Mark of Brikyif Wamtell Dawn Halo

By MM Sudie

Wamtell lived up to being a cold and unforgiving land. Aurora and her friends struggled to make it to the city of Dawn Halo where they can take a much needed rest to heal. Life is never that easy for Aurora though. When she and the others learn why Wamtell is now under the Warlocks of Andor, a complication none of them expected rises. There is a task they must accomplish before they are able to defeat the Warlocks, but the requirements of that task will be asking a lot of Aurora and her friends. Kerr struggles to balance being the Rora Ines and Enkary tiig Malila. The task of the Rora Ines is to protect Aurora no matter what it could cost, and Enkary tiig Malila is expected to ensure Malila's defeat of the Warlock of Andor stays permanent. While Kerr is proud to have both legacies in his blood, he does not want to be defined only by them. How can Kerr be himself though when he has to live up to two such important bloodlines? Aurora and Kerr's choices tie them together, but can they handle being linked that way? Respect and duty can only go so far without a deeper friendship beneath it, but a greater friendship requires trust. Aurora and Kerr can form a bond of trust, but even the strongest bond of trust can be as brittle as thin ice. The trick is making that trust strong and unbreakable so that it can withstand even the harshest of blows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781947109070

Book preview

Appendix

Acknowledgements

Thank you God for blessing me with the ability to write, and for surrounding me with people who support me.

Mom and Dad, you guys have been so wonderful. Without the two of you, I would not be publishing another book. Thank you for always being there to help me.

My Beta Readers: Janelle, Tim, LS and Greg. You four are amazing. Thanks to your honest comments and feedback, Aurora is able to continue her adventures. I’m so glad all of you are following Aurora on her journey.

Worm, I know I probably drive you crazy with how often I talk to you about Aurora’s adventure, but having you there as my soundboard is a huge help. Thank you for always being there.

Ebooklaunch.com, your covers make Aurora and her friends come to life.

BookBaby, your sevices and support are wonderful.

Thank you everyone! Aurora’s able to move forward with the support of her friends, just like I am able to move forward with the support of all of you.

You are all amazing.

MM Sudie

Main Characters

Amitear Aurora Erasmus say Rora Halaly ruk Brikyif (Female ¾ Human ¼ Valkwell)

Arita Guard Thuban  (Male Dwarf)

Shadow Warrior Wolvow  (Male Shadow Elf)

Healer Tershi  (Female Valkwell)

Rora Ines Kerr Enkary tiig Malila  (Male Valkwell)

Knight Cloerth (Male ½ Vintear ½ Human)

Prologue Malood, three years before Aurora awoke

"Tealnesro, qek lting viss yton." (Tealnesro, it shall be okay.)

Tealnesro turned to see a Valkacy with red wings, brown hair and blue eyes standing behind him. It was Devlin, his best and most trusted friend. The red-winged Valkacy shook his head. "Ru nab eth imti u recyesok Tha fiiy, nab ru?" (You did not hear a word I said, did you?)

"Kalii, Tha nab eth," Tealnesro replied. (No, I did not.)

He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to feel at the moment. His wife was currently in labor, but Healer Chesword had sent him away saying it would be best for him not to be there. Chesword always sent husbands away when their wives were going to give birth because more often than not, they got in the way. Nothing anyone said had ever changed the healer’s mind. Tealnesro did not want to see his wife giving birth; he just wanted to be there for her and his coming child for as long as he could. Whether their child was a boy or a girl, Tealnesro would not be able to raise them. Devlin put a hand on his shoulder. "Tha ilv grad alss eltyi, wau lafge." (I know this is hard, but relax.)

"Pho kot Tha lafge? Tealnesro demanded, a little more forcefully than he’d meant to. He took a breath before going on. Kar coneam alss kartome u janyait cial Tha lting eth viss telell tiig viss u xaphuni tiig." (How can I relax? My wife is having a baby who I shall not be able to be a father to.)

"Prack qek alss u halaly, ru lting viss telell tiig viss gon ionvi u xaphuni gon oas Valkacy alss tiig u duate," Devlin reminded him. (If it is a daughter, you shall be able to be as much a father as any Valkacy is to a girl.)

