Ambriel's Quest: Book 2 Read online

She tilted her head back and let it rest against the mortared wall. Did Mikal know she was missing? Could he feel her love for him through the bond, or did he think she left on purpose? Ambriel was filled with regret as she wondered what the hell went wrong. Her premonitions had never failed her before. She let the tears fill her eyes and fall freely down her face. She’d made a huge mistake!

  Mikal

  The Cusasleon Realm

  Stepping through the portal, Mikal hurried to their chambers, anxious to see Ambriel. The fear he’d felt moments ago only grew more pronounced the closer he came. He still couldn’t feel her, but he should be able to, and that worried him greatly.

  Walking through the door, he yelled, “Ambriel, are you here?” When he didn’t get a reply, he searched every room until he was sure she was not there. He hurried to the dining hall and scanned the people, but she wasn’t among them. Panic now replaced fear as he searched without success.

  He entered the battle room and found Avis sitting at a cluttered desk, maps and papers scattered on top. As soon as he spotted Mikal, he stood and bowed his head, “Commander.”

  “Avis,” Mikal acknowledged. “Have you seen Ambriel?”

  His eyebrows drew close together as he answered, “Not since dinner. What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t find her, and I have a terrible feeling.” He began to pace before he ordered, “Have the castle searched!”

  Avis nodded and then replied, “Yes, Commander.”

  As Avis left in a rush to do his bidding, Mikal took a deep breath and concentrated on Ambriel, trying to pinpoint her location though their bond. After several minutes of trying without any success, he headed out to search for her himself.

  He checked the training fields with no luck, the outside castle grounds, and then back to their chambers, hoping she’d come back. No such luck. One thought struck him quickly; she loved the Cefis—what did she call him? Oh, yes, Max. Maybe she was with him. He headed to the stable, but found it empty except for the animals who stood in stalls. He hung his head with trepidation. He’d made so many mistakes with her. The first was not having a mating ceremony, and the second was not taking her with him today. At least he would’ve known her whereabouts.

  Lukke rounded the corner of the stable. “Commander.”

  “Lukke,” Mikal said without looking at his friend and fellow warrior.

  “Any luck?” he asked with concern.

  “No. You?” Mikal asked quietly, but he already knew the answer.

  “No. Could she have gone to see Des?” Lukke asked. Mikal’s head snapped up as he now looked at his friend’s concerned face. That was a distinct possibility. He was her father, so maybe…

  “I…I…” he puzzled. Did she? Hmm…maybe. He turned back to the animals, and his heart sank. “No, all the Cefises are accounted for. She would’ve taken one of them if she’d gone to visit Des.”

  Just as he’d finished speaking, Damien and Avis came around the corner. “Commander, we’ve searched everywhere, and Ambriel is nowhere to found.” Avis continued with hesitation. “Is it possible she visited the Human realm?”

  “No. She doesn’t have a transport crystal any longer, so it’s impossible. Why would you ask?” Mikal asked, worry marring his face. If she’d visited the Human realm, then… No! He refused to think of what could happen to her.

  “She had a premonition when she fell asleep. I don’t know how, but Ornias came to her and demanded that she give herself over to him, or he’d kill Sarah and everyone else in that small town. I could tell she was panicked when she asked that I take her to the Human realm—to you—but I refused, telling her to wait until you returned.” He hung his head. “I’m sorry, Commander. This is my fault.”

  Mikal stood stoic but his insides were crumbling. The breath that tried to rush out made his knees weak, but he held strong. The words that Des spoke to him long ago came rushing back. This isn’t living, it’s surviving, when he spoke of losing his true mate. He shook the thought from his head and refused to believe that he’d lost her.

  “Where could she have gotten a transport crystal?” Logic made itself known in his grief-stricken soul. Everyone looked to Mikal as he posed the question. “Let’s make sure every one of them is accounted for.”

  They nodded their confirmation before heading toward the castle. As the others headed to the battle room, Mikal had other plans. There was someone he needed to speak with.

