Silent Vows Chapter 7

Naylani couldn’t believe what had just happened. How had she done that? There wasn’t even a visible mark left on Maesyn! She was confused. Where did that come from?

         Remembering the words she’d spoken, she was certain she’d never heard them before. But, if that were true, how did she know to speak them? She didn’t have time to answer these questions for now she was being stared at by Maesyn and Aildien. She quickly decided her best bet would be to act like it was nothing.

“Naylani” Aildien asked, “I thought you didn’t remember how to use magic?”

“I don't.  It just came out” she shrugged.

“Naylani” Maesyn interrupted. “You don’t just use spells. It couldn’t have been an assault spell! That can be very dangerous, young one.  You could've killed me.” He looked at her sternly.

         He wasn’t completely sure she was telling the truth, but Aildien seemed satisfied with her answer, so he let it be for now at least. He had more pressing issues at hand.

“Aildien, get her changed” he instructed his son. “I’m going to go sit by the falls and think about our next course of action. We cannot take long. Drakes hunt in packs, and I’m certain it won’t be long before we see more of them.”

Aildien nodded towards his father in compliance and took Naylani's hand.  It was so small and fragile in his.  It was somewhat cool to the touch, and he wondered if this was because of the stories he had heard about them being heartless.  Or if it was just due to the coolness of the night that made her skin seem so wintry.

“Come Naylani, I’ve brought a change of clothes that should fit you this time.” He looked at her, and ushered her towards his pack where he removed the leggings, boots and tunic he had packed earlier.

         She took them from him and found somewhere to change. This was becoming a routine for her. Aildien was right though. As she removed the robe and began putting on the new clothing she noticed it did fit better. It didn’t seem to swim on her like the other clothes he had left for her. In fact, she actually didn’t look half bad in these clothes! The tunic was a warm cream color, and was a little big, but still fit well. The leggings were a typical brown and faded in some areas from the wear they had withstood. The boots fit wonderfully well and were also showing some wear, but she didn’t notice. They felt wonderful compared to her raggedy old boots.  She returned the robe to her own pack and Aildien’s clothing back to him.

         If it weren’t for her bluish skin, Aildien could defiantly see her as being a Tier’Dal. If circumstances were different than what they were, he could even picture her being someone whom he would enter into negotiations to marry. She was beautiful. Even in the outdated clothing she wore. He glanced towards her pack and saw the emblem on the robe once more. He could not in his wildest dreams picture her being a Necromancer. They were the evilest of all the Feir’Dal, and that wasn’t Naylani to him. She was kind, and showed compassion. She bled, showed fear and even strength in her actions. Unlike Necromancers, who fled after calling undead minions to do their bidding. It was strange to him how he felt like he knew her, after only two days. Considering she couldn’t remember herself for the most part made the situation a little easier to bear. He knew everything she knew.

         He doused the fire with water from the falls, and sat by one of the near trees. His bow was drawn, just in case those drakes did decide to show themselves. Naylani sat beside him, but kept quiet. She knew this was important to him to guard them. That he considered it a duty and an honor. The seriousness on his face had been the same as before when he had guarded her when they first met.  About an hour passed when his father returned. 

“Aildien” he whispered. “I have come to a decision. We need to take her to Kelethin. She can stay with us until I do some research and try to figure out who she is. We will need to keep her hidden, and Naylani” he turned to her “you will not be able to leave our home while I do this.  I'm sure Aildien has told you of our histories?” he said questioningly.

She nodded. “I understand, Maesyn. I also thank you. You have risked so much already and are willing to do it again. I will abide by your wishes.”

“Now, how to get you into the city? I believe I have an idea. Lets just hope it works.” He sighed. “Pack your things, and ride with Aildien. We leave in a half hour.”

         It didn’t take them long to pack up camp. Now riding Blaze and her arms securely wrapped around Aildien’s waist, she felt peace. The horse was fast, and she almost wished it would slow down. She was enjoying holding Aildien. Smelling his hair as the wind whisked it back into her face. She also enjoyed feeling him so close to her.  She was a bit annoyed that he wore the ring mail tunic.  She wanted to feel her fingertips sliding over his bare flesh and hardened abs.  She felt safe with him. He had saved her and risked so much in his actions, without many questions and seemingly no benefit for himself. She held on tight as they continued their journey.

He liked feeling her arms around him. Holding him tight, she was like a scared child. His need to protect her was overwhelming, and consuming his thoughts.  Nearly overpowering the urgent need he felt to take her.  He was thankful for her embrace, but was secretly hoping her grasp would fall a bit lower to the hardened stiffness in his groin.  He moaned low in his throat as he grasp slowly started grazing his sides, caressing him, though he hoped she hadn't heard him.  His eyes started slowly rolling into the back of his head as she touched him. 

"What are you doing Aildien?"  he thought to himself. 

"I can't have her.  There can never be a relationship between us!" he lectured himself sternly.

          Just having her near him posed a threat to her safety. What was it about her that  made her so irresistible to him?  Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her swirling silver ones in his mind.  Her raven black hair flowing in the wind, and her graceful walk...those curvy hips of hers swaying from side to side.  He wanted her badly.  So badly, that just the thought of her near him instantly made his body deceive him and go stiff.  He was so hard, he hurt. 

         He quickly returned his thoughts to the task at hand.  It was far more important to keep her safe now, he could think about what he'd like to do to her later.

         Their entrance into the city would not be an easy one, just as he had thought. The guards frightened him. One?  Maybe.  But there were always at least four guards at every lift station.  He could not hold them off if she was discovered. However, his father was right. They needed to know who she was and what she was doing here.

         Surely they could make some inquiries in the city and find out something. Their course of action was set, and there was no turning back now. He only hoped he was doing the right thing, and that he wasn’t leading her to certain death. For death is what she faced if she were to be discovered by the guards.

         Maesyn shifted uncomfortably on his steed. He had peered over to Aildien and Naylani while they rode. He questioned her intentions and the look of fear on his sons face. He was unsure if this was the best action for them to take, but was left with few options. Nowhere in Kelethin would be safe for her, nor could he leave her alone. Regardless of how his son felt, she was still a threat. It was best to keep her close, and know of her actions. So on they traveled. They would reach the city soon.