After a moment, Adonis asked, ‘How does one alter another’s desire?’
‘They must believe it is what they want.’
‘There must be a choice.’
‘Or no other way,’ added Blair.
‘His power must come forth.’
‘He must reach Corsec.’
‘We must separate them,’ concluded Adonis.
‘What of his training?’ asked Blair.
‘He may come to us, still.’
‘They act as if they have been in love for many years,’ said Blair.
‘He will not risk it.’
‘He must be encouraged.’
‘She needs to be in danger.’
‘How strong is his love?’
‘Let us find out. Woman!’ called Adonis, and Tarsha turned slowly to them. After being signalled forward, Tarsha stood up reluctantly and dawdled over to them.
‘Again, my name is Tarsha, Sentinel.’
‘Who is the girl?’ asked Adonis, as if he did not care for what she had to say.
‘Her name is Alyssa. I hope you show enough respect to call her by it rather than “girl” or “woman”,’ said Tarsha bitterly.
‘How do they know one another?’ asked Blair.
‘They are both from the same village.’
‘Another survivor,’ said Adonis.
Tarsha nodded. ‘From what she has told me, she was riding through the mountains with her father before the attack. They both fled and had been travelling as far as they could when we caught up with them. That was her father that we saw lying lifeless near the scout.’
‘The boy saved her life,’ said Blair.
‘They are in love?’ asked Adonis.
‘I do not know,’ said Tarsha. ‘I think he loves her, but they are only now getting to know each other. In time, I think so.’
Adonis and Blair exchanged glances.
‘It will soon be time for you to eat, Tarsha,’ said Blair. ‘You should find food before we move on.’
Tarsha eyed them both suspiciously. ‘What are you planning on doing?’
The Daijuar let their shoulders drop a little to show that they did not know what she was talking about.
‘Come on, I’ve heard you talking. What are you going to do to Jaden?’
‘We are here to train him,’ said Adonis.
‘We must teach in whatever way that we can,’ added Blair, bowing his head a little.
‘You are not to bring harm to either,’ said Tarsha strictly.
‘The Daijuar are here to protect,’ Adonis assured her with a comforting tone.
Tarsha flicked her vision between the two of them, and then knowing she could say or do nothing more, she left with a “humph!” and wandered away, but not so far that she could no longer hear what the Daijuar were saying.
‘Jaden,’ called out Adonis, rousing the youth’s attention.
Jaden swam quickly over to Alyssa and said something to her, then kissed her gently on the cheek before getting out of the water and picking up the Daijuarn vest. As Alyssa lay on her back, floating gently in the current, he walked slowly toward the Daijuar as he put on the vest. Once before them, he knelt and waited for them to speak.
‘We thought you should know of our plans,’ started Blair.
‘We must move from here soon,’ continued Adonis. ‘Once we arrive in Ceahlin, we must seek out the others.’
Jaden nodded, but allowed them to go on.
‘Noviahn has asked us to take you with us. He wishes to meet you again in Corsec city.’
‘I understand,’ said Jaden.
Adonis smiled. ‘She is a beautiful girl,’ he said, inclining his head toward Alyssa.
Jaden returned the smile. ‘The most beautiful,’ he agreed.
Blair stood up and excused himself. ‘I will find food,’ he said, leaving Adonis to speak with Jaden alone.
Adonis nodded and then turned back to Jaden. ‘You are in love,’ he said, still smiling.
‘She makes the pain go away a little,’ he said, looking over his shoulder.
‘Ah,’ said Adonis in sympathy. ‘You still suffer from the loss of your home.’
Jaden nodded. ‘I don’t know what else to do. She is the only one that can make it go away.’
‘The Daijuar can help you.’
Jaden lifted his arms so that he could see both endobraces. ‘Releasing the energy doesn’t help,’ he said.
Adonis laughed. ‘No, but the Daijuar are more than just powerful. We have an understanding of ourselves, and the world around us. Remember, we are a race by ideal, not by blood. Perhaps there is something we know that could help you deal with the pain.’
Jaden shrugged. ‘I don’t want to think about it.’
‘There is no need for it now. However, if you ever feel that you need to revisit events lost in the past, remember my offer.’