Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

Rather than a bustling marketplace, there were rioters making a loud scene. People shouted, trying to fight the idea of merging with their sister country, but the guards quickly shut them up and shoved them down the street to silence.

The horses clacked their hooves on the stone roads anxiously, and Kiaran rested a hand on hers to calm him. She looked across the crowd, hoping not to draw much attention. But it seemed that they wouldn't with all the chaos around them. Nurra had stayed outside of the city on Kiaran’s demand. She feared that he may either be noticed or be snatched away. Now that she thought of it, it didn't seem necessary.

Ryker stood ahead of them, resting both hands on Charmer’s face. Closing his eyes, he whispered softly, calming the horse with ease.

A sound perked Kiaran’s ears, disappearing into the surrounding noise. She glanced around, hearing it again. It was...like a bird of some sort. An owl, perhaps.

Again, it called out louder and flicked its wings. An owl covered in dark feathers was perched on the roof beside them. It stared at her with massive, golden eyes. Tilting its head, it flew to the next building over.

Ryker followed her gaze and nodded, saying, “I believe that is the Destine’s pet. We should follow it.”

“The Destine?” Davin asked.

They moved forward, shoving through the crowd. “They are a set number of people who make sure that the destiny of the world does not cave. They set destiny...That is what we’ve gathered anyhow.”

“You and your father?” Kiaran asked.

He nodded as he disappeared into the mass of people. They followed the owl through the alleyways and finally into a more peaceful part of the city. Kiaran breathed in deeply, relieved to be away from the noise.

Amongst the tall buildings stood an old house with smoke rolling from the chimney. It was something out of a storybook, seeming pleasant and charming. Ryker tied the horse’s reigns to the post outside the house. The owl landed on the porch’s roof, watching them. Cautiously, they walked past it and to the door.

Davin knocked, everyone growing tense. The Destines...they sounded important...powerful. Kiaran’s mind busied itself with so many questions. What would this Destine want with them?

Finally, the door slowly creaked open. A small woman stood in the doorway, possibly a foot shorter than Kiaran. She stood only an inch or so taller than Ryker, her hair halfway to the floor. Her stature was very thin, elegant. Her eyes were piercing, as gold as the owl’s. A smile broke across her thin, pink lips once she saw them.

The light fell on her white hair, although it was not white from age. She had to be as young as Kiaran, if not younger. She lowered her head, slightly, saying, “I knew I’d be expecting royalty...but I did not expect the Young Healer.” Her voice was purely beautiful and rang like the sweetest bells.

She looked through her dark lashes at Davin, biting at her lip slightly. Standing back up, she looked to Kiaran as well. “Remove your footwear as you enter, please,” she requested as she stood aside. “You even thought to bring your husband with you,” she said.

Kiaran flushed slightly and Davin grinned awkwardly. “We are not married,” she corrected her.

“Hm...I am mistaken.”

“Destines are never mistaken,” Ryker breathed, just loud enough for Kiaran and Davin to hear.

Hesitantly, they walked in. Ryker bent over, pulling off his boots. As he pulled on one, he lost his balance and his body rammed into Kiaran. “Sorry,” he grunted quickly, as he sat on the ground, ripping the other boot off.

The girl slinked across the room, her light gown floating about like water. She sat upon a stool, her hands placed in the seat between her legs, almost child-like. Resting her delicate, naked feet on the bar across the bottom of the stool, she watched them silently. Everything about her seemed cat-like. Her ashen skin added to her angelic beauty.

“Myska has brought you to me,” she said. “He is very good to me.” No one seemed to know what to say; she was so...strange. Her cheek rested on her shoulder, humming while she smiled.

Ryker lowered his head slightly in respect and said, “I am Ryker, and I am assuming that you are a...Destine?”

Her smile widened, her teeth gleaming. She appeared nearly excited by his words. Leaning toward him, her words came with her soft breath, “I am, Young Healer.” She stretched a foot ahead of her, her toes touching the cold floor to keep balance as she leaned forward.

“What is it that will lead us to the world’s destiny?” he finally asked. She chuckled slightly, lowering her eyes. “Isn’t that part of what the Destines do? Lead people to the destiny of the world? I am to assume that since we are here, we have something to do with everything, don't we?”

