Successor Read online

  The other female elder speaks up for the first time. “Severing your connection with the Link could leave it temporarily vulnerable to influences that could appoint the next bloodline. It is plausible he has devised a method, but it is difficult to determine the means he would use.”

  I bite the inside of my lip. The thought of Taustin trying to steal my Link for himself is unsettling. It would be a violation of who I am as a person. The Link is now a part of me, our energies fused through our bond. It is now, in essence, my life force, and I’ll be damned if someone is going to take it from me.

  I sit in one of the open chairs and place my hands on the table. “Okay. So besides wanting to kill me, plain and simple, he might want the Link for himself—which would be the same as killing me in the end.” I look from one elder to the next. “What are some other possibilities?”

  “He may be seeking leverage against the clan to obtain control of the lands.”

  “How would he do that?”

  “By forcing your cooperation once your assimilation completes. Taustin is ruthless in his ambitions. He would use any means necessary to coerce your obedience.”

  “You mean he would threaten the safety of the people.”

  The elders nod.

  “And he wouldn’t stop with the Laraek, would he?”

  “No weapon is more powerful than an elemental.”

  “And if Taustin wielded control over one?”

  Maemon’s expression tightens. “He would become death incarnate.”

  My brows lift. “Perfect.” My stomach churns with tension. “So out of all the possible reasons he may have for coming after me—as far as we know—they all depend on succeeding before the redirection happens, right?”

  Maemon nods. “The reckless dispatches of the attacks are a sign of desperation. Whatever Taustin’s intentions are, he seems determined to achieve them before you become an elemental.”

  “That’s why I’m here.” A breath to steel my resolve. “I’m no more prepared for the redirection than I was for the assimilation. If anything, I’m worried the connection might be lost if I’m not ready for it.” I lift my hand in supplication. “I need you to help me prepare.”

  Maemon smiles, looking relieved. “We will help any way we can.”

  We spend the next few minutes discussing meditation and visualization techniques that might be helpful. The elders know enough about the Link’s effect on the bonder to suggest different coping methods for when I take on its emotions and thoughts. I’ll be able to separate my feelings from the Link’s, but they warn there’ll be times I may get overwhelmed by the intensity of our combined emotions.

  Whatever effect the redirection has on me, I’ll deal with it. I need to learn to accept the Link into my mind, and from what the elders have told me, it won’t be easy.

  “The key to assimilating with a Link is the intellectual and emotional openness of the host. If the bonder is not fully prepared to accept the Link, either due to an unwillingness to merge or a lack of focus, the assimilation will fail and the Link will return to the Origin.”

  “Unless you have a ball like mine,” I reply, my tone dry.

  “That is what makes your situation unpredictable. Given that you have been able to communicate with your Link while separate, a unique relationship has developed between the two of you. It may serve as a safeguard during the transfer.”

  I sniff in annoyance. “There hasn’t been much communicating on the Link’s part. I’ve tried asking it questions, but its answers are vague. I’ve sort of given up on it for the time being.”

  “Do not let it trouble you. The redirection will open the Link to you when you are fully connected.”

  Let’s hope so. “So when can we start?”

  “Preparations are in place for tonight’s ceremony, so it will be best to wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I suggest you observe the Laraek customs for the occasion. They are, in part, your heritage.”

  “You know, I have to say I’m a little surprised it hasn’t been postponed.”

  The elders look perplexed. “I assume you are referring to the attacks,” Maemon replies. I shrug and she smiles. “The threat is great, but life must continue on. In dark times, it is best to embrace the light.”

  Not a decision I agree with, but I nod anyway and stand. As I turn to leave, the voice of the third elder, the man, stops me.

  “Before you leave, we want to talk to you about the new security arrangement.”

  “Oh. Sure.” I forgot.

  “Your safety is of the utmost importance, so you will be placed under Ren’s direct protection.”

  Oh shit…

  “As he is the defense commander, he is the most capable for the task. He will maintain a close proximity to you at all times until this situation is resolved.”

  Leila is going to have a field day with this.

  I clear my throat. “Is he aware of the…arrangement?”

  “He was informed when he returned to the village this morning.” Maemon eyes me and frowns. “Does something trouble you?”

  My head shakes of its own volition. “No, no, it’s fine.” Fate is taunting me, I swear. “I just don’t want to get in the way of him doing his job.” Sounds reasonable, right? For equal measure, I add, “I’m also a little nervous about leaving Leila alone. She doesn’t understand the language. It may be hard for her to let Kirahl know if she needs anything.”

  “During the day, you may check on her on occasion.”

  With Ren hovering nearby…

  “And should your assistance be needed, you will be sent for at once. As for Ren, do not concern yourself with encroaching on his duties. His primary task is ensuring your safety. It will be easier for him to do so if you are close. He has agreed the arrangement is ideal.”

  I nod, trying to look reassured when all I want to do is kick something. I can hear Leila’s comments already.

  “Do you find the arrangement agreeable?”

  No. “Yeah, it’s fine.” A moment later my stomach decides to make its presence known. I force a laugh. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a pressing matter to attend to.” The elders nod their bids goodbye, and I weave my way out of the garden.

