara. We follow the Holy Knight of Sithias."

"That Holy Knight of Sithias chose Kyrin as his wife."

"That's his choice. We understand that. However, some of us don't understand why we would instantly kill anything evil that came near the king, yet we allow her to share his bed?"

Kyrin's eyebrows rose and she couldn't help but blush. She was still uncomfortable with the openness of some marital actions and would prefer if no one spoke about them.

"Yes, Lady Kyrin is a known evil," Finn said, walking along the front row. "Have any of you seen her do anything that evils are said to do?"

"Sir?" Bines asked.

"Have you seen her sacrifice a human?"

"No, sir."

"Animal?"

"No, sir."

Finn nodded. "Have you seen her poison someone?"

"No, sir."

"But you've seen magic."

"Yes, sir. We've all seen her use magic."

"Is magic evil?" Finn asked him.

"No, sir."

"So help me understand why you have such a hard time around her when she's done nothing evil."

The knight sighed. "We just feel it's a matter of time, sir. When that time comes, we don't want to be around."

Finn finally got it. "Okay, so let me get this straight. When Lady Kyrin goes rogue and decides to kill the king, you don't want to have to stop her."

"I didn't mean..."

"That's what I'm getting from this. If you stop her, and the king doesn't believe she tried to kill him, then you risk being punished."

"Maybe"

Kyrin rolled her eyes. "If I decide to kill your king, no one can stop me."

Finn sighed and looked at her. "You aren't helping."

She just grinned. "I'm not going to kill Alric."

"If she does, he will take her word over ours," the knight said.

"There's always apprehension when a new noble is sworn in. Years of distrust follow deaths, swearing-ins, and even marriage. This is no different. However, what I've seen isn't becoming of one of Valhara's knights." Finn was still walking along the knights, outwardly irritated.

"What exactly have you seen?" Kyrin asked, now curious. She never expected the knights to trust her or even remotely like her, but she did want to know what she was up against.

Finn debated and then shook his head. "I'm not going to say. I can't risk this getting back to King Alric."

A broad grin crossed her lips. "What would he do?"

"No," Finn said to her, and then turned to his knights. "So if there's nothing else, this is your last warning. I had better not see or hear anything against the Lady, or you'll have to deal directly with me. She's saved Valhara. She's saved my life, and you will treat her with the respect she is due."

Kyrin's heart dropped. She didn't think she was due any respect at all and would rather not be treated like she did. She'd done nothing to help Valhara. She'd only done things to help those she felt close to. She couldn't care less if Valhara was wiped off of the dimension, and she felt that Finn probably knew that.

"Head to your posts," Finn ordered. The knights all saluted as one and then spread out to wherever it was they were assigned.

Finn finally walked over and leaned up against the fence by where Kyrin was sitting on her horse. Alric had chosen a gentle silver mare for her, and she'd started to enjoy riding.

"What kind of trouble are you going to cause today?" Finn asked, smiling up at her.

"I don't know. I could go see if your knights like stealth attacks."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't."

"I was kidding. I don't know what I'm going to do. I was thinking about shifting out for a few weeks though."

Finn sighed. "Alric doesn't want you out of Valhara."

"Why is that exactly?"

"You know he hates it when you're gone."

"Yes, but it has been worse lately, and I want to know why."

"That's not for me to say. Let's just say there are still parts of marriage that he hasn't covered, and I don't think he wants you to learn those out in some remote dimension."

She shrugged and sat back on the horse. "Well, he's not here, so I can shift if I want to."

"Yes, you can, but I'd rather you stay here and not cause that much trouble."

Kyrin leaned down and whispered, "Tell me some of the things the knights were saying about me."

His eyes narrowed. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious."

"Well, I'm not stirring that pot."

"You're no fun."

"Not going there," Finn said, looking out over the orchard. "Alric still wants you to go to the church and visit those children who lost their parents last month in the Qualsax skirmish."

She shivered. "Children give me the willies. I don't want to be around them and most certainly if they're crying."

Finn started to laugh. "I'd give anything to see you have a baby."

Kyrin frowned. "That was pretty mean."

"You'd love it."

"I think not. Besides, Alric told me it'll be a mutual decision. That's one thing that I'm just never going to agree to."

"That's what he told you?"

"Yes"

Finn shook his head. "Well, you need to talk to him again."

"Why's that?"

"Because sometimes it's not a decision at all. My first kid was an accident."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean we'd just barely gotten married and weren't planning on having a kid that soon," Finn explained.

She thought about that for a moment. "So you don't always get to decide?"

"Not really."

"Then tell me how it happens, and I'll just avoid it."

Finn started to laugh again. "Nope, not going there. You need to take that up with your husband."

"Oh, I plan on it!"

"Until then, stay out of trouble, okay?"

"Me? You're the one that got kidnapped by the Qualsax for over a year."

"Yeah, well, I'm not the Lady of Valhara. You have to keep your nose clean."

"Says who?"

"All I'm asking you, and asking nicely, is to stay safe until Alric gets back. He's overprotective of you lately, and I don't want you hurt on my watch."

"I'll try. First, I want to go see if Dewell has anything for an upset stomach."

"Are you feeling sick?"

"Yeah, kind of."

"And so it starts."

"What?"

Finn simply grinned and walked away.

Kyrin decided to ignore him and headed into Valhara to talk to Dewell. Out of all of the priests, he was her favorite, even though at their first meeting, she was poised to kill him.

She tied her horse out front and then walked in. It felt weird walking into Sithias' temple, but she was starting to get used to it. They seemed to always know when she entered, and all she could come up with was that her presence somehow disrupted the natural peacefulness of the temple.

"Lady Kyrin," Dewell said when he saw her. He smiled and walked up to her. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. Alric is still gone though."

"Yes, I heard."

"I have a bit of a stomach ache. Do you have anything? I tried to find the flower I use normally, but I can't find anything alive."

Dewell nodded. "Yes, herbs are hard to come by this close to winter. Stomach ache you say?"

"Yes, do you have anything for it?"

Dewell called out for Saith, who appeared from the back room. "Oh, Lady Kyrin, to what do we owe this honor?"

She didn't like Saith, even though he was the leader of the temple and a High Priest. He always treated her like a charity case, and she wanted nothing more than to freeze him and tell him what she thought. Instead, she just shrugged. "Stomach ache."

Saith froze and looked at her. "When did that start?"

"A few days ago. Why are you nervous?"

He moved forward. "Anything else?"

"Isn't that enough?"

"Are you sure there's nothing else to mention? Hunger perhaps?"

He moved back and looked at her, and she unconsciously crossed her arms. "What are you doing?"

"Is it getting worse?" he asked, looking at her from the side.

"Yes, listen, if you don't have anything, then I can go raid Trox's cupboard," Kyrin told him.

Saith and Dewell both turned and started to talk between themselves. This irritated Kyrin even worse, and she turned on her heels and walked out, determined to find something in the castle to alleviate her stomach ache. What she didn't want to admit was that with the winter coming, she had been eating apples non-stop, and she thought she had hit her limit.

Even riding her horse made her think she might get sick. Her main goal was to get to the castle and then take a long nap. When she woke up, she'd go in search again of the weed with little white clusters of flowers. She knew if she could chew on it, her stomach would settle down.

***

Kyrin's eyes narrowed when the knight bent down at the same time as she did to pick up her dropped paper. She wasn't sure why, but the knights were being overly kind and people around the castle kept looking at her and smiling.

She tore the paper from his hand and then became furious when all he did was smile at her. Alric was due back soon, and she wanted to have a few words with him. Something was going on around Valhara, and she wanted to know what.

Finn was the only one treating her normally, but he wouldn't say anything, though she knew he knew the reason. The priests kept coming up to the castle and offering her different foods and drinks throughout the day. The castle cooks were loading up her plate with too much food, and the waste was aggravating.

When the trumpets sounded, signaling the return of the king, Kyrin headed outside with most of the knights. She was ready to throw a fireball at one of them when he gently bumped into her arm and then began to apologize profusely and ask if she was hurt.

She walked out just as Alric rode up on his stallion and smiled at her. She couldn't help but smile, relieved. He was finally back. She figured with him home, things would return to normal. Trox was beside him, and a handful of knights were behind them, all waving at some of the city people that had come to see them home.

Alric jumped off of his horse and quickly moved to Kyrin. He grasped her wrists and then kissed her passionately. When he moved back, one of the priests took him aside before Kyrin could even talk to him. She frowned and then walked inside, irritated at the amount of people. She just wanted some time alone with the husband she hadn't seen in a month, and now she saw that wasn't going to happen.

Just as she neared the top of the stairs, Alric came running up the stairs toward her. He took her hand without saying a word and pulled her into their room. Once the door was shut behind him, he sat on the bed and pulled her onto his lap, pressing his lips to hers.

It felt good to be in his arms again, though she had hoped when he came back, he might actually kiss her without holding her wrists. She felt it was being overly cautious. She'd only cast on him once during a kiss and felt justified in doing it that time.

Finally, he broke the kiss and let her wrists go. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. How did it go?" She started off of his lap, but he pulled her back onto it and brushed a stray hair away from her face.

"You first. How are you?"

"Fine"

"How is the stomach ache?"

"Still kind of there but getting better."

"Was it bad?"

"No"

He smiled and kissed her again.

She finally managed to pull away from him and looked into his eyes. "There's something weird going on around here."

"Like what?" he asked as he ran his hands lightly along her back.

"Just people acting weird. Knights doing weird things."

"I'm sorry about that."

"Do you know why?"

"Yes, Saith told me."

"Then fess up, because it's irritating me."

He sighed. "Why don't we not right now? Let's have a nice evening, okay?"

"So it's something bad," Kyrin said, crossing her arms.

"No, not at all. I just don't really know how to tell you quite yet."

"You swear to me that you'll tell me tomorrow?"

"I promise."

"Good, let's go eat. I'm starving." Kyrin crawled off of his lap and then turned when he chuckled. "What?"

"Nothing, just... hungry a lot lately?"

She frowned and walked over to the mirror. "Are you insinuating that I'm putting on weight?"

"No, I'd think you would have though."

"Well, I haven't. I'm just hungry."

Alric took her hand, and they walked down to the dining room together. She was frustrated to see the Valharan dignitaries seated already and couldn't help but notice a sudden silence when they entered.

They both sat down, one at each end of the table, which Kyrin thought was absurd. She never understood why they had to sit so far apart. When no one else was there, they ate side-by-side, but when others came, they had to sit at opposite ends of the table.

She couldn't help but think they were all watching her as the plates were delivered. It wasn't a figment of her imagination though that she had twice as much food on her plate than the others. She figured the king would have the most food, but she was sure she had more.

After the Valharans said their blessings to Sithias, they all started to eat. Kyrin grabbed a roll and went to take a bite, but the food stopped just before entering her mouth, and her eyes moved up slowly. Everyone was watching her.

"What?!" she yelled, and slammed her roll down.

She was almost madder when no one responded but instead turned back to their food and started to eat. Alric was smiling at her from the opposite end of the table.

Furious, she stood up while everyone watched, and she stormed out of the room.

Finn glanced at Alric and then went back to his plate.

"What?" Alric asked, seeing the look.

Finn shrugged. "It's none of my business."

"I'll tell her."

"A bit late, sir. Don't you think?"

Alric sighed. "Yes, it is. I'll talk to her tonight."

Kyrin stomped out to the orchard and then picked an apple. She was still hungry but couldn't stand having everyone watching her eat. As she ate, she wandered through the falling leaves of the orchard. She wasn't looking forward to the winter when the apples were gone, but she was assured that they had reserves of food. Winter was always the hardest to find food, and she couldn't count how many times she'd had to go without.

She sat down, still irritated, and leaned back against a tree to watch the sun set. She had been so excited to see Alric, and not only had she had almost no time alone with him, now she seemed to be entertainment for the masses, and she didn't know why.

Kyrin tossed the apple core out into the orchard. She was still wondering if the apples were making her sick. She couldn't stop eating them. With winter approaching, she was convinced the food was going to be sparse, and it was natural to try to bulk up as much as possible before that time.

"Kyrin?"

She jumped to her feet at the sudden voice, and then fell to her knees when she saw Daemionis standing before her.

He laughed a dark, menacing chuckle. "Did I scare you?"

"No, my Lord."

"Why are you upset?"

She shrugged. "Things just feel weird right now. They're treating me differently here."

"Well, I have a mission for you," he said, watching down on her.

"Why have you come into my dimension again?" Sithias asked, appearing beside the demon.

Daemionis snorted and looked over. "She is mine, and I will talk to her when I wish."

"Then I will stay."

"This is none of your concern," Daemionis snapped.

"It is. Right now, she is of great concern to me."

"Why is that?"

"Just finish with her and leave my dimension," Sithias told him.

Kyrin sighed when Alric came through the orchard toward them. "What's going on?"

Sithias watched Daemionis. "I'm trying to ascertain that."

"What mission, my Lord?" Kyrin asked, looking up at him. She didn't want this to turn into a spectator event either.

"The seal of Carathis is missing."

She smiled. "The Clemency lost control of it?"

"Yes, and I want it."

"Do you know where it is?"

"I suspect thieves took it into Terrahaut Dimension." Daemionis glanced at Sithias and glared at him.

Kyrin nodded. "I'll go and get it, my Lord."

"No, she won't," Sithias and Alric said together.

She sighed.

"She will do as she's told," Daemionis told them. He then turned to Kyrin. "You know how important this is. Do not betray me!"

"If it's in Terrahaut, I'll get it."

"No, she is not leaving this dimension," Sithias said, still floating above the ground only a few feet from the demon.

"Come on, Kyrin, let's go," Alric said. He reached down and took her hand, but she pulled away from him.

"You can't interfere with this."

"I can. It's too dangerous for you to leave right now."

Daemionis turned to Sithias, and Kyrin looked up just when Sithias whispered something to Daemionis. Her eyes narrowed when the demon turned to her and grinned as blood dripped from his teeth.

"I will send another," Daemionis told her, and started to fade.

"Wait!" she said, jumping to her feet. When Daemionis reappeared, she walked toward him. "Why am I getting pulled off of this mission? I can get the seal of Carathis, and you know it."

"Have you not told her?" Daemionis asked, looking at Alric.

He sighed. "I am going to tonight."

"Why does she not know?"

"It's complicated," Sithias told him. "Now, find another and leave her be."

"Stop it!" Kyrin yelled, and everyone looked at her. She crossed her arms. "I'm done with this. Everyone is keeping something from me, and I'll not have it. I'm going after Carathis' seal, and when I get back, I want answers."

Sithias looked at Alric. "You have to tell her."

Daemionis stepped back, still watching them. It was evident that he was looking forward to the fight this would bring.

Kyrin turned on Alric. "Tell me."

He glanced at the gods and then took her hand. "Let's go in private."

"No," she said, pulling away from him. "Tell me now."

"Daemionis, let's leave them alone," Sithias said.

"No, I want to see this."

"It is private."

"Nothing is private from her god. Carry on, boy," he said, grinning at Alric.

Alric nodded at Sithias and then walked up and firmly took Kyrin's hands.

"Let me go," she said, pulling against him.

"No, I need you to hear me out without casting on me."

Her heart began to pound. "Say it then."

"You've been sick to your stomach lately."

"Yes"

"That's... that's one of the first signs that you may be pregnant."

Her eyes narrowed at him. "Do what?"

"I wanted to tell you, but you were so afraid of it, I didn't know how."

She tried to pull her hands away. "What did you do?!"

"It's not something I did, well, on purpose. It just sometimes happens."

"You're done with me so soon?" she snapped.

"It has nothing to do with that! I love you more than ever, and you can't go running off shifting right now. It's too dangerous."

Without warning, she brought her knee up and hit him squarely in the groin. He doubled over but somehow managed to keep a tight grip on her. Daemionis watched with amusement.

"You sonofabitch!" Kyrin yelled, and then kicked him in the stomach. He fell back and rolled away when she tried to kick him again.

"Just listen to me," Alric said, springing to his feet. He immediately fell defensive and put his hands out toward her.

Kyrin flew at him. He managed to dodge her punches and most of her kicks but had a hard time fighting back without hurting her. Alric had to fight his instincts and training to bring her down, because he didn't wish to hurt her at all.

Daemionis watched, pleased, but Sithias called toward the castle. Finn ran out of the castle and right for them. He instantly took Kyrin, just as she jumped at Alric's throat again. Finn was able to wrestle her away from the king while Alric straightened his tunic and calmed down quickly.

When Alric saw how pitch-black Kyrin's eyes were, he winced and took a step back. She was struggling in Finn's arms, and he was just glad that she didn't have her flail. Finn was aware of her hands and had them pinned at her sides, far away from each other.

"Calm down," Finn said, trying to hold onto her.

"How dare you?!" she screamed at Alric.

"It wasn't planned, okay?"

"Do you know how it happens?"

"Well, yes."

"Then you did know, and you've been lying to me!"

"I didn't mean to. I wasn't sure how to tell you."

Kyrin's eyes shot to the side when she saw a portal key appear. Sithias sighed and looked at Daemionis as the demon's grin broadened.

"Did you do that?" Sithias asked, irritated.

Daemionis nodded when Kyrin started to struggle to get away from Finn. He wasn't sure what to do because she was no longer fighting to get to Alric.

Alric nodded at him. "Let her go."

He thought she was going to run into the orchard, and he didn't realize what she was doing until she grabbed something off the ground.

"Get her!" he yelled, lunging at her.

Finn grabbed her arm just as half of her disappeared from the dimension. He was in too much shock to do anything more than jerk her back, which sent her flying into him, knocking him to the ground with her on top.

He scrambled to his knees and knelt beside her as she got up. "Did I hurt you?"

She pushed against him angrily, but he was able to grab her hand while Alric took her other. Sithias glared at Daemionis as he watched, clearly amused at the brief fight.

"You are not going to keep me from shifting the hell out of here," Kyrin told him, still pulling to get her arm loose.

"I just want you to calm down," Alric said. "This all got out of hand, and I can explain."

"There's nothing to explain! You tricked me, and I swear, if you got me pregnant, I will kill you."

Finn cringed and tightened his grip. "That's a bit extreme, isn't it?"

"Stop laughing!" Sithias yelled at Daemionis.

He smiled. "Her temper is impressive."

"No, it's not. It's unwarranted and dangerous."

"Kyrin, just calm down. You don't want to kill me," Alric said softly. Finn was surprised he didn't fly into a rage after having his life threatened.

"Wanna bet?" Kyrin scowled at him.

"This isn't bad."

"Daemionis, if you want Carathis' seal, then I suggest you get me out of here."

"Wait! No," Alric said, watching the demon.

"I do want it," he said, stepping toward her.

Kyrin glared at Alric. "If I come back, you better have a damned good explanation."

"Don't go! If you are pregnant, it's too dangerous for you out there." Alric growled angrily when Kyrin and Daemionis disappeared.

Finn looked down at his empty hand. "Damnit."

"Bring her back," Alric said to Sithias.

"I cannot interfere."

"The hell you can't. If she's pregnant, then that child will be your follower."

"We don't know yet if she is."

"So find out! Bring her back."

Sithias looked at him sadly. "I can't. All I can do is see if I can get Daemionis to return her."

"Take me to him."

"No, stay here and I will let you know what I find." With that, Sithias disappeared also.

***

Kyrin looked around, surprised to find herself in Daemionis' palace. It was dark and damp, and screams could be heard from deep within the dungeons. The black stone walls dripped with thick goo, and all of the lights were dim and glowed red. The stench of decay filled the entire building, and she had to fight the urge to throw up.

She turned to him. "Terrahaut then?"

He slowly circled her. "Do you want to know?"

"No, I don't."

"I do."

"Can't you tell?"

"No, I can only read your thoughts. Your body is harder."

"Then do what you need to. I want to get to Carathis before someone else does."

"Time will tell," Daemionis said. "You should know by the time you return to Paragoy."

"I'm not returning to Paragoy," Kyrin told him.

"Yes, you are. I am not done there."

"I am! They claim to be good and not to lie."

"You are stubborn, Kyrin. If you are pregnant, then you belong with them until the birth at least."

"No"

"Do not defy me. I want that dimension for my own, and I cannot do that unless you are there."

"Why not? Why do I have to be there?"

"I can't enter it unless one of my followers is there. Sithias will not allow it otherwise."

"Can we talk about this later?" Kyrin asked. "I want to be off."

"The puny human was right though. If you are with child, then this mission could be too dangerous."

She shrugged. "It never seemed to bother you before."

"Never before have you possibly been carrying a future follower of mine," Daemionis said, pleased.

She rolled her eyes. "I'll be careful. I always am."

"Not careful enough. Passion fuels you, not logic, which normally I find quite appealing. I hesitate to send you on this mission when your passion could be fueled by hatred for the man and hormones from your human body."

"That man is of no concern to me right now. If you force me to return to Paragoy, then fine, but I'm not going back to Alric."

"Except you love him, my dear. It's in your human nature, and you will return to him, child or not."

"Can I go now?" Kyrin asked, irritated.

Daemionis threw her backpack, flail, a cloak, and another shadow elf made leather vest at her feet. "Bring back the seal to me within the month. If I do discover that you are with child, then I will pull you off of this mission and send you to Paragoy for the duration."

"I'll get it before then."

When Kyrin left the palace of Daemionis, she had her backpack and the couple of things Daemionis gave her but nothing else. She hadn't even been wearing her speed boots during the fight, so she would be half as fast as normal. She knew Terrahaut Dimension well, though she normally avoided it.

Terrahaut Dimension was home to the Holy Knights of Perakis, who dedicated their lives to doing good throughout their home. They wouldn't take kindly to an evil in their midst, especially one after the treasured seal of Carathis.

Kyrin was just glad that getting to Terrahaut wouldn't take her anywhere near Kyrstalis and home to the Consortium. She knew the way by heart though, as she had taken Creteloc there many times for missions. It was going to be a long walk to get there, and she had to pass through eight dimensions, each one requiring a wait for the portal key, which Kyrin hated.

Daemionis always made sure the portal out of his home was available for her, and it took her directly into Paramide Dimension. Kyrin didn't feel like facing Creteloc or having her know that she was possibly pregnant, so she skirted around Creteloc's known land and made quickly for the portal into the next dimension.

She sat down to wait for a portal key and watched nervously around her as darkness set in for the night.

Deep into the night she sat, keeping a close eye around her. It wasn't until a voice broke the silence that she moved at all.

"Avoiding me?" Creteloc asked, stepping out of the shadow.

"No, I'm just in a hurry," Kyrin told her. She couldn't meet Creteloc's eye. Creteloc could always tell when she was lying.

"You're nervous."

"No, I'm not."

Creteloc moved to stand before her. "Something's troubling you, and Daemionis sent me to find you. Why?"

Kyrin ignored her and kept a close eye out for the portal key.

"Tell me!" Creteloc said angrily.

Kyrin didn't want to make her mad. If she talked Daemionis out of forcing her back into Paragoy, then Creteloc would be her only companion. "Fine, Alric thinks I'm pregnant."

It infuriated her when Creteloc laughed. "That was fast, dear child."

"Yeah, well, he lied to me about it."

"About how it comes to pass?"

"Yes"

"What did you think would cause it?"

"I have no idea, okay? You all kept it from me."

Creteloc sat down next to her, though she made no noise. "Do you want to know if you are?"

"I don't know."

"I have a potion that will tell us."

Kyrin looked over at her. "You do?"

"Yes, it aborts the baby but will tell us for sure."

"You can do that?"

"Of course. How do you think I keep nobles from procreating when it doesn't suit my purpose?" Creteloc asked.

"I should know within the next two weeks. If it's true, I will be back."

Creteloc nodded. "I can give you the poison just in case."

Kyrin reached out and took it from her. "Thank you."

"It's painful, but you will live."

She slipped it into her bag and then stood up. "Key's here."

"Do not defy Daemionis."

"I know," she said, and then disappeared through the portal.

On the other side, the dimension was irritatingly bright, and Kyrin set off for the portal she needed. It was going to be a three day walk, and she'd left Paragoy without time to stock up on apples or water. This was a dry, desert dimension with no life and nothing to sustain travelers.

It wouldn't be the first time she'd gone through it without supplies, but she wasn't looking forward to it, and she still had a stomach ache from when she left Paragoy. Hiking her backpack up higher, she set out.

Even though she kept a close eye out for the Consortiums, she saw nothing in the dimension and within four days had crossed over into the next. It wasn't quite as dry, and she was able to dig up the root of a cactus to get water from. It didn't fill her flask but gave her enough for the next few days, and she could eat the bitter root for nourishment too.

As she walked, her stomach settled down, and she began to feel more normal. She still suspected it was all of the apples that made her sick, and not a pregnancy, though the more she walked, the madder she became that Alric hadn't told her that what they were doing could bring a baby.

The following dimension, two weeks later, had wildlife and Kyrin was able to kill and eat a small deer like creature with a single horn in the middle of his head. The meat was gamey but filling, and she dried as much as she could to carry with her. She knew that the next few dimensions, including the one before Terrahaut, were devoid of life and home to rogues and criminals that were on the run from the Consortiums.

Because of that, it was also a frequent haunt of the Clemency Consortium. It was a good place for them to pick up criminals and get their quota. Harsh punishment came to any member of the Clemency Consortium that failed to bring in their required number of criminals. Rumors were that if they were to bring her to the Clemency's leader, they would no longer be held to such quotas.

It was dark when she entered, and every fiber of her being was tense and on guard. It was dangerous to be here, and she kept her hands firmly grasped so she could cast quickly if the need arose. She moved as quietly as possible, a trick Creteloc had taught her, though she wasn't nearly as good as Creteloc.

When Kyrin walked up to an encampment, she crouched low and listened for signs of a look out. Two men were watching over the camp and were talking beside one of the larger tents. They were bragging about deaths and loot stolen, and Kyrin had no desire to cross them. She wondered if she could get a spell off and kill both of them without alerting the rest of the encampment, but she didn't think she could.

Deciding her best bet was to head around to the side, she started quickly around the long way. This added almost a full-day to her walk through this dimension, and by the time she got to the portal to Terrahaut, she was irritated again. She sat down to wait for the key but kept a close eye out around her.

She was more tired than usual and figured it was because of her posh life in Paragoy. It was softening her and she decided that if Daemionis made her return, she would have to do something about that.

It was two weeks before she saw the portal key and finally stepped into Terrahaut Dimension. Even the air felt wrong, and she wondered if the Holy Knights of Perakis could feel her presence like Alric could feel Creteloc in his kingdom. Just the thought of him made her heart sink, so she quickly wiped that thought from her mind.

***

"Nothing?!" Alric yelled.

"Sir," Trox said, trying to calm him down, "it's not that easy to find someone who can shift. If it was easy, we would have known about dimensions before."

"It's not just that," Finn added. "We also don't know where she is. Terrahaut Dimension? We've never been out of Paragoy. How are we supposed to find it among what Sithias said is an infinite number of dimensions?"

"I have to at least try," Alric said. "The priests are sure she's pregnant, and not only is she out there alone, but she's mad at me and may not even return."

"Have you asked Sithias to simply take you to her?" Trox asked.

Trox took a step back when the fury in Alric's eyes turned toward him. "Of course I have! Sithias can't find her, and Daemionis isn't helping at all."

"Of course he's not. He was enjoying that fight," Finn said.

"I can't sit here while she's out risking her neck for a demon that doesn't care about her." Alric sat down slowly and sunk his head into his hands.

"We have to trust her right now. She knows those dimensions, plus she's a powerful magician," Finn reminded him.

"I can't trust her right now. She's too mad to see straight, and that's going to get her killed. If she doesn't come back, we'll never know if it's because she chose not to or if those bloody Consortiums got her and killed her."

"We can keep asking, but so far, no one's ever picked something up off of the ground and saw a door appear."

"Keep looking. Go to Qualsax if you have to."

"We can't go around Qualsax asking about dimension shifters," Trox said. "We're doing all we can. The people of Valhara are scared though. They know Kyrin has disappeared, and they know you are furious."

"Of course I'm furious! This is my fault."

"It's not..."

"Yes, it is. I was so afraid she'd leave, that I let it get too far without telling her the risks."

"She would have run," Finn told him. "You did what you had to. It was just bad timing."

"If she dies..."

"Trust her."

"I guess I do. It's the others I don't trust. I can see Daemionis turning her over to the Consortiums just for fun," Alric said.

"Daemionis ordered her to marry you. He has some plans for that union, and I don't think he'll be happy until he sees that through," Trox said.

"If what he wanted was a child though, then we've given him that."

"Maybe"

"The priests are usually right about such things. Though they didn't run any tests on her. They were afraid she wouldn't allow it."

Finn grinned. "She would have fried them."

"Yeah, she would have," Alric said, deep in thought. He tried to find enough hope and faith in her abilities, but his stronger feeling was that she was too mad to return.

"Right now, the people need their king," Trox said. "I understand the need to return Kyrin, but we have Qualsax attacking."

Alric decided that was a good way to vent off steam, so he grabbed his sword and followed Trox and Finn out to the waiting knights.

***

"Halt!"

Kyrin heard the shout from behind her and turned to look at three of the Holy Knights of Perakis heading her way. Their armor was almost as pristine as the Valharan knights but not quite as intricately decorated. She knew the way to get past them was to appear wandering and unimposing.

"Yes?" she asked, smiling almost sweetly.

"What are you doing out here at night?" one of them asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Just passing through."

"You're a shifter?"

"Yes"

"What's your name?"

"Why do you care?" she asked him. "I'll be out of Terrahaut soon."

"I care because this is my dimension, and you're in it."

"Fine, friends call me Finn," she said, and smiled. "I am just looking for a portal."

"That's it? Nothing else?"

She shrugged. "What else is there? I'm searching for water."

"Well if you find any water here, you leave it be," he said angrily.

"I won't touch your water."

"I still don't like that you're out here alone at night. Something's suspicious." The three Holy Knights walked toward her, and her hand itched to grab her flail. She knew they were master swordsman though, and she couldn't take on three of them without using magic.

"I'm not doing anything. Why can't you leave me alone?" she asked, stepping back.

"Hold out your right wrist."

"Why?"

"Because the Clemency Consortium's been looking for a girl about your description, and she has a D burned onto her right wrist."

Kyrin hadn't planned on killing these knights, but now she didn't have a choice. She reached out, as if to show her wrist, and then grabbed her flail. "Bring it on, Perakis scum."

They all unsheathed their swords and fell into formation. "Are you Kyrin?"

"Yes, I am," she said, and advanced.

***

Alric's sword sliced through the Qualsax warrior, and he spun and instantly headed out after another. He hated spilling this much blood, but they had attacked one of the smaller villages in his kingdom, and he couldn't let it slide.

"Oh, I get the king," one of the Qualsax said, facing off with Alric.

Alric didn't answer but brought his sword down on the warrior, who matched his move and their swords hit between them with a spark.

The Qualsax was no longer amused. "Let's see if the king can fight, then."

Alric felt his blood pumping as he attacked the warrior. They were evenly matched, and the Qualsax was able to block most of his moves but couldn't get the chance to counter-attack. He was too busy defending.

When their swords clashed again between them, the Qualsax grinned. "Heard your wife left you. Guess she's smarter than we first thought."

Alric roared and lunged, sending his sword through the middle of the warrior. The Qualsax looked at him with wide eyes and then slowly sunk to the ground.

He turned, ready to attack another, but saw only villagers and his knights standing before him.

"Thank you, my Lord," one woman said, dropping to her knees before him.

The rest of the villagers fell to their knees, thanking him for saving them. He nodded to Finn, who ordered the knights to mount up and go back to the castle. Alric followed, and soon, the ominous force was riding through Valharan land.

***

The feel of her blade slicing through his neck made her smile. The warm rush of blood across her hand and the way he noiselessly screamed was something she missed. She watched the blood become sticky between her fingers, and then wiped them off on the knight's tunic.

Kyrin stood back and looked down at the three dead Holy Knights of Perakis and then looked around her. Patrols would be by shortly and see them, so she had to be far away when they arrived. Immediately taking off into the woods, she ran to get as far away as possible, while still heading toward the rougher part of Terrahaut. The part she headed for was full of thieves and murderers, and was a far cry from the highly patrolled part of Terrahaut the knights owned.

She could hear shouting when the patrols found the dead knights, and she wasn't far enough away to be safe, so she continued to run. When she reached the river separating the two parts of Terrahaut, she finally relaxed. They called it the river, but it was mostly a swamp full of thick mud and creatures that would eat your flesh if you encountered one in the sludge.

Kyrin knew she had to get through to the other side though, so she hoisted up her backpack and trudged through the muck, cringing at how it squished in her shoes and slid down the back of her legs.

Once on the far side, she disappeared into the trees again and then set up a small camp. She couldn't travel during the day. The Holy Knights would be raiding this side of the river, looking for whoever killed their knights. She had to stay in the cover and see if she could find who had the seal of Carathis.

She leaned back against a tree, hungry and thirsty, and thought of all of the food in Paragoy. She wasn't pregnant. By now, she knew for certain, but she felt a small twinge of guilt that Alric still thought she was. What he did was wrong, she admitted that, but she was starting to see that he didn't mean any harm in it. She sat for hours against the tree, trying to decide what to do about Alric.

He infuriated her and often kept her from doing what she felt she needed to do. He was so good it made her head hurt, but she was drawn to him. She could feel his arms wrapped around her even as she sat in this wasteland full of thieves and treachery. Just as she decided she would return to Paragoy once Carathis' seal was found, a movement off to her side caught her attention.

Thinking she was about to get a meal, she cast a freezing spell toward the bushes and then went to see what she found. Standing just over two feet tall was a scrawny gray creature with long, pointed ears, large eyes, and a soft, innocent expression. Even though the creature was frozen, he was able to move his eyes in her direction.

"Hey," she said, and pulled the green amulet out of his hand. It was the Qualsax amulet she'd taken off of a dying warrior. "How did you get that?"

Kyrin tucked it back into her bag and then picked up the creature and carried him toward her camp. When she dropped him, the spell broke, and he cowered before her and began to shake.

"Well, you wouldn't be worth eating," she said, sitting down in front of it. He had no meat on him, and it looked like he hadn't eaten in years.

The creature looked up at her, terrified.

"What are you?" she asked it. It didn't answer but dug around inside of his thin loincloth and produced two tiny seeds. The creature held them out to her.

"What are these?" When he didn't respond, she studied them. "Don't talk much do you?"

Kyrin smiled and looked up at him.

"You're a nicker, aren't you?"

The creature moved to sit at her feet and leaned his head against her leg. She pushed him away. "I'm not your bed. Now run along and leave me alone. I don't have anything shiny for you to steal."

He frowned slightly and slunk off, obviously not wanting to leave. Kyrin shook her head and then shut her eyes to rest as well as she could.

A few hours later, she was drawing in the sand with her dagger when she saw the nicker return.

"What?" she asked, watching as he peered at her from around a tree.

He took one step out, and she saw he was dragging something behind him.

"What did you steal?" she asked. Nickers were so named because they stole... sorry... borrowed, anything they saw of interest. They mainly borrowed shiny things but were known to pilfer anything unsuspecting travelers had on them.

The nicker walked forward slowly and handed her a flask. She took it, opened the top, and smelled. "This is water!"

He backed away and bowed slightly as she smelled the water again. It didn't smell funny, and she hadn't had anything to drink in almost two days. Figuring she didn't steal it herself, she tipped back the flask and allowed herself a little more water than usual. It tasted fine also, and she smiled and tucked the flask into her bag

"Come here," she said, putting her hand out for the nicker. He started to run into the bushes but turned at the last minute and looked at her. She bent her hand. "Come on. I won't hurt you."

He dropped to his stomach on the dirt and crawled slowly toward her. Once close enough, he reached out and touched the 'D' burned onto her wrist.

A noise off to their side sent him skittering into the bushes, and Kyrin grabbed her flail and looked over them toward the dirt road. Perakis knights were coming, formed in perfect rows and all ready for battle. She wasn't going to wait to see if they noticed her, so she disappeared into the trees on the other side.

By nightfall, she arrived at the caves that were suspected to house the seal. Kyrin actually hated caves. Because of their tendency to go downward and limit your exits, she normally avoided them. These caves were home to some of the most brutal rogues in the dimensions, and she'd never been this close to them. Rumors were all she knew about them, but she had to get the seal of Carathis to get out.

Soft whispering caught her attention, and she squatted low and worked toward it.

"There can't be more than 100," one of them whispered softly.

"They have the seal of Carathis. I'm sure they'll guard it with more than 100."

"Maybe not. They're said to have traps protecting their treasure."

Kyrin studied the three people talking. From what she could tell, they had a rogue, a healer, and a fighter, but none seemed overly experienced or very bright.

Smiling, Kyrin stood up and walked up to them. The fighter immediately drew his sword, and the rogue had her dagger in her hand.

"Who are you?" the fighter asked, snarling at her.

"I think we can help each other," Kyrin said, fighting the urge to ready her flail.

"Yeah? How's that?" the rogue asked.

"You're after Carathis' seal, and I'm after my father's ring. I help you get the seal. You help me get my father's ring, and we all come out alive."

"How do you even know that?" the healer asked, frowning.

Kyrin shrugged. "You all were talking, and I overheard."

"You mean you were eavesdropping."

"Nope, but you were talking so loudly that anyone could hear. You need me to get in there and out alive."

The rogue backed up to the fighter and whispered, "We could use more help, and she's armed."

"We can't trust her though."

"Yes, we can. Why would she lie about going in after her father's ring?" the rogue asked.

Kyrin simply smiled when they looked at her.

The fighter finally nodded. "Fine, so here's our plan."

She moved closer to listen to what they had already.

"We're going to rush in. There are eight guards at the front entrance. I'll take out as many as I can, and you do what you can. Nola will back stab, and Erkin will heal us if we get hurt."

Kyrin frowned. "Rush in? You have a rogue. Why don't we find a back or side entrance and sneak in?"

The rogue and fighter turned to talk, and then finally returned to Kyrin.

"Yeah, we like that idea," the fighter said. "Let's wait here while she finds us another way in."

Kyrin forced a smile and then sat down beside the healer while the rogue went in search of another way in.

Four hours later, they all followed the rogue around to a side entrance. It had only one guard, and he was drunk, so Kyrin easily killed him while the fighter watched in awe. Kyrin motioned for the rogue to lead the way. The rogue seemed fairly good at her trade and was able to locate four traps that they managed not to step into.

They encountered six total groups that they had to fight off. Luckily, each group was only three or four rogues. The healer was doing a good job, and Kyrin and the fighter were easily able to kill whoever they came to.

As they neared the treasure room, security got more intense, and it was getting harder to get past them. Kyrin began to secretly use magic against the rogues, unbeknownst to her companions. They assumed she had an elaborate fighting style, because she was able to take down as much as twice what the others did combined.

The treasure room was heavily locked, but the rogue set to work immediately while the others watched closely.

"How'd they get his ring?" the healer asked Kyrin.

She whispered softly, "Killed him late one night and took his ring. It was a gift from the king of Valhara and means a lot to my family."

"It'll be hard to find in there. There's a lot of treasure."

"I at least have to try. What's the seal you're after?"

He smiled. "It's the seal of Carathis. Pretty much a cloth coat of arms, but it's rumored to have healing properties, and whoever owns it, also owns the rights to the entire Carathis Dimension, which is said to have water. The gods have been fighting over it, mainly to keep it out of the other gods' hands."

"So your god sent you?"

"Yes"

"Who might that be?"

"We don't speak her name. If we can bring back this seal, then we'll earn ourselves places on her council."

"Your god has a council?"

"Yes, a prestigious one. We have to get this seal back to her."

"Do you know what it looks like?" Kyrin asked. She'd seen the seal once, when the Clemency Consortium had it, but she wondered how much of its description leaked out.

"Not really. We were told it's on a red standard, and the coat of arms is a lion. How many standards can be in there? It can't be hard to find."

She frowned. The description was way off. Course, she had to remind herself it didn't matter if they knew what it looked like or not. She was out to get it too, and they weren't going to get it past her.

"Got it," the rogue whispered, and the double doors slid open slowly.

They all quickly ran inside and the rogue shut the door behind them. Once they knew no one followed them in, they turned slowly and tried to take in the amount of gold, platinum, and jewelry in the room. The entire room sparkled as far as they could see. Stacks of gold coins were piled higher than the fighter stood.

"Good luck with that ring," the rogue said before shoving the seal of Carathis into her bag. It turned out to be the only seal in sight, so it wasn't hard to find.

Kyrin didn't consider herself a thief, because she didn't steal. There were some things that she did consider right though, such as stealing from the dead or stealing things that have already been stolen. As such, she dropped with her bag and began loading it full of jewels and gold coins. She looked over just as the others did the same. Her bag never weighed down, because of its enchantment, but the healer had a hard time carrying his bag full of gold.

Once they had loaded up, the fighter stood and went to open the door handle. The rogue reached out to stop him, but it was too late. Large doors opened above them, and the room began to fill with a green smoke.

Kyrin immediately dropped to her stomach and buried her face in her shirt. She squeezed her eyes shut to wait out the poison. One of the others didn't know what to do and was coughing and sputtering off to her side. The poison hadn't reached her level yet, and she considered showing him how to avoid the poison but then figured it would take out one of those she planned on killing later anyway.

When she heard the dull thud, she knew the poison had taken one of the others, but she couldn't risk a glance in that direction. Even with her eyes shut and buried in her shirt, the sting began, and she fought to control her breath. She knew this poison. It brought a swift death but dissipated quickly once it was released.

As soon as her eyes stopped burning, she looked over and saw the fighter dead on the floor and the rogue and healer huddled in a corner with their noses pressed against a vent.

"Are you okay?" Kyrin managed to croak. Although the levels of poison were no longer lethal, some was still clinging to the air.

The healer turned around and nodded. "Yeah, you?"

"I'm okay. We have to get out of here."

They all stood up and looked at the door.

"Check it for more traps," Kyrin said.

The rogue stepped over the fighter and immediately went to work on the door. The healer knelt down beside him. "I don't think I can heal him."

"He's dead," Kyrin said. She eyed the bag on the rogue's back but didn't want to alert the others that she was after anything more than her father's ring.

"Get your ring?" the healer asked after standing up.

Kyrin shrugged. "No, but I got enough coins to replace it."

He frowned at her suspiciously and then nodded and looked over when the rogue opened the doors. Kyrin and the healer fell in behind the rogue to backtrack out of the treasure cave. She kept a close eye on the rogue, knowing she had the seal of Carathis in her bag.

They were near the exit when a rush of steps sounded behind them. They all froze and looked behind them and saw over thirty thieves searching the hallways.

"Find the thief who took the seal!" one of them yelled.

When they began heading for the three, Kyrin thought quickly and turned to the rogue. "Keep going, and get us out of here."

The rogue turned and started forward just as the thieves got within sight of the shadows they were in. Kyrin made sure the rogue wasn't watching before she suddenly pushed the healer out in front of the mob.

"Kill him!" the front thief shouted.

"Run," Kyrin whispered, and the rogue took off faster, followed by Kyrin. The healer's screams sounded just as they cleared the exit and headed for nearby cover.

Once hunkered down, the rogue looked over at Kyrin, out of breath. "What happened to the healer?"

Kyrin frowned sadly. "I think he tripped. Somehow, he fell out in front of the mob."

"How awful. At least I got my seal," the rogue said, and shifted her backpack a little.

Kyrin nodded. "Let me see it."

"No!"

"Why not?"

"I don't trust you, and that seal is mine."

Kyrin smiled and pulled out her flail. "You're going to have to fight me for it."

"You lied to us!"

"Yes, I did."

The fight was brief. The rogue was a decent rogue but had no real fighting experience. Once she was dead, Kyrin grabbed the rogue's backpack and searched her pockets for anything of use. The only thing she found was a handful of gold coins and a gold standard for her god.

As soon as the way was clear, Kyrin started up the mountain toward its tall peaks. She knew the thieves would be out in force, and their first instinct would be to search the valley below where rumors said there was water.

By nightfall, she reached the closest plateau and then ran along it, using the dark night to hide her movements. She traveled farther from the caves, feeling the weight of the rogue's backpack on her shoulders.

Kyrin kept getting the feeling that she was being followed, but no amount of stealth had broken the feeling or let her see who it was. She was afraid one of the thieves might be following her, but she hadn't seen a portal key out of Terrahaut yet.

She looked up from a brief nap when she heard someone talking nearby. Off to her left, a portal key had appeared, but the voices were close enough they'd see her. Risking it, she stood up and ran for the key.

"Stop her!" someone shouted.

She felt hands grab her shoulder, just as she stepped through the portal and instantly landed in water. The sudden change caught her off guard, and she gasped in a lung full of water. After she calmed her breathing, she treaded water and looked around. All she could see in any direction was water, though she knew by the mouthful she got that it was saltwater and tinged with poisonous chemicals, thereby undrinkable.

Luckily, Kyrin knew how to swim. The Consortiums were convinced that a rain was going to hit the dimensions that would flood them all, and so they had taught their people how to swim. Huge tanks full of any liquid served as their training. Kyrin's swimming lesson had been in a mixture of oil, stagnant slime water, and goo left over from rotten food. Though disgusting, it had taught her how to swim.

As she treaded water in the strange dimension, she looked around for any sign at all that someone was around. A splash off to her side caught her attention, and she swam over to see what it was. Just as the gray creature began to slip beneath the surface, Kyrin reached out and pulled the nicker out of the water and put him on her back. He coughed for a bit and then held onto her hair.

"What exactly are you doing here? Were you following me?" she asked, irritated.

He didn't answer but held tighter to her hair and looked around at the water. Not having another choice, Kyrin began swimming toward where the foreign sun was setting.

When it got dark and she started to get too tired to keep swimming, she rolled onto her back and started to float, hoping to stay up long enough to find a portal out. The nicker climbed onto her stomach and curled up, almost instantly falling asleep.

The moon disappeared over the horizon, leaving only the light of the stars to show around her. She let the nicker sleep but knew that if it came to drowning or the little guy, he would have to die.

The lapping of waves could finally be heard, and Kyrin looked over toward a stark white beach. She swam over to it and crawled up onto the sand, still panting from her time in the water. She managed to inch over to the trees beside the beach and fell asleep under the overhang of thick leaves.

The sun rising woke her up, and she felt every muscle in her body complain. The soreness from swimming that much was severe, and she was only barely able to flip over onto her back. The nicker was sitting beside her, and he grinned broadly and handed a squirming fish over to her.

Her eyes grew wide and she sat up quickly and took it. "You got me some food?"

He looked down at the fish and then pointed at her mouth.

Not starving enough to be able to eat raw fish, she cast a spell to cook it and began to eat quickly, ignoring how burned it was. The nicker watched her, smiling any time she looked over at him.

After finishing off the fish, Kyrin sat back and looked at him. "You do realize you can't follow me around, right?"

Surprising her, he moved forward and leaned against her leg, gently rubbing her pants with his long, gray fingers.

"Don't do that," she sighed, and forced him to sit up. "I can't watch you to make sure you don't die."

The nicker frowned, and his big eyes began to tear.

"No... no... don't cry, come on."

His innocent eyes looked up at her as his lip began to quiver.

Kyrin looked up at the sky and then sighed. "Fine. You can stay as long as Paramide Dimension, but then you go on without me, okay?"

He smiled and laid up against her again. She shut her eyes to try to get some rest but his snoring kept her awake, and staring up at the clouds gave her time to think.

She started to understand that what Alric did wasn't to deceive her. She could understand how it would be hard to explain some things to her, but she still wished he would have and not risked an unwanted pregnancy.

When the sun rose again, Kyrin sat up and shook the nicker awake. "Hey, get up. It's time to get going."

He sat up and yawned, then looked over at her and rubbed his empty belly.

"I'm sorry. Let's go," she said, standing up. She adjusted her backpacks and then started out across the beach. Sand wasn't her favorite, but she would take it before stepping through a portal and landing in the middle of water.

The nicker kept up somehow, and she wondered how he didn't get tired. They didn't find anything to eat or drink, but it wasn't long before Kyrin found a portal.

# Chapter 2

For two weeks, they traveled from portal to portal, and it wasn't until running from a giant leech that she stumbled into a familiar dimension.

The nicker looked up at her as she smiled. "I know this one. We're close to Paramide."

With what she could only assume was Daemionis' help, she was able to find portals easily and was soon in Paramide, looking out over the dark plateaus.

"Here's where we part," Kyrin said, looking down at the nicker.

He had his hands gripped tightly together and looked up at her.

"What do you have?"

The nicker stepped back and looked down at his hands.

"Hand it over," Kyrin told him. While they didn't necessarily steal but instead borrowed, they still were master thieves and could pick anything from almost anyone.

He finally swallowed and held up a golden chain that she'd taken from the thieves in Terrahaut.

"Don't steal from me!" she said, irritated.

The nicker cowered before her, and then followed when she walked out to find Daemionis.

Seeing the gray creature following her, Kyrin turned. "Go away! That was the deal. I promised to take you as far as Paramide, and you're here, so go."

He reached up and grabbed onto her pant leg.

"No, I said..."

"What did you find?" Creteloc asked from the shadows.

Kyrin looked up at her. "A nicker that won't back off."

"Shall I kill it for you?"

"No, no I don't think he needs to die."

"Why not?" Creteloc asked, circling slowly.

"Well, he brought me water and food. I hate to kill him."

"He's ugly and insignificant."

"He's harmless."

Creteloc finally nodded. "Daemionis is waiting. Did you get it?"

"Of course. I wouldn't have come back without it."

"And did that useless king of yours impregnate you?"

"No"

"Good, let's go then."

Kyrin followed Creteloc and tried to ignore the nicker trying to keep up with them. He wasn't quiet though, and Creteloc often turned and glared at him. They approached Daemionis' temple, and Creteloc motioned for Kyrin to go in alone.

He was already waiting when she stepped in, so she dropped to her knees and lowered her eyes. "My Lord."

"Did you get it?" he asked.

Kyrin dug in her bag and pulled out the coveted seal of Carathis.

Daemionis took it from her and lifted it up to see closely. An evil grin crossed his face. "My young follower. You have pleased me."

"Thank you, my Lord," Kyrin whispered.

He lowered it and looked at her. "Are you with child?"

"No, my Lord."

"Very well. Return to Paragoy."

She nodded and stood up.

"You aren't going to argue?" Daemionis asked her.

"No, my Lord."

"So you want to go back?"

Kyrin first thought about lying, but then just nodded.

"Go, and take that thing from my land."

"Thing?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Either take the nicker, or I will kill it."

"Oh, that thing. Yes, sir." Kyrin quickly backed out of the temple.

Creteloc was glaring at the tiny gray creature. "That thing needs to die."

"I'll take him out of here. Maybe I'll leave him in Kyrstalis."

"You are worse than you admit," Creteloc said, impressed. "They would torture him."

Kyrin frowned. "I hadn't thought of that."

"Take him to Paragoy. They'd love him."

"I don't know what I'll do with him, but I don't really want him dead."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. Come on, nicker, let's go," Kyrin said, holding her hand out. The nicker ran and took her hand but kept a close eye on Creteloc.

Just outside of the portal leading to Kyrstalis, Kyrin knelt down beside the nicker. "Now, I'm thinking you can understand me, even if you can't talk, right?"

He looked up at her and smiled, batting his eyelashes.

"I'll take that as a yes. We're shifting over to Kyrstalis. If you get lost or the Consortiums pick you up, you're on your own. Your best bet is not to steal."

The nicker took her hand and shook his head.

"Sorry, your best bet is not to borrow things but to just keep up."

The second Kyrin set foot in Kyrstalis, she took off running for the portal across the city. She kept her cloak pulled over her face and her head down, avoiding any contact with the Consortiums. Once she got to the portal leading out of the dimension, the nicker was nowhere in sight.

She looked once more for him and then stepped through the portal. She couldn't risk being caught, just to make sure the little creature was okay.

Kyrin was surprised when she got to the next portal and felt a tug on her backpack. She turned, ready to fight, but saw the nicker look up at her with his huge, sad eyes.

"Oh, you made it. Well let's go then. However, you can't go into Paragoy, okay?"

His lip quivered when he stepped through the portal and followed Kyrin as she walked quickly. She was anxious to get into Paragoy. Every second out shifting, she ran the risk of encountering the Shadowmere, and she would feel better when she was back in Valhara.

There was no portal key into Valhara, so Kyrin sat down to wait beside the remains of the Shadowmere. When night fell, the nicker curled up next to her and shivered in the cool air. She sighed and tried to ignore him as she kept an eye out for anyone coming.

