Aiden

By Charissa Taylor Lees

As the oldest of nine siblings, Aiden was their self-appointed protector. All that changed in a shocking moment when their ‘guardian’ banished them from their childhood home and forbid any contact. His family betrayed him by letting it happen, but by not fighting to keep them together, his betrayal was far worse. With no destination in mind or skills beyond that of his array of weapon, he travels as a warrior for hire and works for anyone willing to pay. His ultimate goal is to attain the skills needed to kill their guardian and bring together his banished family. This alone will redeem his betrayal, but will the path he chose cost him his very soul?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charissa Taylor Lees
• Release date: Jun 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310499807

Charissa Taylor Lees

I have been writing fiction since my homeschooling days. I love coming up with new places to visit and stories to tell. Reading has always been a favorite pastime, along with acting and that love of imagination has become a way of life for me. I usually write in the fantasy, action/adventure, and romance genres.I grew up in a Christian home and graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University. I have also served in the US Army National Guard and recently got married. I found many adventures in life, yet still love to escape to the world of writing. I hope you will enjoy going on that adventure with me!

Book preview

It was evening. The sun sank behind the trees of Braedoch Forest, throwing the leafy depths into shadow. It was early spring and the forest was still newborn; winter's chill could yet be felt in the air at night.

On the eastern edge of the forest, the eight children of Isaak Romany were gathering together. Their home was a small house of stone, composed of three circular chambers. In the central chamber a fire burned slowly, its light dancing on the face of a tall man in a dark cloak. He waited for the eight to gather. His face seemed set in granite, as always; no hint of emotion, no whisper of affection for the children he had raised. He, Maeron Duard, was their guardian, nothing more. They did not care for him either. Though they had grown up in the house, they often chose to stay apart from it: they wandered the forest, worked in the woodshop, and climbed the mountains that overlooked their home in the north. They were not like others. Their life had been one of isolation. They knew weaponry and woodcraft, but little of humanity. They cared for each other and yet spent much of their time in solitude.

Their guardian was afraid of them. Once the clan of Romany had been strong and numerous. Duard's ancestors, druids and powerful, vengeful men, had cursed the clan nearly a century ago. In the succeeding generations, hardship, famine, and war had plagued them--helped along by the druids. At last only Isaak Romany and his wife were left. They took their children to Braedoch and tried to live with them there. But Isaak was a powerful man of great personal force, and the few remaining druids feared that he would father a new beginning for the clan, so they sent Duard to kill him. He did kill Isaak and his wife, but could see nothing to fear in the children... behind his face of stone there was perhaps a heart, for he kept them alive, and raised them.

But he feared them now. Alone, he thought, they could be no threat. But as long as they stayed together, the clan Romany might rise again.

***

I placed the sword back in its sheath at my hip. The sweat made my eyes tear and I wiped it away angrily. I hoped the intense workout would banish every ugly thought and question from my mind, but it hadn't.

Duard was a hateful, cruel, unforgiving guardian, and I had been standing between him and my siblings for as long as I could remember; now he had called for my family. This summoning created a hard ball in my stomach. For some reason, I knew I was about to let them down. I just didn't know how or why. Duard summoned us all together very few times, but each time left hateful marks on us all, not physical, but emotional. I dreaded what this time would do.

Roughly, I grabbed the water skin from the branch I hung it on and strapped it back to my side. Walking quickly through the familiar forest to the cottage where Duard waited, I realized I was later than I wanted to be. I hated being in a room with the man who made our lives so miserable, but I needed to be there to protect my brothers and sisters. They counted on me, they always had. Ever since our parents died when the twins were still babies and the guardian had ‘taken us in,’ I protected them as best as I could.

I paused at the edge of the clearing and frowned at the house as Daelia walked in. How many of the others had arrived? Taerith entered next, and I followed on his heels. Arnan, Ilara, and Sam were already there. Daelia and Ilara held onto each other. It was strange to see that Sam arrived without Zoe, his twin. A picture of her with her horse, Brac, flashed through my mind and I hoped the two were okay and on their way. If there was any sibling I did not want near Duard without me, it was my youngest sister. She would be able to handle herself just fine, but I didn’t want that.

Duard stood at one end of the shadowed room glowering at my siblings. His head turned towards me as I paused in the door to take in the scene, and I met his fierce gaze with an ice one of my own. Only one question ran through my mind. What did this man have in store for us this time? He shifted his gaze and I saw it brush Arnan, who had sunken far back into the deepest shadows.

Arnan was our troublemaker. Taerith and I were forever bailing him out of one mischievous scheme or another. He had been avoiding me for days now. That usually meant he had done something he wasn’t sure he wanted to tell me. Eventually, I always found out, but as my gaze swept back to Duard, I wondered briefly if Arnan knew why we had been called together. The thought was not a pleasant one, but with Arnan it was possible.