His friend was right; if he and Terry had a daughter, then Tealnesro would be known as her father. A son, however, would be much more complicated. Where a daughter would never be more than Malila’s Heir, a son would hold that title and a second one as well. Tealnesro was the Rora Ines (Hero Watcher), meaning his job was to watch over Brikyif’s daughter, who would one day become a great hero. At the moment, the ‘great hero’ was an infant girl, who’d been asleep for somewhere around three hundred years. The task of watching the baby girl had been passed to Tealnesro by his father, who had been given the task by his father all the way back to Brander, the first Rora Ines. Brikyif had given Brander the task after the Valkacy had helped to deliver the baby. While Brikyif had never once said the task of Rora Ines had to stay between father and son, that was where it had remained. Not many wives had known about the title their husbands held and passed to their sons because of how vital it was that the task remain secret. Tealnesro had told Terry about it though because of who their son would be, if they had one. Since Terry was Enkary tiig Malila (Heir to Malila), the Valkyrie who had defeated the Warlocks of Andor close to eleven hundred years ago, their child would have that title stuck to them from birth. If they had a son, the title of Rora Ines would not be given to him until he was eighteen and had taken the oath. Still, his son would carry the line and with Azacy attacks becoming more frequent, Tealnesro couldn’t risk anyone finding the only one who could carry on the work of the Rora Ines. He shook his head. Terry had not had the baby yet, so he was getting himself worked up over something that had not happened. Tealnesro turned to Devlin. "Tha ilv Tha kartome fiiy grad tiig ru u lenjik, wau prack Terry er Tha kartome u whekzaph, recyesok tha ru lting ylora holku bree tel." (I know I have said this to you a lot, but if Terry and I have a son, promise me you shall always care for him.)

"Tha lting jaray wompor blor zeer, Devlin assured him. Tha lting illii ru whekzaph nur acy upi kar iyt." (I shall do more than that. I shall love your son like he was my own.)

Tealnesro had known Devlin would say that, but it was nice to hear it said out loud. Before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door. Both of them walked over to see who it was. Healer Chesword was standing on the balcony. He was only five feet ten inches tall, which made him short for a Valkacy. His wings were the color of rust and like any Valkwell wings, looked several sizes too large for him. The healer was smiling at them. "Terry er ru flazoy del jaray qixet. Ru er Devlin ciid jat fitith jelvphi gel." (Terry and your child are doing well. You and Devlin may go see them now.)

Tealnesro hurried out of his house and to the healer’s dwelling. When he reached the house, he let himself in and walked to the back room. Terry smiled at him the moment he pushed open the door. Tealnesro didn’t say anything until he’d knelt by her bed. "Pho del ru bevil, Terry?" (How are you feeling, Terry?)

"Nish, Terry replied with a smile. Del ru yton?" (Great. Are you okay?)

"Gel Tha dy. He turned to the bundle of burnt orange blankets his wife was holding. Levod han duate?" (Now I am. Boy or girl?)

"Levod. Terry smiled at the baby for a moment. Ru ift tiig gament tel bree u sue?" (Boy. You want to hold him for a while?)

This would be the only chance Tealnesro would have to hold his son, so he nodded at once. Terry smiled at him as she gently handed him the baby and told him the proper way to hold him. Tealnesro had to smile as he looked down at his newborn son. The baby had brown hair and burnt orange wings. His face was shaped just like Terry’s. Tealnesro looked at Terry. "Acy haow nur ru." (He looks like you.)

Terry smiled at him. "Ydear acy lting viss u qellthru kovex robetz’reth." (Then he shall be a handsome man some’day.)

"Zeer acy lting," Tealnesro agreed. (That he shall.)

For a moment, neither of them spoke, then Terry broke the silence. "Jaray ru eth cora illii say maelow ruk tel lemis? Tha loent imiused del xithdii." (Do you not just love the color of his wings? I think they are beautiful.)

"Tha irmin nera ru. Qek alss u nish maelow. Tealnesro looked at his son. Eth tiig iskla er eth tiig elum. He paused. Shii lting ang nair tel? Tha ect ru nur Orthu." (I agree with you. It is a great color. Not too dark and not too bright. What shall we name him? I know you liked Orthu.)

Terry shook her head. "Kalii. Tha nab nur say nair, wau ru esui u sadi vul olain reth." (No. I did like the name, but you had a better one last night.)

Tealnesro was glad to hear his wife liked one of the suggestions he’d made, but he could not remember what he’d suggested the night before. "Shii nab Tha fiiy?" (What did I say?)

Terry smiled at him and reached out to rest a hand on his shoulder. "Ru jaray eth ect? Qek upi yalt zert er qek coth tha zoucl." (You do not remember? It was so good and it made me smile.)

Tealnesro looked down at his son as he thought for a moment. What name did Terry like so much? He heard his wife let out a breath, but he didn’t look up at her. There was a soft laugh before Terry did it again. When Terry did it a third time, Tealnesro looked up. "Shii?" (What?)

"Tha dy srop ru ect," Terry replied with a smile. (I am helping you remember.)

What did her constantly letting out a breath have to do with him remember… Kasserr. (Breath) But he knew Kasserr was not the name he’d come up with. He smiled. Kerr.

Terry nodded. "Tha nur zeer vul ionvi blor oas anak." (I like that one more than any other.)

"Ydear Kerr qek alss," said Tealnesro as Devlin entered the room. (Then Kerr it is.)

