Hessins Daughter

Chapter Four

It was midday by the time Jae’lyn and Cyrus had packed up the morning camp and trudged up the path back into the port. Despite the setbacks and distractions of the snow, ghosts and wolves that followed the Ruce Mystic around the city had done it’s best to return to normality. Merchants were out selling their wears and hosting an array of games and contests for the children while a cheering roar rose up from the stadium where sword and melee battles were being held for honor and prize. Even the Jousting field had made progress in clearing out snow, long tents interconnected to cover the area for a better and more safe game the next day.

The Lords and Ladies had done exactly what Cyrus had predicted. Bickering and arguing over whether or not they should believe the message, and if it were truly serious enough to answer. Those who voted against the journey argued that the Wild North was dangerous, even more so during the winter seasons which were just around the corner, no one could survive such colds and the creatures up there were....feral...dangerous...driven made with the spirits theres. Some legends even say there were cannibles in the north and hardly safe for anyone to attempt.

Others argued that the proof was all around them. The dead continued to stand by the forest edges, watching and terrorizing any living that got too close to the roads leading out of the city. There was no telling what travelers out there were enduring if any of them had survived, the two highways were often traveled...now it was too dangerous to exit the South Port walls. And the snow? Answers needed to be made and those answers were found in the north.

In the end, it was agreed that representatives would be sent. Strong Knights and warriors of each house to traverse the Wilds and seek out the truth of these strange happenings. It was when Jae’lyn entered that the true conflict arose.

“It’s too dangerous! Children should not make this journey.” The Raven Lord, father of Bao’zhan protested. The truth was he wanted to keep the Ruce girl safe, his house would benefit from a marriage with her and his son, he could not risk this hand.

But Jae’lyn was persistent. As were her friends and family. Rohir, Kisa, even Kol son of Arthion Tsukimatsu, age sixteen was demanding his chance to prove himself worthy as heir and knight of the realm. Luckily for them, their stubborness won over and were reluctantly accepted in the departure party. It was Jae’lyn who made the final point that turned the tides in her favor “Because the roads are now un-safe due to the wraiths and ghosts guarding them, we will have to go by sea, and I am the best amongst us that knows how to navigate and captain a ship and crew.”

It was true. Aditi Ruce, Jae’lyns mother would have to stay home, as would many of the Salt Captains busy preparing the ports for winter. They had little to spare and Jae’lyn was as good as any one of them.

“Very well. You shall lead the expedition then. Captain Ruce.” Lord Ash La Seine spoke from where he sat “You have three days to prepare a ship and supplies before you and your team set forth. Should you require any aid, ask.”

Jae’lyn bowed at the waist “Thank you m’lord La Seine. We will be ready.” She promised. Those in agreement to go on this mission all nodded in agreement. Captain Jae’lyn and her four Arrows. Rohir her youngest brother as scout, Kisa Rosalind as marksmen and hunter, Kol Tsukimatsu as fighter, Bao’vein as guardian and three other knights from the various houses to help protect the party during this long journey to the wild north.

The rest of the day was spent in the markets and the pier buying furs, foods, oils, weapons. Horses were groomed, checked for injury and packed for the journey while Jae’lyn went down to port to pay a ferrier captain coin for passage to Sharkhead. There, in her own hometown they could find a more suitable ship to finish the journey north and start their trek on foot.

It was as Jae’lyn was returning from the port when she met her oldest brother grinning slyly at her, two of her mothers panthers, standing behind him with equally sly grins “Didn’t think you can go running off on some quest without finishing our match. Did you?”

Jae’lyn grinned back “Is that a challenge big brother?”

“Unless you think you are too afraid to lose.” Kai winked.

“It starts when...half an hour?” Jae’lyn laughed “I’ll be there. Promise.”

The sword combates was held in a large round pavilion made of skins stretched over poles. It helped to keep the new snow fall out and the ground was equally covered in a thick hide. Matches had to be more controlled than usual, the observers all stood around in a tight circle while the current match ensued. Ash La Seine was fighting against Tahl’zale. A vicious and fierce duel that had everyone pushing and shoving for a good look. In the end, Ash was the victor.

“Next up! We have Jae’lyn Ruce and Kai’dyn Ruce of Sharkhead Port!” The Harold announced from the center of the ring. Both Ruce siblings stepped onto the rawhide, weapons in hand.

Kai’dyn bore a long sword, its blade glinting as he stepped up to the line, hand flecking over the hilt as he grinned over at his sister.

