The Kurrus Khronicles: Khronicle One

By J.S. Lowman

As now being told by Aura, these tales have been used to teach the children and now the grandchildren of Kurrus and Moraga. They are tools to teach them how to use the gifts bestowed upon them by the Gods. They are also a means of telling the truth about their family, truths known by few in this Realm and beyond. These are the tales of one families part in the actual history of these lands and not the half-truths as told by those with reputations and power to preserve. Within, these tales...you will see those truths unfold and the events that brought them about. More than that, you will see the love that Kurrus and Moraga share as Bond-mates and all that came from that love, despite the efforts of those who would keep them apart. You will also learn what it means...to be of the Blackhand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662460494

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The Kurrus Khronicles

Khronicle One

J.S. Lowman

Copyright © 2021 J.S. Lowman

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2021

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

ISBN 978-1-6624-6048-7 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-476-3 (hc)

ISBN 978-1-6624-6049-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

About the Author

Idedicate this my very first attempt at putting to page the stories I have told to my family throughout the years. This is for my sons and our grandchildren and even more so for my beloved bond-mate Susan, my very own Moraga!

Prologue

Jasmine could feel the slight coolness in the evening breeze, as it brushed lightly across her face. A sure sign that soon, the long days of summer would be at their end. She had been watching the forest and its denizens throughout the past fortnight, and she had consulted with the elementals as well. All the signs and portents led her to believe that this would be a short fall and a very long, harsh winter.

It would be well for all if both the summer and the fall harvest were bountiful this year, as there would be many mouths to feed, here and in Havenholme. Also, to be considered and more likely than not, there would be many, many more mouths to feed, as there were many yet to arrive in Havenholme, wanting food, shelter, and protection before the first real snows fell.

Considering all this, she knew her first responsibilities were to her family. She would have Fallon see to gathering the harvest here and make sure their stores were filled to full capacity before any shipments went out to the city.

She sighed, just one of many tasks she had to look forward to. She had come here to be alone with her thoughts as she often did at the end of the day.

Today, she had so many things on her mind, she hardly knew which task to address first. She took a seat on the bench nearest the fountain as the sound of the water tended to soothe her and often helped her to think things through more easily.

Jasmine took the small piece of parchment from a concealed pocket sewn into the wrist of her sleeve and took a deep breath to calm herself at the same time. She had read it twice already, and yet she knew the real shock was still to set in.

She read it again, concern showing upon her face. She let the paper fall to her lap and paused closing her eyes, just listen to the sounds of the fountain. She listened as the water splashed into the pool, and as she calmed herself, she could hear the flutter of the birds' wings as they came in to eat and drink before the sun dropped below the horizon. Calming more, she could hear the wind in the trees, blowing gently with the evening breeze. She loved it here in the gardens. They soothed her with their song, made from a chorus of the sounds of nature. That was why this place always seemed to bring peace to her heart and mind.

She knew there would be little time for quiet moments like this, in the coming days before the Equinox. So she paused for the moment in her worries and just took it all in, soaking up the peace the gardens offered. Jasmine breathed in deeply and opened her eyes.

She looked out across the gardens and beyond the vast forest to watch the sun in its setting. This was her favorite spot for this time of the day. From above her, on the Sunset Balcony, one could overlook the gardens and the vast forest below, rising to kiss the open meadow upon which the gardens faced. As you looked farther to the west, you could almost see a glimmer of the azure sheen of the Western Sea many, many leagues away. The sea marking the western most boundary of her bond-mates' lands.

Yes, she mused, she did enjoy coming here when she could. When she was here gazing across the gardens so beautiful with their myriad of exotic flora and fauna, it helped her to think and now she really needed to think clearly regarding the news she had received.

Jasmine heard the soft approach of footsteps and knew they belonged to Salomae long before she turned to see her sister walking briskly toward her, and from the expression upon her face, Jasmine could tell, Salomae had been notified of the arrival of their guest as well. She picked up the parchment and slipped it back into her sleeve.

This is impossible! Salomae tried to stay calm as she spoke to her sister.

Having Mother and Talia here for the Equinox is one thing. Having Auntie Aura here is very much another! she voiced more excitedly than she had intended.

You know what happened the last time Aura and Mother visited, and there will be hell to pay in the Council if word gets out they are here. Especially Aura! She was beginning to sound panicked.

What do you intend to do if the Council calls for either of them to come before them? You know there are still unanswered questions from Aura's last visit. They still ask about the ‘borrowing' of certain arcane items from the vault at the Academy, Salomae informed her sister.

