The Tratchar

By M.A. Abraham

Cambria is a highly powered Tratchar, and her task is to take care of the Sentinels, in the same way her ancestors did, many millenniums before. She is good at her job and proud of what she does. She is also deadly as she is beautiful.

Anders isn’t one of the elite among the Guardians of the Empire, but he is happy to be numbered among them. To him, it is a point of pride. For, although he is one of the younger dragon shifters, he figures he has lots of time to develop.

All thoughts of his status, however, disappear into the mist when he sees a pretty young Elven female create a tree out of a seed she holds cupped in her hands. He watches in awe, as the small tree forms, and then loses all that he is to her as their eyes meet, for she is his life mate, and he can tell she is as aware of what he is to her as he is to her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Abraham
• Release date: Mar 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005315429

M.A. Abraham

I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

Book preview

CHAPTER I

I don’t believe we are going to connect with either of those two today, Ellora commented, as she watched Cambria and Anders walk off into the forest.

Ilénè laughed in delight as she agreed, I can guarantee it.

Cambria and Anders only had eyes and ears for each other and the work they were doing. They spent the entire day moving from one burnt area to another, while they allowed their Tratchar talents to mingle and flow over the land. Whenever they stopped, they took the time to exchange kisses and to hold each other, while they stared into each other’s eyes. When moving on, they left beauty and the forest lush and teaming with life in their wake.

Cambria and Anders didn’t pay any attention to the friends they left behind, or notice when they left to allow them some privacy. All that mattered was that they were together. Even the repairs they made to the forest didn’t seem to register in their minds. They knew they were doing it but allowed the plant life to grow the way it was inclined. When they reached the edge of the burned areas of the forest, Anders took Cambria’s hand and led her to a stand of Sentinels that showed only minor signs of scorching from the heat of the fire that had come close to reaching this part of the forest. There, he built a bower for them to spend the night. He provided food for their meal, and they ate between kisses that grew lengthy with their shared passion.

Anders couldn’t remember ever being as happy as he was with Cambria. He had found his own true love and not only was she a Light Elf, but she was also an Eagle Claw. She also seemed receptive to the idea of them being Life Mates, and he was certain that by the time morning came they would be fully bonded. For now, he was content to allow their needs to guide their actions. He was finding Cambria to be very passionate, and he reveled in her love. As for the rest, he tossed aside any concerns he felt.

Cambria could feel nothing but the rightness of her actions and went with them. Deep within her mind, she heard a purring sound and tried to push it aside. She didn’t know where this was coming from and she didn’t care. All she wanted was for this moment to live on forever. She was on fire with her need for Anders and nothing else mattered.

Deep inside of Cambria, her Dragon could sense the presence of her mate and she was trying to claw her way out of the cocoon holding it captive. It was time to let her hostess know she existed and had needs too. She felt the passion rising between Cambria and her Life Mate and purred happily, even as she continued to fight to get to the surface to get loose. She managed to come close to escaping, then felt Cambria push her back. Her Dragon decided to be satisfied with the progress she had made. The next time, it wouldn’t take much effort, and then she would fly. For now, she was going to allow them to have their moments together. She would have a chance with her mate later. It was something, she decided, that no one would deny her.

Cambria woke the next morning to the growing passion she associated with Anders. She smiled sleepily as he took her along with him to highs she had never felt before. It felt so good. Again she could hear a happy purring sound coming from deep inside and pushed it back. She was not sharing this moment with anyone, not even her imagination. She felt the explosion of their completion and experienced a sense of fulfillment that was followed by the tingle of dual healing and cleansing spells. She knew Anders did this to show her he could take care of her, as was his right to do as an Elven Male. Taking care of a Life Mate was a responsibility they took very seriously.

Cambria knew Anders was her Life Mate, but she wasn’t ready to say the words that would acknowledge the fact. It was enough for her to know they worked well together and could share equally in their passions. The rest could come as it would. She turned onto her side smiling as she looked deeply into his eyes and raised a hand to brush lengths of grey hair from his face. He was beautiful and unexpectedly receptive to her mercurial moods. To be perfectly honest, until now, she hadn’t even noticed he wasn’t a Light Elf, not that it mattered. She liked him well enough as he was.