Footsteps approaching sounded early the next morning, just as the first sun rose over the horizon. She stood up with her flail in her hand, and then watched the nicker slide under the dead Shadowmere's breastplate to hide.

Four Shadowmere rounded the corner and stopped when they saw Kyrin, flail ready.

"What have we here?" one of them said, eyeing her closely while he drew his sword.

"That's Kyrin," another said, smiling. "Mika will promote us for sure if we bring her in."

"You're not going to bring me in," Kyrin said, glaring at them.

"You gonna fight all four of us off, baby?"

"Yes, I am."

Two of the Shadowmere headed for her while the other two watched to make sure they didn't get interrupted. Rumors of her killings were all over the dimensions, and they wanted to teach her a lesson about messing with the Shadowmere before she reached Mika.

The first slashed at her, but she dodged and swung her flail at the hilt of his weapon. One of the chains wrapped around the handle, and she yanked, pulling it away from the Shadowmere's grasp. It didn't go far though, and he lunged for it angrily. Being disarmed was a dishonor he wasn't willing to put up with.

The second Shadowmere knocked her to the ground with a hard hit to her back. The shadow elf vest kept the blade from penetrating, but the force knocked her down. She saw the golden ring out of the corner of her eye and grabbed it just as the second man hit her in the back.

Kyrin dove through the door and scrambled to her feet once she landed in Valhara. All four Shadowmere followed her through the portal, and she was shocked when two of the Valharan knights jumped into the fight.

With the help of the knights, the four Shadowmere were soon dead, and Kyrin sunk down to the ground, clutching her side.

"Are you injured?" one of the knights asked, kneeling down beside her.

She shook her head. "Thank you for the help."

He smiled. "No, thank you for the fight! We knew this new post would be a good one."

"You're posted here?"

"Yes, by orders of King Alric."

"What is this?" the other knight asked. He turned around and had the nicker held up in front of him by its ears.

Kyrin sighed. "He's something that was supposed to stay out of Valhara."

"What is it?"

"It's a nicker."

She leaned back against the grass, waiting out the pain in her back. She knew they didn't do a lot of damage, thanks to the vest, but she was still going to have a deep bruise.

"You are hurt," the knight closest to her said.

"Just give me a second."

"No, we're to take you back to King Alric immediately."

"What am I to do with this thing?" the knight holding the nicker asked.

Kyrin thought that over. He was liable to steal anything shiny he found in the castle, but she didn't want him dead. She wasn't sure why, but he'd grown on her, and she felt protective of him.

"Just let him down. He'll follow us," she said, finally getting to her feet.

"We should stop at the priests and have you looked over," the knight said, watching her try to walk.

"There's no use getting everyone riled up over this. I'll be fine once I get to Valhara."

"Okay, but we'll have to tell King Alric."

"Be my guest," she said, and started down the sheer cliff toward Boriana ruins.

The knight let the nicker go, and the little gray creature caught up with Kyrin and stuck closely to her side. She noticed he was carrying one of Sithias' crosses that each of the knights wore, but she decided not to point that out to the knights. Stealing one of their crosses was grounds for a long prison sentence.

She reached down and took the cross from the nicker, who tried to grab it back, but she had it held high above his head. "Did one of you drop this?"

Both knights grabbed at their neck, and the closest one gasped. "I must have! Thank you for finding that."

She just nodded and handed it over, slapping the hand of the nicker when he tried to take it back.

The knight's eyes narrowed. "You said I dropped it?"

"I assume you dropped it. It was on the ground."

"They don't break and it was secured around my neck."

"I don't know then," she said, and took the nicker's hand as she started for Valhara.

The knights watched the nicker carefully while they made their way to Valhara. No one spoke, and the tiny gray creature kept a death grip on Kyrin's hand.

When they arrived at the castle, Finn ran out and pulled Kyrin into a hug. "Where have you been, kid?"

She smiled up at him. "Around. Is Alric inside?"

"He's out on a raid."

"Qualsax?"

"Who else?" he said, and eyed the gray nicker.

"What?"

"First off, what's that?"

"He's a nicker."

"Why do you have him?"

"He's not that easy to get rid of."

"What's he do?"

She smiled. "Not much, just collects things."

"Such as?"

"Stuff"

"Fine, so..."

Kyrin crossed her arms. "What?"

"Are you pregnant?" Finn asked finally.

"Do I look pregnant?"

"It's pretty hard to tell this early."

"Good," Kyrin answered, and then started up the stairs.

"So it's a secret?" Finn asked, following her.

"Yup"

"Why?"

"Because it serves you all right," she said, turning on him. "You should have told me!"

"It wasn't my place to tell you."

"Well someone should have instead of needlessly risking that."

"It's what married couples do."

"Not this married couple."

Kyrin veered off of the stairs and started for the Lady's chambers.

"Why are you going in there?" Finn asked, still following her.

"Because I'm not staying with him," she replied, stressing the word 'him'.

"He'll be back tomorrow. I'm sure he'll have something to say about that."

"Well he won't have a choice in the matter."

The nicker let go of Kyrin's hand and started to look around the Lady's chambers as she headed in to unpack and get cleaned up.

"So do you talk?" Finn asked the nicker.

The little gray animal looked at him and then ran his finger along a shiny railing.

"I'll take that as a no." Finn shook his head and walked over to the bedroom. It wasn't proper for him to leave the sitting area, so he waited at the door and watched Kyrin unload gold onto the bed. "Where'd you get that?"

"From a bunch of thieves."

"So you stole stolen gold?"

"Pretty much."

"Why? Alric has more than that."

Kyrin slipped a thick crown onto her head and sat down on the bed. "Now I have my own."

"You have a crown, remember?"

"Yeah, I know." She pulled it off and tossed it over onto the pile of gold.

"Where were you?"

"I had a mission for Daemionis."

"A dangerous one?"

"Yes"

"Knowing you might be pregnant."

"Yes," she said, starting to get irritated at the questions.

"That's not very smart."

Kyrin frowned at him. "Why are you here irritating me?"

"I'm trying to figure out if you're pregnant and need looked at by the priests."

"I don't need to see the priests."

"You may if you've done any physical exertion."

"Go away!" Kyrin shouted.

Finn grinned. "Moodiness is a sign of pregnancy."

"Make yourself useful and get the nicker and I some food and water, will you?"

"Hint taken," Finn said, and then walked out.

An hour later, Kyrin heard someone bring in dinner, so she went out and sat at the table. The servant gave the nicker an odd glance and then bowed and left quickly.

"Eat up," Kyrin said, grabbing the glass of cold water.

The nicker was already lapping at the water in his glass. When done, he dove into the food, shoveling it into his mouth with both hands. Kyrin watched him and wondered if she'd looked the same when she first arrived in Valhara.

Grabbing a spoon, she began to eat, and watched the nicker as he enjoyed probably the first full meal he'd ever had. She was starving and ate in silence as the nicker devoured his plate.

"Pregnancy causes hunger," Finn said from the doorway.

Kyrin looked up at him and rolled her eyes. "So does not eating. What's your excuse?"

"I eat because I work hard."

"You eat because you can."

"That too," he said, and patted his washboard abs.

"Have a seat," Kyrin told him as she dug into a mound of mashed potatoes.

Finn watched the nicker eat. "I'm afraid I may lose a finger."

"He's harmless."

"So you say." Finn walked over and sat down next to her. "My guess is you don't even know if you're pregnant and are afraid the priests would tell you."

"Keep thinking that."

"Oh, I will. When Alric gets back tomorrow, he'll want to know though."

"Yeah, well I'm getting pretty tired of what Alric wants."

"So tell me. What do you want?"

She shrugged. "I don't know yet."

Finn leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. "You came back though, so you at least want Alric."

"I was ordered to come back."

"Sure you were."

"Are the Qualsax being a pain again?"

"Always," Finn said, watching as the nicker wiped his hands on the pristinely white tablecloth before belching.

Kyrin reached over and wiped the nicker's face with her napkin, and then went back to her meal.

Finn grinned. "Never wanted to be a mom?"

"Never"

"Interesting"

Finally done eating, Kyrin sat back in her chair and looked at Finn. "Nothing else happened while I was away?"

"Not really. Qualsax attacks are about it. That and you being gone drives Alric crazy."

"How so?"

"It just does. He's moody, grouchy, and looks for you everywhere. We've all noticed it."

"Alric is never grouchy."

Finn frowned at the nicker. "What does he have?"

Kyrin looked over and shrugged, but it was obvious the nicker had acquired one of the city crests off of the napkins at the table. She stood, and when he put his hands up, she picked him up, and he looked over at Finn.

"We're going to sleep."

He nodded. "Sleep well. The king should be back around noon tomorrow."

She nodded and then disappeared into the bedroom. Finn just laughed and walked out, shutting the door behind him.

***

Kyrin walked slowly through the orchard, looking for the last apple before they were gone for the winter. After a hot bath, she'd changed into one of the short-sleeved, short dresses that her tailor made for her. It felt good to be clean, and her hair was finally combed out and in a long braid that hit the back of her knees as she walked.

Seeing the naked nicker, her tailor had quickly constructed a small tunic, so he wouldn't be exposed to the castle staff. He was watching around him, looking for something interesting but always kept within just a few steps of Kyrin. She tossed an apple down to him, and he ate it quickly, core and all.

Alric ran to the orchard when Finn told him that Kyrin was there. He stopped behind her and watched as she reached up high and picked an apple, then took a bite and looked around. She finally knelt down by the nicker when he started to cry, and she saw that he'd somehow managed to cut his leg.

Alric smiled while she dabbed at the cut with her skirt and then held the nicker as he cried. She patted him softly on the back and smiled when he looked up at her.

"Welcome back," Alric said, breaking the silence.

Kyrin stood up quickly and looked at him. The nicker reached up and took her hand as she spoke. "Thanks."

"I was worried you wouldn't come back."

She didn't feel like making it seem like she was attached, so she lied. "Yeah, well I wouldn't have, but Daemionis forced me to."

Alric nodded. "I figured as much. What's that?"

Kyrin looked down. "That's a nicker."

"He's wrinkly."

"He's harmless."

"Is he yours?" Alric asked, taking a step closer.

The nicker frowned and then bared his tiny, sharp teeth and hissed as his ears twitched.

Kyrin grinned. "You could probably say that."

Alric stopped a ways from her and watched the nicker. "He's a vicious little thing."

"He helped me on the mission."

"I'm glad you had some help." Alric was studying her, and she found it amusing.

"I'm back for a while."

Alric nodded and moved to her quickly. He took her wrists in his hands and then pressed his lips to hers. Suddenly, he screamed and backed away, looking down at a bleeding gash on his hand.

"He bit me!" Alric yelled.

Kyrin stifled a grin and looked down at the nicker. "I think he's protective."

Alric healed his own hand and then squared his shoulders and stood his full height. "He'd better not be so with me."

"He's just a nicker."

"Still, he bit me."

She shrugged and picked up the gray creature, then gently rubbed his ears. "Be nice to him."

"I will be if he won't bite me."

Kyrin started back for the castle, still carrying the nicker, who kept a close eye on Alric over her shoulder.

"Kyrin?" Alric said, following her.

She turned to him.

"Are you pregnant?"

"No"

"Were you?"

"No"

He thought for a moment. "Can I have the priests look at you?"

"No"

"Why not? What can it hurt?"

"Why do you want it? I'm not injured."

"Please, for me."

"Tell me why first," Kyrin said, switching the nicker to her other side.

"Fine, it's because I don't trust you. They all felt strongly that you were pregnant, as did I. I want to know if you really aren't, or if you were injured on the mission and lost the baby."

Kyrin turned on her heels and headed into the castle. She froze when she saw Saith and Dewell waiting by the stairs.

"It's good to have you back, Lady Kyrin," Dewell said, smiling.

Saith simply studied her.

"I'm not, nor have I ever been, pregnant," she said, irritated. The nicker looked at them both and hissed at the priests.

"What is that?" Dewell asked, taking a step back.

"Apparently, the only one in Paragoy who believes me!" she said, and started up the stairs.

"One of the knights said you got hit pretty hard on the back," Dewell said to her. "Can I just look at that?"

She stopped on the stairs but didn't turn around. "It's just a bruise."

"Still, please?"

Alric and Saith watched them, hoping she'd let him take a look at her.

"Fine, but step out of line, and the nicker may bite you," Kyrin said.

Dewell looked over at Alric. "He bites?"

Alric nodded. "Just stay away from his mouth and report to me when you're done."

The priest swallowed hard and then followed Kyrin.

Saith turned to Alric. "She's not pregnant now."

"You're sure?"

"Positive. However, I can't tell if she was and lost it. Would her god send her out on a dangerous mission if he thought she was pregnant?"

"Yes, he would," Alric told him. "She wasn't badly injured when she got here though, so I'm hopeful this last mission wasn't too bad."

"The first few weeks of pregnancy are the most precarious. It wouldn't take a lot, and stress can do it."

"I just hope Dewell can figure out, one way or the other."

***

Alric stood by the door and watched Kyrin and the nicker sleep on the floor in front of the roaring fireplace. She was cuddled next to the gray, wrinkled creature, which was sucking his thumb in his sleep. His tall, pointed ears twitched when Alric first came into the room, but it didn't fully wake him.

He studied her closely, trying to figure out how to lessen her fears and repulsion of children. He wasn't determined to have children but did realize the necessity of carrying on the noble bloodline of Valharan royalty.

Alric wondered how to get her out of the Lady's chamber and back up into their bedroom where she belonged. Now that she knew how children were made, he was pretty sure she'd be sleeping on the floor again. He'd rather have her on his floor than in this room though.

He crossed his arms and looked around her room. The sun was up enough that he could see now, and he saw the pile of gold set off in the corner, along with four pitchers of water, all almost full.

Something in the nicker's hand caught his eye, and he moved forward enough to see it. The tiny gray hand held one of Sithias' crosses firmly in its grip. Alric gently pulled it out of his hand and then stood up to study it. It was one of the priest's amulets that normally hung in the castle's temple. He wondered where the nicker had gotten it but was brought out of thought when the nicker began to wake up.

The ugly creature sat up and yawned, and then looked up at Alric. When he saw the amulet in the king's hand, the nicker began to shake with fear and quickly shook Kyrin awake.

She sat up and looked at the nicker, who pointed to Alric. Kyrin looked over at him.

"What did you do?" she asked as the nicker crawled onto her lap.

Alric held up the amulet. "I just pulled this out of his hand. Care to explain?"

"Not really."

"Is he a thief?"

She smiled slightly. "He's a nicker."

"I've never heard of that kind of creature."

"Well, no, he's not a thief," Kyrin explained. She reached over and put the nicker next to the pile of gold in the corner before continuing. "Nickers like to borrow things."

"You mean steal."

"No, they don't mean to keep them. They are masters at their ability to borrow, and it's rumored they can take the gold from a pirate's teeth without them knowing. It's not done maliciously though, it's done out of curiosity and appreciation of shiny things."

Alric sighed. "So why is he here?"

"He followed me."

"Can we send him home?"

"I guess I could take him back to Terrahaut where he belongs."

"Never mind. If it's between him stealing things and you disappearing, we'll just watch him," Alric told her.

"Not stealing... borrowing."

He reached out and helped her to her feet. "Either way, he can't take things that aren't his."

"That's just what he does. He's harmless though."

They both watched the nicker in awkward silence, not sure exactly where to go from there.

Finally, Alric turned to Kyrin. "Are you sure you're going to stay for a while?"

"Probably"

"It makes me nervous that you'll disappear, and I won't know if you're captured, dead, or just decided not to return."

"What's been going on here?" Kyrin asked. It didn't escape Alric's notice that she ignored his concern.

"Qualsax is acting up. We've been having little skirmishes almost every week."

"We? You go to them?"

"Of course I do."

She smiled. "It's nice of the knights to let you go."

"What do you mean?"

"You're a king. I'm sure your skills are adequate, but my guess is that the knights do most of the work, and you just get in the way."

He frowned. "Excuse me?"

"No offense intended."

"It's hard not to get offended. I can fight."

She put her hand on his arm. "I'm sure you can."

"What was that?!"

"What?"

"How you said that. You don't think I can fight."

"You're a great king, but you have a kingdom to run and don't have time to master a sword."

"I'm better than any knight in my kingdom."

"Don't get all offended! You're a king, not a knight."

"I'm a Holy Knight."

"Right, bent on theology and not skill with a weapon."

Alric tensed suddenly. "That's it. Get dressed."

"I was going to take it easy today."

"No, you can't say that about me and then not let me prove you wrong. Get dressed."

She shrugged, stretched, and then disappeared behind the dressing curtain. "I didn't realize you had ego issues."

"I don't have ego issues."

"Sure you do."

He watched as she slung her nightgown over the dressing curtain. Alric smiled and moved so he could see behind the curtain. He watched as she pulled on one of the short dresses and then began to untie her hair.

"Hey!" Kyrin yelled when she saw him watching. "What are you doing?"

"Watching"

"Why?"

"Because I can."

She finished her hair and then pulled on the belt for her flail, and slipped it into place. As she turned around, Alric pinned her against the wall and trapped her hands at her sides before kissing her softly.

It felt good to be near him again, and she pulled close against him, though she still tried to get her hands free.

Alric moved back from her slightly. "I guess I can prove my fighting skills to you later."

She shook her head and then pressed her lips against his as her body curled to fit close to his.

"Why not?" he whispered into her ear.

"You know why not."

He smiled and kissed her neck softly. "You know, it might help me forget you insulted me."

Kyrin pulled back and her eyes narrowed. "No."

Alric nodded. "Can we at least discuss it?"

"No"

He studied her and then let go of her left hand and started toward the door, still holding her right. "Fine, let's go."

"Where are we going?" she asked, following him out of the room.

"To prove to you that I can handle a sword."

"I didn't know I would be fighting, or I wouldn't have worn a dress."

"I'm not fighting you."

"Why not?"

Alric didn't answer but instead pulled her out toward the knight's quarters.

Finn looked up when the king entered, and the knights all stood suddenly. "Is everything okay?"

"No, it's not," Alric said, walking over to him. He'd let go of Kyrin, and she stood back by the door, watching him.

"Are we heading out again?"

"No. Someone thinks I can't fight."

Finn laughed. "Kyrin has a way with words."

"She thinks the knights allow me to go with them to fights and then do all of the fighting while I get in the way."

The captain tried to stop laughing. "Okay."

"So how do I prove differently?"

"Fight her. That's what I had to do."

Alric glanced at Kyrin. "She said that about you too?"

"Not exactly. She did tell me that I'm not a master of my sword though."

"Do you just like making enemies?" Alric asked her.

She smiled. "No, but I'm not one to pad your ego either. Everyone knows that kings rule but have no fighting ability."

Finn nodded. "Yeah, you need to take her down."

"He can try," Kyrin said.

"I can't fight my wife," Alric told him.

Kyrin rolled her eyes. "I'm not afraid of you."

Finn thought for a moment. "We could put you up against one of the knights. Course, I could do it."

"That's a good idea," Alric said.

Kyrin interrupted, "No, it's not. He would be honor-bound to let you win."

"There's no way to prove this."

"Send her into the next fight, and you can show her," Finn suggested.

"I'm game," Kyrin said.

Alric thought for a moment. "I don't want her fighting Qualsax. It's not her fight."

"Then I'm not sure," Finn said, and turned to Kyrin. "I don't suppose you'd take my word for it?"

"Nope"

"I don't lie."

"No, but you aren't going to tell me your king couldn't hit the broad side of a mountain."

Alric looked up toward the heavens and then turned to Kyrin. "You come up with a way. I'm not going to have you thinking I can't hold my own in battle."

"Fight me."

"No"

"Why not? Are you afraid I'll hurt you?"

"No! I've seen you fight, and you take things too far. I won't hit you, so I'd get pummeled."

"Why won't you hit me?"

"You're a woman, and my wife."

"That's stupid."

"No, it's not. You just grew up in an uncivilized world."

Kyrin crossed her arms. "You're then under the impression you could hit me if you wanted."

"Maybe a non-weapon fight," one of the knights suggested.

She smiled. "Magic only?"

"No, it's a hand-to-hand fight, sort of."

"Sort of?"

"Well it is, but your strong-hands are tied together."

"So you tie our right hands together, and we fight?"

"Yep"

"Why?" Kyrin asked.

She saw no good reason to have a fight that way. Never, in all of her battles, had she had her strong-hand restrained to her opponent, and she saw no value in fighting if it wasn't as real as possible.

"It doesn't matter. I still won't hit her," Alric reminded him.

"Sir!" one of the servants yelled, running into the quarters. "Trox needs you inside immediately."

"What happened?" Alric asked, studying him.

"The royal crowns are missing, sir. He thinks we have a thief."

Kyrin cringed and immediately ran for the castle. Alric and Finn passed her, but she entered the castle just seconds behind them. She ran up to the crown room, which was full of knights and castle staff.

"Sir," Trox said when Alric entered. "They were here this morning. Now they are missing from under the locked glass."

Kyrin took a step back and then turned and ran up the stairs to her room. She had a good idea who in the castle could steal the crowns out from under locked glass.

"Nicker, no!" she whispered, and knelt down beside where he was playing with the crowns. Alric's crown was crookedly placed on his head, and her crown was in his hands.

The nicker looked up at her questioningly.

"No, bad nicker," she said, and took the crowns from him.

He reached up to take them back, but she held them above her head.

"You have to stop borrowing things."

Both Kyrin and the nicker turned when someone cleared their throat. Alric, Trox, and Finn were standing in the doorway, watching them.

The nicker held his hands up for Kyrin, who picked him up and then looked at the others. "He didn't steal them."

"I know you keep saying he doesn't steal, but by my definition, he is," Alric said. He held his hand out, and Kyrin handed him the crowns.

"He doesn't mean anything bad though. He just sees something shiny, and he wants to look at it closer."

"If he can't stop borrowing things, then he'll have to go."

"I told you, I can return him to Terrahaut any time."

"I will talk to Sithias and see if he can take the nicker home," Alric told her.

"No!"

"No? Why not?"

"I don't trust Sithias not to drop him off in some unknown dimension. If he must go, then I'll have to take him back myself."

"How can you not trust Sithias? What's he ever done?" Trox asked her.

"Why should I trust him? I've not forgotten that he punished me for no reason."

"When?"

"By making me get married!"

Alric sighed. "I thought we were over that."

"I am, but I still don't trust him."

"But you'll trust Daemionis?"

"About as far as I can throw him."

Finn walked over to look at the nicker in Kyrin's arms. "How can we keep him from stealing things around the castle?"

"He doesn't..."

"Borrow... how can we stop him from borrowing things around the castle?"

"I don't know why this is a big deal. He isn't hurting anyone."

"It's breaking tradition for anyone but royalty to touch those crowns," Trox explained. "Sithias will need to re-bless them now."

"He didn't mean any harm."

"It doesn't matter what he means," Alric said. "Let's just keep him in a cage if you must keep him as a pet."

"I'm not keeping him in a cage!"

"Why not? A lot of pets are kept in cages."

Her eyes narrowed. "I've been kept in a cage, and it's humiliating! I'm not putting him in a cage."

Alric was too shocked to speak.

Finn stepped forward. "What about just keeping him in your room when you aren't with him then?"

"He picks locks."

"Of course he does. Can you reason with him?"

"I tried," she explained.

"I need to return these to the crown room so Sithias can bless them," Alric said, and headed for the door. He was obviously upset about Kyrin being kept in a cage, and it only reminded him how little he actually knew about his own wife.

"I'll have dinner brought up, okay?" Finn asked. He saw Kyrin starting to panic and didn't want to upset her anymore. He also wondered if she was going to regret telling them about her time in a cage and didn't want to dig the wound any deeper.

Kyrin nodded and then watched as the others left.

Trox and Finn met up with Alric in the crown room.

Finn watched him replace the crowns and lock the glass. "You know, she may not have been pregnant when she left, but she still managed to bring home a baby."

Trox smiled slightly. "I wasn't going to point that out."

Alric turned to them. "How much about her do I not know?"

"I would imagine a lot."

"I mean, how can we expect her to trust us if we don't know even a fraction of what she's seen and been through?"

"We can't expect her to trust. All we can do is keep trying to gain it and hope that someday she learns."

"She's going to be sorry she told us about the cage. She doesn't like divulging personal information," Trox told them.

"I wish I could figure out how to lower her tough façade and get in touch with the side of her that feels vulnerable and soft emotions," Alric said, deep in thought.

"Maybe she doesn't have one."

"She does, and I want to be a part of it. She can't be hard as steel all of the time. At what point does humanity kick in?"

"You give an evil a lot of credit," Trox said.

"She is human. There's a part of her that wants to be a woman, wants taken care of, and wants to just relax."

"Is there?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it."

"If she has a vulnerable side, it may be buried too deeply behind emotional scars and self-defensive thoughts."

"I'm going to get to it."

"It's a good thing you have patience."

Alric finally smiled. "Yes, it is, isn't it?"

"He's sorry," Kyrin said from behind them.

They all turned to face her, and Alric smiled. "No harm done."

"He just wants to see everything."

"I noticed."

"He's not my pet."

"What is he then?"

"I'm not sure, but if you want him gone, I'll take him."

"I do, but I don't want you to shift out again," Alric told her.

She nodded and still seemed upset about something. Alric motioned to Finn and Trox, and they both left quickly.

"Tell me what's wrong," Alric said, taking her hand.

"I can't trust Sithias."

"Why not?"

"I just can't."

"I think he knows that. Why is it upsetting you?"

She shrugged. "What makes you think I'm upset?"

Alric kissed her softly and then whispered, "I can see it in your eyes. Is it the cage problem?"

"I didn't mean that."

"So it's not true?"

Kyrin met his eyes only briefly before starting for the door. "I heard the chef made something called an apple tart."

Just as she stepped out into the hallway, Alric pinned her against the wall and trapped her hands at her sides before kissing her more passionately.

Kyrin pulled back when a servant walked by. "Alric, people are watching."

"So?" he asked, kissing her again.

She turned her face. "So! Stop it."

"I'm the king. I can do what I want."

"Well at least stop holding my hands when we kiss!"

Alric smiled. "I like to do that because it makes you mad."

# Chapter 3

Kyrin was sitting in her room watching the fire. A blizzard had hit Valhara, and the entire castle was shut up while the winds outside raged. The nicker was asleep beside her, and she absentmindedly ran her hands along his back while she watched the flames dance. Due to rumors and miscommunications, the nicker was now named Nicker. She had to admit it was easier to have him around with a name though, but she was getting tired of him getting blamed for everything missing in the kingdom.

A particularly strong gust brushed past her window, and she glanced out at the snow. She hated snow and had often immediately shifted out of anywhere that had it. Because cloaks hindered fighting, it wasn't practical to wear one, even if it was snowing.

It had been quiet in the month since her return. She was still staying in the Lady's chambers, much to Alric's dismay, but she wasn't about to be caught in his room again. Boredom had struck, and while most in the castle settled down with a good book, she resisted the urge to learn how to read.

"Lady Kyrin?" She heard the voice out in the antechamber. She thought it was stupid that men couldn't come into her room and would instead stand in the antechamber and call her.

"What?" she asked, still looking into the fire.

"Can you come out here?"

"No"

"There's a child missing from the city," he called out to her.

She sighed. "Nicker doesn't take kids."

There was a pause while the knight tried to figure out what she meant. Finally, he tried again. "He wandered off from the city. King Alric has called all castle staff to help look for him."

"I'm not staff."

"No, ma'am. However, he asked that I come get you."

Kyrin finally got to her feet and went into the antechamber. "Why would I go out in a blizzard after some kid?"

The knight frowned. "He could die out there."

"One child less..."

"Come on, kid," Finn said, joining them. "We're all heading out, and the king thinks you may have some magical way of finding him."

"I don't."

"Well, you're coming anyway."

"What makes you think that? It's cold and miserable out there."

"Which is why we need to find that little boy."

She crossed her arms and glared at him. "I'm the Lady of Valhara. I don't have to go out into a snowstorm to find some little brat."

"Yes, you do."

"Send Sithias out after him."

"No, it's our job to find him," Finn said, and took her arm. "Now come on."

"I am not going out there!"

Finn didn't respond but just pulled her down the stairs by her arm. On the way out of the front doors, one of the knights put a fur-lined cloak over her shoulders.

Kyrin was hauled out to where all of the knights and townspeople were waiting for instructions from Alric. Alric chuckled when Finn pulled her up to the front, and it was obvious she didn't want to be there.

Alric turned back to the crowd. "You have your assignments. Make sure one of your group checks in with command every hour. Command will be just inside the castle doors."

Kyrin raised her eyebrows and started for the doors, but Finn took her arm. "No."

"I'm going to wait with command."

"No, you're not."

She sighed when Finn took her arm again and pulled her over to her waiting horse. "Get on and go look for him."

Kyrin sighed and climbed onto her horse. "Fine, what's the little hellion look like?"

"He's a kid. I'm guessing any kid out in the woods right now should be returned to command."

"Oh ha-ha. Where's my group?"

Finn grinned. "You don't get a group."

"Why not?!"

"The king doesn't think you need backup. The others are townsfolk and can't handle a fight if they run into trouble."

"If I get my ass handed to me by Qualsax all because I'm looking for some kid..."

"You won't," Finn said, and then slapped the rump of her horse, sending it flying into the trees. Just as she neared the tree line, he heard her cursing at him.

Kyrin was furious by the time she got deep into the trees. She was freezing and had her hands tucked under the cloak and up against the warm horse. Without someone holding the reins, the horse finally slowed to a stop and began picking at the bark on a tree. She didn't care if the horse was moving or not. The last thing she wanted to do was search for a missing child.

When a stronger wind made it through the trees, Kyrin shivered and then took the reins. She finally decided that if she wanted to get out of the cold, she had to find the kid.

As soon as she got under the low branches of a tree, she broke off a long twig and then sighed. She'd done this spell before but hesitated to do it again. It would cause the stick to point to anyone nearby with ill-will toward her. She hoped the kid was afraid enough of her that it would point to him.

After mumbling the spell, the stick flew out of her hand and landed against the ground, pointing off to her right.

She turned her horse and headed in the direction it pointed. This time, she kept a close eye out for any signs of the missing child. When she heard the boisterous laughing of men, she slid off of her horse and inched forward. Peeking around a tree, she saw 15 Qualsax surrounding one small, crying toddler.

Kyrin sighed and looked up at the sky. "Seriously?"

"Let's roast him, boys!" one of the Qualsax yelled.

"Great," Kyrin whispered, and then brought her hands together. "Ozehshiesh."

Instantly, the Qualsax and the toddler froze in their current position, and she walked out to them. She looked carefully around their hastily constructed camp. Their tents were barely standing and were too far apart to adequately block the fierce winds, and their fire was close to a tree, so the limbs were already smoking from the heat.

She knelt before the main Qualsax, and his terrified eyes looked over at her when she spoke. "Now I'm ticked. Not only am I out here freezing my ass off looking for this brat, but then I have to deal with you, too."

Off to the side, she saw a portal key shimmer into view.

"I'm half tempted to toss you out of this dimension," she said, and then smiled at him. "I'd give nothing more than to see the Qualsax tangle with the Shadowmere."

"Hello, princess." Kyrin spun and saw over twenty Qualsax advancing on her. "What'd you do to them?"

She looked toward the side and saw the portal key still shimmering against the snow. Without a second thought, Kyrin ran for it. She passed the toddler and grabbed his collar as he screamed. The portal opened when she took the key, and she lunged through, followed by one of the Qualsax.

They landed suddenly in what used to be a lush jungle but was now a forest of dead trees and rotting carcasses from animals killed by dehydration. Kyrin dropped the boy and grabbed her flail, turning on the Qualsax.

He was stunned and looking around with wide eyes. Because he wasn't paying attention to her, she was easily able to slam her flail into his neck and cut off his airway. As he fell to his knees, fighting to breathe, she tore the Qualsax emblem from around his neck and then stood back and watched him die.

Kyrin turned and looked at the sobbing toddler, who was covered in tears while he cried for his mom.

"Perfect," she mumbled, and sat down to think about the fastest way to get back to Paragoy, so she could get rid of the kid.

***

"Where'd your little wifey go?" the lead Qualsax asked as he blocked an attack from Alric. "She disappeared into thin air with one of my warriors, and I want him back!"

Alric smiled. "Don't be stupid. You can't disappear into thin air."

"Well she did! Right in front of us. She grabbed that snot-nosed brat and disappeared."

With that, Alric slashed at the Qualsax and sent his head flying. It landed with a dull thud beside one of the frozen Qualsax. He turned to fight another but found only dead Qualsax along with those frozen by Kyrin, and almost all of the Valharan knights.

Finn came up to him, out of breath and covered in blood. "I can send scouts out to find her."

"No, from what this Qualsax said, she shifted with the missing toddler."

Finn cringed. "Really?"

"Yes. I can only assume she was outnumbered and did it to save their lives."

"I'm surprised she didn't leave the kid."

Alric sighed. "Yeah, me too."

"Sir, what do we do with the ones that aren't moving?" one of the knights asked as he looked down at a frozen Qualsax.

Finn and Alric walked over to look at them.

"Well, let me think," Alric said, pushing one of the Qualsax with his boot. "They're harmless and unarmed, but they know Kyrin's secret, and we can't allow that."

"Can we vote?" Finn asked, grinning down at one of them. The Qualsax was able to move his eyes up to see the captain but wasn't able to move his body yet.

"We don't have a choice. Kill them and then I'll go see if Sithias can help us find Kyrin."

It took only seconds for the knights to kill the unmoving Qualsax. Once all were dead, they headed back to command to let them know that Kyrin had the boy.

The missing toddler's parents ran up to the knights when they returned. The mother was sobbing hysterically, and the dad held her, not sure what to do.

Alric slid off of his horse and smiled. "He's okay."

"You found him?!" the mother sobbed.

"Sort of. Kyrin found him with a group of Qualsax."

"What?!" the dad roared.

"It's okay. Kyrin was able to handle most of the Qualsax, and then... she... well then she disappeared when it got too much for her to handle."

"What do you mean disappeared?"

"Kyrin can leave our world and travel to others," Alric said softly. "She took him with her."

"I don't understand."

"Kyrin isn't from our world. There are thousands of other worlds, and she's able to shift between them. That's how she managed to disappear for two years when we searched for her. She wasn't even in our world."

"Are you sure she has him?"

Alric smiled. "Yes, Kyrin has him."

The mom sobbed harder and the dad scowled. "She hates children! She's an evil."

"She won't hurt him," Alric said, though he wondered to himself if Kyrin had already sold off the boy.

"How can we get him back?"

"I'll talk to Sithias, but he has a hard time following Kyrin."

"She follows a demon! He'll be a sacrifice."

"She won't do that! We have to trust her."

"Trust her? Trust an evil that you let into our world?!" the dad yelled.

"Watch it!" Finn yelled at him. "That's the king you're talking to."

"It's okay," Alric told him. "I know that Kyrin's hatred of children is well-known, and yes, she's an evil."

"She's not a full evil," Trox interrupted. "I've met evils, and she has some traits, but I see glimmers of good in her."

"My baby!" the woman sobbed.

Alric took her hand. "I have knights posted where Kyrin comes into this dimension. I know she said it can take a while to get here though, so we have to be patient and trust that she'll return him."

"Did they... did the Qualsax hurt him?" the mom managed to ask.

"I don't know. All we know is that one of the Qualsax saw her grab him and disappear. There's a possibility that she used magic to disappear, but my guess is that she shifted out of our dimension."

"Then he's dead already," the dad said angrily.

"Not necessarily. If she wanted him dead, she would have shifted without him. She took him with, and Kyrin knows those dimensions. You also know she's an experienced fighter. She can hold her own."

"I've heard she reappears injured! How can we trust her?"

"We have to," Alric said, and then turned to Finn. "Double the knights at Boriana ruins. I need to go talk to Sithias."

Finn nodded and watched Alric mount his horse and kick off for Valhara. He slipped off of the stallion at the temple and tied him to a hitching post out front. The priests watched as he walked quickly into the back room, where he dropped his sword.

Alric lowered his head and knelt down on the cross painted on the temple floor. "My Lord."

A shimmer started in the air before him, and Sithias appeared. "Troubles, my Holy Knight?"

"Yes. We had a child missing."

"I heard. Has he been found?"

Alric smiled slightly. "Sort of. Kyrin found him amidst Qualsax. She shifted with him."

"Kyrin shifted with one of my followers?!" Sithias asked, starting to get angry.

"I suspect it's how she was protecting the boy. She froze a number of Qualsax but more came at her."

Sithias nodded. "A true test of how evil she is."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"You do not trust your wife?" Sithias asked, curious.

"I do... mostly. I mean, I would trust her with my life. However, with the life of a child, I'm not so sure."

"I can ask Daemionis if he will tell me where she is. I don't think he will though. He will find this amusing."

"Can you not find her at all?"

"Not so long as she is one of his followers. I can try to see if I can find the child though."

"He's your follower."

"It gets complicated with children. At his age, they follow the faith of their parents. It isn't until he's of age and has chosen me that he's a true follower."

"But you will try?"

"Yes," Sithias said, and then disappeared.

When Alric arrived back at the castle, he heard shouting coming from just inside the doors.

"You will not talk about the king like that, or I'll put you in jail for treason!" Finn shouted.

"He brought that evil into this kingdom, and now that evil kidnapped my son."

"She didn't kidnap your son. She saved your son."

"No, she didn't!"

"She saved my life, and I'd trust her with my children."

Alric sighed, calmed his breathing, and then walked in.

The mother and father of the missing child both looked up at him with red, teary eyes. Finn was facing them, obviously furious.

"Sithias is going to see if he can find them," Alric told them. "Why don't you stay here in the castle until we hear back? That way, you'll get word as soon as I do."

"Get word of what? How she left our son in the hands of some demon?"

Alric's patience was wearing thin. "I've about had enough of you speaking of my wife like that. Now I suggest you do as I say and move into the castle until he returns."

When the dad started to argue, the mom of the toddler took his hand. "Let's do as the king asks."

Finn had several knights escort the parents out, and he turned to Alric, still outwardly incensed. "How dare they?! She's saved this kingdom and deserves a little respect."

Alric nodded. "I agree. However, I have some of the same concerns."

"She'll bring him back safe."

"I do believe that. I just hope he's taken care of. She doesn't know anything about taking care of a child."

"If she's been telling us the truth, he'll be hungry and thirsty."

"I have no doubt that she was telling the truth," Alric said. "I just hope Sithias can either get to her, or she can get back here quickly."

***

"Sir," Trox said from the doorway to Alric's office. "We found the missing knives."

"Nicker?"

"Yes, sir."

"I thought we locked him in the Lady's chamber."

"We did."

Alric sighed. "I'm debating putting him in a cage until Kyrin gets back. He's been stealing everything he can get his hands on."

"Borrowing," Trox corrected, grinning.

Alric wasn't in the mood to joke. "Get a cage."

Trox bowed and left the room. Alric was contemplating contacting Sithias for updates but figured if Sithias knew anything, he would have said something.

Knowing he had to go face the parents again, as he'd done every day for the two months that their son was missing, he stood up and headed down to the chapel.

As usual, the mom and dad were seated in the front row, praying to Sithias for their son's safe return.

When Alric came in, the dad stood up. "Did he return?"

"Not yet. We haven't heard anything," Alric said, walking up to them.

"He's dead," the mother said through sobs.

"We don't know that. The last time Kyrin shifted out of here, it took her a while to get back."

"Two years?!"

"No, not two entire years. She didn't even decide to come back until just before she did." He knew that was stretching it but didn't know how to tell the distraught parents that their son could be gone for a couple of years. He also knew that Kyrin was probably desperate to get him back to Paragoy.

"He's dead," she said again, and then began to pray.

Alric forced a soft smile. "I trust her, okay? She'll bring him back."

"Has Sithias forsaken us?" the dad asked, turning to the statue of the god.

"No, he wouldn't do that," Alric assured him.

"Then why hasn't he done something?"

"He's trying. He is as worried as you are about your son."

"Has he gone to the demon to see if Kyrin turned him over?"

Alric frowned. "No, he hasn't. Kyrin wouldn't turn your son over to her god."

"You have a lot of faith in that evil."

"I have a lot of faith in my wife."

"Sir, Qualsax has sent messengers," Finn said from behind him.

"He has? For what?" Alric asked.

"I don't know, sir. We've shown them into the throne room so you can ask."

"I'll be back, okay?" Alric said to the family. When they didn't answer, he followed Finn to the throne room and used the back entrance to take a seat.

The Qualsax snarled at him when he sat down.

"Why are you here?" he asked, leaning forward slightly. He hated how Kyrin's throne sat empty beside him.

"Lord Qualsax knows your wife left you, and he knows that she's now attacking Qualsax out of spite," the highest ranking Qualsax said.

Alric sat back. "My wife hasn't left me, and she's not attacking Qualsax."

"She is! We had one entire village wiped out last night and there was no trace of Valharans. It had to be her."

"She has no reason to wipe out your village."

"She does! We know you and she got into a fight over the last skirmish. She's doing it to bring trouble between our people."

"Let's just clear this up. Kyrin and I didn't get into a fight. She and I are not separated. I can assure you that she is far from Qualsax right now and has no reason to attack your villages."

"She's an evil! You can't trust anything she says or does," he said angrily.

"I trust her implicitly."

"Then you are a fool."

"I'm done with them," Alric told Finn.

"We're not done here!" the Qualsax roared.

Finn called knights forward and they roughly pulled the Qualsax from the throne room.

"Are you okay?" Finn asked, watching him.

"I'm fine."

Though Alric kept telling everyone he was fine, the worry showed on his face. He was having a hard time keeping the toddler's parents calm, and now Qualsax was there to accuse Kyrin of something.

He wondered if it was worth keeping her around if no one trusted her and everything was blamed on her. She stayed for him, and no other reason, but he was married to the kingdom also and he wasn't sure she understood that.

"We put the nicker in a cage," Finn said after a few minutes of silence.

Alric nodded. "Thank you."

"She'll be back."

"I know."

"With the kid."

"I'd like to know that too."

Finn smiled. "I trust her."

"Believe it or not, so do I. There's a part of her we haven't seen yet, a human side."

"I know."

"She's been gone for two months. Daemionis won't give Sithias any information, and Sithias gets the impression that Daemionis may be mad at Kyrin."

"For what?"

"He doesn't know. If that demon is mad at her, she could be getting punished by him right now."

"Well that changes everything. I trust Kyrin, but I don't trust her god," Finn said, frowning.

Alric looked over. "You doubled the guards at Boriana, right?"

"Yes"

"I'm afraid she may bring the Shadowmere here accidentally."

"The knights that fought them said they were quite a skilled adversary."

"That's why I want double up there."

***

"I think you're being hasty," Alric said to the toddler's parents.

"It's been six months. My baby boy is dead," the mother yelled. The time for tears had passed and now both considered him dead and blamed Alric and Sithias.

"Just calm down. He's not dead."

"We've been forsaken!" she screamed. "You and Sithias can both just leave us alone."

"Please, listen to me."

"No! We've listened and listened. Our baby is dead, all because of your wife."

Alric sighed. "You can blame me, but Sithias still deserves your respect."

The dad shook his head. "We blame you both. You both allowed that evil into Valhara. That evil woman took our baby, and now he's dead."

"How do you even know that?" Finn asked them. "For all we know, Kyrin's still fighting to get back here."

"You are both blind to her true nature. She's an evil, and she tricked both of you."

"My baby is dead because of her!" the mother yelled.

"This baby?" Kyrin asked from the doorway. They all turned, shocked. Kyrin stood in the doorway with the toddler hanging by a rope harness at her side. She put him down, and he ran to his mom with his arms out.

Alric moved to her quickly and pulled her into a hug. He jerked back and covered his nose. "What's that smell?"

"Ever been puked on by a Senmurv?"

"I don't even know what a Senmurv is."

"It's a half dog, half eagle..." Her words were cut off when he kissed her.

"What is this?!" the dad of the toddler yelled.

Kyrin and Alric both looked over at the toddler. His mom had his hand grasped tightly in hers, exposing the soft side of his wrist and a mark there in the shape of a 'D'.

Alric frowned. "You didn't."

"I wouldn't!" Kyrin told him.

"You gave him the same mark you bear for your god," the dad said angrily.

"Oh for hell's sake. I did not," Kyrin said. She walked over, licked her thumb, and then rubbed the mark off.

"Are you hurt?" the mom asked, looking over the toddler.

"He's fine. He just kept looking at the brand Creteloc and I have, and he wanted one," Kyrin explained.

"He saw Creteloc?" Alric asked.

"Yes, for a day or so."

Alric smiled and hugged her again. "I'm so glad you're back."

"It just took longer than I expected."

"Did you run into trouble?" he asked, pulling away from her.

"You have no idea. I told you that children aren't treated like they are here. It's hard traveling the dimensions with one."

"Thank you. We owe you for saving him."

"Niar," the toddler said, pointing at Kyrin.

She smiled crookedly. "He wants some water. It was pretty hard to come by."

"What language is that?" the dad asked, still angry.

"Yeah, no... just get the kid some food and water."

Alric leaned forward and whispered, "Did he learn some black elf?"

"Shadow elf, and just some," she whispered back.

Alric turned to the parents. "Take him home. I'll send priests by to check on him. Then Sithias will have to hear about your loyalty or lack thereof."

The parents nodded and quickly shuffled their toddler out the door.

"Now, let's get you something to eat, and then I want to hear how it went," Alric said.

Kyrin hesitated and then took his hand, and they walked up to their bedroom together. Food was already set out on the small table in the room, and Kyrin sat down and picked, uninterested, at the food.

"Are you okay?" Alric asked. He noticed that she was quieter than usual and seemed to be deep in thought.

"Yeah, I think that I just need to lie down."

"Bed or floor?"

"Floor," she said, and stood slowly. She dropped her flail and bag by the blanket on the floor and then sat down.

"Are you sure something's not wrong?"

"I just need to sleep is all." Kyrin took a long drink of clear water from a glass and then laid down and almost instantly fell asleep.

Alric watched her for a few hours. She didn't move, and deep into the night, he finally moved to the bed and fell asleep as he laid on his side, watching her.

When the light of day shone into the room, Alric opened his eyes and immediately looked to see if Kyrin was still there. She hadn't moved at all and didn't seem to stir, even though the room was bright.

Alric got out of bed and closed the thick curtains, sending the room back into darkness. He slipped out of the room and went down to see what he needed to do for the day.

"Good morning, sir," Trox said, smiling. "The priests report that the boy is in good health, though maybe a bit dehydrated."

"They owe Kyrin an apology."

"Yes, they do."

"First though, they owe Sithias one."

"That'll be the easier of the two."

"Have some breakfast delivered for Kyrin," Alric said. "I need to go into Valhara for a bit."

Trox nodded and headed off.

Twelve hours later, Alric was finally able to return to the castle and was anxious to talk to Kyrin about her six months away. He saw flowers being delivered into the castle, and when told they were for Kyrin from the toddler's parents, he asked that they be sent away. He wasn't sure how she'd feel about that.

Slipping into the bedroom, he saw Kyrin asleep on the floor and noticed her untouched dinner was on the table. He stepped back out and called for Trox.

"Yes, sir?" Trox asked, walking up the stairs.

"Have you seen Kyrin today?"

"I think she's in the room."

"She is, but she's sleeping."

"No, I haven't seen her today. I know her breakfast and lunch were untouched."

Alric frowned and looked at the door. "So she's been asleep for almost 24 hours."

Trox thought for a moment. "Let her sleep through the night. If she's not awake by morning, we'll call Dewell in."

"Good idea." Alric went back into the room and sat on the bed to watch her. Just after nightfall, he frowned and moved forward when he saw movement on her face. He leaned down and gently touched a tear that slid out of her shut eyes.

Not sure what else to do, he laid down and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm tired," she whispered softly.

He kissed her lightly. "Then sleep."

"It's not the kind of tired sleep can get rid of."

"What do you mean?"

Alric waited for an answer, but she was already asleep. He thought about what she said but eventually fell asleep with her on the floor. The next morning, he stood up stiffly and saw that she was still asleep. He tiptoed out the door and saw Trox and Dewell coming up the stairs.

"How is she?" Dewell asked, concerned.

"She's still sleeping. She woke up long enough last night to say she's tired," Alric explained.

"May I?" Dewell asked, walking to the door.

"Yes, please."

When Dewell disappeared inside, Trox turned to him. "Maybe it was just stressful."

"I'm sure it was. There's more though. She said something about it being the kind of tired that sleep can't get rid of."

"I wonder what she means."

"I'm not sure. I also saw her cry... well... a tear. It was in her sleep."

"Maybe something's bothering her."

"I want to talk to her about it when she wakes up."

They both looked over when Dewell stepped out of the room and shut the door softly. "She's still sleeping."

"Did you find anything?" Alric asked him.

"No. She's physically fine. At least as far as I can see. She opened her eyes for a second, saw it was me, and then went back to sleep."

"She said nothing?"

"No, my king. She said nothing to me."

Alric thought for a moment. "Should I wake her up to eat?"

"I would try. I don't believe she's eaten since she got back, and we know she never eats well when she's away."

"We have apples in storage. Bring me one."

Trox called out orders and then took an apple when one of the cooks brought it up. Alric thanked them and disappeared into the room.

He sat down beside her and touched her shoulder. "Kyrin? I brought you an apple."

She looked up only for a second and then went back to sleep.

"Please, eat," he whispered, and brushed the hair from her eyes.

"I'm too tired."

"You may feel better if you eat."

"Food can't help me either."

Alric wasn't sure, but he thought she may be on the verge of crying. Her eyes never opened, and she was soon back asleep. He watched her for an hour and then crawled into bed.

In the morning, he saw she was still asleep and decided to talk to Sithias. He snuck out and made sure she had food coming before riding into Valhara to the temple.

"He's been waiting for you," Saith told him with a bow.

"Thank you," Alric said, and quickly went into the back room.

Once knelt, Sithias appeared without being called. "I heard she has returned."

"Yes, and she brought the child back unharmed."

"It is not the child I'm worried about. How is Kyrin?"

"She's fine, although she's slept since she returned."

"Does she seem upset?"

"Yes, my Lord," Alric said. "Is something wrong?"

Sithias began to float along the cross on the floor. "I suspect she's done something to anger Daemionis."

"Like what?"

"That I don't know. I'm worried that he may try to punish her here in Paragoy for whatever it is she's done."

Alric stood suddenly. "What can I do to stop it?"

"I'm not sure there's anything we can do. She belongs to him."

"No, she doesn't. She is mine."

Sithias sighed. "But she follows Daemionis. I could be wrong. In fact, I hope I am. If she did anger him, then it's bad."

"What makes you think she angered him?"

"Just the way he acted when I told him she had returned."

"What can I do then?"

"Nothing but watch her."

Alric shrugged. "All she does is sleep. I can't get her to eat or talk to me."

"She may be upset also about what is to come if Daemionis is mad," Sithias explained.

"She said to me that she was tired. When I suggested she sleep, she said it's the kind of tired that cannot be fixed by sleep. What does that mean?"

"It could mean many things, but it's profoundly disturbing."

"If she leaves Paragoy, will he have a problem finding her?"

"She would be harder to find, yes, but not difficult at all."

"I'll take her. We'll run."

Sithias shook his head. "This kingdom needs you, and it may be best to get it over with. Daemionis needs Kyrin. He won't kill her."

"I've seen her suffer from his punishments."

"As have I. However, it's not my place to intervene."

"I could talk to him."

Sithias thought for a moment and then changed the subject. "How did you deal with the disloyalty of the toddler's parents?"

Alric looked up. "I haven't yet. I feel they owe you an apology for doubting you."

"Sadly, it is common. Not only am I thanked for the good things, but I am blamed for the bad as well."

"Even now that Kyrin brought him back safe, they have doubts about her."

"I have no doubt that she saved the life of that child."

"I know that. They don't see it that way."

"What?" Sithias asked when Alric smiled.

"He was all wrapped up in rope, and she was carrying him like a bag."

Sithias chuckled. "I'm sure she did her best."

"I can't fully blame the parents for doubting her."

"You doubted she would return?"

"No, but I admit to having thoughts she may return without him. She truly hates children."

"Things may change if she has some of her own."

"I'm not sure that's going to happen."

"It will. I assume that is what Daemionis is hoping for."

