Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Read online

  “I will do whatever it takes to make up for what I have done to you and your people. I promise you, I will get your Crystal back.” She grinned back at him, believing without any doubt that he meant it, but she took a deep cautious breath. Whether or not he would actually be able to accomplish it in time to save Malgar was another matter. She did not say anything. She knew how guilty he felt, how much pain it caused him, because of what he had done. He had been through enough.

  She inhaled deeply through her nose.

  “Mmm that does smells good,” she said, leaning over the fire as she felt her stomach grumble angrily at her.

  “What? Oh the rabbit. Yes it must be ready by now.” Gathering a piece of his cloak in his hand and reaching forward he carefully lifted the rabbit off the fire.

  “Ouch it is bloody hot!” he groaned, dropping the rabbit onto his lap and blowing on the tips of his fingers furiously; then he looked at her his eyes wide.

  “Now it has burnt my bloody lap!” he cried, and quickly wrapping his cloak round and round his hand, he picked up the offending skewer.

  Arweyn fell about laughing at him, she could not help herself he was so funny!

  “Well obviously it has been in the fire,” she teased, rolling her eyes at him.

  “Yes, yes I know, very funny,” he quipped back light-heartedly with his nose screwed up. “Anyway do you want some or not?” he jibed.

  She giggled and nodded. She loved the way his face looked when he screwed his nose up like that.

  “Yes please.” She pursed her lips together trying not to laugh at his disgruntled face.

  “Sorry but it is going to have to be hands on,” he apologised gingerly as he pulled the rabbit apart, offering some to her. Reaching out her hand eagerly, he stopped, dangling the rabbit teasingly above her hand.

  “It is very hot!” he raised one eyebrow at her, as if she was hearing it for the first time.

  “Really?” she replied, raising her eyebrow back at him. Then grinning she added, “thank you Kainan, then I shall be careful.” She held her hand open. Despite the teasing she was very hungry and was glad when he finally handed over the meat. They tucked in quietly. Thankfully it had been a very plump rabbit that he had caught giving them plenty of meat and satisfying their hunger pangs for now. Watching him as he ate, she could not help noticing that he had a strange sparkle in his eyes every time he looked at her. And that smile, he had the most wonderful smile.

  They polished off the rest of the berries, and finished off the water in Arweyn’s flask. Wiping his hands down his trousers he leaned in close to her.

  “Thank you again for helping me. If it had not been for you I would have died out there today.” Gently he raised his hand and pulled a strand of hair away from her eyes. For a moment they stared at each other, not moving, not speaking; she shivered and pulled her cloak around herself.

  “Are you cold?” he asked gently, seeing her tremble. Picking up the stick by his feet he poked at the dying fire, and then fed another couple of pieces of wood to the flames, watching as it licked high and crackled.

  Answering him she nodded. “A little bit.” Although she was sure it was him that had made her tremble and not the cold that was beginning to silently creep around the cavern.

  “Here, sit closer,” he offered, patting the space next to him. She hesitated.

  “I promise I will not bite and they do say that body heat from two people is better than one. You know for survival purposes.” Raising his eyebrow again he smiled at her. Nodding at his cheekiness, she grinned, moving in closer to him.

  “I’m sorry, it looks like it’s been dragged through a bush and back again.” He apologised as he wrapped some of his torn cloak around her shoulders. “But it will help to keep you warm.”

  “It is okay. Thank you,” she replied softly. Pulling her knees up she put her arms around them. She felt strangely comforted by his scent and pulled his cloak tighter around herself. Soon she felt his warmth beginning to flow into her. For a while they sat in silence just watching the flames dance, then she plaited her hair. The fire crackled warm on their faces, she leaned further into him, and he placed his arm around her shoulder. She began to feel very sleepy. She yawned loudly.

  “Sorry,” she glanced up at him, and he smiled down at her. She was extremely weary; it had been a long and arduous day and using her powers did tire her. Under the tenderness and comfort of his arm around her, her eyes began to close involuntarily and she felt her head nod gently onto his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, and felt the firmness of his chest as it rose and fell with each breath.