Devlin smiled as he knelt down to see the baby. "Yalt tel nair alss Kerr?" (So his name is Kerr?)

Tealnesro nodded, but didn’t say anything. There wasn’t much more time left, now that he and Terry had named their son. Did he and Terry really want to do this? Were they really going to let Devlin raise Kerr? The answer came to his mind at once; yes. Kerr was Enkary tiig Malila, and the only one who could become the Rora Ines someday, so he had to be protected. It was the hardest thing he would ever have to do in his life; give up raising his own son. Even though he knew it was the right thing to do, Tealnesro still hesitated. He may have only known Kerr for five minutes, but that didn’t change a thing; Kerr was his son and he loved him. Tealnesro turned to Terry, who held out her arms. "Ubrap tha gamant tel vul wompr demca." (Let me hold him one more time.)

Tealnesro carefully gave Kerr to Terry. He watched as his wife held Kerr close. "Tha illii ru, kar ki Kerr. Robetz’reth Tha lting viss telell tiig wanc ru er kartome ru rifale tha. Bree gel, qek alss nakfit tiig ilv ru lting viss los holku ruk iroj robetz’vul cial lting illii ru." (I love you, my little Kerr. Some’day I shall be able to tell you and have you understand me. For now, it is enough to know you shall be taken care of by some’one who shall love you.)

Tealnesro didn’t take his son in his arms again, but leaned close and kissed his forehead. "Tha illii ru tiig, Kerr, he said quietly. Tha illii ru yalt ionvi." (I love you too, Kerr. I love you so much.)

For a little while, Tealnesro and Terry did not move, but watched their son, then both turned to Devlin who nodded. He gently took Kerr in his arms, then looked Tealnesro and Terry in the eye. "Tha lting eth ubrap oas taloust calu tiig tel. Tha lting nivyla tel usic er posmoc dosind acy alss ylora illii." (I shall not let any harm come to him. I shall keep him safe and make sure he is always loved.)

Tealnesro could only nod as Terry spoke. "Bec ru, Devlin." (Thank you, Devlin.)

Devlin hesitated for a moment, then left the room with Kerr. Even though they knew it had to be this way, Tealnesro still felt the urge to jump to his feet and hurry after Devlin to take his son back. He had to push the impulse away. Tealnesro was about to turn to Terry when Chesword walked in. "Shii wid Tha fiiy prack oas’vul ory sion ru janyait?" (What should I say if any’one asks about your baby?)

"Niyla lee er hyola soleev, Terry replied. Prack ru zecyar welsno uruch gelt, wanc jelvphi hin janyait upi yutu hud irloy. Qek zecyar hyola nur robetz’fay Tealnesro er Tha jarary eth ift tiig xerrper sion." (Keep silent and seem sad. If you must give an answer, tell them our baby was dead at birth. It must seem like something Tealnesro and I do not want to talk about.)

Chesword nodded and left the room. Tealnesro turned to Terry, but didn’t know what to say. They would never mention to anyone they had a son, living or dead. Devlin would tell anyone who asked that Kerr was his son. Since Devlin’s wife had only died a year ago and very few Valkacy knew the truth, no one would be aware Kerr wasn’t Devlin’s son. Terry gave him a sad smile. "Kerr lting viss yton nera Devlin." (Kerr shall be fine with Devlin.)

"Tha ilv. Tealnesro lay his head on the side of the bed. Wau Tha lting molay Kerr sumuan outh acy lting viss kirag gil say pimeath viloss kar silvloy." (I know. But I shall miss Kerr even though he shall be living in the house beside my home.)

"Tha ilv. Terry paused for a moment. Lined ruk tha ift tiig ord moweto Devlin er los hin whekzaph mae." (I know. Part of me wants to run after Devlin and take our son back.)

"Tha bevil say alked, wau Tha ilv grad alss say juz soud." (I feel the same, but I know this is the right choice.)

"Ilv zeer jakros eth posmoc grad oas flinde. Terry made room for him on the bed. Dex." (Knowing that does not make this any easier. Here.)

Tealnesro lie on the bed next to Terry. It helped a little to know his wife was going to have as hard of a time with this as he was. Terry smiled at him. "Ines tel er chogra tiig tha sion tel." (Watch him and write to me about him.)

"Tha lting chogra tiig ru mlup, Tealnesro promised. Calu tiig Tival Geet ge’epi ru kot." (I shall write to you often. Come to Tival Geet when’ever you can.)

"Tha lting, Terry assured him as she yawned. Tha ornt tiig ibgonu gel. Lting ru axy nera tha bree u sue?" (I shall. I need to rest now. Shall you stay with me for a while?)

"Gon voll gon ru ift tha tiig," Tealnesro replied. (As long as you want me to.)

