Kaianan: Anarch

By Cara Violet

Chaos. Confusion. Barely escaping with her life. The end, near. Kaianan: Anarch is the grinding pinnacle of unexpected endings.

Our heroine has ended up on Felrin with the unknown Dersji Brikin. While her nightmares are tak

• Language: English
• Publisher: Violet Tourbillion
• Release date: Jul 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9780995366732

Book preview

Prologue

They’d landed somewhere. Somewhere completely unknown, and not even five clicks of the tongue and ‘portation could get Xandou out of the mess he was in. With Ryar and Jahzara hobbling along at his rear, he was stuck weeding his way through an overgrown, over-infested, stinky forest.

Come on Saffie! Ryar called out.

Enough of that! Xandou said, letting his frustrations boil over.

Let her go, Ryar. Jahzara’s voice was clear and Xandou frowned at the heartlessness of the words.

But she can’t survive on her own. Ryar panicked. We’ve no idea where we are.

Jahzara spread her palm out forward, black aura vying, bending branches aside and exposing a flock of birds. Not the Felrin Dovelet but smaller, deeper indigo, more petite and squeakier in their calls. She’s found a friend. One singular male bird, fluttered to a branch nearer to Saffie.

Ryar made a noise. But she needs protection? She’s a domesticated animal—

Jahzara laughed, her orange curls falling about her face. The key word is animal, Ryar. Her instinct is still there, the Conductor of Rivalex stared after Saffie who perched intently on a remote branch staring at the family she so craved to meet. Sometimes stability is in the family we long to create; that represents the real us; and no matter the loss of protection, the love and happiness is worth the risk.

Xandou observed Jahzara shift her palm right, merging the two branches and allowing Saffie a chance to hop over to the proud bird.

Hmm, the Giliou Shielder began, I don’t know if Dersji Brikin would take so kindly to you unleashing the pet he owns.

Jahzara snarled at him. "Nothing—no-one is owned, Xandou. Her words were curt, Everyone has the right to consistent love. And not everything needs to be wrapped up and hidden from the world. Her eyes admired the birds who’d begun squawking at each other. Saffie knows the risk, she’s willing to let go of her human dependency because of it. Question is, Jahzara dropped her hold of the branches and gave the birds their own space while focusing on Xandou, are you capable of the same?"

After what you’ve done?

How you clutch to others?

I clutch to no-one. Xandou’s voice was raising uncontrollably.

To Kaianan, you do.

I’ve given up that—

You only say you have, Jahzara bit back, your mind is clouded with guilt!

I’ve heard enough, Ryar interjected, All these things are happening, and my family is home on Forsda where war could be brewing. Things aren’t okay, but you two need to stop attacking each other while we work it out.

Xandou breathed out, uncertain.

I am asking you both, Ryar said, because I’m angry too, and I will not stop being angry until I get home.

Home is not where you think it will be, young Ryar, Jahzara said. Don’t let our anger make yours any worse.

What’s that supposed to mean?

It means nothing, Xandou said. It means we all think differently and Jahzara has her own way of dealing with things. Right now, we move forward.

No-one spoke. The silence was comforting. Xandou weaved through opaque foliage and aimed for a small clearing. The others followed, until the small clearing became a wide, gravel pathway.

Where does it lead?

Xandou shook his head at Ryar. Possibly to a civilization.

Are we stuck here—

Let’s work it out as we go, shall we? Xandou was trying not to sound condescending. He wished the silence would return.

Thankfully it did. They continued walking without exchanging words; the path getting wider and wider as they scaled the forest: eyes peeled, looking for a way out.

His senses told him nothing. It had been hours since the sun began escaping them. Daylight was running out. Xandou had no idea how much longer it would take to locate a species let alone a Homo captiosus civilisation.

One more step, high-pitched noise startled him. He felt shivers up his spine. Creatures were screeching. The path was as big as it had ever been.

What’s that? Ryar said apprehensively.

The sapphire sky was riddled with darkness and stars. Shadows crossed above them; flickers of light sweeping by in succession.

Salators, Jahzara said, narrowing her sight.

A Sala what?

Screaming Salators, she repeated. The hunting fish of the sky.

Who they hunting?

