Guardian of the Chosen: Mother of the Chosen, #3

By Janeal Falor

Time is not on Adriella's side.

She must summon everything she has to guard her daughter, but her resources are dwindling. Her husband and her former friend are by her side, but every day brings a new chance for the High King to find them, and kill her child. 

Each time they find peace, the zasin draw dangerously close again.

Desperate to save her child, Adriella is willing to explore the unfamiliar, no matter the risk. The biggest danger may be the High King discovering what she's done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janeal Falor
• Release date: Oct 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386902812

Janeal Falor

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Book preview

Chapter One

The breeze from riding on a dragon had me shivering. Didn’t help that it was winter. At least I’d be with my daughter soon. I missed her with a giant ache in my chest, though it was only a couple days since I last saw her. It was the first time we parted, and I didn’t ever want it to happen again. I missed her chubby cheeks, her sweet blue eyes, and even her fussing when she was hungry.

Behind me, Richart, my husband, nuzzled his nose into my neck. A hum went through me as he breathed me in. I wanted to turn and kiss him, but I didn’t dare, not when I was on the back of a dragon. It was difficult to speak too, with the speed we were going. Not that Usti, the dragon, seemed intent on throwing us off, but if we fell from so high up, there would be nothing but death.

Of course, falling wasn’t my biggest worry. Usti carried me and my husband, and also the man I previously wanted to marry, Edpol Forger. That was reason enough to make my stomach churn. Not only had I wanted to marry him at one point, but he had tried to kill my husband.

Almost there, Usti called back before facing forward again.

I looked ahead, and my throat tightened. What was that in the distance? It couldn’t be where we were going. If it was, we were in certain trouble. Up ahead, where our camp should have been, rose a great plume of smoke.

I leaned forward and pointed it out to Richart.

I see it, he yelled.

Usti pushed faster, just like my heart. I couldn’t see where my daughter, marked as the chosen one at birth, had been left behind with Nopli, a seer elf. We had barely gotten back from defeating the Sunsire, upon discovering he was sacrificing women who’d given birth recently and their children. For what purpose, I wasn’t certain, but the thought had me wanting to lose the contents of my stomach.

Lucky for us, we managed to defeat him, with me striking the killing blow. The High King got away, though. No surprise there, since my daughter was the one destined to kill him. Still, I was nervous as to what he could be planning. He couldn’t be responsible for this plume of smoke coming from straight ahead, though. There wasn’t enough time for him to have traveled such a distance. The only reason we’d been able to was because we were on the back of a dragon.

So many things could have happened down below. Why did I leave her? Usti slowed, almost as if dreading what she was going to find. Did she fear it as much as I did? Doubtful since it wasn’t her daughter at risk. I leaned forward, mentally pushing her onward, not daring to risk her ire by doing so out loud. It was dangerous to boss a dragon around.

She circled the area directly around the smoke, taking her sweet time. Perhaps she knew something I didn’t. Maybe it was too late. I was charged with taking care of the chosen. Did I fail in my duty as a mother?

I bit my lower lip, trying to keep myself from trembling and failing. Hopefully, Richart would think I was cold. Though his grip on me was rather tight. He could be as nervous. His love for our daughter astounded me at times.

Usti gave a great huff, a plume of her smoke trailing from her nostrils, before she dove toward the ground. I squeezed my eyes shut against the stinging wind, wishing I could keep them open to see what happened down there.

Moments later, Usti stopped, and Richart cursed under his breath.

I opened my eyes and wanted to curse too, only I was too afraid to speak. An enormous dragon was in our clearing, huge gusts of smoke coming from its nostrils. At least it was a familiar dragon. It was the male that visited us earlier and had been angry with us. This probably wouldn’t be a much better visit. I glanced around the camp finding nothing destroyed, but not seeing my daughter either.

Edpol was on his feet but stayed close to Usti. Richart got off, then turned and held out his hands to catch me.

Trying not to focus on the ground, I looked at his eyes instead and slid off the dragon right into his arms. His presence was reassuring. Not that he could do much against the larger dragon if it decided to gobble us up. With Richart being a dragon tamer, I hoped he’d be able to calm things down.

Where have you been? the enormous dragon grumbled.

The dragon’s voice reverberated through me, like it was trying to beat my heart for me.

Richart stepped forward. It’s my fault. I asked that Usti take us to stop the Sunsire and High King. To rescue our loved ones. Where’s Xataywa?

She’s here. Nopli’s voice came from my right.