I pondered the likelihood as I planted myself firmly next to Taerith and between Duard and our siblings. I waited silently as Wren and then Aquila entered, both looking anxious. Zoe was the only one left now. I wondered where our youngest sister managed to disappear to. It was only a few more seconds before she entered. I was relieved to see her, but I kept my eyes directed at Duard. Any sign of weakness or caring in front of him met with pain. I had had quite enough of that. I felt rather than saw Zoe take her place next to Sam. As soon as she did, Duard started to speak.

You wonder why I have sent for you. I will not keep you waiting. The time has come for you to go. Braedoch is no longer home to you, nor are you any longer a family, Duard spoke in a matter-of-fact voice.

No longer a family? What? How could he say that?

You will each depart alone. You will have nothing more to do with each other from this day forward. You are not to communicate and are absolutely not to see each other. If you do, terrible consequences will follow. I am warning you now, an ominous threatening voice this time, one that was all too familiar to each of us.

Not talk to any of them ever? How could I protect them if we weren't together? We had never been out on our own before. How would they survive? What about Zoe and Sam the youngest two?

Make whatever preparations are necessary. You leave in three days. The words were so final and without any emotion.

Three days? You couldn’t prepare for a journey like this in three days. He wanted us to say goodbye in three days?

The bewildering implications raced through my mind when Taerith spoke quietly from my side. You are banishing us?

Duard’s eyes turned steely and hard. Do you question me?

Why did he ask stupid questions? He could see our faces! We were all questioning! I was about to tell him just that when Taerith answered in a whisper, No.

No. No, we didn’t question him. Not out loud, we learned very early on to never question him. And why would we start now as this man destroyed our family? Still, it took every ounce of my control not to jump Duard and ram his words back down his throat. How could he think he would get away with this? Taerith’s final whispered word of ‘no’ was what I expected of my brother, but it did not make the answer any easier, especially when we all knew the truth. Questions were screaming in each of our minds, yet none of us would give them a voice. Not one of us would have the courage to stand up to him. The continuing cycle almost made me physically sick. I had to break it somehow.

But like my siblings, I didn't move. I could only stand my own ground as Duard stared Taerith and I down, daring us to open our mouths again. Even the first sign of movement from behind us, didn't break our concentration. It was Arnan. He walked swiftly to the door and then out without interacting with anyone, even Wren. That was all the confirmation I needed. Arnan had known what the meeting was about and he had said nothing. Had Taerith noticed? If he had, he wasn't thinking about it now. His eyes were shuttered, but not enough to hide the turmoil in them. He was thinking about Daurd's statement and the man who still dared us to move first. He would not relent in his position until we did.

Behind us, Wren went to the door and watched Arnan leave. It would be hard on her not to say goodbye. If Arnan had known earlier about the meeting, he was already packed and taking off, without even a word for his closest sister, let alone the rest of the family. Taerith moved first, breaking the cycle. He didn’t look at me as he followed Arnan out, brushing past Wren on the way. Duard gave a look that told me we were finished and then turned and exited to his own chamber. I had been dismissed yet again.

A muffled sound came from behind me and instinct told me it was Zoe. I turned to watch her flee the house, bewilderment and anger written all over her face. Sam watched his twin silently and then followed on her heels. I glanced at the three siblings still in the room. Aquila looked dazed and she didn’t focus on anyone’s face as she left. Wren stepped out the door to let her pass and then watched her carefully. Daelia and Ilara’s hold on each other had grown tighter. I wanted to tell them something, anything, but what could I say? They looked so distraught.

We will survive. I don’t know how, but we will, I finally offered.

Ilara looked up at me then. We?

Her voice was so full of pain. The two girls dropped hands and walked out the door separately. She was right, in three days, there would be no ‘we.’

I followed them to the door. Each of my siblings walked off in a different direction, each to their own place of comfort, except for Arnan. There was no doubt in my mind he had left already. I placed a hand on Wren’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze, then dropped it.

He did what he thought was best, Wren. With Arnan that wasn’t always true, but she knew that.

He didn’t say a word to me, she whispered.

I know, I answered. Did he speak to you at all before the meeting?

Should he have? She looked up at me, eyes sharp.

I shrugged my shoulders slightly. Not necessarily. It was Arnan’s decision to tell her of his treachery, not mine. Three days. He has pushed beyond his limits this time.

Questioning out loud?

I frowned. Go, Wren.

You? She asked quietly.

I’ll be doing the same as you, I answered. Watching. Now, go.

Wren looked at me with a piercing gaze, but each one of us had learned to hide our emotions quite effectively and I used the technique now. I wasn’t Arnan and Wren wouldn’t be able to read me like she could our brother. At last, she nodded shortly and headed out the door.

I turned slowly to look at the door to our guardian’s chamber. For years he controlled our lives. If we questioned, we were punished. Most of us only questioned once. But my family was being split all over the land. It was time to question again. This time, I would not be dismissed.