Xandou didn’t wait for Jahzara to answer Ryar’s question, he already knew. Firing up in aura and flicking his blade up and out, he ushered them toward the forest.

This way, he said rapidly, his aura burning through him in anxiousness.

Immediately, Xandou stopped in his tracks.

What are you waiting for? Jahzara panted.

Retreat! He screamed.

A huge Salator emerged from the teeming trees. Shrubs and branches snapping apart as a narrow flat head, as big as Xandou’s chest squawked at them in desperation; spit flying in its wake. The tip of its ginormous pointy beak was dipped in colour; bright spots of yellow and crimson matching its rising scaly body and featherless wings: four claws sprawled either side, spotted and webbed for flying. It was the Salator’s large talons on its hind legs it was now standing on that had Xandou unnerved.

Watch from above—

Help! The shout came amongst the barking Salators.

Rotating, Xandou witnessed Ryar in the clutches of a Salator that had pierced one of its talons into the young boy’s collarbone region and was elevating them both into the sky. Sending an aura beam to the Salator behind him and a revolving blade to the Salator in the sky pulling on Ryar, Xandou ‘ported to the flying bird grasping Ryar, landing atop it.

The beast struggled in response; tackling his grip with an airborne snapping beak.

A sudden vibration milled below them.

Time stood still.

Xandou felt Jahzara as he had in the watchtower on Rivalex. Below, the sea of tentacle hair and black pinafore strips spread, flapping about as the wraith summoned the Siliou into her control. The Salator’s rough skin under his palms the only thing he could comprehend—Xandou was frozen. They all were.

Billowing black aura cascaded upward. Blindness upon him; the mist took over. The Salator fell unconscious; falling from the sky.

Not again, Xandou chastised, eyeing the short fall and bracing himself for impact—repositioning the beast away from Ryar with whatever movement the fall provided him. They picked up pace—

Squash!

Bones crunched. Xandou had managed to work the Salator’s body under Ryar to protect him. In doing so, his own body took a hit—abandoning the free time movement for the in-training Shielder. Laying awkwardly in discomfort and catching his breath, Xandou rolled away from the injured Salator and over to the evading darkness; it took a while for the smoke to finally clear.

I’m sorry. The masculine voice said, becoming visible.

What for? Xandou wheezed out, standing, getting a clear image of the white eyes and pale skin of the wraith that stood well above him. You haven’t stopped them yet.

Jahzara flinched.

In no time, the screaming Salators wailed out in fury.

I’d say they are angrier now.

Sir, Ryar breathed out in thanks as Xandou painfully heaved him from the gravel. Thank-you. Are you okay?

Blood dripping from his mouth, Xandou held in his broken ribs. We have to keep moving—

Reek! Reek! Reek!

Several Salators multiplied into over twenty. Every which way Xandou pivoted he was met with those spotted pointy beaks and drooling cries on land and in the air.

We’re trapped, Jahzara’s deep voice said.

If you didn’t decide to send out a flair, Xandou said calmly, we wouldn’t have alerted the entire flock to our arrival.

I— she began to defend herself but a small cry broke through the others. From behind them.

The Salators flapped their mighty wings toward the ground to stand on their hind legs and stopped wailing. They were relatively silent. The small cry from their rear grew. Xandou almost dropped to his knees when he observed the pint sized Dovelet come into focus.

Squawking, Saffie, flapped hard and fast toward them, stopping as she met them to face the Salators. A mere purple speck in the gravel as she closed in her wings and pushed out her chest. Her neck elongated upward and she addressed the animals fifty times her size in ravenous squawks. What she continued to rant and rave about, Xandou did not know. But she went on, and intermittently the Salators listened.

It was by a stroke of sheer triumph, that when the Salators screeched and made hefty holes in the gravel as they launched and disappeared into the night sky, Xandou knew, allowing that bird its freedom was what saved them.

Saffie, swivelling around to them, bowed and also soared into the sky.

Thank-you, Xandou said, interested in staring after the Dovelet, who he swore winked back at him.

Chapter One: Patience is a Virtue

Dersji slid the arrow from the bow he had assembled while hiding in the Woods Devine, and let it soar. Through the sky and past the rainbow foliage and straight into the Falcreet it sunk. The huge bird, with thin blue legs, a fluffy pink round torso, and flat beak, howled and whimpered while it fell to the ground.

