Reality: The Elementals, #3

By Jenna Greene

Three young Elementals discover they no longer have full control over their magic, a fact that is both unsettling and could put lives in peril.

 

As a group known as the Coalition rises in power, its anti-magic sentiments spread from the small village of Sorc all the way to the kingdom of Areth. Amidst all this turmoil, Kat decides to take on a new quest, one that will affect Becky's future.

 

Venturing into territory more hazardous than any they've seen before, both girls strive toward a goal they know has little hope of success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Champagne Book Group
• Release date: Sep 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781771552554

Jenna Greene

Jenna Greene is a writer from Lethbridge, Alberta. She teaches grade six at D.A. Ferguson Middle School. When she isn’t teaching, writing, or spending time with her daughter, Olivia, or husband, Scott, Jenna coaches, drums, and paddles with several dragonboat teams.She is the author of several YA novels, including HEROINE and the IMAGINE series.

Book preview

Champagne Books Presents

Reality

By

Jenna Greene

HIGH RIVER, AB

CANADA

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Champagne Books

www.champagnebooks.com

Copyright 2016 by Jenna Greene

ISBN 978-1-77155-255-4

September 2016

Cover Art by Trisha FitzGerald

Produced in Canada

Champagne Book Group

19-3 Avenue SE

High River, AB T1V 1G3

Canada

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Champagnebooks.com (or a retailer of your choice) and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Other Books By Jenna Greene

Imagine

Dedication

To the best nieces ever: Hailee and Kaitlyn

Prologue

The atmosphere was clouded by smoke from tobacco pipes, as well as by general dust and grime. Accustomed to such scenes, Ley could discern most of the room’s features by instinct: dusty windows with ripped or absent curtains, a creaky set of stairs leading to rooms dedicated to men’s pleasures, barrels containing a local brew of ale, and bearded men who had not seen soap or razor in months. In progress were drinking contests and games of skill. Coins were gambled on the outcome of dice rolls. A fight would soon break out. Someone might be killed.

This was not the type of place for the faint-hearted—which made it perfect for Ley’s tastes.

Finding an empty table in a corner far away from the gambling crowd, he took a seat. Before a barmaid could approach and offer him a drink, two of his expected companions arrived. Karlin stomped in, damp and aggravated, and gave his chair a violent thrust, while Murgun slid wearily into his seat. From the looks on their faces, and from Karlin’s cursing, Ley assumed they’d been as successful in their attempts as he.

Ley asked, No sign of him?

He’s dead! Karlin exploded. No more of this pointless searching. What does Beignor hope to accomplish anyway?

Murgun shot Karlin a warning look. They were not to attract attention.

Ley spoke calmly. He’s not dead. We’ve found no body, no evidence to say—

It’s been weeks! His carcass is food for carrion. We’ve lost him to the battle and these searches are pointless, Karlin spat, ignoring all silent pleas for discretion.

Acting as the diplomat of the group, Murgun pointed out, His trail ends at the Great Forest. Its realm is vast. It could take months to find a sign and—

And even then it’s futile. Farnon failed. Why do we continue to strain ourselves with this endeavor?

To answer your question, Karlin, we do it because we must. It is what our oath requires.

The new voice interrupted their conversation, descending upon them like a storm, its raspy tone so low it threatened to rumble the boards beneath their feet. Instantly, Ley straightened his posture. Beside him, Murgun did the same.

Beignor stalked forward. Reaching them, he declined to sit. "Our higher purpose is served only through total commitment and loyalty to our cause."

Despite the glare coming his way, Karlin did not back down from his position. Sources from the south report that this new magic has already risen. The girl was not kept from her goal. She lives. They all do. Their powers are joined, and they prosper.

Nandor has fallen, Ley reluctantly admitted when Beignor’s gaze slid his way.

Proof of their success, Karlin added.

I remind you that we did not support Nandor, Beignor snapped. He was merely a means to an end, which was why he was allowed to prosper. His demise was out of sequence. That is all.

