Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series by Aderyn Lonigan Page B

you have all done enough,” she replied as she stood. “I will be fine.” Kidreyli began to stand as if to attend, and the sorceress raised her hand to her, “Stay, please. Enjoy the evening.”
    The warrior realized that conceding to her wishes was the better part of valor.
    As Kaitra walked away into the relative darkness, Eirran stated, “Her healing from these events will be a long and difficult road. It is good that you will be with her.”
    “I will be leaving tomorrow,” Kidreyli replied.
    Eirran smiled and speared a small fruit with his knife. “So you have said. Didn’t you commit to tell a story to our children?”
    “Of course, whenever you’re ready.”
    Eirran motioned toward the table top. “Please sit up here.” He continued, addressing the villagers, “Everyone, our children have, shall we say,
requested
that Kidreyli tell them a story of her adventures. Gather ‘round if you wish to listen.”
    The children could not contain their excitement as they rushed to sit on the ground as close to the table as possible. Most of the older villagers elected to stay as well. Some of the adolescents, however, chose to take the opportunity to pair off and be by themselves. Cliona came over a leaned on Eirran, who put his arm around her as Kidreyli grabbed another tankard of mead and began her story.
    Cliona whispered to Eirran, “You know Kaitra is leaving?”
    He confirmed, “Yes.”
    “We could extend our wards around her.”
    “She will be all right. You’re such a worrier,” he smiled and kissed her on the lips.

    Kaitra moved slowly through the field behind the huts, a little unsure of herself. She called out softly, “Tyral? Are you out here?” There was no response. She continued on. It was rather hard to see, as the field was lit only by the stars and moon above, and her eyes had not fully adapted to the dark. She thought she could see a horse near the tree line standing alone. “Tyral, is that you?”
    “Yes,” was the answer that flooded her mind.
    “Oh my!” she exclaimed softly as the force of the Katrion’s thoughts caused her to take a step back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect that.”
    “I understand,” replied Tyral telepathically. “Everyone reacts the same way the first time our minds touch.”
    “I was wondering if you would grant me a huge favor,” the sorceress posed.
    “What would that be?”
    “Could you please take me to the temple?”
    “Now?” Tyral was surprised.
    “Yes,” Kaitra was adamant.
    “I don’t know. I should speak to Kidreyli first.” Tyral was hesitant because of concern for her safety.
    “No, please. Don’t tell her about this, ever.”
    It was quiet for a few moments.
    “Please, Tyral. I must do this.”
    Again, a few moments of quiet, and then she conceded, “All right, get on.”
    She jumped high and scrambled up on the Katrion’s back, holding tightly to her mane as the horse quietly headed away from the village. As they approached the opposing tree line, Tyral stepped up the pace.
    To her surprise, Kaitra felt a great energy pass over her, as if someone had violently pulled a bed sheet off her. “What was that?”
    “We’ve just passed through the defensive wards of the village,” the sorceress heard in her mind.
    “I’ve never felt anything like that.”
    “Not surprising. Hold on tight,” Tyral recommended as she stepped up the pace to a full gallop.
    It was not long before they reached the temple grounds. It was dark in places that should be light, illuminated only by the Moon of Talera that quietly passed above. Only the insects and the frogs could be heard this night. A cold shiver touched her neck and shoulders. It was truly eerie. She slipped off the Katrion’s back and patted her gently on the neck.
    “Be careful,” Tyral cautioned.
    Kaitra needed to see the temple one last time. The events of the previous night had been playing over and over in her mind to the point of confusion, and she was hoping that being