"And you?"

"Yes, I am also."

"What penance do you want from the parents?" Alric asked him.

"Require a week of fasting."

"I will tell them, my Lord."

"Stay with her for now. Let her sleep but be near. She may open up to you about what troubles her."

Alric nodded and then looked up when Sithias disappeared. He drew the shape of Sithias' cross on his forehead and walked out into the temple.

"Tell the toddler's parents they are required to fast for a week to repay Sithias for their disloyalty."

Saith nodded. "Yes, my Lord."

Alric rode quickly back to the castle and hoped that Kyrin would be awake enough to talk. He found her still asleep in the warm room. She was sweating lightly, so he opened the windows and let in the cool air from outside. He tried three more times to get her to wake up, but each time, she mumbled about being tired and went back to sleep.

The following evening, he decided she either had to wake up, or he would be forced to take her to Saith in the temple.

He sat down beside her on the floor and leaned back against the wall. "Kyrin?"

She looked up at him briefly, but her eyes shut again.

"If you don't wake up and eat, I'm going to have to take you to Saith." Alric knew she didn't like Saith.

"I'm fine," she whispered.

"I'm not convinced of that."

"I'm just tired."

He leaned forward and touched her arm. "Tell me."

"I can't. Just let me sleep, please."

"No. You've slept for too long, and we're all worried about you. What happened out there?"

She didn't answer but nuzzled deeper under the blanket.

"Kyrin, is Daemionis mad at you?" Alric decided to take a direct approach.

"Yes," she said softly.

"For what?"

"I can't talk about this."

"Is he going to punish you?"

"Yes"

"When?"

"Whenever he decides to," Kyrin said, now looking over at the wall.

"What can I do?"

"Nothing"

"I can't sit here and watch you get punished!"

"He has to punish me," Kyrin said. "I didn't do something he asked."

"Tell me what. What's worth a punishment?"

"Telling you won't stop it."

Alric sighed. He hated feeling helpless and wasn't ready to watch her endure one of Daemionis' punishments. His heart sunk when he saw a tear trail down her cheek. He'd rarely seen her cry and wasn't sure if he should leave or not.

Having nothing else to do, he curled up next to her and held her. "I'm here. You don't have to do this alone."

"This I do. I disobeyed him, and I knew what the punishment would be."

He'd always wanted to suggest it before but didn't think she would do it, until now. "If you agree to follow Sithias, he can protect you from Daemionis."

"I can't do that."

"Why not? Sithias doesn't punish like that! It's not right."

"I swore my loyalty to Daemionis, and I can't leave him."

He kissed the top of her head lightly. "I wish you would trust me enough to tell me why you are loyal to him."

Kyrin looked into his eyes. "You really want to know?"

"Yes"

"There are gods much worse than Daemionis. Gods that never protect their followers and turn on them in an instant. I've seen gods that go out of their way to humiliate their followers and will send them into torment for no reason at all."

"Daemionis doesn't do that?" Alric asked her.

"No, there are worse."

"What does this have to do with you though?"

"They want a magic user."

"Those other gods do?"

"Yes, and Daemionis is strong enough to protect me and keep me away from them. I was too young when I left Kyrstalis. I couldn't protect myself, and the gods were fighting around me and threatening me with atrocities I can't even talk about. Daemionis put a stop to all of that in return for loyalty."

"Things have changed though."

"I can't follow another god."

"Just think about it," he said, then pressed his lips to the back of her head.

"I will. Right now, I'm just tired."

"Of what? Tell me something."

"Of everything."

"Shifting?"

"Yes"

"Missions?"

"Yes"

"What else?" Alric asked.

She fought back tears. "I'm tired of hurting. I'm tired of running and being strong. I'm tired of having to fight for everything. Of being hungry and thirsty and sleeping out under the stars where I can get attacked."

"Stay here then. None of that will happen here."

"I'm a shifter. I can't stop."

"That's stupid though! You aren't forced to shift."

"Please let me sleep," she said, and turned her face away so he wouldn't see the other tear fall.

"What if I tell Daemionis to punish me instead?"

"It's mine to bear."

"You've done so much for me and for Valhara."

"I'll do this too. Then I'll brush myself off, and I'll be fine."

"I hate this," he said, resting his forehead on her shoulder.

Alric held her as she slowly fell back to sleep. He drifted off with her in his arms and didn't wake until she screamed out into the darkness.

He flew to his feet and looked around for attackers. The room suddenly filled with knights, and Finn was in the lead. He was the first to focus in on Kyrin. Her back was arched, and she was groaning in pain as blood poured out of her skin.

"Daemionis, stop it!" Alric yelled, kneeling beside her. The pain caused her to sweat, and blood began to drip down her face.

"Get the priests," Finn shouted. "All of them!"

"Sithias, can you not help at all?" Alric asked, watching helplessly. When his god didn't reply, he knew the answer.

Kyrin's eyes rolled back into her head, and she began to seize. Finn took her legs and Alric cradled her head, so she wouldn't get hurt.

The priests all rushed into the room and were shocked at what they saw. Blood pooled under Kyrin and soaked the blankets around her as it continued to pour from her skin.

"My god," Dewell whispered. He knelt down and took her arms as she thrashed in pain. "What can we do?"

"Try something!" Alric yelled.

Saith nodded to the priests, and they all began to try to heal wounds they couldn't see but nothing was helping.

Finally, Alric stood up and dropped his sword at his side. "Take me, Daemionis! Leave her alone. If you have to shed blood, then take mine."

"No!" Saith gasped, and looked around nervously.

Kyrin fell silent, though she still didn't wake up and was breathing in short, harsh gasps.

"Is it over?" Finn asked, leaning back on his knees.

"I don't know," Alric said. He knelt down beside her and touched her arm. "Kyrin?"

"Who does that?" Dewell asked, still in shock.

Saith watched her. "Demons do."

"She can't keep losing blood. He's going to kill her."

They all moved back when Kyrin began to levitate off of the floor slowly and then stayed in mid-air almost three feet above the blankets.

"Now what?" Finn whispered as his hand tensed above his sword.

No one answered. No one knew what to say.

After a few hours, the priests returned to the temple in the city, while Finn and Alric waited to see what was going to happen next. She slowly lowered to the floor and stayed asleep on top of the blood-soaked blanket.

"Do you think she's in pain?" Alric asked softly, still watching her.

"I'm almost afraid to know," Finn replied.

"I asked her to follow Sithias to avoid this."

"I take it, she said no?"

"If she had agreed, she wouldn't be in pain right now."

"Maybe it's a good thing she hates kids."

Alric looked over at him. "Why's that?"

"Imagine if she was pregnant right now."

"I hadn't thought of that."

Finn shrugged. "Maybe he would be nicer if she was, but I kind of doubt it."

"I need to clean up the blood, leave."

Finn started for the door. "I can have someone come do that."

"No, I'll do it," Alric said, and went into the wash room. Trox had worked on a system in the wash room that brought hot water up from the kitchen eight floors below. It allowed the king hot water when he needed some, so he was able to get water to start washing the blood off of Kyrin almost immediately.

She didn't move as he carefully cleaned the blood from her skin and checked for injuries. He'd never seen that amount of blood with no injuries before, but he couldn't find the source.

Once he'd done all he could, he tenderly picked her up and moved her to the bed. The room had grown cold, so he covered her with blankets and laid down beside her.

***

When Alric woke up the next morning, Kyrin had moved to her side and was sleeping soundly under the covers. He sat up and looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

"Kyrin?" he whispered, and touched her arm lightly.

She looked over at him.

"Are you okay?"

"Just sore," she said, and returned to her side.

He wrapped his arms around her. "Is the punishment over?"

"I don't know."

"Please, tell me why he did this."

"I can't."

"Why not? You're my wife, and I don't like to see you punished. There better be a damned good reason for it."

"I can't tell you because I suspect it would anger Sithias."

Alric frowned. "What he punished you for would make Sithias mad also?"

"No, Sithias would support what I did. I'm sure he would be mad at Daemionis, and I don't need more conflict right now."

"I wish you would tell me."

"Well, now I want to know also." Sithias' voice rang out through the room, but when Alric sat up, he couldn't see his god.

Kyrin sat up also and looked around.

"Why were you punished?" Sithias asked, still not visible.

"Do you just watch me all day? Is nothing private?!" Kyrin asked angrily.

"Why?"

"Answer me first."

"No, I don't watch you all day. However, I do know when my name comes up in a conversation and this one I wished to listen to."

"Well stop! It's private."

"Your turn," Sithias reminded her.

"No"

"You insinuated that if I told you, you would answer my question."

Kyrin shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I'm not telling you."

Sithias' form appeared, and Alric got to his knees, but Kyrin pulled herself to stand and face him. She was pale and drawn, which concerned the god, but he wanted to know why.

"It's my right to know why you were punished in my own dimension," Sithias said to her.

"It's none of your business!"

He slowly circled her. "I'm curious what you would do for me that would be against what Daemionis would want."

"I didn't do it for you."

"Then why did you defy him?"

She just watched him but didn't answer.

Sithias smiled softly. "Either you are lying, or you aren't as evil as we thought."

Kyrin glared at him. "I'm not lying. I did it for Alric."

Alric looked up. "Did what for me?"

"I'm not telling you! Just drop it."

"Did Daemionis order you not to tell us?"

"No, he didn't."

"Then why not tell us?" Sithias asked.

"Because I don't want you to know!"

"I feel it's imperative that I know."

She looked on the verge of tears, even though Sithias had never seen her cry. "Then punish me. It can't be worse than what I've already been through."

"I don't punish like that," Sithias said. "I also don't punish those who haven't sworn to follow me."

"Then drop it. I'm not telling you."

Alric tried another tactic and gently touched her arm. "You do realize that as a married couple, we shouldn't have secrets."

"You mean like how babies come about?"

"That wasn't exactly a secret," he said, and then sighed when he felt her tense. "Are you about to shift?"

"No! I don't run from confrontation. If you two don't back off, then I'll have to call for Daemionis."

"He would probably tell us just to see your reaction," Sithias told her.

"I doubt that. He'd see that I'm being harassed by another god."

"Let's just calm down and discuss this."

"I can't tell you, okay? Why won't you just drop it?"

"Because I need to know if someone is being punished needlessly in my dimension."

Sithias growled and disappeared just as Alric turned to the door and drew his sword.

"What?" Kyrin asked, drawing her flail.

"An evil has entered Valhara."

She gasped. "Is it Daemionis? Is he not done?"

"I don't know," he said, and took a step toward her.

Sithias reappeared and was obviously angry. "That assassin is back."

"Creteloc is here?" Kyrin asked, shocked.

"Find out what she wants and then get her out of here."

Kyrin smiled. Creteloc was just who she needed to fend off Sithias and Alric. She nodded and then changed quickly into a tunic, pants, and the black shadow elf vest, and ran out the door.

"I don't like that Creteloc is here," Alric said to Sithias.

"Neither do I."

"Do you think she's here to finish what Daemionis started?"

"I don't know. Maybe you shouldn't leave them alone."

Alric nodded and bolted for the doors.

"Creteloc?" Kyrin called once she got to the front of the castle. She looked around at the shadows but didn't see any sign of her. Knowing the assassin wasn't likely to come too close to civilization, she immediately mounted the only horse close and took off for the trees.

When the horse reared angrily, Kyrin slid off and looked around. "Creteloc? I know you're here somewhere."

"It's that Holy Knight," Creteloc said from the shadows. "I impede his peaceful dimension."

"You could say that," Kyrin said, and smiled. She was always relieved when Creteloc was around. "Did Daemionis send you to help me?"

Creteloc's voice turned amused, "Is that permission to end the dear king's life?"

"No! I just need Sithias and Alric to back off."

"What are they asking?"

"They want to know why I was punished."

"That's actually why I'm here," Creteloc said, and stepped out of the shadow. Kyrin was never sure how, but Creteloc had a natural shadow that somehow followed her and always kept her in darkness.

Kyrin tensed. "Are you to finish the punishment?"

"No, you have been punished enough."

"Then why are you here?"

"To see if you are faltering."

"What?" Kyrin asked, frowning.

"You refused a direct request from Daemionis in lieu of making King Alric mad. It seems your loyalty may be waning."

"It's not though! I couldn't do it, Creteloc. I'm on a mission here, and you know it. It was a direct violation of his own orders to ask me that."

"They wouldn't kick you out for such a small crime."

"They wouldn't have considered that a small crime," Kyrin explained. "I could be hanged for that."

Creteloc sighed. "Company is coming."

"I figured they'd find me. Who is it?"

"The incompetent king and his minions."

"Not Sithias?"

"No, Sithias has been watching since you got here."

"He is?" Kyrin asked, looking around.

"Yes, but he hesitates to show himself around me."

"I doubt Sithias is afraid of you."

"Oh, he's not," Creteloc said. "However, I puzzle him and he finds me unstable, don't you?"

Sithias appeared behind Kyrin and looked at Creteloc. "Deliver your message and get out of my dimension."

"Maybe I'm here to stay."

"No, that's out of the question."

"Maybe I'm here to see if Kyrin is leaning toward following you instead of our god."

"I've tried, believe me," Alric said as he walked up with Finn and twelve of the knights.

"I'm not going to follow Sithias," Kyrin told her.

"Then you should have given Daemionis what he wished!" Creteloc yelled. "You showed more dedication to that inbred husband of yours than to your own god."

"I didn't though. He has to believe me."

"He doesn't."

"What exactly did she do?" Sithias asked, though he avoided looking directly at Creteloc.

"Creteloc, don't!" Kyrin yelled.

Creteloc laughed, and it sent chills up the spines of the Valharans. "Daemionis requested she sacrifice that blubbering child to him."

"The missing toddler?" Alric asked, surprised.

"Yes, she had it in her power to do so but refused because she was afraid you might expel her from Paragoy," Creteloc said.

"That child is my follower!" Sithias said sternly. "Daemionis had no right asking for his death."

"He was in the care of one of his followers. He has every right."

"I didn't refuse because Sithias was going to be mad," Kyrin whispered. She was finding it hard to breathe as the knights looked at her, confused.

"Then why?" Creteloc asked her. "Is your devotion to your husband stronger than that of your own god?"

Kyrin simply shook her head.

"He trusted you completely, Kyrin," Creteloc said, circling her. "I trusted you. Now you've betrayed him, and in doing so, you betrayed me. How will I be repaid?"

"Name it," Kyrin said softly.

"No! This is not happening," Sithias said. "She cannot be punished for protecting a child."

"I wasn't protecting that kid! Stop saying that before you make this worse."

"Then what were you protecting?" Creteloc asked, seething.

"Why are you doing this in front of them?"

"Because you're an evil, my young magic user. You shouldn't care what they think."

"I don't care what they all think."

"Just the king. I know."

"Name your price, Creteloc. I've repaid Daemionis in blood. Now what do you want?"

"I want you to prove to me that you aren't getting soft. Demonstrate that you aren't becoming a Valharan and that your loyalty to my god isn't failing."

"He's my god too. Stop talking like that."

"Prove it," Creteloc said, and it was apparent that she was smiling.

Kyrin nodded and then slipped onto her horse. "Let's go."

"Wait," Sithias said angrily. "You cannot wreak havoc on my lands."

"We won't kill many. I assure you," Creteloc said, and then disappeared into the shadows.

"Don't do this, please," Alric said, taking the reins. "If you saved that child, then you aren't all bad, and I want you to prove that to me now."

"Let go," Kyrin said, and her eyes were now pitch-black.

"Please. I love you, and I need to know there's good in you."

"Ozehshiesh"

With that single word, every human froze in place, and Sithias looked at her. "I can protect you. Don't do this if it's not in your heart."

She looked up at him. "You don't know what's in my heart."

"I do, and I see good in you."

"You don't know what they'll do to me."

"I can protect you."

"Not from them," she said, and then kicked her horse into a gallop.

Sithias watched her go and his heart sunk. He truly believed she thought she had no choice but to follow the demon and his assassin. He just wished she trusted Alric enough to let him take over.

Sithias ran his hand before him and those that were frozen began to move.

Alric was the first to speak. "Where did they go?"

"They left Valhara."

"So they went into Qualsax?"

"Yes, there I cannot follow without Erianah being alerted. If I'm there, she may find reason to track Kyrin down."

"So we just let her go? She could kill someone."

"I'm sure she will."

Alric looked toward Qualsax.

Sithias sighed. "Don't be mad at her for this. She's trapped and saw no other alternative but to follow the priestess of Daemionis."

"She did have a choice," Alric whispered. "You offered to save her."

"She doesn't think I'm strong enough to go up against her god. Saving that child is proof to us that she has a heart beneath that rugged persona."

***

"Well, what do we have here?" the bartender asked, smiling at Kyrin when she walked in. The bar was mostly empty and smelled of weak alcohol and strong vomit. There were several dart games and archery targets on the wall, along with a blood-stained fighting ring in one corner.

Kyrin smiled sweetly and sat down at the bar. This was something she and Creteloc had done before. It was almost a game. Now they were deep into Qualsax and ready to play their game on the unsuspecting followers of Erianah.

"I could use a drink," she said, and slid a worn gold piece across the bar. She made sure and leaned over slightly and flashed her eyes up at the bartender.

He was smiling down at her with dark, chipped teeth, and she could smell his horrid breath from across the counter. "I haven't seen you around."

"I'm not from here. Just passing through," Kyrin told him. She grabbed the glass and took a long drink of a foul tasting yellow liquid. It brought fire into her stomach, and she almost threw up but managed to keep it down. Alcohol was never her thing. If she wanted something to drink, water was what she went after.

"You're pretty young to be out here alone."

"I'm old enough," she said, and smiled coyly at him.

"Sal, look what came into the bar," the bartender said to a man behind Kyrin.

Kyrin turned and smiled. "Hello."

The man was huge, with scars along his face that almost blocked his right eye. He had a crow tattooed across his neck and a long sword at his side.

"Are you from Qualsax?" Sal asked, sitting down beside her.

"No, I'm just passing through."

It was less than 30 minutes later that Kyrin left with the warrior, Sal, and promised to take him out into the trees to show off her new horse. Sal had other plans, and now Kyrin knew what they were. She'd always assumed, wrongly, that they followed her out into the trees to kill her, but she knew Creteloc was waiting. Now she realized their true purpose for taking her out into the woods alone, and it infuriated her.

Far from the Qualsax city, Kyrin turned to Sal. "Ozehshiesh."

He froze, just as his mouth formed the question about her word. Creteloc moved swiftly into the small clearing. "That was fast."

"These ones aren't very bright."

"Let's finish then. Daemionis doesn't want to have to face Erianah over this one," Creteloc said, and drew out her dagger.

Kyrin stood back and watched as Creteloc harvested poison supplies while the helpless Qualsax tried to scream. She always got half of the harvest but knew not to interrupt Creteloc and to let her work. Her spell let the assassin do her collection in quiet, without risk of the victim screaming and catching the attention of someone passing by.

"Anything else?" Creteloc asked as she stored vials into her bag.

Kyrin reached forward and pulled off the Qualsax amulet, the one that would disappear when he died. "That's it."

"Remember what I told you about the heart?" Creteloc asked.

"Yes, Daemionis has no use for it, but it's the life-force of the body and should always be given in thanks to the wolves."

"Good girl." Creteloc cut the Qualsax's heart out and his terrified eyes finally glazed over in death, just as she tossed the heart into the woods. Wolves descended and fought briefly before one of them took off with it.

"I hope that appeases Daemionis," Kyrin said.

Creteloc watched her. "He's going to be watching you closely now."

"I know."

"That was a stupid move, Kyrin. I couldn't believe it when Daemionis told me you chose Alric over him."

"It wasn't like that. I swear. I'm on a mission here, and I'm not going to jeopardize it. Had I given that child over to Daemionis, I would have been ostracized from Valhara and then Daemionis would lose his foothold in Paragoy. He'll see that soon. I'm sure of it."

"You can keep telling yourself that," Creteloc said, "or you can admit that love ruled out over loyalty in this case."

"I don't believe that though."

"It's true. However, I do see your point and will bring it up to Daemionis."

"Thank you. He trusts you more than he trusts me."

Creteloc shook her head. "He trusts no one."

"That's true."

"I must go now."

"Why? Can't you stay for a bit?"

"Here? No, I don't belong here."

Kyrin sighed. "I know. Everyone here is just so prim and proper. I'm not sure what's going to happen when I get back either."

"What do you mean?" Creteloc asked, and turned to her.

"Well, Alric and Sithias know that we came out to kill someone. They aren't going to take kindly to that."

"Are you afraid you will be imprisoned?"

"That or punished," Kyrin said, mounting her horse. "Of course, I'm beginning to realize that Alric's unique. He's not like the men in the dimensions, and he may see my side."

"You give him way too much credit."

"I trust him, Creteloc. I wish you could see how he truly is."

"I do see how he truly is. He's like every other man I've ever encountered."

Kyrin smiled softly. "He's not though. He's kind, and he cares about everyone here, including me."

"You're delusional."

"I better go find out, one way or the other, what's going to happen."

"If you're afraid of what they will do, then do not return."

"Come with you?"

"No, Daemionis wishes you to stay here. Maybe you need a place to go, away from Valhara."

Kyrin looked back toward Qualsax. "They don't seem like the kind of people I want to live with either."

"I mean a home of your own."

"If Daemionis can build a temple here, that can be my home."

"And for now?" Creteloc asked.

"For now, I'm going to go back and get my things and the nicker."

"You still have that vile little creature?"

"Yes, I do. I'll see how things go, and if it's bad, I'll shift out and come back to Boriana ruins. I'm sure there's a cave or something I can live in around there."

"You are probably on your own for a while. You know that, right?"

Kyrin looked at her. "Is he really that mad?"

"Yes. Sacrificing a child is a great honor. He's not happy that you denied him that."

"Perfect"

"Watch it around Sithias. If I were you, I wouldn't speak to him again, and avoid him if you can."

"I will."

"Also, stay here. Don't shift, even if your life could depend on it."

"Why?"

"Daemionis wishes you to stay here. Don't push that just to save your own neck."

Creteloc looked once more at her and then disappeared.

The ride back to Valhara seemed dauntingly long. She kept running through scenarios in her head, to make sure she didn't get caught off guard. She wasn't sure if she would be arrested the second she stepped foot into Valhara, or if they would just ignore her and treat her like she didn't exist.

She'd left too many things in her room though, not the least of which was the nicker. Just after passing into Valhara, she encountered two of the knights out on night patrol. They both watched her but didn't act like they wanted to grab her and haul her off to jail.

The castle seemed quiet as she dismounted. The portcullis should have already been shut but had been left open, and six knights, Finn included, were standing around it.

"It's about time you returned," Finn said, smiling. "We can't shut this thing until you get inside."

She was shocked. Finn wasn't acting like he even knew what she'd been doing that night. Kyrin still wondered if he was going to grab her when she walked past him, so she skirted around the knights and then started up the stairs without incident.

Alric looked up when Kyrin came into the room. She could tell that he had been talking to Sithias, but she didn't see the god anywhere.

"Are you okay?" he asked her. Though she could tell he was fighting to remain calm, it was obvious he wasn't happy about her actions.

"I'm fine."

"Are you staying here?"

She swallowed hard. "I haven't decided."

"I wish you would."

"You do?" she asked, frowning. She was sure that Alric and Sithias were going to expel her from their kingdom once she returned.

Alric smiled. "Of course I do."

"But..."

"I know what you did tonight. I also know that you think you didn't have a choice."

"I always have a choice."

He just nodded. "I have your dinner here, in case you're hungry."

Kyrin sat down to eat but instead just looked over at Alric.

"I'm not mad, okay?" he said when he saw her watching him.

"How can you not be mad?"

"I'm just not."

"You know that I..."

"Yes," he said, cutting her off. He didn't want to hear details of her exploits with Creteloc that night.

She just nodded and then whispered, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For proving Creteloc wrong."

Alric sat down next to her. "What did she say about me?"

"She doesn't trust you."

"Neither do you."

"I do too. I wouldn't be here if I didn't trust you."

"I'll admit that you trust me more than anyone else. I just wish you would trust me completely."

"What makes you think I don't?"

"The way you walked in here. You acted as if I was going to turn on you."

Kyrin smiled slightly and then started to eat.

# Chapter 4

"Okay, no blood, got it?" Finn asked.

Kyrin nodded, and the knight across from her frowned. "I know that."

"I do too," Kyrin said, picking up on his concern.

Finn turned to her. "You are positive you know that? This is training only."

"I can refrain from killing him!"

"We'll see about that," Finn told her. "Flails aren't common here, so we have no experience fighting with them."

"I'll be good! I swear."

Finn's eyebrow rose. "You... be good?"

Kyrin smiled. "Okay, so I'll not draw blood."

"Please don't. He's not going to hit you hard enough to either. The last thing we need is for one of Alric's knights to injure his wife."

"Oh, he's not going to get a shot off on me."

"Just don't kill him."

"I won't! Damn."

Finn turned to two knights, who stood behind Kyrin. "Use your best discretion. If she starts to get too serious, take her hands."

"Wait!" Kyrin said, looking behind her. "These two are there for me?"

"Yes, they are," Finn said matter-of-factly.

"You act like I'm a savage with no control at all."

He just watched her.

Kyrin put her hands on her hips and looked at him. "Is that what you think?"

"Just go," Finn said, and then stepped back when the knight unsheathed his sword.

She spun, flail ready, and faced the knight. It irritated her that he was smiling, and she knew that the knights all assumed if the fight was fair, they would win.

"No blood, Kyrin," Finn reminded her.

She mimicked him and then attacked. The knight blocked her flail hit with his sword. One of the chains wrapped around the blade, and she jerked back, almost disarming him. He was able to grab his sword at the last second, but he was no longer smiling.

The fight went on for several minutes, as both seemed to be evenly matched. The fight had drawn the attention of castle staff, and soon, everyone was around watching. Most were secretly hoping to see more magic, but Kyrin wasn't going to use it when she had hard steel in her hand.

Suddenly, Kyrin dodged a sword strike that would have hit her, mid-stomach, and she backed up as her eyes turned darker. It had come close enough to slash her shirt open.

"Watch it," Finn snapped at the knight.

When she lunged at him, she managed to avoid his sword block and the balls of her flail slammed against the side of his head. Blood poured from his scalp as he brought his sword down onto her arm, slicing through her tunic and into her flesh.

Knights swarmed forward and pulled the two apart. Two held Kyrin's hands while the ones holding her opponent disarmed him and turned him to face their captain.

"What was that?!" Finn yelled at his knight.

The knight was too angry to speak and struggled to get out of the grasp of those holding him.

"Answer me!" Finn screamed. "Why did you break a direct order?"

He glared at his captain. "I was defending my life."

"She wasn't after your life until you tried to kill her."

"She would have been! It was only a matter of time before she tried it."

"You're on report," Finn said. He then looked at the knights restraining him. "Put him in jail until I can talk to the king."

They dragged him away and Finn turned to Kyrin, who was furiously trying to get away from her knights. It was obvious that she was trying to get her hands together.

Finn reached out and gently took the flail from her hand. "Calm down. He's been taken care of."

He sighed when he saw the fury in her eyes, and her struggling didn't stop.

"Let me see your arm," Saith said from beside her. One of the knights had called for a priest the instant the Lady of Valhara had been injured.

"Touch me and lose a hand," Kyrin yelled.

Saith simply moved to stand beside Finn. Those that knew her realized that black eyes were a sign to leave her alone.

"Let me go," she said to the knights.

"Calm down first," Finn told her.

"I'm calm!"

"No, you aren't. I can't risk you casting on us."

After a few minutes, when the pain kicked in, her eyes returned to warm brown and the knights let go of her.

"May I please see your arm?" Saith asked again.

"No," she told him, and headed inside after tearing her flail away from Finn. Blood had saturated her sleeve and was dripping behind her onto the floor.

"Did the king know about this training?" Saith asked, turning to Finn.

"Yes, he did. This time it wasn't her fault. Glorfin overstepped and attacked her first. I think he's lucky he still has a head."

"She is quite good with her trade."

"The problem is her temper. It takes her longer to calm down when it gets out of control."

"Why did he attack her?"

"I'm not sure, but I plan on finding out."

Saith nodded. "I would take King Alric with you. He has a right to know why his wife is injured."

Finn nodded. "I will. I'll also see if I can get her to let you look at her arm."

"Alric may be your best bet. I can tell by how she looks at me that she despises me."

"I wonder why."

Saith shrugged and then headed back for the city.

Kyrin stormed up to her room and then slammed the door shut behind her. She was glad to see that Alric wasn't in the room. The nicker was, but he would let her be until she calmed down.

After grabbing a thin, metal needle and some sinew out of her backpack, Kyrin sat down by the fire. She examined the sword cut. It was deep and permeated partially into the muscle. She'd had similar wounds before and knew how to treat them.

Kyrin held the needle up against the fire to clean it, and then used her dagger to cut off a small piece of the sinew. After slipping her tunic off and leaving just a sleeveless shirt in its place, she threaded the sinew through the needle and moved so she could get to her arm better.

With shaking hands, she jammed the needle through her skin and stifled a scream. She was able to tie the first stitch off before she had to take a break. The pain was always excruciating, but she had to get it closed off before she bled more.

The second stitch took longer, and her hands were now shaking worse and sticky with blood. The nicker watched nervously from across the room but seemed repulsed by the blood.

Just when she shoved the needle through for the third stitch, the door opened.

"What in god's name?!" Alric yelled, and ran over to her.

Finn followed him in and they both knelt down beside Kyrin. Alric took the needle from her and tossed it to the side. She was about to black out and wasn't able to speak.

Finn gently laid Kyrin down onto the floor as Alric began to heal her arm. The pain instantly began to decrease, and her vision cleared.

"Why didn't you just let Saith heal you?" Finn asked, frustrated.

When the wound was gone and Alric had removed the rough stitch job, she sat up.

"I can fix it," she said, looking at her arm.

Alric sat down and sighed. "I can do it without pain though. Why didn't you come to me?"

"I didn't think about that. I just knew I had to stop the bleeding."

"How do you even know how to do stitches?"

"I had to know how. Do you know how many times I've had to do that?"

"I'm almost afraid to know," Alric said, and kissed her arm softly. "Just remember you aren't alone anymore. I can help you with this stuff."

"Why ask for help when I'm perfectly capable of doing it alone?"

"Because that's what married people do. They help each other."

"Well..." Kyrin hated to thank anyone. It wasn't in her nature. However, she had to agree that his way was better. "Thank you."

He frowned. "I guess it's the least I could do. Finn told me he attacked you."

"I knew he would. I was just a second too slow."

"That's what concerns me. You have a bleak outlook on people, always expecting the worst. I hate nothing more than when someone in Valhara proves it to you."

Finn's hands clenched into fists. "I could kill him myself. All we do is try to build trust, and he shot it down."

"It also concerns me that Saith offered to heal your arm, and you instead opted to do it yourself. That needle has been god knows where, and the pain involved was all unnecessary," Alric told her.

"I told you. I was in battle mode and just needed to fix it," Kyrin said.

"That's why I've decided it's time you have a Lady in Waiting."

"What's that?"

"It's a woman to help you. Like a personal assistant."

"I don't want one."

"I want you to have one. She has been trained to assist queens, and with additional training will be able to help me with you."

"What do you mean to help you with me? What exactly are you implying?!"

"Nothing bad, please. I just think that if you had a Lady in Waiting, she would have alerted me that you were up here in pain. I could have been here faster."

"I don't need a tender."

Finn smiled. "You said yourself you were in battle mode. I've seen it. You hit a state of mind that's very dangerous, almost primal. I'm sure you've needed that in the past but not here. A Lady in Waiting would soon be able to recognize that and know that you needed the king's help."

"I get the feeling she's going to be stopping me from doing things I want to do. I can hear it now, 'Lady Kyrin, that's not proper.'"

"Normally, yes," Alric said. "However, we can do what we want with her. If we have her help you with things like writing notes or getting help when you need it, that would suffice."

Kyrin looked over at him suspiciously. "So this is what you want. One of these Ladies in Waiting?"

"For you, yes. I feel it would help you to stay safe," Alric answered carefully. He couldn't quite explain the new look on her face, and it made him nervous.

She looked over at Finn. "Does your wife have one?"

He smiled. "Nope, she's not a noble."

"If that's what you want," Kyrin said, but her voice cracked slightly, and she had to fight back tears.

"What's wrong?" Alric asked. It made him nervous when she showed any emotion other than rage, as she rarely did so.

"Nothing," Kyrin told him, and stood up. She checked her arm again and then went behind the dressing curtain.

Finn and Alric stepped out to give her privacy.

"What's up with that?" Alric asked him.

Finn shook his head. "I've never seen her almost cry before. She's upset at something."

"Think it's because I healed her?"

"I don't think so. It started with the Lady in Waiting."

"I still feel like we need one," Alric explained. "Just someone who can watch her and let me know if she's doing something on her own that I can help her with, or if she's maybe doing something not normal to this dimension."

Finn chuckled. "You didn't mention that last part to her."

"I didn't know how. I start to think she's getting the hang of how we live, and then she'll do something like try to stitch her own wound."

"I know. It's just funny."

"She won't find it funny. I have the Lady in Waiting coming in already. She's an elf from a noble family in Minathim, and she's schooled in etiquette and our customs."

"Why an elf?"

"Both Sithias and I felt she might be more comfortable with someone from Minathim than one from Valhara."

"She seemed tense around the elves."

"We'll just have to see. Her name is Azimeth, and she'll be here late next week."

Finn started for the stairs and then turned. "How long did you want to give Glorfin?"

"For attacking the Lady of Valhara? At least five years."

"He's lucky I'm not doing the punishing," Finn said, and then disappeared down the stairs.

Alric heard Kyrin walk out into the room and stepped back inside. She was in her fighting tunic.

"Why are you wearing that?"

"In case the knights attack."

"They aren't going to attack you!"

"They did last time I fought one of them."

"It won't happen again," Alric assured her.

"We'll see."

"How is your arm?"

"It's fine."

He smiled. "Which isn't entirely the truth. I can get rid of the cut, but it can remain sore for a few days."

"It's nothing."

"I wish you would have let Saith heal you."

"Are you mad?" she asked, looking into his eyes.

He shook his head. "Of course not."

Kyrin turned to look out the window, but Alric spun her and pressed his lips against hers.

***

"Please, Daemionis, I need to speak to Creteloc," Kyrin said from her knees. She looked around the empty bedroom, waiting for Daemionis to appear.

When he didn't, she shut her eyes and concentrated.

"I have to talk to her. If you don't bring her here, I'll need to shift and find her."

Alric walked in and was just about to ask what she was doing when she disappeared. He sighed and then turned and walked out of the bedroom.

Kyrin looked up to see if Daemionis had come but found herself in his palace in Paramide Dimension. She stood up and turned around, finding Creteloc behind her.

"What trouble have you found that Daemionis brought me here just to keep you from begging any longer?" Creteloc asked, irritated.

Kyrin glanced around but didn't see the deity. She finally decided she better act fast. "Alric has hired a Lady in Waiting. I don't know what to do."

"A Lady in Waiting? That's surprising as you've only been married for a year."

"I'm surprised too. I... I thought he was different."

"I warned you not to trust him."

"What am I doing wrong?"

"Well," Creteloc said, walking around her, "you dress like a boy."

"So do you."

"I'm not trying to win back the affections of a useless man. He probably wants more of a feminine woman as his wife."

"Then why would he marry me?"

Creteloc shrugged. "I'm sure he thought he could change you. He obviously has given up if he's replacing you this soon."

"A Lady in Waiting, it's disgusting."

"He's a man. You may have to change to keep him and to stay first wife."

"I was married to him first. Doesn't that make me first wife?" Kyrin asked.

"Not necessarily. His favorite wife can be moved into the first wife's position."

"What?!"

"If you want to keep him, and I don't know why you would... but if you want to keep him, you have to act more like a noble woman and less like a runaway teenager."

"What if I don't know how?" Kyrin sighed.

Creteloc looked at her. "Improvise. You have great survival skills, so pull from that."

"Have you ever been in love?"

"No"

"Never?"

"No"

"Well why did I have to?"

"You have a heart. Daemionis and I saw this coming," Creteloc told her.

"Dresses and hair, huh?"

Creteloc looked over when a dress appeared. It was a floor-length, red shimmery dress with a flowing skirt and a low-cut neck, and long, shiny sleeves.

Kyrin sighed. "Is he serious?"

"He is interested in this union and doesn't wish for a Lady in Waiting to interfere."

"What if she's not there as a future wife?"

"She is, as the name implies."

"There's just a part of me that thinks Alric wouldn't do that."

"He would."

"He doesn't lie to me though, and he swore he'd never take on another wife."

"Men lie."

"Alric doesn't."

Creteloc shook her head. "You have to stop trusting him."

"Yeah, well I've survived on gut instinct for years, and my instinct is telling me that I can trust him."

"You can't. Now get dressed."

Kyrin studied the long gown. "I hate dresses."

"Put it on, let your hair down, and stop fighting."

Kyrin tore the dress down and changed right in the middle of the room. She didn't feel like defying Daemionis again. Once dressed, she looked down and sighed.

Creteloc grinned evilly. "Pretty."

"Shut up."

"Hair"

It took Kyrin a while to let her hair down and smooth it out with her fingers.

"Now what?" Kyrin asked.

"Let me see," Creteloc said, and walked around Kyrin. "No fighting."

"Right"

"So leave your flail here."

"No!"

"If you have it, you'll slip it under your skirt and end up fighting."

"So what if I get into trouble?"

"You let that good-for-nothing king fight."

"He's not always around."

"He will be when he sees you."

"I hate this."

"You've seen nobles. Mimic them," Creteloc suggested.

"Nobles are snooty and lacking in any fun or imagination."

"Precisely"

"Enough," Daemionis said, appearing beside Creteloc. "I've granted you the chance to speak to Creteloc. Now you must return."

Before Kyrin could answer, she was back in her room.

***

"Kyrin, this is Azimeth." Alric turned and put his hand out to the elf.

Kyrin studied her. The elf was a few inches taller than her, with a slender build, and the tip of her ears poked out through thick blonde curls that fell just below her shoulders. She was beautiful, as all elves were, and Kyrin immediately didn't like her.

Finn saw Kyrin tense, so he moved to her side.

"It's so nice to meet you, Lady Kyrin," Azimeth said, bowing. "It's an honor to be in your service."

Kyrin forced a smile but didn't say anything.

"She'll be staying in one of the rooms beside the Lady's chamber," Alric explained. "However, when you're awake, she'll be with you."

Everyone was watching Kyrin, and she fidgeted nervously with her dress. They were waiting to see if she was going to attack the elf, or if she was going to do as she'd done for the last week.

They were all suspicious of why she'd started wearing dresses, with her hair down, and how her flail was sitting on her bedside table. She'd also started sleeping in the bed, though they knew she was getting cranky from not sleeping well.

"Here, Azimeth, I'll show you to your room," Finn said. It irritated Kyrin how she smiled so sweetly and then allowed him to carry her bags into the castle.

"Well, she seems nice," Alric said, walking up to Kyrin.

Kyrin just nodded.

"I know you don't want her around, but I think this will help."

"Do you want her around?" Kyrin asked finally.

"Yes. You need a companion."

"Very well."

He sighed. "Tell me what's going on."

"What do you mean?" She couldn't look at him, so she gazed into the orchard. It was spring, and the apple trees were in bloom. She couldn't wait until it was filled with apples again.

"I mean... you're wearing dresses, doing your hair, and your flail isn't hidden under your skirt either. I just don't see what changed all of a sudden. Last night, when one of the knights joked about your flail, you didn't give him so much as a second look."

She fought back her temper and shrugged.

Alric took her hand. "I just want to understand why the change."

"Don't you like it?" she asked softly.

"Of course I do, but it's uncharacteristic of you, which makes me nervous."

"Maybe I'm just changing."

"But why?"

Kyrin pulled away from him. "I'm going on my afternoon ride. Do I take her?"

Alric watched her walk over to her horse, and then he followed her. "You don't have to, but it would be nice."

"I'd like just a few minutes alone. I'll be back in a bit, okay?"

He nodded and helped her onto the horse. She had a hard time getting up in a dress, and side-saddle still seemed awkward, but she did it anyway. As soon as she was ready, she kicked her horse and the mare took off in a gallop toward the trees.

Once out of sight of the castle, Kyrin spun in the saddle to sit normally, not caring how unladylike it was. Each afternoon she rode alone and allowed herself some time to do what she wanted and to stop acting like someone else. Her only regret was she didn't bring her flail with her on these outings. She was pretty sure if she ran into Qualsax though, she could handle them on her own with magic.

As soon as she got to the cave, she dismounted and tied the horse to a tree. The cave was the one she and some knights fell down, and the one that led into Qualsax. She didn't plan on going into the cave though, but the black scorch marks along the outside wall were her doing.

She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the anger build. All day, she walked in the castle, doing nothing more than smiling and simple nods. She had nothing to do, nothing to relieve the growing urge she had to lash out at someone.

As soon as her hands touched, they began to glow purple and a smile formed on her lips. She spun, threw her hands forward, and shot a flaming missile at the cave wall. Pieces of rock flew when the magic hit, and a black dent stained the area.

She pounded the side of the cave with all of the magic she could muster. With each hit, she became more furious and the spells deadlier. By the time she was done, the cave wall was crumbling, and she was out of breath. Tears streamed down her face. Not tears of sadness, but of fury. She hated how she was living and how she couldn't pull herself away from Alric so she could return to normal.

Exhausted, she sat down on the dirt and leaned against the charred cave wall. There was no way she was going to go back into Valhara with red eyes from crying. She had to put up a front that everything was going well and that she was happy. She was sure that anything else would get her moved under Azimeth when she and Alric got married.

When she was calm again, she stood up, brushed the dirt off of her dress, and mounted her horse. Knights were out training in front of the castle when she got there, and one reached up to help her off of her horse. She ignored his scowl when he lifted her down. It was their duty to treat her like a noble, but she knew how badly they hated it.

Kyrin walked into the castle, deciding she couldn't put off the Lady in Waiting any longer. Azimeth was waiting on the stairs for her, and met her with a soft smile.

"Welcome back, Lady Kyrin," the royal elf said, bowing.

Kyrin forced a smile. "Thanks."

"What would you like to do for dinner?"

Fighting the urge to comment on the taste of elf meat, she just shrugged.

"King Alric will be eating in the dining room in ten minutes. Shall we join him?" Azimeth asked.

"Sure," Kyrin said, and then turned to walk down the stairs. She almost tripped on her dress and was just cursing silently when Azimeth joined her.

"If you lift it slightly in front, it's easier," the royal elf told her. "Not too high though. It's not proper to show your legs."

Kyrin lifted her dress and walked down the stairs. She hated that the royal elf was watching her every move, and she suspected that she was going to be correcting everything Kyrin did.

They both sat down, and Kyrin was irritated when Azimeth sat directly beside her and immediately put her napkin onto her lap. Kyrin couldn't help but let off one spark of rebellion and didn't mimic her etiquette. The dark purple napkin stayed beside her plate.

"Good evening, Ladies," Alric said when he walked in. He was dressed in his official purple tunic, and Kyrin figured he was dressed up to impress his new fiancé.

"Good evening, my Lord," Azimeth said sweetly.

Kyrin just glanced up at him but didn't speak. He sat down beside Kyrin and kissed her hand lightly, just before their dinner was brought in.

She didn't feel like eating, so she sat back while Alric and Azimeth ate and chatted lightly about their day. Kyrin kept quiet. She was too irritated to chit-chat and didn't feel like being corrected on her manners, so she avoided both.

"Aren't you hungry?" Alric asked when he noticed she wasn't eating.

"Not really," she replied politely.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes"

Alric put his fork down and reached out. "Let me have your left hand."

She hesitated and then held it out. He took it and frowned. "You're burned."

"I hadn't noticed." Kyrin forgot that in her rage, she'd slightly singed her hand when one ball of magic ricocheted off of the rock wall and came back at her.

He quickly healed her hand and then kissed it softly before turning back to his meal.

"How did you burn yourself?" he asked her.

"I don't remember."

Alric glanced at her questioningly.

"Fine, I was stoking the fire."

"It's not cold enough for a fire."

"I was cold." Kyrin shifted uncomfortably when both Alric and Azimeth were watching her. They soon went back to their dinners, and Kyrin stood and left the room.

When she was in the privacy of the bedroom, she tossed a blanket onto the floor and then laid down and stared up at the ceiling. It was still more comfortable than the bed, and she missed it. The thought of Alric sharing that bed with Azimeth, while Kyrin slept on the floor, was more than she could take, and she broke into tears again.

The nicker came over and cuddled up against her side, then lightly patted her arm. Kyrin's comfortable life in Paragoy had turned into a nightmare. She loved Alric, and once he convinced her he wouldn't marry another, she grew to love the marriage too. Now he was not only bringing in another wife but a royal elf.

Kyrin fell asleep crying and wondering when the wedding would be.

Alric sat down on the bed and watched Kyrin sleep. He hadn't seen her on the floor in a while, and he wondered why she was sleeping in a dress. That thought brought on the question of why she was in a dress in the first place.

When Kyrin left the dinner table, Alric was able to explain to Azimeth some of her duties. Not the least of which was to alert Alric, Finn, or Trox if Kyrin was injured. He wondered, not for the first time, if a Lady in Waiting would help her at all. Another thing that worried him was her sudden change, not only wearing dresses but a personality transformation.

Feeling that she may need some comfort, Alric got down on the floor and laid beside her. He wrapped his arms around her and shut his eyes.

***

"You want me to go?" Kyrin asked Alric. They were alone in their bedroom while they discussed the upcoming voyage.

"Yes, I do. It's a long trip to the elves, and I'd like you to be there with me."

"I suppose Azimeth will go?"

"Yes, she's to be with you at all times. She will share the carriage with you."

"I'll be in a carriage?"

"On a long journey like this, it's customary for the nobles to ride in a carriage for comfort."

"So you'll be there?"

"Well, no, I prefer to have a horse."

She sighed and nodded. "I'll go."

"If you don't want to, please just tell me."

"If I don't go, will Azimeth still go with you?"

"Why would she?"

"It's okay. I'll go."

Alric was starting to get frustrated. Over the last two months since Azimeth's arrival, Kyrin rarely did anything other than what he wanted. He often tested her by making her do things like needle work, just to get her temper up, but it wasn't working.

Alric lifted her face gently so she was looking directly at him. "If you don't want to go, tell me."

She forced a smile. "If you want me to go, then I will."

"Actually, what I want is for you to grow a backbone and tell me what you want."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean you have an opinion for yourself! I didn't marry you because of how obedient you are. I fell in love with that strong, independent shifter who constantly broke the rules and did things her own way."

Kyrin got up and looked out of their bedroom window. "Now you're confusing me."

"How?"

She shook her head. "Never mind... I'll go to the elves with you."

"It'll take at least a week to get there."

"I figured."

"I want you armed also."

"Why?" Kyrin asked, glancing back at him.

"There's always a chance of a Qualsax attack. We have to travel through some of their land. I don't want to have to worry about you and Azimeth if we're attacked."

"So I will be responsible for keeping the elf safe too?"

"Is that so bad?"

"No, I guess not."

Alric walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. "Tell me what's going on."

"Nothing is."

"You have been so standoffish lately."

"I don't mean to be."

Not getting the input he wanted from her, Alric turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. He was tired of having to tell her what to do and her always obeying. Even Finn was leery to be around her, for fear she was hiding something from them.

The next morning, Kyrin climbed into the carriage and sat down on a soft seat across from Azimeth, who was irritatingly cheerful and excited to be going back to Minathim.

Alric was obviously still upset, as he didn't say anything to Kyrin before the carriage set off surrounded by knights on horses. An hour into the trip, Kyrin was already bored and starting to feel sick to her stomach. She'd never been in a carriage, and the swaying was making her nauseous.

Azimeth was reading quietly across from Kyrin, and Kyrin couldn't help but find that annoying.

Kyrin was finding it harder and harder to keep calm. Her stomach was rolling, and she was bored with nothing to do.

"Would you like me to teach you how to read?" Azimeth asked when she saw how impatient Kyrin was.

"No"

"No one has to know."

"Why would I care?"

Azimeth smiled. "I'm not insinuating you would. I just thought maybe you didn't want to admit that you don't know how to read."

"Where I come from, reading is a waste of time."

"Is it?" Azimeth said, smiling. She laid the book on her lap. "Tell me about where you are from."

"It's boring."

"I'm interested to know. Your customs are so much different than those I know of."

"Well, there's no etiquette, and the only proper way to do things is the way that won't get you killed," Kyrin said. She then smiled at the way Azimeth looked at her, shocked.

"Where is this?"

"Nowhere you've heard of. I'm sure."

"Are you okay?" Azimeth was concerned when Kyrin paled a bit.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"We can stop the carriage for a little while and get some fresh air."

"No, I don't want to cause problems."

Azimeth smiled. "The king won't consider anything you do a problem."

"What do you mean?"

"He adores you, Lady Kyrin."

That annoyed Kyrin and she just turned to look out the window. They were out of the forest and riding along the top edge of a mountain pass. It looked cold still outside, and the knights had added cloaks over their armor.

Kyrin hoped that the view would help her stomach calm down. The swaying was relentless, and the boredom only compounded the problem. It gave her nothing to take her mind off of the constant tilting of the carriage.

Azimeth stood up and began shifting things around in the carriage. Kyrin ignored her until Azimeth put a hand on her arm.

"I've made a bed. Why don't you lie down?"

Kyrin looked over and saw that the carriage's seats could form a bed. Not sure she could speak without being sick, she nodded and laid down. Azimeth dipped a rag into cool water and laid it across Kyrin's forehead.

When they stopped to take a break, Finn opened the carriage door and frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Motion sickness," Azimeth said softly.

"King?" Finn called out.

"What's wrong?" Alric asked, walking up.

"Kyrin's pretty sick."

Alric frowned and crawled into the carriage. Azimeth climbed out with Finn's help, and Alric sat down beside her.

"Kyrin, what's wrong?" he asked, touching the cool rag on her forehead.

"Make the carriage stop for just a second," she whispered.

He smiled slightly. "It has stopped."

"No, it hasn't. I can feel it moving."

Alric looked her over and saw that she had no color in her entire body. "Let's get you out of here."

"No," she said when he picked her up. "I can't move."

"We'll make camp here for the night and give you a break."

Kyrin grabbed onto him when he stepped out of the carriage, and she prayed to Daemionis that she wouldn't get sick while he carried her.

The knights were already setting up camp and the first tent to go up was the one for Kyrin and Alric. Once the bed was put up, Alric laid Kyrin down on it, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She could still feel the swaying of the carriage, and the very thought made things worse.

"Take a drink," Alric said.

She looked up, and he was holding a glass of green liquid.

"What is that?" she asked, sitting up weakly.

"Something Trox made up. He said it'll help your stomach."

Kyrin took a drink of the bitter medicine and then laid back down, almost instantly feeling better.

Alric smiled. "Your color's coming back."

"Is there an extra horse?"

"No, sorry. Trox thinks if you drink this stuff though, it won't happen again."

"Trox is here?"

"Yes"

"Tell him thank you then."

Alric laid down beside her and propped himself up on his elbow. "I wish you would have told me when it first started."

"I didn't want everyone to stop because of me."

"You must have told Azimeth the same. She's supposed to take care of that kind of thing."

"I did, so she made a bed."

He kissed her lightly. "Get some rest. I want to leave first thing in the morning, and we'll make sure you feel better before that."

When he left, she rolled onto her side and fell asleep as soon as the world stopped moving.

Kyrin woke up when Alric crawled in next to her and began kissing her neck. He smelled slightly of alcohol, which surprised her.

"Are you drunk?" she asked when he began to untie her nightgown.

"Yes, I am," he said, and his lips pressed hard against hers.

***

"Kyrin?" Alric whispered, and lightly kissed her bare shoulder.

She looked over at him and felt her stomach lurch.

"Are you still sick?" he asked, feeling her forehead.

"Yes," she told him, and rolled back over.

"Damn, let me get you more drink."

Alric left to get more medicine and came back in only a few minutes later. She drank some and then sat up to clear her head while she pulled clothes out of a case next to her.

"Erm, sorry about last night," Alric said, blushing slightly.

She couldn't help but smile. "I didn't know you drink."

"I don't normally. Azimeth had some elven wine though. It's really good."