In contrast Jae’lyn bore a short blade, it’s metal shaped like leaf, and in her other hand glinted a dagger, dulled for the tournament match as she didn’t want to hurt her brother. “Good luck brother, I’ll try to go easy on you.” She winked. Kai’dyn laughed and grinned as he brought his sword up in a high guard, returning his sisters wink and nodding at the harold

“Let the match begin!” The Harold shouted as he lowered his hand and quickly backed away from the Ruce combatants.

Jae’lyn was quick to act, rushing low and quick, her short sword lashing out at her brothers chest before her dagger glinted in a follow up strike. Kai’dyn however was patient and calculating, seeing his sisters second attack and the moment she was open he rushed forward with a strong step, kicked his sisters shoulder to send her further off balance an swung his sword down to the back of her neck, pausing meer inches as the harold shouted “Strike! Point goes to Kai’dyn!”

Jae’lyn swung her blade back, beating her brothers sword out of the way and charged in a second time, her dagger struck out, once, twice, both times her dagger hit nothing but air as Kai’dyn backpedaled from his sister, his sword raising to return to a guard and re-set his position. Jae’lyn continued to press with a fierce determination, rushing her brother back until his heels reached the end of the hide. Suddenly he shifted out of the way as his sister lunged for a thrusting strike, his sudden disappearance left her arm extended and open to the snapping strike of the flat of her brothers sword, stinging her wrists as she fumbled with her balance and stepped outside the hide “Strike Two! Kai’dyn gets the point! Jae’lyn gets a warning for stepping outside the ring. Two more and she’s out!”

Huffing out a sigh Jae’lyn returned to the ring and both Ruce siblings reset their stances. Again they engaged, Jae’lyn struck with her dagger, again finding nothing but air. Her brother cut down to her shoulder in a hasty attempt at a third strike but Jae’lyn rose her guard and caught the blade on sword and dagger, shoving him away. The weight of the sword staggering him to the side a few steps before he managed the raise his weapon to meet his sisters attack. Left gaurd swept her sword away, right guard forced her dagger back before a strike fell and a quick snap drew blood. His sword biting his sister's shoulder and causing her to hiss, her hand and the hilt of her dagger pressing against the injury as the harold announced the third strike to her brother Kai’dyn Ruce.

Kai grinned and pointed his blade to her, he knew she was fine and had suffered far worse than a kiss of his blade. Again the duelists set positions, Jae’lyn rolled her shoulder and lowered her dagger to hang at her side, ignoring the trickle of blood as she narrowed eyes at her brother. She needed to catch up. Needed to focus. She was letting this mission to the north hurry her attacks and rush her thoughts to end the duel and return to preparations.

“Come on Jade! You can get him!” Cyrus howled from the edge. Near the entrance their father entered, watching from the shadows with a proud smile .

Jae’lyn gave Cyrus a nod and looked back to her brother, resetting her stance and raising both her blades. Kai’dyn twirled his own long sword in hand and lowered his stance, his blade held down and behind him. Again Jae’lyn charged forward, her eyes narrowed with focus as she fainted to the right and crowded his sword held down at his side. A foot kicked out at the large pomel of his blade and kicking it out of his hand before raising her blade towards his neck “And Strike!!” The Harold called “Jae’lyns first point!”

Kai’dyn grinded and dived for his sword, his sister following in a quick attempt to keep the weapon away. Feet and hands shuffled until Kai’dyn retrieved his weapon and swung it up in a defensive arch, forcing his sister to retreat back giving him time to return to his feet and press the advantage. “Strike! Four points to Kai’dyn!!”

Jae’lyn was quick to recover her blade giving no ground as she rushed her target, her short blade cutting and ‘x’ in front of her before following with a low strike to her brothers leg, while her short blade quickly reversed and cut across her brothers exposed side. Both blades striking leather and causing the harold to call out her second and third strike.

“Kai’dyn needs two more points to win.” The harold explained as Kai’dyn reset his stance and this time took the advantage, pressing the attack with his own aggressive approach. His long sword arched slow but deadly to keep Jae’lyn at pay, forcing her backpedal towards the edge of the rawhide. Heels reached the edge and Kai’dyns blade found her ribs “Strike!” Swaying off balance Jae’dyn desperately swung her short sword. Both to keep her own balance, and to try and catch a point. Kai’dyn saw his advantage and broadened his stance opening up his shoulder for Jae’lyns blade to strike. It didn’t matter. A necessary sacrifices as he pressed forward with a stomping foot, trying to force his sister to take a step back his sword rising for his fifth strike.

