The Harbinger (A Fight for Light Novel Book 2) (3 page)

“Jealous, much?” Kayleigh giggled.

Kellen relaxed and smiled but kept his arm around me. Just then the other guy walked up. His face was curious. He was also tall, tan, and muscular. What a surprise. What I did notice were his eyes. They were very blue and soft, kind looking. He had very dark hair. The interesting thing about him was the way he was watching Kayleigh. She noticed and blushed. Ah ha, I thought, these two like each other.

Kellen introduced us and I found out his name was Tristan. His voice was soft, although very masculine. He greeted me politely and shook my hand. I liked his soft demeanor immediately. His interest in Kayleigh was undeniable.

The afternoon passed quickly and happily. Kellen finished practicing with his friends. Tristan and Kayleigh had been chaperoned by Seasnan and gone for a walk. Kellen told me they were betrothed. I asked him if that meant that they were engaged. He threw his head back and laughed and told me yes. I seemed to always be able to make him laugh. He had been so happy today, his eyes bright and shining the whole day.

At dinner that night we finally discussed the reasons for our visit. We were seated around the large wooden dining table in Kellen’s home. The formal dining room was decorated much as the rest of the house with velvets and lace, tapestries and florals, golden fleur de Lis and a large mural of the Guardian army. Both Tristan and Seasnan had joined the family and I learned that they were often here.

We enjoyed a very elaborate dinner with many courses. It had started with homemade soup full of vegetables and herbs and fresh baked bread followed by five main courses that included seafood and local dishes. There had been venison and boar as well as chicken and the largest crab legs I had ever seen. Large platters of fresh vegetables and sauces also filled the table. My eyes were wide at the amount that kept coming. Plate after plate, dish after dish, served consecutively.

Everyone ate heartily and leisurely. Meals were not rushed in this house. There was much conversation along with plenty of good natured teasing. These were hearty, happy people.
My
people. My heritage.

They lived life to its fullest, and they enjoyed it. I was completely enamored with his family and the whole atmosphere. I found myself laughing and talking often. Kellen turned to me frequently, smiling and squeezing my hand. He was having as much fun as I was. We were both very glad I came.

I noticed Kayleigh watching us frequently, mostly her brother. She smiled her same big grin at me often. I really liked her. Instantly. She was so enthusiastic and loving. Her sense of humor was fantastic. We often looked at each other and giggled like old school friends. Kellen noticed and smiled wider. He liked that we were developing a close friendship already. The way his eyes softened and held mine, I knew how he felt without voicing it.

“I would like to make a toast,” Kedehern announced, “to our guest, Rhiannon.” Goblets were raised around the table. “To her grace and beauty, to her wisdom and leadership, may she live in good health for many years to come.”

“Here, here,” Tristan agreed.

“To Rhiannon.” Several voices repeated.

“To my love,” Kellen whispered.

We drank from our goblets simultaneously. I smiled and blushed, touched by their hospitality.

Dessert was served. Pastries in sweet and savory, clotted cream, and fresh fruit. It was delicious. Far more elegant in taste than I ever thought possible. I was in danger of over indulging.

Soon, the conversation changed to why Kellen and I had arrived in Karmelo.

“The enemy is growing bolder in the human world. There have been many instances where they are crossing during the daylight hours. Rhiannon has been attacked several different times now. The decision to send me came at just the right time. I saved her life from certain death only weeks after I arrived.” He paused at the sharp intake of breath from Mairwen.

“The demons are bolder. They take the form of her worst fears. A hag and two werewolves surprised her in the forest and I took care of them, but she could have been killed.” He paused again for a moment with difficulty and then continued. “She is on their radar now, no longer hidden by her grandmother. It is very dangerous for her, for us all.”

I put my hand on his shoulder and he looked at me, still a little choked up about the memory. He raised his hand and brushed my cheek as I smiled at him reassuringly.

“Kellen defeated the last demon. He was frightening…and took the form of my dead grandfather,” several gasps of surprise filled the room, “I would have died, for certain, if not for Kellen.”

He held me closer and placed a kiss on my forehead. “Not on my watch.”

“This is important news Kellen,” Kedehern replied, “we must notify the council and warn the allies. Fighting has also increased here, in the surrounding cities. The attacks around the countryside continue and grow in number. Fires and theft grow more rampant. The enemy is preparing. Something bigger is coming and I don’t like the signs. We must have a plan. I have no doubt that this is only the beginning. War has lingered on our doorstep for decades.”