Do you realize what we did? Cambria purred.

Which time? Anders asked with smug satisfaction.

We finished putting the forest to rights, Cambria declared.

Really? Anders gave a seductive grin. His mind was not on the trees. In fact, it seemed all he could think about was making love to his bride. He realized a lot of this was coming from his Dragon, but he was alright with the idea. As with most things, it went without saying that the sensation of being with a mate would be shared. There was no choice in the matter, for they lived in the same body, That gives us more time to indulge in our own happiness then."

There will be lots of time for us, Cambria returned Anders’ smile, as she lowered her eyes to his well-defined chest while she ran a fingertip over it. I was thinking about how well we work together, she confessed.

I was thinking about other things we do well together, Anders countered, as his eyes sparkled mischievously. He then took her hand in his to raise her fingers to his mouth where he suckled on them before lightly nipping at the pads.

You are insatiable, Cambria breathed, as her eyes closed halfway. I never knew a man could be this amorous.

I am assuming you approve, Anders teased, as he allowed his hands to stroke her back, even as she wrapped her legs around his hips to take him in one more time. He was ready for her.

Cambria was right about one thing. Male Elves were not quite this lusty on average. If not for the help of his Dragon, Anders wouldn’t have been able to do half of what they had during the night, or even now. He had the idea her Dragon had a lot to do with her actions as well, for while she enjoyed every moment, she seemed surprised that it was still possible. He wasn’t about to disillusion her at this moment, though. She would understand more after her Dragon finished rising.

During the following two weeks, Cambria and Anders did very little else but eat, sleep, and make love in their Sentinel-guarded nest. Her pet project was lost in a haze of passion and purring that was getting continually louder. It was Anders who eventually put an end to their seclusion, not that he wanted to.

The outside world is summoning us, Anders informed Cambria, as he heard the sounds of Dragons announcing an intruder in the Valley. There was no sense of danger to the report, but it served as a wake-up call that there were more than them out there.

I don’t want this to end, Cambria confessed, as she rose and looked for her clothing. It had been a long time since she had worn any, and she couldn’t remember where she had tossed them in their hurry to get into bed.

Here, Anders informed Cambria, as he refreshed her clothing with another cleansing spell that encompassed the whole area they were in and left her clothes smelling like Star flowers.

Cambria took a deep breath of appreciation while she inhaled the fragrance of the flowers and smiled, The air smells so good.

Star flowers, Anders informed her, although he knew it was unnecessary. Cambria would recognize the scent.

Cambria nodded and filled him in on something he didn’t know, They only grow when there are Elves around. If we were to leave this Valley, the plants would wither and die. The seeds would remain dormant. No one knows why.

Maybe it is the depth of our love they react to, Anders suggested, as he placed a finger against Cambria’s lips. I am finding it incredibly difficult to leave this grove.

Cambria sighed, as she kissed Anders’ finger, then finished dressing, We have no choice, duty calls. If there is one thing an Eagle Claw understands, it is answering a call to defend the Empire.

Anders could definitely see Cambria’s point. The Eagle Claw family was known for their battle expertise, and one of them was sure to be called on if there was any reason to believe there might be trouble lurking.

The moment Anders walked out from the grove of Sentinels, he could hear the call to arms coming from one of his brethren. He could also see Cambria racing through the forest at a pace he wouldn’t have thought her capable of. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough space for him to shift here in safety, or he would have been right behind her. He focused on the Dragon calling out the alarm and asked, Where is the closest clearing, so I can shift?

One hundred yards, straight to your left, T’Harris answered.

Anders didn’t doubt T’Harris was already responding to the call, but so was his Life Mate, and he was not letting Cambria run into a battle zone without his being there to protect her. His place was at her side, guarding her back. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust T’Harris not to keep her safe, because there was no Guardian trust worthier than his friend, but she was his.