I strode over to the door and paused. Should I knock or just enter? Either would raise his wrath, but I was about to do that anyway. I would not let my family be destroyed so easily. I pushed the door hard swinging it open with a bang.

Duard was seated at his desk with only a single candle for light. It was the first time I had ever seen his personal chamber. It was medium sized and housed only a simple bed, desk with chair, dresser, and a large wooden trunk, that had a lock on it about the same size as my fist. I swung my gaze back to Duard. He was facing me now, his steely eyes focused on me and black. What had I wanted to say again?

Brave move, Boy, Duard spoke.

I swallowed and raised my chin higher. You can’t dismiss my family like that.

I already did. You leave in three days. Be grateful I did not tell you to leave now.

Why? Why are you splitting us up? We have never done anything, but what you have asked of us! My voice rose, as did my temper.

Because I have the authority, his voice was low and cold and I could feel the fury in it. You, more than the others, know not to question me, Boy. Or do you need to be reminded?

I need no reminder. What I need is for you to leave my family alone. I had no idea where the words came from, but they came fast and with all the hatred I felt inside.

Duard rose slowly to his feet, his eyes never leaving mine. What family? He scoffed. You have no family. You are alone in the world. No one cares about you, Boy. No one ever has.

That is not true, I growled, every fiber of my being wanting to deny his words. But even in my mid-twenties he controlled me as if as I was only the ‘Boy’ he called me.

Isn’t it? His eyes were so cruel. Did you hear any protest when my order was issued? They had no reason to protest, no reason to care. None of you has any real worth. You lack everything of human value. Each one of you is weak and stupid and not worth my time. You can’t protect those pathetic forgotten things you call siblings. You never could, don’t try to start now. You’ve lost.

My whole body shook with the force of my anger. My sword was out of my sheath and in my hand before I realized I had moved. His dark eyes seemed to dare me to attack. I wanted to run him through his stone heart. If I ran him through, we’d be safe. We could stay together. It was all I could think, all I could process, and my feet moved forward as my hand came up.

Stop! The single word ran my hot blood cold and I froze. I had almost attacked our guardian! I was still in position to do it! Why? Why had I stopped?

You fool, his words were so low, they were barely audile. He stepped from his place to close the distance between us. Lower the sword. I did, hating myself for it every second. You pathetic little ingrate. Your brother is not intelligent enough, nor you strong enough to take me down, but I can snap you with only a whisper. His cruel eyes mocked me. Go. And never look back.

My hand shook as I replaced my sword, turned, and walked out his door, without looking back. I had been dismissed a failure.

***

CHAPTER 1 ~ SAYING GOODBYE

It was a nightmare there was no waking up from. A black haze surrounded everything. We had always been a private bunch. All of us had those in our family we were close too, but you would usually find us alone somewhere with our thoughts. Now, we stayed in them completely. I watched my family go about getting ready to depart from our home, and it was as if they couldn’t even see each other. My failure reduced us to this and tomorrow we would all be leaving.

I stood outside the door to the main chamber and watched as Ilara passed by Sam without looking at him. Sam’s eyes tracked after her for a very brief second, as if wondering whether he should follow her, but he turned quickly in the opposite direction and headed toward his garden. I frowned. Ilara had knives in her hand. Not an unusual thing to see, but she held more than normal. What was my sister planning? My eyes swept the area again, but it was silent now, the only real thing to see was the smoke coming from the chimney in the kitchen. Daelia would be in there working hard cooking something or other. I couldn’t recall seeing her outside of the kitchen since Duard had dropped his boulder onto our heads.

I contemplated where the others might be, even as I followed Ilara into the woods. Wren and Zoe would be with their animals. Wren would need to make sure all her falcons were ready to leave with her and caring for them would help her measure out her own grief. I had noticed her keeping an eye on the others as well. Zoe and Brac, her horse, were off in the woods somewhere, though I wasn’t positive where. My littlest sister concerned me the most. I had yet to see her process any of the events, but then I hadn’t really processed it either, every step I took felt like it was with someone else’ foot. I hadn’t seen Aquila at all, which meant she was probably down at the river. She was next on my list to find.

Thawk! The noise made me look up from my thoughts. Ilara stood about fifteen paces in front of me. Her face was full of concentration and fury as she threw her knives at the tree in front of her. Each one flew with more force than the last. It was only a matter of minutes before she threw all the ones she had brought with her. Her hands made fists at her side as she stalked to the tree and ripped the first knife out. She stared at it silently for a moment then plunged it deep back into the wood. Her face remained unreadable from my angle, but whatever her thoughts, they weren’t good. Seconds later, she began to climb. She went higher and higher until the limbs almost hid her from sight.

I watched her silently for a few more minutes, before turning and heading down to the river. Some big brother I was. I had no comfort to offer her, no way to end the nightmare, or even offer hope. At least I could take small comfort in that she was using the knives on the tree and not something else. The sound of the river reached me and I looked up to search its edges silently. Sure enough, a few seconds later, I spotted Aquila sitting at the river’s edge her feet dangling in it. The girl was going to get very sick one of these days from that freezing water, but we had never been able to convince her of that.