“Why do they want Rhiannon? For what purpose?” Kayleigh asked.

“We all know of the legends, of her ancestry. I’m not sure of their intentions. The attacks don’t make sense. It’s all wrong. I’m not sure if they want to ki…hurt her or…worse.” He struggled through his words, no doubt to resist saying too much and not wanting to scare me.

“Kellen,” I said softly, “you have to say what you think. Don’t worry about scaring me.”

I looked in his eyes when I told him, hoping he would listen. He only shook his head at me.

I turned to the table. “I was alone the first time, in the forest by my house. It was a demon, in the form of a Minotaur. He was frightening. Truly, I thought I was going to die. I barely escaped. I…I nearly fell to my death.” My voice faltered a little.

I heard several abrupt gasps and saw Kellen look at me sharply. I had forgotten he didn’t know that part about the cliff. He looked furious, about what I wasn’t sure. Oops.

Kellen had enough and stood up, pushing his chair back. He helped me out of my seat and put his arm around me. He wasn’t going to say anymore right now. Everyone understood. He was protecting me, doing his duty as my Guardian. I sighed softly. He steered me toward the front door, placing my hand in his and squeezing tightly.

“Obviously she needed protection sooner than we realized. I’m taking Rhiannon for a walk. We’ll return soon.”

Outside, he took my hand and pulled me along, his grip becoming tighter with every step. We walked along for a few minutes in the dark as our eyes adjusted. I could feel the tension in his arm. It felt like it was building. I was right. A few minutes later he pulled me over to the base of a large tree. His face was angry and concerned while he paced anxiously in front of me. I leaned back against it, waiting.

After a moment, he put his hands on either side of me against the tree. He leaned close, only a few inches from my face. I thought he was going to confront me. Instead, his expression softened, and he kissed me.

“Rhiannon,” he said softly when he pulled away. “I’m so upset that I wasn’t there when you got attacked that first time. I should have been. I wasn’t following you everywhere yet. You could have been…” He didn’t finish.

“Kellen, it’s really fine. You can’t beat yourself up over the ‘what ifs’. I’m unharmed.”

“I know that but…wait a minute. Why were you looking at me like that a minute ago? Did you think I was mad at you?”

I didn’t say anything and looked away from his piercing eyes.

“Rhiannon, darling?”

He took my chin in his hand and turned my face back to him. He saw the truth in my eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry if I gave that impression. It was only concern for you and frustration in myself.”

“It’s all right,” I whispered, “I take things too seriously sometimes.”

He kissed me softly again and then tenderly brushed my cheek with his fingers.

“I love you, and you can take that seriously.”

“I love you too. Kellen?”

“Yes?” He whispered.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your family and your sister?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why are you asking me that? My reasons no longer exist.”

I frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He sighed. “Rhia, I really don’t want to argue right now.”

I folded my arms across my chest. Why did he always do this? Why did he always block my questions? At least the personal ones. And why did he constantly answer my questions with a question? It was very irritating.

“I’m not trying to argue with you Kellen. I just want to know the truth,” I told him quietly.

He narrowed his eyes. “I see, well, perhaps it is for the same reason you didn’t tell me about flying.”

My jaw dropped open and I stared at him. What did he mean?

“Kellen, I don’t-”

He cut me off. “Rhiannon, you told me that you ran away from that Minotaur and now I find out that you actually flew away over a cliff and almost died. It’s not really telling me the truth, is it?” He had guessed the truth with amazing accuracy.

I could see the frustration in his face. I stared at him for a moment. He was right, in a way.

“I guess you are partially right but I didn’t tell you because back then I wasn’t sure if you would think I was crazy or stupid. Everything was new and I was confused. Then I sort of forgot about it as we got closer. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.” I tried to sound sincere. It was the truth.

He nodded and smiled. “Thank you, apology accepted.”

I smiled back and waited. He stared at me but didn’t say a word. I raised an eyebrow as the silence continued. His expression was very calm, too innocent. He knew what I was waiting for.

“Kellen? I’m waiting.” I finally broke the silence.

He shrugged his shoulders and looked into my eyes, not the least bit intimidated. I shouldn’t have, but I got angry with him.

“Fine, I thought we trusted each other. I thought we were in a relationship. I guess I was wrong,” I fumed at him.