Dersji inched over to the animal, unsheathed another arrow and put the bird out of its misery. He didn’t like to see it suffer, nor did he like killing animals unless required. You would think, as one of the most notorious warriors the universe had seen, he would be accustomed to the effects of killing by now. But no, Dersji was not untouched by the thousands he had killed in his one thousand, two hundred and ninety-two years as an immortal Liege. He just got masterfully better at numbing the feeling.

The second moon was not hanging around for long and Dersji, after wrapping the Falcreet up, returned to camp, where there were three mouths to feed, not just his. After all the debacle and the release of the Defeated King, he had somehow landed himself in a complete shemozzle; his former Menial had transformed into some type of hybrid banshee and the Daem-Raal, who he had befriended on planet Croone—was literally stuck to him.

Get off, Cuki! Dersji flung the tiny stick arm and stick leg critter off him.

Sir, breakfast? Cuki beamed at him, falling to the duff.

You fool, Dersji grumbled, the Daem-Raal brushing his maroon skin of soil and stems, getting to his feet, of course it is, now stop making a racket, some of these animals in here are not impressed with our presence, so keep it quiet and let them sleep or roam elsewhere.

Cuki nodded and walked closely beside him.

I thought you were watching Kaianan. Dersji said, ignoring Cuki’s heavy breathing.

S’was asleep, sir.

And the shemozzle continued. It was completely unwise to leave the girl on her own. With her memory still locked inside her brain she had no idea who Dersji was, and it was highly probable she would run, given the opportune moment. He quickened his pace.

Kaianan slid her eyes open to chirping birds. The air was muggy on her face. She must have slept in—for once. Dersji had created a small hut for her with his Kan’Ging aura using dead verdure. They had returned to the Elixir waterfall a few nights ago. The same spot where Kaianan helped Dersji heal. She did as he directed and meshed together a concoction of ingredients and lathered it on his gut. After waiting an hour, she perhaps thought he was dead. But he began breathing eventually, and shortly after that he regained his charming and conceited personality—much to her disappointment.

It had been four whole Felrin weeks with him. And if it wasn’t for the Daem-Raal she probably would have killed him already. They had relocated several times over the course of their time on Felrin to prevent capture by the scouts and the Felrin Congress. And all they did was train, and train again, until she was so sweaty, and so bloody she couldn’t train anymore. She wasn’t even sure where her strength had come from, but using Kan’Ging had become second nature.

She didn’t want to train with him today. Her two Silver Rapiers had calloused her hands so badly they were currently stiff. She sat up in the dark hut, small rays of purple sun trickling in through the holes. She was hungry and in need of a shower. She fixed her black slacks on, and decidedly not putting her smelly white tunic on, re-strapped her orchid chestplate across her chest instead, leaving her boots till last. Outside the hut, last night’s fire had turned to ash and Dersji’s tent was dormant opposite that.

She threw open the tarp—empty. Glancing past the trees and searching deeper into the Woods Devine, she saw no-one was around at all. Not even Cuki.

Hello? she said.

Nothing.

Her body ached; she lengthened, stretching her arms out. Dersji’s training was strenuous; struggling to keep up with him, her muscles burned from fatigue. She had a whiff of her underarms and nearly fainted. She stank. Kaianan trotted off for the waterfall. She undressed; washing her undergarments while she was in the water. She dipped her bushy hair under and let the purple sun rays warm her face.

There were birds whistling above, on the cliff edge; she peeked her eyes open to several small rosy feathered swallows singing amongst the dusty ashen and fuchsia coloured trees. Under the waterfall she heard smaller mammals gawking at each other.

Nature was peaceful.

Stepping, barefoot, up the moss-covered pebbled bank, Kaianan exited the water and dressed in her chestplate and slacks. She wrung out her undergarments, and hung them over a branch to dry. Droplets of water from her hair dripping in her wake; Kaianan stuck her fingers through her long thick strands and strained to detangle it as best she could.