Anders’ Dragon roared, as it took to the air and headed to the tunnel area where the intruder was reported to be. He arrived at the same time as T’Harris, and they landed together. Within moments, Cambria came out of the forest with her sword held firmly in her hand and a gleam in her eyes that warned everyone she was prepared to do battle if it was needed to keep her people safe. There was, however, nothing to worry about. All they could see was an empty cart; it was attached to a horse that was hungrily eating whatever it could find while it searched for water.

Another horse stood close to the first. It was also acting as if it were hungry, but neither steed looked starved. There was no one else around.

Could whoever brought them from the other side of the mountain still be inside of the tunnel? Cambria wondered, then moved forward to tend to the horses. It didn’t seem right to her for them to be left with their harnesses still attached.

T’Harris and Anders moved fast to reach the cart before Cambria. They could tell the mare that had been ridden held no danger to Cambria, but the cart was large enough to hold a man, and he could be waiting for her to come close to launch an attack from within. As they approached it, they could hear the sound of someone inside and quickly closed the gap.

Cambria also heard the sound of a man coming from the inside of the cart and as the three of them peered over the side of the wagon, they saw Evart inside. He was half-starved, sick, and in need of medical attention. There was nothing in the cart, except him and some grain for the horses. He had no food or water.

The horses don’t look to be in as bad of shape as he does, T’Harris noted.

I get the impression he stayed hungry so they would have enough food to get to this side, Cambria noted. She could still see signs of fodder in the bottom of the cart. A small amount of water remained in a canteen as well and when she checked it out, she scrunched her nose at the smell and dumped what was left onto the ground. This is probably what made him ill. He was in a weakened condition before, or it couldn’t have had this much effect on him. We need to get him to the healers fast, or he will die with the poisonous water in him.

I will take him, Anders volunteered. We can do this together.

Cambria agreed and ordered, While Anders shifts, T’Harris can lift him out of the cart. I will hold him in place while I sit on Anders’ back, and we can fly to the Fortress. We will be able to get help for him there. Do you think you can bring the horses?

No problem, T’Harris answered. It would take a couple of days, but he would get this done.

As Cambria and T’Harris made their plans, Anders shifted and extended a wing for them to climb onto his back. It only took a few moments, and they had Evart securely loaded onto his back. As soon as all was locked down, they left.

As ordered, T’Harris went to the horses to check them over, and he sighed as he ran his hands over them to familiarize the horses with his scent and touch. Then, speaking to himself, he commented, At times like this, I really appreciate Elven steeds. Then again, these aren’t in as bad a shape as I thought. I might be able to cover more ground with them than I first believed. Either way, it is still going to take the better part of two days to get to the Fortress.

CHAPTER II

Matrium knew trouble was coming before anyone else. It wasn’t due to any foresight, as she had none. What she did have was knowledge of how Sonja and Alexis reacted to their connection with Evart. Neither of the girls was conscious of what they were feeling, but she understood it nonetheless. Evart, as he had warned, was getting closer. All they needed to do was watch these two friends to know when he got close.

Sonja and Alexis were restless to the point of driving Laylia wild with the need to know what was bothering them. She wasn’t the only one watching their actions either, for she noticed Matrium doing much the same. The girls did their chores in their usual fashion and paid attention to their lessons, but nothing was done with their usual degree of focus. Eventually, she reached the point where she decided to ask Matrium what her thoughts on this matter were.

What is plaguing those two? Laylia asked, as she watched Sonja go to the window to look out towards the horizon for no less than what she figured had to be the fiftieth time in the last hour.

Matrium smiled serenely at Laylia. She had begun to think the Elven Princess infallible, but this proved otherwise. Sonja has always had a very close connection to her brother, Evart. It is the main reason everyone uses her to connect with him.

I know, Laylia snapped irately. This wasn’t the answer she was looking for. She needed to know more.

Then you must realize the closer Evart gets, the more nervous his sister’s reaction to seeing him once more will become, Matrium continued.

How can you be so sure? Laylia asked, even as she looked to Alexis and noted her increasing irritation.

If you remember, Evart told us he would be on his way shortly. What we are seeing is the proof, Matrium pointed out, before adding. Alexis’ actions mirror Sonja’s to a degree, because she also shares a connection with him. One girl does because she is his sister, the other because she is his love. You know how strong these can be.