I pulled away from him and started stomping back toward the house. I hadn’t gone more than a few steps when he picked me up and brought me back to the tree. He let go of me but stood directly in front so I couldn’t leave again. I scowled at him.

I saw the corners of his mouth twitch in amusement. It actually made me even angrier. I looked away, refusing to acknowledge him at all. I heard him sigh softly. He very gently took my chin in his hands and turned my face back toward him.

“I have many reasons for the things I do as your Guardian. Sometimes that knowledge is better left unspoken. I felt it best not to mention my family. The less you knew the better. I was only trying to protect you. Please forgive me baby.” His voice was suppliant. I found it hard to resist.

“Kellen, you had plenty of time that you could have told me once we crossed the portal. It feels like you don’t trust me.” I could hear the hurt in my voice.

He seemed genuinely contrite. “I do trust you Rhiannon. I want you to be safe, more than anything. It’s my highest priority. Sometimes I make quick or harsh decisions based upon that. Please believe me.”

I sighed again. “Ok, but would you please promise me that you will try to communicate more?”

“Yes, of course. As long as you do the same.” His lips were trying to hide his smile.

I knew he was only teasing but he was right. We were involved in a dangerous world, where keeping tiny secrets could harm either of us, if not both. I made a vow to always be truthful with him front that moment on.

“Yes, Kellen, you are right. So go ahead and grin. I know you want to,” I told him with mild sarcasm in my voice.

He immediately smiled, looking absolutely ridiculous. His grin was broader than Batman’s nemesis the Joker. I rolled my eyes but smiled back. His eyes lost some of the humor as he lowered his head and kissed me. When he pulled back, the expression on his face was so soft and loving, my heart skipped a beat.

“Kellen,” I asked curiously, “Why do you love me?”

He looked surprised for a moment and then he answered.

“Because I waited seventy years to find you and because you opened my heart and brought me to life. I wasn’t complete until I met you.”

Tears sprang to my eyes and I kissed him gently. When I pulled back his face was thoughtful.

“Rhiannon…why do you love me?” He asked, just as curiously.

“I love you Kellen because you make me better than I am alone, because you make me whole, you saved me, you believe in me and…you’re sexy with your sword,” I told him grinning.

He laughed jovially and then pressed his lips to mine again. He hugged me tightly, pulling us away from the tree much later. Taking my hand, he led me back toward the house, our fingers entwined, slowly walking in the white and bluish light of the nearly full and glowing moon…

They were everywhere. The enemy stood in front of us, their weapons ready. Demonic shadows flittered through the crowd, spurred on by some sinister presence. My eyes widened at the grotesque and twisted faces of the army as they raised their crude and oddly constructed weapons and scoffed at us. The noise was deafening. Screeching and howling, snarling and grunting, the enemy instilled their greatest weapon: fear.

I suddenly noticed with dread the same Minotaur from my first attack. The demon locked eyes with mine. How was he not defeated? He leered at me, his face twisted with revenge. He would not let me escape again.

I shook with terror as I saw him raise a spiked mace in his hand. His eyes narrowed as he focused on his target. The demon’s mouth curled back into a sneer as he crouched down, leaning forward, and ready to make his strike…

I woke up screaming. I was completely disoriented and shaking with fright.

“Kellen!
Kellen!
” I screamed for him.

He came running into the room, hastily donned pants sitting low on his hips, and carrying his sword. He ran to the bed picking me up in his arms and hugging me close. I was still screaming as he squeezed me tight.

“Rhiannon, what is it? What has you so frightened, my love?” His voice was strained and tense.

I buried my face into his chest and burst into tears. “I had a nightmare,” I choked out.

He relaxed and sat on the bed, holding me in his lap. His arms held my body still while one hand stroked my hair as he spoke to me in a soothing voice.

“It was just a dream, darling. Not real. You’re safe, I’m here now.”

Kayleigh and his parents were at the door asking if I was all right. He waved them away.

“She had a nightmare. I’ll stay with her. Go back to bed.”

They left quietly. Kellen moved us over until we were lying on the bed next to each other. He kept his arm around me and I curled into him, laying my head on his chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked me softly.

“Not right now. Will you just stay and hold me?” I asked, needing him to feel safe.

“Yes, I’ll stay. If you want me to, I’ll never leave you.”

“Is that a promise?” I asked him, sniffling.

He hesitated. “I’ll do my best to make it one.”