  Standing before the thick, wooden door, he heard her speak before he had time to knock. “Come in, Mikal.”

  As he entered the elder’s chambers, he noted once again how regal Risya appeared. As the oldest remaining elder, it amazed him how her eyes and mind remained sharp even though her body gave her age away. Deep wrinkles mapped her face and hands, while long gray hair hung braided down her back. She wore a long, white, toga-styled dress, as always.

  “Risya,” Mikal said with respect, his eyes cast down, “I seek your council.”

  “You’re troubled,” she stated, peering at him.

  “Yes.”

  “I see.” She took a deep breath and then continued, “Tell me what troubles you.”

  “My mate is gone, and I’m afraid for her life,” Mikal admitted.

  “Continue,” she said with her hands clasped behind her back, now gazing out the window.

  “I don’t know how to win this war, and now I fear it’s too late…that all is lost.”

  Risya turned to him and then replied, “Have faith. Everything is as it should be.”

  A small stream of anger broke though and bubbled inside. He tried to mask it, but some leaked out in his voice. “How can the Santiarns having Ambriel be as it should be?”

  Risya pursed her lips in agitation, and Mikal immediately regretted his tone. “Forgive me, Elder Risya.” She nodded before glancing at the scenery below.

  “I love the flowers; they are beautiful to behold aren’t they?”

  Mikal quickly glanced out the window before looking back at Risya. “Yes, they are.”

  She sighed before addressing him once more. “There was more to the prophecy than I originally revealed. Ambriel is on a quest, although she is unaware. Her journey is dangerous but necessary. Have faith, Mikal.”

  That didn’t make him feel any better. If she were on a dangerous mission, then he should be with her. “What does she seek?” he asked.

  “The key.”

  “Pardon me, but I don’t understand. Why can’t I be with her to help?”

  “She seeks the key to winning the war, and with your presence it will not reveal itself. But once she retrieves it, you and your warriors must be ready. The time is growing nigh.”

  When she turned her back to him, he knew the conversation was over. He left her chambers with a heavy heart. As always, he now had more questions than answers.

  Standing outside the closed door of Risya’s chambers, Mikal closed his eyes and blew out a harsh breath. Please be okay, love.

  Chapter Five

  Ambriel

  The Santiarn Realm

  Ambriel sat in the dark, musty cell for what felt like hours. She kept expecting someone to return for her, but thus far, that was not the case. Everything remained eerily quiet, with only the occasional drip of water from a leaky pipe. Every now and then, a shadow would catch her eye, and she’d watch a bug scuttle across the dirty floor. Every time that happened, she drew her legs near, tying to make herself as small as possible.

  With her head resting against the cell wall and her eyes shut, Ambriel replayed scenes from the last two months. One of them was when her father came to visit. They’d sat for hours in the beautiful garden and talked about everything. He wanted to know all about her life, what she remembered about her mother. She couldn’t help but smile, even sitting in this dire place.

  The memories played out one by one. She remembered the look on his face when she showed him the letter her mother had left. He barely got the choked words out as he said in an anguished tone
, “I’m glad she knew that I didn’t just abandon her. I loved Amaya very much and would’ve done anything to be with the both of you.”

  “I know, Dad.” They sat together, her showing him what few pictures she had. “One thing I don’t understand, why is it against the law to interact with humans, and why did they kill Mom?” If she was honest with herself, that still made her angry.

  Des sighed. “The Cusas and Santiarns are old races; the humans are very young. It was decided centuries ago that the humans would be left alone. We wanted them to be able to find their own way without outside influence.” He appeared to be deep in thought and then continued. “The Santiarns agreed, and for years, the humans were indeed left alone. Then one day, the leader of the Santiarns died, and Ornias took over. He decided he wanted to lead all three realms, but he couldn’t find a way into ours. This was the beginning of the war.”

  “I still don’t understand why they killed my mother,” she said in a clipped tone.

