every hidden part of her nature. You need to remember that as she discovers the magical world, it will also discover her. She needs to be protected whether she likes it or not… and odds are she won’t like it. She’s very strong willed and is used to doing things on her own.”
Both Gabriel and Marcus nodded their understanding.
Marcus hesitated but then voiced his final concern, “We’re on a quest to find the warrior that will bring peace to our land. I haven’t found this warrior and don’t want to return to my home empty handed.”
Zarin patted Marcus’ arm. “I understand, but I fear that nothing is more important than helping Tianna embrace her magical side. Continue your quest on the way back to Haven. If you aren’t successful in finding your warrior, you can continue your quest after she’s safely within Haven’s walls.”
Marcus sat up straight in his chair and put his hand on his mark. He gave his Draak oath, “So shall it be. We’ll protect her with our lives and deliver her safely to Haven.” His eyes flashed at the same time the eyes on his mark flashed. “We’ll begin our return journey right away.”
Zarin held up his hand in a gesture to tell them to slow down just a little. “Once she’s told of the Draak, I need three days to prepare her for the journey. You can leave at that time. Although she can learn of you and other magical creatures, keep the secret of her birth and the magical heritage that stirs within her. You’ll have to tell her when the time is right and there will be a sign when that time has arrived.”
Before Marcus or Gabriel could respond to Zarin’s last statement, the door opened and Tianna and Seth stepped in. Tianna scrutinized the three men huddled closely together in a deep discussion. “Well, I hope Zarin hasn’t been boring you with more embarrassing stories of my life.”
Marcus regrouped quickly. “Not at all, my lady. He has been telling us all kinds of stories of life in this wonderful home.”
Tianna knew something was up but decided not to press it. “It’s late. I hope you’ll consider staying here for the night. We have the cot room. It isn’t fancy but you’re welcome here.”
They all accepted her offer with a bow. It had been a long day so they settled in for the night. Marcus knew tomorrow was going to be another very interesting day.
During the night, Tianna had another of her recurring dreams. It was the same as the last one and she once again woke up with a scream. Several of the men came running into her room to check on her. She made up a story about a mouse crawling on her that scared her. She didn’t want them to know the truth.
Except for Gabriel, all of the rest of the men nodded and went back to their beds. Gabriel stayed for a moment, scrutinizing her expression. He could see her body shake and knew she was genuinely afraid of something. Given what he had seen from Tianna in the woods, he knew she would have welcomed a mouse into her bed. He wondered why she was trying to deceive them. He gazed down at her with concern and asked, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
Tianna was shaking. “I’m fine. Just being a silly girl. Go back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you.”
Gabriel agreed but knew there was something going on that she didn’t want to tell them. He would try to find out the truth.
Chapter 8 - Secrets Revealed
Tianna was making morning meal by the time the men in the house rose. Seth immediately began helping her with the food.
Within a few minutes, Nathaniel walked through the door, avoiding Tianna’s gaze. He seemed rested and had a slight glow to his skin. Tianna assumed the glow was from the fact that he must have had a very good night. The thought caused a tightening in her chest, which she tried to ignore.
Gabriel walked over and told Seth that Marcus needed him and Gabriel took over his cooking tasks. Tianna
Both Gabriel and Marcus nodded their understanding.
Marcus hesitated but then voiced his final concern, “We’re on a quest to find the warrior that will bring peace to our land. I haven’t found this warrior and don’t want to return to my home empty handed.”
Zarin patted Marcus’ arm. “I understand, but I fear that nothing is more important than helping Tianna embrace her magical side. Continue your quest on the way back to Haven. If you aren’t successful in finding your warrior, you can continue your quest after she’s safely within Haven’s walls.”
Marcus sat up straight in his chair and put his hand on his mark. He gave his Draak oath, “So shall it be. We’ll protect her with our lives and deliver her safely to Haven.” His eyes flashed at the same time the eyes on his mark flashed. “We’ll begin our return journey right away.”
Zarin held up his hand in a gesture to tell them to slow down just a little. “Once she’s told of the Draak, I need three days to prepare her for the journey. You can leave at that time. Although she can learn of you and other magical creatures, keep the secret of her birth and the magical heritage that stirs within her. You’ll have to tell her when the time is right and there will be a sign when that time has arrived.”
Before Marcus or Gabriel could respond to Zarin’s last statement, the door opened and Tianna and Seth stepped in. Tianna scrutinized the three men huddled closely together in a deep discussion. “Well, I hope Zarin hasn’t been boring you with more embarrassing stories of my life.”
Marcus regrouped quickly. “Not at all, my lady. He has been telling us all kinds of stories of life in this wonderful home.”
Tianna knew something was up but decided not to press it. “It’s late. I hope you’ll consider staying here for the night. We have the cot room. It isn’t fancy but you’re welcome here.”
They all accepted her offer with a bow. It had been a long day so they settled in for the night. Marcus knew tomorrow was going to be another very interesting day.
During the night, Tianna had another of her recurring dreams. It was the same as the last one and she once again woke up with a scream. Several of the men came running into her room to check on her. She made up a story about a mouse crawling on her that scared her. She didn’t want them to know the truth.
Except for Gabriel, all of the rest of the men nodded and went back to their beds. Gabriel stayed for a moment, scrutinizing her expression. He could see her body shake and knew she was genuinely afraid of something. Given what he had seen from Tianna in the woods, he knew she would have welcomed a mouse into her bed. He wondered why she was trying to deceive them. He gazed down at her with concern and asked, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
Tianna was shaking. “I’m fine. Just being a silly girl. Go back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you.”
Gabriel agreed but knew there was something going on that she didn’t want to tell them. He would try to find out the truth.
Chapter 8 - Secrets Revealed
Tianna was making morning meal by the time the men in the house rose. Seth immediately began helping her with the food.
Within a few minutes, Nathaniel walked through the door, avoiding Tianna’s gaze. He seemed rested and had a slight glow to his skin. Tianna assumed the glow was from the fact that he must have had a very good night. The thought caused a tightening in her chest, which she tried to ignore.
Gabriel walked over and told Seth that Marcus needed him and Gabriel took over his cooking tasks. Tianna
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