Jae’lyn hissed, determined to stay on the leather as she quickly recovered from her brothers attack. Kai’dyn was relentless and again his blade crashed down, meeting with his sisters cross blades in a desperate guard. The two struggled in a stalemate, blades locked in combat as they fought against each others own strengths. Kai’dyn was quick and more talented with a blade however, and where there was once pressure he suddenly let it go, causing the blades to sing as the sudden release sent Jae’lyns arms open. One solid kick had her falling out of the ring onto her back the tip of her brothers sword pressed against her throat as the harold yelled “Strike! Kai’dyn Ruce wins!!”

Kai’dyn grinned down at his sister as he pulled his blade away and offered her a hands up “Better luck next time.”

Jae’lyn smirked as she brushed straw off of her black armor and out of her hair “Bit more practice, I’ll beat you one day.”

Laughing Kai’dyn wrapped an arm around her shoulders “We’ll see. Come on, I’ll buy you dinner.”

“Dinner, sounds perfect!” Jae’lyn laughed as both siblings exited the tent amongst the shouting, cheering and clapping crowd that enjoyed the match. Cyrus stayed behind with a slight frown, still holding her quiver and staff. Still he didn’t bother to follow or get upset. He knew why the siblings took off without him and with a smirk he went to go entertain himself at the tavern until she returned for the night.

“I wish I could go with you.” Kai’dyn said as they walked together towards the pier. The Pier was a large dome building that rose up five or six stories and had market stores and carts on almost every level. The very top levels were marked off, old and no longer used. They were once inn rooms meant to lodge noblemen and women back in a time when South Port was half it’s size and still new in it’s creation. The Pier was the first largest building built in the Port followed by the bridge and the construction of the La Seine Castle on the neighboring island.

“I know. You got to help Mama and Papa out with the Port. You are it’s heir after all and you have your own ship to Captain now.” she smiled at her brother “I’ll be fine. Its nothing like before.”

“I am not so sure of that.” Kai’dyn frowned with concern.

“Well at least its not an army of crazy cultist and demon kings.” Jae’lyn smirked, giving her brother a nudge “Besides I know how to take care of myself better than I did then.”

“Lyn. Its a dragon. Even the bravest and strongest of Knights fell to the last dragon that came on our shores.” Kai’dryn stressed

“Right...” Jae’lyn frowned “But its a dragon asking for our help. Surely that in itself will keep us protected enough.”

“Then why call for the strongest champions of the realm?” Kai’dyn countered.

Jae’lyn frowned deeper and took a moment to answer “Well I suppose we got to get there first. The Wild North is full of more dangerous things than Dragons. Maybe the champions are needed to keep us protected on the way there?” Jae’lyn sighed “Really though. I’ll be fine. I actually have the easy job. Your are the one thats going to have to deal with a bunch of moody Salt Men and preparing for the winter. All that paperwork and trudging in salt soaked ice and snow...”

“Heh...” Kai’dyn laughed as he kicked a pebble down the cobblestone road “Yea I guess you got me there.”

“Hey. Don’t worry about it.” Jae’lyn smiled “The moment there is trouble, we will do everything we can to avoid it rather than face it. I don’t want anything bad happening any more than you do. Its just a trip up to the Wilds and back. And Rikka will be there half way. She and Dagon will be happy to see us, they will have shelter, food, protection...”

“But I wont be there.” Kai’dyn grinned over at her.

“Right.” Jae’lyn laughed “Well I’ll make it up to ya. A’ght?”

Kai’dyn wrapped an arm around his sister and gave a sideways hug “A’ght.” he chuckled as they made their way past carts decorated for the harvest season and covered in snow. Despite the snow cover however folks still rushed from cart to cart to sample the wares. Some children were playing a hoop game in hopes to win a toy while a couple playfully tried their hands at dunkin apples, or perhaps ‘tried their mouths’ at it was a more apt way of saying it. One of the merchants managed to successfully call the Ruce siblings over to sample his sweets and try out his own game of tossing marbles into bottles. Jae’lyn won and gave her prize, a white stuffed rabbit toy of soft leather and goose down feathers to Kai’dyn as luck. “Give it back when I return.” she grinned.

A message was sent to Runewald by falcon that night. Runewald was a small village just outside the Ra’vain borders and in the Wild North lands. They were very close neighboring houses but just far enough out to feel the hardship of the north. Rikka, one of the La Seine daughters was married to a young lord name Dagon Eresku. Together they acted as stewards to the village they protected and would be on the way of their adventure. It was there hope to stop there, rest, and perhaps learn more about the Wild North before they ventured further into the snowy wastes.

