Mark of Brikyif Wamtell Final Pieces

By MM Sudie

Seeing Tershi to safety only temporarily relieves everyone's worries. They still must get a message to King Regroth, then head to New Andor to free the prince and princess before they can defeat the Warlocks. All the promises Aurora has made to the people of Wamtell begin to weigh on her shoulders, making her mind question why she's doing this. Wamtell holds many secrets and terrifying memories for the Valkwell, which challenge Kerr's courage to keep moving forward and fighting. With so many people counting on them and the fate of Wamtell at risk, Aurora will have to decide who and what she is willing to sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781947109094

Book preview

Prologue

Tershi was pregnant. Thuban still wasn’t sure what to think. When Wolvow had suggested it the first time, he’d hoped the Elf was wrong. He looked to where Aurora and Tershi were sitting to keep an eye on the fire. Since they were stopped, this would be the best time for him to speak to Kerr without Aurora or Tershi close by. Thuban walked over to the burnt-orange-winged Valkacy. Kerr, you want to come help me with something real quick?

Sure. Kerr followed him. What do you need?

Thuban didn’t speak right away as he and Farr continued to walk. He wanted to make sure they were out of earshot of the others before he said a word. Once they were well in the shelter of the trees, he turned to the Valkacy. What made you and Tershi decide it was a good idea to sleep together?

Kerr’s eyes widened a little and he didn’t speak for a moment. Didn’t I already answer this question?

You gave Aurora an answer, Thuban pointed out. This is me asking. I know Tershi well, and this isn’t something she would have decided to do. What did you say to her?

It sounds like you shall not believe me if I tell you the truth, said Kerr. You’ve got your mind made up.

Tell me the truth, said Thuban. I’ll know if you try to lie.

Kerr nodded. "I wasn’t the one to suggest it. This was Tershi’s idea. I did want to be with her though and still do. The night before we left Dawn Halo, I was desperate to find some way of making Tershi happy again. For a while we talked and flew. At one point, I sang to her. When we reached the house, I wanted to keep talking, but when Tershi suggested this I found a reason to say zii when I should have kept saying kalii."

Thuban didn’t nod as he watched Kerr. He could tell the Valkacy was being honest, though he was shocked by Tershi. Thuban was about to say something when a voice spoke from somewhere nearby. It’s nice to know you’re not going to lie to us. Wolvow dropped out of the branches of a tree nearby. So what were you thinking when you decided to lie about Tershi being pregnant?

Thuban looked at the Shadow Elf. This was supposed to be a private conversation. Why did you follow us?

For the same reason you wanted to talk with Kerr; answers. Wolvow turned to the Valkacy. Are you going to answer me?

I kept the secret because Tershi wanted me to, Kerr replied. I wanted to tell all of you a lot sooner, but Tershi insisted we keep it quiet. He looked down. Even as I promised Tershi I would not say anything, I knew it was a mistake, but I couldn’t bring myself to break my word to her.

Thuban waited to make sure Wolvow wasn’t going to say anything before he spoke. I know you didn’t want to make Tershi angry, but look at what we’re facing now. When we’re not worrying about the cold, we’re fighting for our lives. Tershi was already stressed enough by the normal challenges of this land and she’s unable to fight. How much more stress was put on her because of this?

"Tiig ionvi," Kerr replied quietly. (Too much.)

"Way too much more," Wolvow corrected.

Thuban nodded in agreement as Cloerth came to join them. Did no one in the group understand what it meant to talk privately? The half Vintear looked at Kerr. I’ve got no doubt about how much you love Tershi, but how could you put the woman you love in so much danger? You can’t tell us you had no idea what you were getting into.

We weren’t thinking and got way too caught up in the moment. Kerr seemed to realize he’d spoken too fast, because he stopped and took a breath. "I agreed to keep it secret and kept trying to convince myself it would be all right. It isn’t all right and there was kalii way it was ever going to be. Kerr paused and looked like he was assembling what to say in his head. Loving Tershi isn’t wrong nor is the birth of our child. Our choice and timing were wrong. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this."

Thuban was happy to know Kerr understood what they were angry about, but he wasn’t sure what to say anymore. Wolvow looked like he was thinking about Kerr’s words. Cloerth nodded slightly. We may be mad at you, but, like Aurora said, we’re going to help you.

