Whispering Wind The Awakening: Whispering Wind Series, #3

By Cin (C.J.) Medley

After a long slumber in the darkness, Sabine is woken by her father. To a new and changed world. The adventures continue as Sabine and Rebecca are faced with yet more deceit from the Guardians. Four seasons' have passed while Sabine slept. She was pulled from her slumber by unknown forces. Only to awaken to a new world, where everything had changed, even her true love. Her best friend and counterpart did not parish like she believed. But treachery, is abound. Her Guardians, had deceived her, had brought shame to himself as well as those around him. Evil still lurks around every corner. The happiness she was promised was not in this new world. The only truth she could find was with Rebecca, but even she withheld parts. In the end they all paid the ultimate price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cin Medley
• Release date: Mar 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9780986117848

Book preview

Prologue

I lay in the darkness, filled with dread and sorrow. I could not recover. I could not let the light in. I wanted to be dead, just as my sister, my friend Rebecca was. My family was gone. My Jared was gone. Everything and everyone I had ever loved was gone, and I wanted to be with them.

I could feel Juliana shaking me. I could hear her cry, but my eyes would not open. I felt nothing. I was nothing without her. I felt that sword pierce her heart, and I felt her fear as she realized that she would not survive. I felt her love for Charles. I felt her strength drain from her, her sadness. I felt her regrets, and I felt the life leave her. How could I do any of this without her?

As I lay in the darkness, our lives played out in my mind; our first meeting on the plain, which was the work of Charles and his brothers. I thought of that time seeing her hair the color of the golden sun flying through the air as she flew out of the forest and onto the plain, the friendship we built neither of us knowing who we were, finding out she was to marry Jared, our scheme to outwit Samuel and her father, who really was not her father.

I remembered us learning to fight together, all those talks we had, and how she helped me realize what love was. I recalled our discovering that our horses were magic, and that they did not start out as horses but men, men who were to be our saviors many times, but not this last time. Spirit could not save her. We found out she was my cousin all along, that we were saving one another from ourselves time and time again. I watched her fall in love, and then I held her in my arms as she took her last breath. I wish I had died along side of her.

How will I be able to live in this world without her? The way she would bounce into my room to wake me, her energy was so alive and different from everyone else’s. To hold her in my arms as that energy ceased to exist was more than I could handle. I had watched as the thunder came across the plains and saw the aftermath of my life when they were done. I had lost my parents, my brothers, my life.

I was turned into a killing machine, a warrior to avenge my family’s deaths. I found Juliana and then started all over again. I stood still in time. My Jared died at my hand.

I did not want to wake. I wanted nothing more than to stay in the darkness. I wanted to be with my family.

Chapter One

The days passed, and yet the darkness stayed with me. My body and my mind had shut down; nothing was getting in. The light of the day and the dark of the night came and went over and over. Raiden had returned with Westin, Camille, and the children, making two trips to bring them all home. First came Camille and Stephan with one child each, then Stephan went back with Raiden and Spirit to get Westin and the rest of the children.

People came to the kingdom to live. The village was filling up fast as the winter months started to settle in. Charles had found a cook and some maids to tend to everything that had been ignored over the years. The men in the village helped rebuild nearly everything. Life came back to Whispering Wind, but there was no one to rule them. Day after day, I lay in the darkness, hearing nothing, feeling nothing. I think it was many years of exhaustion, many years of not sleeping, many years of running. I had no time to live. Our food was scarce, the nutrition we lived on consisting of our energy from fear, worry, and the need to finish our quest.

My body shut down. A most shocking revelation occurred, and my mind could not process it and it shut down. What did I see that would do this to me? Perhaps, I was meant to stay here in the darkness, feeling nothing. I could not be dead, for then I would be with Jared and my family. It was as if I was stuck in this darkness.

It happened one day; I felt warmth on me, next to me. It was the same warmth that I felt in the golden hue in the cave. Could my mother be here in this darkness with me? I searched for something, but only felt the warmth. Perhaps they were taking me with them, and maybe I would wake in Jared’s arms, but there was nothing.

The castle had been restored to its full glory; the flags were hung, curtains made for the windows, and furniture was reconstructed. The gardens were in full bloom, the fields full of crops, and the orchards were blossoming. Animals roamed around. All of this was done while I lay in this darkness.

More time had passed. I thought I heard something, but I could not be sure. Then one day I felt wetness on my face, just one single drop of fluid on my skin, and then I felt the warmth of a kiss on my cheek. My eyes fluttered open to see Westin leaning over me.