Using the water as a mirror, she stared at her reflection tying her hair up in half a top knot. This process and act was a common occurrence of every morning, but something about today made her stop. And it wasn’t her out of place white hair, or her eyes that swirled creamy grey. Or the three scars that sat across her cheek from a Fluger’s paw.

It was a spinning movement in the water itself.

Kaianan could see herself in the water: morphing. The image of her face swirled, whirling black.

Then the water was vibrating.

All of a sudden, the reflection reformed, but it wasn’t her, it was yellow eyes, black scales, thick bulges and huge teeth opening inside a vicious salivating mouth. The fire was swirling; water bubbling. Kaianan tried to scream but nothing came out. She couldn’t escape this image, this black dragon—

With all her strength, she forced her form to retreat. It didn’t work; her head was dragged forward, submerged into the water, into the image, while the fire kept whirling in her reflection under the surface.

In a daydream, Kaianan thought she heard her name.

Kaianan, Kaianan!

In her thrashing, one of her Silver Rapier’s slipped from her. Submerged, she stared after the drifting Rapier; the silver glinting in the light, in the heat of the dragon’s fire, then slowly immersing into the water, it became a decomposing substance dissipating. The illusionary flames swallowed the remnants of the blade and kept coming. Heat pressed her skin—

"Kaianan!"

On the verge of feeling the fire burning, or maybe it was her lungs drowning, she felt hands on her and a huge force lift her up and out of the water. Her ears were ringing; she collapsed under the weight of the person holding her.

What the Holom are you doing?!

Her knees slid to the pebbles. Her throat was tight. It took her a moment to steady her breath. On all fours, still coughing water, Kaianan glanced over a shoulder to Dersji.

Nothing, she lied, not ready to relive the strange nightmares of the Defeated King in fear of what he might think.

You were trying to drown yourself, Kaianan! His eyes widened in upset. I know how you feel about your life and that death has been chasing you, but killing yourself is not the answer.

Just stop.

Cuki, at this stage, had his hands on her, patting her lateral, producing muffled noises.

Dersji grunted, Why must we go over the same—

I said enough. Kaianan was up, dripping water, staring at Dersji as if she was going to kill him. I am training with you, I am believing you, I am confident I can kill the Defeated King. Stop asking anymore from me.

She regarded Dersji’s face as her panting lessened. Deep seeded brown eyes under furrowed brows and a squidgy creased forehead scrutinised her. He ran his hand across his top knot, down his long brown strands in impatience but refrained from speaking.

Sometimes, she said, when you don’t believe me, I wonder why you’re still here.

He sniffed. Where else do you expect me to be, Kaianan?

Oh, I don’t know, off galivanting in the Woods Devine? Making a covert return visit to Felrin City? Maybe seeking out your Liege Shiek wife?

His blade was at her throat quicker than she could reach hers. Your skills are pathetic, he hissed out.

Isn’t that why you’re here? she shunned the blade away.

We have trained for eighteen years together, he said quietly, sheathing his blade, I don’t know what you’re doing here, or what is going on in that head, but my belief in you can only be justified by the way you go about it. If you’re going to dip your head underwater just for the fun of it, tell me. Don’t stop communicating. I know you haven’t remembered me. I know you are trying your hardest to, but you must be patient. With time, it either will return or it won’t. You must be able to accept either version. And you must be wise enough, that from this point on, you make up your mind about me. Because if you think you can do this alone, you’re wrong.

Kaianan felt hollow inside.

I’m trying, Dersji, she disclosed in a whisper.

Trying your best? he sniggered sarcastically.

She growled, why are you laughing?

Because you’re failing. Dersji said firmly. Where is your damn conviction? Grow up Kaianan, it’s time to talk in absolutes.

She stood taller. I will kill the Defeated King. There, are you happy?

A shrug. Do you believe it?

She opened her mouth; she did believe it, but there was a small part of her that was avoiding how she was going to do it. Her lips closed shut.

Get back to camp, he spat, we’re eating Falcreet, and then we are training.

She reluctantly nodded. She hated when Dersji was a smart-mouth, but she hated it more when he was angry at her. She retrieved the only Silver Rapier remaining from the pebbled bank, not wanting to remember the fate of the other, and trotted off to camp, reminding herself to return soon for her wet clothes.

