Dark One Rising(131)

“I concur with Sol. If we are to teach her, we must do it in the safety of Vallis’ boundaries.”

Dain looked at Melenthia, but spoke to Tomaz. “If he can get into her head like you said, what’s to say he won’t force his way into her mind there?”

“Vallis’ borders are protected by spells. They are safe from any magical probing or spells from outside influences. He will not be able to touch her there, or manipulate her thoughts. In fact, he will not even know she is there. She will be protected against his mind. She will be able to train without fear of him.”

She looked at Dain. A tear fell from her eye. Dain looked at Sol. “When do you need to leave?”

“We must make haste if we’re to get her where Fallon can’t touch her. We must have everything ready to go later today.”

She looked at Sol, then Tomaz, then back to Dain, feeling all of a sudden helpless. She had been asked to fight for the world, but now she was being told she would have to do it away from the people that she loved. How could she get through what she needed to do alone?

Her eyes welled with tears once more, and Dain stood from his chair. “Sol, Tomaz, would you excuse us please?”

Sol stood from his place in his chair, Tomaz from the bed. The elf bowed to Dain. “Of course, Your Majesty. We will get everything ready for the journey.”

“Have the servants and the stable hands get you anything you require and prepare you anyway you need. They’ll make sure you have everything for your journey.”

Tomaz nodded and took Melenthia’s hand in his. “We will protect you, My Lady. On our honor we will not let any harm befall you.” He bowed to her now, and he and Sol left them alone.

Dain sat down on the bed again, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He rubbed her back and brushed the hair from her face. He pulled back a bit and looked into her emerald eyes. He stared into them, not able to tear his gaze away. He kissed her forehead, then each eye, tasting salt from her recent tears.

“I don’t want to go, Dain. I don’t want to be alone.”

“You won’t be alone. Sol and Tomaz will be with you. They’ll keep you safe. I have faith in them, and I trust they are making the decision that is right for you.” He touched her neck, purple and swollen. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, Melenthia. I would die if anything happened. If Fallon can reach you from wherever he is, then you are not safe. If the boundaries in Vallis can protect you, then you must go there. I can’t do my part in this if I have to worry about your safety. I’ll miss you, but our separation will be easier if I know no harm will come to you. Please, Melenthia, don’t make this harder. I love you and can’t lose you.”

He hugged her harder, kissing the top of her head. She looked up at him and nodded. “Okay, Dain, I’ll go, but I don’t know how I will fare away from you.”

“You’re strong, and you’ll do what is necessary, what you were put on this earth to do. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met, and your strength will keep you going, and me too. You’re special, and I’m so very blessed to have you in my life. When the elf and Sol deem you ready, you’ll return, and I will be here waiting.”

“You might forget about me while I’m gone. I don’t want to lose you to someone else. I love you too much.”

He lifted her face. “I will never find another. You’ve touched my heart and soul in ways I cannot explain, and I have never loved anyone the way I love you. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would find someone who fills me so completely. I love you deeply, Melenthia, and I will never stop. There will never be another.”

He kissed her deeply and passionately, her arms now holding on tightly to him, responding to every touch. Soon they were lost in each other, the morning melting away.





CHAPTER 30


Melenthia awoke again later that morning to birds in the garden below singing a spring tune and a warm body lying next to her. She snuggled closer to him but did nothing to wake him. She listened to the sounds of morning and to his steady breathing. She felt safe and warm and didn’t want to do anything to disrupt that feeling, even though her throat still had evidence of the previous evenings nightmare. She touched it lightly. The bruising had faded somewhat, but it was still tender to the touch. She took in a deep breath. The air smelled a bit like rain, and she hoped that travel to Vallis would be smooth. Riding again in a downpour didn’t thrill her.

She felt Dain stir a few minutes later, and she flipped over to look at him, their bodies tight together. He opened his eyes and smiled at her, reaching up to brush back the curls in her face. He kissed her on the nose and wrapped his arms more tightly around her.