That night she spent it with family. Eating a more fulfilling dinner that wasn’t caramel apples and candies while continuously assuring her parents that she would be alright. Her father more then once offered to come, but logistically he was needed in port. Winter was the hardest time of year for Sharkhead and while they had vastly improved on many processes, they still had much to do and prepare for. Aditi couldn’t do it all on her own. And then there were Jae’lyns twins who would need looking after while their mother was away.

Going to bed that night wasn’t easy, and it was spent with alot of tears and unsurity.

As expected three days came and went. Heartfelt goodbyes and lucks were made and the ferry carried the adventurers party up the coast to Sharkhead. On boat it was an easy journey, three hours of gentle sailing and disgruntled horses being suspended over open water on a bit of wood. To Jae’lyn she could hear their snorts and complaints. When they landed they transferred horses and gear onto a smaller and much sturdier ship. The Sereg Quesse, meaning ‘The Blood Feather’ it was Jae’lyn Ruce’s vessel, something she worked for and paid herself when she returned home from the mountains. It was her pride and joy and she babied this ship as much as she did her own children who were currently on the docks smothering her with hugs and kisses. She felt bad coming back, only to leave again... but this was important. She knew her children were safe here...she went to great lengths to ensure it would be so...and they had guardians watching them, her mother and father was just a day behind her and promised to keep the children protected while she was away. There was just one guardian she wished she could keep here but had no choice but to bring a long.

Tzeelachel. The childrens nanny....or so everyone that wasn’t family knew her as. She was more than that though...she was a dweller. A demon from the mountains, bonded to Jae’lyn by blood. Dwellers were blood feeders, they often fed off of willing or unwilling victims to get their source of strength. It was said that blood gave them strength enough to walk in the sun and hold their chosen forms for longer periods. If a victim was willing, they would become bonded and in return for blood the dweller had to do what their victims commanded. Essentially they became slave to their source.

It was also said that the victim could drink the blood of a dweller thus giving them a source of power such as being stronger, swifter, keener....but it was dangerous, drinking the blood of a dweller tainted the blood of a human and over time...the human would become mad, insane and crazy in mind, their bodies changing into one of them.

Jae’lyn accepted the bond with Tzeelachel out of necessity. During her rescue the demons aid was required to escape the monastery she was held captive in, and her children were part...demon. Thanks to the efforts of her former husband, the demon king...it was this event that could not prevented and they needed the wisdom of a dweller who knew what to expect in order to aid in the growth of the twins, the problem was, no one, not even a demon knew what to expect of halfbred children. It had never succeeded until now.

The problem however was that the dweller couldn’t be separated from their bonded source. Some could endure a longer distance than others but once that limit was reached, they were forced to follow. South Port was only six hours away on foot and was easy enough for the two, Jae’lyn and Tzeelachel to be separated. But the Wild North was far, and if Jae’lyn was to go...Tzeelachel would have no choice despite either of their wishes to keep the dweller here, watching the twins.

“You have much to learn, little niece. You’ll understand someday.”

“I don’t want to understand...someday....I want to understand right now.” Lyn snipped as she shrugged off the hand of her captor, one of the ‘knights of thorms’ that served her uncle. He was attempting to help her up onto the horse but she was no idiot. Instead she climbed up on her own and settled herself into the saddle, River, her faithful dog following along beside them “I’m tired of all the lies.” Lyn continued “I want to know how you are my sister, Sylvia’s father. I want to know why you attacked my house, hurt my family and are stealing Sylvia away. I want to know why this cut you gave me itches so much and what Papa meant by 'bond' ” she shoved her arm out to the side towards him to show the red and irritated cut on her arm, it appeared black and veined around the mark in a very un-natural way. “I don’t want someday I want now.”

Sven gave a small laugh as he looked at the cut barely illuminated by the moonlight they passed through. “Patience, Lyn. You’ll learn soon... Not now, but soon.” he said with a small smile in her direction. It was crooked, and felt very fake.

Before her uncle could go on, a voice spoke from the shadows, “You called me back too soon...”

Sven glanced up, searching with his eyes for the source of the haunting womanly voice. “Did I? That is a shame, though we did not come for revenge as I recall.”

“W-what...was that?” Lyn asked, she was shifting around in her saddle searching the forest for the owner of the strange voice. Even her own strange mystic like sense told her there was something very wrong.