Terry smiled, but didn’t say anything else before she closed her eyes. Tealnesro watched her for a moment before closing his eyes. Kerr being born was both the happiest and saddest day of his life. He would do whatever he could to protect his son, but the best thing he could do was keep his distance and never be more than friendly until the day Kerr turned eighteen. That was going to be very hard since he lived in the house right next to Devlin’s. For the next eighteen years, he wold have to act like the only reason he liked Kerr was because he was Devlin’s son. Tealnesro sighed. He and Terry would look forward to the day they could call Kerr their son.

Chapter 1 Scars

Aurora was happy to have a few days to relax, even if all six of them and Farr had to share one room. They ate meals with Magnus and Consolata Kenward, the leaders of Dawn Halo. Magnus’s daughter, Nata, and her guard, Athena, were usually at breakfast and dinner, but rarely at lunch. Aurora looked to where the others were sleeping. Thuban was resting against Farr, his gray aritum. The Dwarf’s battle ax was on the floor beside him to make sure it was easily accessible if something went wrong. Kerr and Tershi were sleeping close to the hearth. Normally, the two Valkwell stretched out their wings behind them as they slept, but due to the little space they had, both had their wings folded against their bodies. Cloerth was under the drafty window, but because of his Vintear blood, he didn’t feel the cold. His black hair and beard were moving slightly as if they were caught in a light breeze, but there was no wind in the room. Aurora didn’t instantly see Wolvow, but it wasn’t unusual. The Shadow Elf almost always slept in the shadows. She was about to lie down again when she spotted Wolvow, sleeping in the corner furthest from the hearth. Aurora would have missed him if it hadn’t been for his white hair. She lay back on her blankets, but didn’t close her eyes. The first hints of orange light were starting to come through the window above Cloerth, so there wasn’t much of a point in trying to get more sleep when the others would start waking up soon. Aurora thought about the months it had taken them to reach the city of Dawn Halo. They hadn’t been worried about finding it until seven months ago, when a Warlock had taken her voice away. Nothing Tershi did had helped, and nearly everyone they spoke to said Aurora would never talk again. Thankfully, a blacksmith named Tokral had told them that the healer here in Dawn Halo could return Aurora’s voice. Aurora smiled as she thought of what it was like when Edmonda helped her speak again. They had wanted to talk with Magnus and Consolata right away to figure out anything they could about the Warlocks, but Magnus had recommended they wait a few days to be sure Aurora’s voice could fully return to normal. It’s great to see you smiling, Aurora, said Wolvow. After everything we’ve been through these past months, seeing you happy makes the world seem right once more.

Aurora turned to smile at him, but felt half her smile slide away as she looked at her friend. She was happy to be able to talk to her friend, but with Wolvow facing her, she could see how his right arm was wrapped up. If it had just been broken, that would have been one thing, but Aurora was the one who broke Wolvow’s arm, and it had been intentional. A Great Warlock had taken control of Wolvow’s mind, and had come very close to making him kill Aurora. The only way Aurora had been able to save herself was by breaking her friend’s arm before he was forced to choke her to death. Wolvow shook his head at the look on Aurora’s face. Can’t you be happy we’re here and able to rest?

I can, Aurora replied. But I wish I never had to hurt you.

Wolvow sat down next to her and put his good arm around her. Stop worrying about it. Tershi says I’m healing well, so there’s nothing to worry about. Wolvow smiled at her. Besides, we have something much happier to think about; you can talk again.

Yes, so I can apologize now, Aurora pointed out.

Wolvow sighed and tightened his arm around her. Some days I’m sure you’re trying to find a reason to be sad. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head. But I still love you.

Is that a new way of asking me to stop saying I’m sorry? Aurora asked.

Wolvow smiled. Maybe. Did it work?

For now, Aurora replied.

Wolvow shook his head, but did not stop smiling at her. Over by the hearth, Tershi was getting to her feet and stretching her lavender wings. They looked bigger than normal in the small area. She smiled when she noticed they were awake. "Zert nical." (Good morning.)

Morning, Tershi, said Aurora. How are you?

"Tha dy fine. Tershi looked at Wolvow. How does ru arm feel?"

Sore, Wolvow replied. But other than that, it’s fine.

Tershi shook her head, but before she could say a word, Kerr spoke. You aren’t going to ask how I’m doing?

Tershi looked down at him. "Tha can guess what ru are going to say. Ru shall tell me ru would be fine if we were outside because then ru could fly everywhere."

Aurora let her eyes move to Kerr’s broken leg. He’d broken it in the mountains while trying to keep her safe. A week ago during their battle with two Great Warlocks, Igmar had thrown a knife into Kerr’s leg at almost exactly the point were it had broken. Kerr was smiling as he answered Tershi. That is true, but not what I was going to say this time.

What were you going to say? asked Thuban. Going to say you missed walking?