Karlin grunted. But without his power to overwhelm the new ones, how—

Ley saw it coming but had no chance to react. Neither did Karlin, who found a blade at his throat. Though it was not his life being threatened, Ley’s pulse quickened.

I’m sick of your doubtful talk, Beignor whispered in Karlin’s ears. The hand holding the threatening dagger was clenched so tight it was white. It annoys me.

Karlin yelped as a thin line of blood seeped from a smooth cut in his skin. I merely offer a new perspective, Beignor.

Your perspective sounds like lack of courage.

Despite the weapon held so closely to his jugular, Karlin bristled and even struggled within Beignor’s powerful arms. I am no coward!

The dagger vanished, slipping into a hidden pocket of an ink-black cloak. Beignor drew a chair back and sat, nodding his head. Good.

As the tension eased, Ley’s breath came out in a rush. Surreptitiously, Murgun fingered his neck.

Karlin snapped his fingers at a barmaid, who fetched fresh pints to place before them. Conversation dimmed as the men drank. Flexing his fingers under the table, Ley faked tranquility.

After several hours and much more alcohol, as the night deepened almost to the point of its own end, Beignor leaned forward. I have a new tactic we can attempt.

Ley’s eyebrows lifted. Phrasing his words carefully, he asked, We attack them even when their magic is strong?

That would be foolish. First we must make them weak. Beignor chuckled. Barely had the laugh escaped him before his demeanor sobered. But we risk much in doing so.

Karlin slammed his glass on the table and shouted, We shall do what we must!

Beignor nodded. Good.

PART ONE: SORC

One

You’re moping.

Kat didn’t look up. The only response she gave to the comment was a brief shrug and she didn’t stop plucking petals from a dainty flower.

Now, Ino continued, taking a seat beside her in the soft dirt, you happen to be a moody sort of person, so I have to ask: any particular musings, or just general moroseness?

Oh, I’ve got a list, she replied with a wry smile, discarding the stem of the denuded flower.

Care to talk about it with a friend?

She scrambled to her feet and started to walk away. She was stopped before she managed two steps.

Hey! Where are you going?

I’m off to find a friend to confide in, she responded cheekily, pivoting on the spot. Lifting one hand to keep the sun out of her eyes, she asked, See one around?

Areth’s captain rolled his eyes. Kat.

Ino.

It’s just a party.

Blech. She wrinkled her nose.

You know, generally celebrations are good things. Most people enjoy them.

Well, I’m broken then. Besides, we aren’t certain this is the right date. There is no proof that our calendars match—

We had a celebration just a few weeks ago, he pointed out.

She raised a finger and countered, Followed by a funeral.

As soon as she spoke, Kat regretted her words. Ino’s face fell. In his eyes, she read a great deal of sorrow. He had been very close to Brienna Alamar, having known the woman far longer than Kat. And Brienna was a tie to Areth, the home he left behind.

Wishing she could take the words back, she muttered, I’m sorry.

He stood, brushing off his pant legs. Forget it. I was just trying to help.

Though Kat intended to voice the words, I know, Ino spoke again before she had the chance. Just try and enjoy the festivities for other people’s sake. Especially Becky. She’s worked hard on this for you because she cares. It’s not a punishment.

As if cued from the sidelines, Becky bounced out of the bushes. Behind her was Eston Mortirze, laden with cloth-woven bundles that formed a heaping tower in his hands.

Kat! she exclaimed, bouncing up and down. It’s time! We’re ready!

From behind his burden, Eston mumbled, Happy birthday.

~ * ~

A section of Sorc was cornered off for celebration purposes. Not all of the town could be used, of course, for people lived there—people who knew Kat just by reputation and were doing their best to forget her connection to the horrible slavery forced upon them by Nandor. Yet there were many people who had chosen to leave the small town in the aftermath of the famous battle, abandoning their memories and their homes, thereby giving Kat, Becky, Ino, and the others a place to call their own for a while. Becky and Kat shared one such abandoned house, Leda and Minode another. The ‘men’s dwelling’ included Ino, Eston, Glaz, and Renin. For the purpose of celebrating Kat’s sixteenth birthday, all three houses had been cleaned and decorated.