  She felt strange. She had a tidal wave of different feelings and emotions flowing through her all at once. It was like shimmers of magic tingling through her entire body. She was only eighteen and not experienced in the ways of men. She had not found any one of whom she had found remotely interesting or attractive. Those of who were considered ‘suitable’ were either too full of themselves or incredibly boring, with no excitement or drive. Then she thought of how much he looked like Gareion, but at the same time he was so different. She had never felt anything other than brotherly love for Gareion. Yet here she was, in the arms of a man who was almost identical, yet she felt..?

  Frowning, she breathed him in deep, and she shuddered. Was it really possible for such a thing as love at first sight? She smiled inwardly as she thought of dinner, of him dropping the rabbit in his lap. He had a very quirky personality, and even after everything he had been through today he still had a sense of humour, she liked that about him. He made her laugh. She felt incredibly safe with Kainan, and knew without doubt that she could trust him completely. Relaxed, and lost in her own thoughts, she soon fell asleep against him.

  For a moment he just sat there, not really sure what he should do, having never been this close to a woman before. He felt her relax and lean into his chest. Then as she slept against him, her body began to go limp and she started to slip. Gently he pulled her even closer, and pressing his face into her long dark hair he gave a shuddering sigh. Her scent was intoxicating, his eyes rolled as he inhaled. Gently, he kissed the top of her head. She stirred, nuzzling up tighter to him. He didn’t say anything, as he did not want her to move away from him.

  Sitting for a while as she slept against him, he thought about what had transpired over the last few days. He had lost his entire family, everyone he had ever known was gone. He sighed as he held onto her. She was so comforting; she was the only good thing to have come out of the past few days. And tomorrow, he swallowed nervously. Tomorrow he could possibly be meeting his true parents, a King and Queen. It felt unreal. It felt like he was in some kind of incredible dream and that any moment he would wake up from it and everything would be as it was.

  Then there was Arweyn. Lifting her up into his arms, he looked down at her; if she was his dream he was not sure if he really wanted to wake up from it. Kneeling down still holding her in his arms, he laid her carefully onto the floor by the fire. Stirring as he placed her bag under her head for a pillow, she opened her eyes briefly smiling at him, and then fell straight back to sleep. Taking off his cloak he placed it over her to keep her warm. He smiled, and then sat himself down next to her. Hugging his knees he rocked himself gently, staring at her. The more he looked at her the more beautiful she was to him. He studied her for a while, as she lay by the fire. She looked so peaceful. He had never been with a woman, had never felt the need to be with anyone. But Arweyn, she stirred feelings inside of him that he had never felt before. It was not just lust. Sure she was desirable beyond any doubt, but it was more, much more. It was some kind of a connection, a familiarity like he already knew her. That being with her was where he was meant to be, where he would always be. He lay down beside her with his back to the cavern entrance, his face, facing hers. He wanted her to be the last thing his eyes looked upon before he fell asleep.

  Six - Home?

  Arweyn awoke first, and she found herself lying against Kainan.
His arm was gently lying over her in a protective manner. She lay still not wanting to disturb him. He was so close that she could feel the heat from his body, and it was like a flame drawing her closer to him.

  As the sunlight pierced through the entrance of the cavern Kainan awoke, stretching he removed his arm from her.

  “Morning,” he said smiling. He was surprised, all things considered, that he had slept so well. He put it down due to pure exhaustion, his body and mind having just totally shut down.

  “Morning,” she replied, smiling back at him. Sitting up rubbing his eyes at the brightness of the light streaming through the entrance to the cavern, he looked down at her. His hand drifted to her face of its own accord, brushing away a lock of hair, his fingers brushing lightly across her lips, sending fire racing through her veins.

  “You really are very beautiful,” he whispered. To surprised to reply Arweyn just stared at him, and then suddenly, as if only just realising that he had spoken his thoughts out loud, he jumped up onto his feet embarrassed.