Jasmine gave a shrug and nodded her acknowledgment.

Salomae did have a point. She imagined the Council would love to haul her aunt into a Council hearing to know the answers to many questions. She wished them good fortune in that endeavor.

The problem would be, that, their aunt would hardly allow such a thing to occur unanswered, as she undoubtedly felt, she was, in fact, the owner of the items in question in the first place, and secondly and very much more importantly, Aura would see such an action as an insult, and their Auntie Aura would not let such a thing pass without being fully addressed and sincere apology made or blood spilt or both.

You know our Grandmother will never agree to allowing Aura to be here, and seriously, Jasmine, what am I to say to the Council?

Salomae looked very perplexed as she added, Aura is just as liable to go and kill them all for even implying she was a thief, and the gods only know what stupidity the Council might choose to do.

Now it was Jasmine who looked perplexed. It was the exact expression Salomae had worn just moments before, perfectly identical in every aspect.

With a sigh, she patted the bench beside her and said, You will say nothing to the High Council, and I will speak to our Grandmother, and she will do as she is so inclined to do as always.

Then she added lightly and with just a touch of sarcasm, Besides, you know how our grandmother loves having family together!

Jasmine noted that Salomae had not laughed as she sat down beside her.

You do recall it was our mother that saved not only our grandmother's life but many lives within Havenholme as well and upon more than one occasion. Even those on the Council would not forget the debt that is owed for that. So if Mother says it is okay for Aura to be here, I am sure our grandmother and the High Council will just have to find a way to deal with it, Jasmine reminded her sister.

And if the Council does get wind of this and does decide to deal with it? Salomae asked.

Jasmine pondered this as Salomae had a very good point.

Dremin and Tull and even their grandmother all had very strong feelings about that particular day as all had nearly perished. Many thousands did, in fact, die that day and all needlessly.

You know it's Dremin and Tull we will have problems with. Even though Dremin's folly was decades ago, they will never get over their losses that day, and they still hold our family as somehow responsible for their own stupidity, Salomae told her sister bluntly.

It always made Salomae angry when she thought of the lies that had been told about their family's involvement in that tragic event. In truth, their family had been totally oblivious to what was occurring at the time yet had been blamed for all the loss suffered by the armies of Havenholme.

Then we will just have to make sure they don't hear about it! Jasmine said with a smile.

Jasmine looked out over the gardens at the setting sun and tried to smile and speak as calmly, as if they were discussing the weather or how nice this beautiful sunset was, which only served to make her sister more annoyed.

Salomae started to say something snippy but decided against it, knowing that now was not the time for such things as these were very real problems.

Instead, she said as calmly as she could, Mother and Aura are coming to visit, and you know as well as me that Aura wants to begin the training of your daughters, as this is the year of their Equinox rituals, and YOU ARE NOT FREAKING THE NINE HELLS OUT? Salomae's voice had climbed until she had all but shouted.

"Sal! Shhhhhh, speak quietly or Fallon will hear you, and I have not spoken of this with him as of yet." Jasmine used the link between them to speak into her sister's mind directly as they often did when not wanting to be overheard. She looked at her sternly for a moment and then smiled warmly and said aloud, very softly, We shall do as we are ‘requested to do,' my dear sister.

She pulled Salomae close and, kissing her upon the cheek, whispered, For what other choice do we really have?

Salomae sighed and held her sister close, drawing strength from her as she often did. She knew Jasmine was right as usual. Pulling away, she sighed again, heavily, and nodded in agreement.

Then with a visible shift in her mood, she asked, Do you think Mother or Aura will have news of Budd or Maranda? she asked in a hushed whisper.

Jasmine's expression turned the more serious.

Sal, I know that you have never stopped hoping that they would tire of their adventuring and that Budd, and Maranda would come back to us. I know that you miss them so very much, as do I.

She paused a moment, trying to find the right words. Their elder brother and sister had left in search of fame and fortune many years ago. They had left the then family home, which was far, far to the south, a place many in the land called Demonspawn, to make their own marks upon the world.

It has been three years since last we had word from Budd or Maranda, and as I would remind you, they left us. I would advise you to not build yourself up only to be disappointed once again, when they fail to show up. She pulled her sister close to her and gave her a reassuring hug.

But they might have news, mightn't they? Salomae asked.

She looked at her twin hopefully for some bit of assurance that there was still the hope that their brother and sister were alive and would be returned unto them, even after all these years.

Mother would say there is always hope! Jasmine hugged her sister closer.