Even the thought of Azimeth made Kyrin sicker, so she laid back down.

"We really do need to go," Alric said. "We are too close to Qualsax to stay for more than a night."

"You all go and leave me here."

"We can't leave you here."

"Why not?" she asked, shutting her eyes.

He kissed her forehead. "I'm not leaving you here alone."

"Then I'll go find an inn in Qualsax."

He chuckled. "That's so not going to happen. Take more medicine and we'll see if it helps."

She sat up and took another drink. When her stomach was settled enough to get dressed, she pulled on a dress and went out to get a breath of fresh air. There was a nip to the air, and Azimeth immediately slipped a fur-lined cloak over Kyrin's shoulders. Her first instinct was to tear it off, but instead, she walked over to look at the valley below them.

"Ready?" Alric asked, wrapping his arms around her.

"I guess."

"If it gets too bad, Azimeth is going to tell us."

"We can't stop every time I feel sick."

"Yes, we can. That's the advantage of being a noble."

She sighed. "Let's get going then."

He kissed her lightly and then took her hand, so they could walk to the carriage together. Their breath was visible in the cold mountain air as they approached the others.

"Well, you have color," Finn said, looking her over.

She nodded. "For now. Give me an hour in that boring carriage."

"You're lucky. You could be out here freezing your nuts off."

"Finn," Alric said sternly.

"Freezing what off?" Kyrin asked, looking at Finn.

He grinned. "Get in the carriage."

"Tell you what... you sit in the carriage, and I'll ride a horse."

"No, only women get to ride in the carriage."

"Exactly," she said, and laughed when he picked her up and put her in the carriage.

"Sit," Finn said, and then walked over to get on his horse.

"Are you cold?" Azimeth asked as she sat down.

"Not yet."

Kyrin sighed when they started moving again, and Azimeth turned to her book. She wondered what could be so interesting about staring at paper all day.

Boredom set in early, and Kyrin felt like she was going to crawl out of her skin.

Smiling, Kyrin cupped her hands together and whispered, "Murinae."

Gray smoke began to appear between her hands, and it swirled and formed into a large rat with long whiskers and sharp, pointed teeth. The rat looked over at Kyrin and then began licking his paws while she watched.

Kyrin jerked when Azimeth screamed. The carriage stopped suddenly, and the doors flew open before two knights crawled in. Azimeth scrambled out between them and the knights both looked at Kyrin's hands.

"Move out," Alric said to them. They both backed out, and Alric and Finn climbed in.

"What's wrong with the elf?" Kyrin asked them.

Alric sighed and shook his head. "You brought a rat?"

"No, I summoned a rat."

"You what?"

Kyrin took a deep breath and blew warm air into her hands. The rat disappeared into a puff of gray smoke. "I summoned something to do."

Finn laughed. "That's great!"

"No, it's not," Alric countered. "You scared Azimeth to death with that thing."

Kyrin started to argue but held her tongue. "I'm sorry."

"That's it? You're not going to defend yourself?"

She shook her head and looked down at her hands.

Finn frowned. "Were you just bored?"

Kyrin nodded.

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Alric asked. "We can try to find something for you to do."

"Why can't I ride a horse for a while? Put one of the knights in here to watch Azimeth read."

"No, you aren't going to be on the front line if we're attacked," Alric told her.

Finn backed out and Azimeth returned, still shaking from what she thought was an attack of rats.

Alric left them alone, and the caravan was soon on its way again.

Kyrin was trying not to smile. "Sorry about the rat."

"It's okay, Lady Kyrin," Azimeth said, looking nervously around the carriage.

"It was fake."

"The rat was?"

"Yes"

"You used magic to cast a rat?"

"Yes"

"Why?"

"I am bored. I learned that spell when I was a kid, and that rat was my only companion."

"That's horrible," Azimeth gasped.

"I won't cast him again while you're here."

"Thank you."

"Why are you even afraid of rats?" Kyrin asked after a few minutes of silence.

"They carry diseases."

"Only if they bite you."

"No, their droppings carry diseases too."

Kyrin thought for a moment. "They must not be too bad. I've slept in plenty of rat infested places, and I never got sick."

"You have?"

"Yes"

"I'm fascinated by your history, Lady Kyrin," Azimeth said.

"Don't be."

"Why not? Your past makes you who you are. You're an interesting person, and I'm happy to be your Lady in Waiting."

Kyrin didn't want to talk about her past and most certainly didn't want pity from a royal elf over her upbringing. As the hours passed by, her boredom became more severe, and she was starting to get motion sickness again.

She didn't think she could keep Azimeth from stopping the caravan, so she kept it to herself and kept her face turned toward the window so the elf wouldn't see her getting pale again.

Her mind drifted to the night before, when Alric had returned to the tent smelling of alcohol. She was surprised he would do such a thing with his knights in the next tent but figured they must have known it was going on anyway. She couldn't help but smile though, as his actions began to return to her mind.

When her stomach lurched again, she squeezed her eyes shut to try to keep the world from swaying before her eyes.

"Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth asked.

"What?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Are you feeling sick again?"

"No"

"If you do, I'm to alert King Alric immediately."

"I know," Kyrin said, and then risked a glance out the window. She frowned slightly when a thought hit. "What day is it?"

"Excuse me?"

"How long is it until the full moon?"

"Only four more days."

Kyrin started counting on her fingers and froze when the numbers got too high.

"Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth asked, touching her arm. "What's wrong?"

Her heart was racing. "Stop the carriage."

Azimeth turned and knocked on the window. Finn rode up on his horse, and she motioned to him that they needed to stop.

When the carriage stopped, Kyrin jumped out of it and began to run through the trees, weaving in and out as she held her dress up to keep from falling.

"Kyrin?!" Alric yelled, trying to follow her.

She picked up speed and looked around her for any sign of a portal key. She had to get out of Paragoy immediately, even though Daemionis had forbidden her from shifting.

The dress was slowing her down, and she could hear footsteps behind her. She figured it was probably both Alric and Finn, and maybe Trox.

Alric reached her first and dove at her. He hoped to grab her from behind and restrain her hands, but he misjudged the distance and slammed into her, pinning her to the ground. Trox and Finn both arrived when they began to fight.

Alric was trying to get Kyrin's hands restrained, but she was struggling to get them together. Finn lunged for her when her hands touched, and all three of them froze at once.

Kyrin crawled out from under Alric and limped over to a portal. She grabbed the key, looked back at them, and then shifted.

She stepped into a wind storm and immediately blocked her face with her arm. She had nothing on her for protection from the elements, and the long skirt of her dress was whipping around violently. Bracing herself, she headed off in search of shelter.

***

Trox was the last of the three to unfreeze. They were already in camp when the spell wore off. The knights had followed when the king took off, and they caught up just in time to see Kyrin shift out of the dimension. They then carried the three frozen men back to camp to wait out the spell.

"Oh she did not just do that!" Trox roared. He flexed his hands to wake them up and then looked around, furious.

"Yes, she did," Alric said, looking around. "I want to know what spooked her."

"Azimeth is pretty upset," Finn told them. "She's blaming herself for Kyrin running. She thinks it's because she was afraid of Kyrin's rat."

"It's not the rat. I saw her eyes. She was terrified," Alric said with a sigh. "Something scared her badly enough that she shifted."

"Maybe she saw something in the trees?" one of the knights asked, looking into the dark forest.

"She doesn't run from that type of thing."

"What does she run from?"

"I don't know," Alric said.

Finn sat down. "Well, I damned well am not going to chase her any more. I don't like the freezing thing."

"What do we do now?" Trox asked, joining Finn at the fire.

"Nothing," Alric told them. "We do absolutely nothing. We have no idea where she shifted to."

"So now we wait."

***

"Daemionis told you to stay put," Creteloc said as she appeared at Kyrin's side. "He's been looking for you since you left Paragoy two weeks ago."

"Not now, Creteloc," Kyrin said angrily, and then hung her head over a log to throw up.

Creteloc studied her. "I thought you weren't going to let him touch you."

"What was I supposed to do? I was afraid he would go to Azimeth."

"Yes, well, then this serves you right."

Kyrin was finally able to turn around and sit down against an old tree. "You told me to do what I had to, to keep him happy."

"I didn't mean for you to give in to the man's whims."

"Well that makes him happy!"

"I know. He's a man. If you had to get pregnant though, you should have let a shadow elf do it."

"Why's that?"

"You wouldn't be sick."

Kyrin sighed. "What?"

"Humans and shadow elves... when they mate, the woman doesn't get sick. Of course, they are also instantly killed."

"Well I didn't have to get pregnant!"

"Come back to my house then. Let's take care of it."

Kyrin nodded and then stood up with a lot of effort. She'd been throwing up for almost a week straight and wanted nothing more than to lie down.

Creteloc's house wasn't far from where they were. They made it within just an hour, and Kyrin collapsed onto her bed.

Creteloc started adding ingredients into a cauldron on the fire. "This will hurt."

"I don't care."

"It's still odd how quickly he's ready to get rid of you."

"I know, okay?!"

"You must be hard to live with."

Kyrin draped her arm over her eyes and took deep breaths to try to calm her stomach.

"Running was a bad thing, Kyrin. Now you left that royal elf in his hands. I bet he's already married her."

"Just give me the damned poison."

"It takes time to make. I used my last batch on that dim-wit running things in Windolfo Dimension."

"Hurry up then."

"It takes days to get it right," Creteloc said, adjusting the flame. "You wouldn't need this if you hadn't let that worthless king touch you."

Creteloc sighed when Kyrin leaned over and started to get sick again. She went and sat down to wait out the latest bout of morning sickness, and then smiled when Kyrin laid back.

"I never thought you would ever be pregnant."

"Me either," Kyrin said weakly.

"I thought I taught you better than that."

"You taught me nothing about that!"

"I taught you not to let yourself go to feelings," Creteloc said, disinterested.

"Do you have to lecture me right now?"

"Yes, I do. You need to remember why not to let this happen again."

"I didn't let this happen," Kyrin snapped. "You act like I did this on purpose."

"You didn't stop it. That's the same thing."

"I am trying to keep my husband."

"Well getting pregnant is doing the opposite of that. As soon as he finds out, he'll dump you on your ass."

"Great"

"Daemionis will then lose his stronghold in Paragoy..."

"... stop."

Creteloc shrugged. "We'll end it. I'm sure that's what he'd want."

"Ask him if you aren't sure. I don't need to tick him off."

"He's busy right now and isn't to be disturbed."

"Doing what?"

"He found another wife."

"Ugh, another one? That's ten since I joined him."

"Yes, well, they keep dying."

***

"Am I showing?" Kyrin asked, looking sideways in the mirror.

Creteloc shook her head. "You're not far enough along to be showing."

"When does that happen?"

"Later on."

"How do you even know?"

"I pay attention. So you'll start to show with a bump down low on your abdomen. It's easy to hide with thick clothing."

"Okay," Kyrin said, sitting down to eat.

"Unless you don't stop eating. Then you'll get fat too. That's harder to hide."

"I'm always hungry."

"It doesn't matter. Your body will change in other ways before the baby starts to show."

"Perfect"

"Eating a lot will make it worse."

"So I just have to wear thicker clothes for a bit?"

"When you start to show, just lift the waist on your dresses, and then when that doesn't work anymore, you start wearing thicker clothing and layers."

Kyrin nodded and took another bite.

"My god, Kyrin," Creteloc said, pulling the plate away from her.

"I'm sorry. I'm hungry," she mumbled with a full mouth.

"Use some control."

Kyrin sat back in her chair. "It doesn't matter how to hide it. You're going to get rid of it."

"I have to, or you'll ruin what Daemionis has planned."

"I've been saying sorry for a week, Creteloc!"

Creteloc just shrugged.

"If this doesn't work, when am I going to start showing?"

"You still have a couple of months. Just be glad that Alric isn't a twin."

"Why's that?"

"Twins make twins."

"So?"

"So, with two babies, you show earlier and get much bigger. The bigger you get, the less anyone will want you after."

"Well Alric isn't a twin."

"Good, then at your age, you should bounce right back, even if you have to actually deliver the little terror."

"I can't have a baby," Kyrin said, frowning. "Alric will toss me out, and that royal elf will have my husband."

"It's only a matter of time."

"I know, but I need more time to figure out how to get him back."

Creteloc walked over and stirred the poison. "You should be able to take this tonight."

"Oh good."

"You'll be in excruciating pain for about two days before your body will get rid of the abhorrent little creature."

"Well that sounds like fun."

"Two days of pain is better than the disgusting process of pregnancy."

"I agree."

While Creteloc was stirring, Kyrin reached over and stole another roll from her plate and ate it quickly.

"Okay, it's ready," Creteloc said as she filled a mug with thick, chunky brown liquid.

"That doesn't look like the stuff you put into a vial a while back for me," Kyrin said, wrinkling her nose.

"This is more potent. You could possibly be almost two months pregnant by now."

"Oh, okay. Well, let me have it."

Creteloc handed her the mug. "Sit down when you drink it. The pain starts immediately."

Kyrin sat down and then brought it up to her nose and inhaled.

"You have to drink it, not smell it."

Taking a deep breath, Kyrin put the mug to her lips and then gasped and looked around when Creteloc's house disappeared, and she was sitting in Daemionis' palace.

"Kyrin," Daemionis growled angrily.

She looked up at him with wide yes.

"Give me the mug."

Her heart was racing when she realized that Daemionis wasn't going to let her get rid of the baby. She thought quickly and tried to drink it before he could take it.

He roared and knocked her back into the wall as he took the mug. "Do not defy me!"

"Please," she said, getting to her knees. "Don't do this."

"Do you need reminded who is in charge?"

"No"

"Then do not make to defy me again! You are not to get rid of this child."

"Daemionis, Alric will banish me from Valhara, and the child will end up getting killed by the Consortiums anyway. It's not worth it."

"You will return to Paragoy and see if Alric will keep you."

"He won't! That's why he did it, to get rid of me. I want to change his mind, but I can't do it if he is disgusted with me."

"Do as I ask."

Daemionis advanced on Kyrin and angrily grabbed her arm. When he dropped her into Paragoy, she landed on her butt on the lush lawn, in front of all of the knights.

Finn walked forward and looked down at her when she looked around for Daemionis.

"Welcome back," Finn said, putting his hand out to her.

She sighed and took it, so he could help her stand up.

"I have a bone to pick with you," he told her.

"Not right now," she whispered, and then looked around again.

"Yes, now. If you ever freeze me again, I will put you over my knee. Is that understood?"

She turned to him with wide eyes. "What?"

"You heard me."

"But..."

"No! You are not to freeze me again."

She'd never seen him that mad, so she simply nodded.

"Good, now that's out of the way, the king will want to know you're back."

"How mad is he?" she asked, adjusting her skirt. She wasn't showing, but she was afraid about what Creteloc had said. Creteloc mentioned that your body changed in other ways but hadn't yet told Kyrin what she meant.

"Go find out for yourself."

Kyrin sighed and then headed inside. She was glad that she was facing Alric when he didn't know she was pregnant yet. She still had the old poison up in her room, tucked away safely, and hoped it would do the job.

Kyrin knocked on Alric's office door.

"Who is it?" he asked, not very happy.

"It's me."

She heard him stand up and move to the door quickly. When he opened the door, he pulled her into a tight embrace. "You scared me to death."

"I'm sorry."

Alric moved back and looked at her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes"

"You look different though."

"How?" she asked, looking down.

"I don't know. I just... why did you do that? Why would you take off all of a sudden and shift?"

Kyrin sat down and looked up at him. "It was a misunderstanding, and I'm sorry."

He knelt down and took her hand. "Tell me why."

She hated to lie to him but couldn't lose him yet. "Daemionis... he's looking for a wife."

"What does that have to do with you?"

"I thought, well. I thought I saw Ginito."

"Who's that?"

"He finds Daemionis' wives for him."

"So you thought Daemionis was going to take you for a wife?" Alric asked, shocked.

"I didn't know, but I was wrong. He found a wife already."

"How many does he have?"

"Just the one. They don't live long."

Alric was getting mad. "So instead of letting us kill off this Ginito, you ran? Why would you do that?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't have time to work through it. I had to make a split-second decision, and I chose to run from him."

"When will your split-second decisions include me?" he asked, standing up.

"I don't know."

"I'm tired of you disappearing. When you do that, I have no way to find you."

She just nodded and watched the floor.

Alric walked over to look out the window. "I love you, Kyrin, but I can't keep doing this. We don't work like a married couple. We're practically strangers, and you keep going off and doing your own thing."

"Do you want me to leave then?" she whispered.

"No, I want you to trust me and act like we're together."

"I'm trying."

"You scared me to death. You cast on Trox, Finn, and I. You made Azimeth think I was going to kill her."

"Did she stay with the elves?"

"No, she returned, hoping you would too."

"I'll try harder," she said quietly.

Alric sighed. "It's not just the last thing either. You've been acting strangely for a while now, and I don't understand why."

"What do you mean?"

"The dresses, your hair, leaving your flail behind. I understand that you are trying to be what I want you to be, but maybe I didn't want you to change in the first place. If I wanted to marry the perfect Valharan, I would have."

"I'm just confused. I'll figure it out."

He turned to her. "If you're confused, then you come to me, and we figure it out together."

"Not this. This, I need to figure out on my own."

"Why? You don't trust me, do you?"

"I do."

"No, you don't, otherwise you'd let me help you."

"I just got myself into some trouble, and I need to find a way out of it on my own."

"Is Daemionis mad?"

She nodded but didn't say anything.

"Is he going to punish you?"

"I don't know. I don't think so though."

"So there's no way at all that I can help you?" Alric asked.

"You can hold off on plans for right now, until I figure things out."

"What plans?"

"Any plans."

"I don't have any plans right now, other than figuring out what's up with you. I'll not make any decisions, unless I ask you."

She nodded.

"But in return, don't shift, okay?"

"I can't shift or Daemionis will kill me."

"Why?"

"He told me to stay here, and he's mad enough I need to do that."

"Good, no more running off."

Kyrin stood up and went to the door, but Alric touched her shoulder.

"I'm not done," he said. "I also want to talk about how to stop you from freezing me any time you feel like it."

"I'm sorry," she said, watching his hand.

"There has to be another way to get what you want without freezing me. Do you know how irritating that is?"

She shook her head.

"Well it's. It's more than irritating! So stop it."

"I'll try."

He kissed her lightly. "Don't try, just stop. Now go see if you can get your nicker to stop crying."

"Why's he crying?"

"We don't know. He's been crying since you left."

She smiled slightly. "I'll go talk to him."

# Chapter 5

"Kyrin, where are you?" Azimeth asked as she walked through the orchard.

Kyrin heard her coming closer and quickly finished her apple. She couldn't stop eating, and the only way not to be suspicious was to eat the apples in the orchard.

She'd been back in Valhara for three weeks and things between her and Alric were calmer. Her irritation was that she'd already started to show, even though Creteloc told her it would be another couple of months. Her tailor was more than receptive to outfit changes, and Kyrin had changed from dresses over to loose fitting tunics.

"Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth called again.

Kyrin grabbed another apple and took a bite before dropping out of the tree in front of Azimeth.

"Oh, there you are," Azimeth said, bowing slightly. "I didn't realize you liked to climb trees."

"Sometimes," Kyrin said, taking another bite.

Azimeth couldn't help but look at what Kyrin was wearing. The ill-fitting clothes were a strange sight. "Dison brought you some dresses."

"I like this."

Azimeth smiled. "Okay, well, what would you like to do today?"

"Let's go for a ride."

"That sounds like fun. Shall we take knights?"

"There's no use. Qualsax hasn't bothered me in a while."

Azimeth nodded and started back for the horses. Kyrin grabbed another apple and then followed her. Their horses were saddled and ready, and soon they were off into the trees.

They rode in silence for a while, admiring the summer flowers and enjoying the cool shade of the trees.

"Are you okay, Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth asked finally.

"Sure, why?"

"You just seem kind of distant lately."

"I didn't think so."

"I realize you don't really want a Lady in Waiting, so I'm not offended, but it seems to me like you keep thinking I'm going to do something to you."

"You're imagining things."

Azimeth smiled. "I kind of thought so. I want to be your friend."

Kyrin fought the urge to kill her. She still couldn't get the thought of Azimeth and Alric out of her mind, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep the pregnancy from Alric. As soon as he found out, he would run into Azimeth's waiting arms.

"May I ask you something about your shifting?" Azimeth asked.

"Sure," Kyrin said, though she was fully planning on lying if the questions were too much.

"How do you find a door?"

"I just see them."

"But I cannot?"

"No, you can't see them unless it's in your blood."

"How do doors appear?"

"There are two kinds of portals. Some are constantly there, like the portal into this dimension. I know where it is, and it's always there, even if there's no key to open it. Then there are portals that appear randomly. Those are unpredictable but usually easier to find if you are looking."

"What do you mean unpredictable?"

"Well, the doorway I know of into this dimension always brings me here and never moves. It also invariably takes me to the same spot. Random portals drop you off in different dimensions, in different spots, and can't be trusted to be there even minutes later."

"The one you took when you ran from the caravan?"

"Was completely random and dropped me off into a dust storm."

"What makes them appear?"

"I don't know."

"Hello, Ladies," a deep voice said off to their right.

Kyrin and Azimeth stopped their horses and looked over when a Qualsax warrior came out, followed by ten others.

Kyrin immediately grabbed for her flail, but it wasn't hanging at her waist. She had discovered that the belt showed her growing tummy, so she opted not to wear it.

"Leave us alone," Azimeth said, trying to sound stern.

Kyrin surveyed the area and found that they were surrounded.

"I see the king finally gave his bride a Lady in Waiting," the Qualsax said. "We wondered why you didn't have one. Of course, an elf is not very safe."

"Why's that?" Kyrin asked, getting ready to cast.

"Elves can't protect even themselves, let alone the Queen of Valhara."

"Ozehshiesh," Kyrin said, and slapped her hands together. Her eyes grew wide when the Qualsax slowed but broke free and looked at her.

"What was that?" the lead Qualsax asked, snarling. He shook his head slightly, confused at what he'd just experienced.

Kyrin started to panic and tried again. The Qualsax slowed and looked like they were moving in mud but then returned to normal. Some spells were unstable, but Ozehshiesh had never failed her before.

The Qualsax moved forward and pulled both Kyrin and Azimeth off of their horses.

One held Azimeth firmly with his hand over her mouth, while another restrained Kyrin.

"King Qualsax will be pleased that we've finally taken the infamous Kyrin," the leader said, looking down at Kyrin.

Kyrin dropped and caught the Qualsax off guard. She spun and kneed him in the groin, dropping him to the ground. Just as she stood, the lead Qualsax backhanded her to the forest floor.

"Stop fighting us!" he yelled, and kicked her hard in the ribs.

Out of nowhere, Alric and Finn ran into the clearing with swords drawn. Finn first drove his sword through the Qualsax holding Azimeth, while Alric swung at the leader and sent his head rolling across the ground toward Kyrin. She felt too weak to move and just watched the fight.

When Alric killed the last Qualsax, he looked around the clearing at the carnage and fought to catch his breath. Finn joined him, also panting, and holding his arm as blood seeped out of his fingers.

"Did any get away?" Alric asked, looking into the trees.

"No, we got them all," Finn said angrily.

Azimeth ran to Kyrin and knelt down. "Are you okay?"

She nodded but watched Alric. She was wrong about his fighting and was impressed that he could wield a sword. She couldn't help but look at him differently now that she'd seen him actually fight.

Alric sheathed his long sword and knelt down beside Kyrin. "Did he hurt you?"

She shook her head but found it hard to breathe.

"Check her side," Azimeth said. "He kicked her."

Alric touched her cheek lightly, and his hand glowed. When he moved it, the bruise on her cheek was gone and the swelling in her eye disappeared. He then gently touched her side, and she suddenly found she could breathe again.

"Anywhere else?" he asked her, obviously still mad.

She shook her head.

"Captain Finn's hurt," Azimeth said, looking up.

Once Alric healed Finn's arm, he looked around again. "The Qualsax just never learn."

"So you'll freeze us but won't freeze a group of Qualsax?" Finn asked Kyrin, slightly irritated.

She shook her head and fought back tears. "I tried. It... it didn't work."

"Does that happen a lot?"

"Never," she whispered.

Alric turned to her. "It's never failed before?"

"Not that spell, no."

Alric smiled when he saw that she was shaking, and then he reached down and gently picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.

"It's okay. They're gone," he whispered, and held her tighter.

"I couldn't freeze them. I didn't have a flail."

"I know. I saw your flail beside the bed and came to find you."

"Are you injured?" Finn asked Azimeth.

"No, Captain. I'm fine."

"Let's get back to the castle then before Qualsax decides to reinforce."

"Can you walk?" Alric asked Kyrin.

She nodded, and he put her down but wrapped an arm around her. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the ground as they walked.

Alric finally figured out why she walked as if defeated. "You've never been caught off guard before, have you?"

Kyrin shook her head.

"Never?" Finn asked. "Surely once in your life you were attacked when you weren't prepared."

Again, she just shook her head.

Finn chuckled. "So have you ever had to be saved before?"

"No," she whispered, outwardly angry at herself.

Alric motioned for Azimeth and Finn to go on ahead of them. Kyrin looked up and saw they were alone.

"No one's going to think less of you because you were caught without a weapon," Alric said, stopping to look at her.

"Paragoy is making me soft. If I leave here, I'll be killed in a week."

He smiled. "It's not making you soft. Everyone's surprised at some point."

"Not me. If I did that, I wouldn't be alive."

"Well, I'm glad it happened. It's about time I get to prove to you that I can fight."

She nodded. "You're good too."

"So you're okay?"

"No, I'm not okay!" she yelled, and pulled away as his eyes widened. "I know better than to go off without my weapon! I want to know why I couldn't cast. I want to know why I didn't hear them tromping through the trees. Daemionis would punish me for being that stupid!"

"Calm down."

"I won't! You don't get it. I only have a few weeks left here, and when I go back into the dimensions, I have to be prepared! I can't let..."

"What do you mean you only have a few weeks left?"

She stopped talking and looked at him. "What?"

"You just said you only have a few weeks left here. Why?"

"I... I just thought... well Daemionis will send me on a mission again."

"That's not what it sounded like to me. Are you planning on leaving?"

"No"

He took her shoulders firmly in his hands. "Tell me! You're planning on taking off again aren't you?"

"No," she said again.

"Tell me."

"Alric," Sithias said from behind them.

Alric turned and bowed. "Sithias?"

"Let me talk to her."

"Sir?"

"Alone, Alric," Sithias said, watching Kyrin.

Alric sighed and then started off for the castle.

Once they were alone, Sithias looked down at Kyrin. "When are you going to tell him?"

Kyrin remembered that Creteloc told her not to talk to Sithias, or she risked being punished by Daemionis again.

He smiled. "I'm not mad. I've been watching you, and I know about the baby. When are you going to tell Alric?"

She glanced to the side, wondering if she could run.

"You need to trust him. I've been looking into your world, and their views on children aren't the same as they are here," Sithias explained. "He's not going to kick you out or beat you for this. He'll be happy and will help you. Here in Paragoy, you don't have to do this alone."

Kyrin moved to the side to make a break through the trees, but the trees leaned in and blocked her path. She had to get to Alric before Sithias told him about the pregnancy. She wasn't sure how she would soften the blow or even make him believe that Sithias was wrong, but she had to try.

"You need to tell Alric. Then you need to let Azimeth help you. She's a smart elf and wants nothing more than to be your friend," Sithias continued.

She watched him, and her hands twitched.

"I saw you try to freeze the Qualsax. I suspect the pregnancy is draining your body and taking the energy you pull from to cast. I don't think your magic is gone, but I do think it's not going to be effective until after the birth."

Kyrin no longer cared what Daemionis thought and looked around for a portal.

"I've closed the portals with Daemionis' approval. We both feel you need to stay here. We both also feel you need to tell Alric."

"I can't," she whispered, and sunk down to her knees.

"Why not?"

"I can't lose him."

"You aren't going to lose him. If you can just trust me once, do it now. When you tell him, it's going to bring you closer, and you'll be amazed. He's your husband. Give him a chance to prove that."

"You'll tell him if I don't."

"No, it's not my place. However, I have removed your poison from..." Sithias quit talking when Kyrin stood and ran for the castle.

Kyrin ran past the knights as they watched her curiously. Alric saw her taking the stairs up, two at a time, and followed her. She ran into the Lady's quarters and tipped the bed over.

"What are you doing?" he asked, jumping back to avoid being hit by the bed.

Kyrin tore open a stitched section of the mattress and plunged her hand into it. She felt around and pulled out three vials, looked at them, and then went back to find more.

"What are these?" Alric asked, picking up the three vials.

Kyrin didn't answer him but kept digging around. She frantically moved her hand around, trying to feel for one more vial.

"Kyrin!"

She jumped when he yelled. "What?"

"What are these?"

"Poisons," she said, and then kept digging.

"You're looking for more of them?"

"Yes, but it's not here." Kyrin sat back and looked out the window.

"What do these poisons do?"

She finally looked over at him. "Those in your hand are death poisons. They are painless and fast though."

"Why do you have these?"

"Why not?"

"Were they for you or were you going to use them on someone else?" Alric asked, getting angry. He was getting tired of having to defend his wife and his actions to allow a known evil into his kingdom, and this wasn't helping.

"Neither. I don't pre-plan using poison, but I have to be prepared."

"What are the ones you're missing?"

"Just a poison."

"But what do they do?"

"Only one is missing."

"Just tell me! What does that poison do?"

Kyrin knew that by not telling Alric, he was getting madder and madder, but she couldn't tell him the truth, or he'd find out why she needed it. Sithias was surely going to tell him soon, so she debated just getting it over with but couldn't do it.

"It's another death poison," she lied.

Alric shook his head. "Fine, don't tell me."

He stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him. Kyrin sunk her face into her hands. He knew she was lying, but he would leave her if she told him the truth. She was trapped between two rock walls and couldn't find a way out.

Alric went down to the throne room where he was supposed to meet with the citizens of Valhara. Trox was already there and frowned when he walked in. It wasn't often that he saw his king this angry, and he correctly assumed that Kyrin had done something.

"What's wrong, my King?" Trox asked.

"Nothing, bring them in."

"Sir, you can't talk to the people of Valhara when you're mad."

"I can't do this any longer."

"Meet with the people?"

"No! Love someone who hides things from me and keeps secrets."

Trox nodded. "So Kyrin has done something."

"She's keeping something from me."

"Do you know what?"

"No, but it has something to do with death poisons."

"That's pretty vague."

He sighed. "I love her. I want to help her, and all I get in return are lies and deceit."

"She's an evil."

"Still..."

"May I speak candidly?"

Alric looked up at his advisor. "Sure."

"Kyrin is just as confused as you are. Something's going on in her head that we don't understand and may never understand. I know it's frustrating that she's keeping things from you, but I promise you that it will get better as she learns to trust."

"When though? Do I have to watch her beat herself up over everything?"

"Maybe. She's very young but has led a life full of deceit and distrust. She knows nothing else. I truly believe she will trust you one day and things will turn around."

"How can I stand by and watch the woman I love kill herself?"

"You think that's what the poisons were?"

"I suspect. She's been acting strangely for months, and I know something's going on."

"You mentioned that she thought Daemionis wanted her as a wife and ran from that?"

"Yes"

"Maybe she still suspects it and will take death."

"Then she needs to enlist Sithias to help protect her. If she follows him and stays in this dimension, Daemionis can't get to her."

"Have you ever heard of wanderlust?"

"No"

Trox sat down on Kyrin's throne. "Wanderlust is a trait of mythical creatures that were homeless. They had an innate drive to explore and roam."

"Okay, and you suspect Kyrin has it?"

"More than suspect, I'm sure of it. She has never stayed in one spot for long, and that's a hard thing to change."

"When she leaves the dimension, I can't follow her. My fear is that one day she won't come back, and I'll never know why."

"I wish I could disagree, but it's only a matter of time before that happens."

"Alric?"

Alric and Trox looked up to see Kyrin standing in the doorway of the throne room. Her eyes were red, and it was obvious she'd been crying.

"Come in," Alric said, and motioned her forward.

Kyrin walked up to him and held her hand out with the three tiny vials. "You can have them."

Alric took them and handed them to Trox. "Thank you."

"I wasn't going to kill myself."

"I know."

"My time with you is precious and limited, and I wouldn't shorten it with a poison."

"Why is it limited?" Alric asked, taking her hands.

She inhaled softly and then looked into his eyes. "You're going to end up kicking me out of Valhara, maybe even Paragoy."

"Why? Is it something you've done?"

"No"

"Then why? Tell me."

Trox stood up and helped Kyrin up onto the stand with the thrones. She sat down and smiled at Trox before turning to Alric. "I'll tell you soon, okay? Let me just figure out how."

***

Kyrin rolled over in bed and saw that Alric was deep asleep. She slipped out from under his arm and pulled on a thick robe to cover herself with, in case she ran into anyone. She left the belt loose, and then snuck out of the bedroom and shut the door softly behind her.

The knights didn't pay much attention to her as she ran down the stairs barefoot and disappeared into the kitchen. She lit the lantern closest to the pantry and then began going through it looking for something to eat. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to stop eating.

"They say great minds think alike." Kyrin jumped when Trox's voice broke the silence.

She smiled at him. "Hungry too?"

"Ravished," Trox said, and began to dish himself a piece of cake from the counter. She still hated the sweet dessert and couldn't imagine how anyone could eat it this late at night.

Trox was peculiar though, and she often wondered about his heritage and history. He was older than anyone in the kingdom and spoke of things that happened centuries ago, but she'd never gotten up the nerve to ask how old he was and how he managed to stay alive for so long.

Kyrin took a loaf of bread out of the pantry along with some of the roast beef they had eaten the night before. She made herself a sandwich and then sat on the counter beside where Trox was eating.

"I noticed you come down here every night for a snack, and I thought I'd join you," Trox said.

Kyrin shrugged and took a big bite.

"I'm actually surprised you don't raid the orchard," he said before taking a bite of cake.

She laughed. "Don't think I haven't thought about that. Alric doesn't like when I leave the castle at night though."

"Is your magic still down?"

"Yes"

"You have no idea why?"

"No, but I bet it comes back."

Trox finished his cake and put the plate down. "If you'd like, I'll go out with you so you can get an apple."

"Really?"

"Sure"

Kyrin followed Trox out the kitchen door and around the castle to the orchard. He helped her climb over the fence and then reached up and picked an apple.

Trox handed it to her and watched her take a bite. "I've never seen anyone as infatuated with apples as you are."

"They're just so good," she said, taking another bite.

"Your belt is undone."

Kyrin gasped and quickly shut her robe, and then tied the belt around her waist again.

"Does he know?" Trox asked softly.

She dropped the apple and took his shoulders in her hands. "Don't tell him."

"Why not?"

"Please, Trox! Don't tell him. I'm not ready to leave."

"He's not going to kick you out for this."

She buried her face against his chest, and his shirt became wet with her tears. "Please, I beg you. Don't tell him."

Trox sighed and wrapped his arms around her. "I won't tell him, but he has a right to know."

"I can't lose him, Trox."

"I wish you'd trust me. He's not going to be anything but happy about it."

She looked up at him. "That's what Sithias said, but I've seen nothing but the opposite. I can take the beatings, but I can't take the hatred and disgust."

"You haven't seen any of that in Valhara though."

"You promise you won't tell him?"

"No, I won't tell him. It's not going to be long before you can't hide it though."

"I have to try."

"Well don't wear a robe then. I knew it from the instant I saw you."

"You did?!" she gasped.

Trox nodded. "Yes, and if the Castle Protectors paid any attention, they would too."

Kyrin let go of Trox and looked at him. "How can I get upstairs then?"

"They haven't seen you yet. I'm sure you're fine."

"Thank you."

He smiled. "Thank me by telling the king that he's about to have an heir."

"I will eventually."

"You'll have to tell him soon."

Kyrin nodded and then ran up the stairs and crawled back into bed. Alric woke up enough to roll over and wrap his arms around her but then immediately fell back asleep.

When Kyrin woke up, Alric was already gone and the sun was high in the sky. She rolled over and saw an apple on the bedside table. She smiled and grabbed it to take a bite before standing up.

She dressed quickly in a larger tunic than usual and headed down to see if she could find Alric. Azimeth was waiting outside of her door with two knights.

"Good morning, Lady Kyrin," the elf said with a bow.

"Is Alric around?"

"He ran into Valhara for a bit."

"Damn, okay. Let's get breakfast."

Azimeth nodded and followed Kyrin down the stairs. "The painter is coming later for your portrait."

"My what?"

"Your portrait... the one that goes in the hall of history."

Kyrin's nose wrinkled. "No one said anything about having a painting."

"It's customary. I'm sure King Alric thought you knew."

"So where is this hall of history?"

"I'll be happy to show you after breakfast."

"Let's go now."

Azimeth nodded and then led Kyrin down a hallway that she had never felt the need to walk down. They emerged into a huge room filled with statues and couches. Paintings lined the walls, and some seemed very old.

"Wow," Kyrin said, looking along the walls.

"Your painting will go over here," Azimeth told her, moving to the opposite wall.

"Is that Alric's dad?" Kyrin asked, looking at a painting marked King Ryche.

"I don't know actually."

"Yes, it's the king's father," Finn said, walking up. "The one beside him is Alric's mother, Lady Poshima."

"Did she die when his dad and brother died?" Kyrin asked, looking at the picture beside Alric of the young, handsome Prince Sedomer.

"No, she died in childbirth just after having Alric."

"That's awful," Kyrin said, though her throat began to constrict. She had a sudden image of going through labor alone out by Boriana ruins and dying during it.

"It was. King Ryche took it hard. He was devastated and suddenly alone with two babies to raise by himself."

"How old was Alric's brother when his mother died?"

"An hour or so."

Kyrin looked over at him. "What?"

"They were twins. Didn't you know?"

She shook her head, unable to speak.

"Are you okay, Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth asked. The elf had noticed that Kyrin was looking sick.

"I'm fine," she whispered, and then looked up at the portrait of Alric's mother. The woman even looked regal, but her eyes were kind and warm.

"She was one of the most caring nobles the Valharans had ever met," Finn said. It was obvious that he thought highly of her.

"I'm not going to be up there with them," Kyrin whispered, and then started out of the hall of history.

"Why not?" Finn asked, following her. "Every noble in the history of Valhara is there."

"I'm not a noble, Finn. I'm just Alric's wife."

"That makes you a noble."

"Hi," Alric said, smiling when he saw them. "I came to see how the portrait was coming. Are you going to wear that?"

Finn looked down and saw that her clothes were larger than usual and kept growing bulkier as the days passed.

"I'm not getting a portrait," Kyrin said, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Why not?" Alric asked. "Did you not like the painter?"

"I'm not going to be put beside your family of nobles."

"I don't understand why though."

She fought back the tears. "All of those people were born to be noble. They were kind and compassionate, and cared about the people of Valhara. I don't belong with them."

"You do belong with them," Alric said, pulling her into an embrace. "You're my wife, and I know you care about the people as much as I do."

"I'm an evil."

"You're my wife."

Kyrin's heart fell. She didn't realize he thought she cared about the kingdom. What she felt was that it was a nuisance that had to be tolerated to stay with Alric.

One of the knights ran up to Finn. "Captain! Gryphons are attacking the city."

Without a word, Finn and Alric both took off running for the doors. Kyrin started forward, but Azimeth stopped her.

"Lady Kyrin, we cannot join them."

"Speak for yourself," Kyrin said, and headed up the stairs. Azimeth was shocked when she came down with her flail and left the castle.

Kyrin mounted the only horse left and kicked it hard for the city. She'd dealt with gryphons before and knew how much devastation they left in their wake. The sounds of knights fighting could be heard easily, so Kyrin followed the noise to where six gryphons were fighting the Valharan knights. Each gryphon stood over three times taller than a man and was almost as long as a house.

She jumped off of her horse and headed to the gryphon with the least amount of knights. Its fierce talons were clawing at the armored knights as they tried in vain to do damage to it with their swords. The eagle's wings on his body flapped angrily and caused a wind that made it hard to keep your balance while fighting it.

With experience, she'd learned you had to remove the talons to kill the beast. Using her flail, she quickly attacked and wrapped her flail's chain around one sharp, lion-like talon of the gryphon. Its screams echoed off of the houses in Valhara when one of the knights saw what she was doing and promptly cut off the claw.

Catching on, the knights began slashing at the talons and ignoring the sharp beak and sleek body. The angry screeches of the beasts made the buildings in Valhara shake, and the people began to retreat into their houses for protection.

With only one foot left clawed, the gryphon Kyrin was fighting suddenly lunged at her as one of the knights sunk his sword deep into its heart. It fell with a loud thud, landing right on top of Kyrin.

"Lady Kyrin!" the knight yelled, and began digging through feathers to find her.

Two knights joined him and tried dragging the beast off of her. The other gryphons finally fell also, and Alric looked around when he heard Finn frantically calling for Kyrin.

Alric spun and saw Finn digging under the immense wings of one of the dead gryphons. Four knights rode up on horses, and the creature's body was tied to the horses, which then began to pull.

"Is she under there?" Alric asked, running up.

"Kyrin, can you hear me?!" Finn yelled, pushing the beast to help the horses.

Alric saw her feet first and knelt beside her when she was uncovered. He focused in on the blood across her forehead. He started to work on her head wound and didn't turn around until he heard Finn.

"King?" Finn said softly.

Alric looked at him and then followed his gaze to where Kyrin's tunic had pulled up from her middle, exposing her midriff. Alric's eyes grew wide, and he couldn't pull his gaze from her expanding middle that had been hidden by layers of the tunic.

"We have to get her to the priests," Finn said, breaking Alric's shock.

He stood quickly and picked her up, then began to run to the nearby temple, followed by Finn.

Alric laid her down on the table, and the priests went to work immediately to heal everything they could find. Finn stayed silent beside the king, not sure what to say.

When Saith cut off her tunic, leaving her in just a thin undershirt, her pregnancy became more visible and Alric realized that she was further along than he first thought.

"Did you know?" Finn asked.

"No," Alric said as the priests continued to heal her wounds. He was able to take his eyes away from her pregnant bulge long enough to see the priests treating not only a concussion but a broken collarbone and wrist.

Saith finally came up and bowed slightly as he wiped the blood from his hands. "I think we have the bulk of it."

"Is she going to be okay?"

"Yes"

"And the baby?" Alric whispered.

Saith smiled. "Both are fine, my Lord."

"Both?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Alric nodded. His mind whirled with what Kyrin had kept from him and how blind he'd been to what was going on.

"We would like to put her in a healing trance," Saith said softly.

Again, Alric just nodded. Saith walked over and ran a hand over her face, putting her into a deep sleep.

Azimeth ran into the temple and stopped at Alric. "Is she okay? I just heard."

"Did you know?" Alric asked, looking at the elf.

"Know wh...," She stopped when she saw Kyrin. "I didn't know. I swear."

Dewell pulled covers over Kyrin and then bowed to Alric, and the priests all filed out of the room.

"That's what she's been hiding," Alric said, sitting down beside her. "She had to have known for months."

"She was feeling sick in the caravan," Azimeth said quietly. "I thought it was from the motion."

"Something tipped her off and she ran to Creteloc."

Finn sighed. "She kept it from all of us."

"She didn't trust me enough to tell me," Alric said. "This proves that it's not working."

"King..."

"Alric," Sithias said, appearing in a shimmer before them.

Alric shook his head. "We've gained no ground, and this proves that we're not good for each other."

Sithias smiled softly. "I want to tell you about Kyrin."

"Don't bother. It's over," Alric said, standing slowly. "I can't do this anymore. I can't have the secrets and the distrust. Married people don't keep this from each other."

"Kyrin's world is like nothing you've ever seen," Sithias said. "You will stand there and listen to me."

Alric hesitated, and then turned to his deity and nodded. "Fine, go ahead."

"I want you to pay attention to what I say and understand that this happens and was normal in her life," Sithias started. He then moved to look down at Kyrin with adoration on his face. "Kyrin, like all other newborns, was taken from her mother at birth and dropped off in one of the many orphanages ran by the priests of Stryker. I hate to even call them orphanages, because they aren't as we have them here. They were more like dark, dungeonous rooms that housed dozens of children who slept on the floor and often died from neglect."

"These orphanages catered to no one. Children immediately fought for food, for warmth, and for their lives. Infants were kept separate, but the second they could walk, they were thrown into the fray. They either died or became hardened and tough."

"Kyrin was a pretty child, so she was used to pay off debts that the priests of Stryker had to the Shadowmere Consortium. She was sold as a wife to their leader, Mika. By law, he had to wait until her 12th birthday to marry her though, so he taught her to fight."

"Children were an embarrassment. Kyrin wasn't lying when she said that the second a woman's pregnancy begins to show, she's locked in her house, too ashamed to step out. The husband hides her and is disgusted by her condition. During pregnancy, the women are often beaten as punishment and humiliation."

"Marriages are pre-arranged or forced to pay off debts. All you have to do to sell a woman is to have her restrained enough that there's no fight against the buyer. Once a woman has a baby, she's then ostracized from her husband. They are taught that no woman is desirable once she's had the dishonor of being pregnant. They often starve to death after having the baby or kill themselves to avoid the humiliation."

Sithias touched Kyrin's stomach lightly. "Things she's seen have embedded this into her psyche. They aren't easily forgotten, and trust comes at a steep price. This dimension is the only one that's different. It's not Kyrin who is blind to reality, it is you."

"Blind how?"

"I chose to lead my people to a more peaceful and natural existence, but others did not. She's seen hundreds of other worlds, and only ours differs in this. You've seen only our way and have never known how others think."

"Still"

"She's come such a long way. I'm surprised at how attached she is to you, and I fully understand why she kept this from you. She was desperately trying to find a way to stay with you. I wish you could see that what she's done was because of her love for you."

"How can keeping a secret be done in love?"

"In her world, the second you found out that she's with child, you would hate her."

Alric couldn't move. He knew Kyrin's life was different but didn't know the extent of how other dimensions differed from his own.

"Is there no hope for her then?" Alric asked his god.

Sithias smiled. "There is hope. This is the best chance you have to show her that our dimension is different, and she's not going to be beaten, or exiled, or any of the other things she's seen happen."

Alric moved toward her a few steps. "How can I trust her? She kept this from me for so long. She ran to an assassin instead of coming to me."

"She kept it from you to keep you."

"It's not right."

"She trusts you," Sithias told him. "She's never trusted in her life, but she does you."

"She has a funny way of showing it!"

"It's not just the husband that punishes women for being pregnant. She may trust you, but she doesn't trust the rest of Valhara."

"If she trusted me, she would have told me."

"You need to put your distrust aside and show her she's wrong. Show her the heart of Valhara."

Alric shook his head. "I can't act like nothing happened. I can't pretend that I don't care she kept this from me."

"Find it in your heart to forgive her before she wakes up," Sithias said, and then his shimmer faded, and he disappeared.

Alric turned and started for the door. Azimeth looked over at Finn, but neither knew what to do.

Saith followed Alric out of the temple. "You're the Holy Knight of Sithias."

"Yes, I am," Alric said angrily.

"Show her she's wrong. Prove it to her."

Alric turned on Saith. "She kept that from me! I'm not talking a little secret but a big one, and she kept it for a long time."

"She was afraid."

"So am I! I'm afraid every day I'm with her."

"Sir"

"I just need to think for a few hours."

Saith nodded and watched Alric disappear on his horse. The priest went back into the temple and put a longer resting blessing on Kyrin, so she wouldn't wake up until Alric decided what to do.

Two hours later, Alric and Trox walked into the temple. Finn and Azimeth were still sitting in Kyrin's room, and Saith came out to greet them.

Alric smiled. "It's okay, Saith. I have made a decision."

Saith nodded and opened the door into Kyrin's room. Alric and Trox stepped in, and Alric began collecting the blankets around Kyrin.

"May I ask what your decision was?" Finn asked, nervously watching him pack up Kyrin and her blankets. He knew the king wouldn't kick Kyrin out of the dimension or even the city, for that matter. However, he didn't know if Alric would keep Kyrin close, or if he would move her to the Lady's chambers and try to forget about her.

"I'm moving her to our room. When she wakes up, I'm going to let her know my displeasure at her secret, and then I'm going to tell her just how excited I am to be a father."

Finn smiled. "Good idea, sir."

Azimeth took Kyrin's flail and followed Alric out to a waiting carriage. He crawled in with Kyrin as she laid limply in his arms. Within just a few minutes, he was lying her down in the bed. He covered her with blankets after lightly touching the bulge in her stomach.

Trox smiled. "The noble bloodline is continued."

Alric nodded. "It's going to be a rough road from here."

"I believe Sithias that she's learning to trust you."

"I want to be alone with her when she wakes up."

Everyone in the room filed out, and Azimeth shut the door when only Alric and Kyrin were left.

Alric took a deep breath and then lightly ran his hand over her eyes. She started to stir almost immediately and frowned before opening her eyes and looking over at Alric.

"What happened?" she asked, flexing her hand. She couldn't remember why she was in bed again and why her arm was sore.

"Valhara was attacked by gryphons, and you came to help."

"Oh, that's right. One fell on me. I couldn't breathe."

"The priests helped you, and the babies are fine."

Kyrin's eyes grew wide and she sat up. "You know?"

"Yes"

She couldn't breathe, and she looked around the room, searching for something to help her. "You know?"

"Kyrin, I'm happy about it," Alric said, smiling. "I'm upset you didn't tell me, and we'll talk about that later, but I'm very happy that I'm going to be a father. I wish you would have told me instead of keeping that to yourself."

Kyrin's back was still stiff, but she managed to swing her legs out of bed. "I'll get my things."

"You aren't listening to me," Alric said, putting a hand on her leg to stop her from standing. "I don't want you to leave."

"If you're worried you won't get the baby, don't be. I can stay in Valhara, and then you can have it."

"Listen to me," Alric said. He lifted her chin slightly so she was looking at him. "You're wrong. I'm going to be a father, and I'm happy about it. I'm going to announce to the kingdom, as soon as I get back, that there are two babies on the way. Another set of noble twins. You're going to be there with me when I announce it."

"In front of others?!"

"Yes"

She nodded. "I have a tunic for that."

"No, Dison is making you a dress and your tummy is going to show."

"I can't."

"You can. You're going to see that no one is going to look down on you or be shocked that you're out in public. They'll be ecstatic that there are more nobles on the way."

"Please don't punish me this way."

"It's not a punishment. It's a way that I can show you that you're wrong about Valhara."

"They'll yell at me."

"They won't. I swear."

She nodded. "They will. I've seen women stoned for this. You can't make me do it."

"I can and I am. You're going to go and see that my dimension is different. Now, they're bringing you up some dinner, and then you need to get some rest."

Kyrin grabbed her robe and pulled it on, then tied it loosely when someone knocked on the door. She checked the mirror to make sure the robe concealed her secret before going to get her dinner.

The servant set it on the table, smiled broadly at her, and then bowed and left. She watched him, confused, and finally sat down to eat.

"See," Alric said, smiling.

"See what?" she asked, taking a small bite. Even though she was constantly hungry, she didn't think Alric needed to see her eating a lot.

"He knows, and he didn't care."

"That servant? He doesn't know."

"He does too. I think word got out."

She sighed and put her fork down. "Great."

Alric stood up and joined her at the table. "He didn't act shocked or offended to see you. Now eat."

"I don't feel like eating now."

"You have to eat."

"Why?"

He thought for a moment. "I never thought that you don't know how to be pregnant."

"What does that mean?" she asked.

"It means you have to eat. You have to eat more. You can't go fighting, or... I think I'll arrange for Saith to have a talk with you."

"I don't like Saith."

"I know, but he'll be the best. I've asked him to oversee the entire pregnancy."

This news made Kyrin's day get even worse. She figured she'd rather act as falling gryphon cushions than to have Saith anywhere near her.

"Eat, please," Alric said, and held her fork out.

Kyrin took the fork angrily and started to eat. She wouldn't admit it, but she was starving.

Alric sat back. "I'm surprised you aren't eating more. I'll ask Saith about that too, because you should be eating a lot more with twins."

"You could have told me you are a twin," Kyrin said, still irritated.

"I thought you knew. I'm sorry."

"Creteloc said I could go a lot longer without showing unless you were a twin."

"I'm glad I know. I can't believe you've hidden this for so long. How far along are you?"

She thought about that. "I'm not sure exactly when to start timing."