Both Sven’s and Lyn’s horses started to become nervous as a shadow seeped from the forests by the young mystic’s side. It formed quickly, taking a lithe shape with the shadows. Pale arms appeared as the shadow melted away, flowing down into the form of a flowing black dress. Short obsidian hair twisted into an elegant bun atop her head and a pale beautiful face was made. “And as I recall, there would only be one child taken. Not four.” The woman said as she turned to look up at Lyn with feline eyes. Sven’s aura had been dark and frightening, but this apparition’s aura felt like pure dread that even River sensed whimpering and cowering away to the otherside of the horse his master Lyn sat on.

Lyn screeched in surprise and sudden fear. Her hands yanking back on the reins of the horse causing it to rear up, another surprise screech sounded as Lyn lost control and fell off the back of the horse, she was still a new rider after all and horses doing anything more than walking was hard for such a small girl of twelve.

Sven pulled his horse to a stop, as did the rest behind them. Somewhere Kai’dyn called out in worry, “Lyn!” Though whoever held the reins to his and the elf girl Sadene’s horses did not let them move.

“Must you frighten my niece, demon?” Sven gave a sigh as he looked down at Lyn. Her horse had galloped away but one of the knights were quick to ride off to retrieve it. By the look he had it seemed he didn’t care all that much if his niece was hurt.

The demon laughed as she moved alongside Lyn. “Well it is not my fault if these little mortal things are easily scared. She won’t last two days in your care, dear master.” She looked down on the mystic, “Might as well run into the forest, little girl. You’ll live longer.”

Lyn backed herself up into a tree and stared wide eyed up at the demon “G-go away!” she commanded fearfully.

“By now I must assume the Ruce simply like trying to order poor elegant demons around,” the demon pouted sadly. “Maybe if I plucked out your eyes you might show a little more respect for me?”

“Tzeelachel,” Sven spoke threateningly, glaring down at the demon woman.The woman continued to glare down at Lyn but slowly eased back and went to stand by Sven’s horse. “Stand up, Lyn. You are in no danger.”

“How can I not be in danger!?” Lyn squeaked in fear “What Is that?! I-is it a...a Dweller? Why are you talking to them!? Why is it here?! What did you mean by ‘revenge?’” she continued to stammer on fearfully.

“Lyn.” Sven stared down at her, “I said. Stand. Up.” Lyns frightened eyes turned to glare at her uncle but any resistance or anger she might of had quickly faded and had her cower back at the command. Grumbling, she reluctantly stood as she was asked and brushed off some dead leaves and branches that clung onto her.

By now the knight had returned with her horse, it fought the reins some but not enough to cause trouble. “Good,” Sven smiled, “Now then, let’s continue on. We’re not far enough away from the port yet.” He turned to look down at the demon, “Tzeelachel, go back and see if we are being followed.”

The demon was watching Lyn with amused eyes. She let out a smirk before disappearing again, “As you command, master.” The shadows melted away, but even with the darkness around them it was clear to see the bolting shadow that shot back the way they came.

Lyn continued to grumble and climbed up onto the horse again, her eyes continuing to dart after the shadow nervously, even as the horse started to walk alongside Sven’s once more. With a nod, her uncle continued the small caravan onward through the forest. He had no intentions of answering any of her questions.

“I do not like this. Leaving the twins now is dangerous.” Tzeelachel warned. It was true, like the dwellers the Twins had developed similar powers, powers that were foreign, strange and new to the human family. Tzeelachel was dutiful in their protection and leaving them was counter to that goal.

Jae’lyn however frowned as she walked along the docks with Tzeelachel, in some ways the two had become friends, although neither of them would admit to it. Not after their history together. “And if I don’t go we will be covered in snow and the Twins will get sick. Winters are hard on Sharkhead as is, this is much worse...and I don’t know how long my wards will hold out against the wraiths and ghosts out there in the forest. If they breach the walls do you think you can fight them all off?”

Tzeelachel also frowned, clearly not liking the situation anymore then Jae’lyn did “Stay with them.” Jae’lyn begged softly “My mother is a great grandmother to them but she is busy with the port, they need someone to be with them...keep them protected.”

“And starve while you are away?” Tzeelachel shot back “That will do us no good either. Hidden in the dungeons until you return. Without your blood I cannot endure the light and be with them.”

Jae’lyn sighed, she thought about keeping one of her Arrows here, use him as a go between until she got back but the truth was...she didn’t trust Tzeelachel to stay if given the chance to break bond and run. The walls were guarded with Runes that kept the Dweller within the walls, but it was still too dangerous. “Alright. You will have to come with then.”

