Electric Bonds

Chapter 7 - An Unexpected Turn of Events

Loranya woke the next morning to the smell of a delicious breakfast and scared Salan to death when she jumped up, hastily tied back her hair and bounded into the dining room.

Loranya didn't even look at Kretnya before she sat down. The one person she did lock eyes with, however, was Raynon. He gave her a reassuring smile before Kretnya demanded her attention.

"The tournament lasts three weeks in total, including the time it will take for us to get to Heatarran city" She informed her younger sister, who wasn't really listening anyway. "You can't slow me down this time, Loranya. We need to get there as soon as we can"

Loranya ate in silence with a heaviness on her heart. She liked Volcansburg. She didn't want to leave just yet. She felt like there was more she could do here. She would miss Garrod and Lady Zarratha, but she would miss Raynon the most. He had given her a little hope, a little more confidence that she could take with her, but Kretnya would ensure it was diminished by the afternoon.

Suddenly, Raynon lifted his gaze once more. "If I may offer an alternative suggestion..." All eyes averted to the blood mage. "Why don't you go to the tournament and leave Loranya here in Volcansburg with me"

Loranya's stared at the blood mage in absolute shock. She was astounded, but most definitely excited.

Kretnya thought for a moment. "What about her training?"

"I can take care of that" He replied assertively. "And it would also mean you are free to do as you please in Heatarran city - and of course you'd get there faster"

Loranya couldn't believe that Kretnya was being swayed over! But then she remembered Kretnya cared for no one but herself.

"It would be an excellent opportunity to gather information on the Great Bear Lord as well" Raynon added.

After a lengthy pause, Kretnya sighed heavily. "Alright" She said. "But you'd better do as you're told, Loranya"

"Oh I will!" She said. "I promise I will!"

"Excellent" Raynon smiled, although he said it more to himself than to anyone else.

Loranya could hardly contain her excitement. When they had finished eating and Kretnya had announced she was leaving, Loranya skipped after her older sister and out of the door to where a war steed was prepared for her journey. She watched Kretnya leave until even her silhouette had vanished and then punched the air, giving a joyful cry of happiness as she did so.

When Salan appeared at her side, she grabbed hold of his hands and danced in circles.

"Isn't it brilliant, Salan?" She grinned. "Three whole weeks without Kretnya! This is a rite of passage!"

Inside the mansion, the other two were in shock. Well, Garrod was shocked; Lady Zarratha never seemed to be surprised, but her expression was somewhat curious. Meanwhile, Raynon held a small, knowing grin.

"What made you do that, lad?" Garrod asked.

"I did it of my own accord" Raynon replied. "No one controls my actions but myself"

"But why?" Garrod pressed. "Why would you take the lass under your charge?"

"She needs someone to help her rebuild her confidence" Raynon said. "And I would be more than happy to help her"

Wanting to avoid further questions, the blood mage rose from his seat and made his way outside.

Loranya was still turning Salan in circles. The dark sprite moaned and complained about it, but let her do it anyway. After all, in physical strength she was stronger than him, being double his size, so he couldn't really free himself without using magic.

"You're making me sick!" Salan cried.

Loranya payed hardly any attention to him at all and continued to laugh and swing him round.

Suddenly, she caught Raynon's gaze and stopped to charge up to the blood mage with an expression of pure ecstasy on her face.

"Raynon!" She exclaimed. "I'll never know what you were thinking, but I'm glad you thought it!"

"As am I" He said with a small grin. "Now, Loranya, what would you like to do today?"

The young woman was quite taken aback. "I'm not sure" She said. "What do you think I should be doing?"

Raynon chuckled. "I think you need some independence. You can make this decision for yourself"

"Um... Ok..." Loranya said hesitantly. "I'd really like to gain better control of my Earth manipulation"

"Very well" He smiled. "Follow me"