Chapter 6

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.

Anya was in awe; watching Kael's beautiful, vicious dance.

"And you taught him how to do all of that?"

"I did."

After a moment or two she shook her head slightly and frowned a bit. "You said you discovered him? I thought he was your brother."

Kirik nodded in affirmation, "he is."

She was confused, "then why would you have to discover him?"

"Our dam was less than maternal. I'd no knowledge of Kael's existence until I found him."

"That makes no sense."

"No?"

"No. How could you not know that your mother was pregnant?"

"She sent me off to my instructor's home when I was first able to hold a weapon. I spent the majority of my youth living there. I did not return to my dam's dwelling until many years later."

"She sent you away?" Anya was astonished.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I imagine she couldn't be bothered with child-rearing."

"What about your father?" She asked, finding herself fascinated.

"I saw him once, but we've never spoken."

"So, how did you find out you had a brother?"

Kirik turned again. This time, he appeared annoyed, "you ask too many questions. I thought you were tired? Best sleep if you must. We're leaving at first light."

"She sleeps first," Anya replied, pointing at Andi.

"You're going to be sorry you didn't rest when you had the chance, woman."

"My name is ANYA," she said, an edge creeping into her voice.

"I know full well what your name is," Kirik replied, curling the corner of his top lip. "Woman."

"Why are you such a bastard? I've done everything you've asked of me. Can you not treat me with a little dignity? At least refer to me by name," she said, sounding upset.

"Prove to me that you are worthy of both dignity and a name."

Anya fell silent.

"Kirik," she said again, after awhile.

He let out a slow breath, "yes?"

"She's all the family I've got," Anya pointed at Andi.

"And?"

"And nothing. I just thought you may relate," she said softly, lying back next to her sister. "I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight."

An odd expression flitted across Kirik's features at her words. He didn't respond, but instead turned to watch Kael once more.

At sunrise, Kirik shook Anya awake. "Get up."

Anya grumbled and lifted a hand up to ward off whatever was disturbing her. When she felt cold metal under her palm, she frowned and opened her eyes. Kirik knelt over her, his hand still on her arm. She glanced over at it and another flush colored her cheeks.

"Get up," he repeated, and walked a short distance away, waiting.

She sat up and saw that Andi was still sleeping, curled up on her side. She'd buried her face in her arms leaving only a mass of unruly blonde hair visible. She nudged her sister until she could hear mumbles of protest start up.

Andi finally shifted so one eye was peeking up at Anya, "I'm so tired."

"Aye. We have to go now, though."

Andi whined a bit but didn't quite dare ask for five more minutes of sleep. Instead, she slowly climbed to her feet and brushed the sand from herself with exaggerated, annoyed movements. After, she dusted her hands off smartly and tied her hair back into a quick knot.

"What I wouldn't give for another hot bath, Anya. I HATE camping in general, and this is a thousand times worse."

"Perhaps you'll have a chance to wash when we reach the lighthouse," Anya replied, shrugging the bag's straps over her shoulders.

Andi shot her a dubious glance and swished her mouth out with some water. She pulled Anya backwards by the backpack and rooted around in it for a moment. "Stand in front of me," she directed, pulling out a clean sweater and trousers.

Kael had traveled quite a ways down the beach, exploring while the women slept. Now, walking back, he could see movement at the campsite. Looked as though they'd finally woken up. Those two needed to rest more than any other beings he knew. He saw Kirik beckoning him and Kael began to jog back, eager to get moving once again.

Andi changed quickly, with a small sigh of relief. The clean clothing made her feel much better than she had when she'd woken. Still though, she couldn't help but lament at the absence of a proper bath again.

"I'm actually beginning to miss the cave with the hot spring," she muttered as she stuffed the soiled clothing into the bag.

"Your turn," she told Anya and shook her head at the protests.

"Change, Anya. It'll make you feel better," she said firmly, sounding like the elder sister for once.