  This has trouble written all over it. I may have every intention of avoiding complications with Ren, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find him attractive. When I first met him and he irritated the hell out of me, I had a hard time not being distracted by him. I still do. And since he told me about his past…I can’t deny I feel a connection to him. We’ve both lost family. We have an understanding now, whether I like it or not.

  Leaving the garden behind, I veer right and head toward the path leading to the healing hollow. As I pass the animal pens and approach the training yard, scouts are sparring as they were yesterday morning. The fighting is dialed back to prevent serious injury, but the exchanged blows are enough to make me wince. One hit would have me down and out. I dread to think how I’d manage in a real fight.

  Ren stands at the edge of the yard, talking with a scout. My chest lightens. All limbs are accounted for, and he doesn’t seem to be injured. Aside from some mud on his feet and hands, he looks none the worse for wear.

  Unease fills me as I close the distance between us. The elders said he agrees the new protection detail is ideal, but given how tense things were when we last saw each other, I have to wonder if that’s true. Then again, I could be reading too much into things.

  Ren surveys the center, his gaze sweeping the area before he spots me and stops. His expression alters, his brows drawing apart as the tension around his eyes and mouth eases. He looks back to the scout, exchanging a few more words before the man strides away. Ren focuses on me again for a beat before he starts toward me. I realize I’ve stopped walking altogether and force my feet to move.

  He stops a few feet from me. “How are you, Evan?”

  “I’m okay.” His use of my name makes me smile a little. “I’m glad to see you are, too. Kais said no one
else was injured in the pursuit.”

  He brings a hand to the quiver strap across his chest and grasps it. “We were fortunate no other outlanders had trespassed.”

  “I heard the intruder escaped.”

  “We tracked him through the territory, but we did not reach him before he crossed the boundary line. We were not prepared for the possibility of an ambush, so we did not pursue farther out. We searched and secured the outer territory before returning.”

  My mouth opens, but a response eludes me. My gaze falls to my hands, to the ground, to the people around us.

  What am I supposed to say? Sorry the guy got away?

  “I was…um—” I twist my fingers together and force myself to look at him. “I was worried…about you.”

  He’s still for a long moment before his expression softens, almost to a look of surprise. His gaze searches mine. “I was concerned for you, as well. I was reluctant to leave you behind and lead the pursuit.”

  I lift a dismissive shoulder. “There were other scouts protecting me.”

  A subtle grimace darkens his features, and I can tell he isn’t satisfied. He’s the type who feels the need to do everything himself to ensure it’s done right. It’s no wonder he agreed to the new protection detail.

  “They told me about the new arrangement,” I say. He looks at me, his expression blank, and I raise a brow in return. “The one where you’ve agreed to be my personal bodyguard.”

  With a single blink, comprehension dawns, and he takes a deep breath, seeming to gauge my reaction. I wait.

  “The elders believe it is a wise precaution.”

  “Having you around me day and night? Is that really necessary?”

  He glances to the side. “If you would prefer to have a sentry guard you instead, the arrangement can be altered.”

  “No, that’s not it.” My hand lifts to halt his assumption. His gaze meets mine again, and I curl my fingers into my palm, dropping my hand. My breath comes out in a huff. “I meant in general, not you specifically.”

  He eyes me, his mouth pressing into a thin line. He surveys the center again.

  The awkward avoidance is too much. “I’m sorry. I’m used to spending a lot of time by myself—part of the whole independence thing. The idea of having someone with me all the time is kind of…overwhelming.”

  A curious gleam enters his eyes as he regards me. “Something we have in common.”

  My chest lightens a little. “At least it’ll give us plenty of time to train, right?”

  “You still wish to learn to fight?”

  Just watching the sparring pairs makes me nervous. One of the men flips his partner on his back with a loud thud, making me grimace.

  “Maybe something easy to start.”

  The ghost of a smile pricks the corners of his mouth. “When would you like to begin?”

  “I was going to take some food to Leila.” I gesture toward the courtyard across the center.

  He gives me a nod. “After.”

  My hands find my hips, and I squint at him in the brightening light of morning. “Don’t you need to sleep? You’ve been awake since yesterday morning, haven’t you?”

  Not only has he been awake, but he also pulled me out of a staked pit and chased after an intrusive outlander all night. The man has to be exhausted.

  “Ensuring your protection is more important.”

  Bewildered, I gape at him. “You can’t seriously intend to stay awake the entire time you’re guarding me.” He returns my stare without a word, and I frown. “No—no, you’re not doing that. I’ll request someone else if I have to.”

  The corners of his eyes tighten, his head tilting to one side. “Why do you object?”

  “Because it’s not good for you.” He doesn’t look swayed, so I cross my arms and add, “Lack of sleep causes loss of focus.” My brow rises, challenging. “Would you want to jeopardize my safety by overlooking a possible risk?”

  A tiny smirk tugs up the corner of his mouth. It’s perfectly patronizing. “I think you will find my attention to detail adequate.”

  “But a normal person can’t function on—”

  “You will be well cared for, I promise.”