Because every child should be celebrated, said Wolvow. They are wonderful miracles.

Thuban fully agreed with Wolvow about children being miracles, but why had there been such a deep look of understanding in the Elf’s eyes? While he knew Wolvow could be talking about his own children, Thuban had a feeling that wasn’t it. The question would have to wait until it was just him and Wolvow because Thuban was pretty sure Wolvow would not talk about it with others around. Kerr was smiling at them. "Bec ru. Shall we get back to Aurora and Tershi before they come looking for us?"

Thuban nodded. Aurora worried about him, Kerr and Wolvow as much as they worried about her. He knew she had concerns for Cloerth as well, but while Aurora would never let the half Vintear die, Thuban knew her feelings for him were different from the way she felt about the rest of them. Cloerth and Kerr left at once, but Wolvow had lingered and was whistling to himself. Thuban looked up at him. You alright?

Wolvow shook his head like he was pushing something troubling from his mind before he spoke. Yes. Why do you ask?

Because when we were talking to Kerr about children being miracles, I saw the look in your eyes, Thuban replied. And I know you were not talking about your own children when you said that.

Wolvow didn’t speak right away. It was hard to tell what he was thinking because of the training Shadow Warriors received to hide their emotions and thoughts. At last the Elf spoke. You’re almost as good as I am when it comes to reading the emotions of others. How did you learn to do it?

I have fifty-four more years of life than you, Thuban reminded him. Now are you going to answer my question?

You never asked me anything, Wolvow pointed out. A question would be phrased differently.

The Elf may have looked and sounded calm, but Thuban could tell there was something he was trying to hide. Okay, what are you trying to hide from me?

Many things and nothing, Wolvow replied. The point of a secret is that it is secret until the keeper is ready to talk about it. That is assuming I have a secret to keep. If I told you anything, that would defeat the point of keeping a secret, wouldn’t it?

Did Wolvow know how frustrating he could be? Since he was so good at reading emotions he probably did. Thuban thought for a moment before opening his mouth. Wolvow, if you don’t want to talk about it, just say so. I won’t keep prying if you ask me to stop, but if you don’t I’ll keep asking.

Wolvow was silent for a while as he watched Thuban. Never for a moment would Thuban regret his friendship with the Elf, but at times like this he wished Wolvow were someone else who didn’t have so much control. Finally, the Elf spoke. You aren’t the only one who disappointed their mother. If you want me to say anymore, you’ll have to tell me what you’ve been hiding.

Thuban knew it would be a sign of how he felt, but he still let his eyes fall to the ground. The others all kept asking him what he was hiding, but Thuban couldn’t tell them. None of them could understand the choice he’d made nor would they understand how he felt every moment of the day and night. His greatest love, joy and happiness was always mixed with his greatest sorrow, pain and heartache. No one would understand how he felt. He looked at Wolvow. I guess I don’t need to know. If you ever change your mind about talking, I’ll be here.

Concern entered Wolvow’s dark mahogany eyes. Thuban, what is it? Something is eating away at you, but you won’t ask for help or tell us what it is.

Because it’s nothing, Thuban lied. All of you are way too concerned about me. He turned to Farr and pet him. If something was wrong with me, Farr would make sure all of you knew.

Wolvow still looked concerned, but his eyes hardened a little. All right, keep lying to me until you finally can’t keep this secret any longer. He jumped into the shadows before whispering, I’ll be here.

Thuban kept his eyes on Farr and didn’t speak. No matter what the others tried, he’d never tell them what he was hiding. He waited several minutes before he spoke to Farr. They’ll never stop, will they? He stroked his aritum’s head. I can’t tell them anything, but if I don’t come up with something convincing, they’ll keep asking.

Farr gave a soft meow before lying down and leaning into Thuban. The aritum may not have understood what Thuban said, but he could tell the secret Thuban held onto was taking a toll. Thuban pet Farr for a little longer before speaking again. Why don’t we go back to the others before they come looking for us?

Farr purred in response and got to his feet. Thuban smiled at him before leading the way back to the spot were Aurora and the others would be waiting.