Becky was the one who decided to hold the party, once the important day had been revealed, and who insisted on being put in charge of arranging it. I’m young, she’d stated matter-of-factly. So I’ll know how to do it right.

Though organization wasn’t her strongest skill, she was the ideal person to plan a party Kat would be accustomed to. As per Arethian birthday tradition, Ino, Renin, and Eston were prepared to dunk Kat in a barrel of icy water in order to re-create the moment of her birth. When she balked at this, Glaz suggested she adorn herself in ribbons and lace and dance before the men of the village in order to express her potential mating capabilities. Horrified, she’d choked.

Since it was her party, Kat had little to do with the arrangements. Stories did reach her ears though. Apparently, when Becky gave Renin the task of designing the cake, he questioned the logistics of placing sixteen tapered candles on a dessert and refused to assist with the project. Every time the party was mentioned, Ino referred back to Glaz’s fertility dance and chortled until snot ran from his nose. Fighting cultural differences, laughter, and lack of resources, Becky was in a constant state of frenzy until Eston stepped up to assist with the task.

By the day of the party, there was food—including a cake—music, and decorations. Flowers, accompanied by ribbons and bows, were arranged around the three houses. Tall brothers played their fiddles with vigor. The mood was festive and the guests full of cheer.

Kat hated it all.

Not that she didn’t appreciate the effort, of course. She just didn’t like the attention. It made her itchy, ready to bolt. Too many eyes had been on her in previous weeks, and she had cherished the recent absence of it. Now the focus was back, bringing with it distasteful memories.

Feeling unworthy of appreciation in general, she was prepared to have a terrible evening. Unfortunately, as Ino had reminded her, much effort had been put into the celebration. Manners required she attend and at least pretend to have a good time.

The torture began with presents. From Becky and Eston came the party itself, as well as a heartfelt hug from the former. From Jamee and his elven brethren came a sachet full of medicinal herbs. Leda and Minode presented her with new boots and a dagger that fit neatly on the inside of the right one.

Ino’s present startled her, threatening to bring tears to her eyes. Out of wood, he’d carved her a medallion, with her initials inscribed and his best representation of water droplets. She could tell a lot of time had been spent on it. The lines were well-defined, the edges smooth.

I’m no artist, he mumbled as he tied it around her neck.

Thank you, she said, double-checking the strength of the knot at her nape.

Catching his gaze, she found that he looked nervous and far more youthful than he ever had. A realization hit Kat. Despite his title as captain, his life experiences, and his arrogance, she doubted he was more than a few years her senior. Why had she never noticed this before? Why did it seem important now?

Happy sweet sixteen! Becky trilled, snapping Kat’s attention back to the moment. Let’s dance!

Kat allowed Becky to swing her around the cleared living room space of Minode and Leda’s borrowed home, but not for long. She couldn’t keep up with the rapid pace of the fiddle music, since ‘she wasn’t as young as she used to be.’ Plus, she was reminded of the last time she’d danced, at the Fire Celebrations in the Cristox village, where she experienced the first explosion of her magic.

Magic. Magic, magic, magic. Magic was still with her. Inside her. Occasionally she felt it. But she hoped she would never have to use it again.

As the musicians played their energetic tunes, Kat wandered around and mingled with her guests. There were a few Sorc citizens present, many of whom had been gracious enough to donate food and necessities when she and the others set up residence in town.

Hi Lucie, Kat said, shaking one woman’s hand whom she saw at the town well almost daily. Thank you for coming.

The plump middle-aged woman responded by clasping Kat’s cheeks in both of her hands and said, So young! And yet to have achieved so much? It astonishes.

Blushing, Kat stepped away. Then she nipped outside and into the neighboring house. Leda was there, for once without Minode at her side. She smiled and nodded at Kat before continuing her one-sided conversation with Glaz.

Feeling as if she was being chased, though she wasn’t, Kat darted up the stairs. Finding herself in her own room, she shut the door behind herself, leaning on it in relief. A movement startled her. She wasn’t alone.

