Chapter 19 - New

Chapter 19 – Jayden

The white patch on the top of Shadow’s head that I have been staring at for who knows how long blurs in my vision. I try to keep my eyes open as long as possible to avoid the tears threatening to fall. I look up just to make sure she is still within my sight. Having to confirm that she is near feels like a stab to the heart. I search again for the inner tie that seems to be tearing me apart. It’s there. Still strong and very present, chaining me to her, reminding me of its presence but not the life at the other end. Why can’t I feel her through it? She has always been like sun orbiting me for my whole life. She has always been there, more an extension of me than a separate person. I don’t even know how to function normally without her.

All of the sudden from my peripheral vision I see Dresden lunge at me. My automatic reaction is to draw my sword and dive from Shadow in one swift move. It took me eight months to perfect that move. I didn’t know I would need it against the Crulian Prince. Shadow dances out of reach just as Dresden comes at me with his sword. Still confused but determined to show this Prince that I can hold my own against him I set myself solidly and block his charge easily. We trade moves testing each others strength.

Annoyed with his playing I let all of the pain and anguish of the last three days fill my mind producing a clarity that clears my vision and makes me intensely aware of my enemy. Hearing his next thought I smile and twist with lightening speed kicking him squarely between the shoulder blades. He falls to his knees breathless my sword pressed to the back of his neck. Daring him to move an inch I spit on the ground beside him trying to control the shaking that comes after such a difficult move.

He puts up his hands throwing his sword to the side in defeat. I cut into his neck only slightly before allowing him to turn. He smiles viciously holding his neck and says, “You didn’t have to prick me prick.” So stunned by his words I laugh foolishly. A crowd has gathered and the city guards are shoving their way through the circle of people trying to see what the fuss is about.

Before they reach us I extend my hand to Dresden helping him to his feet. “What was that about?” I ask still shaking from the adrenalin rush. His foolish grin suddenly has me fuming. That Dresden would expose us so easily has me grabbing his shirt and violently pulling his face within inches of mine. “Explain yourself Prince,” I whisper dangerously.

“Jayden, I need you,” Jael’s voice trails up my spine and bursts into my mind. “Prince, attend!” Shoving Dresden away from me I turn to my sister. The sight of her makes me angry instead of sad or hopeful.

“What?” I demand. She stares at me for a moment but instead of addressing me further she turns Samson back towards the harbor shaking her head in disgust. Glaring once more at Dresden, I remount Shadow, calming her nervousness with my touch.

I glance at Elan just as he recovers from the shocked expression on his face and replaces it with his usual uninterested mask. What, has he never seen a sword fight before?

Turning my back to all of them I ride ahead to my sister ignoring her icy stare. The clarity experienced during the fight with Dresden stays with me as we come upon the ship waiting for us patiently, its crew staring openly at Jael from the deck. “I will handle this,” I say leaving no room for discussion. I leave her behind me and ride up to the man standing by the loading plank. Dismounting, I walk up to who is unmistakably the captain and bow slightly.

He is clearly of Sundurnik origin with his curly black hair and fair skin. Easily 7 feet tall and huge, he is not fat but muscular. His eyes are piercing but there is nothing significant of the hazel color. I make a connection easily. I immediately get the sense that he is loyal and to be trusted. I sigh in relief although I remember in that moment that Dresden was to be trusted as well.

“Lord Ekler?” The captain inquires in a deep and commanding voice.

“Yes,” I respond.

He bows and says, “I am Captain Dreygandon. Welcome aboard.”