  “I’m getting to that,” he smiled sadly. “I know you need to understand. Okay, in the beginning when we first encountered your realm, the humans could see us if we wished it. Unfortunately, they didn’t understand the concept of realms and thought us gods instead. They built alters to worship us even when we tried to explain. But it was no use, their minds were too young. Laws were made with harsh punishments for those who broke them. It served as a warning to others who thought of doing the same. After some time had passed, I’m not sure what happened, but humans could no longer see us. It is thought that their minds just simply rejected anything that wasn’t logical,” he shrugged, “but no one knows for sure.”

  “Your mother, along with a few other humans, could see us. We never figured out why, and we could never hide our presence. The old Commander thought I should never have acknowledged her, and by law, he was correct. I could’ve done that if she hadn’t been my true mate.” Ambriel smiled at his admission. “They feared what your mother knew and who she would tell. They would’ve killed you, too, if they’d known, but only because lines had been crossed, and you had powers. Does that make sense?”

  “I think so. In the beginning the law was made to protect us.”

  “Yes.”

  “And the law remains the same today as it was then?”

  Des scrunched up his nose as he said, “Yes.”

  “I understand, but I don’t like it, and I think it’s a stupid law.”

  Des chuckled. “At one time I thought it was needed, but now I agree with you.”

  Ambriel let the memory fall away as another one took its place.

  Mikal had picked bark from her bare feet after Nanya had kidnapped her from his bed and handed her over to the enemy. After he’d saved her from the Santiarns, he’d been so gentle and concerned, it made her love him more.

  “Does it hurt?” he asked as he tenderly bandaged her feet.

  “No, it’s fine. I’m just glad to be home.”

  He let his forehead rest against hers for a moment and then scooped her up into his strong arms and carried her to bed. That night he just held her tight, both basking in the warmth and comfort of each other.

  She frowned as she thought about the fight they’d had the next day. He’d refused to let her hunt in the Human realm, but they’d compromised, and Mikal had promised not to go without her. Today was his first day back, and he’d left her asleep in bed.

  I need to do something else, protect the human…but what? Protect…hmm, maybe if I… The chanting started again. Ambriel’s head shot up from its resting positon as she listened. This chant was different than the other, but just as powerful. Who was she? The voice was definitely female. Ambriel scanned the area again, but it still lay empty. When the chanting stopped and silence reigned once again, she rested her head against the wall and let more memories fill her mind.

  “Keep your sword up, Ambriel!” Damien ordered during one of their practice sessions.

  “Yeah, like I love to fail and do it just to piss you off,” she shot back.

  “Sometimes I wonder,” he grunted, and she laughed at him.

  She raised her sword, readying herself to block his strike. “What are you doing?” he asked with irritation.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ambriel, your pose is very important. If you don’t hold the sword correctly, then you can’t wield it correctly. You’ll just end up hurting yourself.”

  “But it’s too heavy,” she whined.

  “Stop that!” he ordered.

  She knew it drove him insane to use a whiny voice, so she did it often just to mess with him.

  “But whyyyy?” she whined with a huge, mischievous grin.

  “Ambriel, I swear, if you don’t stop that, I’m going to—”

  “Fine,” she laughed as she lifted the sword with ease, ready to begin again. The look he gave her when she held the sword correctly said that he knew she had been faking. With every block and counter block, sweat dripped from her brow, but she didn’t let up. Her hair was wet and her shirt drenched.

  “That’s it, Ambriel!” Damien said enthusiastically. They practiced hard, and she knew she’d impressed him greatly. “Much better,” he said. “Now go wash, you smell awful!” He grinned at her scowl.

  “Don’t be a dick,” she murmured just loud enough for him to hear as she headed toward the castle. His distant laughter caught the wind and echoed in her ears.

  As the memory fell away, Ambriel wanted to train with Damien one more time. She really enjoyed their back-and-forth banter. He was like the brother she never had.

