Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

Everyone had their specific place in the tribe. Raven was alongside Kane as he became the leader of the Zeil. Torin was the highly respected head-hunter, leading the other hunters to find game.

Stella, however, was shoved back and forth between jobs. It was as if she had no real place specifically for her. Rather, she was placed randomly. Some days, she’d be a hunter, others a teacher, and this particular day, a fisher at the nearby river.

It had rained recently, the waters rising and making it easier to find the larger fish. Being relocated once Davin took the throne, it was difficult to hunt. The surrounding area was new and unfamiliar. They hunted cautiously and rarely, using mostly the river for fish. Usually, Stella had somebody with her to help with the nets, but she wanted to be alone.

Something had been wrong lately. The secrecy between the two leaders was no help. But the fact that Torin was gone for over a week sent alarms off within her. Lianna also hadn’t returned, but their visits usually would be over by now.

As she gripped her spear, she eyed the river aimlessly, completely lost in thought. It was not quite planned well, but her decision had been made: She will go to the City of Rishana. She needed to know what was happening.

The summer air was hot, but soon, she would be in that water. The river was wide and parts of it were rather deep. She walked slowly along the bank, the spear in her hand at the ready. Her eyes scanned over the water as she watched for any movement of the massive fish that lurked in the mud.

They grew near the length of a child and weighed fifty pounds on a good day. Long whiskers flowed off their faces like a mountain lion. The water was murky, the mud clouding her view.

She came to a stop and watched. Bubbles rose to the surface, popping silently. Cautiously, she dipped her foot into the water, placing it on a smooth, slick rock. Her other foot was planted firmly in the grass behind her. Grasping at the spear, she thrust the spearhead straight into the water.

It made contact, yanking the spear wildly about. Her grip tightened as she pushed it further in. As the creature thrashed, cold water crashed about her, soaking her clothes and skin.

With her entire body, she lifted the fish out of the water, thrusting it onto land. It slammed about as it tried to get back to water. Instantly, she ripped the spear from its back and pierced the fish’s head. She held it still until it died.

“That is one down,” she panted, wiping the water from her face.

That evening, she had packed some rations and a few supplies. Keeping an eye out for Raven and Kane, she quietly made her escape with a horse.

She had no doubt that she could sneak the city unnoticed. She was a skilled assassin and spy. And Walter had only seen her maybe twice, so he wouldn't recognize her. Davin, however, would. But he wouldn’t be so quick to cast her aside. He’d listen to what she had to say.

Eventually, she had reached the city. And eventually, she had dressed into the usual attire for a young woman. She wasn’t certain where Torin’s family lived. But she remembered mention of a farm and his father being a blacksmith. And it didn’t take long for her to be pointed in their direction. Everyone knew of the Holloways’ father. He was rather well liked.

Reaching their home, it was already late in the evening, the sky streaked with stars and purple clouds. Hesitantly, she knocked on the door.

She waited a little while, hearing a few feet scuffling across the floors within. Finally, the door opened to a tall, older man with hard eyes. She smiled a little, seeing both Torin and Davin in his face. “Sir,” she bowed her head respectfully. “I am hoping to know if Torin Holloway has been residing here the past few nights.”

“May I have your name, please?” he asked kindly.

She nodded, saying, “Stella.”

He half-smiled, looking over his shoulder as Lianna rushed up. “It is fine,” she patted the man’s arm. “I will talk to her.”

He was reluctant, but nodded once, taking the sleepy Tallin from her. He bounced her gently, taking her into another room.

Lianna quietly stepped outside, closing the door behind herself. “Did Raven send you?” she asked lowly.

“No,” Stella shook her head. “I was worried,” she admitted. “I thought you’d be home by now.”

“As did I,” she admitted unhapply. Thus, she explained of Davin’s abduction and Torin’s leave for foreign aid. She told of how Walter was suspected of foul play. “Torin was reluctant to tell me much...but what I couldn’t get from him, I pried from others,” she said.

Stella held a grim expression while sitting on the ledge of the porch. Watching the small farm dip into shadows, she said, “I will find answers. I’m going to work in the castle, Lianna. You stay here and continue to wait for your husband.”

“Be careful, Stella,” she urged her. She gripped Stella’s arm in both hands, a look of pure worry in her eyes. “I don’t like any of this.”

“I will,” she nodded. “I’ll let you know if I find anything.”

It didn’t take long for Stella to charm her way within the castle as a maiden. She worked while listening to gossip and stories. But what really caught her attention was the blind girl. What sort of servant could she be? She couldn’t clean nor cook. And she kept to herself, even in her own room rather than sharing a chamber with the others.

One afternoon, Stella approached her. The girl was carrying a few things, so Stella offered to help. While taking some of her load, she said, “You keep yourself rather busy.”

“I try to,” she said quietly. She bore the face of a grief-stricken woman. Like something had broken her heart, but she tried to hide it. Either that, or she knew that simply no one cared.

“May I ask...Are you alright?” The girl tensed and Stella smiled warmly, though she knew she couldn’t see it. “Are you troubled by something?”

She chewed on a response, biting her lips together. She kept her head low, but nodded once. It was so subtle, she hardly caught it. It was clear the girl wasn’t ready to talk about it, so she changed the subject. “Well, you can call me Eilsa,” Stella said, giving off a fake name rather easily.

“I am Serah,” she replied quietly. “...Thank you for helping me.”

It may take a few days, but she’d gather what she needed. And something told her to stay with that girl. She knew more than anyone else. That, she was certain of.