Andi stood in front of her sister as she reluctantly pulled on fresh pants and a clean, long-sleeved shirt. Kael was approaching from what appeared to be a rather longish walk. Upon arrival, he gave her a glance, eyes darting up and down her body momentarily. She glowered at this, lifting her chin defiantly and kept a sharp watch on the two males. Apparently, she needn't have bothered, they began to talk amongst themselves again, seeming to pay the women no mind.

Anya did have to admit that she felt better. She ran the brush through her hair and quickly fastened it back into a braid. She wondered if she ought to force herself to eat something, it'd been a while since the hare, but her stomach clenched painfully at the idea. As it was, she had to make herself to drink some water. It was far worse to become dehydrated than hungry. Busying herself with folding her old clothing, she knelt and put them neatly in the pack. Heaving a quiet sigh, she also pulled out Andi's balled-up garments and folded them as well.

Andi continued to watch Kael carefully, chewing her bottom lip. Over and over she recalled the way his hand had felt, sliding over the skin of her stomach. His palm had been calloused but warm. She was beginning to become a bit worried, thinking about how nice it had actually felt; and the fact that she wouldn't overly mind if he did it again.

She wondered what would have happened had Anya not interrupted at that moment. Her cheeks grew pink with the memory; she'd even had a dream about it last night. Only instead of his hand, it had been his tongue running over her belly. She shivered at the thought and felt a curious warmth as well as a soft throbbing sensation between her thighs.

" ... to go now?"

Andi blinked a bit and shook her head, turning to look at Anya. "Ah, what?"

Anya gave her sister an inquiring glance, "I asked if you were ready to go now."

Kirik and Kael had apparently finished their conversation.

"Yes. Excellent question. Are you?" Kirik asked, striding over.

Andi mumbled a reply and nodded. Anya did likewise and gazed at the broad expanse of sand. They still had quite a ways to go. "Let's be off, then," she said, starting to walk and beckoning to Andi.

Andi, cheeks still red, snuck another peek at the younger male, before breaking into a trot to catch up with her sister.

16.

Water and sand. Sand and water. For miles and miles. Day three passed quickly, all four intent on their destination. The clouds had disappeared, and along with them, the chance of more bad weather. The sun brightened the womens spirits, but not by much, and there still wasn't enough heat to take the chill out of the air.

Anya focused on the sand in front of her. If she looked up, the beach would seem too vast and the journey too long. It was easier to concentrate on the smaller patch of ground directly ahead.

"Anya!" Andi had stopped to point.

Anya slowed and also came to halt. She peered ahead where Andi was was pointing. There. In the far distance she could just make out a tall, tower-like edifice. The lighthouse.

"Look, see?" She turned to Kirik and also pointed.

He stared silently then nodded, "that's where we go?"

"Aye. That it is. We should make it by nightfall," Anya said, rather relieved. It was still there, after all these years.

"Good. Keep going," he said, a trace of eagerness creeping into his tone.

Kael also paused to look. It didn't seem like a place where such a powerful wizard supposedly resided. A brief expression of doubt crossed his features before he also began to walk again. No matter. Kirik was right, as usual. This was the only lead they had. Best see where it took them. He hoped that this wizard would be able to translate that damnable code quickly, but he somehow doubted it.

"So, this sorcerer, who knows all, lives all the way out here? Alone?" He muttered to Kirik, sarcastically.

"We'll soon find out, it seems," he replied.

"Why would he want to isolate himself? Would he not want to show off his power?"

Kirik shook his head, "I cannot say. The woman said he doesn't care for visitors. I know nothing more than that."

Kael huffed, irritated, and didn't respond. Instead, he focused on the blonde girl just ahead of him. He entertained himself by imagining what she might have done if he'd taken his curiosity to the next level. Perhaps she would have begged him to stop and her eyes would have begun to leak that strange water. He frowned a bit. That idea didn't quite appeal to his ego.

