Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

After a few days journey, they made it to a small lake. The sun was shining through the only opening in the heavy clouds. The bright green grass was inviting as it shifted in the light breeze. The shade beneath the short, broad tree was enticing, nearly asking Kiaran to sit beneath it, so she did.

She watched the lake just down the hill from where she sat. Farther ahead, the sky was streaked with a little pink through the thick, gray clouds. It was the picture of a perfect evening.

The breeze picked up off the water ahead, misting across her skin. It was more relaxing than it had any right to be. The air was still hot, yet the shade from the massive clouds was refreshing.

Ryker dashed past her, heading straight for the water as he yanked his shirt off. The previous night, he had tested Davin’s mind once more, to be sure he kept his wits about him as they traveled. He was still acting relaxed, not overburdening himself with any thoughts it seemed.

Davin came to a stop beside her, hands on his hips as he inhaled the sweet scent around them. He gripped the pommel of his sword, his strong fingers regripping it a few times.

“It is a beautiful day,” he smiled.

“It is, aye,” she agreed.

“Why don’t you join us?” he faced her as he kicked off his boots. “I know you hate the heat.”

She stared at him; it seemed unsettling to swim half-naked with a man and a young boy. “Uh--no,” she grunted.

He shrugged a shoulder, “Suit yourself, Kiaran.” He sat his belt and weapons beside her, then tossed his shirt with them. She stared at his perfectly built body. The only blemish he had was the scar that ran from his shoulder to his jaw. Even that was a clean scar, and rather attractive. He smiled, blood rushing to her face. Looking away, she hoped he couldn’t read her.

Rubbing his bad shoulder, Davin jogged toward the lake. Ryker was already in it, splashing the water high above himself as light reflected through it. Davin leapt in without hesitation.

Laughter filled the air as they played. Davin snatched Ryker up by his underarms, slinging him farther into the lake with a great splash. The boy stood, flinging water off himself as he glared at Davin who burst into laughter.

His laugh was contagious, Ryker joining him. A smile stretched across Kiaran’s lips as she watched them. She could hear rain drops beginning to fall on the leaves above her. It was relaxing, so long that it wasn’t a storm. It seemed, though, that it would just be rain.

Davin looked to the sky as they felt the raindrops. Ryker paused, looking to Davin. He watched him so closely, like a boy would watch his father.

Finally, Kiaran pulled herself up and trotted to the water's edge. "Are you going to join?" Ryker's voice cracked as he jumped excitedly.

"No," she said. "I just thought I'd come see the water a little closer," she said. "Maybe we can have fish tonight."

"Yeah!" Ryker beamed.

Instantly, the sky seemed to open up, allowing the rain to crash down on them. Kiaran gasped as she pulled her hood up. Davin chuckled and Ryker squeeled while splashing more water on his way out.

"Come on," Ryker howled while rushing past Kiaran.

Kiaran was already on her way back to the tree, Davin soon reaching her side. They headed up the hill, though the rain made the grass slick and difficult to climb.

Her feet slid out from under her. Her first reaction was to latch onto Davin, who was not any more steady than she was. They both fell into a mix of mud and grass.

Instantly, Davin let out a short, loud laugh. Shreds of grass stuck to them as they tried standing. Her expression dropped as he stood. He had a strangely mischievous look on his face.

“What are you doing?” she asked sternly.

“Come here,” he said.

“Uh-no,” she grunted.

"You're covered in mud," he teased. "This will help."

Ryker leapt up excitedly, realizing what Davin was doing. “Oh! Do it Davin!” he growled as he clenched his fists ahead of himself.

He laughed shortly and moved toward her as she scooted away, kicking a leg up between them. “Don’t touch me, Davin,” she warned. However, he seemed to know her well enough that her threat was empty.

He snatched her up rather easily as she squirmed in his grasp. “How can you do this, you only have one good arm!” she grunted. “Let me go!”

It was amazing how their relationship had grown since their first meeting. When he had touched her that first time, she nearly snapped his finger off.

The rain poured over them as Davin pulled her from the grass. Turning toward the lake, he tossed her into its water. She quickly stood, her hair stuck to her face. It masked her eyes and blocked much of her view, but she could see him smiling. And for a second, she thought it looked just like Torin.

Her insides grew hot as she glared at him. Her clothes were soaked, her hair, her skin, everything was drenched. She stormed out and wiped her hair from her eyes. Pulling a fist back, she threw it at his chest. Once she made contact, he grunted and said, “I suppose I deserve that.”

The two walked back to the tree, sitting down again. Ryker was laughing and Kiaran shot him a short glare. “You aren’t out of reach, Ryker,” she snapped at him.

His mouth shut tightly, his wide eyes staring at her. His gaze flicked to Davin who shook his head with a grin. She peeled off her wet boots, tossing them aside, followed by her overcoat and belt. Her hair was dripping down her back, the cloth sticking to her skin. Leaning on the tree trunk, she watched the sky continue to downpour.