I lifted my head to look into his eyes, searching them to see if he meant it. It looked like he did. He lowered his lips to mine for a moment and then told me to go to sleep. I drifted off clutching his arm, afraid I had dreamed the whole thing.

The next morning I woke up with Kellen sitting in the desk chair across the room. He was watching me, his expression thoughtful. He smiled gently when I sat up.

“You were sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to wake you. You were whispering.”

“I was?” I asked him. “What was I saying?”

“You said my name, you loved me, and you asked me to stay,” he told me, his face wistful.

“Oh,” I responded, blushing, “well, you did.”

“Yes.” His dimple was showing in his cheek again. “I did.”

I yawned and stretched, reaching my arms up over my head. I heard Kellen catch his breath and looked at him curiously. He was staring at me with his eyes wide and nearly popping out of his head. He struggled to regain his composure and looked quickly away.

I glanced down trying to see whatever it was that he was trying
not
to look at. The nightgown had come open in my sleep and was gaping almost to my waist. It was very revealing. I blushed, dying of embarrassment, and tied it back up again.

“Um, it’s closed now,” I told him, mortified.

Kellen looked back at me cautiously. Then his slow wide grin spread across his face. He looked very naughty just then. He got up slowly, crouching, and moving forward like he was hunting. I knew exactly what he was hunting for,
me
. It was only teasing but it sent a shiver down my spine.

I got up from the bed and started backing for the door. He growled a low, playful roar to me and continued his pursuit. I turned around and had my hand on the door knob when he grabbed me and picked me up. He spun me around in a circle and dropped me on the bed, his eyes sparkling.

I lay there breathless, my chest rising and falling quickly. He jumped on the bed next to me and started tickling my foot. I cried out in laughter, kicking my legs at him. He reached to grab my flailing arms and ended up falling down on me, pinning me against the bed. My nightgown had come open again at the top
and
was all bunched up around my thighs underneath him. Our chests were touching, skin to skin.

He froze as the realization of it dawned on him. My legs were sprawled out around him and I slowly lifted one of them to wrap around his waist. He looked at me sharply, his eyes burning with desire. I felt him tremble.

He fought for control, the war of desire and arousal playing upon his features, and then his lips met mine in a passionate and heated kiss. One hand slid past my shoulder, down the exposed skin of torso, and then to my hip. He gripped my thigh, and pulled back. His gaze burned my skin, a flame of liquid heat that made my stomach clench. I longed to feel his touch, his fingers on my skin.

“Rhiannon, I can’t. You have no idea how much I…
want
you right now.”

We both started breathing heavier which only accentuated the contact of our warm skin.

Kellen was still trembling. “Rhiannon.” He lowered his head slightly. “I burn with desire, with the longing to touch you, with the need to hold your body close to mine.” He sighed shakily. “I want to do things to you that I cannot and should not be thinking.”

His arms quivered slightly with the effort to control himself. He very slowly got up, looking me over from head to toe, and clenching his shaking hands into fists. He shook his head and backed away to the door.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. You are almost too beautiful, I can’t keep my concentration around you, my love.” His voice was very tight and strained. One hand ran through his hair. “In a hundred years I have never wanted a woman like I want you.”

“I want you too Kellen.” I could not help my admission.

“Damn. Don’t tell me that.” He took a deep breath. “I have to go. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

He gave me one last longing glance that could have set the whole house on fire and then he turned and left.

I sat up and adjusted my nightgown, throwing my legs over the edge of the bed. I hadn’t said much of anything through all of that because I had been fighting myself too. What was it about him that made me want to abandon all reason and propriety? Everything I felt with him was so strong; the emotion, the attraction, and the overwhelming desire that left me breathless and confused.

I was thinking about that when Kayleigh came bounding into the room. Her expression was amused.

“Congratulations Rhiannon,” she said, laughing lightly, “You have single handedly managed to break my brother’s composure. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

I looked at her with my eyebrow raised. “What do you mean?”

“He’s walking around down there with his head in the clouds. He didn’t hear me ask him something, although I asked him
twice
. He bumped into the table, filled a plate of food and left without eating, and finally walked out the front door mumbling about nightgowns.” She started giggling.

“Wow, that’s kind of funny. He is always so carefully composed in front of me,” I told her.

She sobered up and looked at me. “You do realize that he is totally in love with you. My parents and I saw that the minute you two walked up. What I want to know is…do you love him too?”

I looked right into her eyes. “Yes, more than I could ever explain. He’s everything to me.”