  I run a hand through my hair, blowing out an exasperated breath. “It’s not me I’m worried about. Lack of sleep isn’t good for your health. You’ve taken plenty of risks for me already. I’m not about to—”

  With a step forward, he lifts his fingers to my lips without touching them, silencing me. Tension shoots through me, my heart skipping a beat, and I withdraw a fraction at the unexpected closeness.

  “I appreciate your concern for my welfare.” His voice is quiet, heat radiating from his fingertips. “But it is not necessary. I will rest when I need to.”

  My gaze narrows to a glare. His grin deepens, and I realize he’s goading me.

  Imagine that—Ren has a light side after all.

  Trying not to smile and failing, I roll my eyes and bat his hand away. “Will you get some today, at least?”

  He returns his hand to his quiver strap. “Why?”

  “It’ll give me peace of mind. Please?”

  He regards me, a curious gleam in his eye. “As you wish.”

  “Thank you.” I glance around and notice a few people watching us with interest. My back stiffens and I return my gaze to Ren. “I guess this means you’ll be my shadow from now on.”

  He tips his head toward the training yard. “I need to organize the scouts and sentries for their altered duties first. Once we finish your training, I will rest—due to your adamant insistence. The new arrangement will begin before the ceremony tonight.”

  Looks like I have a date for the wedding.

  A groan echoes in my head. My conscience is working against its own resolve.

  “Works for me.” I bounce my hands against my thighs, watching the sparring pairs for a few moments. “I’ll see you soon.”

  He nods, and I step around him to head for the courtyard, forcing my eyes forward the whole way.

  Chapter Twelve

  To make things a little easier for Leila when I’m not around, I asked Kirahl to help me teach her some of the Laraek’s sign language. Leila doesn’t like learning new languages to begin with, but she gave in with some coaxing.

  When I mentioned the preparations for the ceremony, she perked up and asked if she could go. Kirahl agreed it would be okay, as long as she doesn’t exert herself too much. Considering she can’t stand without holding onto something, exerting herself is the last thing she’ll do tonight.

  The walk back to the training yard takes longer than usual, my thoughts distracting me from the gazes burning into my back. My pace is unhurried as I cross the center, scraping my thumbnail over the woven threads on the strap of my bag. When I scan the area for Ren, he’s nowhere to be found. Maybe the last day finally caught up with him, and he’s somewhere sleeping it off.

  A group stands at the perimeter of the sparring ring as I approach. Facing off against another scout, Ren looks anything but tired. He and the other man are going all out, exchanging blows and blocks as the audience calls encouragement and suggestions.

  My eyes fix on the match in fascination. The technique is a combination of different styles I’ve seen only in movies. I have no idea which moves belong to which form, but speed is a definite factor. The bout is taking its toll on the two men. Each wears a sheen of sweat, their breathing heavy. From what I’ve seen, this is a daily occurrence.

  I’m so out of my league here. There’s no way I can pull off fighting like this, now or anytime soon…or ever.

  “You look like you have never seen such a competition.”

  The unexpected voice makes me jump. Lasula, the woman who kept watch while I bathed the night before, is standing next to me with an amused look in her eyes.

  An uncertain chuckle bubbles up my throat. “Not in person.” I wince at a quick kick Ren manages to block at the last moment. With my gaze glued to the fight, I ask, “Do you
guys do this every day?”

  “It is important to be prepared, especially with events like last night’s intrusion.”

  I shake my head, stupefied. “This is insane. I’ll be down and out in no time.”

  “Do you plan to take part in a bout?” Her tone is puzzled but holds interest.

  “Not at all.” My eyes are wide when I glance at her. “Ren’s going to teach me a few things as soon as he’s done with…whoever that is.”

  “Gilahn. He and his mate, Zaeza, are two of our choice trackers.”

  “Really? She didn’t mention she has a mate.” My attention returns to the men in action.

  “Would you be interested in learning to use a weapon instead?”

  I bite my lip. I’ve never used any kind of weapon before, unless you count kitchen knives. Still, it seems more doable than learning the fighting style the men are using.

  “Do you have any that will keep me from poking out someone’s eye?”

  She chuckles. “I would recommend a staff to start.”

  A staff, huh? Okay. I can learn to fight with a big stick.

  The match comes to an abrupt end when Ren dodges a strike in a twisting move, knocking Gilahn on his back. Loud calls of approval erupt from the group as Ren offers the man a hand up. They exchange a few words before Gilahn joins the others.

  Curious, I wait to see how long it’ll take Ren to spot me in the crowd. As if hearing my thoughts, his focus turns to where I stand next to Lasula. His head tilts to one side and he eyes me. I lift my fingers in a wave from the strap over my chest.

  He straightens and calls out, “Begin.”

  The scouts and sentries disperse into pairs, including Lasula, leaving me on my own as Ren approaches. He stops within a few feet of me, his chest rising and falling as his breathing evens out.

  “How is your friend feeling?” He saves me from having to speak first.

  “She’s better. Thanks.” I lift my brows in admiration. “That was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

  His eyes widen a little and his shoulders stiffen. He pulls in a quick breath, glancing at the sparring pairs behind him and back to me. “Is that what you wish to learn?”