Eiarex, World of Her Birth (On Hold)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Eiarex

One year later

“Praelyrn is awfully far to travel to for a veil,” Krath remarked as they neared the small, multi-racial trading town at a rapid pace.

“Myleest asked for a veil of woven spiders silk and since only faeries and half fey know how to gather such material, to Praelyrn we must go. No full blood fey will treat with us, so it is with the Halflings we must bargain. I will not disappoint my soul-mate,” Athar, his slightly elder cousin responded, with some fervor at the end of his speech.

Gruff laughter erupted from Athar’s father. “Well said, Son! An unhappy mate is no little matter. Best to keep the gal in high spirits if you’re aiming for a peaceful existence!”

Handred, keeping pace with his Uncle Aanod, said to his younger brother, “One day, K, you too will know what it’s like to want to satisfy your mates every whim.”

Krath could not deny his prediction. “One day, yes; when I find her, I will give her the stars, if that is her desire. She reached her majority a year ago, I saw her. Why can I not find her?” He frowned, as they ran down the road quickly, lightly, effortlessly.

The eldest of the group grunted, then said, “You said you believe she may be part fey, if that is the case, it is possible her spirit has been cloaked by magic and that is why you cannot sense her presence. Blasted faeries.” He grumbled the last bit.

Krath thought this over. He would find her someday. There was no alternative. He simply would. Not being able to sense her whereabouts did present a problem, but he had been searching all over Eiarex for a year already and would not stop until he found her. “Her features were obviously of mixed origin, and Praelyrn is a town of many blended races, there is yet hope of finding her,” Krath announced, full of conviction.

“That’s the spirit, Brother,” Handred grinned, “your fated one won’t be able to keep from you for long with your single-minded determination.”

Krath ignored him and kept running. He had a strange feeling about today. A strangely optimistic feeling. They were on their way to a mixed-breed village. That fact didn’t matter, they’d been to half a dozen interracial towns already, not a one was inhabited by his soul-mate. Why should Praelyrn be any different? However, as they dramatically slowed their pace to enter the city gates, Krath’s mood, as well as his hopes, began to lift of their own accord.

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The small troop of rugged men browsed the carts and shops that lined the market square of Praelyrn. The elder two wandered towards a tent that sold an array of impressive weaponry. Krath reluctantly followed his love-struck cousin to the section that sold women’s clothing, feeling rather uncomfortable. He set his senses to look and listen for any sign of trouble, rather than focus on the feminine products before him. Purposefully, he avoided making eye contact with any of the females who glanced at them in curiosity. A pair of voices caught his attention, and he tuned in his sensitive hearing to catch what they were saying.

“What do you think, K, white or silver?” Athar asked his cousin as they stood beside a cart with many bridal veils for sale.

Krath was distracted. He was intently listening to a voice that was not only familiar, but also amazingly sweet and sensual, it made his blood race. He heard her say, “I’m flattered Vyce, really, thank you, but I cannot accept your offer.”

“Why not?” A young male asked in irritation. “You’re the most comely female in this county, and I am widely considered the most handsome male, it is only fitting that we swear our devotion and mate.”