"Oh, well, Saith will help you with that too."

"Use Dewell."

"Saith is better."

"Did he help your mom?" she asked, looking over at him. Even the thought of her dying after childbirth made her heart pound.

"No, Saith wasn't around when my mom died."

"You didn't tell me she died in childbirth either."

"I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "I'm just saying that I'm not the only one with secrets."

"It wasn't a secret," Alric told her. "It's such common knowledge that I didn't think about telling you."

Kyrin sat back when her dinner was gone and looked around the room. "I guess I'd better go to bed."

"Me too. I have to make that trip to Minathim tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Because when you disappeared from the caravan, we canceled it, and I still need to talk to them."

"How long will you be gone?"

"About three weeks. I'm leaving Saith here with you."

"Peachy"

Alric smiled. "Do you want me to leave Finn?"

"No, you take Finn. I'm fine here."

Alric nodded and then stood up and stripped before getting into bed. Kyrin watched him and her heart sunk. She knew what she needed to do and swallowed hard before standing up and heading for the door.

"I thought you were coming to bed," Alric said.

She put her hand on the doorknob but didn't turn it. "It's okay."

"What's okay?"

"I just want you to know that I understand."

Alric sat up. "Understand what?"

Kyrin opened the door and saw Azimeth waiting for her with a smile. She opened the door and motioned Azimeth inside.

Azimeth saw the king in bed and blushed, turning away from him. "Did you need me, Lady Kyrin?"

"It's time to do your job," Kyrin said softly.

"So what did you need?"

Kyrin took her arm and led her over to the bed. When Azimeth still looked confused, Kyrin pushed her to sit on the bed and then ran out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

Alric and Azimeth sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, not sure exactly what was going on.

"Um, is she coming back, sir?" Azimeth asked, extremely uncomfortable about being so near to the naked king.

"I thought she'd be right back," Alric said, still clutching the covers up to his chest.

Another couple of minutes passed before Azimeth sighed. "This isn't proper."

"No, it's not. You may go." The words had barely left Alric's mouth before Azimeth ran out the door.

Alric laid back in bed and waited for Kyrin until he fell asleep. He woke up with the morning sun and saw that he was still alone in bed. After a bath and dressing quickly, he ran down to see if she was in the Lady's quarters.

Alric opened the door quietly and saw Kyrin and the nicker curled up on the bed. He picked up the nicker and put him on the floor before sitting down next to her.

"Kyrin?" he said softly, and touched her arm.

She rolled over and looked at him but didn't speak. All night, the images of Azimeth and Alric together had swam through her mind and made her heart ache.

"Why are you sleeping in here?" he asked her.

"You want me up in your bed?"

"Our bed, of course."

She sighed. "I can't do it."

"Why not?" Alric looked toward the door when the trumpets blared that the caravan to the elves was about to leave. "We'll talk about this when we get back. Saith wants to see you early next week. Do it for me, okay?"

She nodded and then rolled over and went back to sleep. Several hours later, she got up and then stretched and looked around the stark Lady's room. Since she moved out, the furniture was put back how they wanted it, and it was open and airy again. It seemed empty though, and a cold hand gripped at her heart. She didn't know how to face Azimeth this morning but figured she didn't have a choice.

Starving, Kyrin first decided to head down to breakfast, and then consider how to get Saith out of the way, as promised. She just hoped he didn't treat her like a sick child.

***

"Good morning," Azimeth said when Kyrin stepped out into the antechamber. Azimeth stood up from the blue couch and bowed slightly. "Are you ready for breakfast?"

"Yes, but I want to eat alone."

Azimeth's smile faltered and then she nodded. "Very well."

Kyrin went down and sat at the long table by herself. The chef brought in more food than usual and Kyrin dug in, no longer caring who thought she was overeating. When she was done, she slipped out the side door and started toward Valhara. It was only a few minutes into the walk when Azimeth caught up.

"If I didn't know any better, I would think you tried to skip out on me," Azimeth said from behind her.

Kyrin didn't answer. She couldn't stand to look at the elf, knowing what she'd done with Alric the night before. Even the thought of them together made her sick.

"Good morning," Saith said when they walked up to the temple. He was smiling broadly, and Kyrin had the sudden urge to cast on him. She didn't even care what she cast, just as long as it hurt.

"Good morning," Azimeth said, smiling. "We have come as instructed."

"King Alric thinks this might go smoother with just the Lady and me," Saith said to her. "I'm sure you know what I'm going to tell her already."

"Very well," Azimeth said, stepping back. "May I go to the orphanage?"

"I don't really care," Kyrin said, and started up the stairs. She just wanted to get this over with.

She admitted to herself that, as far as pregnancy was concerned, she knew nothing but what Creteloc had told her and that meeting with a priest was probably a good idea. She hadn't forgotten that Alric's mom died in childbirth, and she didn't want to follow in her footsteps.

Saith showed her into a back room and then pointed to a table. "First, let me see how things are going. Lie down please."

She shivered when she thought of Saith touching her but did as she was told. Kyrin cringed at how much the baby stuck out when she laid down flat, one of the reasons why she'd started sleeping on her side.

Saith lifted her tunic, and she turned her head to the side to avoid seeing herself. He gently poked around her belly and then smiled and put her shirt down. "Very well. How are you feeling?"

"Fine"

"No pain?"

"No"

Saith had to hide a grin. He knew this meeting would be tense, and he fully planned on dealing with a lot of one-word answers. "Sit up then and let's talk."

Kyrin sat up on the table and watched as Saith brought a chair over and sat in front of her.

"How far along are you?" Saith asked as he grabbed some parchment to write on.

"I'm not sure."

Saith picked his words carefully and explained to her how to tell. Once she understood, she thought for a moment and counted on her fingers.

"So, four months," she said finally.

He smiled. "Good, good. Then you are the perfect size for two."

"How do you know there are two?"

"I can feel two heads."

"Could just be a two headed demon."

He laughed. "I guess it could be. Let's assume for now that it's twins. The king wanted me to go over some things you can do to help the pregnancy."

"Like what?" she asked skeptically.

"They're easy. I assure you. First and foremost is to eat when you're hungry. He said you aren't eating much."

She cringed, knowing that she was sneaking a lot of food when no one was looking. "There's only one small problem with that."

"What might that be?"

"I'm always hungry... not like just at meals... always," she stressed.

Saith smiled. "Then keep eating. You have to keep up with the twins, and it's not going to be easy."

For some reason, Kyrin began to relax around the High Priest. "I honestly can't eat constantly."

"I'll speak to the chef. If we change the types of food you eat, it may help with that. Now, let's talk about fighting."

"Fighting?"

"Yes, two things. I spoke to Sithias about this conversation, and he wanted me to bring up that you may not be able to use magic to protect yourself while you're pregnant."

She frowned. "How am I supposed to defend myself?"

"It's not that we aren't allowing it. It's that you may not be able to do it. Pregnancy drains your energy, energy that you need to cast."

"Perfect"

"So melee fighting will be your only choice, but it's frowned upon."

"Of course it is."

Saith smiled. "You're going to be tired most of the time, and I doubt you'd be up to par with your weapon."

"So what am I supposed to do?" Kyrin asked him.

"We'll have to give you knights who will go everywhere with you."

"They usually do anyway."

"Well before, they went if they had the opportunity, now it's imperative."

She sighed. "They hate me."

"I don't think they hate you."

"They do! I hear them. I don't want them following me around with scowls."

"I'll talk to Captain Finn about that then. I bet we can find a few that don't hate you, and maybe we can use them."

"I doubt you can find them."

"We'll try. Then horseback riding is a concern."

"That too?"

"Honestly, you may not feel like riding at all."

"You make it sound like I'm about to turn into a lump," Kyrin said, frowning.

"Not a lump, but you have to be aware that you'll be slowing down. You have a small frame, and twins are going to take a toll on you."

"What other pleasant things do I get to endure?"

"Those you'll learn in time. Everyone's different. I want to see you every week though, to check on your progress. Eat when you're hungry and refrain from fighting, that will help."

"Can I ask you a question?" Kyrin asked.

"Sure"

"How did Alric's mom die?"

Saith suddenly grew solemn. "That was a very traumatic birth. From what I heard, she ultimately died of blood loss."

"You weren't there?"

"No, I was too young and still in training."

"Does that happen a lot?"

"No, it doesn't," Saith said, smiling. "Don't let Lady Poshima's death bother you. It's important that you keep stress to a minimum."

"Got it, eat, sleep, no stress, and no fighting."

"Pretty much."

"Do you realize how hard that sounds?"

"You'll be okay," Saith said, and helped her off of the table. "Please, keep me informed of what's going on. I'll come up to the castle in a week to check on you."

She nodded and left the temple, meeting up with Azimeth out in the street. She still couldn't even look at Azimeth, and they walked to the castle in silence.

Trox met them at the front doors. "Ah, good. You're back. Lord Qualsax has sent representatives to meet with the king, and as he's not here, it falls to you."

"No," Kyrin said, frowning.

He smiled. "Yes. I'll be there. You just sit on your throne and listen to whatever pathetic complaint they have."

"Saith said no stress. I think that counts."

Trox took her arm. "Stop stalling, and let's go."

Kyrin followed him and sat down on her throne, even though she refused to call it that. She still felt like a fake and that at any minute they were going to kick her out of the dimension. She adjusted her tunic to cover her belly and then nodded for Trox to let them in.

Four Qualsax came in, followed by four of Alric's top knights. The Qualsax looked angry and stormed up to the thrones. Kyrin instinctively reached for her flail, but she didn't have it. She felt Trox touch her shoulder lightly.

"Where is Alric? I don't want to talk to his wife," the Qualsax snapped.

Kyrin glared at him. "He's gone, so you can either slink back to Qualsax or speak to me."

"Slink?" he asked angrily.

She smiled. "Yes, isn't that Qualsax's preferred method of transportation?"

"I won't stand here and be insulted by a useless woman!"

"I can have a chair brought in."

He growled. "You're lucky I won't hit a woman."

With that, the knights moved closer to the lead Qualsax. "Tell the Lady what you want and then get out."

"Fine! We came to demand that you be turned over to us."

Kyrin laughed. "I'm going to have to say no."

"You cannot deny that! Four of our prison guards saw you disappear behind a cave wall in our dungeons. We suspect you're a magic user and will be killed in accordance with an agreement between Sithias and our most holy Erianah under the terms to get rid of all evils."

"If I could use magic, you'd be a toad right now," Kyrin told him.

"How else can you explain what those prison guards saw?!"

"They're delusional."

"You also helped two of our prisoners to escape. That wasn't our imagination! The only way to explain any of that is magic."

"Again, if I could use magic you wouldn't be here. As Alric is gone and some insane law puts me in charge, I'm going to deny your request," Kyrin said, and sat back.

His eyes narrowed. "Are you with child?"

"No," she said, and quickly sat up. She didn't realize sitting back exposed the bump.

"If you are, that changes things."

"Well, I'm not."

"How does it change things?" Trox interrupted.

The Qualsax grinned. "If she's with child, then we demand the infant be turned over to us to be raised as a Qualsax in return for those prisoners she took."

Trox glared. "We're not going to turn a noble over to you."

"She owes us!"

"She owes you nothing."

The Qualsax pointed at Kyrin. "You are mine."

She stood up and started down for him, but Trox stopped her as she screamed. "Come and get me if you think you're man enough!"

Knights restrained the Qualsax when he dove at Kyrin.

"Put them in jail for now," Trox said, pulling Kyrin back away from the Qualsax. The knights roughly hauled the Qualsax from the room, and Trox turned to Kyrin, noticing her eyes were pitch black.

"Calm," he said softly.

"How dare they?!"

"Calm down."

"He can't just threaten me!" she screamed, and started for the door.

Trox ran to her and took her arm. "Why don't you just stay away from them? Let the king deal with them when he returns."

"No! I'm not going to let them think for one second that they can push me around."

"Kyrin," Trox said softly. "Let Alric handle it. He was born to handle this kind of thing, and he's good at it. If you go in there, you're going to get violent, and you may lose your temper and prove to them that you're a magic user. Is that what you want?"

She finally started to calm down. "No."

"Then let the king take care of it, okay?"

"I'm not used to turning my problems over to someone else."

"It's one of the benefits of being married."

Kyrin turned to Trox. "What if he doesn't fix it? What if he hands me over?"

"You know him better than that, Kyrin. Alric isn't going to let the Qualsax near you. I swear."

She couldn't tell him her fears that now that she was pregnant and Azimeth had replaced her in Alric's bed, he wouldn't care about her as much when he got back. Even though part of her knew he wouldn't do that, another part didn't want to risk it.

"Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth called from the hallway.

Trox and Kyrin walked out to see what the elf wanted, and she looked upset.

"What's wrong?" Trox asked when Kyrin didn't.

"The nicker has stolen the king's Holy Knight pin again." Azimeth seemed nervous to tell anyone this.

Kyrin smiled and started up the stairs. "He really likes that pin."

Trox followed her. "He can't keep touching that. It's sacred and isn't to be touched by anyone but a Holy Knight or Sithias."

"I explained that to him, but it's shiny." Kyrin walked into her bedroom, and the nicker looked up at her from the corner where he was crouched down.

Kyrin knelt beside him and took the holy pin from him. "I told you not to touch this."

He cowered and hid his face as his scrawny body trembled.

"Kyrin, he can't keep this up. If a knight was to catch him stealing from the king, he would be put to death without another thought."

Kyrin looked up at him. "He would?"

"Yes, stealing from the king is grounds for death."

"They wouldn't!" Kyrin said, standing up.

Azimeth lowered her voice. "Lady Kyrin, stealing from the king is probably the most serious offense. I have no doubt that his knights would instantly kill if they saw it."

Kyrin reached down and picked up the nicker. "Then I'll have to take him back to Terrahaut."

"Shift out?" Trox asked, surprised.

"Yes. I can't let those bloody knights kill him. He's doing nothing out of character, and he's not hurting a soul."

"I thought Sithias blocked all portals."

"Sithias did, but he's done that before, and he sometimes misses some. I can shift out and be back before Alric returns."

Trox and Azimeth watched as Kyrin slipped on her black vest and began packing.

"I thought women weren't supposed to be seen while pregnant," Trox said. "Won't you be a target?"

"I can hide it."

"Not very well. It's too dangerous."

"I can't let them kill him! He's my responsibility because I brought him here."

"If I can assure you that he won't die, will you stay?" Trox asked. He was getting frustrated because she was still throwing things into her enchanted backpack.

"I'm learning, and some rules you can't override. You can ask them not to kill him, but if they see him stealing, I'm not sure you can stop them."

"Kyrin, you can't leave! You can't hide the pregnancy anymore and..." Trox stopped talking when she turned around and sheathed her flail. "See, Kyrin. It's quite obvious."

She looked down and saw that her tummy was indeed showing. "Then I'll just have to not be seen."

"Lady Kyrin, please, don't!" Azimeth gasped, following her out when she headed down the stairs.

Trox ran after her. "You can't do this! It's too dangerous."

"I'll be back before Alric even knows. I can't let the nicker die when all he's doing is looking," Kyrin told them. She walked through the orchard and picked an apple to eat as she watched for a portal key.

"I can't let you leave this dimension," Trox said softly.

Kyrin turned to yell at him and saw that he had eight knights with him.

"If she bends to pick something up or if you see any part of her disappear, grab her," Trox said with an apologetic smile.

"I'm not going to let you stop me," Kyrin said, backing up.

"We have to. It's too dangerous to risk your life for that of the nicker."

"Ozehshiesh," she said, and clasped her hands together.

Trox waited for his body to stop moving, but he felt no effects from her spell. "You can't cast anything. That makes it even more dangerous."

Kyrin screamed and then turned and walked, still looking for a portal. She figured if she found a key and a knight grabbed her, she would just take him with. She smiled slightly at the thought of one of Alric's knights out in the dimensions full of evil and chaos.

After an hour of wandering, the nicker got nervous in Kyrin's arms and began to squirm. She was getting frustrated by the lack of portal keys and by being followed by Alric's minions.

A shimmer started in front of Kyrin, and she frowned and took a step back when Sithias appeared. His eyes were understanding and kind when he looked down at her.

"I cannot allow you to leave Paragoy," Sithias said softly. "You might as well return to the comfort of the castle."

"I'm banking one gets by you," she told him, and then started off to her right. One of the knights blocked her from leaving, and she turned back to the god.

"No, it won't get by me. You're my priority right now and leaving the dimension is hazardous. I will not let you shift."

"They're going to kill this nicker."

"I will return him to Terrahaut," Sithias said, and reached out for the nicker.

As the nicker tried to claw his way over Kyrin's back to get away from the deity, Kyrin took a step back. "I don't trust you to return him."

Trox gasped, and the knights started to get angry.

"You can't speak to him like that!" the closest knight yelled.

Sithias raised his hand to calm them. "She meant no harm. She is protective of the little creature, and it's natural to become aggressive."

"Stop sticking up for me," Kyrin yelled. "Now back off and let me return him to his home."

"Again, no. You aren't leaving this dimension."

"I suppose you're going to stop me?"

"Yes, I am."

She smiled. "Good luck with that. The knights don't care enough to keep trying to stop me. Trox is too old, and Azimeth is helpless."

"I'm not too old," Trox said, laughing.

Azimeth frowned. "I would try."

"The knights do my bidding, whether they like what I've asked or not," Sithias told her with a twinkle in his eyes.

"So they say. You poof and I'll be out of here by morning," Kyrin said proudly.

***

Alric sighed as he watched the elves report to King Auldian about a recent attack on a small village on the outskirts of Minathim. The Qualsax had left no one alive, and the devastation was tremendous.

"This is becoming too common in both of our lands," Alric said.

Auldian nodded. "It is, but their numbers seem to grow so much faster than ours."

"It's sad how many choose to follow the unlawful."

"It's lazy."

"It's appealing. However, I would hope that someday, good would prevail and consciences would bring them to us."

They both turned when a hum sounded behind them.

"So they say. You poof and I'll be out of here by morning," Kyrin said proudly, and then fell to her butt on the floor when her location changed suddenly.

"Kyrin?" Alric asked, confused.

Kyrin got to her knees and looked around. "Get back here, Sithias! You can't just drop me here."

Auldian smiled. "Lady Kyrin?"

"What?" she asked, looking over at him.

"Is there a problem?"

Alric went over and helped Kyrin to her feet. He noticed she had her backpack covering her middle, and she was looking around.

"What have you lost?" Auldian asked, following her eyes.

"Where's my nicker?"

"What's a nicker?"

"Little gray creature," she said, and bent down to look under a table.

Alric watched her. "He wasn't with you when you appeared. If Sithias put you here, then my guess is that he has the nicker."

"Sithias!" Kyrin screamed, and looked around.

Auldian was watching with amusement as Kyrin turned furious.

"Kyrin, why did Sithias bring you here?" Alric asked.

"Because he's a coward!" she screamed at the ceiling.

Auldian gasped at how this girl spoke to his deity. "You cannot call him names in my home."

"Then he shouldn't drop me on my ass in your home."

Alric was trying not to laugh. "Okay, so calm down and tell me why Sithias dropped you here."

She finally looked at him and calmed down. "He dropped me here to keep me from shifting to take the nicker back."

"You were going to shift? Now?"

"I had to! The nicker took your pin again, and the knights were going to kill him."

"Do you know how dangerous that is?"

"Yes, but I can't let them kill him. So Sithias said he'd take the nicker, but I don't trust Sithias. He said he'd keep me from shifting, but I don't think he can."

"Okay"

"Trox told the knights to keep me from picking something up or disappearing. However, I don't think they'd try very hard to stop me. They hate me. Then I'm here."

Alric rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess that makes sense."

"Are you with child?" Auldian asked, looking at her curiously.

"No," Kyrin said, and started for the door.

"Yes," Alric countered.

Kyrin turned to look at him. "No, I'm not."

"Yes, she is," Alric said, smiling at Auldian.

Auldian was now confused. "So is she or isn't she?"

"I'm not," Kyrin told him, and then walked out.

Alric turned to Auldian. "She is, but she's hiding it."

"Why?"

"Long story. So are we in agreement?"

"Yes, but I don't see why your magic user can't do something about them."

"Pregnancy is putting a strain on her body, and she hasn't been able to cast."

Auldian frowned. "Is it permanent?"

"I don't think so."

# Chapter 6

Kyrin climbed into the carriage after an argument about riding a horse back to Valhara from Minathim. Elven King Auldian had given them a carriage, so she would be more comfortable, and she saw as she crawled in that there was a bed already made, along with two very soft chairs. She was forced to wear a dress that one of the elves made her and was even more irritated that she couldn't conceal her growing middle in it.

"Sit," Alric said, and joined her in the carriage.

"You're riding in here?"

Finn got in after the king and shut the door. "We both are."

"I thought carriages were only for women."

Alric sat down across from her. "Not when that woman tends to jump out of it and take off running."

"I only did that once."

"You've only been in a carriage once."

Finn sat down on the bed and then motioned for the caravan to get moving. They started out slowly, by Alric's orders, just to see if Kyrin was going to have any motion sickness.

"I spoke to Sithias this morning," Alric told her. "He returned your nicker to his indigenous dimension."

"No, he didn't. He killed my nicker," Kyrin said angrily.

"Daemionis may think nothing about wanton killing, but Sithias regards all life as precious. He wouldn't kill the nicker."

Kyrin watched out the window as the terrain slowly passed by them. She was actually waiting for the motion sickness to start and the rocking to make her head spin, but so far it hadn't begun.

"Even gone just two weeks that baby's grown," Finn said, and then smiled when Kyrin looked at him. "What?"

"I should be more covered."

"Why? Show it off."

"Doesn't matter, you shouldn't be talking about it anyway."

Alric decided to run with it. "You are getting bigger though. I'm curious to see how your tiny form is going to carry twins."

"She may topple over," Finn said.

Kyrin huffed slightly and looked out the window, trying to ignore their inappropriate conversation.

Alric grinned and kept going. "I've been thinking about a plan for the birth."

"What've you come up with?" Finn asked.

"I want her in the temple, around all of the priests."

"That may be a good idea. The more healing the better."

"Did you talk to Saith?" Alric asked.

Kyrin ignored them.

Finn grinned. "My guess is she did. You know, by this time, Emerisa was eating us out of house and home. I bet Kyrin's even worse."

"I knew she was sneaking down to get a snack each night, but I didn't realize why," Alric told him.

"I didn't know that. I'm surprised the knights didn't tell me she was up wandering the castle at night."

Kyrin looked over finally. "When will you two get it through your heads that those knights don't care what I do, don't care what trouble I find, and couldn't care less if I shift out of Paragoy permanently?"

"I doubt that," Finn said, suddenly serious.

Alric interrupted. "Those knights do what they're told."

Kyrin still seemed irritated. "Yes, in theory. However, I don't believe they would put their hearts into it. So if I did decide to shift, they may be a second too late, as opposed to if you started to disappear, which would be an instinctual desire to save you."

"It's kind of a moot point, don't you think? Sithias has blocked all portals."

"So he says. Last time he said that, I still found one."

"He was distracted by something."

"I'm sure he will get distracted again," Kyrin said, and turned back to the window.

"No, he won't. He's very interested in these babies, and he's not going to risk losing them out in the dimensions," Alric explained.

Kyrin frowned and turned to Alric. "Why is he so interested?"

"You're carrying the next nobles to Valhara. They are Sithias followers by blood."

"Or Daemionis followers by blood. Who says they are going to follow Sithias?"

"They will. To rule Valhara, they have to."

"I beg to differ. Maybe they will choose to follow Daemionis, like I do."

Finn suddenly wished he was out on horseback because he didn't like where this conversation was going.

Alric smiled. "They will follow Sithias and then lead Valhara someday."

"I'm not forcing Sithias on them! If they choose to follow Daemionis, then they do so with my blessing."

"You swore when we anointed you a ruler of Valhara, to further the noble bloodline, my bloodline."

"Even if they follow Daemionis, they'll be your bloodline. I never agreed to repopulate Sithias' followers!"

"It's assumed that when Sithias swore you in that any children produced would be his followers."

"I didn't assume that!"

Alric took a deep breath to calm his anger. He hadn't considered that Kyrin would want her children to follow the demon who often tortured her for no reason. "Sithias is safer for them. I can only imagine what kind of punishment Daemionis can hand out to innocent children."

"Innocent? Children aren't innocent," she said, and crossed her arms before turning to the window to ignore him.

"They are, precious and innocent. When I die, Valhara must continue to be ruled by noble blood."

Kyrin didn't answer, and it was obvious that she was going to ignore them.

After almost two hours, Finn broke the silence. "If we don't hit rain, this trip could be only four days this time."

"I hope so," Alric said. Tension in the carriage was high, and everyone was on edge. Even Finn's attempt at small-talk was short lived.

Just as it started to get dark, the carriage stopped and the knights began unloading supplies off of the top of it. Kyrin stayed in the carriage and curled up on the bed when Finn and Alric went to check on progress. She pulled a blanket over her and watched out the window until she drifted off.

Alric waited for the chef with them to make dinner, and then took the first plate to the carriage. He opened the door and saw that Kyrin was already asleep, so he sat down beside her and ate while he watched her.

He was starting to get concerned about the god the babies would follow. He hadn't thought there was any question that they would follow Sithias and become nobles of Valhara.

By the time he was ready for bed, he decided to talk to Sithias about it before he risked upsetting Kyrin any further. He knew his mother had been under a great deal of stress due to Qualsax wars, and Alric often felt that it might have been stress that led to the traumatic birth. He swore he wouldn't put unnecessary stress on Kyrin, and this was going to be a big fight when the time came.

As previously decided, Alric made a bed on the floor of the carriage in front of the door, and Finn put his bedding outside of the carriage in front of the other door. They hoped between the two of them to keep Kyrin in the carriage for the night.

***

"Welcome back, sir," Trox said, walking up to the carriage.

"I'll want a full report," Alric told him, and helped Kyrin out of the carriage. She was wrapped in a blanket, claiming to be cold, but he was sure it was to cover herself with.

"Oh good, you have Lady Kyrin," Trox said, smiling. "We weren't sure what Sithias did with her."

Kyrin didn't say anything but headed in to change immediately. It was getting harder to hide, but she still wanted to at least try not to look as pregnant as she really did. It frustrated her how fast she was growing, and she knew that all too soon it would be impossible to hide.

Alric watched her go and then turned to Trox. "What happened?"

Trox started with the fight over the nicker and ended when she disappeared from in front of them. Alric sat down on his throne, deep in thought.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Trox said, breaking Alric's concentration.

Alric looked up at him.

"The Qualsax sent representatives."

"For what?"

"They came for Kyrin, actually. They want to kill her in accordance with the evil banishment. Then when they realized she's pregnant, they want the baby to make up for the prisoners she took."

"That's insane," Alric said, and his heart dropped. He didn't realize that Qualsax would make it a priority to kill Kyrin or to take his offspring.

"I agree. However, Kyrin lost her temper with them, and it turned into a bit of an insult and screaming match."

"Why was Kyrin involved?"

"It's tradition for her to handle problems when you are gone."

"I need to re-write that law."

"Anyway, I had them thrown into prison. They know she's pregnant, although she denied it."

"Yeah, she keeps trying to deny it, but it's obvious."

"I wasn't sure what to do with them. If Qualsax is already after her, they don't need to know she's carrying noble Valharan blood, or it will get a hundred times worse."

Alric sat back. "Bring them before me."

Trox nodded and swept out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with the four Qualsax.

The lead Qualsax glared at Alric, so he leaned forward. "Why are you here?"

"We're here to invoke the pact that all evil will be destroyed."

"It has been."

"Not that wife of yours. She uses magic, which automatically makes her an evil."

"What makes you think she can use magic? We've not seen magic in over 100 years."

"She was seen escaping with two prisoners of ours through a solid wall! She used magic, and she must be killed."

Alric smiled. "Been drinking again?"

"Don't play that game with me. Genessa is convinced she's an evil and her use of magic to free those prisoners proves it. Erianah will hear about this and about how that evil is carrying noble Valhara blood."

"You still have Genessa? That seems odd."

"She's been most helpful."

"I would imagine," Alric said calmly. "Now, what to do with you now that you know Kyrin's pregnant."

"You have to let us go. Honor dictates it," he said, grinning broadly.

"Honor's a bit gray when it comes to trying to kill my wife though."

His grin faded. "You have to let us go!"

"I don't have to do anything. It poses a risk to the Valharan nobles if you live."

Finn stepped up behind the Qualsax and put his hand on the shoulder of the leader.

The Qualsax looked back at Finn, who was a couple of inches taller than he, and started to panic. "Listen, we just do what we're told! Let us go and we'll tell Lord Qualsax that we don't think she's an evil."

"Finn," Alric said, and watched as his knights pulled the Qualsax from the room. He didn't care how they died. As long as they posed a risk to the noble bloodline, he had free autonomy on what happened with them.

As soon as Finn assured him that the Qualsax were no longer a threat, Alric headed up to get ready for the ball that was being held to announce Kyrin's pregnancy. He walked in and saw her staring at a white and gold dress that was hanging on the dressing gown.

"That would look much better on you than on the hanger," Alric said, sitting beside her.

"I can't hide anything in that."

"That's why it's made that way."

She looked at him, terrified. "Please, don't make me do this."

"I'm not..."

"You don't understand. I can't use magic. I can't fight. You can't do this."

He kissed her softly and smiled. "You won't need to defend yourself. Now get dressed and we'll go down together, okay?"

She looked back over at the dress and just sat still. Alric stood up and changed quickly into his royal purple tunic with the golden sash and medals. When he turned, Kyrin was still sitting on the bed, watching the dress.

Laughing, Alric walked up and began to pull off her tunic. "Come on, we'll be late."

"I can't go."

"Yes, you can," he said, and tossed her tunic to the side. He pushed her onto the bed, grabbed the legs of her pants, and began to pull them off.

"Alric, I can't."

"I'm not going to look like a fool in front of my kingdom all because of a special announcement that doesn't get announced."

Alric took the dress off of the hanger and pulled it into two pieces; the white under dress, and the decorative gold over dress. He forced Kyrin to sit up and slipped the white dress over her head, while she refused to help.

"Please," she said when he exposed her head from under layers of soft, white fabric.

"Trust me, and help me, would you? I can't get you dressed completely on my own."

"I can't go. I've seen pregnant women in public before, and I can't take that right now," she said, slipping her hands through the sleeves.

He kissed her softly and smiled. "Stand up."

Kyrin laid back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. "I'm not going."

"Wow, when you lay flat, your tummy gets huge." Alric started to laugh when Kyrin sat up suddenly and looked at him, shocked. "Get up."

He pulled her to standing and then pulled on the gold over dress, which fit like a tight jacket over her chest and opened the rest of the way to the floor. When he buttoned the two buttons on it, he stood back and smiled.

"You look amazing in that," he said, admiring her figure.

Kyrin turned to the mirror, and her eyes grew wide. "I can't wear this!"

"Why not?"

She started to panic and her words came out barely a whisper, "They'll... no... I can't do this."

Alric ignored her pleas and untied the end of her hair, and smoothed it out with his fingers. He then walked over to a glass case and pulled out their crowns. He seated his on his head and walked over and put the delicate gold crown on hers.

"Ready," he said, and then took her hand.

Kyrin spun and ran into the wash room, locking the door behind her.

Alric shook his head and knocked. "I'll meet you outside of the bedroom door in five minutes. If you don't come out, I will come and get you."

"Sir," the two knights said, bowing when he walked out.

He smiled and then stood beside the door. "Just waiting for Kyrin."

"Yes, sir," they both said.

Trox and Finn walked up the stairs a short time later, surprised to find Alric standing outside of his door.

"Is everything okay?" Trox asked, glancing at the door.

Alric nodded. "Yes, she has 30 seconds, and I go get her."

Just when he finished speaking, Kyrin appeared, pale and shaking. She walked out, outwardly uncomfortable, and then tried to return to the room when she saw Finn and Trox.

"No," Alric said, taking her hand. "It's time to go."

Kyrin looked over at Finn, and he could tell that she was waiting for him to attack. Instead, he smiled and started for the stairs.

"Wait," Alric said, bending down. Kyrin gasped when he put his hands under her skirt and ran them up her legs, stopping at her flail.

Trox watched, wondering what the king was doing, until Alric stood up and handed her flail to one of the knights.

"You don't need that," he said, and then took her hand again.

Trox laughed and started down the stairs, followed by Alric, who was partially pulling Kyrin.

Kyrin was finding it difficult to breathe. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to hide her pregnant bulge in this dress. She knew why she was being forced to show the kingdom. It was punishment for taking off from Alric.

When the trumpets blared, announcing that the king was entering, Kyrin turned and started for the stairs but was pulled into the room by Alric. The murmur of voices stopped suddenly when she appeared in front of the throne. The silence was deafening, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest.

This is where the shouting started. She'd seen this before, and if the woman wasn't stoned for being in public in her disgrace, then she was ostracized and tortured by the townsfolk. She instinctively tried to cover her belly but no amount could hide how big she'd gotten with the twins.

Alric squeezed her hand softly and stepped forward. "This ball is to announce that the noble bloodline is being continued. My wife, Lady Kyrin, is pregnant with twins."

As tense as she was, she jerked when applause sounded, and she tried to push Finn out of the way of the door. He stood firm and grabbed her shoulders.

"They're not mad, listen," he said, and turned her around.

When she turned around, the angry screams her mind projected slowly turned to happy cheers from the kingdom. Many of the dignitaries had come up onto the throne platform and were congratulating the king.

Kyrin frowned slightly and looked across the gathered people. She saw that not one of them looked at her like they were disgusted and not one had drawn a weapon.

Azimeth joined her and smiled. "They're all so excited that you're having twins."

Kyrin looked at her, but her words didn't sink in. She was confused at the cheering, and the sounds around her started to distort.

Finn saw her begin to sway slightly, so he immediately pulled her out into the hallway. "Take a deep breath."

She looked at him, and he could tell she was ready to fight.

"Stop it," he said sternly. "Come on, deep breath."

She did as she was told and then looked back at the door.

"Those are cheers. They're happy for you."

"But"

"No buts. It's a joyous occasion when noble blood is carried on."

She nodded slightly and touched her crown with shaking hands.

"Do you need anything?" Finn asked, looking over her.

"Just... just give me a second," she whispered.

"Alone?"

Kyrin nodded.

"Okay, but if I don't see you inside in five minutes, I'll come drag you back in there. Trust me, it'll be more graceful if you walk in there yourself," Finn said, smiling. His eyebrows rose and then he disappeared into the throne room.

Kyrin looked around, unsure what to think or what to believe. No one had thrown anything at her. No one was screaming, and no one seemed mad. Before she knew it, she was in the kitchen and decided something to drink would calm her nerves. She hated crowds but more so when she expected that they could still turn on her at any moment.

She took a long drink of water and looked out into the night. She saw how close the orchard was and the apples were dangling, shiny in the moonlight. Suddenly, she knew what would calm her down, an apple. As quickly as she could, she ran out the kitchen door and toward the orchard, holding her dress up, so she could move faster.

Kyrin crawled over the fence and immediately picked the closest apple she came to. She took one bite and savored it before heading back to the fence. She didn't really want Finn to drag her into the throne room, so she fully planned on facing the mob head on. If they attacked, she would just hope for some magic.

"I wouldn't eat too much. You'll get fat." The voice scared Kyrin, and she spun suddenly toward it and came face to face with Erianah.

Kyrin took a step back and dropped the apple onto the ground.

Erianah floated a bit above the ground. "I've become tired of you in my dimension."

Kyrin didn't know how to respond, so she just stayed ready to fight.

The deity studied her before speaking. "I see that no-good Valharan has a child on the way. All the more reason it's time to do away with you. It's a pity that you can't fight back. I did hope to see, once and for all, if you use magic."

Kyrin took another step away from the god. "Stay back, Erianah."

"Or what?" Erianah asked, faking a pout. Her red hair swayed in the still night air.

"I don't use magic, so I'll just have to fight you with my hands."

"A pregnant girl?" With that, Erianah leaned her head back and laughed.

"I'm not afraid of you."

Erianah stopped laughing and turned furious black eyes to Kyrin. "You will be."

Out of nowhere, hundreds of angry black crows started to dive toward Kyrin. She dropped to her knees and began to swat them away as they pecked at her flesh, tearing off small chunks with each bite.

"Daemionis!" Kyrin screamed as she tried to fight off the crows. Even swatting them away, the crows were managing to bite at her, and her hands and face were becoming a mass of torn, bleeding flesh.

A loud growl sounded just before Daemionis appeared before Erianah. His hands were tightly fisted, and he was breathing heavily. Blood was dripping from his chin as he moved closer to Erianah.

"Leave her alone," Daemionis roared.

Kyrin felt the ground shake, but the birds didn't stop. The pain from their bites was relentless, and she could feel blood dripping down her face and arms.

"This isn't your dimension, demon!" Erianah screamed. "She's in my world, so she is mine!"

Alric was the first to jump the fence and land in the orchard, swinging his sword at the birds. Finn followed, along with a hundred of the knights. They let the gods fight while they tried to protect Kyrin from Erianah's crows. The more crows they killed, the more seemed to drop out of the sky and head for Kyrin.

Sithias appeared in a ray of light and looked quickly around the orchard. He threw his hand toward Kyrin, and the birds all began to fall dead around her. He then walked up to stand beside Daemionis, blocking Erianah.

"You've joined a demon?! How precious," Erianah said, seething.

"I have not," Sithias said. "However, this girl is important to my people, and I won't have you abuse her."

When Daemionis spoke, blood dripped from his teeth. "I'm tired of you trying to kill one of my followers."

"Your follower? She is in my dimension!" Erianah told him.

"You will not fight here," Sithias said sternly. "Erianah, return to your kingdom and leave mine this instant."

"The pact, Sithias! We made a pact to keep all evil out of our dimension. I invoke that! I will not be happy until her blood has spilled and she walks with her god."

"She is not an evil."

"She is! My followers saw her use magic."

Sithias glanced at Kyrin, who was fighting off a new batch of crows. "If she had magic, would she have allowed your birds to attack her?"

"So she's not that bright either. She's an evil, and I want her dead!"

"No," Daemionis said.

Sithias smiled. "I never thought I would agree with a demon, but no. You may not kill her."

Erianah laughed. "She's a magic user, an evil one. You cannot keep it secret for much longer. She'll slip, and when she does, the oath says she is to be destroyed."

With that, Erianah disappeared, along with her crows. Alric looked around, ready to kill another but saw no more birds. Finn stood finally and looked at Sithias, who was watching Kyrin.

Alric fell to his knees beside Kyrin and began to heal the bites that covered every inch of exposed skin. She was weakly trying to get up, but Finn helped hold her down.

Daemionis watched her for a moment and then disappeared in a crack of thunder.

Saith and Dewell ran up and tried to kneel beside her, but Alric pushed them away. "Don't touch her."

"King," Saith whispered.

"I said don't touch her!"

Saith nodded and then bowed to his god. Sithias smiled softly and floated over toward Alric. "King Alric."

Alric was furiously trying to heal her wounds as she groaned and shook in pain.

"Alric," Sithias said again, and touched him lightly. "Let them help."

Trox and Finn both saw that Alric's healing wasn't keeping up with the blood loss, so they pulled him away to let the priests help her. Alric didn't fight them but watched as his anger grew.

Once the bites were healed and Kyrin was resting peacefully on the orchard floor, Sithias spoke. "I will deal with Erianah. She's not going to let this go."

"I know," Alric said angrily.

"Daemionis coming won't help either. He is a known god of evils."

"She's not an evil," Alric told him, and then knelt down and took Kyrin's hand in his.

"I realize that," Sithias said, and then smiled and disappeared.

"We can't let the people know about this attack," Trox said. "I suggest the priests take Kyrin to her room and watch over her. You tell the people she's not feeling well."

Alric looked over at him but didn't speak.

Trox nodded. "It's what's best. We can't have the people of Valhara afraid of Kyrin because Erianah is after her."

"I can't leave her," Alric said, and picked her up gently.

Finn nodded. "I will tell the people to continue in to the feast. They will understand that you want to be with her while she's sick."

Trox nodded, and Finn disappeared. Alric walked up to his room with Dewell and Saith following. Within a few minutes, they had her back in a nightgown and tucked into bed. The bites on her skin were gone, but her hair had blood caked in it.

When everyone else left, Alric sat down beside her and watched her sleep. She was restless and jerked in her sleep, as if brushing away birds still. Any time she began to struggle, he would put a hand on her arm, and she would settle down.

As soon as the sounds of the feast died down, Alric curled up next to her and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, he woke up suddenly when Kyrin sat up in bed and began struggling with the covers, frantically fighting to get away from invisible attacks.

"It's okay," he said softly, and pulled her up against him.

She wrapped her arms around him and nodded.

"Sithias and Daemionis stopped Erianah's attack."

"I couldn't cast," she whispered against his chest.

"I know."

"I didn't have a weapon."

"I know."

She looked up at him. "Don't take it again. I have to be able to defend myself."

"I'm not sure how much good your flail would have done. It took a lot of us to keep the birds at bay."

"Still..."

A knock on the door interrupted her, and Kyrin covered herself with the blankets while Alric dressed quickly to answer it.

He stepped out and shut the door behind him. "What?"

Finn bowed. "Sir, there's a problem in the foyer."

"Like what?"

"It seems Daemionis thought Kyrin needed more protection."

Alric sighed. "Now what?"

"I'm not sure exactly. They're short, burly, bearded men with swords."

"I'll go talk to them." Finn and Alric headed down the stairs. Alric thought that Finn was just being mean but found their visitors were rather short and stocky, with long beards that came down to their belts. Their swords were shorter, made more for their size, and their armor seemed rudimentary and inadequate.

"What are you here for?" Alric asked, sizing them up.

The huskier of the two glared at him. "We're here to protect what belongs to Daemionis."

"She has protection already."

"Apparently, not enough."

"Well go back to Daemionis and tell him we have this covered."

"No. We're here to do a job, and you can't stop us."

"Want to bet?" Alric asked as six knights came into the foyer.

Both of Daemionis' followers fell defensive and drew their swords.

"Alric?" Kyrin asked from the stairs. He turned and saw her in battle gear again with her flail at her side. He noticed she was back in the large, bulky tunic that helped hide her tummy.

"Daemionis sent protection," Alric explained, and then turned back to the knights.

Kyrin walked down and looked over them. "Thank you for coming."

They both bowed slightly and the bigger one spoke, "Daemionis said you're having trouble with a local deity."

"Yes"

"We can handle it," Alric said, getting irritated.

"I'm surprised Daemionis sent dwarves. He's serious," Kyrin said.

"Yes, he is. We're to stay with you at all times and even watch over you while you sleep," the taller one said.

"Wait, no," Alric interrupted. "There's no way I'm going to allow two men to watch her sleep!"

Kyrin winced. "Alric, one of them is female."

The closest of the dwarves glared at the king. "Watch it, human."

Alric couldn't help but look shocked. He glanced at Finn, who was studying the two dwarves, trying to decide which was female, as both had beards.

Kyrin broke the tension. "If Daemionis wants to send guards, I'll let him. However, tell him that I sleep alone, not with an audience."

"You tell him," the taller one said. "Our orders were clear."

"Just give me a second," Kyrin said, and then took Alric's hand and pulled him into an adjacent room.

"I'm not going to let Daemionis weasel his way into this," Alric told her.

"He's my god, and I do as he asks. It's not uncommon for him to send dwarf protection."

"What exactly is a dwarf?"

"You saw them. Those are dwarves. Now stop being insulting by referring to them both as males."

"They both have beards! How do you tell them apart?"

Kyrin sighed. "The female has breasts."

"Then they're hidden behind her beard!"

"They're liable to be here for a while. You might as well accept that and be nice to them."

"Are they assassins?"

"No, they're warriors. Daemionis has a few of the dwarven warriors he keeps to protect his palace. I'm actually honored that he sent two of them just to watch over me."

"We don't need their help."

She smiled. "You're lucky they aren't trolls. Now be nice to them."

"Daemionis hires trolls?!"

"Enslaves them more like. Be nice," she said again, and stepped out into the foyer. The knights were still watching the two dwarves carefully, and they were scanning the castle looking for signs of a threat.

Alric nodded for Finn to back his knights off, and the knights fell into positions around the front door.

"Sorry about that," Kyrin said to the dwarves. "What are your names?"

"Look, human, we're not here on a social call. We'll do our jobs, and you just try to stay clear of this Eleanor."

"Erianah"

"Whatever"

Kyrin nodded. "Very well, no names then."

Alric watched as Kyrin headed off for breakfast, followed by the tense and angry looking dwarves.

Finn walked up to the king. "Interesting."

"Did you know one of them was a female?"

"No, sir, I didn't. They both look male to me."

"Well, female or not, I don't trust them."

"Understood," Finn said, and motioned for two of his knights to follow Kyrin.

Alric was still watching the hallway, even after the dwarves had disappeared. "So, the smaller one is the female?"

"How should I know? They both have beards," Finn replied.

"Who did you assign to Kyrin?"

"Yevin and Wester."

"They don't have problems with her?"

"I don't believe so."

"Was it hard to find two?" Alric asked, finally looking at the captain. The more he saw his knights around Kyrin, the more he began to see that she was right about their dislike of her.

"Actually, yes, it was. I didn't realize that Kyrin's right. The knights don't trust her, and they all feel as if she'll turn on you one day, and they'll have to defend you from her."

"I don't see that happening."

"It's just a concern. They've seen her fight too many times, and they know her temper. It makes them nervous that you sleep alone with her."

"Well, unless Sithias can convince Daemionis otherwise, I may be sharing the room with dwarves."

Finn couldn't help but smile.

***

Kyrin felt weird eating dinner with two dwarves and two knights watching her. Alric sat beside her and didn't seem uneasy, even though the dwarves watched him closely. After a brief discussion with Daemionis, he agreed that Kyrin could sleep without a dwarven audience. Most of the castle was still trying to discern which of the dwarves was female.

One of the dwarves broke the silence with a loud belch.

Kyrin grinned slightly and kept eating.

"That one was a tad bit ripe," the taller dwarf said, laughing.

The other dwarf nodded. "Smelt that one over here."

Alric, irritated, whispered to Kyrin, "Does he have no manners at all?"

"She," Kyrin corrected, "and dwarves aren't known for their manners."

"That was the female?"

"He's not very bright, that one," the taller dwarf said. "He don't know his males from his females."

Alric glanced at them and still couldn't tell which the female was. He saw one of them pull out a flask and take a brief drink before putting it back into their coat.

"Now they're drinking," Alric said as he turned back to his dinner.

Kyrin shrugged. "Dwarves always drink. Which reminds me, don't take any offers to try it. One sip and it'd knock you out for hours."

"Is it poisonous?"

"No, just very strong."

"So Daemionis lets his guards drink?"

"Only the dwarves. I don't think I've ever seen a dwarf drink water."

Another belch sounded through the room, and the smaller dwarf laughed. Alric looked at Kyrin, but she didn't stop eating and didn't really seem to mind the disgusting intrusion.

When they were done eating, Kyrin headed up to her room where Saith was waiting. He eyed the dwarves curiously and then followed her into the bedroom.

"Have a seat," Saith said, and pulled a chair up to the bed.

Kyrin sat down and checked to make sure the dwarves stayed out of the room.

"How are you feeling?" Saith asked, watching her.

"Fine"

"No pains?"

"No"

"Still hungry?"

"Constantly"

He smiled. "I would imagine that's not going to get any better. Lie back, dear."

Kyrin sighed and laid down, then ignored Saith as he poked around her exposed abdomen. She still felt it was wrong but didn't see as though she had a choice.

He finished in silence and began to write in a book while Kyrin sat up again.

"Everything looks good. Still wonderful growth and only the two-headed demon," Saith said, smiling.

She just nodded.

"Are you sleeping well?"

"No"

"Why not?"

"I don't know. My guess is it's that bed."

"That's right. You prefer the floor."

"Yes, but Alric said it's weird."

"It is. I'm thinking your back wouldn't appreciate the floor. Anything else?"

"Not really."

"Okay, same time next week," Saith said, and then bowed and walked out. He was stopped by the dwarves until they saw that Kyrin was fine, and then he was allowed to pass.

When Alric came in for the night, Kyrin watched him get ready for bed and slip into the covers.

She nodded and then stood up and went to the door.

"Wait," Alric said, sitting up. "Why do you keep taking off at night and leaving Azimeth in here? It's not proper, and it's getting kind of irritating."

Kyrin thought for a moment. "Do you not want her tonight?"

"Want her to what?"

"I told you. I understand," Kyrin said, and then stepped out and held the door for Azimeth.

Azimeth walked in and shrugged at the king when Kyrin left and shut the door.

"I don't know," Alric said, lying back down. "Just go."

Azimeth bowed slightly and then stepped out and returned to her room.

When he woke up, he dressed and decided to go find out from Kyrin why she was sleeping in the Lady's chambers again. He stepped into her antechamber and saw the dwarves kicked back on the couches while the knights stood awkwardly in the corners by the bedroom door.

Alric walked up to them. "Problems last night?"

"Not with the Lady, sir," one of them said.

"What does that mean?"

"Those dwarves... they're married, sir."

"Okay"

"They kissed a good part of the night."

Alric shivered and looked over at the two bearded dwarves. "They did?"

The closest knight looked a bit sick. "Yes, sir."

"Sithias is working on getting them out of here. For now, just put up with it."

The knight nodded and went back to his post. Alric quietly opened the bedroom door and peeked in at Kyrin sleeping. She was curled up on her side in the corner of the room on the floor. When she didn't stir, he shut the door and went down to have breakfast made.

Alric was just sitting down when Kyrin joined him at the dining table. She poured herself a glass of water before even talking to him. Mornings were the hardest for her, knowing what Alric and Azimeth had done the night before.

She yawned and looked down at breakfast.

"Are you awake?" Alric asked, watching her.

Kyrin nodded. "Sort of."

"Did you not sleep well?"

"Not really."

"Do I get to know why you are sleeping in the Lady's room on the floor?" he asked, pouring her some juice.

"I can move to the bed if it's bothering you."

"That's not what I mean."

She sighed. "I'm okay with it, really. However, I don't want to be in that bed."

Alric finally turned toward her. "You keep saying you're okay with it. What exactly are you okay with?"

Kyrin put her fork down. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Well I do."

"Well I don't."

"She said she don't want to talk about it," the smaller of the dwarves said sternly.

Alric ignored him. "It's confusing why you do it. It's improper and awkward."

She shrugged and then stood up. "I'm done."

"You barely ate anything."

"I'm fine," she said, and walked out, followed by the dwarves and two knights.

Alric watched her go and then sat back, trying to decide how to handle the odd nightly ritual.

Kyrin was starving but didn't want to think about Azimeth and Alric, let alone talk about it, so she headed out to the orchards. Azimeth met them out there and smiled as Kyrin picked an apple.

"They are best this time of year, don't you think?" Azimeth asked.

Kyrin nodded and took another bite as she walked toward the trees. She hated how the elf was so beautiful and elegant. Her tiny waist and feminine movements made Kyrin want to kill her instantly.

"Where are we going?" one of the knights asked.

"I don't know," she replied, and then led the entourage deep into the forest.

The tallest dwarf looked over at the elf. "This that Lady in Waiting we heard about?"

Azimeth frowned, but Kyrin nodded. "Yes."

"She ain't much to look at."

"Excuse me?" the elf asked, insulted.

Kyrin just nodded as she walked past another grove of trees and went deeper.

"We shouldn't be this far out without more of us," one of the knights told her.

"Why?"

"In case of a Qualsax attack."

"We can take care of any humans," the tallest dwarf said.

They all fell silent until the dwarf spoke again in a language the others didn't understand.

Kyrin spun on him, furious. "Stop talking."

"Why? You don't want to know the truth?"

"It's not the truth."

"It is so! My husband and I wouldn't have to be here babysitting if it wasn't true."

Azimeth took a step back when Kyrin reached under her skirt and pulled out her flail. The knights weren't sure what to do either when she attacked the tallest dwarf, who had now drawn her sword.

When the knights started forward to separate them, the smaller dwarf put his hand out. "Let the two'o them fight it out. Kyrin had this coming."

Kyrin's flail came within inches of smashing the female dwarf in the head, but then she had to jump back, just as the dwarf's sword cut through her dress, barely missing her protruding stomach.

Kyrin screamed furiously when the dwarf's sword slashed into her upper arm, but she countered and slammed the balls of her flail into the dwarven breastplate, cracking it in two.