She came out of the cave, my baby wrapped in her arms. I ran toward her, some of the tightness loosening in my chest. Before I could get more than a few feet away, I was plucked from the ground by a huge claw and left dangling too high up from the ground. If I fell now, I’d likely break something. I glared at dragon that had grabbed me. What are you doing?

You dare question me? he boomed.

If you’re keeping me from my child, then yes, I’ll question you. Not without my insides quivering in fear, though.

His snort made the smoke coming out of his nostrils darker. No one questions me.

I tried to ignore the fact that he could drop me at any moment. I will if it gets between me and my daughter.

You’re the one who ran off on some foolish quest, leaving her here with nothing but an elf for company.

An elf whom I trust with my child’s life. Though I still didn’t know her as well as I wanted. She did a fine job, taking care of my baby.

Actually, Nopli said, making a knife of fear wrench in my chest, she’s been crying almost the entire time you’ve been gone.

If I hadn’t been held up by a dragon, I would have slumped my shoulders. I’m sorry. I’m more than anxious to have her back and feed her. Among other things, like seeing her little face and knowing we were together.

The dragon sighed and sent me tumbling to my knees in the deep snow. I hadn’t paid much attention to it until now, but it must have snowed while we were gone.

I gathered myself up and ran to Nopli. She passed Xataywa over to me, and I loved the weight of my child in my arms. This was what I’d been missing for the last couple of days.

Xataywa cooed at me, smiling and giggling more than I’d ever seen or heard her do before. I brushed a finger against her cheek, grinning back. Not taking my eyes from my child, I asked Nopli, When was the last time she ate?

It’s been a while. She didn’t like what I tried to feed her very much.

Guilt prickled at me. Maybe I was wrong to leave her. The problem was, if I hadn’t, many more lives would have been lost.

I covered her with my cloak and hurried to feed her and make us both feel better. I turned my attention back to the dragon. What are you doing here?

I said, no one questions me.

I glanced at the ground, trying not to let the words sting. Sorry. I was curious what brought you here—if it had something to do with my daughter.

I am here to check on the chosen. The dragon sounded mollified, though still haughty. I want to make certain you are staying here with the child. There’s something coming for her.

That sounded ominous. What is it?

He waved a claw at me. You’ll find out when it arrives, if it does.

How do I know it’s not something that will hurt my baby?

I would never let something harmful approach. The dragon sniffed, his smoke less when he started breathing normally again.

Richart reached my side and put an arm around me. Sorry if that offends you, but we need to be certain nothing will hurt our baby, whether she’s the chosen one or not.

The dragon nodded. Being a responsible parent is something I understand.

It was difficult to imagine the dragon as a father. I’d hate to be his child. Then you’ll understand that we can’t stay.

Of course you can. No one knows your location, and Usti here will help protect the chosen.

I would do so, Drolo, Usti said to the other dragon.

I couldn't let things go so easily. But I have things I need to learn, in order to teach Xataywa what she’ll need to defeat the High King. We must go.

Nonsense. You will stay here.

I’m afraid we can’t.

Drolo growled, aiming its maw at me. Richart jumped in front of me, and Edpol got in front of him. Ugh. Why was he so insistent, and why had Usti agreed to take him?

Stupid humans. I wouldn’t kill her when she carries the chosen one. Drolo set its head on the ground, its great eyes roving over our group. Where are you going?

I was hoping Usti would fly us. If not, we’ll walk all the way to Cenda. There’s supposed to be someone there who can teach us more about magic. I hoped those words didn’t set off the dragon’s ire again.

Drolo eyed Usti, who appeared much smaller in comparison.

Usti shook her head. I know nothing of this plan.

I haven’t told her, I said. I was thinking of it on the way here. We need to get to Cenda, and this seems to be the best way.

And what if the zasin capture the chosen at Cenda? Drolo asked.

Then I’ll be dead. I won’t allow them to capture her again. I put all the force I could manage behind those words, despite having my own misgivings.

Hmm. Drolo didn’t take its gaze off me.

I tried to stand straight and look tough. I might have managed, if Xataywa hadn’t finished eating on one side and started to fuss. I switched sides, covering her against the wind.

Usti, what do you think of taking them to Cenda? Drolo asked.

Usti was silent, taking in the Drolo’s gaze. I wished I knew what she was thinking. It felt as if our fate was in Usti’s hands. Though I would get to Cenda without her—or I’d try. I didn’t mind the walk there, though it would take a long time. I was more concerned that they would scoop me and Xataywa up and refuse to let us go. How did one escape from a dragon?

When Usti spoke, I held my breath, hoping for the best. I believe this is a course of action we should take, though it will not be easy for anyone.