She nodded her head and her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so happy to hear you say that. He needs you more than even he knows. You are perfect for each other. I hope…” Her voice cracked, so lightly that is was almost indistinct.

She didn’t finish and I didn’t ask, both of us a little choked up and distracted. I squeezed her hand and she smiled. It was sweet how she was looking out for her brother. They were obviously very close. I knew that already but the way she asked me just then made me wonder what she was worrying about.

After she had helped me to dress, in a deep blue dress this time, and finished my hair we went downstairs. She put her arm through mine and we walked into the dining room together. Everyone in the room looked up. Kellen’s parents were there with Tristan and Seasnan but Kellen was absent. I sat down next to Kellen’s mother Mairwen and looked around the room.

“Good morning,” I told them cheerfully, “where’s Kellen?”

“Good morning, Rhiannon.” Mairwen smiled. “Kellen just stepped out for a minute. He should be back soon.” She exchanged a glance with Kedehern and he nodded to her reassuringly.

Kayleigh giggled and Mairwen shot her a glance. I’m not sure I got what was going on. I didn’t have long to think about it. Seasnan occupied my time with conversation, hardly giving me a chance to swallow between questions. Kayleigh shot me a few apologetic glances and hid her snicker behind her teacup.

After breakfast was over and Kellen was still gone I started to worry. I walked around the room restlessly, tapping my fingers on a nearby table.

“Would you like to go for a walk milady?” Seasnan asked me.

“Oh, yes, thank you,” I told him, grateful for the reprieve.

He took my hand and placed it on his arm and led me out into the yard. I glanced around for Kellen but didn’t see him anywhere. Seasnan noticed my distraction.

“How long has Kellen been your Guardian?” He asked me.

“Um, about six months now, I guess.” I wasn’t sure.

“I wish I would have been the one assigned to you. I can see why Kellen is so enamored with you.”

I decided to change the subject. “How long have you been friends?”

He smiled with understanding. I wasn’t going to encourage him. He sighed with regret.

“We have known each other since we were toddlers. We’ve been friends that long too, always in competition with each other. I think he finds me a threat when it comes to you.”

I thought about that. I didn’t want to be rude to him, but no one else was Kellen.

“I don’t have a chance do I?” He asked softly.

I looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry-” I started to say.

He held up a hand. “No worries, shall we keep walking?”

I nodded to him and we continued a leisurely pace in the late morning sunshine. He guided me through a long line of trees and down a stone path that led to a waterfall. The sound of the water was tranquil, drawing me close like the whisper of a long lost friend.

I stopped to watch the rushing water. It splashed and hopped off the jagged rocks jutting out from the side of the mountain. The bottom of the falls swirled into a wet mist that plunged down the ravine. We had been talking about their homeland when we came to the falls. His words fell into the background. I never heard what Seasnan said next.

I walked away from him, feeling suddenly lonely without Kellen by my side. Silently, I stood against the iron rail, watching the falls and cascading water for several long minutes. I was deep in thought. Where was Kellen? Was he angry or upset? Why wasn’t he here? His absence confused me. It was unlike him to leave me for so long.

“I figured you would find your way here.” Kellen’s voice interrupted my reverie.

I spun around. “Kellen!” I threw my arms around his neck.

He wrapped his arms around me tightly and bent his lips to mine. We stayed that way a long time, perhaps because his absence had affected us both. When he raised his face to look at me he was smiling. I gazed into his eyes to make sure everything was all right, searching for any sign of frustration or distress. He looked at ease, maybe a bit reserved.

“I’m sorry I left like that. I had to sort some things out in my head. You really took me by surprise this morning,” he admitted with humor.

I blushed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Rhiannon, you have nothing to apologize for. I was frustrated by my own lack of control. I pride myself on my ability to handle everything with ease. Until you walked into my life I never had any trouble with that. Truthfully, I was also a little overwhelmed by my desire for you.”

I nodded my head in agreement. “I know. I guess I lost myself in the moment…a little too easily.” I grinned at him guiltily.

He laughed lightly. “Rhiannon, sweetheart, everything is fine, better than fine.”

He picked up my hand and placed it on his chest, over his heart, tapping it lightly, to the consistent rhythm of his pulse. When he spoke, his voice was full of love and conviction. “My heart belongs to you Rhiannon, always.”

He bent and kissed me again, and then held me as we stood in front of the waterfall, a silent and beautiful witness to his declaration.