Dark One Rising(133)

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“There are so many thoughts, I don’t know if I could pick one and put it into words. I’m afraid. For myself, but also for all of you, the people I care about, away from me. I will be thinking of all of you, and hoping we are joined again soon.”

“And we you, little sister. We will do what we must to keep Fallon and his army from destroying everything. He has already taken too much.”

“Please be careful, Kevaan. I couldn’t bare it if I lost you.”

“You too, Melenthia, and know that I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you for believing in me.”

“It’s easy to believe in someone when they believe in themselves. You will face this destiny you have been given, and you will endure. You’re stubborn, that I know.”

She laughed. “Yes, I am. Take care, brother.” She reached up and grabbed him around the neck, squeezing hard. He leaned over, kissing her on the cheek. He took her hand, squeezed, then let it slip from his grasp. She watched him walk away and out of the room.

She looked out the window a few more minutes, watching him and Alek mount their steeds, and they and the men assigned to them trotted out of the bailey under the gates. She tore her eyes from the window and turned in time to see Dain standing behind her, his shoulder on the door frame. He was staring at her, no expression on his tired but handsome face. She approached him and put her arms around him, resting her cheek on his broad chest. He placed his arms around her in response and laid his cheek on the top of her head. He rubbed his hand up and down her back and buried his lips in her hair.

“Is it time to leave?” she asked, her voice muffled in his shirt.

“Yes. Sol and Tomaz want to get on the road before the storm rolls in. They don’t want to get caught in it. I got the feeling Sol gets extremely grumpy when he’s cold and wet.”

She lifted her face and looked up at him. “I’m not ready to leave.”

He brushed her hair back with his hand and cradled her neck. “I know, but the sooner you go, the sooner you can return to my arms.”

“You won’t find another to wile away the time until my return?” She believed that he was true, but wanted to hear it again, nevertheless.

He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to his. The pale blue regarded her with amusement. “Games we play, instead of good-byes? Very well, I will play, if for no other reason than to reassure you again. There is and never will be another. I love you, Melenthia, with every fiber of my being. My mind will never have even the remotest stray thought of another. I feel you deep within my soul. You are part of me now, and losing you would be like severing a limb. I can’t be with anyone else ever again. I’m yours and only yours for as long as you’ll have me.” He smiled down at her. “Was that sufficient?”

She laughed. “It’ll have to do.”

He leaned down and kissed her hard and passionately, hoping to make it linger for as long as they were apart. She responded to him, her body tender and warm under his passionate embrace. After a few minutes, he pulled away, reluctant to let go, but knowing the time had come for them to part ways. He knew that he would miss her greatly, and keeping his mind on task would be difficult. He knew that she would have trouble as well, but hopefully the memory of him, and their reunion   to come, would keep her strong and help her face the evil that she would eventually face.

“Come on, Princess, I will take you to your awaiting steed.”

They went hand and hand out of the room, down the stairs, and out into the bailey. Tomaz and Sol were waiting, Melenthia’s horse saddled and ready. She would be leaving Lila behind, giving her continued rest, taking instead the bay mare that had been assigned to her while she was in residence. The mare was young and strong and would fare better on the long journey to Vallis.

Melenthia kissed Dain on the lips one more time, then he gave her a hand into the saddle. When settled, she looked over her shoulder at Sol.

“We aren’t using the Sorcerers Wood again, are we?”

“It will get us to Vallis faster,” he answered.

“And safer from those that may be watching,” Tomaz finished.

She wrinkled her nose and glanced down at Dain.

“It’ll be fine,” he said to her, petting the neck of her horse distractedly. “I have faith that your escorts will get you there safe. Their help in keeping Fallon’s men from overtaking you has strengthened my confidence. I believe they’ll protect you, and train you well.”

“Okay. Please don’t worry, my love. I’ll be back in your arms sooner than you think.”