As with Ilara, I watched my sister silently. Her face was streaked with tearstains. Either her thoughts at the river’s side had caused them or maybe she had talked to one of the others and had fled before there was a chance for Duard to see her tears. We all knew that particular sign of weakness was one he hated. I contemplated going up to her and just giving her a hug or something, but she probably didn’t want that either. Would she make it on her own? Would any of us? Aquila was not an idiot. She knew what was happening and she had to deal with her grief and anger like the rest of us. I knew she would, though it might take her longer. Finally, I took a step back and melted into the shadows of the trees. I would talk to her, but later, right now, she probably didn’t want her oldest brother walking up to find her in tears, better to let her have her moment. Maybe in some ways the tears would help. Maybe. She was a girl after all. Those things were supposed to do that for them. Suddenly, my feet turned from walking to the cottage to the falcon house.

I was still a few paces away from the falcon house when a gray brown falcon and a white falcon swooped down in front of my face. I took a step back and glared at them. The two birds lifted up slightly, so they were above my head. Each seemed to ask what I thought I was doing.

Shea, Gavin. Is Wren here? I asked.

That’s Keaton, not Gavin, Wren’s voice came from the doorway.

I glanced up at her and then back to the birds. If you say so.

She shook her head at me, but didn’t say anything else and ducked back inside.

Aquila’s at the river and Ilara is up in a tree, I said, loud enough for her to hear me inside.

She reappeared, this time with a falcon on her gloved wrist. This is Gavin.

I looked from one gray-brown bird to the other and just nodded.

So?

So what? I asked.

Those are normal places, she responded, with a look that said I needed to concentrate.

It wasn’t my fault she was skipping subjects. Ilara just might kill someone with her knives and Aquila doesn’t know I saw her crying. I’m going to ask Daelia to talk to Ilara, but can you go see about Aquila?

And do what? Wren asked, her hazel eyes meeting mine. Her tone was not sarcastic, just curious.

I didn’t have a clue. Do your sister thing, I finally replied.

That actually got an amused smile from her. We didn’t have much to smile about these days.

I’ll go see Aquila, she finally said, before turning back into the falcon house. She reappeared with a new falcon.

Elsu? I guessed.

Wren just shook her head at me. You’re hopeless.

I gave a slight shrug. To me all falcons belong to you. When I see one in the air I always figure you are close by.

A small smile tugged at the edges of her lips, but it was a sad one. Will they always?

Probably. It’s a connection to you even Duard can’t take from us. There are others too, Wren. I spoke slowly as I fell into step with her. For instance, whenever I see someone who tends to get into trouble or a kid running for that matter, I see Arnan.

Volante flew off her fist. Aiden?

She said my name, but her voice asked about our brother. Doing fine, Wren. You know Arnan. He takes nothing lying down. He’s out there fighting for himself, and he needs you to do the same. He wouldn’t have left like he did if he thought you couldn’t. My voice held confidence. I had no doubt about the first part of what I said, though I said nothing about Arnan’s betrayal and real reason for leaving so quickly. He couldn’t face the rest of us.

Wren nodded. Duard can’t take our memories.

Exactly, I put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, before stepping around her to head back to the house. He only thinks he’s beaten us, Wren. We’ll find a way. We always do.

Wren watched me silently for a long moment, before giving me a slight smile and nodding. I had the feeling we were both just trying to encourage the other. My question was: did either of us really believe what we were saying?

I followed the scent of bread all the way to the kitchen. If I could sneak a hunk I would. It smelled too good to leave alone. Daelia was just pulling a fresh batch of four small loaves out of the brick oven. Her face had a few white splotches on it and her apron was beyond saving. She looked sorrowful, but satisfied with her work.

I hope those are for me, I spoke just loud enough for her to hear me.

Daelia let out an eep and bobbled the bread, but managed to catch it on the long handled bread paddle. She swung around to glare at me. Aiden! She accused.

I smiled at her, amused. Are they?

No, as a matter of fact they are for Sam, she said smugly as she placed them on a table and covered them with a cloth.

I glanced at the table. It was covered with loaves. But mine are in there, right?

She smiled softly. Yeah.

You’re doing great, Daelia.

She shrugged. I could see she was holding back tears.

You are, Daelia. Everyone will love the bread, I said, as I managed to sneak one out from one of the covers. I took a bite and the still warm bread tasted delicious. Very good, I muttered with an appreciating tone.

She turned to look at me. Aiden! She shook her head. Those are yours, now.

It was worth it.

Did you honestly come in here to steal bread?

No, I sobered quickly. Ilara is out in the forest mutilating a tree. She climbed it before I could talk to her.

Daelia sighed. She’s furious.

We all are. I’m glad she’s taking it out on the trees, I mused.

Daelia looked at the door. To bad we can’t take it out on … but she never finished the sentence.

