Author's Note: I'm so glad you enjoyed Chapter 5. I have to admit I like writing this a little more than is probably healthy - but who cares.
All comments have been read and re-read. Critiques and suggestions are also taken to heart. Do feel free to offer your opinions as you see fit - if you have an idea for me, please share.
Mother and baby are doing well. I've established a schedule and I'm beginning to adapt. She's starting to sleep for longer intervals now - thank GOD. I've named her Riley, for those who've asked. :>
Thank you again for the votes and in-depth comments. I appreciate them very much.
As a reward for your patience; here is a nice, long read. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well, I believe a few people will be relieved and I'm actually quite curious as to how I did. ;)
Until next time,
Ginnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnna!
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15.
After almost another full day of hiking with minimal stops, the women were again exhausted. Andi dozed on her feet, her eyes drooping shut with every other step. Anya's head bobbed on her neck, and she had to consistently force her eyes open and focus on staying awake.
"You look like you're going to drop dead at my feet, woman" Kirik commented dryly.
"Thanks," came the muttered reply.
"Stop. Rest. You've done well today," he said.
Anya slowed to a halt gratefully. She was tempted to drop exactly where she stood but reconsidered when she remembered the tide. Reluctantly, she turned and scanned the beach, scouting for a suitable place to lie down down for a while. Close by, preferably.
Andi had no such reservations. As soon as Anya stopped, she leaned against her sister and rested her head on the knapsack, eyes closed.
"Tch, move. I can't stand here while you sleep on me all night," Anya snapped tiredly, fatigue making her less than patient.
"Sorry," Andi mumbled, taking a step back.
"Nah, Sweet. I didn't mean it," she sighed, still searching around.
There was only sand and water, with a few assorted shrubs and bushes. Apparently they would be sleeping on the beach. It was not a favorable prospect. Anya was not looking forward to the sand that would no doubt find its way into every last wrinkle of her clothing. Heaving another deep sigh, she pulled Andi far up beyond the tide line and shrugged the pack off. She tossed Andi her water jug and another sweater for warmth. At the offer of crackers or jerky, however, Andi shook her head.
"I don't want any," she said, wrinkling her nose slightly.
"Eh, I know. Me either. Try and get some rest. I'm going to stay up for awhile and keep an eye out," she said with a meaningful look at Kael.
Andi felt her ears grow a bit warmer but only nodded in reply as she took a small sip of water. She pulled the extra sweater over her head and pulled her jacket over it. Anya offered her the pack for a pillow and watched as Andi curled up as best as she could. After a moment of observing her shivering, and being none too warm herself, Anya turned her attention to Kirik.
"Kirik," she said.
He turned, expression questioning, "yes?"
"We're freezing. Are you able to make another fire here?"
He seemed to think it over briefly before nodding. "You don't tolerate the cold very well," he commented, starting towards them.
"I guess we don't," she replied bluntly, still in a foul mood.
Kirik said nothing further, only took another small sphere from his armour, closed his hand over it, and murmured a soft phrase. Again, there was a strange sound and a bright flash.
Kirik tossed the now glowing ball in front of them and it burst into flame as soon as it hit the sand. The purplish fire had a hypnotic effect and Anya found herself staring into the flames, becoming a bit entranced. Waves of heat now radiated around them and she could feel it working into her numb limbs, comforting her. She held her hands out in front of her and rubbed them together vigorously.
For a time, there was only the sound of the sea crashing onto the shore.
"How did you do that?" She finally asked after a long silence.
Kirik had taken a seat a ways off and appeared to be watching the waves. "Do what, woman?"
"How do you make fire from rocks? How did you create that green light?"
He was unresponsive at first and for a moment Anya thought he'd gone back to ignoring her.
"It's novice magic. Most of my people are born with an innate ability for simple spells, especially those that create light and heat where there is none. The fire stones are sold at any market in my city and are fairly common," he replied after a bit.
Anya glanced at Andi. She appeared to be asleep. Satisfied, she returned her attention to
Kirik and was startled to find that he'd half-turned to watch her, eyes glowing. She swallowed nervously, unsettled as always by his intense gaze.
"Can anyone do it?"
Kirik considered. She seemed honestly intrigued and her innocent curiosity was rather pleasant.
He decided to indulge her, "what exactly is your question? Do you mean; can anyone cast spells? Or are you referring to our magic specifically?"
Anya drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. "Can anyone learn magic, is what I meant."
Kirik's expression was appraising, "I'm unsure about you humans; but among my people, yes. Some choose to go the way of sorcery and become quite adept at magic. Others commit to the path of the warrior and become formidable on the battlefield. And some go both routes and maintain a balance between the two. Quite often, offspring of the stronger sorcerers will follow in their parent's footsteps. The ability for spell casting can be somewhat genetic."
Anya was interested in spite of herself, "and you? What did you choose?"
Kirik turned to watch the water again, "I'm an accomplished fighter. I know a few spells, but magic doesn't come as naturally to me as it would to some."
"So, that's what you do then? You live to fight?"
He appeared to mull it over. "When I was Kael's age, yes. Also, I'm occasionally called on to ...question... the more stubborn prisoners. But what I live for, as you put it, is teaching our youth."
Anya raised her eyebrows. "You-you teach? What do you teach?" She asked incredulously.
A mental picture of Kirik at the head of in schoolhouse full of children, with an arithmetic book in his hands arose in her mind.
Kirik didn't answer. Instead, he pointed at Kael. The juvenile was still at the water's edge, only now he seemed to be practicing his swordplay.
Anya watched, amazed. The young male had both blades drawn and was simultaneously jabbing, parrying, slashing, kicking and somersaulting his way towards an unseen foe. He wielded the swords in near impossible synchrony, moving so quickly they seemed to be no more than a half-seen blur.
"He's improved remarkably. He was quite wretched when I first discovered him. Couldn't even hold a sword properly." Kirik commented with a hint of pride.