My love, I said without sound.

As Westin pulled away from his kiss to my cheek, he looked at me and smiled. Hello, he managed to choke out of his sobs. And then his arms were around me, and he lifted me off the bed to hug me. He pulled me into his arms and was rocking me back and forth like a baby, crying into my neck. Deep heavy sobs were escaping him. I tried to put my arms around him, but I could not get them to move; they felt like heavy rocks. I just lay there in his arms, willing myself to hold him.

Juliana came in at some point and was standing behind Westin, rubbing his back. She kept saying to him, It will be all right, Westin. She will come back to us one day. You should not be moving her around. Come on. Camille is worried about you.

Westin kept shaking his head. I tried to let them know I was awake, but I could not get my hands to move. It felt good to be in my brother’s arms in our family home. I felt the tear as it ran down my cheek, he was home.

Juliana kissed him on the head, and she left my room. Westin’s sobs started to lessen, and he gently laid me back on the bed, brushing my hair off my face and holding his hand there. I closed my eyes and turned my head into his hand.

No, Sabine, please wake up, he sputtered out.

I opened my eyes and smiled at him. I love you, I said. My mouth moved, but I did not hear any sound.

I love you too. I am so glad you are awake. You have been asleep for a very long time, Sabine. I have been so scared. You have been sleeping since I got back. We have been here for all of the winter months, and it is now the middle of the blossoms. We have been so scared that you would never wake up.

I tried to talk, but my voice would not work. How is it possible that I have been asleep for that long? I could not process that thought and decided I would deal with it at another time. I motioned to him with my eyes, that I needed a drink. He got me some water, and then he had to lift me and bring the glass to my mouth. It hurt to swallow, but it felt good. I could not understand why I could not make my hands work. My fingers would move a little, and I could feel the covers on my fingertips, but I could not move my arms.

He sat on my bed next to me talking, telling me all about how Mother and Father came to see him, how scared he was when the tree started to glow. I smiled at him, and he told me how proud Father was of him for saving us, how brave he was to have come back to the castle to bury them. He told me that Father made him promise to watch over me, and not to play too many tricks on me. He smiled then, his voice getting sad again, and he leaned down a bit to whisper, I was so afraid that I was not going to be able to take care of you, Sabine. No one believes that you will ever wake up, but every day I come in here and talk to you. I knew you would hear me and wake up.

I heard someone come in, and I closed my eyes. I was so tired. Westin, my love, you need to come downstairs and eat, Camille said softly.

I cannot. Sabine is awake, and there is much to tell her.

Camille looked at me, but my eyes were closed. Oh, Westin, she is not awake. I know this is hard for you, and I know you are scared, but she is not going to wake up.

Westin turned and looked at me. No! he yelled. She is awake. Sabine, open your eyes and show her that you are here now.

I smiled at him and opened my eyes to look at Camille.

Oh my, Westin, when did this happen? Why did you not tell someone? I must tell Charles. I will be right back. Welcome back, Sabine. There are a great many people who wish to see you.

I just smiled at her and closed my eyes. You sleep, Sabine. I will be right here when you wake up. Please wake up again. I love you.

Camille bolted out of my room and ran through the castle, down the grand staircase, and out into the courtyard. I thought I heard her scream for Charles, and then sleep came. There was nothing but comfort as my mind drifted away. I could feel Westin holding my hand and playing with my hair, but I was otherwise unaware of the activity in my room.

It was not until I heard Juliana say my name that I was aroused from the slumber. Sabine, wake up. Westin said you were awake. Then I heard her say, There is nothing, no movement. She is the same as she was. Westin are you sure she opened her eyes?

Yes, and Camille saw it as well. Sabine is asleep. That is all.

I felt her get up from my bed. Westin, you should go and sleep. I will stay here with her. It will be all right. I will not leave. I promise.

All right, I will go, but promise me that if she wakes up you will come and get me.

I promise. Now go on, for it is late. You will see. I will be here in the morning.

I heard Westin walk away, and then I heard Juliana talking to someone in the hall. No, nothing yet. I do not think that is wise for you to do so. I will let you know if she wakes. Then I heard the door close.

Who was she talking to? My eyes opened, and there was just a warm glow from the fire. I tried to talk, but my voice still did not want to work. I needed a drink. My fingers were moving, but it was still so difficult to move my arms. I gathered up the blanket little by little with my fingers, pulling it into a ball. But it was just too much, and the darkness soon took over again.