The knights hadn't noticed that Azimeth ran off when the fight started, until she returned with Finn and another of the higher-ranking knights.

"Enough!" Finn yelled, and pulled Kyrin away from the fight as the other knight restrained the dwarf.

The smaller dwarf then ran forward, sword drawn. "Don't touch my wife!"

The two knights moved to him quickly and grabbed onto the smaller dwarf, and held him away from the others as Kyrin and the female dwarf fought to get free.

"Let me go!" Kyrin screamed at Finn.

Finn finally managed to pull Kyrin in the direction of the castle, while the knights brought along the dwarves. At one point, Finn wrestled Kyrin's flail from her and handed it to Azimeth.

By the time they reached the castle, they were no longer fighting, but Kyrin's arm was bleeding, and the female dwarf was missing part of her ear.

They stopped in front of the castle, and Finn addressed them all, "We're going to let you go, but I'm warning you. If you three even try to fight, I'll lock you all up until the king gets back."

"Fine," the male dwarf said, and the knight let him go and removed his sword.

The taller, female dwarf nodded and was also released with no weapon.

"Kyrin?" Finn asked, still holding her. She was glaring at the dwarves and still tense. "No fighting."

Kyrin just nodded.

"Are her eyes black?" Finn asked one of the knights.

"Yes, Captain."

"Calm down or I can't let you go," Finn told her.

"You cannot come here and talk to me like you did," Kyrin said seething. "I don't have to take that from a frothy, boil-brained, skanksmait."

The dwarf growled and lunged at her again but was restrained by a knight. She began yelling at Kyrin in a foreign language. Though the Valharans didn't know what was being said, Kyrin grew even more furious.

"Jail," Finn said, and began to drag Kyrin down a hallway.

"You can't put the Lady of Valhara in jail!" Azimeth said, shocked.

"Watch me."

"Captain! She's pregnant."

"I'm well aware of that," he said as he pushed her into a cell and locked the door before she slammed into them, reaching for his neck.

The male and female dwarf were given separate, adjacent cells and both of them sat back to wait for the king while Kyrin began to scream at them in the foreign language.

After a few minutes, she sat down and glared at them from her cell.

Finn finally turned to Azimeth. "There, everyone's calm."

"It's not right to put her in there."

"I don't have a choice, and the king will see that. When she loses her temper, lives are lost."

"She's injured though!"

"Oh, right," Finn said, turning to a knight. "Get Dewell immediately."

It was only a few minutes later that Dewell arrived, as he was the priest staying in the castle for the week. Alric had strict orders that there was to be a priest there at all times now that Kyrin was having brutal attacks from Erianah.

"Wait," Finn said, putting his hand out.

"She's injured," Dewell said, looking at him.

"She's also furious, which is dangerous."

"I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Kyrin, come here and put your hand out."

She looked up at him with pitch-black eyes, and the hatred made him cringe. Dewell saw it also and took a step back, stunned.

"Let's just wait until the king gets back," Finn said, studying Kyrin.

"She's bleeding badly."

"Let me think then." Finn finally nodded. "Kyrin, come up here and put your arm through the bars."

She didn't move but instead turned her furious gaze to the dwarves and spat foreign words at them that started to make them mad.

The smaller dwarf, now recognized as the male, jumped to the bars and pointed at Kyrin. "Listen here, Princess. Just because you got impregnated by some no-good, pansy assed king, doesn't mean I have to come here and take those insults!"

"Wait a minute!" one of the knights yelled, and started to unlock the cell door.

"No," Finn ordered. "Let's let the king handle this."

"He can't talk about the king like that!"

"No, he can't, but it's not our place to get in the middle of this particular fight."

Kyrin stood up and looked at the dwarf with malevolent eyes. "Talke e'pos kemptruk."

"How dare you?!" the dwarf roared, and began pulling at the bars on his jail cell.

Kyrin smiled evilly. "Homajathies."

When her hands touched, a clap of thunder rocked the castle, and it shook badly enough that the knights grabbed onto bars to keep from falling.

The dwarf at the bars shot back and slumped unconscious against the floor of the jail cell while the taller one knelt down to see if he was alive.

Once the tremor was over, Finn hurried and unlocked Kyrin's cell, then took an arm while another knight took her other. Dewell moved forward and healed her as quickly as he could while she was restrained.

Finn called for a pole and then slipped it through the arms on Kyrin's dress, using it to hold her hands far apart. He backed her up, surprised she wasn't struggling, and fastened the ends of the pole to the wall with shackles. The entire time she stared at the unmoving dwarf in the cell across from her.

When Finn locked the cell again, he watched her, amazed at the transformation she made from the fragile pregnant girl to an evil being to be loathed and feared.

Hurried footsteps sounded and Finn looked over just as Alric ran down the stairs. "What's going on?"

"Well," Finn said, turning to the cells. "Kyrin and the dwarves got into a bit of a brawl, and we discovered that Kyrin can still use magic when she's really really mad."

Alric walked over and started to open Kyrin's cell.

Finn put a hand out. "I wouldn't, sir. She's furious."

"It's okay," Alric said, and walked in. Kyrin's face almost immediately began to soften, and she watched him with brown eyes as he began to unhook her from the wall.

Finn was shocked how quickly Alric calmed her down, even without talking to her at all. When the king removed the pole holding her hands apart, he took one of her hands in his and then walked her out into the main prison.

Outside of the cell to the dwarves, Alric finally spoke to her, "What happened?"

She shrugged.

"I want to know why half of my staff had to go home because of a shaking castle. Why are Daemionis' guards either dead or unconscious? Why is there blood on you, and why are your clothes cut?" He wondered more but decided to keep it simple.

"We just had a disagreement," she whispered, watching the floor.

Finn still couldn't even speak. He saw Kyrin go from innocent, to malicious, and then to innocent again in less than an hour. He hadn't seen her as livid as she had been, and he was still waiting to see if the dwarves infuriated her again.

Alric turned to talk to the dwarves just as a wicked growl sounded through the prison, and the two dwarves fell dead.

Kyrin watched them but didn't say anything.

"What happened to them?" Alric asked. He'd never seen two creatures suddenly fall over dead before.

"They broke a rule."

"What rule?"

"Not to upset me," she said, and then headed up the stairs.

Azimeth followed her, still holding the flail and still afraid of what she'd seen the Lady do.

"You have no idea what started this?" Alric asked Finn.

"No, sir. They weren't speaking our language in most of it. Whatever it was, must have been bad."

Alric turned to look at the dead dwarves but their bodies were gone, leaving behind their still warm hearts on the cold floor. Alric just sighed, shook his head, and started up the stairs.

Finn's nose wrinkled, and he followed the king.

Alric saw Azimeth standing outside of the bedroom door, so he smiled at her and then walked in, shutting the door behind him. Kyrin was on the floor digging through her enchanted bag.

He sat down on the bed, facing her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Who started it?"

"They did."

"Were they saying mean things about you?"

"Sort of," she said, turning around. Kyrin leaned back against the wall to watch him.

"It's odd how Daemionis' followers would do that."

"They thought I couldn't fight back."

Alric moved down to the floor to sit beside her. "You shouldn't have."

"I won't stand there and take that."

"You have knights for fighting."

"They didn't even know anything was wrong."

"They knew, but they held back, and I will find out why."

"It's because they don't like me," she said, taking his hand. "Don't punish them for that. I'm not all flowery and fuzzy, and I don't expect them to like me."

"I expect them to do their jobs, not stand by while you fight."

"Well I don't think it's worth pursuing, and I wish you'd drop it."

Alric nodded. "If that's really what you want."

"It is," she said, and then stood up and stretched. Before she was done, Alric grabbed her into an embrace and kissed her softly.

Kyrin wrapped her arms around him, and he walked backwards and sat down, then pulled her onto his lap, all the while kissing her.

It felt good to be in his strong arms, so she laid her forehead against his shoulder and reveled in the feel of protection she got from him. When in his arms, everything seemed calmer and safer. Sensing this, he tightened his arms and kissed her neck softly.

"Are you okay?" he asked finally.

"Yes"

"You're sure?"

Kyrin looked into his eyes. "Why?"

"Well, Trox thinks you have something called wanderlust, and I would imagine you feel trapped here."

She smiled crookedly. "Creteloc says I have wanderlust."

"After hearing the definition, I think you do. Staying here and not being able to shift or do magic must make you feel restrained."

"I'm okay, really."

He nodded and then slipped his shirt off and pulled her up against his chiseled chest. She ran her fingers along the muscles but stopped suddenly when she thought of Azimeth touching his bare skin.

With that, she stood up and started for the door.

"Kyrin, where are you going?" Alric asked, watching her.

"It's bed time."

"So?"

She sighed. "I told you. I understand, but I don't want to talk about it."

When Azimeth walked in, Alric stood up. "Stop."

Kyrin glanced back at him.

"No more of this. Azimeth deserves an explanation why you drag her in here each night and then leave."

"You haven't told her?" Kyrin asked him.

"Told her what?"

"Why she's here."

Alric looked at the elf. "As your Lady in Waiting? She knows that."

Azimeth nodded but stayed silent.

"Well..." Kyrin didn't know what to say. It wasn't her place to tell Azimeth her true purpose, but she was also somewhat confused about why Alric hadn't used her yet.

Alric's eyes narrowed. "What is her job here?"

"Lady in Waiting."

"Which means what, exactly?"

Kyrin couldn't even look at him. Her heart sunk when she pictured his handsome face kissing the almost glowing elf with her blonde ringlets and ethereal beauty.

"Kyrin, tell me," Alric said, moving forward.

Azimeth shifted uncomfortably at being that close to the half-naked king.

"What does a Lady in Waiting do?" Alric asked her, gently taking her arm.

Kyrin avoided looking into his face and started to wonder if Creteloc had been wrong about Azimeth's true purpose.

"It's..."

"What?"

"She's supposed to watch me."

"And?"

"I don't want to do this."

"Azimeth, you may go," Alric said, watching Kyrin. The elf left quickly and shut the door behind her. "Kyrin, tell me what her true purpose is."

She bit her bottom lip and looked up at him, not sure what to say. A blush rose to her cheeks as she started to realize that Azimeth was nothing more than what Kyrin had heard called a consort. In other dimensions, a consort was a companion to a Queen and served as a confidante and friend.

"Tell me," Alric said, smiling at the blush in her cheeks.

"It's not my fault. Creteloc told me."

"What did she say?"

"You know what? Nothing. I'm just going to go get something to eat," Kyrin said, and made a break for the door, but Alric stopped her.

"What do you think Azimeth was supposed to do with me?"

"Nothing?"

"Was that a question?"

Kyrin squirmed slightly. She didn't know how to get out of this, and by the amused look on Alric's face, she figured he already knew. "No, it wasn't a question."

He moved close enough she could smell him. "Tell me."

She shook her head.

Alric grinned. "She would be offended."

"I didn't know!"

"You should have asked."

"But..."

"What would make you even think such a thing?" he asked, looking down at her.

"I'm..."

"What?"

"You know."

"No, I don't know."

She whispered as her blush deepened. "You know... pregnant."

"So?"

"Well, it's disgusting."

He shook his head and kissed her before answering. "It's not disgusting."

"It is... so you... well Azimeth is so beautiful."

Alric kissed her again. "I don't want Azimeth."

# Chapter 7

"Lie back, dear," one of the priests told her.

Kyrin just watched him. "I don't know you."

"Saith is busy."

"Where's Dewell?"

"He is also. Now lie back," he said a little sterner. Kyrin instantly didn't like him. His purple robes seemed cleaner than the others, and he looked like he would chastise anyone who tried to cross him.

Lying down, Kyrin looked up at the ceiling in the bedroom as he poked around her stomach. She hated this part but wanted to try to ensure she wasn't going to die like Alric's mom had.

"Looks good," the priest said.

Kyrin sat up and watched him.

"Pains?"

"No"

He obviously didn't believe her. "Tell me the truth. Any pain?"

"No," she said, gritting her teeth.

"I can't help you if you lie to me."

"I'm not lying."

He pulled up a chair and sat down. "I'm not going to cater to you just because you're the Lady of Valhara. So no kid gloves, got it? Tell me what hurts."

"I can tell you what's about to hurt."

"Do not threaten me, young lady," he said smugly. The priest then pulled out parchment and began to write.

"Are you done?" Kyrin asked, glaring at him.

"No, lie back."

"Why? I just did."

"Well, do so again." The way he spoke irritated her, but she laid down anyway.

He ran his hands lightly over her abdomen, and she had to fight the urge to remove them from his body. What seemed like an eternity later, she felt the priest draw something on her stomach with his hand and then begin to whisper.

"Most Holy Sithias, I come before you to bless these babies in your name and to..."

Kyrin sat up. "No."

The priest looked at her. "Lie down."

"No! You aren't going to do anything to these babies in the name of your god."

"They are his followers."

"They are not! They don't even think right now, and I'm not going to just assume they will follow Sithias."

When he smiled, she could tell that he was going to be patronizing. "You carry noble blood. These children will lead Valhara and be followers of Sithias."

Kyrin hopped off the bed and pulled her tunic down. "Get out."

"No"

"Do I have to make you?" she asked, looking up at him with a slight snarl.

"You are with child and mustn't fight."

"Then get out."

"Stop being difficult, and lie down so I may finish and get out of here. I don't enjoy being around you any more than you want me to be."

Kyrin pushed him hard. "Get out!"

He stumbled slightly and then crossed his arms. "Lie down, now."

She smiled when she saw her flail sitting beside the bed. When she picked it up and gripped it tightly in her hand, the priest still stood his ground.

Kyrin turned to him and reveled in the feel of the hard steel in her grasp. "Get out."

"You will not hit me with that."

"Wanna bet?"

"I'm unarmed."

"I don't take carelessness as a reason not to attack someone."

He smiled. "Put away that mace and lie down."

When his scream echoed through the castle, the knights guarding her door flew into the room and immediately saw that she wasn't being attacked. The priest was hunkered down on the floor with his bloody arms covering his head as Kyrin stood above him.

One knight grabbed her from behind with a hand to each wrist, as was instructed. The other knelt down and began to figure out how badly the priest was injured.

Kyrin was watching the priest still, and she was breathing hard. Her body was tense and ready to attack.

Finn was the first up the stairs and didn't need an explanation. He pulled the flail from her hand and tossed it onto the bed before turning to see if the priest was okay. By the time the priest stood, he'd already healed his own wounds, and the bleeding had stopped.

"Care to explain?" Finn asked, looking from the priest to Kyrin.

"It is past time to anoint those babies as Sithias' followers," the priest said calmly.

"Over my dead body!" Kyrin screamed.

Finn looked at the priest. "Did the king tell you to do that?"

"He didn't have to. It's customary."

"You know she doesn't follow Sithias, and this could cause a fight! Why do you provoke her?"

"She needs to learn that her way is not necessarily the best."

Kyrin struggled to get out of the knight's grasp, but he held her firmly.

Finn turned to Azimeth, who had just walked in to see what the problem was. "Go to the temple in town. The king is there. Have him and Saith come here immediately."

She nodded and then turned and ran down the stairs.

"Kyrin, calm down," Finn said, studying her eyes. They weren't black yet, but he was pretty sure they were a darker shade of brown.

"He has no right!" Kyrin said, seething.

"Let Alric handle this. I don't want to get in the middle of this fight," Finn told her. He then turned to the priest. "You should stay out of it too. Which deity those babies follow should be up to the king and the lady."

"I am a holy priest of Sithias! I cannot allow the noble blood of Valhara to fall into the hands of that demon."

Kyrin jerked free of the knight and ran at the priest, but Finn grabbed her and returned her to the knight. "Would you keep her?!"

"Sorry, sir," the knight said, cringing.

"It is time for her to stop pretending to be evil to keep others away," the priest said matter-of-factly. "The sooner she stops following that worthless god of hers, the sooner this kingdom can return to normal."

"My worthless god?!" Kyrin roared.

"Stop," Finn yelled at him. "I said to let the king handle this."

The priest sighed. "Captain, she needs to stop acting like the victim and start living like the rest of us in this kingdom."

"That's it!" Kyrin screamed, and pulled harder against the knight.

"Let her go." They all looked over when they heard the whisper from the shadows.

Kyrin smiled. "Creteloc."

"I said to let her go," Creteloc whispered, and stepped out of the shadow, though her face was still covered. The knight swallowed hard and let go of Kyrin when he was filled with terror.

Kyrin turned to Creteloc. "Thank you for coming."

"I see Sithias allows his followers to pick on a small pregnant girl," Creteloc said softly. Although her words were soft, it still made those in the room uneasy and tense.

The priest seemed less affected by her evil. "Those babies will be Sithias followers."

"It seems odd that Kyrin decided that."

"She didn't."

"She is carrying them, is she not? Right now, she has full say in everything about them."

"Why's that?" the priest asked, shifting nervously.

Creteloc walked behind him and ran her hand along his back, sending cold shivers up his spine. "Because she can still choose not to have them."

"Why are you here?" Alric asked Creteloc when he walked into the room.

"To protect Kyrin from you," Creteloc said, moving to stand beside Kyrin.

"From me?"

"Yes. Daemionis and I feel she was being harassed by Sithias' followers, and we won't stand for it. As the dwarves didn't work, I am here for the duration."

"Oh no you aren't," Alric said. "You cannot stay in this dimension."

"Why not?" she asked, moving closer to him. Alric unconsciously moved back away from her.

"It was agreed by the deities of Paragoy that there would be no evils allowed to live here."

"Oh dear, what a problem. I guess we better go, Kyrin," Creteloc said, and moved silently to the door.

"Wait, she doesn't have to go," Alric told her.

"Kyrin is an evil."

"I don't believe that."

"Walk with me, Kyrin."

Kyrin nodded and then walked past the Valharans, following Creteloc. Creteloc started for the nearby trees, and Kyrin kept up but didn't say anything.

It wasn't until they were deep into the trees that Kyrin spoke, "Did Daemionis really send you to stay?"

"Yes"

"What about Sithias?"

"If he doesn't agree, then Daemionis will keep you in his palace until after the birth."

Kyrin smiled. "You're right. Sithias will allow you to stay."

"He better. Both Daemionis and I would prefer if you stay here, but we won't hesitate to take you."

"Will you be staying in the castle with me?"

"No, this is my home," Creteloc said, and stopped at a pile of branches.

Kyrin studied it. "Are you sure?"

Creteloc passed through the branches and disappeared, so Kyrin did the same. She emerged into a small, one-room hut with a bed, fire, table, and chair. Creteloc's potion rack was there also and was filled with fresh ingredients.

"This wouldn't have happened if you had taken the poison," Creteloc said, sitting down.

Kyrin sat on the bed. "Daemionis took the first from me, and then Sithias took the other."

"Pity"

"This wasn't my idea."

"You're rather large."

"Well come to find out, Alric is a twin."

Creteloc's red eyes looked over at her. "You're having two?"

"Yes"

"That's even worse."

"I'm not big either. I can still cover it."

"Keep telling yourself that."

Kyrin just sighed and studied the small hut. It was sparsely furnished, but Creteloc wasn't one for decoration or useless accessories.

"Even at your age, you won't bounce back from twins. No one will want you after that."

"I'm not so sure about that anymore. You were wrong about the royal elf."

"I was?"

"Yes, and it led to a rather awkward and embarrassing conversation."

Creteloc grinned evilly. "Sorry about that."

Kyrin shrugged. She was pretty sure Creteloc was anything but sorry.

"Here's how this will work. During the day, I will be with you, even if you don't see me. At night, I will be here while that lout of a king watches you."

"Is it so hard to believe that I love Alric, and that he may not be out to hurt me?"

"Yes"

"Well he likes you about as much as you like him, so stay away from him if you can."

"That's no fun."

"Just, please, things are hard enough without you taunting him."

"What about..."

"... no."

"But..."

"Please, Creteloc. Just leave him alone."

"I have an impotence poison."

"I don't even want to know what that is. No poisons on my husband," Kyrin said sternly.

"I'll agree to that simply because Daemionis is worried about your stress level," Creteloc told her.

"So are the priests."

"Apparently not, or that revolting priest wouldn't have tried to bless the babies into Sithias' fold."

"I'll let Alric know that you're not going to be hanging around the bedroom at night."

Creteloc shivered. "The last thing I want to see is that creature putting his hands all over you."

Kyrin smiled but blushed. "I kind of like it."

"Of course you do, and look what it got you."

"Right, twins."

"My goal is to keep you from stressing out so Daemionis' new followers won't be injured."

"Creteloc, I can't assume they will be Daemionis' followers any more than I can't assume they will follow Sithias."

"Yes, you can. You're their mother. That actually matters in this dimension. As such, until they are old enough to think rationally, the loathsome little creatures will be under your full control."

Kyrin sighed. "This is going to cause a huge fight between Alric and I."

"Then avoid it. You don't need that stress."

"I have to talk to him about it. I can't have his priests following me around trying to bless these babies."

"I'll talk to him."

"You said you were going to avoid him, remember?"

Creteloc nodded. "Yes, but I never hold to my word."

"That's true."

"So I can go talk to him?"

"I don't see why we have to decide this now anyway. I'm only five months along."

"You're weakening. We have to do this while you're strong enough to fight back."

"I'm not weakening!"

"So you can cast?" Creteloc asked her.

"When I'm really really mad, apparently. I cast on those dwarves."

"True, but I bet you can't anymore."

"I just don't think we need to get into that big of a fight."

"It'll happen sooner or later. You two worship completely different deities, and now is the time to address that."

"Can't we discuss it when the kids are like... I don't know, two years old?"

"No, by then you could be pregnant again and..."

"No, I won't!"

Creteloc looked at her. "So you think that fool isn't going to want to..."

"Stop it, Cret."

"Don't call me Cret! I've told you I hate that."

"Sorry"

"I've seen how he looks at you, and he's going to keep going. That act produces children, so you might as well face the fact that until he loses interest in you, you're going to be pregnant."

"There has to be a way around that."

"It's called abstinence."

"Will you stop bothering me if we go talk to Alric about the god thing?"

"No"

"Will you stop calling him names?"

"No"

Kyrin shook her head and stood up. "I don't think I need you around."

"You don't have a choice. If you give that no-good king girls, you'll need to make a fast exit, and I'll be there for that."

"What do you mean?"

"Kings want sons. If you give him girls, he'll want you beheaded immediately."

Kyrin frowned. "That doesn't sound like Alric."

"Trust me. Kings need sons as heirs."

"I'll ask Alric about that."

"I wouldn't if I were you. If he gets wind that you think you're carrying girls, you'll have an unfortunate accident."

"I really..."

"Boys, the king wants boys."

***

The first month with Creteloc in Valhara passed quickly. Neither Alric, nor Kyrin, wanted to get into the deity fight so nothing was said. Kyrin never saw Creteloc but often felt like she was being watched. Alric could still feel the evil presence in his kingdom, but he agreed with his god when Sithias said to let her stay.

Kyrin's stress level still grew though, and the priests were no longer allowed to be around her. Her flail was locked up in the weapon's room, and because of her small frame, she was finding it hard to walk, let alone fight, so she agreed to leave it there for safe keeping.

Each night, Creteloc returned to her hut and slept while Alric and his knights watched over Kyrin.

"Priestess Creteloc." Daemionis' voice echoed through her small hut, and she sprung to her feet.

"My Lord?"

"Kyrin is in the woods."

Creteloc stood up straight. "Where?"

"Find her."

***

Sithias appeared beside his Holy Knight. "Alric."

Alric stirred slightly and then looked up. "Sithias?"

"She needs your help."

Alric looked beside him and saw the empty bed. He jumped to his feet and got dressed. "Where is she?"

"She's out in the woods alone."

Alric sheathed his sword and flew down the stairs, calling for Finn. Two knights ran to get the captain, and the other knights gathered to see why the king was awake so late at night.

"We have to find Kyrin," Alric said to them. "She's out in the woods alone, and I don't know why. Find her."

The knights spread out quickly, and two of them came forward. "Sir."

"You were at the doors tonight?" he asked them.

"Yes, sir."

"Did you see her?"

"Yes, sir," the closest knight said. "She came down the stairs about two hours ago."

"Did she speak?"

"No, sir. She didn't even look awake. She was in her nightgown, barefoot, and she didn't really do anything but walk down the stairs and head outside."

"And you didn't think to tell me?!"

"Sorry, sir. We didn't see anything wrong. We thought maybe she was going to see that assassin."

"Go find her," Alric snapped.

"What's wrong?" Finn asked, running up.

"Sithias came to me. He said Kyrin's out in the woods and needs help."

"Why is she out there?"

"I don't know."

"Then let's go," Finn said. Alric and Finn headed out into the night on foot. Finn decided to search near Alric. He had felt uncomfortable about the assassin being so close to his king and took it upon himself not to let the king walk alone through the woods.

The sounds of knights calling for Kyrin echoed through the dark trees, and after four hours, no one had found her. The forest was too large and covered too much land for one woman to be easy to find.

Alric was about to return to the temple to ask Sithias for help when he heard someone call out for him. Finn heard also and met up with the king before they ran toward the voice.

A knight ran to them. "We found her. She's walking west and isn't responding to us."

"Take us," Alric said. The knight led them through the trees to where Kyrin was walking slowly through the forest.

"Kyrin?" Finn asked, walking up to her.

She didn't respond or stop walking, and her eyes looked ahead, almost lifeless.

"Kyrin," Alric said, taking her arm. "She's feverish."

Finn reached up and touched the back of her neck, which was burning hot.

"Kyrin?" Alric asked again, and stopped her from walking farther. He touched the back of his hand to her cheek. "She's burning up. We have to get her back."

Alric picked her up, and she laid limply in his arms as he headed back for the castle. "Call ahead for Saith."

Two knights ran ahead to get the priest.

"You're such a buffoon you can't even watch her sleep!" Creteloc said angrily from behind them.

"Not now, Creteloc," Alric snapped.

"No! You need to hear this."

"I said not now!"

"You're going to force me to watch her even at night. What an abhorrent thought," she said, seething.

"I can watch her at night."

"Apparently not!" Creteloc said, and then sped up to match his pace. "What's wrong with her?"

"She has a fever."

"Was she speaking?"

Finn looked at her. "No, why?"

"Let me guess. She was just walking."

"What's wrong with her?"

"It sounds like Sepethies Fever."

"What's that?" Alric asked, looking down at Kyrin.

"It's a fever you get from time near the river Styx."

"The river Styx is just a story," one of the knights told her.

She ignored him. "It causes a dangerously high fever, wandering, and unresponsive behavior."

"Well, how do we get rid of it?" Alric asked her.

"You don't."

"So it wears off on its own?"

"No, it usually causes death. It can last months though, so unless the babies get too hot from the fever, they should be okay."

Alric looked at Creteloc, shocked at how casually she spoke of Kyrin dying. "You're more worried about the babies than Kyrin?"

"I see no reason to lose sleep over this. However, the babies are of great concern to Daemionis, and he'll want them safe."

"You make me sick," Alric said, and walked up the stairs in the castle.

He laid her down, concerned that she didn't move and at the red flush in her cheeks.

Saith came in shortly after they arrived, and he eyed Creteloc suspiciously. "You called for me, sir?"

Creteloc's red eyes glowed from under her dark cloak, and he walked over to the bed.

"She's sick, feverish, unresponsive," Alric explained. "Creteloc said it's a sickness that causes death."

Saith touched her forehead lightly. "This looks bad."

He instantly went to work trying to determine what kind of illness she had. Priest healing didn't extend to sickness and was unfortunately limited to injuries. However, Sithias insisted that his priests also know medicine.

"Yes, the pitiful king was supposed to be watching her, but she has Sepethies I suspect." Creteloc was talking to the window, and the others ignored her. Any time they were near her, they were uneasy, and they didn't want to invoke her wrath.

The rest of them watched Saith work and prayed to Sithias to help Kyrin through the fever.

After almost an hour, Saith turned to Alric, obviously concerned. "Her fever is way too high. We have to get it down immediately."

"Finn, get the knights and bring me snow from the mountain," Alric said, and went into the wash room to fill the tub with cool water. Finn ran out of the room. He knew that it had snowed the night before near Boriana ruins, and he figured the knights could easily begin bringing it in.

Once the tub was full, Alric picked Kyrin up, ignoring the nonchalant way that Creteloc went through things in their bedroom. He walked into the wash room and set her down in the tub in her nightgown.

"What else can we do?" Alric asked as he held her, so she didn't slip under the water.

Saith came into the wash room and knelt down. "I don't know anything about this and haven't seen symptoms like this before. Once we get her fever reduced, we'll see if she wakes up."

"Cooling her off may work," Creteloc said, walking into the wash room. "I've never heard of doing that before... course... it's hard to cool someone down when you don't have any water."

"Will you get out of my room?" Alric snapped.

"No"

"Then make yourself useful. What kind of illness is this?"

"A fatal one."

"Always?"

"No"

"Is there anything you can tell us to help us treat her?"

"No"

"You're just a wealth of information," Alric said, irritated.

"What do you care? You'll get your babies and be rid of Kyrin in the process. It's the perfect scenario," Creteloc told him, and then started looking through a cabinet.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means you're too honor-bound to kill her off. Now you have an excuse to be rid of her."

"I don't want to be rid of her."

"Sure you do! Why else get her pregnant?"

"So you're the one filling her head with that?"

Creteloc shrugged. "I simply validate what she's seen in her everyday life."

"Well, we aren't like that here."

"Sure you aren't."

Alric looked over as Creteloc began going through the towels in the cabinet. "Would you stop going through my things?"

"No"

"What are you looking for, anyway?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Well either stop or I'll have you removed."

Alric looked over when three knights came in with buckets full of snow. He took the buckets, and they bowed and left.

"Slowly," Saith said, putting a handful of snow into the water. "We don't want to shock her by lowering the fever too fast."

Alric nodded and put another handful of snow in.

Trox came into the wash room and watched Alric and Saith put snow into the water. When they were done, he held out a vial. "Kyrin made this. It's a healing potion."

"Let me see," Creteloc said.

"No," Trox told her, but then realized he no longer held the potion. He turned to her, frustrated.

Creteloc pulled out the stopper and smelled it. "Kyrin made this?"

"Yes"

"Impressive. I don't think I taught her this."

Trox tore it out of her hand. "She's figured out how to make potions on her own."

"It won't work though. That's to heal flesh."

"How do you even know?"

"I would say trust me, but that would be a stupid move on your part," Creteloc said, and then walked over and looked down at Kyrin. "You know, I might return to my home for a few hours if you were to promise me the birth fluid."

"The what?" Alric asked, looking up at her.

"The fluid that comes with birth. I'm fresh out."

"No," Trox said sternly. "I know what you do with that, and I won't have it."

"Guess I stay," Creteloc said, and went back into the bedroom.

Alric looked over at Finn. "Go make sure she doesn't steal anything."

Finn turned toward the room. "Good luck. She could steal a man's nuts, and he wouldn't know it."

"Don't give her any ideas," Trox said, and then grinned.

Saith looked up at Trox. "You said Kyrin has figured out how to make potions?"

"Yes, she's getting better at it."

"Has she taught you?"

"She's tried, but it's more complicated than you'd think."

"Could you try to make a potion to help her?"

"I can try. The hard part is finding what the potion wants," Trox explained.

Alric frowned. "The potion wants something?"

"I'm not sure it really does, but you need to counter what you want. So for instance, for healing potions, she uses blood from a dying man."

"I don't want to know," Alric said, putting a new handful of snow into the water.

"I don't know exactly what to put into a sickness potion."

Saith shook his head. "I say we leave the evil ways and just make her well ourselves."

"That's true," Trox said. "If we mix up the wrong potion, we could do something harmful."

"Her fever's dropping," Saith told them after feeling the back of her neck. "I can feel the babies kicking too, so I don't think she had a fever long enough to hurt them."

Alric looked up at Trox. "Creteloc says this fever comes from the dimension with the river Styx."

He looked shocked. "There really is a river Styx?"

"Depends on how much you trust what comes out of her mouth."

"True. However, I'll have to ask Kyrin about it."

"It is true," Creteloc said from the doorway. "There's no use waiting to talk to her. My guess is she'll be in a coma by morning and die in a couple of months."

"Finn," Alric said through gritted teeth.

The captain spun, grabbed Creteloc's arm, and hauled her out of the wash room.

Alric and Saith began putting new snow into the water, and both looked up at her when she sighed softly.

Saith smiled. "That's encouraging."

"Kyrin?" Alric asked, and then touched her cheek lightly. "Her fever has come down a lot."

"Now we just have to keep it down and see if she wakes up."

Finn returned to the wash room. "I lost her."

"How can you lose her?" Alric asked him.

"Well, she threw something at me and made me cough. When I was done, she was gone."

"Perfect"

"She's not in this room though."

"Make sure."

Finn smiled crookedly and went back out into the bedroom.

***

"King, you need to sleep," Trox said, watching Alric by the bathtub. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he was drawn and worried.

"I can't leave her."

"You haven't slept in four days. Finn and I can watch her, and Saith will be back in an hour."

Alric sat back and watched Kyrin. He kept waiting for her to wake up, but in the four days since the fever started, she hadn't moved. His arm was pruned from holding her in the water, but when they tried to put her to bed, her fever had shot back up dangerously high.

"Please, Alric," Finn said. "Just lay down for a few hours at least, and I'll hold her up."

"I thought she'd be awake by now."

"Saith still thinks she'll wake up if we can keep the fever down."

"He also thinks we need to dry her off for a while, even if her fever comes back," Trox said. "I guess it's not healthy to be in water for this long."

"Let's move her to the bed for a few hours, and I'll nap with her," Alric said. He stood up and went to pick her up, but Finn stopped him.

"Let me get her. You're exhausted."

Alric finally nodded and watched Finn pick her up. He gently laid her down on the floor and then stepped out while Trox and Alric got her out of the wet nightgown and into dry clothing.

When Kyrin was laid down in bed and covered with a light blanket, Alric laid beside her and Trox shut the curtains before leaving with Finn.

With the room darkened and not sleeping for so long, Alric soon fell asleep. He woke up a few hours later when Kyrin pulled out of his grasp and sat up.

"Kyrin?" he asked, taking her arm.

Without a word, she stood up and began to walk toward the door slowly. She swayed slightly and looked like she might fall over. Alric moved to her quickly and picked her up, sighing when he realized how high her fever was again.

"Saith?" Alric called out, and went back into the wash room.

Saith, Trox, and Finn all walked in.

Saith immediately began looking her over. "I was really hoping the fever would stay down."

"She was wandering off again too," Alric said. "However, she didn't look very strong."

"I would imagine not."

Alric bit lightly at his knuckle as he watched Saith.

"Did you sleep?" Finn asked him.

"Some"

"I asked the chef to bring up some food."

"Have we seen Creteloc?"

"Nope"

"That's because you're blind," Creteloc said from behind them. "The bungling king sleeps like the dead."

"That's it!" Finn yelled, and drew his sword.

"It's not worth it," Alric said, watching as Creteloc crouched slightly.

"You cannot talk about the king like that around me."

"I do what I want."

Trox stood between Finn and Creteloc, and faced her. "You were here to watch over Kyrin, who you have already marked for death. Doesn't that negate your need to be present?"

She stood up and turned her red eyes to him. "No, it doesn't. I'm not here to watch over Kyrin, specifically. I'm here to ensure those babies are safe."

"You honestly don't care if Kyrin dies?" Alric asked her.

"No, I don't."

"She considers you a friend."

"Which is why she will never progress past follower and be honored as a priestess of Daemionis. She has such weaknesses."

"Having a friend isn't a weakness."

"How would you know?" Creteloc asked, taking a step closer. "You're one of the weakest men I know. You're taking care of a woman you disgraced with pregnancy, when it gives you the perfect opportunity to wash your hands of her."

"Just get out."

"No"

"We can watch over her without you! I wouldn't put it past you to kill her off yourself."

"I would if it weren't for the babies," Creteloc said casually.

"Why does she deserve death?" Trox asked her.

"For being careless enough to allow Alric to have his way with her."

"Alric?" The soft voice sounded from behind them.

Alric turned and looked down at Kyrin, but she hadn't moved. He knelt down. "Kyrin? Can you hear me?"

"Where am I?" she asked in a whisper, but her eyes remained shut.

"You're in the castle. You have a fever, so we have you in cold water."

Alric looked toward the window when the battle horn rang from the mountain. Finn and Trox both ran off, and Alric noticed that Creteloc was missing.

He turned back to Kyrin. "Do you need anything?"

She shook her head slightly and then relaxed into sleep.

A war council convened in the bedroom, so Alric could keep watch over Kyrin. Qualsax had staged a large-scale attack to capture Kyrin, but the elves had arrived, and they were holding the warriors off.

Four hours later, Finn rushed in. "Sir, I think we need to evacuate you and the Lady to the summer house."

"What's happening?"

"We're holding them off, but you two will be safer out of here for now."

Alric nodded and picked Kyrin up out of the water. "Prepare."

"We already have. The transport is ready to go, and the elves are asking for permission to send their king also."

Alric frowned. "Auldian wants to come to the summer house?"

"Apparently so."

"Fine. What are the Qualsax's demands?" Alric decided to get Kyrin dried off in the carriage. It was important to get the future nobles of Valhara out of danger.

"They want Kyrin still," Finn said, climbing into the carriage with them, followed by Azimeth. Once settled, he turned to the knights surrounding them and the caravan began to move away from the city.

Finn looked away while Azimeth and Alric got Kyrin settled on the bed in dry clothes. Once changed, he sighed. "I don't like running while my city is at war."

"It's important that you preserve the bloodline. Kyrin isn't going to do as well if you aren't around her," Finn told him. "There's a trusted captain leading the troops, and it's going well."

"I was planning on moving her to the summer house when she felt better anyway. I just hope the travel doesn't set her back."

"How long was she awake?"

"Not long at all."

"I wonder if we left the assassin behind."

"We can only hope."

Azimeth checked Kyrin's temperature and then sat back. "Her fever's down some but still high."

"What are your thoughts on Creteloc?" Finn asked her.

"Well, she obviously doesn't like me. Every time I walk by her, she hisses at me in native elvish."

"She hisses at you?"

"Yes, Captain. Odd, isn't it?"

"What does she say?"

"She calls me names mostly. She has a grudge against elves, from what I can tell."

"I wish Daemionis would take her back and let us watch over Kyrin."

"I don't see that happening," Alric said. "I just wish we could figure out the deity thing without such a fight."

Azimeth debated telling the king her thoughts, and then nodded. "In my opinion, if it was up to Lady Kyrin, she would give the children over to Sithias."

"You really think so?"

"I know so, sir. She still despises children, and I would imagine as a hands-off mother, she's not going to want them following her demon."

"I hadn't thought of it that way."

Finn looked over when Kyrin sighed. "I don't think she'll be a hands-off mother. I think she's going to fall in love with these babies the second she sees them."

"I wish I thought that," Alric said. "I agree with Azimeth. I think her disgust of children runs too deeply."

Azimeth lowered her voice. "Sir, I think we're disturbing her."

Alric looked over just as Kyrin's hand twitched slightly. He nodded, and the carriage fell silent.

# Chapter 8

Azimeth adjusted the cool rag on Kyrin's forehead and then looked out the port hole toward the ocean. They were nearing day four out on the majestic Valharan ship and would soon be arriving at what the Valharans called the summer house. Kyrin was shivering violently as her fever broke, and after a lot of persuading, Finn had talked Alric into getting some much needed sleep.

Finn came down the stairs into the stateroom. He had a glass of water in one hand and a plate in the other.

Azimeth took the glass and then watched while Finn put an arm under Kyrin's shoulders and lifted her up. "It's time to drink, kiddo."

Kyrin opened her eyes briefly but was too tired to do more.

"Kyrin, you have to drink," he said again, and held her up a little higher. Azimeth put the glass to her lips, and Kyrin was able to open her eyes long enough to take a drink.

When she was done, Finn lowered her to the bed, and Azimeth returned the cool rag to her forehead.

"I don't suppose she'll eat," Finn said, looking over at the plate.

"I don't think she's awake enough. She could choke," Azimeth told him.

"Eat up then." Finn took Azimeth's place so the royal elf could eat.

She sat down to eat as Finn covered Kyrin with another blanket and then watched her closely.

"May I ask you something?" Azimeth asked him.

"Sure"

"Is King Alric ever going to tell King Auldian that his wife is an evil?"

"Alric's not convinced that she is."

"She says she is."

"Evils choose to lead that kind of life. Kyrin had no choice because of the harsh environment she was raised in. Alric believes there's good in her and that it will come out in time."

"What if he finds that there's not?"

"Do you honestly believe that?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"She's not a natural born evil," Finn said, looking down at her pale complexion. "She'll come around."

"Her god scares me."

"Her god scares everyone."

"I'm terrified that he will appear one day while I'm alone with the Lady."

"He may. I've seen him, and he's one horrific creature."

She smiled. "You're not helping."

"I'm not going to sugar coat Daemionis."

Finn stood up when the horn blew from above, indicating they were arriving. "I better go wake the king."

"I'll have Lady Kyrin ready in a few minutes."

Alric was already up on deck, watching as the ship sailed closer to the fortress. The fortress looked like the tip of a mountain jutting out from the middle of the ocean. At the top of the peak stood a smaller castle. Numerous stairways wound their way to the top in a labyrinth. If you didn't know the correct route, you would find stairways leading to solid walls, at dead drop-offs to the water below, or even leading in circles.

A small pier reached out from a beach barely big enough to pile supplies. Just to the side of it were the entrances to five separate stairways.

Trox stepped off of the ship and walked over to the third stairway from the right. He started up the stairs first, with servants laden with supplies following him.

"She's ready," Azimeth told them. She'd just come up to the top deck with a heavy cloak around her shoulders.

"We'll get her," Alric said, and headed down the stairs with Finn. Several minutes later, they came up with Kyrin between them on a portable stretcher. She had a couple of blankets over her, and she wasn't moving.

The trek up the mountain was arduous, but they made it ahead of most of the supplies. Alric led them into the master suite, and soon, Kyrin was settled down on a large bed that was surrounded by sheer white netting.

"Sir, Auldian is waiting in the war room," Trox said when he finally made it up to the bedroom.

"Don't leave her," Alric said to Azimeth. "She doesn't know where she is."

Azimeth nodded and was just sitting down on a chair by the bed when the others left for the war room. Auldian and his advisors were already waiting for them.

"How is she?" Auldian asked when everyone was seated.

"We don't know yet. This isn't a disease that's common here," Alric explained. "How is Minathim holding up to Qualsax attacks?"

Alric didn't want to turn this into a report on his wife. He was still concerned that Auldian chose to come to Valhara's safe haven and not use his own, and he suspected it was because the elves wanted to learn more about Kyrin.

"As well as can be expected. We were outnumbered, but they aren't skilled or dedicated."

"Same with Valhara. So let's get to the point. Why have you come here?"

Auldian smiled and leaned back. "It seemed fitting that we stay together in case of continued attacks. It will save time in the long run to have us at the same location."

"That's it?"

"Does there need to be more?"

"I suspect you're here because Kyrin is."

The elf shrugged. "I wouldn't say it was a deterrent at all."

"What do you want with her?"

"To simply learn."

"What?"

"We aren't here to take her or hurt her, Alric," Auldian said. "It's natural for us to want to learn more about her. We know now that she doesn't even come from our world. It's fascinating."

The news shocked Alric. "Sithias told you that?"

"Well, no. However, we do have our ways."

"You have spies in my kingdom?!"

"No, no, please... calm down. We don't have spies."

"Then how are you getting this information?" Alric asked, furious. He considered everything about his life to be very private, and he felt no one needed to know anything that he hadn't told them.

"I do believe it was in a general conversation between Azimeth and her mother. Her mother mentioned it to me in passing," Auldian explained.

"Finn"

Finn quickly disappeared from the room.

"Please, she didn't mean any harm," Auldian told him.

"I won't have my wife around someone who can't keep absolutely everything to herself," Alric snapped. "Now let's get on with this tribunal, and then you can leave for Minathim."

"Fine, if you must know. Minathim's safe haven has been destroyed," Auldian said sadly.

Alric studied the elves, somewhat pleased. "It's not much of a safe haven then."

"Qualsax has hit Minathim harder than Valhara."

"Why's that?"

"We may have... well we may have overstepped in a campaign to move our borders a few stadia into their land."

"That wasn't very smart."

"We didn't know your magic user was as sick as she is. We thought she would help us."

"Why did you assume my wife would help you conquer more land?"

"We're allies."

"You're pushing the alliance. Even if Kyrin was at full strength right now, she wouldn't come defend you from an act of stupidity." Alric looked over when Finn walked in and sat down.

"What did you do to her?" Auldian asked him, a bit stiffly.

"Tossed her into the ocean."

Auldian gasped and Finn simply grinned.

"He didn't toss her into the ocean," Alric said, though he couldn't help but smile. "I will talk to Sithias and decide if you are to stay here, or if you have to find a safe place in your own kingdom."

"We don't have anywhere to go."

"That may not be my problem."

"We are allies!"

"You spied on us," Alric said, standing up. "Unless ordered by Sithias, you will leave."

"You can't do this," Auldian said sternly. Alric ignored him and returned to the master suite, followed by Trox and Finn.

They walked into the room and saw Saith and Dewell sitting around Kyrin on the bed. The sound of raspy breathing could be heard, and Saith didn't move when the king arrived. He had his hand on her upper chest, and his eyes were shut.

Dewell moved up to them and whispered softly, "It's moved to her lungs. Saith is trying to see if he can heal them, but it's not working yet."

"Has she woken?" Alric asked softly.

"No, sir."

"I'm surprised you managed to pull her through the fever," Creteloc said. They all looked toward her voice but saw only a deep shadow until she stepped out. "Most die during the fever. Course, her breathing doesn't sound very good. You may get lucky yet."

Alric rolled his eyes and walked over to sit down on the side of the bed.

"We don't want her dead," Finn said, irritated.

"Of course you don't." Creteloc walked over and looked down at her. "Tell your god that Daemionis wishes to have her soul when she dies."

"Do what?!" Alric yelled.

"He can't have it because this isn't his dimension, but he wants her soul for eternity and wants Sithias to know that."

"Get out."

"No"

Saith sat back and withdrew his hand. "It's done some."

"It was worse?" Alric asked, watching as Kyrin struggled to breathe.

"Yes, and it hit fast."

"I just hope it doesn't kill her before we get those infants," Creteloc said casually.

"Would you just...," Alric started to yell, but then saw she wasn't in the room. "Where did she go?"

"The bowels of hell?" Finn suggested.

"We have to get her to eat," Saith said, picking up her hand gently. "Her body has to have food for the strength to recover."

"I don't know if she'll wake up enough to eat."

"We have to try."

"Let me grab something," Finn said, and ran out of the room.

"Kyrin?" Alric asked, and touched her arm softly. He had hoped she might open her eyes, but she didn't respond at all.

"Up you go," Saith said, and slipped an arm under her shoulders to help her sit up. Her head lolled back, so Alric gently lifted it.

Dewell joined them and lightly touched her cheek. "Kyrin, come on and open your eyes."

She sighed softly, and her eyelids fluttered but didn't open.

"That was close. You have to eat," Dewell said softly. "Try again and open them."

Her eyes finally slid open, and she frowned slightly.

"Great!" Alric said, smiling at her.

"We thought maybe mashed apples," Finn said, coming in with a bowl.

"Want some apples?" Alric asked her.

"What dimension is this?" she asked, and started to drift off again.

"Stay wake, Kyrin. Come on."

She finally managed to open her eyes again, and Finn sat down with the bowl of mashed apples. He dipped some onto a spoon and held it to her lips. "Try this."

Kyrin flung her head to the side and mumbled something about poisons as her hands pushed the bowl away.

"It's not poisonous. It's apples," Alric said, and moved her head, so she faced forward again.

She sighed again and shifted, almost dropping off of Saith's arm, but he caught her.

"Stop trying to get away and just eat," Alric told her.

Her eyes met his, and she studied him.

He smiled. "Eat, please."

Kyrin looked at Finn and finally took the apples. She was having a hard time concentrating and couldn't remember where she was. Alric was there, and though part of her screamed not to trust him, another part felt comfortable that he was there with her. When the apples touched her tongue, her hunger became apparent.

"Another." Finn scooped up more apples and fed her another bite.

When she was done, she started coughing and her harsh rasp became worse.

Saith laid her down gently, and she looked over at the window. "Where am I?"

"You're still in Valhara," Alric said, taking her hand.

"What dimension?"

"Paragoy. You haven't left the dimension."

"The Shadowmere?"

"They aren't here."

She nodded slightly and then slipped back to sleep.

Saith smiled. "I'm happy now that she's eaten some."

"Azimeth wants to speak to you," Finn said when Kyrin was deep asleep again.

"I'm not sure I want her around," Alric said.

"She knows that. She said she feels bad and didn't mean any harm."

"She gave private information to the elves about my wife."

"I agree, and I'd love to boot her off of this island," Finn said.

"We still need this alliance," Trox said. The others looked over at him. "She was our link. I hate to remove her position."

"Do we need them?" Alric asked. "Seems to me, we're doing all of the supporting and getting nothing in return."

Trox smiled. "You're starting to sound like Kyrin."

"That wasn't evil. I won't allow my kingdom to get used."

"It's a delicate balance, and you know that Sithias will ask that you two work it out. You could start by reinstating Azimeth as Kyrin's Lady in Waiting."

"Why? So Kyrin can tell her something or do something that makes it back to the elves?"

"We'll have to tell Kyrin, so she's more careful."

Creteloc's chuckle sounded. "You're going to tell an evil that someone is around them that cannot be trusted? She'll be dead by the end of the week."

Alric nodded. "Creteloc has a point."

"I could take care of her now, actually. You would be blameless."

"No," Alric said, and turned to where Creteloc had been standing. "Now where did she go?"

"My guess is to kill Azimeth," Finn told him.

"Go put knights on her."

Finn nodded and walked out of the room.

"I'm not saying you have to trust her," Trox explained. "I'm just saying that firing her and sending her back to the elves could have disastrous consequences. What if she tells them everything she knows about Kyrin?"

"She's doing that anyway," Alric reminded him.

"Not everything."

"I can't trust her around Kyrin, and right now, I'm not so sure Kyrin can defend herself."

"I don't think she meant to do any harm. She was just visiting about her duties, and it came up. We can tell her to be more careful in the future."

"I still don't like it."

"You don't have to. You know as well as I do that Sithias wants Valhara and Minathim to get along."

"It's just hard right now, you know?" Alric said, watching Kyrin sleep. "When I met her, I never had to defend her. In fact, I'd be afraid to cross her. Right now, she's helpless, and I'm not sure how to help her without crossing the line and making her feel vulnerable."

"I don't think you even have to do anything differently. She will know she has limitations, and just being there will put you in a place to defend her if need be."

"So I put a traitor as her confidante?"

"She didn't mean any harm."

"It doesn't matter."

"My suggestion is to reinstate Azimeth and not even to tell Kyrin about any of this," Trox suggested.

"She's alive," Finn said, returning. "I have three knights on her. She thinks she's being detained."

Alric thought for a moment. "Are Yevin and Wester still loyal to Kyrin?"

"Yes," Finn replied.

"So let's put them on her permanently and make sure they watch what's said around Azimeth. If it's something they feel shouldn't be public, they need to tell me immediately."

"Easy enough. Those two are here already."

"Do it then."

***

"Sir," the two knights said, bowing to Alric when he approached the door.

Alric nodded to them and then carried a tray of food into the bedroom. He stopped at the door when he saw the bed was empty. After setting the tray down, he walked toward the balcony door and then stopped.

Kyrin was standing on the balcony, looking out over the ocean. Her hair was down and blowing with the wind, and her light nightgown was pulled tightly against her body as the breeze tugged at it. He hadn't seen her standing in a while, and the wind against her nightgown showed off her form and how much the babies had grown.

Alric grabbed a blanket and then walked out onto the balcony. He shivered as he put the blanket over her shoulders and lightly kissed her neck before covering it.

"I don't know where I am," Kyrin said softly. Her eyes never left the white topped waves as a storm brewed off of the island.

"You're in a safe haven for Valhara."

"Why?"

"Qualsax attacked, and this is the most secure location for us."

"There's no land."

"Just the little beach."

"Portals need land," she said, still not moving.

"Were you leaving?"

"I don't like being cut off. If we're attacked, I have to find a portal, and none are out here."