She pulled away, still holding her by her forearms, then added, Now, we have much to prepare and little time in which to do so!

Jasmine could feel the excitement building up within her. Do you think you can make the necessary arrangements for our guest, while I see to setting up some additional security? The forest will have to be properly warded for Aura, and I will have to reshield access to the house and grounds just to be on the safe side.

Salomae nodded. Of course, I can.

Do you suppose you will need help with the girls as well? Salomae grinned mischievously, and Jasmine had to smile.

That would be very helpful. I know they would love to help as well. So of course and thank you, Sal. Jasmine hugged her sister close and kissed her on the cheek.

Now off with you. We have much to do and too little time to do it in! Jasmine told her.

As she watched her sister walking briskly away, she realized just how much she truly depended on her. Salomae was as much a mother to her daughters as she was, and Salomae spent a great deal of her time with them.

She was grateful her sister had chosen to stay here with her after she had bonded with Fallon. She and her sister had always been together, and Jasmine was glad that had not changed with the addition of Fallon and then the twins. She had feared the bond between them would be weakened and was pleased that it had only grown the stronger as their family grew.

Still, at times, it saddened her to think her sister was yet to find a love of her own and seemed to have little desire to do so. It reminded her so very much of their auntie Aura, and that thought scared her a bit as well. But as their mother had always told them, There is always hope! The thought of having her mother and their aunt here made her smile as she had missed them both. She found herself looking forward to seeing them both again.

Yet Aura's coming here did have its additional challenges. She knew there were very real dangers from that respect. However, nothing that was not always a danger anyways, she thought.

After all, their sire was Kurrus of the Blackhand, and they had known danger from that source all their lives, and Aura, being his sister, had shared in those dangers as well. Jasmine knew that Aura had come into their lives shortly after their father had been taken from them, just before she and her sister had been born, and she was forever grateful that she had, for she loved Aura. It had been Aura who had taught both her and Salomae how to better use the abilities they had discovered they possessed as but younglings themselves.

Nevertheless, extra precautions were warranted as their auntie Aura had also earned a reputation of her own, and many there were in the world who had good reason to seek revenge upon her and their family, truth be told.

Nonetheless, they had never lived their lives in fear as it was well-known that all who had sought such revenge had died in the attempts.

If any dared to harm any of their family, they would pay a heavy price, and many, to be sure, had paid such a price. For one always paid blood for blood; no matter how long it took or how good one tried to be in life, it always seemed to come back to blood for blood every time. At least in their lives and that was the heart of it. Blood for blood, no matter how long it took to repay the debt. Jasmine paused as she imagined this was exactly how their enemies felt. They too would want blood for blood, no matter the cost.

In this respect, she imagined she was much like her Father. She had listened to the tales Aura had told them very closely and, many times, had imagined how he looked and how he might have felt about the events of his life. He was, after all, the Blackhand.

Perhaps some additional precautions are in order, she thought. Better to not need them than to need them and not have them up, she reminded herself. Hearing her aunt's own words in her mind. Aura had indeed taught them well.

Jasmine rose and proceeded inside. She had much to do and little time in which to do it all. Best to get started, she told herself.

HAS ANYONE SEEN FALLON? she called out.

Chapter One

It was n ow well into the evening, and the days of preparation had passed, and the time of their mother's and Aura's arrival had come. Jasmine and Salomae were eagerly awaiting their arrival within the Chamber of Portals. Both were doing all in their power to not let the rising excitement within them boil over as they waited.

It had been many years ago that they had last seen their aunt Aura, and they both had wondered what this reunion would be like. Mother they saw at least once a year on the girls' Birthing Day and, sometimes, more often.

Both were anxious, and they both were looking forward to seeing their mother and their aunt with both eagerness and angst. It was with great anticipation that they watched the Portal energize and begin to shimmer as it opened. With a sudden flash, there was their aunt, smiling at them as the Portal closed behind her.

Jasmine and Salomae both looked at each other and then back at Aura. In unison they asked, Where is Mother?

What, no hug? No, good to see you, Auntie Aura'? Aura laughed.

She opened her arms for them to come and embrace her.

They both hurried to do so, so much like they used to do when they were little girls themselves.

After hugging and kissing them both, she stepped back and said, Now let me get a good look at you.

She crossed her arms before her and then brought a gloved hand up to her chin, as she often did when pondering something. Aura smiled as she assessed the two beautiful women standing before her, taking her time as she made them await her judgment.