“Well,” she began, “The Destines do everything in their power to enable the world to its fate. Whether it be a birth, a death, or...well...anything. So, perhaps...Perhaps you have something important to do with the world’s destiny.”

Kiaran lowered a brow, listening closely. It was such an odd idea, that people would lead the world to its fate. “Do you use magic to do so?” she asked. Was she even human? She wanted to ask, but thought it best to save the question.

Her golden eyes shot to her as she sat up higher on her stool. She tilted her head, saying, “I like your questions. It is not often I gain the company of someone with knowledge.” Standing, she answered her question, saying, “Some may use magic, others perhaps not so much. Why do you ask? Are you against the use of magic?”

“Well, I’ve not heard much good about it,” she said lowly.

“That is with understanding,” she walked across the room, her feet as silent as a cat. The fire in the mantle danced widely, the room filled with orange light. She opened a window and Myska flew in, perching on the back of a chair. The Destine touched her tiny fingers to the owl’s chest, its feathers ruffling slightly. “I am sure the history of my kind are not why you are here,” she said. "It can be quite long and dry."

Ryker’s face twisted. It was obvious he wanted to know everything, but Kiaran replied, “Perhaps when the time is right, we could learn more,” she suggested. “But for now, we have many questions that need answered.”

“Such as they are...”

“Do you know anything about Sterjia that might be of use? How can we end her curse?”

The woman laughed slightly. “I know much about Sterjia. I was her Destine.”

Surprise flashed across each of them. “How old are you?” Ryker gawked, “You do not seem much older than me, how could you be old enough to be her Destine?”

She looked to the boy with a sweet smile and said, “I am much older than you.” Looking back to Kiaran, she said, “Do you wish for her history? Is that what you want to know?”

“Would it be important?”

“Perhaps,” she shrugged a shoulder. She took her place back on the stool, her eyes residing on Davin for a very long moment. Kiaran frowned slightly, becoming impatient--and quite possibly, a bit jealous.

Finally, her attention moved back to Kiaran, and she began the story. “Years ago, a young boy took the throne of Avestitia. Most of the royalists there were afraid it would be too long for the next heir. Rather than waiting for him to have his own child to send off on the voyage to a foreign land...they sent his cousin. She was sent to Trindal where she lived with a large family. There were many children, and she was overlooked often. She was...cursed with many talents. One being the talent of magic. To add to it, she was young, she was beautiful, she was desirable.

“Slavers are still a problem in these parts,” she glanced to Ryker. “Young Healer knows of this...The young girl’s family never noticed her gift, which made it easier for the slavers to steel her away in the night. She fought valiantly, escaping twice before she was finally sold to the king of Rishana. He was a nasty man, and kept her in one room for two years. She never left it. He brought her food, brought her clean clothes. He even had brought her flowers to freshen up the room.

“His purpose for her presence was...obvious, I presume. After two years, she bore him a child. That was all he wanted. His wife was barren, unable to have any children—so that is why he found this young mage.

"After she had the child, she nursed him for the first year. Once he was ready for food, he was ripped from the young girl. She was tossed into Lake Clandove in the middle of winter. The guards thought she was dead, and decided to leave early to go home.

“However...she survived and escaped to Trindal-VinCar where her magic grew into evil works and her heart hardened. Her name changed to Sterjia, meaning Wrath. She was able to take the crown of Trindal-VinCar and then gifted Rishana a throne for an alliance.

"And, perhaps you've noticed, the throne was cursed. For the king’s nasty desires and filthy passions, she cursed him with an amplifier. His desires would be the only thing to be on his heart...to the point where it would kill him.”

The fire crackled in the background, the sound of horses trotting by the only sound accompanying it. Davin stared at her, his brows drawn low. It made since why Murdock was so distracted by being the perfect ruler...and then his passion moved from his dominance to his self-preservation. He knew of this curse, but as this woman explained it, he almost felt sorry for Sterjia.

“So can their desires change even under the curse?” Kiaran asked.

“Well, I suppose they could,” she shrugged. Davin watched them, knowing the answer all too well. “It is not too common, but if something seemed...persuasive enough...they could change their minds to be distracted by something else. As with the king prior. He was obsessed with reigning on through generations, but once he was threatened, he became desperate to stay alive.”

Kiaran’s eyes slowly drifted to Davin who was clearly uncomfortable. “How does one end the curse?” she finally asked.

