Elven Legacy

Chapter 88

Kitera

Once everybody was sated with coffee, food, stories and anecdotes, Jaden asked to speak with her one on one.

They chose a small table by an open window, Kitera leaning her sword and bag against the wood paneled wall.

By now, a few more people had come drifting downstairs into the common room. Outside, shoppers strolled with their kids across sunlit cobbles, and some early bird musicians enlivened the street.

The mix of sun and wind on her skin felt comforting as she turned back to Jaden, pushing her hair behind her shoulders.

"So, tell me, how have you been?" he asked. Sunlight veiled the side of his face, casting pale gold highlights in his hair.

"Peachy. It's Dhark I was worried about. But he's better now. And by the way, he hasn't touched a single drop of liquor since Tensei, when he was scammed by those assholes."

Jaden nodded slowly, with a slight frown.

"How are you, though?" Kitera asked. "Zemisha told me about the whole . . . Neros thing. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." Her heart felt heavy with how much she meant it.

"I've only myself to blame for thinking I could handle things on my own." He sounded older than his twenty years.

Kitera gave him a small smile. "If anyone can relate to that, it's me. I guess some of us learn those lessons the hard way. Will you be all right?"

Jaden glanced to the side, where Dharkan and the others sat. Dhark was in a conversation with the girls, while Noah seemed in one with Fenek.

"I have great friends, so how could I not be?" Jaden placed his black-sleeved arms on the table.

"You think this is Tessa's doing?" Kitera asked. "Stealing the catalyst from you?"

Jaden frowned. "It adds up. Who else could it be? Or perhaps it isn't her, but she's helping whoever did it."

Old, familiar anger awoke inside Kitera – anger at being deceived, fucking again, by Tessa Nightvale.

"Yeah. That's what I'm thinking too. You're going after her?" Kitera asked intently.

A fresh gust of wind slipped Jaden's hair down his face, and he brushed it back again in a nervous manner.

"Well, Noah wants us to go to Chyulin."

Kitera leaned forward. "Let me come with you. Fight by your side."

There was an apology in his eyes as he looked at her. A pang stabbed Kitera's chest; she dreaded what he would say next. He was so goddamn expressive, she could almost hear it before the words left his mouth.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'd like you to go back in the carriage this afternoon, with Zemisha and Moira. Keep them safe."

For all that she'd expected it, her heart sank deep anyway. She leaned away from the table, her arms crossed.

"I simply don't trust Dharkan enough," Jaden said. "This is too important. Misha and Moira are too important. But I trust you." His eyes held hers with a rare intensity. She understood, obviously. She was well aware just how much both these young women meant to him.

As a matter of fact, Kitera cared about them too. Very much so. Besides, she still felt awfully guilty for letting Zemisha get kidnapped in the first place.

This was her chance to make amends. To bring them home safe and sound. She would willingly slaughter anyone who dared stand in their way, and Jaden knew that.

It was just . . . well. She felt left out, she couldn't help it.

She let out a small, resigned sigh. "Sure thing, Jaden. Consider it done."

"Thank you." He sounded relieved.

"What about Dharkan?" Kitera asked.

"That's up to him. Though I'll admit a swordsman would be a welcome addition to the group. Fenek's more of an archer, and Noah . . . what shall we call him now? White mage?"

Kitera crinkled her nose. "I don't like it. The whole black and white thing. Sounds kind of dumb and overly simplistic, don't you think?"

Jaden smiled. "You know, I agree. Let's not call it that."

"Noah is . . ." Kitera threw a glance to the side, where Noah, apparently, was now teaching Dharkan some hand signs. Kitera smiled. "He's just Noah."

Concern shone in Jaden's eyes. "I know it must be cruel to be reunited only to leave again right away. Believe me, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't truly necessary."

Kitera chuckled wryly. "You hit the nail on the head, there, but" – she shrugged – "you're right. This makes the most sense. And hey, an opportunity for me to spend some time with other girls for a change. Kind of a rare occurrence in my life."

Jaden smiled fondly. "All right, then. Oh and, one last thing."

"Hmm?" She angled her head to keep her eyes out of the sun.

Curiosity sparkled in Jaden's eyes. "Tell me, what happened in Thebrenna? How'd Dharkan hurt his eye?"

Kitera stayed quiet for a moment, choosing her next words carefully.

"I think," she said, "for Dharkan's sake, it's best if what happened in Thebrenna stays in Thebrenna. At least for now."

"That only makes me even more curious, you're aware?"

Her smile turned sly. "I'm aware."