Soon, Ryker fell asleep, cuddled up with his shirt against his chest. Davin was stretched out on his back, one knee drawn up. He held a hand behind his head, appearing comfortable and on the verge of sleep.

Subtly, she slid her hand into her pocket, touching the cold coin of Torin’s. She missed him...and she hoped he was safe. Her body grew heavy with worry as she thought of him. It was a mix of feelings. Why did she have to see Torin, then? All that did was make things confusing and uncomfortable.

She looked over to Davin as he sat up. There was a flash of orange in his hands as he tossed a leaf aside. Folding his legs in front of him, he smiled at her. She watched him for a moment. He was built perfectly for a soldier, his muscles formed just right. Yet, his heart was not set on it.

“Did your father make you become a guard--knight--whatever it was?” she asked.

“What?” he nearly laughed at the random question.

“Well, from what I have gathered, you were not so interested,” she replied.

“Well...” he began as he rubbed a hand through his drying hair, “No, he didn’t make me...but I certainly didn’t want to at first. The thought of learning combat was nice, though. I thought it sounded amazing to be able to train your body just as scholars train their minds. But, I did not want to be a soldier. I don’t enjoy hurting people, and I never wanted to go to war.”

“Did your father insist?” she pressed.

“He continually talked about how it would please him and my mother if I would try to be something more than a blacksmith’s son. So to honor my parents, I joined. Come to find out, it all is second nature to me,” he shrugged.

“It is strange how one can become so good at something they never wanted to do in the first place,” she breathed. His eyes were locked on her in deep thought as she trailed off.

“Are you talking about your own abilities?” he asked lowly.

Her focus came back to him and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs. “I never wanted to fight for Nathanial, but it, too, was second nature.”

Finally, he tore his eyes off of her and yanked up his shirt from the grass, pulling it back on. He lied on his back once more, admiring the tree above him. “Perhaps we should rest up while we can, before the kid is ready to move on,” he said.

“I suppose so,” she agreed.

It was early morning as they traveled. The grass stood tall, nearly to their knees. Tall, white and yellow wildflowers grew throughout the field around them.

Kiaran watched her feet as she stepped onto a fallen log. She held her arms out at her sides as she balanced on it, dropping onto one foot. Davin admired her carelessness, her coolness as she strode slowly. She seemed to be without worries.

Feeling his attention, she looked at him from the corner of her eyes. His hands fumbled with some blades of grass. He peeled the grass into thin strands, dropping them to the ground as he walked. Seemed like something he did absentmindedly.

“It is nice to take your focus from the things we have to deal with...and simply look at what we’re passing,” he said. She smiled slightly. “Sometimes...one should simply admire the beauty around him.”

She stared at him, his dark brown eyes burrowing into her. They seemed soft like before he was ever king. Her heart ached...She wished he had never taken that position.

They came to a stop, the birds singing in the trees surrounding the little clearing that they stood in. Ryker pulled the packs off of the horses, sitting them on the ground. “It is nice,” she agreed, her voice low, “to be pleased by something so simple.” She knew he wasn’t talking about the scenery. It gave her an odd feeling in her stomach. One she didn't particularly like.

He smiled, radiance glowing in his face. This was going to be difficult, Kiaran realized. Having to keep a healthy distance between herself and Davin was proving strenuous.

Davin glanced to Ryker who was busy with the animals. Nurra perched on Charmer’s back, watching the boy curiously. “Ry, can you watch the horses for a minute?”

Ryker looked to them, a look of surprise on his face. He worded his new nickname to himself, an innocent light in his eyes. “Yes!” he shouted back with a bright smile.

Davin took Kiaran’s hand, saying, “Come with me.” She was hesitant to follow, but his leading her by the hand proved efficient. She fell into step at his side.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“It’s not far,” he assured her.

“Good,” she muttered anxiously. “Ryker shouldn’t be left alone...”

“Nurra is with him,” he replied.

They weaved through the narrow, tall trees and stepped over fallen branches. Soon, what was lain out before them took all breath from Kiaran. “...Wow...”

It was a beautiful landscape of dark-barked trees that stood forever tall and broad. Along the ground was overly vibrant grass. Tens of tulips washed over the meadow like rolls of colored waves. They were bright--all their colors so full of life, standing toward the sky like proud, crowned flowers.

“That is beautiful,” she observed, her eyes glued to the scene. She never wanted to look away.

“It is,” he nodded. “All the flowers have such rich color. They’re identically beautiful.” He smiled a bit as her eyes drifted to him. “But I didn’t take you for a woman who liked flowers,” he held a small grin as he stepped forward carefully. “Look at this,” he whispered.

She followed his gaze to the canopy of branches above. Hundreds of birds coexisted with the leaves. They were quiet and cozy, cuddled up to each other.