The morning came, and Westin was there as well as others. He was explaining to them that I was just asleep now. Look, the blanket is in her hand, he said, pointing to the blanket that I gathered in my hand the night before. I just could not force myself to wake up. I welcomed the darkness.

More time passed, and the season of the blossoms had come and gone. No one believed Westin and Camille. They just thought it was wishful thinking on their part, but Westin knew I had awoken.

The crops were nearing full growth, and soon it would be time for the harvest. Life in the village and the castle had come full circle. People came from all over the known lands to thank me, to bring offerings of hope for my health and recovery. Westin did a fantastic job of ruling; he made a superb King. There was no hostility in the lands, and people lived in peace and harmony. Wellington and Blackmore were destroyed, and those kingdoms had no rulers, and the people stayed.

One day, I felt the warmth of the light of the day on my face. It felt to me like I was floating through the air, as if I were surrounded by warmth. I think my body was done sleeping, my mind was done healing, because I opened my eyes. I was not floating but being carried back from the window. I tried to focus on the arms that held me, feeling that they were not Westin’s. They held more love and gentleness than his. As I was laid in my bed, the face came into focus. The shock was more than I could bear, so I closed my eyes before I was noticed. The kiss that followed on my forehead was very familiar. The words, I love you, came gently out of his mouth, and then he was gone.

How could this be? I must have imagined it. Where I have been has played a trick on me. This could not be real; none of this could be real. I was alone in my room for some time before I opened my eyes and looked around.

There were some things that were different the fabric on my windows had been changed, and there was new furniture. The covers on my bed were also different. So much more was different.

I moved my hand more easily now, but lifting my arm was difficult. I could do it, but it was very tiring. I saw the cup on the table next to my bed, and I wanted a drink so desperately. I slowly moved my arm to reach it. I nearly had it when it tumbled to the floor. I pushed up, trying to sit, but that was impossible. I was tired again, so I closed my eyes to sleep.

It was Camille I heard as my mind came to life. How did this get on the floor? Someone must have knocked it down, I could hear her say. I heard her place the cup on the table and pour some water into it. Then I felt a cloth touch my lips; it was wet, and there were droplets of water falling into my mouth. I did not want to scare her, so I just let the drops fall. When she was finished, I felt her brush my hair and straighten my covers, and then she left again. I listened as the door slowly closed. I opened my eyes and looked at the cup. I knew there was fresh water in it. My arm worked its way up my body and over to the cup, and this time I managed to grab it without it falling to the floor. Rolling over on my side was not the easiest thing to do, but I succeeded. The water felt good as it went down my throat, fresh and cool to the touch. I emptied the cup, but then I was exhausted again, so I just closed my eyes and let sleep come.

It was the voices in my room that woke me next. I found this cup just lying here empty on the bed next to her, though the bed is not wet. Here, feel. I felt someone press on the bed. Westin and I told you she was awake.

Camille, that was nearly a season ago. If she were awake, this would have happened long before now. Perhaps one of the children came in here and drank it. Sabine did not wake up. I know you want her to come back to us, God knows we all do, but four seasons have nearly passed, and she has only slept. No one can survive that long without food and water.

Charles, that is so unfair for you to say that about her. I come here every day and give her water and broth. I am keeping her alive. After everything she has done for us, everything she has seen, her body just needs to rest. I am sure she is awake, just as sure as I am that you are standing here with me.

I sensed his energy move as he embraced his sister. I know, Camille, and I am sorry. I miss her as well.

I forced my hand to move then until I felt his leg. When I touched him, he jumped. What in the world? He looked down as my fingers slowly moved toward the edge of the bed. Sabine? I could not open my eyes, so I just smiled at him. It was good to hear his voice, to know that he was still alive.

I told you, Charles. Sabine, honey, can you open your eyes? Do you want anything? Can I get you anything? I managed to move my head back and forth.

He took my hand in his and sat on the bed next to me, saying, Oh, Sabine, it is good to have you back. So much has happened. I have missed you so much.

I made a very feeble attempt to squeeze his hand and smile. I am going to let everyone know you are awake. I will be back shortly. I felt him lean in and kiss me on my forehead.

Westin, I managed to say in a very soft voice.

I will send him to you right away. Do not go anywhere. I will be back. And he was gone.

I managed to open my eyes to see Camille standing next to my bed, crying. Thirsty, I whispered.

She smiled. Oh, of course, you must be thirsty. She filled the glass with water and helped me sit up a bit, so I could drink it. It was you who drank the water, was it not?

Yes, was all I could say. No sooner did the words come out of my mouth that Westin came running into my room. His smile said it all for me.

