Search for the Extinct [Last of Elves book 2]

Forty-Nine: Ailill

Ailill

He wasn't surprised when his sister vanished inside the temple again. She'd always hated being stared at. He wandered over to the priestess and Aura after pulling his sister's sword out of the dirt, taking in their shocked expression.

"Interested?" he asked mildly.

"It was impressive," the priestess answered, her eyes running over him. "I can see why my captain was annoyed with you."

He grinned, carrying his sister's shorter, lighter sword with ease. He could use it in a pinch, but he still much preferred his own. "I've had plenty of practise, Naameh."

They began to walk, Aura in between them, listening closely. "You seem to be a little tired."

He grinned again, steering their walk out of earshot of the guards. He didn't want to go inside. Not yet.

"Just a little. It's been a while," he explained. "That's why it was only short."

She stared at him. "Short? That wasn't short!"

He laughed this time. "Yes it was. She was tired too. That's why I was able to sneak under her guard. Normally, we're a match for each other."

A tug on his hand caught his attention, and he looked down at the girl. "Yes, honey?"

How did you learn?

He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Many, many years of practice, Stjärna. I learnt from many masters."

Can you teach me?

The priestess stiffened, staring at her daughter. "Aura! It's not safe!"

"It's alright, Naameh," he said gently, but he led them into a small side room off the interior courtyard. Somewhere they wouldn't be overheard. "If she's not going to stay here, my dear, then she will need to be able to use a dagger, at the very least."

"But ..." The priestess sighed, sitting down. "I haven't thought this through."

He stayed standing, watching the child. She looked stunned, barely moving. "You haven't told her, Naameh?"

She shook her head. "No. I was going to tonight." She waved a hand. "Go on. Tell her."

He crouched in front Aura, taking her clever hands. "Aura, your mother has decided that, if you want to, you can stay with Kura and me. Would you like that?"

She stared at him, searching his eyes. He waited in silence, knowing that it was a shock to her. At last, she slid her hands out of his grip, moving them slowly.

Live with you?

He nodded. "Yes, honey."

She glanced at her mother. But ... what about my mother?

He followed her gaze, resting his on the priestess. She hesitated, and then spoke.

"I'm not going to force you any longer, Aura," she said softly. "You've grown so much since you've returned, and I can't make you stay here. You have elf blood in you, honey. You need the outside world. Being with Panthera and Kura will be good for you."

But ... you?

The priestess gave a small, sad smile. "You can return anytime you want. And if I'm allowed ..." She glanced at him, but he gave no response. He wouldn't know for sure until he'd talked to his sister. She sighed and continued. "I will visit if I can."

Åska was the only one who moved, returning to Ailill's side where he was so often found. Aura barely moved, her hands limp by her sides. The priestess was the one who broke the silence.