Page 8 of An Archer's Reckoning

Órla answered in my mind.“It means ‘Bonded One’ in the old tongue. The first Bonded One lived many ages ago.”Her voice was deep and mournful.

“Why do I get the impression you knew him?”

“You are my Bond-Mate now, but there was another who wore the tunic once. He was special to me, as you are.”She was quiet for a long moment.“Together, through great sacrifice, we saved this world. His memory is honored on these shores, passed as legend from father to son, mother to daughter, throughout the generations. ‘Braha’ is a term of profound respect.”

So many emotions flowed from Órla through our bond that I missed a step and stumbled. I knew how deeply she loved me and felt that in our bond every day, but pain, regret, and a resounding loss flowed through me as we walked. I began to understand even more what Bonding meant to the little creature.

How was I so lucky to be her choice?

“It was never luck,”she said, reading my thoughts.“You were born of magic. In a time of great need, you were returned to me.”

I missed another step as I tried to wrap my head around what she’d just said.

“And I was returned to you.”

The Keeper glanced back. “Time for you two to be on your way. One last word of advice, Declan. I do not know what stirred the currents, but I fear you may face more danger than any single man can handle. I know you are used to being alone, but do not be afraid to lean on others, to use their strength.”

The old man patted my shoulder one last time and turned back toward the village, leaving Órla and me staring after him. The throng of children took the Keeper’s cue and waved at us before circling the Keeper and dancing their way back toward the town.

I watched for a long moment, then turned toward the mountain that held the gate that would take us home.“Let’s go home, little one.”

A few hours later, I sat at the round table in the gate’s cave, enjoying a cup of the never-ending wine. I wished I could share this with the Rangers. A Healing draught would work wonders for men who so often returned home wounded or bruised.

I studied the gate, its semi-circular metallic frame staring silently back. I squinted, trying to make out the symbols etched artistically along the frame but quickly realized deciphering magical images was not among my Gifts.

Órla finally tired of her grooming and tottered over to take a sip from my cup. Her tiny beak dripped wine as she emerged.

“It is time, Declan. I am afraid events have run ahead of us already,” she said soberly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Stop drinking your wine and let’s go find out.” As mature as she sounded now, the snarky young girl emerged at the oddest times. I smiled and scratched the top of her head, then grabbed the pitcher and filled my skin.

I rose and stood before the gate. With a nod to Órla, I said, “After you.”

She flapped her way to my shoulder, and I strode through. The gate shimmered once with silvery brilliance, recognizing the magic within us. In one stride, my foot touched the ground of the gate’s sister-cave high in the mountains on the border between the Kingdom and Melucia. The same round table, wooden chairs, and wine welcomed us. The two grottos were so similarI almost thought the gate bounced us back to the same chamber on the island, but I knew better.

We were home.

“How does it feel to be back?” Órla asked.

“I don’t know. Good, I guess.” I shrugged.

I walked toward the slender crack that was the cave’s entrance. “After everything the Keeper and Larinda said about the disturbance in the currents, I don’t really know what to expect out there. It’s only been a few months, but I have a bad feeling that a lot’s changed while we were gone.”

A somber thought occurred to me. “I hope Ayden is still all right.”

Órla coo-purred softly.

“Atikus and Keelan were following the Healer’s trail when we left. They could be anywhere by now. Where should we go?”

I ran fingers through my wavy hair. It hadn’t been cut in a while and was starting to hang down rather than curl outward.

“We should go back to the Ranger headquarters and get an update on, well, everything. Captain Whitman may have orders for us.”

“You just want to check on Ayden,” she said, her tone teasing.

“That, too.”

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