Chapter 1 Wanted Alive

Deep snow and heavy winds had not really bothered Aurora before, but after learning Tershi was pregnant, she had to worry about them. She did not want Tershi to push herself too hard. Tershi said she would be able to keep up their normal pace, but Aurora knew better. There was no way Tershi would easily maintain a regular pace and Aurora wasn’t going to ask her to. They had agreed not to talk about how their plans would change until they reached Whitonon, but Aurora couldn’t think of anything else. True, Tershi hadn’t been a huge part in their plans, but she had still been there. When the Warlocks realized Tershi was no longer with the group, they’d probably send someone out to find her. Aurora didn’t know how safe Whitonon would be if the Warlocks came looking for Tershi. That meant they’d have to find a safer place for Tershi to wait for them. How long would it take to get from Whitonon to Dawn Halo? Probably a month or two because it’d taken that long to get from Dawn Halo to Hidden. There was no way Aurora would send Tershi to Hidden, so they had to find a way to get her to Dawn Halo. They were adding on a lot of time to how long they’d be in Wamtell. Aurora could not deny she was frustrated with Kerr and Tershi for their decision, but they had bigger things to worry about. Tershi had wanted to stop traveling with them anyway, so her leaving was just happening sooner than planned. Aurora looked around for her friend. Tershi was walking next to Thuban, but neither of them was talking. Aurora let herself fall back to walk by Tershi. Thuban looked up at her, nodded a little, then he and Farr sped up. Tershi turned to her. "Did ru want to talk?"

Not really. Aurora wasn’t sure she’d be able to talk to her friend without circling back to how frustrated she was. I just wanted to walk with you for a little while. In a little under a month, I won’t be able to walk with you anymore.

Tershi nodded. "Okay. Tha am still sorry we never told ru."

Aurora put her arm around her friend. Tershi, let’s forget about it.

"But Tha cannot do that. Every time Tha think about this baby, Tha remember how Kerr and Tha lied to ru, Thuban, Wolvow and Cloerth. Tershi looked down. Tha don’t want to remember that every time Tha look at my baby."

You won’t, Aurora promised her. You’re only going to think of joy when you see your baby for the first time and every time you look at your baby, you will think of how much you love them and you’ll always smile. Aurora paused for a moment. You’re also going to see Kerr every time you see your baby.

"That’s how ru feel every time ru look at Terrant? Tershi looked back up and turned to her. Even though ru knew full well ru were going to miss a lot of his life?"

Aurora didn’t hesitate to answer Tershi as she nodded. Yes, I know I’m missing a lot of his life, but having Terrant gives me a reason to never stop.

Tershi nodded slowly. "Tha can tell how much ru love him by how ru voice sounds when ru talk about him. Tershi lowered her voice. Aurora, can Tha ask ru a personal question?"

Aurora wasn’t sure what her friend wanted, but wasn’t going to say no. Of course. What is it?

"Ru don’t have to answer if ru don’t want to, Tershi said quickly. Tha was just wondering, why did ru decide to have a family even though ru shall not see them?"

That was a personal question. Jocelyn had asked her a similar one back in Dawn Halo, but Aurora had avoided answering her because she didn’t like to talk about it. She did not have to tell Tershi the reason, but she didn’t see a good reason to not answer Tershi. That’s something I put a lot of thought into. Leo Zhane is my father, but Azoner’s blood is in my veins.

Tershi looked confused. "How does that come into ru reason for having a family?"

Because I had to come to terms with being the continuation of Azoner’s blood line even if I’ve given up any kind of tie I had to him. Aurora paused as she remembered one of the options she’d faced. I could have decided not to get married and not to have children, but then Azoner would have won.

"Tha don’t see it," said Tershi.

If I would have decided not to get married and have a family because of my bloodline, I never would have been able to get a small taste of the life I’d dreamed of for so long. Aurora smiled. Every time I look at Jules and Terrant, I know I made the right choice. The choice to have a family was not easy for me because of what I had to think about, but I’ll never regret the choice I made. Aurora paused for a moment as she thought about her son. When I look at Terrant, I see light, life, joy and love. He makes everything I do worth it because he’s going to be raised in this world.

"Are ru sure Tha shall only think of love when Tha see my baby?" Tershi asked.

I am, Aurora assured her. If you don’t believe me, ask Wolvow what he sees when he looks at his children. Or ask Cloerth what he sees when he looks at Holly.