Maybe she'd grow angry and fight him. Yes. That seemed more likely, based on what he'd seen of her personality thus far. His forehead smoothed out and he smiled, feeling a brief rush of arousal. Taming her might be rather enjoyable. He was willing to bet that she may even like it after awhile.

"Something amusing you?" Kirik asked, glancing over and cocking his head.

"Not at all," he lied. "Only grateful that we're almost there."

Kirik was clearly not convinced but said nothing more. He faced forward again and concentrated on the faint structure in the distance. His curiosity was growing with each passing step. He was interested in what sort of magic these simple people might be capable of. Perhaps these humans were a bit more intriguing than he'd first assumed.

"Oh, please let there be someone home," Andi mumbled to no one in particular. "Someone who will invite us in and insist that we have a hot bath."

"Aye. Also, he will be jolly, welcoming and more than willing to translate that message. And then he'll be able to snap his fingers and send us home in an instant." Anya replied, smiling wistfully.

"Oh, oh, and he'll want to avenge the way we've been treated. " Here, she turned and walked backwards, glaring at Kael. "And SMITE our enemies!"

He watched her for a moment then pointed to his cheek and then his upper chest, just below his collar bone. His lewd smile left little to assumption.

Andi turned around quickly, blushed, and said no more. Kael clasped his hands behind his head again as he walked, complacent satisfaction written all over his face. Seemed he had found an excellent way to keep her in line.

Not so smug now, are we, bitch? He thought with a snicker.

Kirik turned to him again, expression quizzical. "Going daft now, are you?"

"Name-calling is very immature, Kirik," Kael drawled, unaffected.

T

he elder shook his head and placed a hand on his forehead, sighing a bit.

The sun was setting. Anya stared at the radiant, golden-orange ball with a hand held up, shading her eyes.

Same color as his eyes, she thought dully.

She faced the group again, wondering what would happen now. Andi stood to the side, quietly, arms folded across her chest. She looked worn and upset. The two males stared up at the top of the lighthouse with identical, neutral expressions.

Anya realized that she was very disturbed by the sudden chaos that had become her life. Her days were no longer the comforting routine she'd had grown so accustomed to. Embarrassed to find her eyes welling up, she blinked back hot tears and examined the building in front of her.

At first glance, it appeared to be dilapidated and abandoned. There were no sounds coming from within and it had the feel of a place that had long been empty. However, upon closer inspection she noticed a fresh-looking patch job on the weathered front door. On the rickety porch sat an old rocking chair with a bright, new cushion. The small, scrubby bushes that grew in front were numerous, but trimmed carefully. All, subtle indications that someone did indeed reside here.

Andi frowned, wondering why they were just standing there. Taking the initiative, she strode up the the door and knocked briskly.

"Andi," Anya began warningly.

"Oh, what?" The girl replied testily. "We walked all the way here to just look at it, then? I want to go inside."

Anya shot a nervous look at Kirik. He was still staring upwards, as was Kael. They both seemed to be looking at something in particular

She followed their gaze, curious. "What is it?"

"Someone is watching us," he said, pointing up at a small window.

Anya squinted, unable to believe he could see anything behind such a tiny window so far up. "I don't see anyone."

Andi knocked again, louder this time. "Well, if someone is there, then they're going to let us in."

A sly movement in the corner of her eye caught Anya's attention. She jerked her head to the side and tensed, glancing around sharply. The beach was serene and quiet. Everything seemed to be in order. She was just about to relax when the sand in front of her undulated smoothly, then evened out once more.

Anya drew in a sharp breath and grabbed Andi's arm, pulling her back a few steps, scanning the ground with wide eyes. The younger sister stumbled a bit in surprise and shot her an annoyed glare.

"What's your-" she began, when Anya saw the sand behind her began to ripple and surge.

She squealed and clasped a hand against her mouth, yanking Andi forward sharply again. The girl faltered forward this time, barely catching herself from falling.