I said nothing. I had tried to and had been beaten miserably. A failure, like always, I managed to betray my whole family by not keeping us together. And even while there was still time to redeem myself, I did nothing. I shook my head mentally, pulling myself away from the black thoughts. They weren’t helping Daelia, who was giving me a strange look. I smiled for her benefit.

We will one day. Right now, can you help out Ilara? I think you could use a break from the baking, I said smartly.

Why do you think that? Daelia asked, as she wiped her hands on her apron.

I slowly turned around the room. Every available inch of flat space was filled with bread. The cooler loaves had more piled on top of them. Daelia blushed when I finished my turn and looked back to her.

Did you even pack? I asked.

She lowered her head and shook it slowly. I sighed and put an arm around her shoulder. Go get Ilara and help each other pack. There’s nothing more to cook, Daelia.

I know, she whispered.

Ilara needs you, and you need her. Help each other out while you can. You’ve already helped the rest of us, I grabbed another piece of bread to illustrate my point.

Daelia just shook her head at me and pulled off her highly floured apron. Thanks, Aiden.

I nodded and watched her walk out.

Thanks? I wasn’t helping anyone, only watching and sending others. I couldn’t do anything for my family now or myself. I hadn’t packed either and we were leaving tomorrow. Somehow, packing just didn’t seem important. Three days hadn’t seemed enough time to pack, but it wasn’t the packing it was saying goodbye. Three final days together as a family and we spent them apart, helping each other as it was needed, but rarely speaking. Maybe goodbyes weren’t necessary. There was nothing left to say.

***

Despite my theory that goodbyes were worthless at this point, I didn’t go to sleep on the final night. I knew my siblings well and most of them would slip off while they figured everyone was still asleep. It didn’t surprise me that Aquila didn’t even wait that long. The others retired early and only been resting a few hours when she slipped from the shadows of the room to the shadows outside. I followed.

She entered the stable and immerged a moment later with Talya, her horse. She murmured soothingly to it and then placed her pack on its back. It settled there for a second, before it tumbled to the ground. Tayla startled and pranced away from the offended package. Aquila jumped herself and then quickly turned to her horse. I walked over and picked up her things, placing them back inside the bag and tying it tightly.

Aiden, Aquila murmured, startled.

Don’t worry, I’ll tie it on for you.

She nodded and stroked Talya’s soft head. I turned to her when I finished.

Do you want a hand up? I asked.

She nodded slowly. I held out my hand and she placed hers in mine. It felt so small. Why was I letting her go off on her own again? Right, I didn’t have a choice. I helped her mount quickly and took a step back.

Thanks, she said quietly, gathering the reigns in her hand.

You’ll make it, Aquila. I have faith in you.

She stilled for a moment then glanced at me, before nodding slowly.

Say it, I commanded quietly.

I’ll make it.

I offered her a smile. Right. Deus will guide you.

Aquila turned to face front. Yes, Deus will guide me. She snapped the reigns and she and Talya took off into the darkness of the night.

It was a small relief to know that I had strengthened her a little with my words … even if I didn’t believe them all. Only Wren and Zoe knew I did not believe in the God I taught my family about for years. Our parents had been firm believers and taught us about a God that demanded respect and awe, but also one that loved you dearly and wanted you to talk to him all the time. They even believed he would answer those prayers. I took it upon myself to teach our family their beliefs.

But through the years I saw too much and my awe of any god had disappeared. If he existed, he didn’t deserve anything from me and he certainly didn’t care about my family or want a relationship with us. Still, the words brought comfort to my siblings and for that reason alone I taught them what I did not believe in.

I purposefully blanketed my thoughts allowing the blackness to overcome any memory unwise enough to linger. The smart thing to do would be to allow sleep to enter after that, but instead I backed up and sat down on the bench outside of the stable. Ilara would probably be the next to leave and I wasn’t going to miss her.

Morning was just creeping in. It was still dark out when Ilara slipped out of the house. The animals hadn’t bothered to wake up yet, but that didn’t slow my sister.

You can't rest until you see us all safely on our way, can you? She gave me an amused smile when she spotted me.

Did you expect anything else? I asked quietly.

No. One last time.

I’ll always be looking out for you all, even if I can’t do it at your side.

How, Aiden? she asked, with raised eyebrows.

I have no idea, but trust me.

I do, she said softly. But I think this one is even out of your hands, Aiden. I have sought the one whose power could change this. I've been questioning for days ... but Deus gives me no answer.

I’m sure the trees are questioning you too, I replied.

That got a small smile. Ha, ha. Rather them than someone else.

I nodded. Maybe.

Why doesn’t Deus answer?

I sighed mentally. Because he doesn’t care about us. He never has. Instead of saying it out loud I answered, He does, Ilara. He’ll always answer. Sometimes you have to wait to find out what the answer is. Keep questioning, he’s God. He can handle it.