I can miss being able to walk without help, Kerr pointed out. Especially when we’re in a building not made with Valkwell in mind.

Cloerth walked over. This place was built to accommodate people who could fly, just not those who need wings to do so.

Aurora smiled at Cloerth’s words. Vintear had the ability to fly and change the temperature of the air around them. They looked similar to Humans, only their hair constantly moved like it was caught in the wind and their eyes were solid blue orbs. Cloerth was only half Vintear, but he could fly and change the air temperature around himself. His hair and beard moved as if in a breeze, and his eyes were extremely blue and shimmered almost like light on water. Aurora looked at Cloerth. How are you this morning?

Right now, I’m just happy to be here, Cloerth replied. Here, no one’s going to execute me for having Vintear blood. He sat by Aurora and Wolvow. Back in Ice Star, I wasn’t nearly as lucky.

Hey, you were not the only one they wanted to kill, Kerr reminded him.

Cloerth nodded. Nor was I the one they were most eager to kill. The Warlocks were thrilled at the thought of killing you in front of the town. Cloerth stopped, looking like he was thinking about something. I think all Warlocks are excited at the idea of killing Valkwell though. The only thing they’d love more would be to have Valkwell slaves again.

Tershi paled as she sat on the floor. Kerr shook his head and moved to put an arm around her before speaking. That shall never happen. I’d rather die than see my people fall to the Warlocks again.

It would take a lot more effort than the Warlocks would like, if they tried to take the Valkwell now, said Thuban. The Dwarves and Centaurs will not sit back and let the Valkwell fight alone.

Nor will the Shadow Elves, said Wolvow. We finally got the Valkwell, Dwarves and Centaurs to talk to us. There is no way we’d want to give that up.

Aurora wasn’t sure what to say. While she would fight to keep the Warlocks of Andor from touching the Valkwell again, she could not say all Humans would do the same. As she looked around the room, trying to find a way to change the subject, she noticed Tershi seemed to be trying to do the same thing. Tershi didn’t like talking about the Warlocks, but she’d never say it. Aurora knew why her friend didn’t like the subject, but at the moment she wasn’t sure what to say. Tershi looked at her, then walked over and knelt in front of her. "Tha forgot to check on ru."

What? Aurora knew she wasn’t injured. Why do you need to check on me?

This, Tershi touched the spot under Aurora’s left eye. "Tha got it cleaned and treated last week, but Tha never looked at it again. Hold still while Tha take the bandage off."

Aurora sat still and had to think for a moment before she remembered what had happened. After she’d broken Wolvow’s arm, Aurora had attacked the Warlock who had been controlling him. Her dagger hadn’t hit his heart head-on, so he’d been able to claw at her face as he died. One of his desperate last moves had ripped open the skin under Aurora’s left eye, but Aurora hadn’t thought it was that bad. Tershi finished pulling off the bandage and began gently touching the spot. She sighed. "It’s definitely going to scar, Aurora. Tha wish Tha could have done something to prevent this."

Don’t worry about it, said Aurora. It’s not going to change anything by being there.

Tershi shook her head. "But it’s on ru face, where everyone shall be able to see it."

Aurora had to concentrate to keep from rolling her eyes before she looked at Wolvow, Cloerth, Thuban and Kerr. What do you guys think?

It’ll make you look tougher, said Thuban with a smile. Maybe it’ll even make our enemies think twice before attacking you.

Cloerth smiled as he nodded. I’m with Thuban.

So am I, said Kerr.

Aurora looked up at Wolvow. The Elf leaned down and whispered his answer so only she would hear it. You’re going to end up seeing that scar the same way I see the one on my face. It’s proof that you will do anything to protect those you love.

Aurora smiled as she focused on the dark scar around Wolvow’s left eye. He’d gotten that scar while trying to protect her, and never once had Aurora heard him complain about it. She nodded. You’re right. Aurora turned back to Tershi. See, it’s no big deal.

Tershi didn’t look too reassured. "Not to ru, but it proves that Tha was unable to help ru again."

Tershi— Aurora started, but she didn’t know what else to say.

Kerr slowly got to his feet and carefully moved to stand by Tershi. "Ru del uruch mukath konfray. Nera’qon ru, say ibgonu ruk ut tik viss gil besee kanat." (You are an amazing healer. With’out you, the rest of us would be in bad shape.)

That isn’t true, Tershi muttered.

"Zii qek alss, Kerr argued. Ory oas ruk say—" (Yes it is. Ask any of the—)

The door opened before Kerr could finish talking. Athena was standing there. I was coming to see if you were awake. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.

Thuban nodded. We’ll be right there. Thank you.

Athena bowed her head, then left. Aurora knew Tershi was not going to let Kerr go back to what he’d been saying before Athena came, so she got to her feet and looked around at the rest of them. Let’s get stuff organized, then we can go eat.