My, my, I see that you both have grown into beautiful, fine women, and thank the gods you take after your mother in your good taste in clothes, she remarked, smiling. Those are both beautiful gowns! She ran her fingers across Salomae's dress.

I made them special to show Mother, Auntie! Salomae said with pride showing upon her face.

You did? Oh my, Salomae, you have a real talent as a seamstress! These are the most beautiful gowns I believe I have ever seen, Aura replied.

And…now, asked Jasmine, where is Mother?

They both waited for Aura to answer.

I can only tell you she said she will be here for the Equinox, Aura said with a shrug.

Now let us go in and see the little ones. I have so looked forward to seeing them! Aura said, changing the subject as she smiled at them both.

Jasmine and Salomae looked at each other and nodded, each taking one of Aura's arms in theirs headed for the main house. Both smiled as happy as either had been in some time.

As they entered the house through the kitchens, they were met by two little girls standing there, waiting excitedly for them to come in. They were talking back and forth with each other, seemingly in debate.

Upon seeing Aura, they both ran up and stopped in front of the trio and, in unison, asked excitedly, Are you our auntie Aura?

Why yes, I am! Aura replied.

I am Mera, and this is Mara! Mera said as they both curtsied.

And we are very happy to meet you, Auntie Aura, Mara added.

And I am very happy to see the two of you again! Aura replied as she kneeled and hugged them both.

Now that introductions are out of the way, Jasmine began, let us take Auntie Aura inside and make her more comfortable!

Will you please tell us a story, Auntie Aura? the twins echoed in unison, their young voices filled with their unbridled excitement.

Oh yes! Please, Auntie Aura, please? A story! they clamored again in perfect unison as they jumped up and down excitedly.

Aura smiled at the two little beauties in her arms smiling exuberantly back at her. It brought her such feelings of intense joy.

Here were the youngest members of their family, Mera and Mara, with their youthful exuberance and unearthly beauty. Both were equally beautiful and a perfect twin to each other in all physical aspects save one.

The gods, depending on how one looked at it, had blessed or cursed Mara with a very unique birthmark. A small blue crescent moon upon her right breast, just above her heart. Her aunt Salomae had the exact same mark upon her, but it was of a deep crimson red.

Many considered such things foolish superstition and took little note. However, Aura knew full well the reality of such things, and the burden of bearing such a birthmark as well as the costs of being a chosen one of the gods, for Aura too, was marked yet in very different ways.

Having not seen the twins in a long time, she marveled at their growth in size, intelligence, and youthful exuberance! She smiled happily as she looked upon them. They are so beautiful, she thought, smiling at them. She gathered them up into her arms and hugged them ever so close, trying to soak in and capture the joy of the moment.

She closed her eyes and just let the feelings of love and family flow over her.

How she loved this feeling washing over her. Oh, how rare this was in the life she had always known. She basked in it for as long as she could just letting it flow into her and savoring the sensations for as long as they would last. She felt the twins fidgeting within her embrace and opened her eyes to take in their smiling faces.

Humm, and what story would my two mischief makers like to hear? Aura asked.

Her voice was vibrant and strong yet with a softness now as she spoke to the two little ones clinging so very happily to her. She looked upon them with eyes sparkling like emerald gemstones in a face of timeless beauty.

As Aura knelt hugging these two youngest members of her family to her, she opened herself to their minds and was amazed at the organization of intellect and will already asserting itself within them.

She smiled over at Jasmine, with a nod of approval.

Then she turned her attentions back to the twins, and she saw the quickness of their young minds and the power of their gift lying dormant just beneath the surface and waiting to awaken within them.

Auntie Aura! exclaimed Mera, drawing Aura's attention to her once more.

Please? she pleaded. Tell us of our grandfather, Kurrus! We would love to hear those stories. Mother says you know them better than anyone! Mera looked excitedly over at Jasmine, her mother.

Mera was so beautiful, she was almost angelic with a smile that would brighten the darkest of nights.

Yes, Auntie Aura, please! Tell us of our Gree, Moraga, too! added Mara, with her sparkling bright-blue eyes, golden locks of hair, and equally beaming smile.

Your Gree? Aura inquired, looking to Jasmine.

Jasmine shrugged and said, It is what they have taken to calling Mother.

Mera and Mara looked at each other and giggled. Both girls were equally beautiful, like twin images of pure perfection. Twin angels that were blessed with gifts from the gods and with their mother's inherent beauty as well. Both had her aqua-blue eyes, and with those eyes, they would easily charm many hearts, and they had just a hint of their father's Sylvan blood in their facial features. With those almond-shaped eyes and slightly elven-shaped ears, they were exotically beautiful.