Tershi shook her head. "Tha don’t need to ask Wolvow how he feels because Tha have seen him around his children. He loves them more than the shadows. Tershi smiled. Tha think we all remember the look on Cloerth’s face when he saw Holly in Dawn Halo. Nothing in the world could make ru doubt he loves her very much. Tha saw the same look on ru face every time ru held Terrant. She nodded to herself. Ru are probably right."

Aurora nodded and looked ahead as she walked next to Tershi. It was so strange to think soon she would not be walking with Tershi on any kind of adventure. Aurora, Tershi whispered. "Do ru think my xaphuni shall be mad at tha and Kerr?"

Aurora had been scared Tershi would ask her that question because she was pretty sure she knew the answer. She frowned before answering her friend’s question. I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t disappointed, but he won’t stay angry at you.

"That’s what Tha thought. Tershi nodded. Kerr and Tha should have done the Lik Qwnu first."

Aurora wanted to say Tershi and Kerr should have thought about that before sleeping together, but knew if she did, she’d end up going off on a rant. "If you two decide you’re going to take the Lik Qwnu, you’ll have to wait until we return to Ril Cato."

"Zii, Tershi agreed as she looked up, then muttered to herself. We could always have a Human ceremony."

Aurora kept her mouth shut. Tershi and Kerr had to talk about where their relationship was going now they were adding in a new member. Aurora was not going to let herself get involved in the conversation because it was something the two Valkwell had to talk about with only each other and absolutely no outside influence. Neither she nor Tershi said anything else. Aurora wished they had something unimportant to talk about. She closed her eyes for a moment to clear her mind. The silence around them was only broken by Farr’s purrs and the wind.

It was Wolvow’s turn to take watch, but Aurora couldn’t sleep. To her right were Thuban and Farr and to left were Tershi, Kerr and Cloerth. Tershi had been taken off the watch rotation because Kerr told them Tershi was starting to feel the strain of just walking during the day. Aurora could tell it must have been getting hard on Tershi because her friend had not complained or tried to convince any of them she could still keep watch. Aurora had been keeping careful track of the days ever since she’d found out Tershi was pregnant. She’d asked Thuban for the date of their departure from Dawn Halo. They had left during the third week of Nepdaku and it was currently the first week of Unther. Tershi was about fourteen weeks pregnant, and Valkyire carried their children for six months. The group would make it to Whitonon before the baby was born, but they would leave before it was born. She glanced at Tershi, but was thinking about Kerr. How long would it be before he was able to see his child? Was it right for her to let Kerr give up so much to help her? She looked at the sky and let out a silent sigh, causing her breath to rise in a cloud above her lips. If Wolvow had seen that, he’d know she was awake. Quickly she closed her eyes, rolled onto her right side and began taking careful, slow breaths to make it seem like she was asleep. She thought it worked until a voice hardly louder than a breath spoke in her ear. Do you want to sleep or talk?

Aurora acted like she hadn’t heard and continued to feign sleeping. I’ll let you keep pretending not to hear me, but you should know sleeping people are not stiff as boards.

Aurora opened her eyes and looked up at Wolvow. She hesitated for a second before crawling out of her spot between Thuban and Tershi. So if I could relax, nothing would give me away?

No. I know you’ve been awake for an hour. Wolvow smiled. That and I’m good at reading you and the others by now. Though Cloerth is easy to read since he usually controls either his face or the air temperature instead of both at once. He paused for a second. So are you going to talk to me or do you want to enjoy feeling the cold?

Might as well talk now I’m out of my nice warm spot. Aurora wrapped her arms around herself. It might help me stay warmer since I can’t take my blanket without waking the others up.

Next time say something sooner. Wolvow moved closer to her and wrapped his cloak around both of them. We don’t want you to freeze.

Aurora smiled. Thanks.

Anytime. Wolvow watched her for a moment. How come you’re the only one who got a scar from our battle with Igmar and Gemma?

What do you mean? Aurora didn’t remember being hit by a blade during that battle. I don’t have a scar.

Yes, you do. It’s right here. Wolvow touched a spot close under Aurora’s left eye and let his finger run almost all the way down to her lip. How have you not noticed it?