  “Ahem,” he coughed, brushing the dust off his trousers. What had come over him? Quickly moving over to the entrance of the cavern, he stood, taking in a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Leaning an elbow against the cavern entrance he stood for a moment watching the sunrise.

  Arweyn sighed as she sat up. She looked at him with his scuffed up hair and his unshaven face and smiled, she really found him quite fascinating. It was strange to think that this time yesterday she did not even know him; yet today she felt so relaxed, so safe around him. It was like she had known him all her life. Standing up she too brushed herself down, and then set about straightening her skirt. He glanced back over his shoulder, watching as she undid her plaits and shook her long dark hair free. His eyes studied every part of her. He was not wrong, she really was incredibly beautiful. Looking at him she smiled as she knelt down to warm herself by the embers of the fire. Overcoming his embarrassment Kainan wandered back over to her.

  “Arweyn, can I ask you a question?” Looking up at him, she nodded, her eyes flashing him a smile.

  “How did you do that yesterday, you know heal me? I really thought that was it and I was on my way to the afterlife. My body was totally smashed to pieces.” Sitting down crossed legged next to her; he picked up a stick and poked at what was left of the fire to get it going. Not a mark was left on his body now and apart from a niggling headache he felt absolutely fine.

  She looked a little startled by the question and bit her nails nervously. She wanted to tell him, she really did, but her father had always warned her that she must tell no one. Even her uncle did not know who she really was. Or what she would, one day, be capable of. Seeing her hesitation he whispered gently.

  “It’s okay. If you do not want to tell me, I will understand. It’s just; well it was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced.” She caught his eye, and her heart skipped a beat just at the way he looked at her; his eyes sent an electric bolt through her whole body which shook her from top to toe.

  “No, it’s not that,” she replied, a little nervous. She did not know what she was worrying about; she knew she could trust him. Still, she thought of her father’s warning. It was hard not to as it had been drummed into her for so long she found it difficult to ignore.

  “I’m a healer Kainan. Some of the Royal Elders are born with it. It is a great gift and a true honour to have.” It was the truth, if only half. Later she felt sure the time would come when she would be able tell him who she really was, but for now she could not. Grinning at her he leaned forward, gently kissing her forehead.

  “Thank you. It was very brave of you to take a chance on me.” Arweyn drew a deep breath; she was too surprised to move. Jumping up he winked at her.

  “Well. I guess we had better go and get this over with.” She nodded, feeling like she had entered another realm of her own.

  “Yes, of course. I will get my things.” Jumping to her feet she tossed her cloak around her shoulders, pulled her long hair out and shook it free. Her eyes turned to him, watching as he kicked some dirt over the fire to put it out, she touched her forehead where he had kissed her and breathed deeply smiling to herself.

  Smoothing back his long dark hair Kainan placed it into a ponytail. Then bending down he picked up his cloak; and giving it a quick shake he swung it around his shoulders, fastening the clasp around his neck. Coughing nervously he looked at her and she smiled at him. Picking up her bag she then held out her right hand.

  “Hold my hand Kainan and we will go through together.” Taking hold of her hand he squeezed it tightly, reassuringly.

  “Ready?” she asked. He nodded, as ready as he would ever be. Placing her left palm on to the gate, she closed her eyes briefly as the green and black circle of energy opened up before them. Then stepping through together and in a blaze of white light and a rush of wind they were gone.

  Opening his eyes as the swirling wind died down, Kainan once again found himself standing in the gate room on Malgar. Suddenly he felt fear hit him in the pit of his stomach at the realisation of why he was here. He was scared, truly scared of what was going to happen to him. What if she was wrong and he was not this Prince of Malgar. Maybe they had just gotten carried away with the moment. What would the people of Malgar do to him if it turned out he really was just Kainan Woodsman, from the village of Oakhurst, a carpenter and nothing more?

  He swallowed hard as he glanced furtively around the room. It was not quite the return he had planned but never-the-less he was here and whether he liked it or not, now it was time for him to face up to what he had done. What did he really have to lose after all? Nothing; everything and everyone in his life were gone. If Arweyn had not found him he would have been dead anyway.