How amazing were these two younglings she held now so closely within her embrace? How bright the gift did shine within them both even at this early stage in their lives! Aura looked upon them and smiled again, truly happy for the first time in many years.

All right, my sweets! A story of your grandsire and your Gree, it is! Have you said good night to everyone? Aura asked.

She looked over at Jasmine, who nodded back at her.

Yes, Auntie Aura! they replied in unison, smiling happily.

Then come, let us retire to your room, where I shall tuck you into bed and tell you the story of when your grandfather Kurrus met the love of his life, your Gree, Moraga! How does that sound to my two little darlings? Aura quipped.

They both jumped excitedly up and down and giggled with delight!

Now come! Let us be off! Aura exclaimed.

Aura swept the twins up into her arms effortlessly and arose to carry them off to their room. They waved happily to their mother, still giggling, and holding onto their auntie Aura very tightly.

You shall have to remind me of the way as it has been a long time since I have visited. Are your rooms still in the eastern wing so that you can see the sun arise each morning? she asked.

Yes, Auntie Aura, Mother says we should always rise with the sun and give thanks unto the Goddess for the day she is blessing us with, replied Mara with a smile as Mera nodded in agreement.

Your mother is very wise, as it is always good to be thankful for one's blessings, she told them.

Aura had to admit she was glad to see the little ones once again, it had been too long. All children were special, she thought. But their twins…were special indeed, and these two marvels were so very much alike and yet at the same time so very different from Jasmine and Salomae, the twin daughters of Kurrus and Moraga. Salomae, their aunt, and Jasmine, their mother, had been the first twins born into the family. Yet they were not the firstborn; Budd had been firstborn, with Maranda following a year after. Now Mera and Mara were the first grandchildren and the second set of twins to be born unto the family. Jasmine and her bond-mate Fallon, of House Forestmoon, had done well indeed in the raising of their children. Aura had not been without her reservations when she had learned of their bonding. Though in truth, he was as fine of character as he was handsome, and he did love Jasmine, which in the end was enough for Aura.

However, at times, she could not help herself to think she would never deem anyone really good enough for the offspring of Kurrus and Moraga, and she certainly would never have chosen Fallon Forestmoon, of all people, for Jasmine as a bond-mate. Her first impression had been that he was just another of Jasmine's romantic interests and would soon go the way of her other lovers into an early grave. It was indeed very dangerous to get too close to the women of their family, she thought with a smile.

Nevertheless, he had passed the final test, whereas all before him had failed to do so. That alone proved him deserving of a fair chance with the family, and she knew firsthand that love chooses as it will and whom it will, and there was little to nothing mortal nor god alike could do about it. She gave a little inward laugh. The story she was about to tell the twins tonight would certainly attest to that truth.

The twins giggled in perfect unison and clung tightly to their auntie Aura, smiling with pure delight etched upon their faces as she walked through the halls to their room. Opening the door and scanning the room as a matter of habit, Aura placed them lightly to the floor, whereupon they then set about preparing to retire for the night.

Their bedclothes were laid out for them upon the bed, and they cleaned their faces and hands in the washbasin that sat upon a small table in their room and changed into their bedclothes hurriedly. When they were snug in their bed with the covers pulled up under their arms, Aura pulled up an old rocker and made herself more comfortable.

The twins looked on, waiting patiently, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

Are you both comfortable and ready for tonight's tale? Aura asked them.

Yes, Auntie, they replied in unison.

As Aura looked upon them, she thought, Yes, this was what life should be and had once been for her. She would cherish these moments as she did those now and forever.

This is a story that has been told to me in many parts by those who are in the story, and it is sometimes how they saw things from their point of view, Aura informed them. "Now close your eyes and relax, and I will tell you the first of many tales about our family.

Where shall I begin? she asked. Ah, yes…let us start with the first time that your grandfather Kurrus met your Gree, Moraga. He had been given an errand to do by our father, and it was the first time he had ever been to the Free City of Havenholme.

The girls giggled.

As I recall, they first met at a place called the Roasted Boar! Aura smiled and closed her eyes.

She rocked back in her chair, recalling the events that had led up to that fate-filled night at the Roasted Boar.

Ah, the Roasted Boar! Said to be the finest inn in all of Havenholme! Aura exclaimed.

She had added the extra inflection to her voice as she often did when telling a story to the girls' mother and aunt, and they both seemed to like it as they both giggled and snuggled deeper into their covers.