The Destine pondered for a moment, her fingers pulling her hair over one shoulder. “You must destroy the one who cursed the throne. ’Tis the only way.” The owl ruffled its wings as it shook its head. She smiled at her animal companion and continued, “Otherwise...once someone is cursed, it lasts his lifetime. As I am aware, Livla Sor has told you that the curse would spread from king to king. It is true. However, he may still feel rather...strongly toward certain desires or wants.”

Kiaran’s heart sank. Despair wiped across Davin’s face, although he tried to play it off that he was not bothered. Running a hand through his hair, he turned and walked across the room. He kept his back to everyone as he stared out a window, his arms crossed over his chest.

Ryker watched Kiaran from the corner of his eyes and said, “Do not worry, Kiaran. Sterjia will not live forever.”

“Could you imagine, though,” the girl stood again, creeping toward Davin, “if she could?” Standing beside him, she rested a delicate hand on his arm, watching him with her nonhuman eyes. Standing on her toes, she was still much shorter than him. “Your healer friend is correct, though. Do not worry, your heart can be monitored.” She looked over her shoulder at Kiaran and added, “I am sure it helps to have some companions to assist.”

He looked back, his eyes hardly focusing on much of anything. “It would be helpful,” he said sternly, though he was afraid that with Kiaran around it was only going to worsen.

Kiaran’s brows drew low, but not as low as her heart. Frowning, she turned away, hoping things would change quickly. “Just because I cannot be with you in Rishana, doesn’t mean that there isn’t anyone to help you,” she retorted. She could sense his fear and aggravation. His reluctance to go home alone. He still had his brother--and she trusted him above anyone else. So Davin should trust him as well.

Ryker watched anxiously as it grew bitter between them. “Such as who...Walter?” Davin whipped around. “Brick?” She kept her mouth closed tightly. “Fine. See if they are as much help as you believe.”

The Destine stepped away, her smile gone. She walked to the wall that was covered in books, her eyes scanning over them. Kiaran moved to Davin, the space between them now gone.

“Davin,” she spoke, her voice low. She had to be careful of what to say. Perhaps it would be best if she refrained from anything too strongly. Sighing sharply, she said, “We will work on this and you will be healed of this curse.”

His brown eyes burrowed into her, stabbing at her heart. There was so much pressing on him and she could see it was killing him. She fought her mind to keep from dipping into the words she had read from his journal. It was alarming, and a bit embarrassing.

Ryker moved to the Destine’s side as she searched the books. Her eyes glided to the boy and he asked, “I know you are a Destine...but could...I have your name as well?”

She smiled, her face very soft and luring. “I am Trukia.”

He lowered a brow, wondering how his father knew her. The name was familiar, along with the owl as her companion. “Did you know my father?”

Her smile did not waver and her eyes remained on his as she said, “I have met him.” She touched his hair and added, “You are rather young to be a Healer.”

“I’ve been told,” he mumbled.

“I...am not to tell you this...” she hesitated, “but you have a big life ahead of you." She gripped his shoulder, warmth spreading from her thin hand. "Stay strong, Young Healer.” His heart raced as he watched this brilliant girl speak. She added, “Your friends...they are distracted and this will happen often. I am aware that a healer must limit his works. However,” her body moved very gracefully. “If the man gets out of hand, his mind can be treated of his afflictions. Maybe not healed, but something can be done to manage it. There are things that spark off in your brain that keep your emotions level. You can maintain it for a time. It is only temporary and it does not always work too efficiently, but it can help you complete your tasks.”

“Is it difficult to do?” he asked softly.

She leaned toward him, her brows arched enthusiastically. “You tell me, Young Healer.”

The voices of Kiaran and Davin arguing sharpened slightly and she turned away from Davin. Walking to the girl, she said, “I have one more question that is...unrelated.”

“What might that be?” the Destine asked.

Kiaran was still slightly angered by whatever Davin had said. But she continued to ask, needing to know. “I am hoping to find my father. He has been missing for over ten years now,” she said. “His name is Estiahn Krutia.”

“Ah, the young king,” she nodded slowly. Her fingers glided over the spines of the books and finally, she stopped. Pulling out the book, she gently held it to her chest. “I cannot tell you of Estiahn. Mostly because I do not have that knowledge. However, I am sure that another can assist you. She is a Destine as well, and lives just northeast of here in the mountains. She can help you, I am sure of it.”