A swirl of dark smoke came from Drolo. Fine. I will assist with their transportation, but then they will be left on their own. I won’t have dragons traipsing all over the country. Besides, we can’t be spotted by most humans yet.

I held in a squeal of glee, but only just. This would give us much more time with whoever this person was who knew magic. If they actually existed.

Chapter Two

Iwas riding on the back of Usti, Xataywa huddled up next to me with my cloth wrapped around my body, keeping her snug. There was no way she could fall out of that, so unless I fell, she was safe.

Richart kept a firm grip on me from behind. I tried not to look down, focusing instead on the clouds around us. We would dart out of them sometimes, but the dragons seemed to prefer keeping to them, which left a moist film against my skin.

Nopli and Edpol were on the other dragon. I wished Edpol hadn’t joined us. I wished the dragons had agreed to drop him off somewhere far from where we were going, but they insisted he needed to be with us.

On the other hand, Nopli was welcome. I wasn’t certain why she wanted to continue with us and not go back to her people, but I’d take any help I could get.

The farther south we went, the less chilly the air grew, though it was never warm. I was grateful Xataywa was buried beneath layers that kept her from being cold and wet. She’d eaten before we left, not that I expected it to be a long journey. A distance that would have taken us weeks to cross, dragons seemed to cover in a matter of minutes. That’d have been a nice ability to have, especially before Xataywa was born. Then again, Richart might never have caught up with me, so perhaps it was a good thing I didn’t.

The dragons bobbed down and brought us to the ground. There was nothing and no one in sight, for as far as I could see, except some trees and a few small hills. It was much warmer down here, but the moisture clung to my cloak and skin. It was a big difference from the winter we’d left. Here, it felt more like mid-autumn.

Richart helped me off Usti. By the time I got down, the others were situated on the ground. I turned back to the dragons who helped us. Thank you.

Drolo didn’t make a move, but Usti gave me a slight nod. She said, Be certain to call for us on the horn Richart has, if we’re needed.

We will.

Richart walked up to Usti, put two fingers to the middle of his forehead, then lowered them. Thank you for your assistance. He walked up to Drolo and did the same.

Drolo said, You’d be wise to teach your daughter the way of the dragons.

I’ll keep that in mind, Richart said.

Which way to Cenda? I asked.

Usti pointed one claw behind me and a little to the right. That way. Near the river, but a ways off from here.

Thank you. For everything.

Instead of saying you’re welcome, she puffed dark smoke out of her nose before bursting into the air with Drolo.

Guess that means we’re on our own, I said.

I can call them again if we need to. Richart put an arm around me as we turned toward the direction we needed to go.

There aren’t a lot of trees or anything else to hide us from the zasin when we get close to town, Edpol said.

I gave him a glare.

Unfortunately, he’s correct. Richart scanned the area. We either need to wait until dark or send someone on reconnaissance.

I agree, Nopli said.

But who do we send? I didn’t want to volunteer to leave Xataywa again, nor was I anxious to be parted from Richart.

Richart opened his mouth, and I cringed.

Before he could say something, Edpol said, I’ll go.

I tried not to look skeptical, but probably failed. How do we know you don’t have some devious plan?

He met my gaze. You don’t, I’m afraid, darling. You’ll have to trust me.

You almost killed my husband. I don’t trust you, I said.

I don’t want to get in the middle of an argument, Nopli said, but the truth is he’s probably our best option. As an elf, I’d be watched with suspicion. Richart should stay and protect Xataywa, and you’ll want to stay with your daughter as well.

She was right. That didn’t mean I had to like it. Fine.

Edpol grinned at me. It’s going to work out, Adriella. Wait and see. Everything is going to be dandy.

Why did I not believe him?

It didn’t take long to say our goodbyes to him and get settled in to wait while he went to figure out what was going on in town. We’d hopefully be able to manage our way around the city without too much hassling from zasin, but after all the troubles we had, I wasn’t counting on it.

What could I do in the mean time? I didn’t want to start a fire and have the smoke bring the zasin to us. The smoke the dragons had created dissipated, and we didn’t need more of that. At least we could eat.

There was no snow here. The grass and weeds were mostly a dry, crackling yellow with no hint of green. The whole area could go up in flames if we let it.

I pulled a little food we’d gathered together and some blankets to keep warm out of my pack, and set them out.

Richart took Xataywa for some good-daddy time. I watched him rock her and talk to her, the warmth in my chest growing into a burning fire. I loved the father of my child. I wanted to spend the rest of forever with him.

He glanced up at me. What?

Just… you.

Glad I could be the source of your entertainment, he joked.