  Releasing his hand and steadying herself she turned to him, her eyes were glowing and her cheeks flushed.

  “Wow, I cannot get over that feeling, it is such a rush!” He lifted his chin in silent agreement as he watched her walk over to the window and pull back the curtain. Peering outside, she shook her head; still she could not see any guards on duty. Definitely words would have to be said to her uncle about this.

  “Come on Kainan. We will go and see my uncle. I think it would be best if we tell him everything first,” Arweyn said, interrupting his thoughts. Dropping the curtain she walked over to the door, and turning the handle she pushed it open, stepping outside. He followed her closely out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Together they walked down the stairs, then turning, they continued along the alleyway that had led Kainan out into the city only a day before. Rain began to fall and the sky was very dark and heavy.

  Pulling on her hood Arweyn stopped and turned, looking at him.

  “Maybe you should cover your head Kainan just in case; we don’t want people thinking you’re Gareion.” Nodding he pulled the tatty hood of his cloak over his head, hiding his face within its depth.

  There was a terrible oppressive atmosphere all around them, it was not the happy bustling city that Kainan had first seen yesterday; he watched the people as they scurried from one house to the next whispering nervously among themselves and pointing at the crystal Dome’s failing power. His hand rose to his face clasping at his mouth, and then rubbing the hairs on his chin he closed his eyes for a moment taking in a deep breath, he felt sick, really sick. His decision to take the Crystal had wrecked these people’s lives; he had potentially destroyed their entire way of life. What have I done? He asked himself head down in silent desperation as the enormity of the situation finally hit him. Nothing was worth this, no one person’s life was worth that of all these people. He lifted his head and looked towards the crystal Dome, at the flickering light; it looked to him like the energy stored within it was slowing down. His one decision to take the Ardor Crystal had put this world in real jeopardy. He sighed heavily correcting himself; he had put his world in jeopardy.

  “Kainan this is awful,” she whispered, shaking her head slowly obviously deeply con
cerned. She was looking up, the sky was still so very dark where it should have been a bright morning by now; was it the power failing or was it the darkness creeping in through the boundary? She didn’t know, either way she knew they were in serious trouble. Kainan said nothing but watched as deep lines of concern spread across her face; he felt so ashamed. With growing despair he stopped suddenly, gently gripping her arm he brought her to a halt, before spinning her around to face him. She looked at him surprised.

  “I’m so sorry; truly I am, if I had known this would happen I would never have taken the Ardor Crystal. Please believe me I would never have risked the lives of all these people.” The words spilled out in a rush, and then he paused and as the rain fell harder he gazed into her deep hazel eyes and whispered truthfully. “Not even to save my mother.” He found the words difficult, but he meant them. Lifting her hand she gently held the side of his cheek holding his gaze as the rain pounded hard on his skin. He blinked the rainwater from his eyes and she stroked his cheek with her thumb; shaking her head at him.

  “I know you wouldn’t have Kainan it’s not your fault, please stop blaming yourself,” she reassured him. “The most important thing right now is to get to the castle and to make it right again. What is done is done.” Kainan inadvertently leaned into her hand; she felt so comforting so reassuring.

  “Come on let’s hurry,” she whispered smiling. She had no doubt that he was telling the truth, that he was full of guilt and remorse for what he had done, she could feel his pain. Pulling his face away from her hand reluctantly, he lifted his chin for her to continue.

  They quickened their pace; side-winds suddenly picked up driving the rain down even harder. Down the narrow lanes that led through the city they hurried, until approaching a grey stone castle they slowed down to a walking pace and he stared ahead in disbelief, it was enormous and was set in front of a large lake which had a beautiful waterfall that cascaded off the hillside behind. The castle had far-reaching turrets standing in each of the four corners and a high stone wall surrounding it. There was a wooden draw-bridge leading over a moat which completely surrounded the entire castle, making it safe and impenetrable. Realising Kainan was lagging behind she stopped at the foot of the drawbridge and turned, beckoning him to hurry. He caught her up and they continued walking over the draw-bridge together.