Facing the boy again, she reached out. Her smooth hand grasped his and pulled it toward herself. He tensed at the touch and stared at her nervously. Her lips curled slightly, her eyes low as she placed the white book in his hand. It looked new and had no stains or scuffs on the cover. Taking his other hand, she placed it atop the book, keeping her hands on his.

Her voice was sweet and soft as she said, “This will help you, my Young Healer.” She leaned forward, her hair touching Ryker and she whispered, “You are my favorite.”

He flushed heavily and she chuckled. Standing back up, she looked to Davin who was still across the room. He watched them silently, his brows drawn together. “If you fetch the map, I will mark it for you,” she offered.

He paused for a moment, then turned and walked out the door. It closed heavily behind him and it grew still in the house. The Destine faced Kiaran and said, “I am pleased with how destiny has worked with you. And yet...we are not done...”

“Why must I continually be used?” she found the words falling from her lips like shards of glass. She had been used from birth, it seemed. Why could she not live for her own?

“That is simply not how the world is,” she replied coolly. “Everyone is entangled in someone else’s destiny. Yours simply has a bigger part in the world. If only you weren’t so cursed to be born into royalty.” They glanced toward the door, noting the length in time of Davin's absence. “Your friend seems to be taking a detour to find the map...”

Kiaran took a step, but Ryker darted ahead of her. “I will check on him,” he raised a hand to her.

He rushed out the door, slamming it behind himself. His feet froze on the porch, the shade comforting against the hot, summer air. Davin stood by his horse, his hands gripping the saddle and his head hanging low. Noticing the boy’s presence, he slowly moved his hand to the pack that held the map. Pulling it out, he faced Ryker, saying, “I believe I am still capable of fetching a piece of paper.”

Ryker inched his way toward the tall man, his eyes taking in his stature. There was something in his head that was clouding his mind, making it harder to navigate his thoughts. It seemed he was strapped in his desires and passions rather than moving freely about. How could he fix this? Ryker's need to help was overwhelming.

Previously, he did not seem so enslaved by his emotions. However as Davin realized the closer they were getting to their departure, he was more desperate. More desperate to keep the woman he loved. But he was also afraid to be alone again. Afraid to confront his nation without someone at his side.

Davin took a step toward the house and Ryker shot a hand into the air, saying, “Stop! Wait, Davin.” He paused. “Um...The Destine told me there is something I can do to help. Only for the moment, though.”

“What would that be?” he asked hopelessly.

“She said your mind can be healed temporarily...Long enough to focus on the task at hand,” he said, gripping his fingers anxiously.

He sighed, his breath long and drawn out. His fingers flexed around the map as his eyes moved about without a target. “If it isn’t permanent, it is pointless.”

“I disagree,” he mumbled. “Perhaps...if your...passions get to be too much...I can heal you so that it is manageable.”

There was something about the boy...He was smart and caring. The brightness of his eyes seemed to reflect his personality, shining a little more each day. Davin rested a hand on the child’s shoulder as he walked by.

The touch swelled Ryker’s heart. His brows lowered as he thought of his father. When would he see him again...if he ever would? Perhaps...the day he left home would be the last he’d ever see Arrimen. He took in a shaking breath and followed Davin inside.

They walked across the room to the table where the Destine had pulled out a quill and bottle of ink. Davin stopped beside Kiaran and unrolled the map, laying it flat on the table. Kiaran placed a hand on one side of the map while he held the other. Kiaran fought her urges, but her eyes finally lifted to Davin. He kept his eyes on the paper, his jaw taught.

Trukia stood beside Davin, her fingers scanning the paper and stopping on the sketched mountains. “Here, she shall be waiting. She lives in solitude with a mouse as her pet. Imassa, I believe its name is. Find the mouse, and you shall find her.” She took the quill and marked a star on the map.

“Looks a short journey,” Kiaran sighed. “Shall we see her?”

“Yes,” Davin answered, nodding his head. Anything to keep him at Kiaran’s side for just a day longer.

“Dangers stalk you,” the girl shook her head, the corners of her shining red lips curling. “I can now see why.” Her eyes shifted to Ryker, and she said, “They’ll need you for protection, no?”

“Yes,” he sighed, rolling his eyes.