  “Oh, God. How long have I been here?” It was torture enough just sitting for hours in silence, but it was still better than being in Ornias’ presence.

  She awoke with a start. How long had she been asleep? The chanting in her head was back. “Who’s there?” she asked into the darkness. The cell was dimly lit, and no light shone outside the cell.

  When nobody answered, she felt the darkness that surrounded her, mocking her stupidity for leaving the Cusasleon realm. “I’m so sorry, Mikal,” she said as silent tears ran down her face. Her soul ached to join with his, and she wondered if he felt it, too. After concentrating on the bond the two of them shared, trying to feel his emotions, it was of no use. She felt only emptiness. “I wish I could take it back.”

  Ambriel cried silently until her eyes grew heavy, and she fell sound asleep once again.

  When she awoke for the second time, her back ached, and she felt stiff all over. Jumping to her feet, she stretched, her arms reaching far above her head. She rolled her shoulders a couple of times, stretched her neck from side to side, trying to loosen her muscles.

  She puzzled over why Ornias had left her alone for so long. No one had offered to check on her. Her stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten for a long time. She also needed to pee. She eyed the corner of the cell and quickly dismissed the idea of soiling her temporary home. Not until I have no other choice, she thought.

  The chanting started again in her head, and Ambriel listened closely to the musical voice. It was soft and peaceful as the words alternated in lows and highs in a rhythmic tune.

  Ambriel peered into the darkness just beyond the cell and asked, “Is anyone there?”

  The chanting in her head immediately stopped and she knew someone had heard her. Her breath hitched with excitement. “Is someone there?” Ambriel asked again with a hopeful tone.

  She held her breath as she waited, but with each passing second, she felt deflated until a timid voice spoke from the darkness. “I’m sorry that he caught you.”

  It was her! The one who owned the voice that chanted spells in her head. Ambriel expelled her breath slowly, trying to calm the excitement that infused her entire body. She didn’t want to scare the girl.

  “It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I left the Cusasleon realm,” she admitted in a normal tone.

  “But it’s still my fault and for that, I am sorry,” the voice stated in a sad
tone. Her admission confused Ambriel. How could she have had anything to do with it?

  “That’s okay. What’s your name?” Ambriel asked, trying to sound friendly, wanting to keep her talking.

  I should go. I shouldn’t be here. If he catches me…I need to leave! Ambriel almost panicked at the thought of this girl leaving her alone. “Please, will you tell me your name?”

  I think it’s Keiana. Is that it? I don’t remember. That’s what I’ll call myself. “My name is Keiana,” she stated with uncertainty.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Keiana. How long have you been here?”

  Ambriel didn’t think she would answer aloud, but she finally said, “All my life.”

  Ambriel nodded, trying to keep the disappointment to herself. She thought Keiana was human since she could hear her thoughts, but that wasn’t the case, not if she’d been here her entire life.

  “I need to go,” Keiana said in a rush.

  “Please, don’t. Stay here and talk to me. I’ve been alone for hours.”

  “It’s actually been a day and a half. You slept for a long time.”

  A day and a half? Ambriel couldn’t wrap her mind around it. No wonder she was hungry and had to pee. “I can’t believe Ornias has left me alone for so long.”

  “I’m sorry. That’s also my fault. I cast a spell to make him forget that you’re here. I’m afraid they won’t be bringing you any food.”

  Ambriel blew out a relieved breath. At least she knew why they hadn’t bothered her, but that left others problems at hand. She couldn’t stay here and not eat. Looking toward the darkness, and said, “Thank you. Can you help me get out of here?”

  “I…I don’t know what to do.” She could hear Keiana’s nervousness as her voice drifted softly to her ears. She knew she needed to tread lightly.

  “I’ll help you as much as I can,” Ambriel said, but Keiana still hid in the darkness. “Will you come closer so I can see you?”

  “I’m afraid,” Keiana admitted with a shaky voice.