Miss, a drumstick? Cuki’s huge orange eyes smiled at Kaianan.

Any thigh? she answered.

Yes ma’am, the little maroon stick insect creature said. He sat crossed legged next to the fire collecting bits of meat off Dersji, his toddler-sized frame barely reaching out to Kaianan to hand her the portion of Falcreet.

Did you go hunting this morning? she asked.

I did, Dersji replied.

Cuki nodded at her happily.

What are you going to do with him?

Dersji glanced sidelong at Cuki before he spoke.

Cuki will have to stay here when we go in search of a Conductor.

No, sir please! Cuki began, I’m help sir, that what you wanted?

Cuki—

How does he speak such elegant Vernacular? Kaianan interjected. It’s like a talking child pleading with you?

I’m very smart, ma’am. Cuki said.

No doubt—

Cuki, Dersji said, you’ll listen and do what you’re told.

The Daem-Raal nodded and Kaianan felt sympathy toward him.

He walked off with a small piece of Falcreet to eat on his own, and Kaianan heard him wailing from where she sat.

He’ll come to terms with it soon enough, Dersji said.

Will you return for him?

Of course, he snapped, I’m not a liar.

I would hope not.

Kaianan had seen too much death for someone like Dersji to leave a small Daem-Raal out here on his own. Even though she had killed many in the battle at Croone, Cuki was helping them and he deserved their refuge. But it was Dersji who continued to intrigue her.

How long did you spend on Rivalex with me? she said.

I told you, eighteen years.

And we trained that whole time, just like we have the past weeks?

Yes, Kaianan.

That’s why I’ve been able to survive so far, that’s why I’ve held out.

You’re an exceptional fighter when you want to be, which I must say, is not often.

She scowled at him, ignoring his rudeness. How come we can both ‘port? Is it because of our connection?

"Hmm. I don’t think so. You see the Giliou under Giliou the Wise—like that lovely man, Boku Jove before he sacrificed himself—are a people of protection and care. They are selfless and unseeking citizens of the galaxy. Unlike the Felrin, the planet Felderin sought to fight for those without aura. Giliou the Wise is not a god, no. But he represents a people that are giving at heart … I don’t know how I’m giving, perhaps more to my son and the Felrin—but you are. You’ve always fought for the little guy, especially children and animals. I saw it in you growing up. I think Giliou the Wise gives people free time movement when they reflect his ideals. They use their aura not to overtake others in the hierarchy, or satisfy their egos, but to assist those who cannot assist themselves."

She didn’t know why this upset her but it did. She always considered herself self-indulgent.

I don’t love children and animals, she confessed.

You might think that, but you can’t help but care for them when they are in need.

She didn’t want to talk about it. Reddy somehow seized her thoughts.

Did you ever attend the parties? she said of her Layos childhood. Like my birthdays and my parents’ festivities?

Kaianan, I was practically your surrogate father.

Ha! She held her stomach. Did you brush my hair and walk me down the stairs too?

Not quite.

I didn’t think so. Training me like a Seevaar is one thing, being my friend is another. I’m guessing we weren’t friends?

Nonsense, it was a working relationship, one I enjoyed.

Kaianan found that impossible to believe. He’d been as foul-tempered and abrupt as Arlise. She had a feeling Dersji would definitely be someone who kept their enemies just as close as their friends.

A rustling sound graced her ears, her sight deviated from Dersji. Several glowing pupils were illuminating in the woods. Can you see—

Cuki was stuck in a trance, speaking to her. "You miss, they won’t ever harm you in this forest, you’re their master, you’re the dragon."

Kaianan froze as the vision of Cuki walking toward her and the glowing eyes suddenly disappeared.

Kaianan? Dersji’s voice unsettled her. Kaianan, are you even listening?

Do the creatures normally attack people? she said quickly, eyes on Cuki still sobbing and eating his meat against a tree trunk, as if the past few seconds hadn’t just transpired.

Dersji nodded. They hate the Felrin, imagine if a species culled your kingdom? How would you feel?

I thought we are part of that kingdom.

We are a different genus.

Would that be true though? I’ve been in these woods with Arlise and now you, and we haven’t been attacked. Not once.

It’s just good luck, or as Xandou would always say, good protection.

