Fall

Kane

The king’s decree moved fast through the land. Soldiers were called to arms, families made plans to evacuate, and full preparations for war were made.

This would not be a simple battle.

Kane would not have a unit this time. He would not have the heartbreak of watching his loved ones go away. They had already left months ago.

He would not fear for his crown—just his life, this time. Nor would his concern be to hide Flint.

A new set of responsibilities weighed on him; that of a prince and brother. Daily, hourly, he sat in on war meetings of varying scales. All the heads of court circulated through the throne room. Poppy, Donovan, Griffin and others sent in reports and were given new objectives by King Asher.

Every drop of down time Kane pooled to research. He devoured the tomes from King Asher’s study and watched history unfold through the letters of kings and queens. In his mind’s eye, he saw castles rise brick by brick, and families harden and crumble like stale bread under the lure of power.

The letters of each generation grew shallow, less willing to talk. They became formality instead of familiarity. Kane knew the end was near.

And then, the letters choked out to the barest of greetings… and stopped.

It had been painful for Kane to watch. Oh Life. Why are we in this century?

Every generation has its struggles, Flint consoled him.

We happen to have one that spans the whole of Eden! Kane said in exasperation. He thumped the book he was reading close. He buried his head in his hands as a knock at the door told him he had to leave soon.

He scruffed his neatly combed hair. I can’t take it—can’t do this anymore. I am consumed by my duties now.

Flint watched him, not speaking.

Kit would have come in the door, settled on his bed and let Arlo hop around the room. She would have smiled, and invited him to a walk. She would have brought him meals in these days of solitude. Or forced them to a small family dinner with Thea.

“Kane, what are you doing?” she would have said. Arlo would have nudged Flint’s feet, or jumped into Kit’s lap.

“Trying to find you!” Kane shouted. He blinked as his voice echoed back to him.

A soldier cracked the door open. It was Bishop. “Prince Kane? Are you okay?”

“Yes. Fine.” Kane waved his door shut.

Flint sensed his mind working. What are you thinking?

Kit will be found. I’m going to look for her myself.

We’re going to leave house arrest? Flint narrowed his marble eyes.

No, we’re going with the king’s permission.

Enlighten me, his fera said.

Bishop opened the door again. “I’m sorry, Prince Kane. You’re needed at the throne room.”

Kane nodded, and grabbed the book on his bed. Well, we’re going to leave without his permission if this doesn’t work.

Piper

Don’t kill it, don’t kill it, don’t kill it, Piper found herself repeating to Reine as they chased the chipmunk through the tall grass.

I have self-control! Reine snarled.

Why do I have to remind you not to kill something then? Piper sparked.

Why do I have to remind you of bravery? Reine said.

Bravery’s not killing things all the time! Piper said.

Reine muttered as she ran, Why do I have such a boring human?

Piper curbed her anger before she thought something truly regrettable. They needed to stay on track with Critter, Mary’s chipmunk. Thankfully, Finch had not become sidetracked.

Critter had led them to a milky white barn that stood over the fields. At one point, it looked to have been gilded with yellow paint, but now its former glory was in peeling wood.

A young farmer was stacking firewood when Critter ran up his arm. He first exclaimed loudly, then laughed when he discovered who the fera was. “Wha—What, Critter?” The farmer adjusted his broad hat when he saw Finch and Piper. “Hello there. I’m guessing Mary sent you my way?”

“She did,” Finch said in his mimic-Kinnish. “She said you might have an unbonded horse to spare?”

The farmer turned his head to the barn. “I may have one I could bear to part with.”

“How much would you sell him for?” Finch knocked one of his boots against his legs to clean his heel. It was a subtle move, but Piper thought it to be a unique mannerism of the plains’ locals. By acting like them, did he hope to gain their trust faster? Or was it just another layer to his disguise?

“How much do you have?” the farmer asked.

Finch dug through his pack until he found their stash of coins at the bottom. He took three coins of gold, and flashed them in the light. “If we can get the horse today, this is yours.”

In an hour, they were back at Mary’s shop six coins lighter and two horses heavier. She even came to the door, and gave a thumb of approval. “You did good, travelers.”

Piper pressed a gold coin to her palm. “Thank you for your help. We were never here.”

Mary gave a chuckle. “Secrecy, eh? Don’t worry. You’ll only have to worry about Critter talking, not me.” Her chipmunk chirped on her shoulder, and slipped under her bandana. “Now are we going to wait for these people to come, or are you gonna get a move on?”

Piper climbed on her horse, with Reine circling in the tall grass nearby. “Thank you.”

Mary made a shooing motion with her hands. “Go!”

I agree with the chipmunk lady. Reine started ahead, unnerving the horses as she passed. Let’s go.

Piper urged her horse forward, and they continued their journey to the East.