You are rather entertaining. I sighed, leaning in to get a better look at them both. We’re so grateful to have you around again. I don’t know what I would do without you in my life. You are my everything, Richart.

I love you, Adriella. His gaze was so intense it sent a flutter through my stomach.

I moved forward, brushing my lips against his. The heat that arced through me wanted more than a simple kiss. I pushed harder against him, running my lips across his cheeks, over the scruff of hair that had grown out since last time he shaved.

With his free hand, he grabbed the back of my head and pulled me in for a kiss, deeper and more passionate than any we’d shared before. Every inch of me was alive for him. I wanted nothing but to be a part of his life for the rest of time.

He held Xataywa off to the side and held me closer as we deepened the kiss. I wanted to protest and let him get back to having time with his daughter, but I couldn’t bring myself to get the words out of my mouth. It was the most intense thing I’d ever felt. If I thought I loved him before, it was nothing compared to the deep, fiery love coursing through me now.

I ran my fingers through his hair. It was past his ears, ready for a trim. It’d gotten much longer since he was a zasin. I liked it a little longer, but not quite this long. Only enough that I could play with and enjoy the feel of its thick texture.

He took my hair into his hands, making me wish it was clean. I was grateful I hadn’t chopped it off. There were times it was a nuisance, but as his fingers threaded in it, I wanted nothing more than to have long hair for him to play with and for us both to enjoy.

We broke off the kiss and pressed our foreheads together, our breath mingling. I was breathing harder than I expected, like I’d finished a long bout of training with him instead of an intense session of kissing.

That was… I couldn’t think of the right word to describe the depth of emotion flowing through me.

It was.

At least he agreed. I couldn’t fathom how I was ever not in love with him. How did we not feel this when we first knew each other? When we were first married? We were like two halves of the same being finally put together. It was difficult to miss, yet somehow we had.

I brushed another kiss against his mouth before pulling away. I love you.

And I love you.

Xataywa chose that moment to make her presence known with a squeal.

Don’t worry, he told her. I love you as well. You are the two most important ladies in my life. That will never change.

My heart beat a little faster.

I remembered Nopli was still with us. I turned to see what she was doing, my face heating. She had discreetly turned toward the river, away from us, and was lying down resting, so my guilt faded. We could all use more sleep, the way Xataywa kept us up all hours of the night when we were with her. I wouldn’t have it any different, though. The darling girl was worth every moment of getting up with.

We settled in, Richart keeping watch while snuggling us. When I tried to protest and say I would keep watch, he replied with, I can see anyone sneaking up on us as well from here as if I was standing. There’s not much around us. We’ll be fine.

I didn’t want to argue. I let him keep hold of Xataywa while I rested against him. I was certain to keep free of his sword though, so if he needed it, I could jump out of the way and he’d have access to it.

Having nothing while I was captured by the zasin, when Xataywa was born, was terrible. I hated not being able to defend myself. That I could do so now left me grateful.

The afternoon hummed by at a leisurely pace until night fell, and then time seemed to crawl.

Shouldn’t Edpol should be back by now? I asked.

He’s fine, Nopli said, getting off her blankets to face us.

You don’t think he got into trouble or is plotting something against us?

No. My visions haven’t warned me against any plot.

How do your visions work? Richart said.

She wrapped her blanket around her shoulders. They’re almost like dreams, but they can come whether I’m asleep or awake. Sometimes they don’t make any sense, just bits and fuzzy fragments, but the more important they are, the stronger and more often they come through. That is why I was so anxious to speak with Adriella last fall. The visions wouldn’t leave me alone, and I had to do something about them before they drove me crazy.

Can they do that? I asked. Make a person not right in the mind?

Oh yes. I wish it wasn’t so, but they can take over, leaving you nothing more than a babbler of whatever is going on in your head at the time. And it only gets worse as things go on, because you can do less and less about the visions. They fill your head, making you insane.

I scowled. That doesn’t seem fair.

The gift usually isn’t, but like your magic and Richart’s dragon taming, it serves a purpose.

There were downsides to having my magic, but none that would leave me trapped in my mind. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone—except perhaps the High King.

I couldn’t believe he’d gotten away from us, though I supposed it was only fitting, if Xataywa was to take care of him someday. The prophecy didn’t give nearly enough details about how she was to accomplish such a feat, but she’d be able to. She was a sweet thing, though, and I hated to taint her life with such a burden. I turned to Richart. Should we tell Xataywa what the star on her palm means?

Richart turned his gaze to me. I’ve thought of that before. I don’t know if it’s best to keep it from her or to tell her. Both have pros and cons. I want what’s best for her.

As do I. The question is, what is that?

"Well, we have plenty of time