Xandou? Kaianan frowned; anger still embedded in her when it came to him.

Xandou, your inaction will cost you and I think the time for forgiveness is over, don’t you? Famous last words before she died at the hands of the Defeated King? Perhaps. Did you and Xandou get along? Did you ever butt heads?

Did we butt heads? Dersji mocked with a snort. Every day, Kaianan. The boy was in love with you.

Kaianan swallowed and her mouth went dry.

I was trying to coerce you into a warrior, he went on, Xandou was trying to hole you up in your room and keep you there. I didn’t like the way he thought you needed to be protected, and he didn’t like the way I assumed you could fight better than he could.

I remember sparring with him, not you … with Darayan and Archibel.

On rare occasions he chose to spar you.

Was he always so, so overprotective?

Yes, Dersji said, taking a bite of his drumstick. Since I can remember, and I got to know him before you.

Why does he think I need so much protection? I mean he lied to me, Dersji. Lied to me about you, lied about how I knew Kan’Ging.

I’m going to be honest with you and say your parents put an immense amount of pressure on the young man. He tried his best to live up to their expectations.

She sniggered. Not even I could do that, Dersji.

Aye; he, unlike you, didn’t have real parents to seek love from. He sought it in them, and in you.

Kaianan felt guilt shoot through her.

Don’t pull that face, Dersji said. Xandou was told several times what his incompetence would cost him. I’m glad you have finally seen the true him.

I feel like my best friend became a stranger the moment I found out he was set to marry Metrix and become King of Forsda.

Dersji raised his eyebrows at the disclosure. It’s probably because in that role he wouldn’t have been able to protect you.

I don’t need protection, she exclaimed.

But you’ve become accustomed to it, Dersji said, plucking at the chicken on the bone of his drumstick and shoving it in his mouth.

Kaianan recalled the moment she found out Xandou was marrying Metrix—she called him a liar. Maybe Dersji had a point. There could be a chance she could forgive him and make peace with the man seeking love from a family he could never have. She pushed her food away, no longer interested in it.

Did you ever remember telling off a boy named Julius? she said, remembering what Julius had said to her about Dersji.

Dersji squished his lips to the side of his face in thought. Ah yes, the young Necromancer … the boy was infatuated with you … was disgusting.

He was the one who saved me on Earth.

Did he? Dersji frowned.

Yes, and he told me about you first … He has saved me twice now actually and I have the scars to prove it.

Dersji nodded. We all have scars, Kaianan, she could see the side of his face and his slightly disjointed nose, and some of them you can’t see.

What will happen to him, Dersji? Do you know much about the Necromancers in Sile?

Not in Sile, no. After the Battle of Middle Forsda, I tried to keep away because I believed that war was started not for resources but to get to you.

What about them being notified by the Giliou about my location on Earth?

"I would assume that was the Felrin … you don’t know these people, Kaianan. They are very persuasive."

She nodded. The Felrin were hunting her and here she was stuck on their planet. It was the worst turn of events. The only good thing it did her, was give her more time with Dersji to coach her.

And don’t get caught up in Julius, he said to her displaced attention.

Why not?

Well where is he now?

Kaianan shrugged. In Rivalex still, I assume.

Kaianan, sometimes people do things for you to make them feel better about themselves. If it was convenient to him, and he would get something out of it, he’d have helped you.

Huh.

You’re a strong woman, Kaianan, but you’re still the same nervous wreck I trained in Layos. Leave your heart aside and think about what Julius deserves for doing what he did.

He was sent to Earth by his father, not on his own accord and he tried to apprehend me first before saving me, she admitted out loud. He also healed me when I crashed his wedding … Actually, none of these things he did for me by going out of his way, and he was more or less likely part of the reason I got into those positions in the first place.

Dersji nodded. Then why would you feel so much for someone so caught up in themselves?

Kaianan didn’t know why that question stung her; Julius had healed her because she was in front of him, not because he came after her.

I’m a fool, she whispered.

No, he’s just not equipped to deal with himself, so don’t put trust in someone not strong enough to face themselves.

Arlise’s voice came to her: So, you don’t think you can change him? He wasn’t willing to grow?

Am I any better though, she said, hurt by her blindness, believing it.