But, there is no Elven blood in either of these women, Laylia’s forehead puckered in thought as she spoke. How is it they feel the coming of their loved ones through time and space as we do?

Laylia, you should know by now that our people aren’t the only ones who can love deeply. To think otherwise only confirms the conceit many of our people are accused of having. We are no different than anyone else deep down where it counts. Our people were blessed with different powers, which we have fought to maintain. But, we were never meant to believe they make us superior to anyone else. That is wrong and the idea would corrupt what we are in the end. You may not believe so now, but when you get to be my age, you will realize this is the truth.

Laylia had never thought of how opinionated she might sound before, but Matrium was right. Most Elves did think they were superior to others because of their talents. She didn’t believe they were being used for evil, but she could see how others might not share her beliefs.

How far away do you think Evart is? Laylia wondered.

By the way those two are acting, I would say we should hear something about him shortly, Matrium answered.

Not long after Matrium finished speaking, they heard Cambria call out to them, telling everyone they were bringing Evart to the Fortress. She told them the young man was ill and had come out of the tunnel in this condition. He would need immediate attention from a healer as he was comatose, and might even need the service of one of the more powerful Elven Healers to tend to him. Laylia might be able to help with the worst of his condition, but this depended on how badly affected he was.

As Cambria finished her report, Matrium and Laylia heard the sound of Anders’ trumpeting call, letting everyone know he was about to land. A few moments later, they watched from the top of the Fortress steps, as a massive Dragon landed in the courtyard and Cambria slid down his mighty wing with Evart held firmly in her arms. She had barely touched the ground when Anders shifted and raced to her aid, while Sonja and Alexis ran to do the same.

Anders caught Evart’s sagging body, as Cambria struggled to keep him in an upright position. They then carried him into the Fortress with Alexis and Sonja following at his heels. It was clear this was someone they knew well and cared for deeply. Despite knowing they would be anxious to hear Anders’ report, Anders continued onwards towards Laylia. She would have a better idea of what to do about this state of affairs.

Laylia didn’t wait for Anders’ report. She took one look at Evart’s limp form and motioned for Anders to follow her. As she moved forward, she sent a message to Gabriella to let her know about the situation. The High Lord General would take things from there, which would leave her free to do what she could to keep the young Prince alive.

We need a healer fast, a good one, Laylia told Gabriella.

What has happened? Gabriella asked, as she watched Kestriel and Ilénè walk towards her. Seladair was with them, as was Ellora.

Evart has arrived, and although I haven’t had time to examine him, I can tell he is beyond my power to heal, Laylia answered.

We will be there shortly, Gabriella answered. She then severed the link before turning to the others to ask, Does anyone know if any of the healers remained at the palace?

They are all gone. There was no reason for them to stay, Ilénè quickly replied.

Ellora reacted to what she felt was no doubt an emergency situation. Quickly reaching out to speak to Seladair, she ordered, Take the location from my mind, and I will call for Anamara to come. She is the best healer I can think of, although she might be busy. As you open a portal, I will contact her and tell her she is needed here.

This was not what Ellora had planned, but due to the speed with which they needed to act, there was nothing else she could think of to help.

Seladair looked at Gabriella for permission and, at her nod, he opened a portal while Ellora located her friend.

Anamara, we need your services desperately, Ellora reached out to the healer. We are opening a portal for you to cross into this land. Can you come?

A degree of puzzlement wafted to Ellora, but when the portal opened before her, Anamara walked through. She looked around for a moment before exchanging a quick glance with her friend and asked, Where am I?

I will explain later, Ellora promised. She then took Anamara by the wrist and pulled her through a second portal Seladair opened to take them to the Fortress in the Valley.

Gabriella watched the exchange between Ellora and Anamara with interest. She took note of their similarities, as well as their differences. She looked at how they dressed, which was similar and definitely different than everyone else around them. There were other things she noticed. Neither of these young women were familiar with the language that was used in the Elven Empire, although they could speak it with a definite accent. She already knew they didn’t live anywhere in the Empire she knew of, so where did they come from? She had every intention of finding out, especially as Anamara had the coloring and talents of a Grey Elf.