Sabine, he shouted. Charles just told me you were awake. Oh, I knew you would wake up again. Before he finished his sentence, he was at my side, pulling me into a huge hug. This time, my arms managed to make it to his back.

I have missed you, I whispered. Welcome home.

He laughed. Welcome back. There is so much to tell you, so much that you will be happy about.

Westin, Camille touched his arm.

Oh, yeah, I forgot, he said as he laid me down carefully.

Forgot what? I said.

Westin, would you be so kind as to leave me and Sabine alone for a while? I think she might like to have a bath, and would you ask the cook to make her some soup?

Of course I will. He looked at me then. I will be back with soup, he said, smiling. He kissed my cheek and was gone.

Can you sit up?

I pushed, but it was difficult.

I think we may need some help. I will be right back.

I nodded at her. She left and came back with Juliana and Julia.

Oh, Sabine, Juliana cried, and she was in my arms. It is truth then. You are awake, and I hope you are here to stay. So much has happened, so much we have to tell you. You are not going to believe it all.

Juliana, remember what we talked about, Camille said to her.

Oh, yes, I forgot. I am just so excited that you are awake. Come, let us help you into the bath.

Camille and Julia took pot after pot off the fire and filled the tub. I sat there watching them, wondering why they kept looking at me and smiling. What was it that they were not telling me? I could feel energy outside of my room in the hallway. There were many different people out there, and I was sure it was Charles and his brothers.

The girls finished filling my tub, and Juliana helped me out of my sleeping gown, and then with great effort, the three of them helped me to the tub and then into it. I could not remember the last time I was in this tub. I leaned my head back while Juliana washed me, and the memory came it was that night that Blake came in. My body felt tingly thinking about it. I opened my eyes when Julia and Juliana pulled on my arms so I could sit up while Camille washed my hair. I leaned a bit farther forward than I had expected, and my hair fell forward. It was not the color of the sky at the break of the light of day, it was white. I looked up at Juliana, then at my hands. Did so much time pass that I was old now?

I know. It was a shock to all of us as well, she said. It is all right. It looks good on you, she said and smiled.

What happened to me? I whispered, only because I could not make my voice go louder.

We do not know. We have been waiting for you to wake up, hoping you could tell us. Sabine, one minute we were standing in the great hall… do you remember? I nodded but was not sure I did remember. And the next minute, you were lying on the stone floor, and your head was bleeding. While I held you, screaming for help, your hair turned white in my hands. It scared me so badly. I thought the witch had something to do with it. Do you remember any of this?

I searched my mind and shook my head no. The last thing that I could remember was sending Raiden and Spirit to get Westin. What happened to me? All of a sudden, I felt very tired. Camille finished washing my hair, and they helped me out of the tub. Wrapped in a blanket, I sat with help on the edge of the bed while Camille plaited my hair. When she finished, I laid back down, still wrapped in my blanket.

I am tired. I would like to sleep for a while.

That is fine, Sabine. I will have the cook keep your soup warm for you.

Thank you, I whispered.

Lying on my side, I pulled the blanket tighter around me. I was so scared, and there was no one to share this with. How did any of this happen to me? I had the memories of the years that had past, except for the time I had been in this bed. Westin had said that nearly all four seasons had passed. Why? Why is my hair the color of snow? Where are Charles and his brothers? Why has Blake not been here? I searched my mind for his energy, but it was nowhere to be found. I imagined that with all the feelings he had for me, he would be standing guard over me. Was he dead? I knew Charles was alive, for I heard and felt him. Westin, Camille, Julia, and Juliana lived, but where were the rest? It was just too much for me, so I let sleep take over me.

I am not sure why I woke, I think I was too warm, but as I came out of my sleep, I could feel arms around me. It felt good, very comforting, but who was it? I wanted to turn, but I was still just too tired, so I just went back to sleep.

When I woke the next time, I felt something on my cheek. I opened my eyes to find Westin sitting in a chair next to my bed. He had touched my cheek. Why are you crying Sabine? he asked as he wiped a tear from my cheek.

I do not know.

Is your voice broken?

I smiled at him. I do not know. Perhaps it is.

He smiled at me then. It is all right, Sabine. It will come back, just like you did. Camille went to get you your soup. When she gets back, and after you eat and get dressed, we can go downstairs and out into the sun light. You are very pale, and you need to get some sun, okay?

That would be lovely, Westin. I would like to see Charles. Could you get him and ask him to come sit with us later?

He looked scared. I am not supposed to tell you anything, Sabine, but you cannot see Charles.