Ilara nodded but her eyes showed doubt. I will not give up, she added. Her solemnity grew as she prepared herself for the actual goodbye.

You and I both. Our task is to prove we are going to win this survival fight. No one can stop us, Ilara, not even Duard. Don’t let him prove us wrong.

Never, she said firmly. I promise, Aiden.

Good, I nodded approvingly.

She smiled at me in that meaningful way she was prone to and asked, Will you give my farewell to the others if they ask for me? I could not bear to see them go.

I nodded my agreement.

You are stronger than I. She embraced me briefly, turned in the direction of the river and headed resolutely down the path.

I shook my head. She was a fighter to the end. I wondered briefly if I had answered her questions correctly. I knew my parent’s answers backwards and forwards, but for some reason I was still always unsure.

A noise behind me brought me out of my thoughts and I turned to see Wren leaving the house. She walked up to me and stood at my side for a moment.

Ilara? She asked.

Yes, she said to give you all her farewell.

Has she found peace with this?

Who of us has? I looked at her. She looked like she had packed everything she owned, though that wasn’t much. She was missing only one thing. You headed to the falcons?

Wren nodded. At least I can take them with me.

They wouldn’t want it any other way.

Wren gave a ghost of a smile.

Go on, Wren. It’s all right. I’m going to make sure they all get off without any problems.

Wren nodded again. Okay. She glanced back at the house. I wish we could at least keep contact.

I nodded, but she didn’t turn to see me. The way to the falcon house was off to our left, so I figured she wasn’t going to either. It wasn’t a question that really needed an answer. Still, I wanted to encourage her somehow.

Take care of yourself, Wren. Be smart out there.

Wren nodded. You too, Aiden. Try not to take on the whole world, okay?

Just my piece of it, I answered.

She shook her head at me. Goodbye, Aiden.

Yeah, Wren.

She strode off toward her falcon house. Only three siblings gone and it was killing me. I wasn’t sure I could watch the rest go, but I felt it was my duty. I glanced back at the house. The thought of waiting there was disgusting, so I headed into the stables for some rest, though there wouldn’t be any sleeping. Whoever was leaving next would wait two or, if I was lucky, three hours.

I was right. It would be a little while before Daelia exited the house. I heard her movements and left the stables to watch her. She looked up at me, but didn’t speak. I watched silently as she readied her final things. She walked over to me finally and handed me a package. I smiled as I smelled the bread inside. I had noticed the other packages outside everyone’s doors this morning. Mine had been suspiciously empty, but now I knew why.

Thank you.

She smiled at me. You’re welcome.

Be safe, Daelia, I said.

She nodded and gave me a brave smile. You too.

She raised her hand in farewell and was gone in a matter of moments.

I sighed and headed back into the house. I had to pack the bread with my other things and I picked up a second length of rope that I wanted to add as well. I strode into my room and placed the rope into the brown pack. I placed the bread on top and pulled the straps down tight, but without crushing the bread. That was my food for the next– I didn’t finish the thought. Instead, I glanced around the room I had called my own. It was the size of the broom closet, just big enough to fit my bed and a wooden set of drawers. Each one was now empty. The hooks on the wall were empty, except for the one that held my ax. It was too big to carry wherever it was I was going and the two daggers I had hidden on my body would be more effective anyway. My ever-present sword hung at my side. I was ready to leave.

Aiden, Taerith’s voice came from my doorway.

I turned around to see him standing with his own pack on and a manuscript in his hand. He looked like he was ready to go spend the day in the woods studying whatever his favorite subject was for the week and had come to tell me. It was a ritual we started as children and for some reason never stopped. Only this time was very different.

What is it this time? I asked the age-old question anyway.

Family history, Taerith answered.

I shook my head at him. Always the most important to you. Do you know where you’re heading?

To freedom and answers, he answered in his normal cryptic manner.

The freedom I get, but what answers? I asked.

I’ll know when I find them, he said in a low, but confident voice.

I have no doubt of that, Taerith.

He glanced up at me and nodded.

I’m going to fix this, Taerith, I said finally.

What? How?

I’m not sure yet, but I will. I’ll get stronger, more skillful, and I’ll fix this mess, I stated firmly. The idea was just then forming in my head.

Taerith looked behind him and then stepped further into the room, closing the door.

You are going to get in trouble, he stated.

He’s already splitting us up. What else can he do? I whispered harshly. Taerith, I challenged him.

You did what? My brother looked at me sharply and in disbelief.

I know. It was stupid. After you all left the room, I couldn’t take it anymore. He’s destroying our family! I challenged him, but I lost. All he had to do was command me to stop, my voice shook in self-disgust. I was so close and I stopped.

I can’t believe you are still alive, Taerith shook his head at me.

Why? I sneered. He’s already beaten us. He’s driving us apart.

What did he say? Taerith asked, refocusing.

He spat about how worthless we are and that we are no family. None of us cares or ever will, we are too worthless, I remembered every word far too clearly.

