? The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) ?

Chapter 6: Reflection

"Moved by Verran's words, Wevan rededicated himself to the defeat of the Ose. After some time he was successful, beginning the Acadian Push. Acadians list Lanius as the first aggressor but that is wrong as he became king four cycle-years later. Failures will happen, but as long as you fight for the right thing, you will be fine."

She grabbed him pulling his gaze to hers. The intensity in hers was such that Sabin could not look away. "Do not forget that you saved our Sister Alaina, my sister," Kianna interrupted. "I do not care how, only that she lives. You are leader for a reason. You've seen how hard it is. Who else would you trust?"

"Hours ago, you were mocking me," Sabin said angrily. "Now you want me to be..."

He was interrupted as her lips met his.

She pulled away and the intensity was gone. "Get some rest. We'll need you in the morning," Kianna said, her expression calming. She turned her back to Sabin and started off, pausing for a moment. "My house or Lila's, it's your choice."

Sabin stood dumbfounded as Kianna walked away. Kianna paused for a moment, looking back over her shoulder before she continued on, leaving Sabin alone.

As the shock wore off, he was angry at himself for letting that kiss happen. But she was right. He could not fail. He would not. Not for her, not for the world and not for King Wevan.

For Kaita.

The rest of the night in Lila's home, he was able to catch a bit of sleep. He was alone, Lila had left a note nothing her presence at the temple, without any other details. Sabin assumed it had something with her assumption of the H.E.R. title.

The morning led him to the home Kianna and Alaina shared. He had no idea where Turrent and Leena had stayed the previous night, but they both were there, along with Kianna and Alaina. He thought Kianna might take offense at his choice to room with Lila, but if she did, she gave no outward sign he noticed.

Today she wore a dress the color of sunlight. It was quite beautiful on her, but Sabin buried those feelings. There was something wrong with being attraction to this woman while Kaita waited on him.

"Now that you all are here, I have news," Kianna said. "I now have the Talents of the Elders, including that of Elissa, the one who felt you coming. I believe that I can use this power to locate the next Serien."

"Now?" Turrent shrugged. "Don't care how."

Kianna shot a look at Turrent and Leena shook her head in exchange. "He's like that all the time," Leena said. "It's better for you if you just ignore him."

Turrent simply shrugged again.

"We should be off," Sabin said, hoisting his pack. "The further away we get, the less chance they will return."

Sabin turned to Kianna. "The horses?"

"They were given to Sister Gina," Kianna said. "She has the Talent of animal communication. She will meet us near where you entered our village."

Someone else who can talk to animals!

Lila walked through the door, with a look of sadness on her face. "The horses are prepared, including an additional horse for Leena. My apologies, Seriens. That is all we can spare."

"You're ok with that Leena?" Sabin asked.

Leena took a deep breath and shook out her arms. "It's time I got over it.

"Unfortunately, neither I nor Alaina know how to ride," Kianna said. She leaned near Sabin's ear, speaking softly so that only he heard. "I suppose that means I'll be riding you Sabin. I mean riding with you."