Aurora reached up and felt the spot. She kept forgetting Igmar’s dying act had been an attempt to grab at her eye. As she thought about it for a few minutes, she realized at the time, Tershi had said the wound needed to be stitched, but hadn’t had the supplies she needed, so it had simply been cleaned and bandaged. There had been a lot on Aurora’s mind at the time though, so she hadn’t thought about it. She let her fingers slide down her face and made her hand into a fist as she thought. I guess I haven’t noticed it because I can’t see it. I rarely get the opportunity to look in a mirror. Aurora looked at Wolvow. How often do you remember you have a scar around your left eye?

You might be surprised at the answer. Wolvow’s eyes held a hint of a smile. I don’t see it often, but I never forget it’s there.

Aurora wasn’t quite sure what that meant. It doesn’t affect your vision, does it?

Wolvow shook his head. No, it’s never hurt my vision.

Aurora nodded. Then how do you remember it’s there?

Wolvow smiled. Nova helps me remember.

What does that…. Oh. Aurora’s mind caught up with her. How are your eyes doing now?

A Warlock had used magic to hurt Wolvow’s eyes with extremely bright light while making him weaker at the same time. My strength has returned. Wolvow turned to her. My eyes are better, but I still have to be careful with bright light.

I’m glad to hear your eyes are doing better, said Aurora. What about the pain the Warlock caused you? Is it gone?

Yes, it was never meant to be lasting. Wolvow paused and looked away for a second before turning back to her and speaking in a low voice. Aurora, we have a problem.

The last time Wolvow had said that was when they were talking about Tershi. Aurora didn’t know what else could be a problem. What do you mean?

The Warlocks want you alive, but I think we expected that, Wolvow began to explain. They don’t care what happens to Thuban and Tershi, they want Kerr to die because he is Malila’s Heir and they want Cloerth to die for being half Vintear.

I think we all knew Kerr would earn a death sentence once they discovered who he was. Aurora hesitated for a moment and glanced over to where the other four were sleeping. They’ll kill Cloerth without a second thought. She closed her eyes for a moment to rid herself of the images in her mind. But you haven’t said anything shocking yet.

Because I’m not done. You are not the only one the Warlocks want alive. There was a mixture of fear and discomfort on Wolvow’s face. I have no idea why, but they want me alive too.

You are the brother of the Chronicler and one of Lin’lovow’s descendants, Aurora reminded him. If they found out, then it would make sense. Besides, Vay’ven told us it wasn’t a secret you and Dowren are brother and sister.

Wolvow nodded a little. It isn’t a secret that Dowren and I are related, but it isn’t common knowledge. The only one in the scouting party to Wamtell who knew Dowren’s my sister was Vay’ven. He stopped for a moment and glanced around the area before lowering his voice even more. Extremely few people know I am a direct descendant of Lin’lovow. Even Nes’eve doesn’t know, and I trust him with the lives of Nova, my children and myself. Wolvow stopped to take a breath. Something isn’t right about them wanting me alive as much as they want you. I’m nothing special for a Shadow Elf.

Aurora buried her face in her hands, leaving only her mouth uncovered so she could speak. How come each passing day only makes me more sure Tealnesro was right about something bigger than we can see poisoning all the lands in our world? She let her hands fall then wrapped one arm tightly around Wolvow. Why couldn’t this have ended with Azoner?

I wish I knew, Aurora. Wolvow put an arm around her. I really wish I knew.

Aurora leaned into him. You do know I now have a very good reason to worry about you.

Yeah, but I didn’t want to keep this from you. I don’t like to make you worry even if it is something you have a right to know about. Wolvow paused for so long Aurora thought he was done talking. I should tell you to get back to bed, but every time you go to bed worrying about anything, you tend to have nightmares.

Not every time, Aurora argued. I’ve gone to bed worrying quite often on this journey and the five of you have only had to wake me from one nightmare.

I’m not talking about minor worries, Aurora. I’m talking about when you look like something’s scared you beyond words, you should not go to sleep right away, Wolvow corrected.

But I’m not— Aurora began when Wolvow put a hand over her mouth.

Your eyes are so wide and fearful, Aurora, that it almost blocks out their pretty red color. Wolvow let his hand fall.

Aurora looked down and closed her eyes for a few seconds, then looked back up at Wolvow. I’m not worried or scared for myself. I’ve been scared a lot on this journey, but not often for myself.

