Elven Legacy

Chapter 49

Jaden

He reached out to Noah through the catalyst, like opening a window in his mind.

'I'm about to restore the horses' energy.'

Sometimes, when he drew on a lot of power from the crescent stone in his chest, it made both himself and Noah feel weaker as a result. It was temporary – nothing dramatic – but still, he preferred to warn Noah in advance whenever possible.

'No problem Jay. Thanks for the heads-up.'

Before leaving Pearjia that morning, they'd chanced upon a buyer for both their pack pony and Jaden's lute.

And today, Chestnut and Silver – with Moira and Jaden as their respective sore-legged riders – had galloped at about twenty miles per hour for some time, after which they progressed at a slow trot to rest themselves.

The coastal road along which they traveled south was aptly named Lemon Grove Road. Indeed it was ever flanked with the fresh-scented lemon trees, vibrant clusters of green and yellow under a hot, unveiled afternoon sky. The sun hit hard and incessantly, and so Jaden had traded long-sleeved sweater for a short-sleeved linen shirt.

Beside him, Moira's exposed hair shone like fire. The day proved far too hot for wig-wearing, or so she claimed, and Jaden could certainly believe it. As ever – and though she hadn't used it since hunting those rabbits back in the Miriath Forest – Moira dutifully carried bow and quiver of arrows hitched to her back.

As it were, Jaden hadn't used his bow either, so far.

Without any more delay, Jaden connected with the source of energy within, and it surged joyfully, echoing across him like so many vibrant tingles of opportunity.

A small smile adorned his face as he let it filter out of him and form a circle around himself, Moira, and their mounts. The colors glowed brighter, the dull thumps of horses' hooves on packed-dirt sounded sharper, the sun became less scalding, and the seaward wind, though scarce, felt more refreshing than it had before.

Truthfully, these changes were subtle, enough so that Jaden only noticed them because . . . well, he was the one causing them. Moira did not notice a thing. She rode beside him, lost in thought, from the contemplative expression on her freckled features.

Jaden focused on feeling the horses' weariness, the hurt in their leg muscles; he was aware of their laborious huffing, their desire to stop, rest, eat and drink. Be that as it may, Moira and Jaden ought to get to Azuria before sundown. And in order to make that happen—

He sent powerful filaments of magic coursing through the animals, like supernatural waves that nourished and healed everything on their path. Then, when he could still detect traceries of weariness and aching, Jaden pushed more out of himself and gifted it to them.

His own state turned fragile, nearly dizzy, and yet he knew this wouldn't last. It was no trouble – he'd much rather heal the animals and ensure their long-term well-being.

Soon, Chestnut's and Silver's heads lifted, they trotted at a brisker, livelier pace, and their breathing turned regular and healthy again. Looking for the world as if they'd just left the stables.

Jaden focused – filaments of magic held outward and fully in control, aware of all life within his reach – for a few more moments, making truly sure that they were as fresh and vigorous as they could be.

Only then did he let go, tired but satisfied. In the span of a heartbeat, his magic ebbed and faded.

He swayed in Silver's saddle for a split-moment, then abruptly tightened his hold on the reins and saddle, and cleared his throat to shake it off.