Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (18 page)

“It’s about time. We were beginning to think you were officially sleeping beauty.” Lexie says as she stands to gives me a quick hug. “How are you feeling?”

“Refreshed, I didn’t realize how tired I was before. Good morning guys.” I say to everyone in the room and spy a buffet of food. My stomach growls loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear. All heads turn to look at me with wide eyes before we all start laughing. I take a few minutes to feel my plate with an assortment of fruit, a blueberry muffin, some scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. I stick to what I know and I grab a large glass of juice and go to sit joining everyone at the table.

We quickly eat and take our leave of the others as Alaric walks me out to the stables to meet Tempest. I take one look at this massive creature and fall in love with him instantly. He’s black and white and huge. Alaric explains to me that they have been together since Tempest was a colt and he has sired several strong resilient males since. He is breath taking and intimidating. Alaric saddles him and prepares this massive creature for our day as I look on warily. I have ridden before but never a horse as large as this. Tempest is by far the largest horse I have ever seen. He rivals the Clydesdales that I’m more familiar with in the Mortal Realm. Although he appears to be fierce I soon realize that he is as gentle as a lamb where I’m concerned. Tempest nuzzles my hand looking for affection and I find that I’m soon cradling his massive head in my embrace. Those crystal blue eyes of his can see into my soul and I cannot resist his charming character.

I hear Alaric ask with a smile to his tone, “You ready?”

“Yes. Tempest is amazing; I can see why you trust him so. Can I possibly obtain a horse of my own, one that may be a suitable match for Tempest?” I ask. I think he would like that, to be stabled with a mate of his own.

Alaric asks for my knee helping me to mount this massive beast and as I sit astride him I again marvel at his size. I’m tiny in comparison and my legs have no hope of reaching the stirrups. I must look like a child astride this amazing creature. As soon as I settle in Alaric swings up behind me and reins Tempest in securing me to his front by pulling me closer to him in a vise like grip. “I think that Tempest would bow down to you if we were able to find him a suitable mate.” Alaric whispers in my ear and then kisses the very tip as a shiver races down my spine. He spurs Tempest into action and we’re off, racing thru the courtyard where the Guard are training.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel free. I should have left my hair unbound as I want to feel the wind in my hair. We race through the courtyard and past the gate as I take in my surroundings. Tempest races along the long bridge that spans what looks like a lake. Once we get to the other side he continues over a path that cuts through the pasture lands that takes us to higher ground. I look back over my shoulder to see the keep as we are speeding away put can’t get a really good look. “Don’t worry. I’m taking you to higher ground to a lookout point so you can get the lay of the land.” Alaric says in my ear as we dash through the countryside.

I hold onto Tempest’s silky mane as his muscles bunch beneath us with every step he takes. I see that we’re entering a forest with trees taller than I have ever imagined. They’re enormous, larger than any redwood from back home. We veer to the right and take a path less traveled and we slow as we come to the lookout point that Alaric spoke of. I am stunned at the beauty I see before me. The forest itself is enchanting and I long to explore it but the view from the overlook is incredible. I look out over the valley below us in the bright morning sunlight to see that the keep is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful crystal clear lake. The sun reflects off the mirror like surface like a multitude of diamonds. In the background there are multiple waterfalls that spill into the lake below, the keep seems to be nestled in a valley surrounded by forest covered hills and mountains. The structure itself is a massive square with a large courtyard in the center where the men were training as we left out. There’s one entrance into the keep and that’s via the very long bridge that spans the lake to the pastures that house the cattle, sheep, and other live stock. There are four square turrets on all four corners of the keep. It is a stone structure that appears to be very well fortified and would be difficult to breach. “Why did Danu doubt the integrity of your keep?” I look over my shoulder to Alaric as I inquiry.

“As you have already said she’s not a fan of mine, it may have to do with the strained relationship between her and my mother, but where my keep and my guard are concerned I have the utmost confidence. My uncle, The Dagda is expected this evening and then my parents and Danu are expected to arrive in the next couple of days. We will also be expecting other high ranking officials that have been invited to the binding ceremony. Dailey there will be celebrations leading up to the ceremony. We can talk to The Dagda about our unexpected spiritual binding when he arrives tonight. He may have some insight as to this unexpected turn of events.” He says bringing me up to speed on what is to transpire in the next week or so.

I relax back into him feeling safe and secure and we both let out a sigh of contentment. We’re so in tune to one another now that it’s difficult not to recognize the growing desire between us. Although the constant pull has lessened since the binding, the attraction is still there but there is also a contentment in knowing that it will only be a matter of time before the bond is completed.

“You’re welcome.” I hear a musically lilting voice from over our left shoulders.

Tempest turns to the voice, pawing at the ground. Standing before us is an enchanting figure. Her hair is a platinum blond bordering on silver her complexion is luminescent and her eyes are a brilliant violet color. She is regal in appearance yet has an innocent look about her as two white doves flutter about her and the sun seems to gravitate towards her creating a halo effect about her. “Your binding has been long overdue. Don’t you agree?” she asks innocently with a smile and bowed head looking up at us thru her lashes.

“Might I ask who you are?” I ask hesitantly as Alaric pulls me closer and wraps one arm around my waist to nestle me against his front. Unconsciously I melt into his embrace as I await her reply.