I did not understand why. Why not, Westin? He has already been here, so why would I not be able to see him?

They are all scared that you will go back to sleep and never wake up. None of this made sense to me.

I was going to ask him why, but Camille came in with a tray. I have your soup here.

Westin jumped up and said to her, I am sorry, Camille, but I told her that she could not see anyone, that they were all afraid. He kissed me on the cheek and ran out of the room.

Oh dear, she said, looking at me.

What is going on? I asked as I tried to sit up.

She came over and helped me get comfortable. Would you like me to help you get into a sleeping gown?

No, I would like for you to tell me what is going on here?

You should eat, Sabine.

Camille, please tell me what Westin was talking about.

I will, but you have to eat first.

I agreed; the soup was so delicious, and it filled me. When I finished, I looked at her and said, Please, Camille, tell me why no one wants to see me.

She laughed. Oh, Sabine, everyone wants to see you, but things have changed a great deal. We think the reason why you have been sleeping is because your mind cannot handle the changes that have been made. They just want to make sure you are strong enough to handle it all.

I sat there looking at her, not understanding. I searched my mind for him.

‘Are you here with me still?’

‘Yes, I will be with you always. Welcome back.’

‘Thank you. I have missed you. Do you know what is going on?’

‘I have missed you as well. Yes, I do. Let them guide you.’

Then he was gone, so I looked at Camille, stating, I will listen, but you must tell me everything that has happened.

All right, I will try to fill in the spaces. When Westin and I arrived here, you were in pretty bad shape. They had found a doctor who just wanted to bleed you dry, but Charles would not let him touch you. He, the doctor, said that he could not help you then. From what Charles told me, they had found you on the floor in the great hall, and there was blood coming from your head, she paused and reached up to touch the side of my head, from here. I managed to reach up, but I could not feel anything. I was as shocked to see my brothers as they were to see me.

Did they go back to the valley to get their families? How is Charles? I know that when I left him, I was less than kind to him. I blamed him and Blake for Rebecca’s death. Apparently, he has recovered, but, how is he? Are he and Margret all right?

She looked around the room, as if she could not bear to look me in the eye. They are all fine now, she said. Westin was the one I worried about the most. He would not leave your side for days and days. I finally convinced him that if you woke up, you would still be awake when we returned here. He made sure that someone was with you at all times. There was never a time when you were alone, Sabine. We all talked to you, told you what was happening here at Whispering Wind. We told you everything. I gave you water and broth, so you would not die on us. After everything you have been through, I just could not imagine that you would die while you were sleeping.

That is just it, Camille. I was not sleeping. There was nothing but darkness.

She smiled at me. We took you outside to get sunshine, and we bathed you the best we could.

Thank you, Camille, for not giving up on me. Thank you for caring for me so well. So why will no one come and see me?

Well, Juliana told us what had happened to you at the cave, and how Rebecca’s death had affected you, but what you do not know is that it affected all of us. What happened while you were in that cave was felt throughout the lands. We felt it in the valley. The ground shaking, the wind blowing, the screams, all of it. I am sure that it was even greater here than all that way away. Although we had been away from the outside of the valley, I could still remember what it was like. But when Raiden passed through that passageway, everything was different. It was brighter, calmer, more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Why will they not come? Did they change as well?

They will not come because of all that has happened to you. When you are stronger, you will see what I am talking about.

I woke last night, and someone was in bed with me, holding me. Who was it?

I would not know. I was not here.

I am tired, Camille. Would you mind if I slept? I whispered.

Of course. I will check on you later.

Camille, I said, and she turned. Thank you for everything.

It has been an honor, Your Majesty. She bowed and left with a smile on her face. I heard her in the hall, talking to someone. Yes, she is awake. No, I do not think that is a good idea. We all agreed that it will take time, and she must get stronger first.

Who was she talking to? My mind was spinning with thoughts, far too many for me. I closed my eyes and slept.

Chapter Two

I felt a weight press on my bed, and then I felt lips on my forehead. I reached up to touch the hand I could feel pressing down. It was not Westin’s as I thought it would be.

I opened my eyes a bit to see his frame. It was much larger than Westin.

Blake? I whispered.

His other hand came up and touched my face. Yes, he said. I could not see his energy; it was different, changed somehow.

What are you doing here?

It is my night to watch over you. I will be in the chair if you need me, he whispered. I felt the pressure on my bed lessen.

Do not go. Please stay with me. I am so confused and frightened. I need you. I am so lost. I could not stop the tears from coming.

Shhh…, he said as he climbed into bed with me. "I have you.