Sounds like a good idea, said Thuban. Though we really don’t have much to pick up.

Aurora smiled at him before turning to fold her blankets.

Magnus and Consolata didn’t ask them a whole lot of questions. They did say that they knew Aurora having Brikyif’s Mark meant she was the daughter of Brikyif, and the granddaughter of Tania. Consolata had to keep turning her head to look at them because of the patch over her right eye. The whole time they spoke, Aurora could feel the others watching her. As far as Kerr, Wolvow, Thuban and Tershi were concerned, no one in Wamtell should have known who Brikyif was. Aurora began trying to think of a reason not to return to their room once they were done with breakfast because she knew the others were going to ask a lot of questions the moment they were alone. She didn’t have the answers she wanted, much less what the others would want. As all of them started getting up, Aurora found she still didn’t have a reason for them not to go back to their room. She looked at Magnus and Consolata, hoping they would ask Aurora and the others to stay and talk, but Magnus shook his head. Not until tomorrow, Aurora.

That was not the answer she wanted to hear, but she nodded. Alright, but if you change your mind, let us know.

Consolata smiled at her. You’re pretty eager to talk with us, aren’t you?

I like talking to the people I meet as I travel, Aurora replied. We all learn things from each other.

That we do, Consolata agreed. Go on now. I’ll send Athena to get you if we need anything.

Aurora nodded and walked with the others back to the room they all shared. None of them spoke as they walked down the hall. Normally, Aurora would have at least looked at one of the others, but right now, she wasn’t sure she could. Why was she worried about them seeing something was wrong? They’d find out soon enough. When they reached their room, Aurora opened the door and stood aside to let the others in first. Once everyone was in, Aurora took as much time to shut the door as she thought she could without causing suspicion. When she turned away from the door, all five were watching her, though Tershi and Kerr seemed to be the most anxious to hear answers. Aurora purposely walked slowly over to where everyone was sitting, and took her time to sit down as she tried to assemble all the words she needed. She didn’t know what question would get asked first, so she wasn’t sure which thing to think of first. The moment Aurora had sat down and leaned back in her chair, Tershi asked the first question. So who was Brikyif’s mother if it wasn’t Cormblu?

Aurora sighed. A sorceress. Brikyif’s true mother was not a Valkyrie, but was a Human sorceress.

Chapter 2 Truth About Brikyif

Aurora had known her words would hang in the air, but she hadn’t thought they would cause silence for so long. Kerr finally broke the silence filling the room. But then if that’s true, everything we know about Brikyif isn’t true.

Cloerth turned to Kerr. How can you not know about Brikyif’s true mother? I don’t live in Saylon, but I knew her mother was a sorceress.

Kerr crossed his arms. What do you know about Brikyif?

More than you’d think, Cloerth replied. Aside from her being the daughter of Tania and one of Azoner’s strongest opponents, I know Brikyif is Aurora’s true mother. That means the rumors that she and Azoner were lovers were true.

Aurora nodded. I guess it isn’t a mystery once you know I’m Brikyif’s daughter. Aurora turned to Kerr and Tershi. She’s still the same Valkyrie you learned about. Nothing about who she was has changed.

But if her mother was a sorceress, then Brikyif was not a true Valkwell. Kerr looked like he wanted to jump to his feet, but was prevented from doing so by his injured leg. That means she was not as special as we were told! Aurora, it changes you too.

Kerr, Brikyif is still the woman who fought Azoron and Azoner, Aurora pointed out. The only thing that’s different is what you know.

Tershi crossed her arms and stood up. But if Brikyif was only half Valkwell, then she was not the first Valkwell to have magical powers. She was not this amazing woman we were told she was.

Tershi, Kerr, calm down, said Wolvow. So Brikyif was not everything you were told she was. Do you know how often those we think of as heroes fail to meet our expectations? If you want to see someone as a hero, then never look into their past because you will find a flaw.

Tershi frowned. "What would ru know about that? she demanded. What hero have ru looked up to only to see fall?"

Wolvow looked down and did not answer. Tershi put on a triumphant look. "Ru can’t name any. So how can ru say ru know what it’s like?"

Not all our heroes are historical figures. Wolvow had spoken so quietly Aurora had hardly heard him. Sometimes the things we take the most pride in are the same things that betray everything we thought we knew.

Thuban looked around at all of them. Let’s all calm down and talk about something else because this is obviously not a good subject to discuss.

So what do the five of you know— Cloerth started to ask.

"Kalii, Kerr interrupted. He turned to Aurora. First, I want to know, how do you know this is true?"

Aurora sighed. She knew Kerr wasn’t going to be satisfied with the answer she had to give him. Tealnesro told me, a week after I woke up in Merch.