"We aren't going to be attacked. Come back inside, please."

Kyrin finally nodded and walked into the warmth of the room. She moved slowly and unsteadily. Although she'd been awake for two weeks, she didn't seem to be getting any stronger, and it concerned Alric.

She sat down and looked at the hot soup in front of her.

Alric sat across from her. "I didn't realize that you needed land to have portals."

"They don't appear in buildings."

"Never?"

"No," she said, and took a sip.

"I'm sorry then. I know you don't like feeling trapped."

"Can we go back?"

"Not yet. The Qualsax fled, but we want to wait to see if they regroup and attack."

She slowly finished the soup and then sat back and looked toward the fire.

Alric took her hand. "Are you okay?"

She nodded.

"Trox is anxious to talk to you about the river Styx."

Kyrin looked over at him. "The what?"

"Creteloc said your illness came from the dimension with the river Styx."

"I don't know that river."

"Oh, it's a legend here. Supposedly, the river Styx separates the living world from the world of the dead."

"I didn't know it had a name."

"So you do know it?"

Kyrin nodded. The images of the priest of Kynneke being dragged down into the water full of bodies made her shiver.

"Are you cold?"

"It's not the kind of place I want to talk about."

"Well, I'd like you to avoid it. For a couple of weeks, we thought you were going to die."

"I can't avoid it. I have to cross it to get from Kyrstalis to Paragoy."

"There's not another way?"

She smiled weakly. "No, there's not another way."

Alric kissed her hand lightly.

Kyrin looked at him. "I stand corrected."

"About what?"

"You"

"Dare I ask?"

"Even pregnant, you nursed me back to health. I know you could have left me to die if you really didn't want me."

"I've told you that's not true."

"Well, I didn't fully believe you."

"Will you ever?"

She shrugged.

"What?"

"You do need an heir."

"Stop"

"It's true."

"That's not why we worked so hard to keep you from dying."

Kyrin nodded. "I know."

"Then stop saying it." Alric took her hand and led her over to the bed. "Now lie down and get some rest. I can still hear wheezing when you breathe, so you aren't out of the woods yet."

"Then we can go back?"

"Not until it's safe. You don't need a portal out of here."

"And you said Creteloc is here?" Kyrin asked, lying down. She pulled the blankets up over her shoulders.

"Yes, but I wish she would leave."

"I know you don't like her, but I like having her here."

"It's the only reason I don't have her removed."

"Do you have a meeting?" Kyrin asked when Alric started for the door.

He shook his head and then climbed into bed and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

***

"Are you sure you're supposed to be up and around?" Azimeth asked as Kyrin looked around the top floor of the castle.

"No," she said, and started down a long hallway.

"I can show you back to your room."

"I'm tired of sitting in that room."

"Back off, royal elf," Creteloc hissed at her. She then walked past the elf and up to Kyrin. "Over this way."

Kyrin followed Creteloc around a few corners to a thin stone ladder that went up and stopped at the ceiling. "What's that?"

"Go up and I'll show you."

Kyrin nodded and headed up it. At the top, she pushed against the ceiling, and it opened onto the roof. She pulled herself up and then looked around, shocked.

The roof was full of royal elves with crossbows. Some were coming out of tents to see who was on the roof with them. Others were sitting in the turrets and watching out over the water.

"Wow," Kyrin said, taking a quick head count. She lost count at 80 royal elves.

Creteloc joined her. "It's disconcerting to have this many around."

"What are you doing up here?" Kyrin asked the closest one as she walked toward the tents.

He looked up. "Why is the Lady of Valhara up here?"

"I asked first."

"We're the look out."

"Looking for what exactly?"

"Approaching ships," he said, and then turned and walked away from her.

Kyrin went over to the side and looked down, hundreds of feet to where the waves crashed into the rocks.

"Don't jump," Creteloc said from behind her.

"Just don't push me."

"I don't want you dead."

Kyrin smiled and turned around. "No, you don't want the babies dead. You couldn't care less if I fall right now."

"True"

"You were wrong about Alric. Admit it."

"Why would I admit something that's an untruth?"

"You said he got me pregnant because he didn't want me around."

"How is that a lie?"

"He could have left me for dead, and he didn't."

"He wants those babies, just like Sithias, and just like Daemionis."

Kyrin shrugged. "He loves me, and he wants me around."

Creteloc walked over to where one of the archers was standing. He shivered and turned around, jumping off of the turret. He had the sudden feeling that his life was in danger.

"Creteloc, leave them alone," Kyrin said, frowning.

Creteloc returned. "When did you start ordering me around?"

"I'm not, but I don't need any trouble."

"So you're okay with these royal elves?"

"Not at all. They make me nervous, and I wish they would all go away."

"So let's just kill off this roof."

"How do you propose to do that?"

"Magic"

"My magic isn't working."

"You wouldn't do it anyway. You're getting soft," Creteloc said, starting for the ladder.

"I am not."

"By the time those babies come, you'll be lifting your little finger to drink." Creteloc gracefully slid down the ladder.

Kyrin headed down after her, albeit not as gracefully. She was still feeling weak from the illness. "I will not. Stop saying that or Daemionis will hear and believe you."

Kyrin let out a small scream when someone grabbed her off of the ladder. She turned when Alric spoke, "Would you not?"

"Don't scare me."

"I won't scare you if you'll stop trying to kill yourself. The last person I want you on the roof with is Creteloc."

"He's not as dumb as he looks," Creteloc said, walking away.

"Why are there royal elves up there?" Kyrin asked him.

"They're good with bows and are watching for enemy ships."

"Why are they here at all?"

"Their king is here, as a refugee of sorts."

Her nose wrinkled. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you're uncomfortable around them, and I didn't want you to stress. They will stay up there and have agreed to leave you alone."

"Oh"

He smiled. "Just ignore them, and we'll try to make it so they don't bother you."

"Fine"

"Now, why don't you go lay down?"

"I'm tired of lying down."

"I bet you are, but you're still weak."

She huffed slightly and walked past him.

"Sure, don't believe me, but I'm sending Finn with you," Alric told her.

"Fine by me," she said as she disappeared around the corner.

Azimeth went to catch up with her, but Alric stopped her. "Leave her be for now."

"Sir?"

"She's not happy about the elves around here, and there's no use pushing the issue."

The elf sighed. "Yes, sir."

Kyrin ignored when Finn and two of the knights joined her. She wanted to find the lowest point in the castle to see if it had a dirt floor. If it did, there was a chance a portal would be there. She'd never seen one indoors but hoped natural ground might permit one.

They wound down, farther and farther. Any time the stairs ended, Kyrin would wander until she found another set. Neither Finn nor the knights said anything to her but watched for any sign of elves. Alric had given strict orders that they were to stay away from her.

It was on the lowest floor when Kyrin sighed and looked over at Finn. "No more stairs?"

"Nope"

"Not even to a dungeon?"

He chuckled. "We don't have a dungeon in here."

"Great," she said, and looked around.

"All that's down here is the doorway."

"What doorway?"

Finn motioned for her to follow him and then led her around several corridors and to a tall stone door set into the rock wall. "That doorway."

She moved forward and ran her fingers over deep etching on it. "Where does it go?"

"No one knows."

"So open it."

"We can't. No one's opened it since the king's great-great-great-great-great grandfather, King Shanis."

She turned to him. "Sounds like a story. Keep going."

"Well, the black elf god, Tiasis, and Sithias were warring again, and somehow, King Shanis got into the fight. The strongest of Tiasis' followers was known as D'Thal, a powerful magic user. He and Shanis were constantly trying to kill each other."

Kyrin smiled. "Nice."

"One day, D'Thal disappeared and this door appeared in the castle. King Shanis would never tell anyone, not even Sithias, where D'Thal went or what this door was for. No one's ever been able to get it open."

Kyrin looked over at the door. "Quite the history for a door. No idea what's behind it?"

"Nope. Every king, including Alric, has tried to open it, but no one's had any luck."

"Well, it has odd runes on it."

"It's assumed to be some type of language."

"Too bad I don't read any of the languages I speak."

"How many do you know?"

She shrugged. "I want to know what's behind the door."

"So do we."

"What's going on?" Alric asked, walking into the room.

"I want to know what's behind this door," Kyrin told him.

He nodded. "We all do. The worst was my grandfather. He hired a rogue to try to get in."

"No luck?" Kyrin said, feeling around the edges of it.

"Nope"

Kyrin pushed, but nothing happened. A word came to her mind but again, nothing happened when she said it.

"What's that word for?" Alric asked.

"I'm not sure"

"So you just say words that pop into your head without knowing what they do?"

"Pretty much."

Alric stood back by Finn and watched, hoping she could get it open.

"Pahnsar," Kyrin said, and pushed harder. "Pahnsar hin."

"What language is that?"

"Shadow elf," she said, and looked at the runes again.

"Why don't you not, okay?" Alric said. "I don't need Auldian hearing that."

"Shaeith"

"Was that shadow elf again?"

"Gada"

"Kyrin"

She pushed harder. "Yinshi."

"Kyrin"

"Dahor"

"Kyrin!"

She looked at him. "What?"

"Stop"

"I want to see what's behind it."

"I don't need you speaking shadow elf in front of Auldian," Alric explained.

"Only the first was shadow elf."

"What were the others?"

"Well... elf, troll, goblin, orc..."

"Never mind, let's just go back up."

She turned back to the door. "No! I want to know what's in there."

"No one's known for hundreds of years."

"Well, I'm more persistent than they are."

"Maybe when you have magic back you can try. That's one thing I doubt anyone's tried."

"I don't want to wait."

Alric just sighed and watched her.

"Let me have your dagger," she said, putting her hand back toward Finn as she studied the door.

"Why?"

"Just let me borrow it please."

He slipped the dagger off of his side and handed it to her. She turned away from the others and slid it along the palm of her hand, cutting into the flesh.

"Hey!" Alric yelled, lunging for her to get the dagger. She fell forward to get away from him and vanished through the door. Alric caught her hand before she disappeared and the momentum sent him through after her. Thinking quickly, Finn grabbed Alric's arm as he disappeared and was also sucked through.

Creteloc hissed from behind the knights and ran at the door, hitting solid rock.

Kyrin, Finn, and Alric immediately submerged into cold, fast-moving water. They tried to surface but found only rock ceiling above them with no air available. There was a dull light off to their left, and they all began to swim toward it.

Kyrin was finding it hard to swim in the nightgown and robe, so she slipped the robe off and made things easier. Finn was weighed down with armor and had to tear most of it off before he could move. Alric wasn't laden with anything but made sure Finn and Kyrin were behind him before swimming toward the light.

The swim was taking too long, and they pushed harder as their air ran out and things began to blur over their vision. Their heads pounded, and their lungs ached to take a breath.

Alric was the first to emerge and gasp in air hungrily. Kyrin and Finn surfaced at the same time. Finn sucked in air, and Kyrin began to cough. She still had some illness and had managed to breathe in some of the cold water.

Alric swam over to her and helped her start moving toward the edge of the water where a rock outcropping would allow them to crawl out. Once out of the water, the three breathed heavily and waited for the headaches to subside.

They were shivering when they regained enough air to look around better. Kyrin stood first and wrapped her arms around herself as she surveyed the large room they were in. Although they were in a cave, the walls were glowing slightly, putting off an eerie blue light.

An archaic sign was perched against the wall and read, "Welcome."

"Are you okay?" Alric asked, standing up beside Kyrin. He quickly healed her hand that she'd cut with Finn's dagger.

"Yes"

"You?" he asked Finn.

Finn nodded and joined them. "Where are we?"

"I'm not sure," Alric replied, and then slipped off his wet tunic to wrap around Kyrin.

"We better warm up, or we're going to freeze to death."

"Kyrin, can you manage even a little spark?"

She grasped her shaking hands and whispered, "Shamagiem."

They didn't glow at all and Finn bent down to see if he could find some rocks that might produce a spark. Alric broke the sign into pieces and built it up, so they could start a fire, if at all possible.

Kyrin kept trying to produce some form of fire and became irritated when nothing seemed to work.

"Let's try these," Finn said, hunkering down over the broken sign. He started banging two rocks together, desperately trying to start a fire before they froze.

Alric pulled Kyrin against him and wrapped his arms around her, hoping their combined body warmth would help keep them alive.

"This isn't working," Finn said after trying for almost an hour to start a fire. He was now shaking, and Kyrin's teeth were chattering.

"Okay, let's move out then," Alric said. "Maybe moving will help."

Finn nodded and then reached around for his sword but his entire belt was gone. "Great. I lost my weapon."

Alric sighed. "I didn't have one on me."

"Then go carefully," Kyrin said, and started for the only opening in the rock wall. They had to walk around the pool of water for a ways before reaching it. The glassy surface reminded her of the death river, so she kept far away from it.

Finn looked through the opening first and then frowned and walked inside. Alric and Kyrin followed, shocked at what they saw.

The doorway opened into another large round room filled with racks of clothing. This room glowed orange and gave everyone a sickly color. There were racks and racks of clothing forming rows, and a mirror was at the head of each row.

"Clothes?" Kyrin asked, touching one of the tunics.

"Armor too," Alric said. He walked over and lifted one of the chain mail shirts.

"Change before we freeze then," Finn said, and peeled off his wet shirt. He found a light tunic and slipped it on, instantly feeling warmer. After making sure Kyrin had gone behind the only dressing curtain, he then began the laborious task of peeling off wet pants

Alric was the first to finish dressing, and then went over to look through the armor. He soon found a long-sword and checked to make sure it was sharp before putting it to his side for later. It didn't take long to outfit himself with a chain mail shirt, plate mail leg armor, a shield, and the sword. The armor was made for a taller, more slender form, but after digging, he found enough to outfit himself, albeit in mismatched types of armor.

He turned just as Finn finished getting dressed. He was already in full plate mail and was swinging a heavy broadsword to see if it fit.

It seemed like a long time later when Alric realized that Kyrin wasn't out with them. "Are you okay?"

"No," she said, sounding irritated.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing"

He smiled and walked back behind the curtain. She was sitting on the floor naked, covered in tunics and pants. "Why don't you get dressed?"

"Nothing fits."

He nodded and then went back out and started going through the tunics. "Kyrin, these are all made for men. You may have to take one of these dresses."

"I don't want a dress."

Finn grinned and sheathed his new broad sword.

"I know that," Alric said, pulling a dress off of the rack. "However, men's clothes won't accommodate your body right now. I'm sorry, but take this."

He handed the dress over, and she took it and slipped it on. She was obviously not happy with the floor length, baby-doll cut, green dress, but it fit around her middle, so she didn't see as though she had a choice.

"Here, kiddo," Finn said, walking up to her. He had a steel mace in his hand, and she took it and adjusted her grip a few times.

"No flail?"

"Not that I can find. I figured a mace is going to be as close to one as we are going to get."

"What do you suppose this place is then?" Alric asked. "I mean, who puts clothes into a cave?"

"Most of this stuff has an emblem on it," Finn said, walking over to him. He held his arm out, and Alric looked at the black rune on his arm.

"Kyrin, ever seen this?" he asked.

She looked at her own arm and saw the same symbol. "No."

"Well at least we're warm now," Alric said, and then looked around at the clothes.

"Warm and armed," Finn said, pleased.

Kyrin tore the bottom off of one of the dresses and tied her hair up with the strip of fabric. "Fine then. Let's keep going. There's a door back here."

Alric looked over as Kyrin parted a rack of clothing, revealing a small wooden door.

"Let me go first," Finn said, moving forward. He opened the door and peeked out. "It's just a hallway."

Kyrin and Alric followed him into a long stone hallway.

"There are no lights in here," Alric said. "It's too dangerous to walk down it."

"That may be the only way out though."

"How did they even see to build this?"

"If they were elves, they can see in the dark," Kyrin explained.

"Perfect"

Kyrin tried to see down the hallway again. "I guess we go."

"Finn, you lead then. Kyrin will be in the middle, and I'll bring up the rear."

Finn nodded and then started walking. Kyrin hated being in the middle but understood that she was weaker than they were and unable to cast.

Moving was slow because Finn had to take cautious steps and feel carefully along the wall.

Just when they were debating going back, Finn found a wooden surface. "Stop."

"What?" Alric asked.

"There's a door here."

Finn crouched low to the floor and slid the door open with his sword, then peered around it and into a purple lit room. He studied the room before standing up and moving inside. Kyrin and Alric followed him into a large banquet room. There was a long table set in the middle, and it was filled with food. The smell made their stomachs rumble as they walked along it, looking at the different kinds of food laid out.

"Wow," Kyrin said, stopping at a plate full of large red and yellow apples.

"I'm hungry too," Finn said, and then turned to look around the rest of the room.

"Someone has to be down here. This food is fresh," Alric said, backing away from it.

"Fresh or magic," Kyrin added.

"Magic food?"

"Sure, why not?"

"You know how to make magic food?"

"Of course not. If I did, I wouldn't starve out in the dimensions."

"Right"

Finn returned after walking the length of the room. "There's nothing in here but the table and food."

"Maybe we should stay here and rest a bit," Alric said, studying Kyrin. She was moving slower, and a raspiness had returned to her breathing.

"I'm fine," she said, crossing her arms.

"I'm tired though," Finn said, and then sat down against the wall. "We might as well rest where we have light."

"How do we have light?" Kyrin asked, walking up to the wall. She touched the cold, wet stone but found no sign of how the rocks glowed. She stopped at a wooden sign similar to the first one they encountered, but this one said, 'Noble blood here boils.'

"That's weird," Finn said, looking over at the sign.

"What does it say?"

"Just says noble blood here boils."

"That doesn't make a lot of sense."

Finn smiled at Alric. "Is your blood boiling?"

"I'm thinking not."

"Just checking."

"What are the chances we shifted?" Alric asked, sitting down beside Finn.

She shrugged. "I guess we could have. I've never seen a portal like that though."

"If we did shift, then now what?"

"Then we look for another doorway, and we keep shifting until I recognize a dimension."

"That doesn't sound appealing."

She smiled and sat down next to them. "That's the life of a shifter."

"Are you really doing okay?"

"I'm fine."

"I could always call for Sithias," Alric said. "I try not to call for him to get me out of trouble though."

"Then don't call him," Kyrin told him. "We're not even in danger."

"We don't know that."

"I haven't seen anything at all that could attack us."

They all looked at the door and then jumped to their feet when the sound of running echoed through the hallway.

"Then again," Kyrin whispered.

As the footsteps approached, they drew their weapons and then faced the door, ready to fight.

The footsteps stopped at the door, and they heard whispers that the Valharans didn't understand.

Kyrin's eyes narrowed. "They're here for Alric."

"You understood that?" he whispered.

"Yes, it's shadow elf."

Alric's grip tightened on his sword, but the whispers soon faded, and the hallway became silent.

"Did they leave?" Finn whispered.

Alric kept a close eye on the door. "I didn't hear them leave."

"Maybe we better check," Kyrin said softly.

"Maybe you should just shut up," Alric snapped.

Kyrin frowned at him. "Excuse me?"

"I'm going to take a peek," Finn said, moving toward the door. He didn't feel like getting into the middle of a noble fight. He opened the door slowly and then carefully looked into the hallway. "No one's there."

"There has to be someone there," Alric said, irritated. He flung open the door and looked out. When he didn't see anyone, he started walking down the dark hallway.

"Wait, King," Finn whispered, and then started after him.

Still irritated about the 'shut up' comment, Kyrin followed them in silence. The door shut behind her and cut off all light.

"Why did you shut that?" Alric yelled at her.

"I didn't! It shut on its own."

"Stop it," Finn said. "We aren't going to get out of here if you two don't stop fighting."

"You can't talk to me like that. I'm the king."

Finn simply turned back to the hallway and began to inch along it again, feeling for a doorway. It wasn't long before he came to another door on the opposite side of the passageway as the other one. He knelt down and pushed it open. A dull yellow light glowed, and he walked into a large room filled with bunk beds.

Kyrin was the next to step in, and she started down the long row of beds. "This place is like a miniature city."

"I agree. Like it was built as a place to live."

"Don't be stupid," Alric said, walking past them. "It's obviously all fake and conjured up by some foolish magic user."

Kyrin started after him with her mace raised, but Finn caught her and slipped it out of her hand. "I'm not sure this is his fault."

"It sure as hell is! I don't have to put up with that."

"He's been acting strangely since that dining room."

"I guess you're right," she said, and sat down on one of the beds.

"Let's camp here for the night," Finn suggested. "I'll take the first watch and you two try to get some sleep."

"When did you start giving orders?" Alric asked, glaring at him.

"It was more of a suggestion."

"Well, I don't agree."

"You're outvoted," Kyrin said, laying back on the bed. "I'm going to sleep."

Alric watched her. "Let's just leave her and go ahead."

"We can't just leave her," Finn said, shocked.

"Wake me when it's my turn," Kyrin said, and rolled onto her side away from them.

Finn glanced at Alric. "I say we let her sleep all night. She's pale again, and I don't like the sound of her breathing."

"Why should she get to sleep all night? I'm the king. I should get to sleep while she watches over me."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes"

Finn sighed. "Fine, you go to sleep too, and I'll watch all night."

"Suit yourself," Alric said, and laid down on the bunk beds next to the one Kyrin was in.

Finn watched them through the night but didn't hear any more footsteps. Just as he was starting another patrol through what looked like a dormitory, Alric rolled over and looked at Kyrin.

Finn stopped to see if they were getting up and was surprised when Alric slid into bed next to Kyrin and started to kiss her.

"Alric, stop," Kyrin snapped, and pulled away from him.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her still so he could kiss her again.

She struggled in his arms. When one hand began to lift the hem of her dress, she pushed harder and was able to get one hand free. "I said, stop it!"

"You can't tell me no. I'm the king," Alric said, and then hiked her dress up to her thighs.

Kyrin slapped him and sat up. "Leave me the hell alone."

Finn jumped at them when Alric backhanded her to the bed and immediately began kissing her again. Finn pulled the king away from her, just as she grabbed her mace and faced him.

Alric pulled his chain mail shirt down. "You two seem to forget who I am."

"I can't believe you hit her," Finn said, looking at the bruise forming on her cheek.

"I can!" Kyrin yelled. "He's just like the others."

"No, he's not. Something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong with me," Alric said. "She's my wife, and I can do with her as I please. Now either turn around and don't watch, or leave us alone and do. It's no matter to me."

Alric advanced on Kyrin, and she scrambled over the back of the bunk bed and ran for the door. Alric caught up to her easily and slammed her, face first, into the wall as he began to run his hands up her legs and kiss her neck.

Kyrin turned suddenly when she felt Alric crumple behind her. Finn was standing behind him, gripping his sword.

"Did you just hit him?" Kyrin asked, looking down at the unconscious king.

Finn nodded and sheathed his broadsword. "I only hit him with the pommel. Something's wrong with him."

Kyrin took Alric's sword, and then Finn began to tie him up using strips of fabric from a blanket on the bed.

When Alric's hands were restrained behind his back, Finn sighed. "I could be killed for this."

"You can come with me when I shift out of here," Kyrin said, smoothing down her skirt. She was too embarrassed about what happened to even look at Finn.

"I would imagine he'll return to normal. At least, I hope he'll return to normal."

Alric began to stir and finally sat up and looked around. "Why am I restrained?"

"Because I'm not sure you're quite yourself," Finn told him.

Alric snarled. "Let me go, or I'll have your head for this!"

"You attacked Kyrin."

"So?!"

"That's enough for me. You stay restrained," Finn said, and helped Alric to his feet.

"Even worse! I'll torture you!"

"He has a torture room?" Kyrin asked, slightly impressed.

"No, he doesn't," Finn told her. "He doesn't believe in them."

"So he's an evil now?"

"I'm not sure."

Alric grinned and a dark shadow crossed his face. "I'm not evil. I've just seen my true path."

***

"What do you mean you can't get in there?" Daemionis asked, looking at the doorway.

Sithias shrugged. "I can't get through that door. I was told that the three of them disappeared through it, but it never opened."

"So it's a portal."

"I suspect it is, though Trox mentioned that Kyrin cut herself to get through it. Have you seen a portal like that?"

"No. She cut herself, you say?"

"Yes"

"Creteloc"

Creteloc moved past her god and then stood before the door. She pulled out a dagger and cut her palm. When nothing happened, she let a few drops of blood fall onto the door.

"So it's not the blood of an evil that opens it," Sithias said, frowning.

"I don't even feel her in this dimension," Daemionis said angrily.

"I don't detect Alric either. They must have shifted."

"Did she pick anything up?" Daemionis asked Creteloc.

"No, sir. She simply cut her hand, and it looked like she was pulled inside."

Daemionis turned to Sithias. "You're after the babies."

"Of course I am but not enough to go to these lengths."

"Where is she?!"

Sithias stood his ground. "I don't have them. If we want them back either you need to go find them in the dimensions, or we have to figure out how to open this door."

***

"Keep walking," Kyrin said angrily, and pushed Alric forward.

He stumbled a bit and then looked back at her. "You need a good beating for this."

"Good luck with that."

He grinned. "You can't shift out of Paragoy. Sithias has shut all portals, so you're mine."

"I see a light ahead," Finn whispered in the darkness.

Kyrin's eyes narrowed. "I don't."

"It's faint."

"Let's go then. Maybe it's a way out."

"I can't wait to get out of here," Alric said maliciously. "You two have a long punishment coming for tying me up."

Kyrin reached out and pushed him again. "Walk."

He glared at her and then followed behind Finn.

The three emerged into a well-lit chamber. It was too long to see the end of and had stark white columns lining a red carpet that disappeared from sight, deeper into the room.

They listened carefully but didn't hear anything.

Finn thought for a moment and started walking along the carpet, followed by Alric and then Kyrin. After walking in silence for twenty minutes, they finally saw the end of the massive room. The only thing at the end of the red carpet was a throne that was an exact replica of Alric's throne in Valhara.

Another wooden sign stood beside it, 'Here sits the noble of the underworld'.

Alric smiled. "Good, my throne is here."

Kyrin took his arm when he started for it. "No."

"You can't tell me no!"

"Yes, I can."

"You aren't sitting on that throne," Finn told him, and stepped to block his way.

"It's my throne," Alric yelled.

"No. There's something wrong with this entire place, and I have a bad feeling about that chair."

Kyrin nodded and walked forward to look at it. She touched it softly and then walked all the way around it. "It seems normal, but I agree, let's not let him sit in it."

"You two...," Alric started.

"We know. We will be punished," Finn said, holding onto Alric's arm.

Kyrin looked around and studied the walls. "I don't see another door."

Finn nodded. "I don't either."

"Kyrin?" Alric said, grinning.

She looked over at him.

"Kah'lest dak e'yara."

"Was that black elf?" Finn gasped.

Kyrin nodded and answered Alric, "You're not my king to bow before."

"You will bow before me," Alric said, standing up taller. The binds on Alric's hands slowly fell to pieces at his feet.

"Behind you!" Finn yelled, and drew his sword.

Kyrin spun and came face-to-face with hundreds of shadow elves, all advancing with weapons drawn. She gripped the mace tightly and backed up.

"They're coming from all around us," Finn said, putting his back to hers.

They both looked over as Alric sat down on the throne and deep trumpets blared from the darkness behind them. The wooden sign disappeared and Alric looked at them with red, glowing eyes.

"The king has come," he said, and looked around at the shadow elves.

The fight was short. Kyrin and Finn were too outnumbered and only got off a few hits before they were disarmed and forced to their knees before Alric.

Kyrin glared at him and struggled to get away, but Finn studied everything around him, looking for a way out.

She screamed furiously when someone slammed their hand into the back of her neck and forced her to bow to Alric. Finn struggled against the same treatment but was ultimately made to bow also.

"Not just a king but heirs too," Alric said proudly.

The shadow elves all began to bow and chant softly, except the two that held Kyrin and Finn down.

"Bring her before me," Alric commanded.

Kyrin was roughly hauled to her feet and pushed to the platform where Alric was sitting on his throne. Once before him, she was again forced onto her knees and made to bow.

He smiled. "Be thankful I don't just kill you now. Instead, I will allow you to worship me."

"You can kill me first. I won't worship you," she said angrily.

The shadow elf holding her down pressed harder and slammed her face into the stone ground.

"You will learn to. First, look at me."

The shadow elf grabbed a handful of hair and forced her to look up at the king.

"Swear your allegiance to me," he ordered her.

"No"

"Do it!"

"No!" she said through gritted teeth. She knew it was coming but wasn't able to brace for the impact when he backhanded her again. Blood seeped out of the corner of her eye, and she glared up at him.

Finn managed to disable the shadow elf holding him and slammed his elbow into the face of another. They descended on him and held him down while the others kicked him. When they finally let him up, his eyes were swollen shut and his face was a mass of bruises and cut flesh.

"My priests are coming to see if they can get through this doorway," Sithias said. His voice was far off and muffled. Everyone in the room looked over toward where the voice came from, but only a stone wall was visible.

"Sithias!" Finn roared, but was kicked hard in the neck, and he crumpled to the floor, unmoving.

"Well, do something," Daemionis growled. Again, the voice was distant and nothing could be seen.

Alric stood slowly and faced where the voices were coming from. "Don't let them in."

One of the closest shadow elves bowed and then led a group to guard the wall where the voices were heard.

Kyrin faced Alric. "What do you want?"

He smiled at her chillingly. "I want you to rule the underworld at my side."

"How long have we been down here?"

"Three days, but an eternity in the making."

"You want me to rule the shadow elves with you?"

"Yes, and to produce heirs, so we can soon rule all of Valhara."

She glanced at Finn, who still wasn't moving. "Return him to the castle, and I'll do as you ask."

"You will rule beside me?"

"Yes"

"Do as I ask?"

"Yes"

"Be what I want you to be?" Alric asked, taking a step closer to her.

"I swear to it." Her voice was a harsh whisper, and her eyes grew dark.

Alric nodded for the shadow elf to let her up, and then she walked up to him and kissed him lightly.

"Look, Kyrin, at your adoring minions," Alric said, smiling at the hordes of shadow elves.

Kyrin turned to them and studied them closer. She hadn't noticed before but they didn't look completely right. They weren't all standing up straight, and some of them had tears in their flesh that weren't bleeding. Their eyes were hollow and sunken, and their skin was pulled tight across their bones.

"You've noticed," Alric said, returning to his throne.

"What's wrong with them?" she asked, and then looked around for Finn but couldn't see him.

"They are undead. When they drink from a Valharan though, they will soon return to life as our new kingdom."

"Undead?"

"We live down here and have waited for centuries for the return of noble blood, so we can rise again."

"We?" she whispered.

"I am one of them now."

"We're not in Paragoy?"

"No, we're not any longer. We're between dimensions, in the world of the dead."

She smiled. "So you're in my territory now."

He stood slowly. "What do you mean?"

"Meaning, you have no power over me." Kyrin pulled the dagger from the closest shadow elf and began to carve a 'D' into her arm.

"Stop her!" Alric screamed.

A roar sounded, and Daemionis appeared beside the throne. The shadow elves began to fall back as the furious demon looked around at them. Sithias shimmered a few seconds later and looked at disgust as the shadow elves started to run.

Daemionis slammed his hooved foot against the ground, and the shadow elves began to turn to dust as they ran. Sithias turned to Alric and touched his arm, and then both disappeared.

Silence filled the room and Daemionis turned to Kyrin as she looked around. "Where's Alric?"

"Sithias has taken him."

"Where?"

"I don't really care." Daemionis looked again at the scattered ash and roughly grabbed Kyrin's arm. The wind shifted around her quickly, and she staggered when they appeared inside of the small island castle.

"Kyrin!" Finn gasped, looking up from where a priest was healing his wounds.

Kyrin looked around but didn't see Daemionis. "Where's Alric?"

Saith stepped forward. "Sithias has taken him to his home to recover."

"Sithias! Bring him back," Kyrin called out.

"Let him be," Saith told her. "The king is under an evil influence and needs Sithias."

"He won't punish Alric?"

"Of course not."

"And that place?" Kyrin asked, looking over at the High Priest.

"Sithias believes it was created by D'Thal."

"The shadow elf magician?"

"Yes. From what we can tell from Finn's story, Shanis locked D'Thal in that cave between dimensions and thought him dead. D'Thal didn't die, but instead spent his life creating his revenge. As soon as someone with Shanis' blood stepped into the realm, they were prepared to rule in his stead and to eventually bring evil to take over Valhara."

"Then we have to destroy it."

"It has been destroyed."

"And the door?"

"No longer there," Saith said, and then smiled. "Let me heal your wounds."

"No!" she said, heading for the door. "I don't want anything from Sithias or his priests."

"Sithias didn't do this," Dewell said, standing up from beside Finn.

Finn was completely healed and moved toward her. "This isn't Sithias' fault, and Alric's actions aren't his own."

Kyrin didn't respond but instead turned and walked to her room. Azimeth met her at the door and again tried to talk Kyrin into letting the priests heal her. Kyrin ignored the elf and disappeared into her room.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep in the warm room. She ignored all visitors that came in over the next two days but instead stayed in bed and slept on and off.

On the third morning, she woke up when she felt someone sit down beside her on the bed. She flew to her feet and spun to attack, and then smiled when she saw it was Alric.

"Kyrin"

"Don't, it's okay," she said, and sat down beside him.

"No, I have to. I can't believe I hit you."

"It sounds to me like you didn't."

"I did, and I'll never forgive myself."

She kissed him lightly. "I don't blame you."

"Can I please heal you?"

Kyrin nodded and then watched as the blue glow erupted from his hands and her wounds disappeared.

When he was done, he sighed. "Why wouldn't you let Saith or Dewell do that?"

"I'm keeping my nose clean."

"How is suffering doing that?"

"By not having too many dealings with Sithias or his priests."

"But..."

"I realize you're a Holy Knight, but you're an exception."

Alric ran his eyes down her. "I would feel better if they looked at you though."

"I'll feel better when we both eat and get back to normal."

He frowned. "You haven't eaten yet?"

"You have?"

"Of course."

"Are you going to treat me like I'm injured if I don't let Saith look at me?"

"Probably," he said, smiling.

"No blessings?"

"No, just let him look."

"Well, tell him to bring breakfast," she said, and then walked around the dressing curtain to get ready for the day.

Alric hurried out of the room before she could change her mind. Within just a few minutes, Saith came in and waited for her to get dressed. Kyrin came out and immediately went into the wash room while Saith waited.

She came out and grinned sheepishly. "I can't seem to stay out of there."

"That's normal," Saith said, and motioned for the bed. "Lie back and let me see. It sounds like a rough few days and the king wants to make sure you're okay to return to Valhara tomorrow."

"Did you bring breakfast?"

"It's being made. Are you still eating?"

"Do I have a choice?" she asked, and laid down on the bed. "I'm constantly hungry."

Saith fell silent and began to poke around her ever expanding middle. Once he was done, he sat down and Kyrin looked over at him.

"Any pains?" he asked, writing something in a book.

"Some"

"Where?" Saith looked up at her and frowned.

"Nothing constant."

"Where?"

Kyrin touched her lower right abdomen. "Right there."

"Is it there now?"

"No"

"When do you feel it?"

"A lot at night."

He pressed down firmly on the spot, and then wrote more in his book. "Have you told Alric?"

"No"

Saith smiled and sat down again. "Why not?"

"Because I don't tell him every ache and pain I have. Creteloc said this is normal."

"So you told the assassin?"

"Yes"

"Interesting," Saith told her, and then stood up. "I don't see that you have a fever, but we'll watch that. It can be normal though. I've seen it often enough."

"Are you going to tell him?"

Saith simply smiled and walked out.

# Chapter 9

Finn wandered over to see why Azimeth was standing alone by the kitchen. "Where's Kyrin?"

She bowed slightly. "Lady Kyrin has gone to the orchard to walk off a back ache."

"Why aren't you there?"

"She asked to walk alone." Azimeth glanced around and then leaned in toward Finn. "I suspect she is embarrassed about eating as much as she does, and she goes out there to sneak apples."

Finn nodded. "I keep telling her she's not overeating."

"As have I."

"I'll go check on her," Finn said, and started toward the door. He knew that Kyrin still didn't like Azimeth, and he wondered if she'd gone on a walk. He also planned on finding out if her knights were with her, or if they had again allowed her outside alone. Since their return to the Valharan castle, they had twice allowed Kyrin to go out alone, even against orders.

Finn saw Kyrin from a ways off, and he hurried his steps when he saw her lean over against a tree. "Kyrin, what's wrong?"

Kyrin looked up at him and whispered, "My back."

"Did you hurt it?" he asked, checking her for injuries.

She shook her head and took a deep breath. After a few seconds, she stood up and stretched her back, then started walking again.

Finn frowned slightly and watched her walk. "Your back must really be bad. You're walking funny."

"It is," she said, and started down a long row of apple trees.

Finn caught up to her. "Why did you back off Azimeth and your knights?"

"I don't plan on leaving the trees, and Azimeth was going to go get Alric."

"He could maybe help your back."

"Except that I didn't hurt it."

"Did you sleep on the bed last night?"

"No, I moved to the floor when the backache started."

"So it's been going on for a while?"

"Yes, started last night," she said, and took a deep breath of the crisp morning air.

Finn watched her closely. "How far along are you again?"

"Just over eight months." Kyrin started walking again, at more of a waddle.

"Does the back pain come and go?"

She nodded just as she gasped and sunk to her knees, groaning slightly.

Finn knelt down beside her. "Breathe through it. Take deep breaths."

Kyrin leaned over slightly and tried to take his advice, but the pain was stronger now. When the pain backed off again, Finn helped her to her feet, and she rubbed her back.

"Okay, kiddo, let's go to the temple," Finn said, gently taking her arm.

"For a back ache?"

"It's not a back ache. I'm pretty sure you're in labor."

"The babies are in front."

He began to lead her toward the castle. "I forget how little you know about this stuff."

"Saith was going to go over signs of labor this week."

"Well, it's a tad late. Course, I'm not a priest, so I could be wrong."

They stopped again when another back pain hit, and this time, Finn picked her up and carried her quickly toward the castle. He stopped at the first knights he came to.

"Zaugg, get the carriage, now. Fremont, get the king," Finn ordered.

"I can walk," Kyrin said from his arms. He set her down carefully and then stayed close to her.

Finn smiled when he saw the terror in her eyes, and then he pulled her into a hug. "It'll be okay."

She nodded against his chest and then turned when the carriage pulled up. She crawled in with Finn's help, and he stepped out to wait for the king.

One of the knights came up quickly. "The king has gone to the temple in town."

"Good, that's where we're going," Finn said, and then crawled inside and motioned for the carriage to head out.

When Finn sat down, Kyrin looked at him. "I thought I had nine months."

"That's not an exact science. Emerisa's carried one of mine for seven months and one for almost ten."

"No one told me that."

"It's hard to cover all of it. It's just common knowledge."

"Here"

"Yes, here." Finn started to defend his statement, when another pain hit, and Kyrin leaned back to breathe through it.

The carriage stopped after only a few minutes and Alric opened the door. "What's going on?"

"Labor," Finn said, stepping out.

"Are you sure?" he asked, crawling into the carriage.

"Well, I've been with Emerisa for four of them, and it seems pretty obvious."

Alric helped Kyrin out of the carriage, and she stretched her back again. "I just know my back hurts."

"How bad?"

In answer to his question, another strong pain hit, and he picked her up as she started to fall to her knees. He carried her quickly inside, followed by Finn.

"Saith!" Alric yelled, and laid her down on a bed in the back.

The High Priest came in. "Yes, my Lord?"

"We think she's in labor."

Saith sat down beside her as her pain ebbed, and she looked up at him. "It's just a back ache."

"Let me look," he said, and laid his hands gently against her stomach. He waited patiently until the next pain hit and then smiled up at Alric. "It's time."

When he tried to stand, Kyrin's hand shot out and grabbed him. "Don't leave."

"I just want to go wash my hands, dear. You won't be alone. I promise."

She finally let go of him and watched as the room became a blur. The curtains were pulled, furniture was covered, and the priests kept busy readying things for the birth of the nobles.

Kyrin breathed through the pains, but they were becoming worse and the room seemed to grow extraordinarily hot. Alric stayed by her side, not entirely sure what to do. He'd attended many births but none he cared about as much as this one. His mother's death came back to him over and over, and his worry about Kyrin increased.

Emerisa, Finn's wife, joined them and Finn stepped out when she arrived, leaving just her, Alric, and the priests to watch over Kyrin. Emerisa immediately put a cool rag across Kyrin's forehead and then sat down beside her.

When the room was prepared, the priests moved back along the wall, except for Saith and Dewell, who brought chairs up by the bed.

As the night passed, the pains became worse and Alric began to pace nervously across the room. Emerisa kept cool rags on Kyrin's forehead and often asked to see if she needed anything. Cold water was the only thing she would accept, and the priests made sure she had as much as she needed.

"Not done yet?" a voice sounded from the corner. They all looked over and saw the dark cloak of Creteloc.

"Why are you here?" Alric asked, irritated.

"She's mine to watch over."

"We have this handled."

"Do you?" she asked, stepping out of the shadows.

"Yes, you just upset her."

"No, I don't."

"Creteloc," Kyrin whispered, and the assassin looked down at her, uncaring.

"What?"

"Can you help me?"

"No, this is punishment for allowing yourself to get pregnant."

"It is not!" Alric roared. "Now get out!"

"I can help you though," Creteloc told Kyrin, ignoring the king. "First, you put a knife under the bed to cut the pain in half."

"That's absurd."

"Then I have a potion that will help." Creteloc began to dig in her bag, but the priests stepped between her and Kyrin.

"You're not giving her anything," Alric told her. "We don't trust you."

"Which is smart, but I'm not going to harm the babies. Daemionis wishes them to arrive safely."

"I'm sure he does. What does he think of Kyrin though?"

"If she dies in the process, he'll take that loss."

"Exactly, now get out."

Creteloc turned her red eyes to Kyrin. "Remember about the boys."

Kyrin nodded. "I do."

"It'll happen."

"I don't believe you."

"Boys, Kyrin."

"What about boys?" Alric asked, frowning.

"It's up to you then," Creteloc said to her. "Do you want me to stay?"

"Yes," Kyrin whispered, "but I don't need help getting away."

"Wait!" Alric said, turning to her. "Getting away from what?"

Creteloc moved back into the corner without a word. When she didn't answer him, Alric sat down beside Kyrin and took her hand.

She pulled it away from him. "Don't touch me."

***

Saith handed the baby over to Dewell. "It's a boy."

Alric smiled and then turned back to Kyrin. "One more."

Dewell took the baby and began cleaning him off in the corner.

Only a few minutes later, the second heir was born, and Kyrin collapsed back onto the bed, panting.

"Two princes!" Saith said, handing the other baby boy over to a priest. Now both were screaming, and the entire temple sounded with their cries.

Alric kissed Kyrin lightly on the forehead. "Two sons."

"You got lucky," Creteloc said, and then she turned when dark shadows began to appear around the room.

The priests turned to them when panic filled their bodies, and a foreboding covered the room.

Alric stood slowly, and Finn drew his sword.

The shadows formed into figures robed in black. Their faces were obscured behind hoods, and their hands were clasped in front of them.

"Get knights in here," Alric said, and then turned to Creteloc. "Who are they?"

"Priests of Daemionis," she explained. "They've come to make sure Sithias doesn't bless the babies into his order."

"Get them out of here."

"No"

"No one's doing anything with them until Kyrin feels well enough to make a decision."

"We're not leaving. I wouldn't put it past you to bless both of them while Kyrin is too weak to defend them."

"Get out!"

Knights began to swarm into the room and Saith hurried and pulled the covers over Kyrin.

"Please, don't," Kyrin said softly.

"I got this." Alric stayed facing Creteloc. "No decisions on the babies will be made without Kyrin. You have my word."

"Ha! Like I can trust a Holy Knight," Creteloc yelled.

"So what now? You think I'm going to allow you to bless them into Daemionis' order?"

"As much fun as that sounds, he doesn't take infants."

"Oh that's right. He just sacrifices them."

"Pretty much."

"Creteloc?" Kyrin asked, trying to sit up.

"Stay down, please," Saith said, holding her to the bed. "It's too early to stand."

Creteloc ignored her. "Until we know that you aren't going to steal these babies from us, they have Daemionis' protection."

"Nothing will be done without Kyrin being involved," Alric said, getting angrier.

"So you say! Wait until we leave and then what? She can't fight you now."

"I hold to my word."

"Your word is worth nothing to me."

"Get out of my dimension!"

"Stop!" Kyrin yelled, and finally managed to sit up. "Both of you get out."

"Kyrin," Alric said, turning to her.

"No! I'm too tired to referee you two, and I want to sleep, so get out."

"No," Creteloc said, crossing her arms.

"On the count of three, everyone better get out of this room."

"We can't leave you right now," Alric said softly.

"One... screaming babies too."

"Kyrin"

"Two"

"I'm not leaving," Creteloc told her.

"Three... Sithias and Daemionis, I suggest you get your loyal followers the hell out of my room before I make them."

"You're too weak to cast on us," Alric said, seconds before her hands touched and began to glow orange. His eyes grew wide and he headed for the door, followed by all of Sithias' followers. Creteloc and Daemionis' priests all disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

Kyrin, exhausted from casting, checked again to make sure she was alone before rolling over to sleep.

Alric got into the safety of the temple's foyer and smiled slightly. "I guess I was wrong about the no casting thing."

Saith took the nearest twin and began to rock him. "Will she be feeding them?"

"No, I've arranged a wet-nurse for each of them."

"I suggest you get them then."

"They're on the way," Emerisa told them. She took the second twin from one of the priests and cradled him tenderly. "He's beautiful."

Finn walked over to her and smiled down at the tiny prince. "That he is."

Alric paced, glancing often at the door to where Kyrin was sleeping. "I don't like that she's in there alone."

Emerisa smiled. "She'll be fine. She's just braver than most women. I would have kicked everyone out too if I thought it would have worked."

"You would have?" Finn asked, shocked.

"Of course, dear. She's exhausted and just wants to sleep."

"I thought you wanted me in with you." Finn was somewhat hurt, and Alric couldn't help but smile.

"After labor? A woman wants no one."

"But..."

"No one," she said, and then handed the baby to a priest. "I better go check on my own children."

Alric sighed. "I guess we should leave her alone then."

"I got a chance to heal her before we came out," Saith explained. "Other than soreness, I think she's fine. She's young and strong, and it was an easy delivery."

"Didn't seem easy," Alric said, sitting down on a couch in the waiting room.

"It could have been much worse."

"I guess."

"How are we going to name the babies if we can't bless them?" Saith asked.

Alric shrugged. "I haven't figured that out yet. I'll talk to Kyrin when she wakes up."

"Can't you just, I don't know... name them?" Finn asked.

"It has to be official," Alric said. "Normally, the babies are blessed into the noble family with a name."

"Blessed into a noble family that they are already a part of, not blessed into Sithias' church. I bet it's okay."

"I've quit trying to decide what is and what isn't okay."

"True"

"She takes blessings as healings though."

"I don't want to bring that up, or she may stop."

"Oh, right."

Dewell came into the room. "The wet nurses are here. They also want to know if they are nursing only, or if they are to be nannies."

"Nursing only for now," Alric said. "I'm hoping to raise them ourselves, like my father did."

"You want your sons raised by Kyrin?" Saith asked, frowning.

Alric seemed irritated. "She's their mother."

"I know, but she knows so little about it."

"They're safer with their mother than with any nanny."

"I realize that."

"She'll come around."

"I hope."

"Besides, Qualsax has tried to take every newborn in my family. Kyrin's our best bet to keep that from happening."

Saith smiled. "That she is."

"I can't stay with them, and as soon as she's well, she'll be strong enough to protect them and herself."

"If she does..."

"She will."

Finn headed back to the castle as soon as Emerisa returned, while Alric and the priests waited in silence for Kyrin to wake up. It was hours later when they heard her call out for Emerisa. She smiled and went quickly into the room.

"You called, Lady Kyrin?" Emerisa asked, sitting beside her on the bed.

Kyrin sat up with some difficulty and sighed. "So now I have two sons. What do I do with them?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's no secret that I don't want children."

"No, it's not."

"However, Alric is deeply devoted to them, so I want to do my best as a mother."

Emerisa smiled. "I think that's a good idea."

"I don't know what to do."

"That's the joy of being a mother. You do what you want."

"What would you do if you were me right now?" Kyrin asked her.

"Well, first thing, I would be nursing them myself."

Kyrin thought about that for a moment. "Is someone else doing that?"

"Yes, wet nurses. The best way to get close to the twins, to bond with them, will be to nurse them," Emerisa explained.

"I don't want wet nurses then."

"I wouldn't either."

"I'll do it myself. Can you help me do that?"

"I'd love to. Let me go get them." Emerisa stood and walked out of the room.

"Is she okay?" Alric asked her.

Emerisa seemed a little irritated. "Did you ask Lady Kyrin if she wanted wet nurses?"

"Well, no."

"Hrm," she sighed, and then bit her tongue and went to get the babies. When she returned with one in each arm, Alric stopped her.

"Is she going to nurse them?"

"I think you're going to find that Kyrin is attempting to be a mother. She doesn't know how, so I'm sure her ways will be foreign, but she is trying."

"I didn't think..."

Emerisa left it at that and walked back into the room, shutting the door behind her.

Alric turned to Saith to defend himself. "How was I supposed to know?"

Saith shrugged. "I would have assumed she would take a hands-off approach."

"I guess I could have asked her."

"Perhaps"

***

Kyrin was sitting on the floor with the twins on their tummies around her. She was still recovering from the birth but was getting more comfortable with the two week old twins. She watched them squirm on the blanket as she re-wrapped the handle on her flail.

"Oh good, you're getting ready to fight," Creteloc said from behind her.

She nodded. "Alric said it'll be four more weeks, but he also said that Erianah will want the babies, so I want to be ready."

"Four more weeks? No. I can't leave this horrid place until you can defend them yourself."

"What exactly are you proposing then?" Kyrin asked, looking up at her.

Creteloc held up a black leather halter and smiled. "Time to start getting back into shape."

"What is that?"

"It's a harness."

"I know that! But what's it for?"

"We're going to put those squirming little flesh balls to use."

Kyrin looked over at the twins. "How?"

"As weights. Now stand up."

"Alric said..."

"If I have to hear what Alric said one more time, I'm going to put you out of your misery."

Kyrin sighed and then stood up and slipped on the soft leather harness. Creteloc picked the closest baby up, disgusted, and slipped him into the back of the harness. Once the second baby was strapped to Kyrin's front, she stood back.

"This is too heavy," Kyrin said, trying to adjust some of the weight.

"Stop being a wimp."

"I'm not being a wimp. I just gave birth."

"Two weeks ago! Get over it."

Kyrin slipped her flail into the belt around her waist and turned to Creteloc. "Now what?"

"Now we run."

"Perfect"

Creteloc led the way out of the castle, followed more slowly by Kyrin. Azimeth didn't want to go out in the woods with the assassin, so she stayed behind with the knights. They also didn't feel comfortable with Creteloc and had no desire to follow her into the dark trees.

Less than a mile into the dense forest, Kyrin stopped and leaned against a tree, completely out of breath.

"That's it?" Creteloc asked, walking back to her.

Kyrin tried to answer but was only able to wheeze slightly.

"Pathetic"

She attempted another answer but only managed to whisper, "Stop."

"When are you going to name those little beasts, anyway?" Creteloc asked, looking over at the closest twin.

Kyrin finally regained some breath. "When Daemionis and Sithias decide how to."

"Sithias shouldn't get a say in it."

"Well, he does."

"Have you recovered?" Creteloc looked over her red face and how the sweat dripped from her forehead.

Kyrin nodded.

"Good, I have a toy."

Kyrin watched as Creteloc disappeared, and she took that opportunity to sit down to rest for a few minutes. It wasn't long before the thudding let her know someone was coming.

She stood up and pulled her flail, just in case, and was glad she did when an orc came at her from the trees. What shocked her was that Creteloc followed it calmly.

The orc stood over six feet tall and had torn, green skin and jagged teeth. Horns rose from just above his pointed ears and the stench of decay hit her as soon as she saw him.

Kyrin took a defensive stance. "You brought that?"

"Yes, and no magic," Creteloc told her.

"To hell with that!"

"No magic! I want to see if you can still fight."

"But an..." Her words were cut off when the orc attacked. He was able to scratch down her arm before she dodged out of the way and brought her flail up against his right arm, breaking the top-most bone.