All of us know that, Wolvow assured her as he walked her over to a spot where they could sit. It’s an admirable thing, but you have a right to fear for and worry about yourself sometimes too. That’s what self-preservation is.

I care about myself, Aurora assured him. Sometimes I just put the rest of you first.

Wolvow gave a small laugh. Try all the time.

Okay, maybe I do put all of you first every time, but it’s only because I care. Aurora looked out at the snow for a few seconds. I’m not distracting you from keeping watch, am I?

Wolvow shook his head. No, you’re keeping me awake.

Good. Aurora stopped to yawn. I don’t want to keep you from watching for anything strange coming toward us.

Am I starting to bore you, Aurora? Wolvow asked.

Aurora shook her head. Of course not. There was something she had been about to add, but she’d forgotten what it was.

Then you can finally sleep. Wolvow sounded happy.

Talking to you must have helped ease my mind, Aurora agreed as she started to get up. I’ll head back to the others now.

Wolvow stopped her. Could you stay a little longer?

Aurora stared at him for a second. Does the idea of being wanted alive scare you that much?

Wolvow nodded. It’s something I’ve never had to worry about.

Alright. Aurora sat with him again. You’ve always sat with me when I needed you, so I’ll gladly sit with you. She leaned into her friend. I may fall asleep.

I don’t mind, Wolvow assured her. It’s just nice to have a friend close.

