Band of the Raven

As the next day came and went, Darin and Brendiel readied themselves for their training while Kiara sat with Mira through the evening, giving small bursts of energy as she struggled to keep the barrier up. Brendiel walked up behind them as the sun hovered above the trees.

“Can you sense them?” he asked.

Kiara turned her head towards the forest. “Not yet, however that could be because of Mira. She is putting everything and more into her spell. As soon as that barrier falls, we will see how much stronger Wolarian is. Killian has his ways of bringing out the power in people.” She said with a sly smile.

Brendiel chuckled and lifted a large hammer over his shoulder. “That he does. I do wish I could go a few swings with him again. It has been awhile since we have gone at it. I don’t know how I will fair against my counter part out there, though. Black magic has never been something I enjoyed fighting.” He said as he turned towards the hooded man.

Just try not to die too quickly, old friend. Darin called out.

“It’s time.” Mira spoke softly. Her eyes dimmed and she fell quickly onto Kiara’s lap. Her hands gently ran through Mira’s hair.

“She will need time now to recover. I would wait until…” She stopped and her focus was sent directly to the woods. “Do you feel that?” She said sternly. Brendiel looked out and started to laugh hysterically.

The boy has surpassed our expectations. What happened in that forest? Darin spoke to everyone.

“Killian was trained by a hermit a long time ago. Whatever he learned from that thing; I am sure he mastered it for this reason. In two days, no being alive could grow that quickly otherwise.” Brendiel said. “It is almost frightening.” Killian broke through the tree line first, walking slowly and confidently with his sword sheathed. His short hair was spiked, and old blood stained through its roots. Behind him walked a black wolf. But it didn’t resemble Wolarian. Its fur was not as rough, and its eyes were not as bright.

“Well that seems like it was a waste of time!” Harly called out from behind everyone as she walked out of the lodge. “It seems our wolf has been tamed, though.” She said mockingly.

“Sweet child,” Kiara began. “If you could feel what we feel, you would know how wrong you are.”

The two walked through the valley as they watched their friends gather to greet them. “Now would be a good time to change back, Wolarian. We don’t need eyes seeing you as your true self.” The wolf quickly morphed back into a human. Wolarian’s walk was straight and direct. His gaze was calm and collected.

“Am I ready?” Wolarian asked. “I want to protect them all.”

Killian looked over to him as they walked over the last hill. “I believe you will become the strongest changeling to walk the earth.”

“If only it had rained overnight!” Brendiel called out. “I can smell you boys from here!” The old man laughed out of his belly.

Killian smirked and agreed. “That will be the first thing I do once I get inside.” He turned to Mira who was still passed out. “Please take care of her. You two should be fine to leave now and get settled. Kiara can hold a barrier for the time being. Let Mira rest.” He looked back at Wolarian. “Take her to her room and close the door after you leave. Stay outside her door until she wakes.” The boy nodded and picked her up off Kiara’s lap.

“You have grown strong, young one.” Kiara said softly as the boy knelt. “Be sure you remember your training for when you need it.”

“Yes, my lady.” He replied as he lifted Mira into his arms. He walked past Harly without a word said, nor a glance. Harly was in shock at his new demeanor.

“What did you do to him?” Harly asked Killian after the wolf-man entered the lodge.

Killian looked over and smirked. “I broke him.” He then knelt to Kiara and whispered into her ear. “I must speak with you after Mira wakes.” She nodded. Killian walked past his comrades as well and disappeared into the building.

“Well I believe it is our turn now, Darin. Care to lead?” Brendiel said with his arm and hand extended.

It will take all I have to not kill you these next two days, old man.

“Well let us see who kills whom, shadow master.” He said with a booming laugh. “You ladies take care now.” He said as he ran behind Darin to catch up.

Kiara sighed and watched the two venture on as the sun began to set behind the trees. “They might actually kill each other.” She said back to Harly.

“How is that? I have never seen Darin fight and Brendiel is much older than all of us. I cannot see a way they can last two days without either of them giving up from exhaustion.”

“Darin has a very interesting skill set. He was once a dark servant many ages ago. The right hand of the king who used to rule this land.” She said while lifting her hands. “And Brendiel, despite his looks, is the strongest man I know in pure physical strength. I almost wish I could watch them fight. It would be very interesting to see.” Her eyes turned bright white and a glow came from her hands. “Go let Killian know the vail is up. Get some food and I will meet you inside shortly.” Harly bowed and retreated into the lodge. I know what you are going to ask of me, Killian. But I do not know why you want this so badly. Kiara thought to herself.

The sun fell behind the land as darkness covered the town once more. Mira’s eyes slowly peaked open as she sighed in exhaustion. She rolled over on her bed to feel the cool night air on her face. “I can sense you, Wolarian.” She called out softly and closed her eyes. “You may come in.” The door slowly opened as the young man entered. His tan arms glimmered off the light from a nearby candle. “You have gotten stronger. I take it your training went well?” She said as she slowly sat up and looked at him with a smile.

“Killian is a hard trainer.” He said with an intense look in his eyes. He put his arms behind him and pushed out his chest. “Yet, I do feel stronger than before.”

“There is no need for formalities with me, Wolarian. I am just like you and Harly.” Mira said while she stood and stretched her arms towards the air.