“And how do you propose I do that?” Tzeelachel asked again “You have already said you're going on boat. You know dwellers can’t cross moving water.”

It was a small giggle and pattering of feet that hand Sadene, Kai’dyns girlfriend digging her fingers into his knuckles. They had been taking turns watching for this moment, a moment when they could escape the capture and kidnapping of their infamous uncle Sven. Just on schedule, Sylvia had slipped out the back of their uncles tent and was chasing a butterfly out of camp. She had always been quite the escape artist despite being only a year in age.

Kai turned at Sadene’s nudging and looked just in time to spot Sylvia go into the trees. This was the chance that they’d been waiting for. Sadene shifted so that her back was to the Knights nearest them and looked up at Kai as she pulled the water flask closer to them “Ready?” she whispered.

“Ready,” Kai’dyn nodded to her, looking towards Lyn he gave a brief whistle to get his sisters attention. Hopefully she’d understand what they intended but there wasn’t enough time to verbally tell their plans without alerting the guard nearby.

Lyn looked up and searched for the source of the sound before they fell upon her brother. She frowned and closed her book while Sadene shoved the water flask into his hand “Pour the water into my hands and get ready to run when I do.” she spoke in Elvish, her native tongue. Doing as she asked, Kai took the water flask. Undoing the cap he splashed the water onto her hands. He looked up again to make sure the guard wasn’t questioning what they were doing.

Sadene kept her hands cupped so that the water would pool between them. Closing her eyes she began to silently whisper what sounded like a chant or spell mixed into that of a prayer to her gods. As she warned before it took only a few moments, a few moments that felt like forever with the possibility of being caught was so high. Suddenly she stood and burst forward, trusting that Kai would rush out with her as they bolted to the center of the camp and with a thrust of her hands up towards the sky, the water splashed up and caught the rays of the sun which illuminated the camp in a bright and blinding light of sparkling beads of water within the air around them. Without allowing room or time for question she dashed towards Lyn in hopes to grab her and chase after Sylvia and freedom.

Heads turned as the pair of prisoners burst into the center of the camp. Some knights had just enough time to stand while the guard strode towards them. All actions stopped when the blinding light appeared and a collective shout of agony exploded as the knights fell to their knees from the intense light that exploded from the Dark Elf’s hands. Kai’dyn was alongside her the entire way. She didn’t need to tell him what to do. Reaching out for Lyn’s hand, Kai’dyn pulled her along towards the forest. “Come on!” his words were barely heard over the knights still stunned and dazed by the light. They had to find Sylvia and get away while they still could. If they could get out of Sven’s reach they might have a chance.

“What’s going on!?” Lyn yelped when her brothers hand wrapped around her wrist and started dragging her, she only had enough time to snatch up the book as they darted out into the forest. Sylvia wasn’t too far away, batting little hands out at the butterfly before Sadene scooped her up as they rushed past and kept running, the little girl merely giggled and squealed thinking all of this was another fun game.

“We’re getting out of here,” Kai’dyn answered quickly. Behind them the camp had recovered and was shouting at them. He couldn’t hear a pursuit, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t one behind them.

“Show the way, Kai-dyn.” Sadene huffed as they continued to run, dark eyes looking around at the new surroundings of hilly mountains.

“Uhh,” Kai’dyn looked to the trees, remembering what his father taught him about recognizing the land. They were still on the edge of the mountains but he recognized the distant grey rocky mountains and the conifer trees. “Alright... Alright, this way,” he said, taking the lead towards one of the mountains, and the tall conifers. If they could find a cave or uneven terrain they would have a better chance of getting away. He was just glad the Knights didn’t have any dogs with them to help with the tracking... Yet they also had something much worse to watch them.

“It....Won’t....” Lyn huffed alongside them “...Work!”

“Well we have to try!” Kai answered her back.

“But...What about the-” Lyn started to question before she was interrupted by the need to dodge around a tree. She remembered the Dweller and from the book her uncle gave her for reading distractions, she knew they were very dangerous and worried what would happen when the demon caught up.

Hills began to bar their way as the three weaved between trees. Kai thought at first that the cuffs keeping him attached to Sadene would be a problem but surprisingly they were able to keep up with each other with barely a stumble. Crossing the crest of a knoll they found themselves over a shallow ravine or creek. Mud covered the bottom as the earth dipped off into a fall. They’d have to make a short jump into the mud below to go further or move around to find someplace to get by. Kai turned and spotted something moving through the trees, a very fast shadow that twisted around the rays of light and moved from tree to tree towards them. “We’re gonna have to jump. On three everyone,” Kai’dyn turned back around, “One. Two. Three!”