Chapter 2 Strengthened Resolve

Two weeks and Kerr was still sure High Warlock Kemp was going to appear with an army. He knew it wasn’t likely for a while yet because Kemp had to be sure his superiors learned Tershi was pregnant. At least Kerr no longer had to worry about keeping it a secret from the rest of the group. Though it didn’t help lessen his guilt. Lying to Aurora haunted him. Damaging the trust Aurora had in him hurt far more than the fist Aurora had thrown into his jaw. He was surprised Aurora had seemed to accept what had happened. Part of him had been expecting Aurora to be angry longer, but rather than stay angry, Aurora had let her anger melt away and was looking at the positive side of Tershi being pregnant. He thought about the talk he’d had with Thuban and Wolvow. The talk had made it very clear Aurora was not the only one in the group Thuban and Wolvow worried about. Kerr had known they cared about Tershi, but he hadn’t realized how much. Wolvow saw Tershi as a little sister. He wasn’t sure what to call the feelings Thuban had for Tershi because they were not brotherly, nor fatherly. Kerr thought the feeling was probably more like an uncle and niece than anything else because Thuban loved Tershi, but saw her almost as a kid. Thuban probably saw all of them as kids because Dwarves in their twenties were not considered to be very old. He had been shocked when Cloerth had spoken to him about what he and Tershi had done. The half Vintear cared about them and was disappointed in how Kerr and Tershi had kept their mouths shut for so long. Kerr looked down to where all the others were walking. Tershi had really slowed down on flying over the past week. Kerr had never really been around a pregnant Valkyrie, so he wasn’t sure if it was normal for Tershi to walk more or if it was a sign something was wrong. He was worrying too much and he knew it, but Kerr couldn’t help it. No one in the group knew what a pregnant Valkyrie was like, so he would be stuck worrying until his mind exploded from it. Kerr let himself fall way behind the group, then flew forward to catch up with them. It did not help to clear his mind, but he hadn’t expected it to. He landed to walk, but hoped none of the others would want to talk to him. The only one who did more than glance around at the sound of crunching snow was Farr who moved to walk next to him. Kerr reached down to pet the aritum. He kept his hand on Farr’s head as he looked at the others. Aurora and Tershi were walking together at the front of the group. At least one good thing had come from the others learning Tershi was pregnant; Aurora didn’t seem to think about the Wamtell Crest nearly as much. They had been given the crest in Dawn Halo as a way to prove to King Regroth they were on his side. There was one catch with the crest none of them liked; only women could touch it. If any man aside from the King of Wamtell touched it, they were sentenced to death. Kerr shook his head to put all thought of the crest out of his mind as he watched Aurora and Tershi. The two of them often walked together, so it wasn’t rare, but Kerr had noticed that since finding out Tershi was pregnant, Aurora had started to walk with the lavender Valkyrie even more. It might have had something to do with the fact that Tershi was going to be leaving the group soon. Once Tershi was gone, Aurora would be the only woman in the group. Kerr didn’t have a problem because Aurora was not the kind of woman to sit there and complain about what happened, though he wondered what kind of an effect it would have on her. Kerr shook his head to stop thinking about it and looked around for the other three. Thuban was walking on the other side of Farr looking deep in thought about something. The Dwarf had a strange look on his face as he thought. At first it looked like he was extremely sad about something, then overly joyful, then angry before the cycle started over again. What could Thuban be… Kerr didn’t know what word to use because thinking was not strong enough, but he did not want to say Thuban was obsessing over something. Whatever was bothering the Dwarf seemed to stem from Tershi being pregnant, but why? Thuban had assured him and Tershi he was not angry with them, but Kerr wasn’t sure he could trust that with how bothered Thuban seemed to have become. He thought about asking Thuban what was wrong, but one look at the Dwarf’s repeatedly changing expression made him decide not to ask any questions. Kerr looked around to see where Wolvow was. The Shadow Elf was behind the group and was looking at ease with the world for the moment. Kerr would have been shocked to see anything other than a calm expression on Wolvow’s face, but he knew the look did not mean Wolvow was calm. Cloerth was walking next to Wolvow, but not talking to him. The half Vintear was playing with the necklace his daughter, Holly, had given him before they left Dawn Halo. Kerr looked at Farr. Had he been on the other side of the gray aritum, he would have been able to see the two places where a bear had gotten Farr with its claws. Farr seemed to have the same kind of determination as the rest of them though because he seemed to shrug off the idea of being scarred and pushed on. Kerr looked around at the others again. He knew in addition to Farr, Aurora, Tershi and Wolvow had scars. He didn’t think Thuban had any and had no idea about Cloerth. Tershi had scars on her arms from a harpy attack about four-and-a-half years ago. He knew Aurora had a scar on her left side even though he’d never seen it because that was where Azoner stabbed her, and in addition to the scar on her side there was one on her face from their battle with Great Warlocks Igmar and Gemma. Wolvow had two scars Kerr was aware of: one was on his left side and the other was around his left eye. The only reason Kerr knew about the scar on Wolvow’s side was because he’d been there four years ago to see how much blood had come out of the Elf’s side. Kerr wasn’t sure how the scar around Wolvow’s left eye had come into being because it had not been caused by a weapon. He highly doubted Thuban had any scars because the Dwarf was almost always in armor and it was known Dwarves were tough. The place it would be possible for Thuban to be scarred was on his face, but most of that was covered by very thick brown hair and beard. If Cloerth had any scars, he wasn’t telling them. Kerr had one scar he’d got twenty-one years ago and another on his right arm from their encounter with the snow chimeras. How many would he end up with once the journey was complete? There was no doubt in his mind the Warlocks would do their best to kill him. Kerr wasn’t going to die though because he was Malila’s Heir and he would never let that line die, especially not to the Warlocks of Andor. He looked at Tershi. When she had the baby, there would be another Heir to Malila. There would never be another Rora Ines, even if they had a son because Kerr was the last Rora Ines. It would be part of the child’s heritage, but wouldn’t change anything. He watched Tershi for a while. When he had first seen her in Fine Lu Rah, he hadn’t been able to look away from her and he’d known he loved her when he’d seen her again in Merch. In the two years between Azoner falling and Aurora leaving for Wamtell, Kerr had been very open about his feelings for Tershi. He could no longer imagine what his life would be like without her. Kerr had known for a long time he wanted to take the Lik Qwnu with Tershi, and had asked her to take it with him once already, but Tershi hadn’t given him an answer. Kerr wanted to ask again, but didn’t know what would happen if he did. The thought terrified and excited him at the same time. He’d want to be alone with Tershi, or at least flying high enough for the others not to be able to hear before talking about it. Someone touched his arm, making him start a little before turning to see who it was. Aurora was next to him. Hadn’t she been walking by Tershi seconds ago? Where was Tershi if Aurora was walking with him now? Kerr looked around to see where Tershi had gotten to. She was walking behind them with Cloerth, but didn’t appear to be speaking. Kerr turned back to Aurora. "Luanva. What’s up?"

I want to talk to you about something, Aurora replied. You wanna walk with me for a moment?