Wolarian slipped a smile and relaxed his body. “I forgot. It was only two days, but it felt like an eternity. Since I have you alone, may I ask you a question?” He said politely.

Taken back by his newfound demeanor, she nodded her head and continued to smile. “Of course, young wolf.” She said teasingly.

“Have you ever heard of the monster known as Gronda?”

Mira’s smile faded and a shadow fell over her bright pink eyes. “How do you know that name?” She said softly and quiet.

“Killian said that a monster was waiting for us under the northern city. He said in order to kill it and keep you safe I would have to get stronger.” Wolarian spoke with his golden eyes darting through Mira’s. A sigh of relief came from the maiden’s lips and her eyes lifted.

“I believe your trainer has pulled a prank on you.” She giggled. “I would talk to Killian once more about the demon Gronda. She WAS a horrible being.” She emphasized. Confused, the young man took a step forward and put his hands out in front of him.

“What do you mean, was?”

Mira quickly skipped past him and through the door. “I have to go! Get some rest!” Her short hair bounced off her shoulders as her feet tapped down the stairs, leaving Wolarian in her room.

“Wait!” He cried out but heard the tavern door smack behind her as she left to go outside. He turned and ran down the steps after her, nearly tripping on the second step. As he approached the door, Kiara’s voice came from the other side.

“Be careful, Mira!” she called out. Wolarian’s body stiffened and his muscles tightened. The door gently opened as the white-eyed woman walked in to see her companion stiffened with his arms once again behind his back. “You can relax now, Wolarian. Your training is over for now. Go get some rest!” Kiara said and patted him on the cheek. “Tomorrow will come soon.” She said as she continued towards Killian’s room. The young man relaxed as Kiara’s footsteps faded above him and the sound of his trainer’s door opening and closing.

“Well, I guess I will have to wait till morning to talk with either of them.” He said to himself. “Oh well. I suppose a night of rest will do me good.” His sight slowly faded as his tiring body took hold. He sat at a nearby table and put his head down for just one moment and was fast asleep before a barmaid could come check on him.

Kiara stood in the doorway as three candles flickered around Killian’s room. Her hands were on her hips and her eyes fixed on the flame in front of her.

“You know what I am going to ask.” Killian began while sitting in the windowsill with his knee leaning against the window. He looked out into the darkness and towards the woods. “How long has it been, Kiara? It feels like it was only days ago. The screams of the men echo in my ears even now.”

“It was a very long time ago, Killian. We have all moved on but you. What are you still afraid of?” She said with a concerned tone.

“There is a feeling deep inside me. It hasn’t gone away ever since we left the kingdom. Something is coming.” He spoke softly and sternly, still looking hard out the window.

“You have always been someone who worries. We won. Don’t you remember? We destroyed him and the city along with it.” Kiara walked towards him and sat on his bed. She reached her hand out and placed it on his shoulder. “We both lost many who we found close to us: Soldiers, families, loved ones. But it needed to be done.” Killian’s head slowly turned and met with Kiara’s white diamond eyes.

“I see their faces when I sleep. I see his face above them all. I can hear him laughing. I hate him, even now. How can someone still torture another in death?” he asked with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“You grew up with him. He was all you knew. To be honest, after we met, I felt the same about you. The way your gaze cut through a person so easily. I remember waking up in sweats with only your red eyes piercing through my mind.” She said and smiled softly. “But then I met you again, and you were calming. Still a bit stubborn, mind you.” She chuckled and made Killian smirk as well. “But in that moment, I found you were not the monster he made you to be. You are not him. Do not let him take that.” Killian looked back outside and watched as a swift breeze flew towards the tree line.

“Mira just cast her barrier. Brendiel and Darin should be killing each other right about now.”

Kiara leaned back and looked out the window with him. “This wasn’t what you wanted to talk to me about earlier. Why don’t I ask my question.” She stated. “Why are you having me go back to that place? You know how hard it was to lock her up. For the both of us. She almost killed you.”

Killian turned and looked back at her. He began to talk hesitantly. “I have faith that you will be able to control her if you train yourself to limit her involvements during battle.”

“What do you mean? She isn’t a power like your abilities, or Mira’s magic. She is rage.” She paused. “My rage. and does not see friend or foe. She only sees pray. If I let her out, it could kill all of you. I know you may not look it, but you are not as quick as you were when we first locked her up. She could easily rip us both apart.” Panic started to form in her voice as she stood quickly. “Do not make her endanger our party!” She cried out.

Calmly, Killian rose to meet her and stepped forward. “If anyone could control the power of a goddess, it would be the Princess of Light.”

“Do not flatter me with your kind words! That name died, along with yours, long ago!” She snapped back.

“Kiara, I promise you I will not let her destroy us.” He stared deep into her eyes and flickered his emerald gaze at her. A moment passed until Kiara’s face calmed.

“Fine,” she said softly and dropped her head. “I will try. But if she grows too much and I cannot control her I need you with me.” She reached out and punched the man in the chest firmly. “And don’t ever call me that name again! We promised we would let those names die, Bringer of Red Rain.” She lifted her head up and smirked. She turned and began out the door. “I will be in the cellar. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, hurry to me. Oh, and do not let anyone else come down there.” She said and exited the room. Killian turned towards one of the candles and gazed into the fire with a wry smile on his face.

“The Bringer of Red Rain,” He said to himself. “I do miss the sound of that.”