"Are you crazy?! What's wrong with you?!" Andi snapped, before seeing the ground shift for herself.

The sand was suddenly alive with rolling waves, and there was a muffled, excited chittering coming from all directions beneath them. Andi paled and it was her turn to seize Anya by the arm, dragging her onto the porch.

The males reacted instantly. Kael's features were alight with eager anticipation and he was the first to draw his weapons, holding them at the ready. Their posture tensed and they moved into battle position, standing back to back.

The elder brother was not as pleased with the situation. He glanced around at the sand, already knowing whatever they were, there were a great deal of them. The question was; a great deal of what? Kirik's eyes flared in surprised anger as a tentacle burst through the sand at his feet and curled around his leg. He reached down and took hold of it where it was protruding from the ground, jerking his arm up sharply.

There was an unspeakable ripping sound, and a harsh squeal of pain from beneath the sand as the tentacle was torn free from its moorings. The thing writhed and thrashed blindly in his hand, its grip slowly loosening and finally falling away from his leg. He dropped the amputated limb with a look of disgust when another animal burst from the sand and launched itself at him.

In one smooth movement, he unsheathed his blade and slashed it in a precise sideways arc. It passed cleanly through the animal, not disturbing its flight forward. Kirik swung his weapon up before the first two halves tore asunder, slicing through it again. The creature fell apart into four pieces. As the chunks of its body landed on the sand, its comrades swarmed over the pieces and pulled them under.

Kael plunged a sword into the sand as another beast raced towards him, the ground rolling violently with its charge. There was another awful, muffled shrieking sound as the blade found its target. He lifted the weapon and the women saw a thick-looking, vaguely cylinder-shaped creature impaled upon it.

"Oh Gods, Anya! What ARE they?!" Andi shrieked, cringing back against the wall.

Anya found herself mimicking Andi's actions, trying to bury herself into the side of the lighthouse in an attempt to get as far away from the sand as possible. She was unable to answer, too intent on trying to figure out for herself what she was seeing.

The creature was strikingly red; its body about three feet across and one foot wide. Two large eyes stared blindly on either side. Three triangular flaps protruded from the very top of its tube-like body. Its hide was leathery and tough-looking, and as she watched Kael twist the blade, it began to flash from red to shock-white and back to red, rapidly.

There were rudimentary tentacles running along either side of its thick, muscular trunk, working in frantic tandem. Anya was reminded of the centipedes she'd occasionally find in the woodpile at home momentarily, and watched as four longer tentacles in front lashed and whipped out at the juvenile. The clawed tips caught him along the side of his face and immediately sought to entwine and cling.

Kael let out a pained grunt and brought his sword down quickly, crushing the flailing creature under his boot and dislodging it at the same time. There was a horrible, watery sound as the thing's sides bulged, then burst open. A viscous, dark ichor dribbled from it and the arms slowly loosened their grip from the young male's head.

As she watched, it slowly stop moving. It heaved one time then relaxed, letting out a gush of sea-water. Anya felt nauseous for a moment, it reminded her of a squid-centipede. It was horrible to look at, and there were more of them. She could see the ground around the two males undulating violently now.

Squidapedes, she thought crazily, banging on the door again.

Andi screamed suddenly and turned to clutch at her ankle. Another of the monstrosities had apparently sensed the two women on the porch and was attempting to drag the younger girl back onto the sand where she would undoubtedly be swarmed. It was pulling back brutally, and Andi could see a sharp-looking beak snapping open and shut eagerly at the very base of its arms.

She realized it was trying to EAT her, and the girl felt a sudden surge of adrenaline. She pulled her leg back and pistoned it back out, slamming her boot into its maw. She did it again, and then a third time. The thing let out a buzzing squeak, and lashed an arm across the girls face, momentarily stunning her.

"No!" Anya cried, and threw herself on top of it.

