Faerie

Chapter Fifteen

A/N: Merry Christmas and have a happy new year, everyone!

Chapter Fifteen

It didn't take us long to gather up the saddle bags, attach them back on to the horse who was still outside. His black mane shone in the candle light as we hopped onto his back. I took my place behind Kieran, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist. I could feel his stomach muscles tense beneath his black suede jacket as I leaned my head against his back. I was tired and my eyes felt heavy and itchy. I just wanted to rest. The rocking motion of the horse galloping over the planes lulled me to sleep.

It was still dark when I was gently woken. The only light came from the large moon and its stars, high up in the black sky. I was groggy and still half asleep as I felt Kieran lift me from the horse. He was strong as he held me close. It was then that I realised he felt cold to the touch and the breath that escaped his lips was also icy. I shivered, feeling it flitter across my cheek.

"Where are we?" I asked, finding my balance to stand.

Looking around it appeared that we was inside a cave. It was dark save for the torches that was already lit. The stone walls glistened with crystals, embedded into the rock. It felt chilly and the smell of damp was over powering.

"We are inside the tunnel that leads to the River Dial." Kieran explained.

I watched him secure the horse to a nearby boulder and shoulder the bag onto his shoulder. He reminded me of a solider going into war. He was wearing a black jacket that fell to his knees and was in a military style. His boots crunched along the gravelled floor.

"This way." He said, leading me by the elbow.

We didn't wait for his entourage. I guess they were always not that far behind. Kieran grabbed a lit torch and we headed down the tunnel.

It didn't dawn on me until we were further inside, the sound of water. It became louder and louder before I knew it I couldn't think. We came to the mouth of the tunnel. The river was more like a monster thrashing about and came right up to the edge of the entrance. The current was strong and the waves fast and furious. Daylight poured in through the few trees on the other side of the bank, casting a greenish haze over everything.

"How are we going to cross that?" I asked. I was petrified at the thought of going across it. The way Kieran portrait the river, sounded like a calm stream.

"Easy." He said. He shook his hands and took a few paces back, before turning towards me.

"I have a feeling no one has taught you how to use your magic. Or you resisted." He didn't wait for me to answer. "Well, here's a free lesson."

I adverted my eyes away from his. I suddenly felt ashamed of the all years I avoided being taught it. I even fled every time I heard the word magic. All I wanted was to be a normal human being, or tried to be human. So, there was no reason or use for magic.

I didn't say anything and it confirmed his suspicions. He stared at me before moving his hands up in front of him.

"Watch and learn." He said, turning to face the ferocious river. I watched intently as he spread his hands further apart. Somehow the river quietened and the wave dwindled. The noise subsided and now the river was calm. Kieran the brought his hands together again, as if in prey and with a deep breath as calm as the river, he parted them again.