Kerr’s mouth fell open and he seemed unable to speak. He stared at Aurora as if unable to believe what she had said. Aurora wasn’t sure what to say to Kerr, or if she could say anything. Tershi, Thuban, Wolvow and Cloerth seemed to be unsure of what to do as well. It was good to see Kerr’s new worry was keeping Tershi and Wolvow from resuming their fight. She waited a little longer, but when Kerr still hadn’t said anything, Aurora decided it was time to say something. Kerr, your father kept this from you because it has to stay as secret as possible, she said.

But why couldn’t I know? Kerr asked angrily. "I am the Rora Ines now and I should be trusted to know something like this."

Kerr, I don’t have the answers you want. None of us are going to have them, said Aurora. For now we just have to accept what’s in front of us because that’s all we can do.

That’s easy for you to say, Kerr snapped. Your father did not keep some secret from you that changes everything you were ever taught!

Aurora made her hands into fists as she got to her feet. She had been told to take it easy with her voice, and she knew yelling would not be good for it, but she no longer cared. You’re right. My father didn’t keep secrets from me! He tried to kill me before I was born! You’re whining about not knowing one thing which doesn’t affect you at all, while I had to deal with my evil, tyrant father trying to kill me! At least when you met your true father, he told you he loved you! Mine stabbed me, and I nearly died! As if that wasn’t enough, he tried to kill me again, and flat out told me he had no love for me! So yes, you are so poor for having a father who loves you!

Kerr opened his mouth to reply when Tershi, Thuban, Wolvow and Cloerth moved between the two of them. Stop it now! Thuban commanded. Fighting over this is not going to do anything but raise tempers, and that is never going to help our situation. Thuban turned to Aurora. We know what you went through when you had to fight Azoner, but you need to stop thinking about it. You told us your father was Leo Zhane, so stop referring to Azoner as your father. He turned to Kerr. You’ve only known Tealnesro is your father for a few years. This is not something that could ever just be blurted out. Think for a minute, and look at how you reacted to this news. Why do you think your father didn’t talk about it?

Kerr frowned and didn’t answer, but his blue eyes did say he understood. Thuban looked back at Aurora. She nodded and waited for someone to ask a new question. The room was silent for a while, but then Wolvow changed the subject. Okay, so why did they seem to know what Brikyif’s Mark was? He walked back to his seat. I’ve never seen the mark associated with anything other than the prophecy about you defeating Azoner. Wolvow looked around at the five of them. And once Aurora came to Labyrinth, you can bet we looked very hard for everything that even hinted at Brikyif’s Mark.

Aurora didn’t answer right away because she was not entirely sure what she was going to say. Well, that part I’m not so clear on. You see back when we were in Numzen, Tokral told me a little about Brikyif’s mother, Tania.

When? asked Tershi. "Ru couldn’t talk, and ru were never out of our sight."

Kerr sighed. That’s not true. Right after we left Tokral’s shop, we didn’t make sure Aurora was with us.

Tershi, Thuban and Wolvow looked confused. But I remember looking around and seeing Aurora holding onto you, said Wolvow. She was with us.

No, you looked back and saw me a few seconds after I caught up with the four of you, Aurora corrected. Tokral told me he knew the mark on my hand, and told me Tania had been a member of the Wamtell royal court before she had Brikyif. She left Wamtell because she saw some kind of disaster coming in the future.

What was it? asked Thuban. What did she see?

Aurora was shocked when Cloerth spoke up. Tania saw a great disaster coming to not only Wamtell, but all of Zarofell. The Warlocks of Andor rising to power once again would be a sign the disaster was coming.

Wolvow frowned. So what is this disaster?

Cloerth shook his head. I don’t know; no one I’ve met knows any more than that.

Aurora spoke up. Back in Numzen, Tokral said someone here might know a little more, but wasn’t very optimistic.

Thuban shook his head. Okay that sorta answers all the questions, but raises so many more. He looked around at them. What do we do now?

The only thing we can do, Aurora replied. We focus on what we know and can do something about; we worry about stopping the Warlocks and figuring out what caused them to come back.

"Tha was hoping ru would say something a little more interesting, Tershi muttered before saying in her normal voice. It’s the best plan we have."

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tershi. Aurora looked around at the others. What do all of you think?

It isn’t much, but we don’t know enough to do anything else, said Wolvow.

Thuban nodded. We only have the one option right now.

We’re following you, Aurora, said Kerr. That means we go with whatever plan you come up with.

Aurora looked at Cloerth, hoping he would say something helpful. The half Vintear shook his head. I wish I had more for you, Aurora, but I do not.