It roared loudly and lunged at her. One sharp claw hit her face and sliced three thin cuts along her left cheek. She countered and slammed the balls of her flail into the side of his head, caving it in. He fell to the forest floor, convulsing, as blood poured out from the wound.

"What was that?!" Kyrin asked, panting.

"Not too bad, I guess." Creteloc walked over to look down at the orc. "I see you managed to protect the babies. I'm disappointed you are injured though."

"That was uncalled for!"

"No, it was training."

"I haven't done more than a waddle in almost three months. You can't expect me to be able to take on an orc by myself!"

"You just did."

"Damnit, Creteloc," Kyrin screamed, and then started back for the town. She was hoping she could find Dewell without much attention.

Creteloc followed her. "Why are you so mad? You won."

"You could have killed me."

"Or the babies."

"Them too."

"I wouldn't have let the orc hurt the twins."

"Nice to hear you care."

"Not about you."

"I'm aware of that." Kyrin peered around the first house she came to and saw no one around. Running quickly and keeping to the shadows, she was soon in front of the temple.

"I can't go in there," Creteloc told her.

"Good"

With that, Kyrin went inside and looked around.

"Lady Kyrin!" one of the priests said, rushing up to her. He immediately began looking over her wounds.

"Where's Dewell?" she asked him, taking a step back.

"He's out. May I heal you?"

"Saith then."

He nodded and ran off to get Saith. The High Priest came in with a smile but immediately saw the blood covering both Kyrin and the front twin.

"What happened?!" Saith started looking over her wounds closely.

"Orc attack. The twins are fine, but can you heal me before Alric finds out?" she asked him.

He sighed and began healing her arm. "I have to tell the king."

"Why?"

"We haven't had an orc attack in years. He'll have to know they are aggressive again."

"They aren't exactly attacking."

"Meaning?" he asked, and went to work on the cuts along her face.

"Meaning, Creteloc brought one to me for training."

He healed her cheek and then stood back and frowned. "You shouldn't be training yet."

"I know that."

"You're covered in sweat and breathing hard still. That's dangerous this close to delivery."

"I know! Okay? I know."

"Then why do it?" Saith asked.

She sighed. "Because Creteloc is a priestess of my god, and she ordered it."

Saith finally nodded. "Well, the king will realize something happened. The front twin is covered in blood."

Kyrin looked down at the top of the tiny bald head, caked in dried blood. "Oh, do you have a rag? Let me clean him up."

"I got it," Saith said, and took the baby out of the harness. Another priest helped Kyrin out of the harness and handed her the twin she had on her back along with a rag she could clean off with. When Saith returned, she took one baby in each arm.

"All clean?" she asked, looking him over.

"Yes, and the king is looking for you. It seems we get to name them finally."

"Oh good, that'll make things easier." Kyrin shifted both babies, so she was holding tightly, and then started for the castle. She felt Creteloc was probably around her but saw no sign of her along the way.

"Kyrin," Alric said, coming out to them. "Did Saith tell you?"

She nodded. "It's about time. Creteloc's started calling them names."

"Like what?"

"Do you really want to know?"

He smiled. "Probably not. Let's go to my office then. You haven't decided on names."

"I told you, I don't really care."

Alric held the door for her and took one of the twins as she passed. They walked up to his office and then sat on a couch.

"I mentioned that I'd like to name one of them Ryche, after my father," Alric said.

"Right"

"That leaves one without a name."

"What do you have in mind?" Kyrin asked, lightly bouncing the baby against her shoulder.

"You have no idea your father's name?"

"How would I know that?"

"Most of us do."

"Only in Paragoy. That's a dead end. I have no idea."

"Friends?"

"You mean besides Creteloc?"

"Yeah," Alric said. "Maybe someone in the dimensions you ran into a lot?"

"Nope"

"Let's just name him Mika."

"Why would we do that?"

"I'm just making sure you're listening." Alric grinned when she looked up at him.

"I don't care what his name is."

"How can you not care?" Alric asked. "I mean, what if I wanted to name him Sithias?"

"No"

"See, you do care."

"Fine, you name him but not after a deity."

"You name this one."

Kyrin shrugged. "I don't want to."

Alric just watched her.

"Why don't we name him Alric?"

"Alric the Second, eh?"

"Why not?"

"You don't think that might get confusing?"

"No"

Alric studied the baby. "It's not common here to name a child after their father."

"Of course not. What else is on the table?" Kyrin asked.

"Well... nothing, actually."

"Then name him Dirk."

"Dirk?"

"Yeah, like a dagger."

"You have a dagger named Dirk?"

Kyrin couldn't help but laugh. "No, it's a type of dagger."

"Ryche and Dirk? They actually kind of rhyme."

"Then no."

"Their names can't rhyme?"

Kyrin shook her head. "Nope."

"Why not?" Alric waited for something in the dimensions that wouldn't allow it.

"Because it's hokey."

"Rhyming names are hokey?"

"Yes, you weren't named to rhyme with your brother."

"True"

"So let's just name him after your brother," Kyrin suggested.

"Sedomer? I guess we could."

"Unless you didn't like your brother."

"I did," he said, laughing. "You're just waiting for some huge family drama story, aren't you?"

"So go name them and bring them to me when you're done."

"You're not going?"

"No"

"Why not?" Alric asked. He reached down and took the second baby when she held him up.

"Creteloc said I still have a bump."

He sighed. "You just had twins."

"So? I'll go back out when it's gone."

"It's normal."

"No"

Alric's eyes narrowed. "Why do you have caked blood in your hair?"

"Do I?" she asked, pulling at a strand of hair with blood on it.

"Were you out today?"

"Just with Creteloc."

"Doing what? We told you, you have to take things easy for another four weeks."

She smiled at him. "Tell that to Creteloc."

"I will if she's making you do things you shouldn't be."

"She's not. Now go bless them before they get hungry again."

"It's not right without you there," Alric told her.

"They'll live."

Alric waited for a few moments to see if she changed her mind, and then took the twins down to the throne room. Daemionis had agreed to let Sithias go through the naming ceremony to anoint them as nobles, as long as they weren't also blessed as his followers.

# Chapter 10

"Lady Kyrin?" Azimeth said from the door.

Kyrin reached out and grabbed one of the twins as he tried to crawl away from her. "What?"

"King Alric needs to see you in the throne room."

"Did he say why?"

"No"

"Fine, stay with the twins," Kyrin said, and then stood up and straightened her tunic. Since the twins were now crawling, it was almost impossible to wear any form of a dress. She spent a good part of her day digging them out from under the bed or catching them as they headed for the stairs.

"Yes, M'Lady," Azimeth said as she got on the floor with the twins.

"Watch Ryche. He's been trying to get to the fire all afternoon."

"He does like it. I'll watch him."

Kyrin looked once around the room and then holstered her flail before walking down the stairs. She didn't have knights any longer, because her magic was back fully. Creteloc had returned to Paramide Dimension as soon as Kyrin's magic returned, and she'd refused to set foot in Paragoy since.

She rounded the corner into the throne room and saw Alric on his throne, talking to a shorter man with almost black hair and thick, broad arms. Kyrin sat down and looked at the man for a moment before turning to Alric.

"Azimeth said you asked for me?"

Alric nodded and then glanced nervously at the man. "Do you know him?"

Kyrin turned and looked at him again. "No. Should I?"

"Daemionis brought him to us."

"Am I supposed to kill him?"

"I don't think so. He's your father."

"So why did Daemionis bring him here?" Kyrin asked.

Alric was shocked that she showed no emotion at all. "He's your father."

"I heard that. I just don't know why he's here."

He glanced at the man, not quite sure what to say. He had expected rage from Kyrin but was getting nothing. "Well, do you want to talk to him?"

Kyrin glanced at the man again. "Why would I?"

"He's..."

"... my father. You said that already."

The man was wringing his hands nervously. "You sure look like your mother."

"Why did Daemionis bring you here?" Kyrin asked him.

"I'm not entirely sure. I was shifting."

"Running?"

"No, just traveling the lands. I suddenly found myself in the presence of your god. He dropped me here."

"With no purpose?"

"No"

"Okay then, shift out. I find portals mostly out by the orchard."

The man nodded and started for the door.

"Wait," Alric called to him. When the man turned, he motioned him forward. "I have some questions."

"Okay"

"I'm done here," Kyrin said, and stood up.

Alric took her hand. "Stay, please."

Kyrin shrugged and sat down.

"What's your name?" Alric asked the man.

"Naylor"

"What dimension are you from?"

"Kyrstalis"

"Where is Kyrin's mother?"

Naylor sighed. "She's dead. She died just after giving birth to Kyrin."

"From what?"

"Infection I guess."

"You guess?"

"Well, obviously I was done with her as a wife. Why else get her pregnant?"

"That's so very messed up," Alric told him.

"That's how it is. So as soon as she had Kyrin, I took her to the orphanage and then shifted out. I heard years later that her mom died an hour or so after I left."

"Did you ever wonder about Kyrin?"

"No"

"Never? Never wondered if she fell into the hands of a Consortium?"

"Not really."

Alric studied him. "You seem rather cold."

"No reason not to. When I dropped her off at the orphanage, she was no longer mine. Why should I care?"

Alric looked over at Kyrin to see if she was surprised, but she seemed bored and disinterested. "You care because she's your daughter."

"Well, maybe if she'd been a boy."

"I'm hesitant to let you leave here."

"Why's that?" Naylor asked, glancing toward the door.

"I just am. We also don't know why Daemionis sent you here, and until we do, I think we'll keep you."

Naylor looked around the luxurious room. "Well, I guess I could get used to the water here."

"You'd be kept in prison."

"Why?" Naylor asked.

Alric smiled. "I can't have you shifting before we find out why you're even here."

"I promise not to."

"Not good enough. Finn?" Alric called out.

Finn and four knights came in.

"Please escort Naylor to a cell."

The knights took him roughly and hauled him out of the room.

"That didn't bother you?" Alric asked Kyrin.

"No, why should it?"

"He abandoned you and left you for the Shadowmere."

"I've told you, Alric. That's normal outside of Paragoy. He did nothing out of the ordinary."

"Still!"

"He means nothing more to me than a stranger on the road."

Alric watched the door for a moment. "I still wonder why he was sent here."

"I can go ask Daemionis."

"I'd rather you not."

"Why?"

"It seems like anytime you talk to him, he sends you out into the dimensions on a mission."

Alric watched as Kyrin left the throne room. He was still proud that she had stepped up as the twin's mother and was trying to be a good one. She had odd ways, and sometimes things she did with the twins seemed out of place, but nothing was harmful. He had to stop Azimeth many times from correcting something Kyrin did, reminding her to let Kyrin do what she thought was right.

He wasn't sure she was really attached to the twins though. Often times, he suspected she was being a mother because she understood that he wanted her to and that he loved the babies. Alric hoped that someday she would move from protector over to their adoring mother, but he wasn't going to push the issue. The time she spent with the twins was his best bet to get her to fall in love with them.

"Why is there another shifter here?" Sithias' voice rang out through the throne room.

Alric looked around but didn't see him. "Daemionis dropped him here. He is Kyrin's father."

A ball of golden light appeared and slowly formed into the god. "Her father is here?"

"He claims to be."

"Did Daemionis say why he put him here?"

"No, and I've detained him until I figure out why."

Sithias began to walk along the wall, looking at the paintings depicting past battles and the evolution of Valhara. "I've kept shifters out of Paragoy for thousands of years, yet Daemionis drops one here. I want to know why."

"You've kept shifters out?"

"Yes, I wished to keep my people safe from the evil ways of the dimensions."

"How did Kyrin get here then?"

Sithias turned and smiled. "I still don't know."

Alric sat back, deep in thought.

"The Shadowmere and Clemency have renewed their drive to find Kyrin."

"They did?" That caught Alric's attention.

"The bounty is much higher and even those that don't normally seek criminals are out to find her. Times are getting harder in the dimensions. Water is almost non-existent and food is sparse. What they are offering would put a person in comfort for their entire lives."

"Why the sudden push?"

"They saw her often while she was on the run," Sithias explained. "She always got away, but they at least knew she was around. They haven't seen her in a while, and it's making them nervous. I'm afraid that they will soon realize she's found a dimension with comforts they don't have, and that she's decided to stay there."

"That would bring them here."

"Erianah and I both watch the portals. However, Kyrin managed to come in."

"We can ask her how."

"She won't know. She follows instinct alone and will have no idea why she was able to," Sithias said. "See what you can get out of her father. If you have to kill him to keep our dimension a secret, then so be it."

"Kill him?" Alric was surprised. Sithias would normally do anything in his power not to kill a living creature.

Sithias turned pained eyes to Alric. "We cannot have our location getting out."

"I don't know how to find out why he's here. If Kyrin talks to Daemionis, he'll send her on some dangerous mission, and she'll disappear again."

"Then maybe you should speak to him."

"Me, my Lord?"

Alric couldn't help but stumble a bit and then grab for his sword when he instantly appeared in another dimension. This was the neutral dimension, and there was nothing but white as far as he could see. There was no visible sky, no buildings, just white.

"Calm, my Holy Knight," Sithias said, motioning for Alric to sheath his sword. "This is where gods meet. Daemionis is coming to speak to you."

"Daemionis is coming and you want me to put my weapon away?" Alric asked, making sure he heard right.

"Yes"

Alric spun when Sithias disappeared, and he saw that he was now alone. There was no sound and all he could hear was the pounding of his heart.

"Why have I been summoned?" Daemionis asked. His voice could be heard moments before his hideous form appeared. His green scaly skin seemed more vile in the stark white of the dimension.

Alric swallowed hard and then squared his shoulders. "Why did you bring Kyrin's father to Paragoy?"

Daemionis snorted slightly and walked slowly around Alric. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Naylor, Kyrin's father. Why did you bring him to Paragoy?"

Daemionis smiled, and blood dripped from his teeth. "You're delusional, boy. Did Creteloc slip you a drink?"

"I'm not delusional. Naylor showed up in my throne room, claiming you dropped him there."

"I did no such thing. If I had him, I would have sacrificed him."

"Then how did he get there?"

"How should I know? How are you even sure that's her father?" Daemionis asked, still walking slowly around Alric. Alric got the impression he was sizing him up for something.

"I don't know for certain."

"Not too bright, are you?"

Alric sighed. "Well would you know if you saw him?"

"Yes"

"But you still say you didn't bring him to Paragoy."

"Correct. Have you ever considered a life of power?" Daemionis stood back and grinned as Alric shifted slightly under his scrutinizing eyes.

"No, I haven't."

"I could make you great."

"While we're on the subject. What would it take to get you to release your hold on Kyrin?" Alric asked him.

"Let that powerful of a magic user go? I think not."

"Every demon has a price."

"True, but that would be too great. There are only a couple of magic users left alive, but they are in hiding out in the dimensions, and all are marked for death. However, I've never seen another with her immense power."

"Name it."

"Your soul and the soul of every one of your bloodline from now until eternity."

"For one follower?"

Daemionis laughed, and his wicked chortle echoed off of unseen walls. "For one powerful follower. You cannot have her."

"I'll think of a way. She's good. Deep in her heart she's caring and kind, and you're holding her back."

"Keep thinking that, boy. Now back to her so-called father. Have Kyrin sacrifice him for me."

"No!"

"She's long overdue. I let it go because of the twins, but it's time."

"Sithias isn't going to allow human sacrifices."

"Then tell Kyrin to shift out and do it," Daemionis said.

"No. When she shifts out she's often gone for a long time."

A menacing grin crossed Daemionis face. "Want to ensure she never shifts out?"

"How?" Alric asked skeptically.

"Allow me a temple in Valhara, and I'll not give her any missions and exempt her from sacrifices."

"No! Sithias won't allow that."

"Fine, I have a mission for her."

"Can't you just leave her alone?!"

"No. You have my price. Now I want to know who allowed her father into Paragoy. It had to be that sniveling Sithias."

Alric's jaw tensed. "It wasn't my Lord."

"Then that other bumbling idiot, Alexandra."

"Erianah. That had to be it, but why?"

Daemionis' eyes flared. "I'll find out."

When the demon disappeared, Alric looked around him again and saw absolutely nothing. Seconds later, he appeared back in his throne room. A rush of footsteps sounded throughout the castle, and he ran out to find what the problem was.

The first knight who saw him skidded to a halt, his eyes wide. "King! You're back."

Shouts sounded throughout the castle that the king had returned. Alric was just about to ask what was going on when Trox and Finn ran up.

"Are you injured? We were so worried about you!" Finn said, looking him over.

Alric frowned. "I was only gone for about an hour."

"An hour?! You were gone for two weeks," Trox told him.

"That's not possible. Sithias took me to talk to Daemionis, and it wasn't that long."

"Two weeks, sir," Finn said. "We have been looking everywhere for you. Kyrin said she last saw you in the throne room, and then you were gone."

"Well, I'm not injured," Alric assured them. "Let's let Kyrin know I'm okay."

Finn rubbed the back of his neck. "Well..."

"What?"

"We can't find her."

"She shifted?!" Alric's heart dropped. He couldn't help but remember what the god told him about how hard the Consortiums were looking for her.

"We don't know if she shifted. She waited a few days, then geared up and headed out. We tried to follow her, but those bloody boots took her faster than we could go, and she disappeared."

"Did she take the twins?"

"No, Azimeth has them."

"I can ask Sithias if she's even in Paragoy," Alric said, starting for the stairs.

"We tried that. He's not answering."

"He must still be dealing with Daemionis and Erianah then."

"That's my guess," Trox said.

"Is Naylor still in prison?"

"Yes," Finn told him. "Though he's demanding to be released."

"Demanding?"

"He says we have no right holding him."

"Oh, I have a right. He lied to us about Daemionis sending him here, and I want to know why. First, we have to find Kyrin."

***

Kyrin took a bite of apple and sat back to listen as her summoned rat clean his whiskers. The cave was damp, cold, and dark, but she got tired of casting for light, so she waited in the dark. The cave wall leading to the Qualsax dungeon was a higher temperature than the rest of the room, so she sat against it, trying to keep warm.

Several times a day she walked through the wall to check and see if Alric was there yet. She was sure the Qualsax had him and that eventually he would be tortured. After checking the actual torture room, she would then crawl through the half door into where the prisoners were kept. No matter how hard the prisoners begged for her to help them, she wouldn't let them follow her back through the wall, where she would sit to wait until the next time to check.

Marching into Qualsax wasn't going to work anymore. Now, all of them knew her face and her illusion into another only lasted for a short time.

Kyrin jumped to her feet when screams penetrated the thick rock wall. She wasn't sure, but it sounded like it might be Alric that was in the hands of the Qualsax torturer.

She readied her flail and then cast on the wall, which slowly began to melt downward. Her eyes grew wide when she saw eight Qualsax facing her, armed and ready to fight. Without another thought, she spun and ran down the cave's passageway. She was acutely aware that the Qualsax were close behind her but falling farther away as her speed boots kicked in. She still couldn't run the entire length though, and her mind ran through ways to get rid of them.

Kyrin was sure there would be more than just the eight or so she'd seen, and she wondered how many were now following her. She couldn't cast and prove she used magic, though she was pretty sure the cave wall melting gave it away anyway.

"No," she whispered when her boots began to give out, and her running slowed. She pushed harder but heard the pounding of footsteps getting closer.

The sudden force knocked the wind out of her when a large, burly man slammed into her and pinned her against the wall. Two other Qualsax immediately took her hands and turned her to face their leader, with her arms stretched out to her sides.

"Fancy meeting the Lady of Valhara here," the leader said, smiling down at her with brown, decayed teeth.

"Do you have Alric?"

"Oh, I wish we did. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on that Holy Knight."

Just as he finished talking, he punched her in the stomach and then stepped back as the other warriors all laughed.

Kyrin was finally able to look up at him and just glared.

"We figure now that we have his Lady, your King will come to us."

"And we can tell Erianah that she does use magic," another said proudly.

"I don't use magic," Kyrin told them.

"Then how do you explain that wall?"

"Touch it from the cave side, and it melts away."

"Just shut up," he said, and punched her in the stomach again. She couldn't double over because the warriors held her firmly against the wall. He slipped her flail from her belt, weighed it in his hand, and then tossed it into the dirt.

"Dyer, let's just get her back," one of the warriors said, and looked nervously around the cave passageway.

"Bring her."

Kyrin's eyes grew wide when massive eyes appeared behind the Qualsax. They glowed yellow and the stench of burning sulfur filled the area. Without warning, the beast closed his enormous jaws on the lead Qualsax, and then threw his head back and swallowed the warrior whole.

Everyone froze, too afraid to move. The blue dragon looked down at them, studying their every move. Running to the left toward Qualsax would take you past sharp talons that had appeared from the depths when the beast surfaced. To the right was closer to his head and the teeth that dripped with fresh blood.

No one dared to even move as his yellow eyes moved past each of them. His head was three times taller than the largest Qualsax and just as broad. The blue scales were tattered and worn, and the singed gash across his body warned Kyrin that this beast could breathe fire.

His giant eyes focused in on Kyrin, and he moved closer to smell her. Another talon appeared from the darkness, and his body slowly slid onto the cave floor. The scent of sulfur became stronger as his nose brushed her lightly and his breath caused her clothes to ruffle. She couldn't breathe and was just waiting for the feel of his teeth tearing her flesh to shreds.

The Qualsax, no longer being scrutinized by the dragon, took that opportunity to run. The creature turned to them quickly when he saw the movement and caught the closest warrior in his teeth. His screams stopped abruptly when half of his body slumped to the floor while the other half disappeared down the throat of the monster.

The beast's chewing knocked another Qualsax off the edge beside Kyrin's flail, but he managed to grab onto the rock floor. She watched as his fingers desperately grabbed at the ground, trying to keep himself from plummeting into the depths of darkness far below the surface. She peered over, and his terrified eyes met hers.

"Help me," he managed to whisper.

She reached down quickly and grabbed her flail, then pushed his fingers with her boot. His screams seemed to go on forever but eventually faded away to silence, and all that could be heard was the cracking of bones as the creature finished off the Qualsax in his mouth.

Kyrin saw the beast's chest begin to expand, and she knew that he was inhaling deeply. Not wanting to stay around to see what he was doing next, she took off down the right passageway, headed toward the Valhara side of the cave.

When the roar of anger sounded from behind her, she felt her feet leave the floor, and she was thrown forward with a wave of the explosion and fire. She could hear the horrified screams of the Qualsax as they burned, and she knew she'd only caught the light end of the beast's fury.

She dropped to the ground and rolled around, making sure she wasn't on fire, before standing up and running again. This time, she was slower. Being hit several times and then thrown around, her entire body was hurting.

The second she got into the bottom of the hole leading up to the surface, she started up the thin rope ladder she'd used to crawl down in the first place. Halfway up, another roar sounded. This time, it was higher pitched and much louder. The entire cave began to shake, and Kyrin had to hang on to keep from falling down to the floor again.

She looked over as the entrance began to fill with rubble and a cloud of dust flew out from the passageway, slamming her into the cave wall again. The screaming became louder and her ears began to ache. She couldn't cover them without letting go of the rope, but the sound was intensifying, and she squeezed her eyes shut as the pressure in her head began to build.

Kyrin felt herself falling...

***

She began to pull out of a deep sleep but couldn't remember where she was. The ground at her back was cold and hard, but she felt covered in something. Taking a deep breath, her lungs filled with dust, and she started coughing violently.

When she sat up, rubble fell from on top of her, and she brushed dirt off of her arms. Something seemed wrong though. She looked around the cave room and glanced up high to the ground above.

Remembering her encounter with the blue scaled dragon, she scrambled to her knees and looked back at the entrance, which was now completely obscured with rubble. Coughing again, she looked over herself quickly and couldn't find any injuries.

It was then that she noticed how silent things were. Even the sound of her own breathing couldn't be heard, nor the shifting of rocks as she got to her feet and stumbled a bit on some of the rubble.

Reaching up to touch her ears, she found dried blood around them and again heard nothing. She tested the rope and it seemed stable, so she started up it carefully. Her back was sore from the fall, but she didn't think there were any other injuries.

Kyrin started for Valhara and used that time to try to decide how to get Alric out of Qualsax. Even though she still hadn't seen him, she was sure they had him, and now she had to find another way to rescue him.

It was dark by the time she walked up to the castle, and Finn ran at her. She saw his mouth moving but couldn't hear what he was saying.

"Stop," she said, and then coughed again when her lungs filled with the dust still flying off of her.

Finn frowned slightly and she again saw his mouth moving.

"I can't hear," she told him. At least, she thought she said it. It was odd not hearing her own voice.

Finn took her arm and began to lead her inside. She gasped when she saw Alric, and she ran to him. He wrapped his arms around her.

"Kyrin, are you okay?" he asked, looking down at her.

"She said she can't hear," Finn explained.

"Kyrin?" Alric asked again, a little louder.

"Nothing," Kyrin said loudly. "I can't hear."

"Why not?" he asked.

"Still nothing."

"There's blood by her ear," Trox said from beside them.

Alric pulled her hair aside. "I'm not sure what could do that."

"Where were you?" Kyrin asked sternly.

Alric just looked at her.

"Oh right. I can't hear you."

He led her over to a chair, and she sat down in a puff of dust. Alric waved his hand to get rid of the dust and coughed slightly.

"Think she was caught in the earthquake?" Trox asked. "It only shook the castle, but maybe she was closer."

"There's no way to know until she can hear," Alric said, and then began to run his glowing hands along the side of her head.

Finn heard a commotion and quickly moved out of the room to see what was going on.

Trox studied Kyrin. "Her clothes are singed."

"I saw that," Alric said. "I don't see any burned skin though."

Alric finished healing her and then took her hands.

"Can you hear me now?"

She just shrugged. "I don't know what you're saying."

"Perfect"

"Sir," Finn said, rushing into the room. "Reports from Qualsax say that Kyrin angered Orion."

They all looked at Kyrin, but she was looking out the window, oblivious to their conversation.

Alric touched her shoulder, and she looked at him. He picked up her flail and studied it. "There's no blood. I'm not sure she was fighting."

"It's dirty. It's very unlike Kyrin to have a dirty weapon," Finn said.

"Kyrin, look at me," Alric said, and touched her face lightly so he got her attention. He then pointed at her.

"What'd I do?" she asked him.

Alric picked up her flail and showed it to her.

"Did I get into a fight? In a manner of speaking."

He frowned slightly.

"Well, it was more like a run than a fight. I was outnumbered."

Alric just watched her.

"What?"

"Who?" he asked her.

Kyrin read his lips and sighed. "Qualsax."

He motioned for her to keep going.

"I was checking their dungeon. I thought they had you," Kyrin explained, irritated. "When I opened the wall the last time, they were waiting for me."

"That's not what I need to know."

"What?"

"Get Saith in here," Alric ordered. He hated how his healing wasn't as strong as the priests. When Sithias had chosen him as the Holy Knight though, he hadn't hesitated and immediately accepted the honor. Fighting was more important to him than healing, but at times he wished he had full healing abilities.

"Did you fight a dragon?" Finn asked Kyrin, exaggerating each word.

"Did I find a what?"

"You need to teach her how to read."

Alric nodded. "Let's see if Saith can return her hearing, and then we'll find out what's going on."

"I'm going to clean up," Kyrin told them, and disappeared into the wash room.

"We encountered Orion when I was rescued," Finn said, walking over to look out the window. "He startled us though. It's not often you see a blue head come out of the abyss. So if I had to guess... when she went into the Qualsax dungeons looking for you, she somehow ran into Orion again."

"What exactly is Qualsax saying?" Alric asked.

"They're saying that Kyrin angered Orion and then sent him into Qualsax."

"So he's surfaced?"

"I don't know that much. I have some knights going to check on that hole in the cave to see if there's any sign Kyrin was there."

"That makes sense though. She went down to see if I was in the dungeon. What I can't figure out is how you all thought I was gone for two weeks when my conversation couldn't have lasted more than an hour."

"Kyrin would be the one to ask. Sounds like you weren't even in our dimension."

Alric nodded and sat down to think.

When Saith came in, he bowed to Alric. "It's good to have you back, sir."

Alric just motioned for the door. "Kyrin lost her hearing. Can you see what you can do?"

Saith walked over to the door and paused. "So do I just walk in?"

Finn couldn't help but grin. "I wouldn't walk in there without permission."

"But how do I get permission if she can't hear?"

"You wait."

Saith nodded. "Right."

"Rumors from Qualsax say Orion is awake and mad," Alric said.

"Is he above ground?"

"We don't know. They're trying to blame Kyrin."

"Of course they are. My guess is then that he hasn't come up," Saith said, and walked over to wait beside the door.

Kyrin came out a few minutes later, finally clean and no longer leaving a dirt trail behind her. She was drying her hair and stopped when she saw Saith.

He smiled and walked over to her.

"Have a go," she said, and stood up straight so he could try to heal her.

Saith gently put his hands over her ears while everyone watched. When the light-blue glow showed, Kyrin's eyes grew wide, and she grabbed his hands and tried to pull them away.

"Stop," she whispered, but his hands didn't move.

Saith's eyes shut, and the glow became stronger. His hands pressed harder against the sides of her head, even though she was pulling at them.

"Stop!" she screamed. The pain in her ears that started when he touched her was intensifying, and the loud hum was growing too strong to bear.

"She'll cast on him," Alric said, and moved quickly to take her hand. Finn took her other and pulled it away from Saith.

Kyrin felt like her head was going to explode. The pressure was building, and the hum had grown to a fierce rumble. She had to cast on Saith to get him to stop but someone was holding her hands, and she couldn't pull away. Her anguished screams pierced the now quiet halls of the castle.

When she collapsed, Alric gently laid her on the floor and looked up at Saith.

"I'm sorry," Saith whispered. "The damage was severe."

"What does that?" Finn asked him as he grabbed a blanket off of the bed.

"I'm not sure. Sound, I would imagine. It would take a very loud sound."

"Kyrin?" Alric asked, and touched her face lightly.

She sighed softly and finally managed to open her eyes.

"Can you hear me?"

She sat up slowly and tapped the side of her head with her palm. "There's a loud ringing now that I can't hear over."

Alric looked up at Saith.

"That's an improvement. I would imagine that will go away, and her hearing will be back."

Saith glanced at Kyrin, and she was glaring at him. "I trusted you!"

He smiled slightly and then left the room before she could continue.

"Kyrin?" Alric said, and then touched her shoulder. When he had her attention, he grabbed her flail and pointed at it.

"I told you, Qualsax," she said loudly.

He shook his head, sighed, and then did his best dragon impression, using his hands as claws and trying to look angry and menacing. When he looked over at her, she was grinning.

"Keep your day job. You make a much better king than a bard."

"Would you focus?!"

"Yelling doesn't help."

He took another deep breath and then grabbed a blue blanket and showed it to her.

"I'm not cold."

Alric pointed at it again.

"Blue?"

He nodded.

"Oh! Do you want to know about the dragon?" Kyrin asked.

Alric finally smiled and then nodded again.

"Well, he ate a couple of Qualsax, and I ran. There's not a lot to tell."

He held up her flail.

"Did I fight him? Hell no! I'm not dumb enough to fight a dragon."

"Could Orion have caused her hearing loss?" Finn asked.

"I don't know actually. He's been dormant for so long, no one's really had to deal with him."

"I didn't mean to overhear," Trox said, coming back into the room.

"What do you know about Orion?"

"Well, other than he's been lying in wait since before I was born, not a lot. However, the ground shaking, her hearing loss, and now the knights are saying the tunnel leading to the Qualsax dungeons is blocked by rubble. That's too much of a coincidence."

"We may never find out," Alric said. "Make sure the lookouts on the castle keep an eye out for him. For now, we wait to see if Kyrin's hearing comes back. If it does, we need to deal with Naylor."

Trox frowned. "Was she at all upset by him being here?"

"No, which has me concerned."

"She wasn't happy."

"No, she wasn't anything. She showed no more emotion than if I'd have brought in a complete stranger."

"I would think she would be mad that he abandoned her."

"Abandoned her and then left her mother to die."

"So all of these stories about how women are treated are true?" Finn asked.

Alric glanced at him. "I'm afraid so."

"I guess I just assumed she lied."

"She isn't always lying."

"No offense intended, sir. However, she does lie quite often."

"Well, not always." Alric wondered if he was ever going to get to stop defending Kyrin's ways. He realized that most of the time the accusations were warranted, but he hoped someday she would stop proving them right.

Over the next three days, Kyrin's hearing began to come back slowly. The buzzing was keeping her up at night, and she was starting to get grouchy because of it. No amount of begging could talk her into another healing blessing though, so she suffered through it and the castle servants just stayed clear of her.

Naylor called often for her. When Finn finally went down to see what he wanted, the shifter told him that he wanted to apologize to Kyrin for all he'd done and to make amends. Finn suspected he just wanted out of the prison and would do anything in his power to do so.

After another sleepless night, Kyrin sat up and sighed. She then smiled when she realized she could hear her own breath again. She looked over to tell Alric, but he was already gone for the day, and the twins were in his place in bed. The eldest, Ryche, looked over at her and smiled.

Kyrin had to admit she was becoming attached to the twins slowly. She found herself wanting to be with them more and more, and enjoying the time she spent with them. She hated when they cried though, and she still wasn't sure what to do with them when they wouldn't stop. Azimeth often took them when Kyrin became frustrated, and Kyrin kept meaning to go talk to Emerisa about it but hadn't been able to yet.

Now that she could hear, Kyrin mostly wanted to find out where Alric had been for the two weeks he was missing. She grabbed a piece of toast after pulling on a dress, and then headed out to find him. She loved how she could now hear the sound of footfalls behind her when she headed down the stairs. Course, she also realized that meant she had knights with her, and she wasn't quite sure why.

Alric looked up from his throne when she walked into the throne room. He smiled and watched as she walked up.

"Where were you for two weeks?" she asked. Kyrin stopped just in front of him and crossed her arms sternly.

He just smiled at her.

"I can hear again. Now explain."

"Oh, that's great!"

"Talk"

"Sithias took me to speak to Daemionis about Naylor."

"For two weeks?!"

"It wasn't two weeks for me. It was only about an hour, but I suspect I was in a different dimension where time runs slower than here."

"You shifted?" Her eyes began to darken.

"I think so, yes."

"Without telling me?! You aren't equipped to shift."

"I didn't do it on purpose. Now calm down. Sithias just took me to a neutral location to talk to Daemionis."

"You had no right shifting out of Paragoy without telling me!"

Alric couldn't help but smile. "Yet you do it all the time to me."

"That's different."

"How?"

"I know what I'm doing! I can find my way back."

"I didn't have to find my way back."

"Which dimension were you in?" Kyrin asked, still angry.

"I don't know. It was all white."

She just watched him.

"Don't get mad! Sithias just wanted me to talk to Daemionis. I didn't shift out on purpose, and I had no idea that while I was there, time here was moving faster."

"Well stay in Paragoy where you belong!" Kyrin turned to leave, but Alric called her back.

"Sit down, please. I want to talk."

Her eyes narrowed and she sat down beside him on her throne. "About what?"

"First of all. I have some questions about dimensions other than Paragoy."

"Like what?"

"Does each dimension have its own time? I mean, when you shift out for years here, is it only a day or so in other dimensions?"

"I have no idea."

"How can you not know? You shifted constantly for seven years."

"Well I never really paid attention. I slept when it was dark wherever I was. I have no way to compare them, now do I?"

"I guess not. Have you ever been to that dimension? Where things are all white in every direction?"

"No, and I've never heard of such a place."

"Maybe it takes a god to go there."

"Maybe"

He smiled. "You're still mad."

"Well you shouldn't have shifted without telling me, and I fully plan on yelling at Sithias for that too."

"Why don't you not? Okay? I'm sure he didn't mean any harm."

"Well you appearing outside of Paragoy is unacceptable."

"Again, yet you do it all the time."

Kyrin just stared ahead.

Alric took her hand. "Don't be mad. I had to talk to Daemionis about Naylor."

"So what did you find that was worth the entire upheaval of Valhara for two weeks?"

"I found out that Daemionis didn't send him." Alric hadn't finished speaking before Kyrin stood up and ran for the door.

"I knew it!" she screamed.

Alric ran after her. "Knew what?"

He followed her down into the dungeons, with Finn and two other knights behind him. Kyrin stopped at Naylor's cell, and she looked in at him. Her hands were balled into fists, and a dark shadow had crossed her features.

Finn started for her when he saw how mad she was, but Alric held him back, and they watched her carefully.

"Get up," Kyrin scowled.

Naylor jumped slightly and looked over at her. He sat up and stretched, and then took a drink of water that was sitting beside him. He seemed disinterested in her, even though he'd been yelling for her for weeks.

"Who brought you here?" she asked him through the bars.

"I told you. Daemionis did."

"No, he didn't. Now tell me before I have to force it out of you."

"I just shifted into here. Same as you."

"No, you didn't. Sithias has the ways into Paragoy blocked."

"You got in."

"Tell me!"

Naylor smiled. "I came looking for you. I care about you, okay? I know that's not the norm, but I always wondered about you. I saw you on wanted posters, and I wanted to make sure that you're okay."

"Did Mika send you?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"No, I told..."

"Ryder?"

"Kyrin"

"Was it Kagan?"

"No one sent me," Naylor said calmly. "All 12 Consortiums have joined to find you, and I was worried about you."

"What's the bounty then?"

"It's up to over 100 platinum and a room with the Clemency."

"You disgust me!"

"I'm not here to get the bounty."

"Of course you are. You can't turn down a room with the Clemency. All the water you want. All the food you can eat."

"I wouldn't."

"Yes, you would! Now tell me how you got into this dimension," Kyrin demanded.

"I shifted." Naylor stopped speaking when Kyrin drew her flail.

"The goodies in this dimension may not beat the truth out of you, but I sure as hell will."

"Goodies?" Finn whispered.

Alric didn't answer but kept a close eye on Kyrin. He didn't want her beating anything out of Naylor but was still hoping she could get the truth out of him before she got through the bars.

Naylor forced a smile and he stood up. "You care about me, Kyrin. Now that you're a parent, you realize how much I really care about you."

"Stop lying to me. I don't give a rat's ass about you as a parent. What I want to know is how you got into this dimension, so I can stop the Consortiums from doing the same."

"I shifted in."

"If you shifted in," Alric said, stepping forward, "how is it you appeared suddenly in front of me in the throne room?"

Kyrin glanced at Alric, and then looked at Naylor. "I've never seen a portal drop into a building."

"It can be done."

"Stop lying to me! I've shifted enough to know they only appear in nature."

"I shifted in," Naylor said again. He backed up to the wall when Kyrin pulled a set of keys from her pocket and began going through them.

"Did you give her dungeon keys?" Finn asked, tensing.

Alric moved forward and took the keys from her. "How did you get these?"

Kyrin tried to get them back. "Let me in there."

"Where?"

"My nicker had them. Now let me in there to get answers before the entire Shadowmere Consortium shows up in Valhara."

Alric looked over at Naylor. "I suggest you answer her before I'm forced to let her in."

"I'm not afraid of a woman."

Finn cringed. "I wouldn't say that if I were you."

"By nature, she's weaker than I am. She has her mother's magic though, so I would be careful."

Kyrin smiled. "Let's you and I meet outside then."

"No," Alric said. "Now, Naylor, stop with the insults and tell us why you're really here and how you shifted into Paragoy in the middle of my throne room."

He shrugged. "I don't have to tell you anything."

Kyrin began to pace in front of his cell, watching him. "It took a god to drop you into the throne room."

"I shifted."

"So the way I see it is, Erianah brought you here."

"Who?"

"The Consortiums don't have a deity. No other god cares about me or even knows about me, for that matter."

"Daemionis thought the same thing," Alric said. "What does Erianah gain by bringing him here though?"

"Getting rid of me," Kyrin said. "That leaves what Naylor has to gain."

"You're wrong," Naylor said.

"Here is what I think. Erianah found my father, mistakenly assuming there was an attachment there. She figured he could get me out of Paragoy. He saw the opportunity to turn me over to Mika and then live his life like a king."

"Is that it?" Alric asked. "Is Mika still personally after Kyrin?"

Kyrin looked at him. "Of course he is. Mika never gives up on a possession."

"You belong to Mika," Naylor said, moving toward the bars. Alric studied him as a darkness crossed Naylor's features. It didn't entirely surprise him when Naylor's eyes began to turn black.

"I don't belong to anyone."

"Well I'm not giving up a chance to live in luxury! Your old dad has it coming. I deserve this, and you owe me."

"For what?!"

"For giving you life! For knocking up that no-good mother of yours."

"I owe you nothing."

"Mika can teach you your place too. You're living it up so high and mighty here that you've forgotten what a nothing you are."

"That's enough!" Alric yelled. "I'm not going to let you insult my wife."

"She belongs to Mika."

"Take her hands," Alric said, and began to unlock the cell door.

"No!" Kyrin screamed when Finn took her left hand, and another knight took her right.

The second Alric got into the cell, he drew back and punched Naylor in the nose, dropping him instantly to the floor. He looked down at the suffering shifter. "Do not talk about my wife like that."

Naylor tilted his head back and tried to stop the steady flow of blood from his nose.

"As King, I'm denying your trial and sentencing you to life. We can't risk you getting out and getting word to Mika, so you get to stay here. Don't think it's going to be comfortable either."

Alric stepped out and slammed the cell door shut. The others let Kyrin's hands go, and she watched Alric closely. She'd never seen him hit anyone before.

Finn and the knights were the first to start out of the dungeon, followed by Alric. Kyrin caught up to him beside the storage room and pushed him inside.

"What?" he asked as she locked the door behind her. She glanced quickly at the neat shelves full of extra chains and locks, and then moved to Alric and kissed him.

He spun her around and pushed her against the wall.

# Chapter 11

Sedomer cried and toddled over to where Kyrin was sitting beside Ryche. She picked him up, and he laid his head against her shoulder. At a year old, she was finally getting more attached to them and felt more like the mothers in Valhara.

They both seemed accident prone though, and she always felt guilty when Alric found a bruise or scrape on one of them. She still felt it was her responsibility to keep them safe, but the normal falls of being a toddler were more than she could keep under control.

Emerisa spent a lot of time with Kyrin now, and Azimeth had slowly faded into the background as Lady in Waiting. Kyrin found Emerisa an interesting confidante and trusted her more than the elf. Her experience as a mother was something Kyrin listened to and utilized.

"Ma," the twin cried, and sobbed against her shoulder.

"What happened?"

"Ma"

She sighed. She never felt comfortable consoling the twins. It seemed unnatural in a way and wasn't in her character. Not sure what else to do, she sat him down in front of her. "What happened, Sedomer?"

"Ouchy," he told her, and pointed to his leg.

Kyrin pulled up his pant leg but didn't see anything. "Well, I can't take you to Alric with no injury."

"Da?"

"Yes, your dad."

"Go"

Sedomer crawled to his feet and started for the door, but Kyrin took his hand. "No, he's busy."

"No," Ryche said, shaking his head.

"What was that no for?"

"No," he said again, and then ran for the door also.

Kyrin started after him but turned suddenly when she heard someone behind her.

"Let them go," Daemionis told her.

She dropped to her knees as both twins ran out of the room.

"It is time to leave Paragoy Dimension."

Kyrin looked up at him. "Why?"

"I need someone to take over Carathis Dimension now that I own it. It is the perfect place for you and will keep you away from the Consortiums."

"I'm safe here, my Lord."

"I'm done with this place, and so are you. Shift out tonight."

"Please don't make me do this."

"Why are you here?" Alric asked, coming into the room with Ryche in his arms.

Daemionis growled softly before answering. "It is time for Kyrin to leave this dimension."

"No!"

"You have no say, boy. I have somewhere I need her, and it isn't here."

"You can't take her." Alric put the toddler down.

"I have already issued the order."

"Please, Daemionis. Don't make me leave my family," Kyrin said.

"Remember, Kyrin, the blood oath."

"I know but..."

"Amoxy"

"I know, okay? I'll do anything you ask. Please don't make me leave."

"I've spoken." With that, Daemionis disappeared and Kyrin looked over at Alric.

"No, you aren't leaving," he said to her.

She sat back on her knees and looked around the room.

Alric moved toward her. "Kyrin, no."

"I have to go," she whispered.

"Why? That's enough of Daemionis. Sithias will protect you! It's time to stop running and stay here."

"It's more complicated than that."

"Is it that blood oath he spoke of?"

"Yes"

"You were, what? 11-years-old?"

"So?"

"That's too young to be held to a blood oath."

"Eleven is old enough to know what I was doing."

"We have to break it."

Kyrin stood up and took his hand. "I can't break it."

"Tell me why."

"It's a blood oath. I swore my soul."

"Sithias can help you."

"I cannot." Sithias' voice sounded.

"Why not?" Alric asked.

"Blood oaths are what hold the demons to their followers. It's a binding pact."

"She was a child."

"It doesn't matter." A glowing orb shone from beside the window and then slowly grew into the deity. "I've told you that I cannot interfere."

"She's in your dimension."

"She belongs to Daemionis."

"What if she swears her allegiance to you?" Alric asked.

Sithias walked over to her. "What was the oath exactly?"

Kyrin hesitated and looked over at Alric. She wasn't sure if Daemionis would appreciate her speaking to another god.

"Tell him, please. Maybe he can help."

"He can't help me."

"Tell him."

Kyrin sighed and then addressed the god. "Daemionis' blood oath swears an eternity of allegiance in return for his protection."

"Which he doesn't give!" Alric yelled.

"He does though. He's saved me many times," Kyrin explained.

"I've seen him take blood out of you in return for that protection."

"I couldn't have survived on my own without him."

"That was as a child. You have us now."

"What is the Amoxy he spoke of?" Sithias asked.

"It's... it's part of the oath."

"What part?"

"I didn't think it would happen."

"Don't be afraid."

"I'm not afraid of you."

The god smiled. "That's right. I forget you aren't afraid of me."

Kyrin swallowed hard and then bit at her lip. "The blood oath extends to my offspring."

"It what?!" Alric gasped.

"I didn't think I'd ever have children."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

"I cannot interfere with Kyrin and Daemionis, but where the twins are concerned, I can," Sithias explained.

"Tell me what it means," Alric said sternly.

Kyrin began to wring her hands. "If I break the oath, then my soul and the soul of my offspring will be in eternal torment."

"Keep going."

"Daemionis doesn't take well to disloyalty. He takes the souls of those disloyal to him, and he keeps them for eternity in pain and suffering."

"You agreed to this?"

"I had to," Kyrin told him.

"How could you?" Alric was finding the entire idea ludicrous. How could someone be so desperate for protection by a demon, that they would offer up their soul? He looked over at Kyrin, shocked that she had done something like that, even in her childhood.

"Don't blame her, Alric," Sithias said. "You don't know what the dimensions are like. She was a child on the run from the Shadowmere, and Daemionis offered her a glimpse of peace."

"For her soul?"

She nodded. "I can't defy him."

"How does he do it?" Alric asked Sithias.

"The same way I lead my followers into paradise. He chooses to torment those who don't do as he wishes."

Kyrin walked over and with shaking hands, began to put things into her backpack.

"Don't go," Alric said, wrapping his arms around her. "We'll figure this out."

"Don't you see? I don't have a choice."

Alric turned suddenly toward Sithias. "Agree to it."

"No," Sithias said, frowning.

"Agree to what?" Kyrin asked them.

"She can't leave!" Alric said.

"King Alric, no. I will not allow it," Sithias told him.

"We can't let her fall into his hands!"

"Tell me what you're talking about," Kyrin interrupted.

Alric fell to his knees before Sithias. "Agree, please."

"Agree to what?!"

He looked down at the floor. "Daemionis told me that if he's allowed to build a temple in Valhara, he'll leave you here forever and not send you on any more missions."

"He never said that to me."

"He told me."

"He's not having a temple in my dimension," Sithias said.

"Alric?" Kyrin said, kneeling beside him.

Alric looked up at her.

"I'm not going to allow Daemionis to ruin what you have here. You said he can't get to the twins under Sithias' care, but it's too late for me. I have to go to Carathis, but I can try to get back here once in awhile."

"That's not good enough."

Kyrin kissed him softly and then met his eyes. "I'll try to come back."

His heart pounded in his chest as he thought of her disappearing. "Please, don't go."

"I can't risk angering him that badly. This won't be his blood torture. He will kill me."

"Kyrin"

"I love you."

Alric pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "There has to be something we can do."

Kyrin tried to memorize everything about that moment, so she could hold onto it when she was gone. Nothing felt more right than being in his arms.

"Let me talk to Daemionis and see if we can work something out," he whispered.

"It's too late. I have to go before he gets mad."

"We need your help, Kyrin," Sithias told her. "You know the Consortiums, and they will find Paragoy someday."

"I can't stay."

"We need your magic."

"I..."

"Agree, so she can stay then," Alric said.

"I can't do that."

Kyrin stood slowly, looked around the bedroom, and then slipped on her black leather vest.

Alric started to panic. He felt like the situation was out of his control, something as King, he'd rarely had to deal with before. His mind swam with the thoughts on how to keep her with him and to stop the harsh rule of Daemionis in her life.

When Kyrin started out the door, he followed her, not sure how to stop her. He had the means to force her to stay, but he knew that would be damning her soul.

At the orchard, Kyrin grabbed an apple. She stared at it and found even its sweet taste didn't sound appealing. She didn't want to leave, but she felt she had no option.

Alric looked over when she turned toward the west and sighed.

"You found a portal, didn't you?" he asked her.

Kyrin nodded. "Yes."

"Wait, don't go. We have to figure this out."

She kissed him again and looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "I wish I had a choice."

"I'll find you."

"You can't shift."

"I'll still find you."

They kissed again and then Kyrin reached down to grab the portal key from the ground. She looked through the glowing portal at the snowy terrain on the other side.

"I hate snow," she whispered.

Alric followed her gaze but saw nothing. "Sithias, do something."

"You know my price." Daemionis appeared and stood tall beside Kyrin.

"Not in my dimension," Sithias said, shimmering into existence beside him.

"Then she's leaving."

Kyrin and Alric stood back away in case the two decided to fight again.

"What do you gain by a temple in my city?" Sithias asked.

"I gain a lot."

"We need Kyrin."

"I need Kyrin too, and she's mine."

"Why a temple? We can't allow that kind of evil here."

"Kyrin can't stay in a dimension where she cannot properly worship me as I deserve," Daemionis said, smiling. It was apparent that he knew he was infuriating Sithias.

"No, it's out of the question."

Daemionis looked over at Kyrin and then turned fierce eyes to Sithias. "I will release Amoxy on Kyrin."

"Full Amoxy?"

"Not her soul, but those of her offspring."

"For eternity?"

"Of course."

"Why would I do that? I have their souls anyway."

Daemionis grinned. "Not if they turn out to be shifters. They set foot out of Paragoy and they'll be mine."

"You would take them, even if they chose to follow me?"

The demon nodded.

Sithias' eyes narrowed. "Does it have to be within Valhara?"

"Yes"

"What about in the forest?"

Daemionis turned to look at the dense trees. "Keep talking."

"With no priests or priestesses of yours. I still abide by the agreement with Erianah not to allow evil into Paragoy," Sithias said.

"I will need a follower to watch over it."

"Kyrin can."

"No, another. Someone with no other purpose than to make sure my way within the temple walls is upheld."

"No chaotics."

"Loyals then?" Daemionis asked, looking over at the deity.

"Nor evils."

Daemionis glanced at Kyrin and then nodded. "That can be arranged."

Sithias nodded. "Yes."

Both deities turned to look at Kyrin and Alric, who were still standing beside the portal watching them.

"I can stay?" Kyrin asked, taking Alric's hand.

"You agree?" Alric asked him.

Sithias sighed. "On a trial basis."

Daemionis faded away as a malicious laugh sounded.

"For now," Sithias said angrily, and disappeared.

Dimensions Saga Books

Dimension Shifter (Book 1)

Paragoy Dimension (Book 2)

Shadowmere (Book 3)

After the Dimensions (Book 4)

The Fall of a King (Book 5)

The Claiming of Carathis (Book 6)

Rising Nobility (Book 7)

Alorian Ascension (Book 8)

Accepting Evil (Book 9)

Watch website for more...

Other books by T.M. Nielsen

The Heku Series

Heku

Valle

Encala

Equites

Proditor

Ferus

Eternity of Vengeance

Ancients and Old Ones

Banishment

Sins of the Son

Return of the Encala

Heku Series Companion
