Stormlands ( Book 2 of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Thirty-One: Unwanted Answer

The being that stood before them on the balcony was a sight to behold. Flames wreathed him, and shadows writhed behind him. His too large amber eyes danced with the fire around him. The forest-folk stood tall and proud, his eyes resting on Trunk for only a moment.

Trunk stepped back, involuntarily sucking in a heavy breath borne of shock. A strange and panicked mixture of emotions boiled beneath is outwardly calm appearance, and he fought to keep them where they were, tightening the lid to save the fire from the boiling torrent. Some small spark of hope was dashed, while anger fear and confusion threatened to drown him. You wreath yourself in fire? Pay homage to the very thing that destroyed us? He found his feet unable to move him closer, so he stayed near the back of the group, and fought to keep his composure.

"You travel here not out of necessity, but in search of guidance on your way. That is a strange occurrence, in this place."

His father's voice seemed as though it had not changed at all, and memories of it from his childhood nearly left Trunk on his knees. Instead he sniffed quietly and watched Katerin.

"We do not mean to intrude. We just want to be on our way. Thank you for allowing us a short respite from the rain." Katerin said, bowing her head with a slight knot of unease upon her shoulders.

"What is it you search for, wanderers?" Torkrest's eyes fell upon Trunk, again only for a moment, but Trunk would not meet his gaze.

"Alkyrindaun," Katerin began. "The city of—"

"I know of it. A strange thing to seek, so far from your homes. Surely many have gone before you, but I have never learned of their success."

Roahn stepped forward, chin held high. "And did they ask for directions, too?"

Torkrest smiled. "No, not in my time. Though, if you wish to find the city, I would suggest you find the giants. Climb the tallest peaks, and find where the storm rages the strongest. Seek guidance from the very same who govern this city you search for."

"And if they aren't feeling friendly?" Roahn said, and Trunk watched as her shoulders tensed.

"Then you will die, should they not be in a benevolent mood." Torkrest replied. His tone was not harsh, but nor was it disputable, no longer holding any qualms with death.

Trunk closed his eyes and remembered his father. Who had once wept for the life of a crushed sapling, as doubts and anger clouded his thoughts. This was not the same man. Some impostor or illusion. He could not meet his eyes to discern if there was any love left there, and every time he tried the fear of his answers stopped him short, so once again he turned his gaze to Katerin, and the dragonkin who stood next to her. Neither knowing the truth behind the man who now spoke to them.

Roahn snorted at Torkrest's words, but hastily recovered her manners as Katerin shot her a quick look.

"So you believe the city to be along this range?"

"I do. It is hidden well amongst the frost touched peaks. A realm that is not of my spirit." He smiled and raised one hand, and the flames about him seemed to dance with more ferocity, as he acknowledged them. "I cannot tell you it's true or exact location." He looked across them all, with an insightful eye. "If you should like, stay with us for a time. I will speak with the spirits, and ask them of your plight. It appears as though you and yours could use a respite from the rains, regardless. A reawakening to the flames within."

Trunk watched as Katerin offered an inquisitive look to all of them, waiting for their opinions even as they waited on her decision.

"I don't see how we could refuse such an opportunity," she said. "Thank you."