Despite their hurry, Ellora could feel Gabriella’s gaze on her, and she inwardly cursed her hastiness to offer help. Anamara didn’t belong in this world, and this High Lord General didn’t need anyone pointing out the reasons. She had a suspicion Gabriella could figure out part of what was going on. This meant she needed to find a moment to contact her father to help her figure out what to do about this situation. Her earlier plans to leave would have to be shelved, at least in the short term.

Anamara was feeling as awkward with Gabriella at their backs as Ellora, but she wasn’t about to do anything to give the Light Elf more reasons to think this was the case. She would find out soon enough what everything was all about. There wasn’t enough time to worry about for it now, and the look on the face of the woman who met them at the front door of the Fortress verified her fears.

We are dealing with another poison, Laylia informed Anamara, as she stepped up to the open doorway. She didn’t stop for introductions or to make sure she was speaking to the right Elf. She immediately threw herself into the conversation, The young man is Human, and although I know that some poisons can be more difficult to treat than others, this is more than I can help him with. He has suffered from too many ailments of the same nature in a very short period of time lately.

Do you have any idea what form of poison we are dealing with? Anamara spoke, as she followed Laylia across the entrance of the building and up a set of stairs to the second story of the Fortress.

My best guess is that he ingested some infected food or water, Laylia answered.

Depending on how long he has been ill, this could be difficult, Anamara agreed.

We are guessing, but it seems the most possible reason for his condition, Laylia informed Anamara, as they entered the room where Evart lay. When he was found, he was comatose, nor did he wake from his sleep when he was transferred here.

Then it is a good thing you called for a healer, Anamara confirmed. It was then that she noticed the two young girls standing on either side of her patient’s bed. As she finished speaking, they turned white with fear, and she quickly added. It could be no more than his being exhausted, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Even with Anamara’s calm assurance, Alexis and Sonja’s eyes filled with tears.

Laylia frowned at the two friends, shook her head at them, and then tried to shoo them out from the room. She was only partially successful. Alexis and Sonja gathered at the foot of the bed and refused to go any further. They would not leave Evart’s side, and it didn’t matter what anyone said to persuade them to do otherwise.

When Laylia was about to threaten Alexis and Sonja, Anamara placed a restraining hand on her arm and softly smiled to assure her this wouldn’t be necessary. It is a good thing to have those we love close when we are being healed. It keeps the spirit calm to know they are not alone.

With this said, Anamara moved her hands over Evart’s body to seek out the full extent of his condition. She didn’t touch him, but she could tell what his problem was. When she finished pulling the worst of the poisons from his system, she sat at his side and heaved a tired and heavy sigh.

The young man will live, but he will be weak for a couple of weeks. It would be different if he was Elven, I could have done more for him. As he is not, I could only do so much without causing harm. We should leave him to rest now. When he wakes, he will feel very ill, but that is to be expected, Anamara warned.

In what way? Alexis asked. Evart was hers to care for, and he always would be.

He will wake to a need to vomit, Anamara explained. It will be good for him to rid his stomach of the remaining poisons. He will steadily improve after that.

I will stay with him, Alexis announced. When he wakes, I will take care of him. It is where I belong.

This man is your Life Mate? Anamara asked.

Sonja was about to disagree, mainly because she didn’t believe Humans had Life Mates. Alexis, however, answered before she had a chance to speak.

We are Life Mates in every way imaginable. Where he goes, so will I, and one day, we will be together, Alexis spoke with determination.

Anamara smiled, stepped forward, and much to the surprise of everyone, she took Alexis’ face between her hands, leaned over to kiss her forehead and whispered, Blessings for your union. May you both find the happiness you seek. She then turned and walked out of the room.

CHAPTER III

The first warning Alexis had that Evart was about to wake up was a slight groan of pain from him. As she had been sleeping beside him while she waited for some indication of his rousing, she jumped up to tend to him, grabbing a bowl in case she needed it.

Evart couldn’t remember ever feeling so ill before, not when he had been badly infected by the spiders, or even after the fight with the entity. He tried to control the rolling of the contents of his stomach, but it only seemed to make matters worse. It was then that he heard