She tilted her head slightly at the unusual sight. “It’s in the middle of the day,” she breathed. “Why aren’t they singing?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Maybe they are built more for evening?”

She gazed in wonderment as she stepped closer. However, he took her by the elbow, gently guiding her back to where she just was. When she eyed him curiously, he said, “You’ll wake them and they’ll leave.”

She nodded once, glancing back to them. “How did you find this place?” she questioned.

“When I was scouting the other day,” he answered. “Ryker says this is an unusual area. Most of Trindal’s wilderness isn’t thriving very well.”

“Hm,” she pondered. “Magic can be deadly or restorative.” Her eyes glided over the scenery, seeing a small pond. She could sense something there. Something similar to what she felt when Ryker used his magic. It was almost identical to what radiated from Kriettor most of the time.

“I didn’t go searching because I knew I’d not find anything to match what I see in you..." His sudden words caught her attention. "But when I came across this, it reminded me of you."

She lifted her eyes to him, but dropped her gaze to his hands as he presented an odd colored lily. At the base was a deep, crimson red that bled into white at the tips. A stunning white--as if it were glowing.

“It’s the most beautiful flower, I think, because of its rarity." He placed the flower into her hands, his eyes hiding behind his lashes. “It was the only one of its kind, and I am glad I found it. It reminds me much of you.”

Her blood ran hot as her heart fluttered. Gripping the stem of the lily, she gazed at its natural beauty. He gave her a flower? Was this a normal thing to do? It was odd. She didn't understand why a pretty little plant could make her heart ache like it did.

“Sometimes, we overlook the beauty that the Creator gave us...We tend to only worry about our problems or our self-worth...Yet...at the moment, this flower seems more important than Sterjia or my curse. It adds beauty, something to admire,” said Davin, his voice deep and soft.

His hand ran over hers, his callouses rough on her skin. “Your hands are scarred and beaten from fighting,” he began, his hands wrapping around hers. “But look at how gentle they are.” Her face flushed several shades of red, as she stared. He leaned forward, nearly ready to kiss her--but he paused.

If he were to do this, it’d show that he was unwilling to give up on this conquest, this battle to win her over. And maybe for a short time, he would have her. But what was the point if he was just going back to Rishana? They didn’t belong together.

He stared at her, his heart burning and aching and his stomach feeling sick. It was futile to give up his love for her. He was not tormented by his curse the entire time he was with her. And it would not pose a problem in the future, so long as he distracted himself. He was smart, he knew he could handle the whole world so long as she returned that love. Curse or not, his desire to be with her had never really gone away.

Still...he hesitated. Even without the curse, it would be impossible: He was a king of another country whereas she ruled Avestitia. They had a sea between them at all times. The longer he had considered it, he knew. He knew that he no longer cared about the future. It was always changing, never staying the same. Why balance this on something that wasn't going to work anyway? Rishana was doomed. Cursed from the start. It was pointless to go back.

He knew that there was a chance--a slim chance, but one nonetheless, to have her for himself. He had given up on burying away his feelings. That was done for him.

He pulled away and looked aside. Still, he could not bring himself to kiss her. He couldn’t bare to look like a fool. She'd likely punch him over it.

“I just wanted to tell you...that if you focus too much on where you are heading, you’ll never see these beautiful things. But if you pay too much attention to the grass at your feet or the flower in your hands...you’ll overlook the world around you," he finally said.

The flower was cool between her fingers. The sun peaked through the massive clouds as they rolled by. The tulips were filled with sunlight, warming them quickly to look like little torches. Davin walked away, saying, “Well, with that said, I’d best get a nap in.” His voice was much louder and up-beat. “I am wore out from today’s hiking. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Kiaran remained motionless...frozen by Davin’s words. It was something she had never felt before. Her heart was on fire, and her face was burning from it. She stared at the flower he gave her.

She had watched him play with the plant for near an hour that morning, his eyes scrutinizing it. She wondered why he was so fixated on it. Finally, she knew what he was thinking about when looking at it. He wasn’t thinking about the lily at all...he was thinking about her.

She reached the clearing where Davin had already lied down, Ryker beside him. Her gaze darted to Davin as he relaxed. He held his hands behind his head, Ryker following suit. They spoke to each other, the words inaudible, but Ryker’s laugh was clear and bright.

How could anyone feel like that toward her? Torin’s words came to mind and she nearly broke down. She looked to her scarred knuckles. She had killed so many people and her heart was so frozen over...What made her so appealing to anyone? Was it the fact that he was bored with regular women?

She walked to the treeline, leaning on one of the skinnier trees. She kept her back to them, facing the shadows of the woods. Tears tried to form, but they never fell. Closing her hot lids, she breathed in slowly.

Her body still felt weak from the paralysis from the spiders, so she sat down, leaning on the trunk. Soon enough...she fell asleep.