Renin was at the window. Though he’d surely heard Kat enter, and was aware this was her private space, he didn’t leave, nor did he even turn. And she understood why, for this wasn’t the first time she’d found him here. She didn’t mind. Her room had the best view of a special place, a spot that had been selected to mourn a lost soul.

She walked up beside Renin and shared his observation of Brienna’s grave.

I’m sorry, they both said at the same time.

Peering up at him, Kat asked, Why are you sorry?

I’m not attending your party. In fact, I’m hiding from it.

That’s all right. She shrugged. So am I.

I didn’t feel like celebrating.

That’s understandable.

I miss her.

Kat fought for the right words and came up with nothing.

It’s like a part of me is missing, Renin confessed. I’m walking around without a heart. I’m breathing, but I’m not really living. His eyes were blank, his tone lacking emotion, both proving the truth of his words.

Clearing her throat, she offered, Is there anything I can—

Renin turned to her, locking his empty gaze on hers. What is your plan?

My…?

You, Leda, Jamee. What do you intend to do now? Will you stay here? Jaunt off on your own like Teylop Orr? My pledge remains, as does Ino’s, Glaz’s, and Eston’s. We follow and protect the Elementals. But we—I—need a mission. Something to occupy our time. He paused before adding, And our minds.

I-I don’t know.

Renin sighed, his shoulders slumping. Turning to face the window, he returned to his vigil. Think on it. Please.

I will.

Slipping away, she shut the door behind her. Retreating down the stairs in her new boots, she dropped her head in defeat. ‘Think on it’, Renin advised, as if he introduced the notion to her. He hadn’t. The thought had been patrolling her mind for weeks, stealing enjoyment from daily life. She’d been plagued daily by the question: What now?

Nandor was gone, leaving Kat lost, without a path. A foreigner with strange ties, lacking a purpose in this strange realm. They were in Sorc, but how long could they remain? They were neither shunned nor embraced by its people. Though Nandor had been responsible for what was done to the small town, the remaining guests served as a continual reminder of the horrific event.

While Leda and Minode had no kingdom to call their own anymore, the others did. Soon they would want to return. Perhaps they were needed. Keeping them from their families wasn’t fair. Even though Renin offered it, the Elementals no longer needed any guardians.

She didn’t want to say it aloud. In fact, she could barely voice the thought within her own head. But it was time. Time to let go.

Kat! Becky appeared in a flurry. There’s a candle to blow out and a wish to be made. She skipped forward and latched onto Kat’s arm. Come on. I want to eat cake, even if it isn’t the same as how my mom would have made it.

Like an errant child, Kat was dragged back to the center of the party, enduring it for Becky’s sake. For anyone else she would have offered a rude comment, snorted, and stalked away. But Becky was special. She was the dose of innocence Kat needed to get through daily life. They’d survived adventures together, been separated and reunited, and shared a link no one from this world could understand.

Make a wish! Becky said once they reached the birthday cake. It was double-tiered and accentuated with blue and red frosting. One candle stood on top, its thick weight threatening to destroy the creation.

Tucking her hair behind her ears, Kat leaned forward and blew out the small flame. She wanted the experience over with as quickly as possible.

Becky clapped her hands in glee. Yay!

What did you wish for? Lucie asked.

She’s not supposed to tell, came Becky’s admonishment.

Says who? Ino retorted, folding his arms over his chest.

As if it was an obvious fact, she said, It’s a secret.

I don’t think so. Turning to Kat, he bumped her with his elbow and ordered, Spit it out. What’s your deepest desire?

Hesitating, she glanced around. She hadn’t expected to be prodded to reveal her wish. Just like Becky, she assumed it was a secret. That was the custom she’d grown up with.

Tell us! Lucie shouted, her eyes hinting at mischievousness.

Another elbow bumped into her side. Without time to think of a fake wish to tell the crowd, Kat spat out her real one. I wish you would all go home.

Two

Hysterical tears rushed from Becky’s eyes. Sobs made her shoulders heave. The sounds she was making tore at Kat’s heart. Becky—

You ruined it! After I worked so hard. I’ll bet you thought Eston did all the work, but he didn’t. I did! She drew in a ragged breath. I don’t know why you had to be so mean.