The same then, Taerith mused. It isn’t true, Aiden. Do not ever believe his words.

I lowered my voice even more. Taerith, I will get stronger and the next time I challenge him I will win.

Taerith studied me for a long moment, and then nodded. He will answer for his actions, Aiden. One day.

I held out my hand and Taerith clasped it at the wrist. Without another word, Taerith turned, opened my door, and walked out. Picking up my own pack, I followed. The sun was well in the sky now, which meant it was about midmorning. After observing the new fact, my thoughts began turning with different ways I could improve my skill level. I was fair at every weapon, but I needed to be the best with them all. I put my pack down at the stable and went through a mental list of all the weapons I knew how to use. The sword and the dagger were easily the best, but the staff and ax were not bad, and I could hit anything within a hundred yards with my bow, though some of my sisters could still best me with that one.

You haven’t left yet? Sam stood in front of me.

I smiled at him. I was waiting for you and your twin.

Zoe is inside, Sam replied. She thought of something she wanted to add to her pack.

She had probably thought of a few last minute things. I studied my youngest brother, still only in his mid-teenage years. How are you holding up? He looked like he was ready to fall over, in all truth.

Sam shrugged. I took all my herbs from the garden. I left it ready to plant again. It will grow wild from now on, I guess.

I’m sure it will be fine.

I’ll miss taking care of it.

We are all going to miss your spices and healing herbs, I told him.

Oh. I forgot. He reached into the pouch at his belt and handed me a small sack. I meant to give this to you yesterday, but… he left off with a shrug.

What is it? I took the pouch from him and bounced it on my hand, testing its weight.

Different herbs. There’s some for a stomach ach, headache, and to help stop bleeding. Do you think you remember which is which?

Not a clue, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I smiled at him and pocketed the medicine.

Just don’t eat the one for bleeding, he warned.

Okay, I’ll figure out that one first.

Yeah, he said, looking at the ground.

Come on, Sam, don’t give up already. If you’re unsure of yourself, others will doubt you too. Have faith in your abilities. You’re going to be fine.

Easy for you to say, Sam muttered.

No, not easy for me. But if I act confident, others will believe I am too. You have some great abilities and a curious mind. Use them and you will be fine. Use this as an opportunity.

He looked up at me curiously. What kind of opportunity?

The kind to figure out who you are and what you can do. It’s a big world, Sam, and it holds many answers. Find them. Learn about yourself, where you come from, and where you want to go. Then do it.

Where I come from? You mean about our parents? And what really happened to them? His voice rose a little as if finding out about that truth was exciting to him.

I hadn’t, but if that was what he wanted to do… Still, that could prove to be a dangerous mission, but Duard had almost challenged my brother and me to find answers. I was positive he meant the two oldest of the family, but what if Sam could find them? Was it possible? Sure, if that’s what you want. Duard said that my brother wasn’t intelligent enough to take him down. He didn’t say which brother. But take it as a personal challenge, Sam. Go find our answers, but be careful. That will mean looking into the Druids history too.

Sam nodded gravely. I can do it.

I know you can, Sam. I have faith in you. I put a hand on his head and rubbed it hard, forcing his hair to go everywhere. I had done it often when he was younger.

Hey! Sam protested and moved out of my reach.

I grinned. He hated it then too. This, of course, had made it more fun to do as often as I could.

Be confident, Sam, I commanded lightly.

He looked up at me and nodded. I will, Aiden, you’ll see.

I believe you, Sam. I put all the confidence I could into my voice.

Sam looked proud when he started off down the road. I was proud of him. He was just like the rest of his siblings, strong and able to take whatever was thrown at him. That was why we Romanys would survive, despite Duard’s hopes. My youngest brother would be fine.

Something clenched in my stomach. It took me a moment to realize what. Sam was gone and now only Zoe and I were left at our childhood home. Little Firebrand was the only one I had yet to say goodbye to and of all my siblings, there was no doubt in my mind that watching her ride off would be the hardest.

A small cough from behind me made my stomach clench tighter. She was here and it was time. I turned around to look at her. Her eyes followed her twin’s movements as he rounded a bend and disappeared from sight. It was a good few minutes before she turned to look at me. Her green eyes were bright, though no tears fell.

Should we get Brac ready? I finally asked.

Zoe nodded.

We walked into the stables together and Brac poked his head out of his stall and whinnied as he heard us approach. I let Zoe go to her horse as I stopped and grabbed his tack. I handed the bridle to her as I slipped inside the stall and placed the saddle on him. Zoe murmured to him as she placed the bridle on, but it was too low for me to hear.

Where’s your pack? I asked quietly.

Outside, she whispered.

Bring Brac, Firebrand. I’ll get your things, I replied soothingly.

Zoe nodded, but it was very slow and she quickly buried her head into Brac’s mane. I slipped past her, squeezing her shoulder as I did. Outside, her pack was lying where she must have dropped it when she saw Sam leaving. I picked it up and frowned. It felt lighter than it should have.