“Why? I am the goddess of love, my name is Clíodhna. I expect to be invited to the official binding ceremony, although, it will only be a formality at this point as your binding has already been given my blessing. I knew the moment you entered this realm, daughter of Danu, there have never been two souls so drawn to one another as you and your kindred. I could not bear for the two of you to be separated in spirit any longer. Your binding gives me great pleasure as yours will be a union that will rival any that this realm has ever seen. You must beware that there will be obstacles sat in your way but you will be able to overcome anything as long as you have faith in one another and the love you have for one another.” She says cryptically.

“I’m not sure that my mother, Danu, will be happy about this turn of events,” I say with hesitation, “although, I am very grateful for your blessing, my lady.”

“As am I, my lady.” I hear Alaric say from behind me as we both bow our heads in her direction. “Your blessing is most generous and you are most welcome to the official binding ceremony. We would be honored if you would officiate the ceremony.”

With a tinkling laugh the goddess of love replies, “It would be my utmost pleasure to officiate the binding but as you already have my blessing you should know that you may choose to complete the binding at any time. I would not be offended if you did not wait for the official ceremony. In fact it may be to your advantage to do so as soon as possible. There are those who would attempt to thwart your completed binding at any cost. Heed my words prince and princess of the realm.”

“But my mother would not look kindly upon the bond being completed before the ceremony. She has already warned us both not to do so. As it is, she will be upset by the partial binding.” I say.

Clíodhna looks angry for a moment before she composes herself and then says with derision, “Danu has her own agenda, one that does not include you being with your kindred. It is my job to see to it that you two complete your binding, the sooner the better. You are stronger together than you are apart, mark my words. You must stand as a united front in order to overcome the challenges that will be set before you. In order to save the realms from certain disaster the binding must be completed before Danu arrives.” She says with an ominous tone.

“What will happen if we don’t complete the binding?” Alaric asks in a gravelly voice.

“I cannot say but I fear that nothing good will come of an incomplete binding. The longer you delay the more chance that those who oppose you will find a way to keep you apart and by doing so they will achieve their own agenda.” She says solemnly.

I look to Alaric in alarm with a sense of foreboding as he hugs me to him and Tempest tosses his head and snorts his understanding of what is being said. Alaric and I both stroke his mane in an attempt to calm the beast. When Alaric speaks up it’s with trepidation as he says, “My uncle will be arriving this evening and we’ll ask for his counsel. Thank you, my lady, for your blessing and your words of wisdom. Know that what you have imparted to us this day will be taken under consideration.”

“I am new to this realm, but I am honored. Thank you.” I say, hoping that I am expressing my gratitude to her.

With a sigh she says, “It is I who am honored little one. Know this. I only seek to give you both the best chance that you have to defeat those that will stand in your way. It is not my intent to rush either of you into completing the binding. If you have any doubts about moving forward look to your hearts, look inside yourselves. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, only how you feel. Be true to yourselves and the rest will fall into place.” With that she smiles and dematerializes in front of our eyes, her amethyst colored eyes are the last thing that I see disappear before us. It’s then that I notice how very still the forest is around us and Tempest dances nervously.

“Alaric?” I look over my shoulder with wide eyes.

“Hold on! I’m getting us out of here, there’s something not right. It’s too quiet.” Alaric spurs Tempest into action. He rears up hooves pawing the air and then takes off at a break neck speed back thru the forest path. Soon we are back on the main path heading toward the keep but all too soon it is apparent that we are being followed.

I feel oddly naked as I did not strap on any weapons. Alaric spurs Tempest on and we break free of the forest and race down to the pastures below us. I steal a glance behind us to see that there are six horsemen following us and shout back to Alaric, “Weave, they have archers!” Tempest picks up the pace as he follows Alaric’s direction and begins to run in a zigzagging pattern. As we come upon a check point in the valley I hear Alaric yell out to any that will hear him, “Sound the Alarm!”

Tempest continues his furious pace back toward the keep as I hear a bell ringing in the distance. As we hit the bridge I feel Tempest falter and know that he has taken an arrow or two but he recovers quickly. As we get to the half way point across the bridge I see archers take up their stations across the front top of the keep. The Guard, all on horseback, ride out to escort us in. It’s at that moment I breathe a sigh of relief and know that we’re in the home stretch. As we make it across the bridge to the front lawn of the keep Alaric reigns Tempest in and we turn about to face our enemies.

They have stopped midway across the bridge horses prancing unable to standstill as the leader of the assassins that were sent here for me makes a proclamation, “You will not keep her from us! We will have her! There is nothing you can do to stop us!” The archers take that moment to let loose a volley of arrows and it is at that instant that I wish that I had my own weapons with me. I would have gladly joined in on that retaliation. One of the Guard lets loose several arrows on his own and they meet their mark. Of the six horsemen only 2 were able to race off in the direction of the forest that we came from, the rest were either injured or dead.

“I want the injured brought in for questioning!” Now!” Alaric demands behind me as he reigns in Tempest. “We will have to beef up the wards around the perimeter, get Nemus and if we have to hire several more druid or witches so be it! I want no reason for Danu to have an excuse to take Ashlinn away from this keep!”

I turn around on Tempest and say, “First, let’s take care of Tempest and second, Danu cannot make me leave your side. Let’s get him to the stables so we can remove the arrows he took while getting us to safety and then we can talk. There’s much to discuss. Can you arrange for safe passage for your uncle?”

“Álainn, The Dagda does not require additional protection. He is The Dagda, High King of Faerie and the most powerful god in the realm.” He says.

“Alaric, you should still send out an escort to greet him and escort him and his men in.” I say.

“You’re right. It would be the honorable and respectful thing to do especially in light of what just happened.” He reluctantly agrees.