Aurora looked down at the floor. Those had not been very reassuring or confident answers. She wanted to know her friends trusted and believed in her, but their answers made her feel like they didn’t believe in her any longer. She knew Kerr was not done wondering why Tealnesro had not shared everything about Brikyif with him, but had told Aurora. Tershi was still angry at Wolvow for trying to understand what she and Kerr were going through. Whatever had made Wolvow say he understood what Tershi and Kerr were going through bothered him quite a bit because if it had been something he wasn’t too worried about, Wolvow would not have let any emotion show. Cloerth had only added to all the trouble by revealing he knew about Brikyif and Tania. No one was mad at Thuban, nor did he seem to be mad at any of them, which was the only positive thing Aurora could think of. She tried not to look at any of the others, but didn’t want to look down. She got up and walked over to her bag to go through it. There wasn’t anything she wanted, but Aurora did not want to sit in silence waiting for someone to talk again. Thuban walked up behind her, and gently grabbed her shoulder. I’m sorry, Aurora, he said quietly. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I didn’t have faith in you. You are right, we cannot do anything about the truth we’ve just learned, so we should focus on the thing we can change.

Don’t worry about it. Aurora didn’t look up from rummaging around in her bag. We’ve had a very rough time for the past seven months, and this is the first chance we’ve had to vent. She held back her sigh. I don’t mind being the target every so often.

Aurora, look at me. Thuban gently put a hand on her chin and turned her to look at him. We’re all frustrated, but that does not give us the right to take it out on you. Nothing you said puts you at fault.

Thuban, I really don’t mind, Aurora lied. After all, I have contributed to everyone’s frustration.

Thuban didn’t say anything, but closed his eyes and looked away. Aurora wished there was somewhere she could go to be alone, but they were all in one room. She moved to stand up, but Thuban stopped her. Aurora, I won’t say you not being able to talk has been easy for any of us to deal with, but we were never mad at you for not talking. It was not your fault.

Aurora shook her head. But it made me become a burden on all of you. My voice is back, but it has brought new burdens for the five of you.

Aurora, you are not a burden to any of us. Thuban took her shoulders. We trust you and will always follow you because seeing you gives us hope.

Aurora pulled away. Just leave me alone for a little while, please.

Thuban nodded. Okay. He stepped back. But we’ll be here for you if you need us.

Aurora nodded then moved to sit by her bag. She watched Thuban walk back toward the others before letting her head fall onto her drawn up knees. Having her voice back should not have caused more problems than it solved. There wasn’t anything she could do to change what was going on around them, but she wished she could have because there was too much tension within their group.

Someone was gently shaking her shoulder. Aurora opened her eyes to see Wolvow kneeling by her. Hey, you haven’t moved in several hours.

I’m fine, just tired, Aurora mumbled.

Wolvow shook his head a little. Are you alright?

Yes, said Aurora at once. How are you doing?

That depends on what you mean, said Wolvow. And on whether or not you want to actually answer me.

I have answered your question. Aurora looked her knees. Are you going to ask me again hoping to hear me say something else?

Wolvow moved to sit against the wall next to her. You’re sitting curled into a ball as far away from the rest of us as you can and keeping your head down. I don’t have to know you well to see something’s wrong.

Now who’s avoiding the question? Aurora asked not turning to look at Wolvow. I asked how you were, and you threw a question back at me.

Is that what you want to do all day? Wolvow asked. Sit here and keep using questions to avoid answering another question?

Aurora sighed. Wolvow, if I’m avoiding talking to you, then it should be a sign I don’t want to talk.

A few years ago, I never would have dreamed of trying to get anyone to talk to me. Wolvow sighed and shook his head. But then the four of you came to Labyrinth. After meeting Nova, I’ve learned some people say they do not want to talk, but in reality are dying to talk. He paused for a moment. You want to talk, but are scared of how the rest of us will react.

Aurora could feel Wolvow watching her, but she did not turn to meet his eyes. She did not want to talk, but at the same time she did not want to keep everything bottled up inside because she could remember how it felt to be filled with nothing but worry. Why do you insist on talking to me? she asked.

Because I love you, Aurora, Wolvow replied simply. And I know you. You never say anything to the rest of us without a little bit of a push.

Aurora nodded. Okay, I’ll talk to you, but only if you talk to me. She waited for Wolvow to nod before speaking again. I’m not even sure what to think or feel now. I answered all the questions asked and look where it got us; less than nowhere.

Less than nowhere? How do you figure that? Wolvow asked calmly.

My answers have only frustrated everyone and caused a mess. Learning answers has only made us fight. Aurora looked away for a few seconds then looked back. I don’t know what to do.

You don’t have to do anything, Aurora. Wolvow put his good arm around her. Everyone needs to process the information before we do anything else. No one is mad at you.

Aurora shrugged, not sure what to say. She felt like she had to do something, but she had no idea what to do. For a few minutes she kept her mouth shut then she spoke again a little quietly. Wolvow, how do you know what it’s like to have a hero become less… She