Both girls made the jump, Lyn a little bit more reluctantly than Sadene who lept before three even sounded. Arms wrapped tightly around Sylvia to keep her from falling away. The three landed in the mud with a loud squish. Dirty water and mud covered their legs as they pulled themselves from the thick ground as Kai led them down the creek where a slope would lead them up to the other side

Up above the shadow stopped, rising up from the ground it formed into the lithe pale woman called Tzeelachel’yon’ramel. She started to follow along from above, hands folded behind her back as she watched with amusement. “How far do you expect to get, little boy?” she called out, “You can’t outrun me you know, not even in the daylight.”

“Svens been feeding her his blood. It makes her strong!” Lyn informed as they climbed up the other side. “We need to find a river!”

“A river?!” Kai’dyn question as he helped pull Lyn up so they could start running again. The Dweller had disappeared again, leaping around the pit, and Kai wanted to waste no time to run again.

“It.” Lyn gasped as she got to her feet and started to run with them again “It can’t cross flowing water!”

Kai looked around, searching forest for any signs of willows. If he could find willows then there’d be water nearby, and yet he couldn’t hear any water moving. “Maybe... we can find a flowing creek... or a stream... Can’t hear a river!” He answered her between breathes. A shadow swiftly moved past their right. Pulling Lyn to the left, Kai’dyn continued to try and evade the shadow after them. It wouldn’t be long before the knights caught up but that ravine would slow some of them down.

“There isn’t any! Remember?!” Lyn coughed from the lack of oxygen and strain of running “The big river! We always crossed a river when going to the Mountains!”

“What?! We can’t cross that river, it’s too fast!” Kai answered.

“So what!? We let the river take us away!” Lyn suggested before flashing him a look “Unless you have any other bright ideas besides running?!”

Kai looked back to her, he frowned and bit at his lip before giving a nod, “Alright... Alright to the river! But hurry, we can’t escape this Dweller forever!”

Lyn nodded as they continued to run, it felt like forever that they ran and their lungs burned for a break as they continued to push themselves forward. They were eventually rewarded by the sound of a river becoming more and more clear with each stumbling step they took forward. Just as it seemed they were going to make it, the shadow appeared again behind them, leaping from the shadow of a tree to Sadene’s back to knock her down and claw at her back with talons forming out of the shadow. Sadene cried out and fell, the elfs wrist was still bound to Kai-dyns and forcefully jerked him down with her. Caught by surprise, Kai’dyn’s hand slipped from his sister’s as the teeneagers fell down to the forest ground. Through the trees they could see the river flowing.

Sylvia started crying as she was tossed from their arms and fell to the ground, the fall had hurt her and she wasn’t happy about being tossed around. Lyn quickly rushed to her little sister and picked her up before turning to her brother and Sadene. Sadene was trying to fight the attacks but how did one fight a phantom? “Kai!”

“Just run, Lyn! Get to the river, I’ll be right behind you!” Kai’dyn shouted back as he picked himself up to go to Sadene’s aid. He passed through the shadow easily but he at least made it back off from Sadene. The effort though earned Kai a long scratch across his arm and cheek.

“B-but...” Jae’lyn stammared, not wanting to leave her brother alone with the demon. Sylvia screamed over any protests Lyn could make and kept calling ‘Mama! Mama! Mama!’ With a deep frown Lyn turned and ran. The shadow saw her but Kai kept it distracted by standing in its way. For some reason the demon seemed especially angry to see Kai coming to Sadene’s aid.

Lyn ran as fast as her feet could carry her until they suddenly slipped from the grassy ledge and both her and Sylvia fell. The river roared loudly and she could feel the spray of water crashing against rocks. “Shh Sylvia, Ssshhh...Mama’s here.” She tried to comfort as she scooted to the edge of the water and dropped her feet down to the surface before looking back.

Shouts behind her as figures appeared around the trees heading towards the girl and babe. The shadow as well suddenly appeared to chase after her.

“Ok Sylvia. Were going for a swim!” Breathing in deep Lyn half scooted and half jumped into the water instantly feeling the current grab at her and drag her away. A rock suddenly appeared and Lyn wrapped herself around her sister taking the brunt as the crashed into it and got whisked further down. Holding a hand to her sisters head she closed her eyes and started to whisper in a shivering and shaking voice before sinking herself down into the water until it covered both of their heads and they disappeared.