Aura smiled. She had not thought of the Roasted Boar nor of Havenholme for such a very, long time. Now those memories came flooding back upon her. Yes, she thought, those had been good days for the most part, though there were many very challenging times as well.

Your Gree, Moraga, had lived in Havenholme all of her life and was attending the Academy of the Arcane, located in the Mage Quarter of the city, and she was in the last year of her studies when she met your grandfather. Aura spoke softly now, letting her voice sooth them as she told them of their family's past.

Your grandfather, Kurrus, had been sent to the city upon an errand for his father, your great-grandfather, who at that time ruled the lands far, far, to the south, well beyond the place men now call the Broken Lands of the Desolation. A place where no Dwarf, Elf, or Man safely goeth! Here, she made her voice sound menacing and scary.

The girls giggled and snuggled even deeper into their covers.

Have you ever been to Havenholme, Auntie Aura? asked Mara.

Oh my, yes! she replied. Many times, as will you two when you get a bit older, Aura added. The twins giggled and squirmed just a bit more in their covers to get really comfortable.

Inwardly, Aura pondered if they would ever wish to attend the Academy of the Arcane as their Gree had done. Perhaps, perhaps not, she thought. Once they learned of the other options available to them, who knew what they might choose to do with their lives? But enough of that—it was time for their story!

Well, now let me see…where shall I start? Ah, yes, it was an errand for your great-grandfather, who ruled the lands beyond the Desolation and whom men of that day called the Dark Lord.

Why did they call him that, Auntie? asked Mera, looking sad.

Because he was seldom very happy, and he ruled his lands and his subjects without love in his heart, Aura replied.

What was his real name, Auntie? asked Mara.

His real name was Asmodeaus, and for all of his many faults and the many bad things he was responsible for, he deep down, in his heart of stone, loved his family, and most of all, he loved your grandfather, she told them. Well, he loved him as much as he could love anything, for he was a man with no love for anything in life. She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, and then began again.

Yes, it was that foolish errand—or at least your grandfather had thought it to be so at first—that was the reason for your grandfather's trip to the city of Havenholme. Let us start there, Aura said as she sat back and relaxed in her rocker, closed her eyes, and began to tell them the tale, the scenes beginning to play out in her mind's eye.

At the time, your grandfather was but seventeen winters old, and this would be his first real trip away from the protection of his father's kingdom and the home he had always known. She spoke softly to make them listen closer.

I think he was looking forward to it but with very mixed feelings, and as the time for his departure approached, he was growing increasingly anxious, and even more so when he was informed of the purpose of this errand.

This will be a good place to begin their training, she thought. This tale would take many nights in the telling, and who better to teach them of their family history and to train them to use their gifts than she? Better they learn the truth from her to balance the lies and half-truths, which they would surely, no doubt, hear as they grew older. The history of their family was not as many perceived it to be. People had a right to their opinions, but the girls had a right to the truth. This, in Aura's mind, trumped all other concerns. She would tell them the truth and let them make their own choices in life.

Aura opened her mind to them once more and allowed them to see the story she was telling them. She felt their young minds marvel as they were immersed into the past with her.

Aura smiled. This was just a small part of her gift, and she was enjoying being able to share it with them. As they became more and more attuned to their gifts, their own abilities would blossom and grow within them, and they would become much stronger in the use of their own power.

She would do this for them with each story she told them, awakening their gifts just as she had for their mother, Jasmine, and their aunt Salomae those many, many years ago. Aura had forgotten how good this felt. Yes, she did love these times best of all. This was what was good in life, having those you love and who love you, near.

Aura smiled and opened herself a little more unto the twins, letting them share the memories and feelings as the story continued. She knew she would have to be careful to shield them from some aspects of this tale as they were, after all, still younglings. Even so, there was much they could be shown and taught.

Perhaps, when they were old enough, she might even tell them the truth about their auntie Aura. But that was far in their future, and for now, she would tell them of Kurrus and Moraga and the undying love that they felt one for another and the problems that their love had presented for them to overcome.

To be sure, this was not just a story of two star-crossed soulmates falling in love. It was the history of the beginnings of their family, a family often referred to as evil and being the source of the greatest of evils in the land.

Nevertheless, things were not always as they seemed, and she would tell them of their family's true part in the history of this and other lands. A history not for the likings of many to be sure; nonetheless, it was the truth about those early days and events. They would need the truth to understand the deeds of their family's infamous past.

Through this tale, she would open their minds to the power they each held. She would teach them to wield that power as she had taught their mother and