She began to pummel the animal, gouging at its bulbous eyes and ripping into it with her nails. The thing flung a tentacle back and she felt it wind around her throat. Seeming to know it had her, the creature's arm instantly clamped tight, restricting her breathing. Her assault on it ceased as she clawed at her neck, trying to free herself. Dimly, she could hear it chittering and clicking excitedly, sensing victory.

Andi had regained her senses and resumed her kicking, seeing Anya's peril. She battered both feet against the animal's head now, desperation giving her added strength. The creature squealed in frustration as it was again attacked from the other end. Finding this prey to be more difficult than previously anticipated, the squid-thing released the sisters simultaneously, sliding back into the sand and disappearing.

Anya scrambled back against the wall, gasping for air. There were red, raw-looking sucker imprints decorating her throat now. These burned painfully, but seemed to be superficial. Andi's pant-leg had been shredded to the knee and Anya saw the same sucker-marks on the girl's ankle and calf.

The brothers had killed several more of them by this time. The ground churned in a frenzy as the squids devoured their fallen. Kirik shoved Kael towards the deck, realizing that there were too many of them. The brothers joined the sisters on solid ground, trying to look in all directions at once.

The door swung open silently. The sand grew still, suddenly, all at once. The muffled chittering and shrill clicking shrieks quieted then faded away entirely.

"I suppose the least I can do is invite you in, since you didn't have the decent courtesy to die and leave me in peace," a reproachful voice said.

17.

The group turned towards the door and saw an elderly, dapper-looking gentleman standing there. His grey hair was short and carefully groomed as was his beard. The simple, blue robe he wore had elegant embroidery around the collar and sleeves and was accented by a bright, golden monocle attached to his pocket. The chain winked and sparkled as it caught the fading light of the sun. He was observing each of them in turn through this monocle, with a look of distaste coloring his features.

"Well, don't just stand there," he said dryly. "Come in before I change my mind."

He stood aside and swept his arms inward, inviting them to walk past.

The women were shakily getting to their feet. Andi tentatively put some weight on her injured leg, testing it. Anya absently rubbed at the wounds on her throat, eyeing the old man with some apprehension. His words of welcome hadn't been exactly comforting.

Kirik scowled down at the human. This didn't look like a grand sorcerer; this man resembled the feeble old farmer he'd questioned.

The elderly gentleman noticed and shot Kirik a glare of his own, "I never imagined I'd see another of your ilk again, Feylak. Were your kind not banished from the living realms all those centuries ago?"

Kirik's glare intensified, "clever old man, are you? We shall see just how learned you actually are."

The man bristled visibly, "last chance before I rescind my invitation. Will you come in and palaver, or shall we stand here all night and trade various insults?"

"Please sir, we've come a long way. Don't fight, I beg you. My sister and I are weary and frightened enough as it is," Anya said quietly.

The man glanced at Anya curiously, holding his monocle up to examine her once more. Some strange expression gleamed in his eyes before disappearing again. He turned his gaze onto Andi, who was leaning tiredly against her sister.

"You two young ladies keep very tawdry company, you know. However did this unlikely fellowship come to be? I must admit I'm curious."

"Enough of this swill," Kirik hissed, pushing his way past the old man and into the lighthouse.

Kael had watched each person speak with a musing expression. This new human was old, just like the farmer had been. He seemed to be even more frail than the females were, if that was possible. However, the old man's grey eyes were piercing, direct and unafraid; a distinct difference. Kael also found it a bit strange that every single creature vanished just as the old man had made his appearance.

When Kirik stalked into the structure, he followed suit, but kept a watchful eye on the old human as he passed. After a few steps though, he glanced back and saw the women still standing on the porch. Frowning, he started back and grabbed the blonde girl, pulling her along after him by an arm.

Andi sighed heavily but didn't resist. Anya blanched at the rough treatment and gnawed her lower lip, entering as well. The elderly man observed all of this with bright interest before retreating inside as well, closing the door behind him.