Kat moved from her own bed to Becky’s and tried to put her arm around the younger girl. Having none of it, Becky shifted away.

It was a lovely party, Kat said. It wasn’t ruined.

Becky shot her an accusing glance. You told everyone to go home!

Kat gave a solemn nod. In retrospect, she hadn’t phrased her ‘wish’ all that well. I-I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I wasn’t trying to be ungrateful, to end the party.

You did.

That was true. She sighed. I just meant—

Becky’s crying had eased slightly, but her face was moist and tears still glistened in her brown eyes. Jerking her head up, she spat out, What?

With her tongue searching her front teeth as if they held the answers, Kat looked away, unable to meet Becky’s gaze.

Well?

Blowing out a quick burst of air, Kat began with, Ino, Eston, Renin, Glaz…they…

You’re sending them away, aren’t you? Becky finished the thought.

Yes.

Kicking them to the curb, as my dad used to say. Bitterness filled each word.

No!

You just told them they weren’t wanted anymore.

Crossing her arms across her chest, Kat gritted out, All I meant was that they should go home to be with their families and friends. Return to normal.

Ain’t that just great? Becky’s words dripped sarcasm.

Before she could control herself, Kat gripped Becky’s elbow. You don’t think they deserve that? They’ve given up their lives for us. It’s selfish to keep them here.

Catching her lower lip between her teeth, she rolled her eyes to the left as she exhaled sharply through her nose.

Calming her own temper, Kat breathed too. It’s not like I want them to go, she said. I just know it’s the right thing to do. Areth needs its healer back. Its captain. Eston is the heir to the throne. Even Glaz belongs in his own village. They don’t need to be here any longer. The Elementals are united. We can protect ourselves.

After opening and closing her mouth twice, Becky spoke in the softest whisper. What about me?

Kat’s eyebrows rose.

What do I do? Where do I go? Gaining volume, she asked, If you remain here with the other Elementals and everyone else returns to Areth… Do I just wander the countryside? Camp in the Great Forest with the elves?

No, she protested. You’d stay with me.

Why? Becky’s eyes pleaded for something Kat couldn’t quite decipher.

Because I care—

You have magic. I don’t. Unifier? Over and done with. Her shoulders lifted and fell. So what am I supposed to do now?

"You don’t have to do anything, Kat said. You’re just a kid."

So I should be at home with my parents?

As if she’d been caught in one of the snares Jamee set up in the woods to catch rabbits, Kat shifted uncomfortably.

I miss them. Becky’s gaze relayed deep longing. I miss them every minute, and it hurts so much. But I’ll never see them again. I’m stuck here, where I don’t think I belong anymore.

Eager to assure her, Kat said, You’ll see them again.

An intense gaze pierced Kat’s soul as Becky asked, How?

It was a question Kat didn’t have an answer for.

~ * ~

The next morning, in the quaint little kitchen where painted teacups hung above the curtained window, Leda passed Kat a stack of dirty plates. After an evening of consoling Becky followed by a night of fitful dreams, Kat had the start of a headache. She took the offered plates with half-closed eyes and almost missed the counter when she set them down.

Minode, returning from the other room with more collected dishes, responded to the last comment Kat made. So you want to send the girl back home?

She nodded, stifling a yawn. To whatever planet—er, realm, she comes from.

Speaking in Leda’s unique tone, voicing her thoughts, Minode said, Do you know how to do so?

Moving to the kettle boiling water on the stove, Kat pursed her lips before replying, Nope.

Is it even possible? These were Minode’s words.

I don’t know, Kat said as she poured the steaming water into the sink. No. Yes. It must be. If we were brought here, there must be a way to get back. After adding cold water from the bucket by the door and testing the temperature, she grabbed a cloth and prepared to scrub the pots clean. I just think—

A stab of pain brought her words to a halt. As she placed her hands fully in the water, a powerful jolt struck her fingers and surged up her arms. Recoiling from the unexpected sensation, she jumped back.