Are you sure you have everything? I asked as soon as she emerged, leading her horse.

I think so; rope, clothes, food, dagger, water… she listed off the items. When she had finished, I nodded approvingly. She had packed almost exactly what I had.

I walked to Brac and placed the pack at the back of the saddle and tied it on tightly. Zoe placed her practice sword over it.

Aiden, will we ever see each other again? her voice was so soft I almost couldn’t hear it.

I sighed and focused on her horse for a moment. I don’t know, Zoe, I finally replied. One day I think we will.

Zoe nodded and stroked Brac’s mane slowly. I don’t know where to go.

What do you want to see more than anything else?

Nothing really, she shrugged helplessly. Where did the others all head?

I pointed off in their various directions. She looked around and then raised her own hand to point to the mountains, a direction I hadn’t pointed in.

I’ll go towards the mountains then, she responded slowly.

I nodded. Good choice.

What about you? Where will you go?

I didn’t have the slightest clue. I’d go wherever I could get stronger, but that could take me anywhere. I wasn’t sure I should tell her that. I’m going to travel a while before I decide on an exact location. I want to see all that I can first.

Oh, she whispered.

She wanted a location, a place where she could picture me. I sighed. Come on, Little Firebrand, this is our first real adventure. Face it with excitement, not dread.

I can’t think of anything exciting about it, she muttered, tangling her fingers in Brac’s mane.

I gently untangled them as I spoke. You are heading out on your own for the first time. You have freedom now to go anywhere you want. Enjoy that and don’t give it up.

She looked down at her hand in mine and nodded slowly. Her hand was so small. It almost got lost inside my larger one. I tightened my grip slightly. Wherever you are, Zoe, I’ll be behind you. You’re far stronger than you give yourself credit for. Quit putting yourself down and you just might see that.

She nodded, and I saw a tear slip down her cheek. She was not making this any easier for me. I tugged gently and gave her what I knew she wanted, but wouldn’t ask for. I hugged her close for a moment and then pulled back.

Now, Firebrand, get on Brac and never look back. I took another step closer to Brac’s head and grabbed onto his reigns. Zoe took a deep breath and climbed aboard. Once she was properly seated I handed her the reigns.

Take care of her, Brac. Keep her safe. I turned from the horse to look up at my youngest sister. She sat bravely on top, the tears now gone. I placed a hand on her knee and pointed forward. Don’t look back, Firebrand, don’t look back. I repeated my command softly and then stepped behind her.

I saw her take a deep breath and then flick the reigns. Brac turned in the direction of the mountains and stepped towards them. They were leaving. Duard succeeded in forcing us all out. There was no way back now. We had no way to communicate and no chance of coming back together. Our family, for all purposes, had been dissolved. As I watched my closest sister, the one I had nicknamed Firebrand for her spirit as much as her hair, leave for good, I felt the hatred for Duard rise up in my chest once again. My fist clenched at my side. He was going to pay for this. He would pay dearly.

Brac paused when he was almost out of view. Don’t turn around, Zoe, I urged silently, just keep going. You can do this. A few seconds later Brac moved silently out of view, Zoe never looked back.

I picked up my own pack from its resting place on the ground and hefted it onto my back. It was heavier than Zoe’s, but not by too much. Firebrand hadn’t tuned around, but I did. I took one last long look around the place where we had grown up. Already, it had the feeling of desertion. Only a small finger of smoke rising from Duard’s chimney showed that someone still remained. He was an intruder in a place that was rightfully ours.

You’ll pay, Duard, I vowed out loud. You have created an enemy. I exist for only one reason now, to bring you down. And mark me, I will.

***

CHAPTER 2 ~ DARK THOUGHTS AND DUMB BIRD

THREE MONTHS AFTER BANISHMENT

I slipped into the house like a wraith. No one knew I came and only a dead body would tell them I had been there. The layout was exactly as I had been told. No surprises. He slept on a chair in the main room. His head back and slouched slightly to the side, mouth open, and snoring like a dragon with a cold. I sneered. It was far too easy. One slice and the mission was complete. I wiped my blade on his shoulder. No use getting his blood all over me. Then I slipped out as quietly as I had entered. Easy money. Almost too easy.

***

I washed the dagger in the river and watched the blood float away into oblivion, with it went the last trace of the murder. How many was that now? Eight? Nine? It didn’t matter. I stopped counting after the first one.

Aimless wandering for two weeks eventually landed me in some small town northwest of Braedoch Forest. The first tavern fight would have been amusing if I cared. My sword skill put down quite a few men, but I believe it was throwing my dagger across the room to impale a rather annoying singer that landed me the first job. Assassin for hire seemed to fit.

The first murder challenged me. I entered a house full of servants, the only one in the whole town that had any, and killed the master. Yet, I managed it without too much fuss and only one extra casualty. The event peaked my interest. I could learn from this job. If I could enter a house without detection and murder