The shadow stopped abruptly on the water’s edge unwilling to go any further. A knight appeared by the shadow’s side and another joined them with Kai and Sadene being dragged along. Kai’dyn had the most of the attack from the demon it seemed. Soon enough Sven appeared, and no hint of a smile was on his face. He scowled fiercely at the water. “Move downriver and find them, two stay to watch the other shore. I want them found, I don’t care what it takes but bring the babe back to me unharmed and alive,” his words seethed as he glared at the knights behind him, “I don’t care if you have to pry her from that girl’s hands.” He paused, his eye twitching as he shouted, “I want her back!”

Jae’lyn turned to Tzeelachel “You can if I command it, and If I give you blood to sustain you. We will be sailing close to the shoreline its not like we're going out to the depths of the sea. Follow along on the coast if you don’t like the boat. But I have to go. We can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

Tzeelachel frowned again and offered a mock bow “Your wish is my command.” she answered with discontent.

Jae’lyn rolled her eyes “More like my command is a reluctant command and not what I wish. Just keep my back safe and we will get through this quickly. A month...Two tops.”

“Mama!” A voice suddenly popped behind them and Jae’lyn turned to grin at her little girl

“Azreal my little girl” Jae’lyn grinned and bent to one knee just as something jumped onto her back “Haden! Aaah you got me!” She laughed and with her son hanging on her shoulders and daughter off her arms she stood and swung them about “I missed you two!”

“Mama! Mama! Lookit I lost a tooth!” she grinned. Sure enough, a pearly white tooth was missing.

“Ooooh what a lucky girl you are! Maybe the fairies will come visit you tonight. Would you like that?” Jae’lyn asked with a laughing smile

“Oh yes! I want to see fairies! They dance and sparkle all over the room!” Azrieal started to spin and dance as if she too were some kind of fairy.

“Mama...” Haden, her twin boy whispered in her ear “I want to see fairies too.”

Jae’lyn chuckled and reached over to flip him over her shoulder and blow a raspberry on his bare stomach before setting him down on his feet “Well when you lose one of your own teeth you just might! Fairies like to collect teeth after all. They come and dance all over the room and when you wake up...you will find tiny tiny foot prints that will lead you to treasure!”

Both twins eyes grew wide as they watched their story telling mother with awe “Wow!!!” They both exclaimed with excitement.

Tzeelachel folded her arms and rose a brow at Jae’lyn “Fairies?” she asked synically causing Jae’lyn to shrug, it made the kids happy at least.

“Are you ready?” A deep baratone voice sounded behind Jae’lyn. Azriels and hadens eyes suddenly grew wide and with a squeak as they both hid in there mothers robe, flinging the extra fabric over her head while the boy did the same.

Jae’lyn laughed as she stood, careful not to disturb the fabric hiding her twins “Bao’vein, yes. I am ready.”

The Raven Prince chuckled as he looked down at the two pairs of feet sticking out the bottom of her large robe “Cute.” he smirked and bent down slowly to their level “Hey there...” he rumbled kindly to the four little booted feets. “Hm...” he chuckled again as he pulled a tin can from his satchel and opened the lid, little cakes covered in sparkling sugar contained within “....cakes tastes delightful. A shame I don’t have anyone to share this with....”

That was all that was need and before he knew it both kids rushed out of the robes, snatched the can from his hand and took of running while the little girl waved back at them “Dank you!!” she giggled and followed after her brother to devour the cakes before their mother had a chance to scold them.

Jae’lyn shook her head and smiled as Bao’vein stood “Sorry about that...They are still learning about manners.”

The Raven Prince laughed and held a hand out to her “It’s alright. I was like that when I was young, it teaches them to be bold and strong. And it’s the perfect distraction, wouldn’t you say?” he grinned.

Jae’lyn laughed “Yes indeed!” she agreed, taking his hand to be guided back to her ship. After giving her thanks for the escort up the plank she turned her attention to the crew. In addition to her hunters, team of adventurers and the wolves sleeping around the mast. Jae’lyn had a small crew of Salt Men to help man the ship “Alrigh’ Mates!” Jae’lyn called out in a strong voice “Hoist the sails and heave to the winds. Were bound to the Wildes ye drunken whalers lets show the Northerners the frenzy of the sharks!”

A resounding cheer from the crew howled out with gusto as the Salt Men climbed the shrouds and jumped to work. It would be a full two days upon the sea before they reached the ‘neck’ and the next leg of their journey.

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