Kat? Minode questioned.

Speechless, Kat wriggled her stinging fingers. She didn’t know what just happened, except it hurt. The zap was similar to a spark of static electricity, though more powerful and far different then a burn. Eyeing the sink warily, she took another step back.

Giving her a curious look, Minode asked, You all right?

I-uh… Kat reached for the now-empty bucket. The water was too hot. I’ll go fetch more.

Stumbling out of the house, she kept the bucket’s handle centered in the palm of her right hand. Slowly, she walked down the street, stopping every few feet to drop the bucket and inspect her fingers. The tips were a bit red, but except for the persistent throbbing, no other sign of injury was evident.

When she reached the well, two other people were fetching water. One was a woman Kat did not know. The other was Flora, Lucie’s older sister.

The water is low, Katharine, Flora said before leaving. You’ve some pulling to do.

As the other woman filled her pail, Kat waited patiently. While she stood in silence, the tingling in her fingertips eased. The sun took the same moment to peek from behind the clouds, beaming down on the town of Sorc and chasing away the coolness of the morning. Looking to the sky, she took in a deep breath, dismissing her worries for the moment.

It’s all yours, child, the other woman spoke as she turned away from the well.

Stepping up, Kat hooked the handle of her bucket to the pulley and reached for the attached rope. Not paying much attention to the task at hand, she lowered the bucket into the deep well. When the weight in the bucket increased, she altered her grip on the rope and hoisted the bucket back to the surface.

After a minute of tedious hauling, she had the bucket back in view. It was full, but not in the expected way. Instead of water, two pint-sized creatures rested inside. She shrieked. Stepping back in surprise, she tripped on a stone and crashed onto her side.

Were you this clumsy when you were fifteen? Ino teased from behind her.

From the ground, she lifted a hand and pointed. When his eyes widened, she knew he’d caught sight of the two beings.

What are they? he cried.

What are they? the female creature mimicked. A wicked giggle followed.

We’re miniature versions of you, the boy declared with his hands on his hips. Just cuter. And far more fun. Knock, knock!

Standing, Kat cautiously returned to the edge of the well. During her inspection of the two creatures, she noticed that they were just like tiny humans, though they wore bright clothing and had blonde hair that didn’t match their dark freckles. They were bouncing up and down like eager puppies and their attention kept drifting from Ino to Kat.

I’m Petie! the male cried. Looking at Ino, he declared, I can be a warrior too! He took a pine needle from his pocket and brandished it like a sword. Swoosh! I shall save a fair damsel. Slay the dragon!

After performing an elegant cartwheel, the girl introduced herself. I’m his sister Alana. I don’t need a man to rescue me for I am strong and tough. Placing her hands on her hips she grinned.

I’m Kat. Inclining her head to the side, she added, This is Ino.

That’s a dumb name, Petie said, still slicing his pretend blade through the air.

With her hands balled into little fists, Alana was ready to spar with her sibling. Over her shoulder she called out, Have you seen Becky? We got something for her.

Kat tensed. You know Becky?

We brought her a present, Petie said, jumping from his perch on the edge of the well back into the bucket. His muffled voice carried behind him. It’s heavy!

I’ll get it! Alana leaped after her brother. Together, the siblings carried an item into view. It wasn’t large by Kat or Ino’s standards, but it was half the height of the tinier beings.

Ino plucked the object from their struggling hands. Holding it up for inspection, he shrugged and passed it Kat’s way. A small vial fell into her hands, with a cork stopper at the top. Inside was a few drops of a clear liquid.

What is it? she asked.

Her question wasn’t heard. Alana was performing more cartwheels and Petie was busy calling out Becky’s name. Like he was summoning a dog, he patted his thighs and shouted, Here! Over here! Becky! This way!

Kat held up the vial. What did you bring her?

Alana said, A present. It’s in your hand.

Yes, but—

Becky!

Don’t forget to give it to her. It’s not for you. A finger wagged in their direction. Stealing is wrong.

But what is it? she pressed.

Alana winked. Why don’t you guess?

It was like