Well, no, that’s the fine line with you, my Menial, you are so empathic towards others, you don’t face yourself either.

What if I never do? What if I never succeed, Dersji? she felt the tension in her throat when she spoke, What if the Defeated King takes over the galaxy, and we all get paralysed by the Pernicious?

Would you rather not try, and enjoy the paralysis?

I can’t not try, she said defiantly, not after I’ve made it this far.

Then keep failing; you’ll face yourself soon enough.

She nodded. You’ve never been so honest with me. Why are you not cutting me off with some smart-mouthed comment about my hopelessness?

When I, saw you at the water today, trying to—whatever you were trying to do—it upset me. You don’t know how close we are, but I do, he began walking toward the open plain where they had been training; a small area between the shrubbery, and I may never not know what it means not to. It’s no different with you than it is with Arlise.

Was there a reason you chose to push me through the Vector and not him?

You may not see it, but Arlise’s power, when he was in that Vector, tripled. He was healing himself. He is also immortal, Kaianan, and cares about others, I knew he would be fine. Plus, it’s you that I need to help stop the Defeated King.

Why, if Arlise is so powerful, do you need me?

Because a vortex like the one you and the Defeated King were in, that only comes around every hundred or so thousand years. There is a reason Kan’Ging and Silas Silkri existed at the same time. There is unfortunately a reason why you and the Defeated King are alive the same time.

Are you saying I’m going to die in this battle?

He said nothing.

Answer me.

It’s a possibility, he finally admitted.

And not with Arlise?

He’s got a different job, if I’m correct it’s going to send a ripple through the universe and disrupt Siliou connection.

Are you sad or angry at any of this?

You both are just as painful to think about as the other.

But, do you even miss him after you’ve chosen me?

It’s none of your business what I think of my son or what signifies correct choice.

There was really nothing else to say, Kaianan thought. He had not been this outright honest with her before and she felt inclined to hug him or something.

I—

No more, he cut her off, get your Silver Rapiers out. We still have the chance to make a warrior queen out of you yet.

I’ve only one. She said, not wanting to bring light to the fact the other Rapier disappeared downstream with the Defeated King’s reflection.

Just get on your feet.

Kaianan did as he said, clutching at her scabbarded blade, trailing him.

Feet first, he advised her. He lifted his metal blade high as they arrived in the small clearing; dirt-worn paths a reminder they’d practiced here multiple times already.

Kaianan felt the ground beneath her boots, she dug into the damp forest dirt and stabilised her position, feeling the Siliou. Kan’Ging slithered its way from her toes, along her skin, locking above her skull, setting her alight. Her new white glow sweeping over the clearing like a shining moon.

Good, he said. Keep your mind clear. The fighter who allows no emotion to affect him can conquer an opponent without drawing blood. Ready?

She nodded.

Dersji didn’t lash out with his blade like usual. Instead he had gyrated in Kan’Ging and Kaianan felt him sucking all the Siliou out of the small clearing.

Confusion reigned.

Concentrate, Kaianan! he yelled at the top of his lungs. Dersji was swirling his lavender aura sideways.

What are you doing? she asked.

Clear your mind!

Automatically, her heels stabilised. Dersji circulated promptly; his aura a wide berthing leaden inferno. A blaze to inspire fear.

Kaianan focused. The Siliou was available to those who sought it. Dersji had the lion share. But he didn’t deserve it.

She did.

Placing her hand out, Kaianan closed her eyes.

The Siliou is mine, she muttered, and clenched her fist. White light swarmed her. Her shooting flames lashed out against Dersji.

She didn’t need to open her eyes to know she was defending herself. Calmness swept over her. A knowing that the Siliou would choose her. Then—

Dersji’s screams reached her. She snapped her eyes open. Her aura compounded the small clearing taking up every inch of space; and there was Dersji, auraless and on his knees, flailing.

I’m sorry, she said, immediately releasing her hold, a large swoosh and wane of the Siliou, her huge flames receded into her. She had never hurt Dersji before.

No, he said panting, you just beat me.

Kaianan stood, perplexed.

Have I never beaten you before?

No, never. He rose, defeated, and squinted toward the Daem-Raal spectating from afar. "Cuki