Kerr wanted to point out he was walking with her already, but he kept his mouth shut and nodded as he let his hand slide off Farr. Aurora sped up to walk a good ways ahead of the group before turning to talk to him. Kerr, I feel bad about being the reason for why you won’t get to see your child until it’s nearly a year old.

Kerr should have known Aurora was not done worrying about letting him follow her. Aurora, I’ve told you; I want to follow you. I know I’m going to miss the baby being born and I’ve accepted that, he assured her. I have to go with you and make sure the Warlocks fall.

Aurora seemed a little lost in thought before she answered. But you know Thuban, Wolvow, Cloerth and I would never let the Warlocks win. We know if the Warlocks win, our people will follow the Valkwell in falling.

Aurora had a point, but she didn’t understand the fear Kerr felt. He had to think of the best way to explain it. Aurora, I have to be there to be sure they get defeated. If I stay behind and the Warlocks are allowed to win, I shall never be able to see my child. It’s bad enough to worry about anything happening to Tershi or myself, but it’s too much to think of it happening to our child. Kerr looked down for a moment. Do you know what the Warlocks did to Valkwell babies when they were born?

Aurora shook her head. No, I’ve never been told.

Every one of them was taken away from their parents without hesitation. The Warlocks kept very careful count of how many Valkacy and Valkyrie they had. They were careful to make sure the number was always manageable in order to keep uprisings from occurring, Kerr explained. Every time a child was born, they looked at the current count of Valkwell. Three-quarters of newborns were killed within minutes because letting them live would have upset the numbers of slaves too much. The babies they did not kill were sent to another city and never learned who their family was.

You’re scared of that happening to you and Tershi’s baby? Aurora asked.

Kerr nodded. If the Warlocks were to take my people as slaves again right now, I know Tershi and I would never see our child alive. Valkwell numbers are a lot larger than they once were. With Valkacy and Valkyrie living in the same cities, there’s a lot of children being born. The Warlocks would kill almost every child under the age of ten. Of those left, the Warlocks would rip them away from their families and kill any who tried to go home.

Aurora didn’t say anything to him right away. She looked like she was searching for some kind of argument to force him to stay behind. Finally she looked up. I’ll never force you to stay or to come. All I want is for you to be sure you’ve made the right choice because once we set out again, there will be no turning back.

I know, Aurora, and I’m sure going with you all the way to the end is the right choice. He knew Aurora wasn’t going to like hearing the next thing he said, but it had to be said. "When I took on the title of Rora Ines, I knew there was a lot of my life I’d have to give up. He glanced back at Tershi. If in following you there is even the slightest chance I can help make the world safer for her and the baby, I’m going to take it."

Kerr had been expecting Aurora to nod in response to his words, but was surprised when she smiled at him. That’s what I wanted to hear.

What? Kerr had no idea what Aurora meant.

Aurora laughed. It’s simple; I wanted to see who you valued more, your family or me. I know full well you already place my life above yours and I had the feeling it was the same for Tershi.

You could have just asked me, Kerr pointed out. I shall not lie to you about something like that.

Kerr, I know you wouldn’t lie, but I had to be sure when you told me family is the most important thing in your life, you weren’t telling me what I wanted to hear. Aurora wrapped an arm around his. I have never once needed to question your sincerity because you are always outspoken about it. Sometimes though, you learn a lot more if you don’t ask a direct question. What motivates you is just as important as the things you do because your motivation is where your heart is.

Aurora was right, by not asking him right out, she had learned several more things that drove not only him but also a very large number of Valkwell. He nodded. And you learned quite a bit more about why I fight and why I can’t let the Warlocks have a single victory.

Aurora nodded. Yes, I learned you do not follow me merely out of blind loyalty or duty. I know all of you feel loyal to me, but I’m pretty sure none of you are blinded by loyalty.

"Kalii, we’d never follow you blindly, Aurora, Kerr assured her. Doing so would be an insult to you."

Aurora nodded. Thanks. That was all I needed, so I’ll let you get back to what you were doing before, unless you need something.

I wasn’t doing anything before. Kerr looked up at the sky. But I think I know what I shall do now.

Aurora had seen him look up at the sky. Enjoy yourself while there’s no wind.

Kerr didn’t say anything else as he spread his