Kaija: Queen of Stone

18.5

I jolted forward, gasping for breath. As my vision returned, and the black-haired woman disappeared with a wave of darkness, I picked up a book and threw it across the room with a scream. It echoed throughout the room, vanishing moments later.

Anger flooded my veins like a flooded river as I stomped to the door. The Rabaka couldn't be the sole solution to sever our bond. It just couldn't. There has to be another way without siding with the enemy.

I stood, knees wobbling, trying to get all of my thoughts in line. I wondered if the woman was the one who intruded my mind or if she visited other Udanians dreams, either way, they were attacking them even in the subconscious. I had to do something quick.

I navigated to the door, throwing it open. Arcing down the narrow hall, I paused at the side of the steps, hesitating to see the woman once more.

Taking in a deep breath, I stormed past, not looking at the steps. Going through the doors, I stepped off the landing leading to the stone pathway.

I needed to speak with the soldiers, everyone needed to be alert. The Rabaka was going to strike at any given moment. The woman mentioned she would be back.

I wasn't sure if that meant she would invade his dreams once more or if she was going to invade Udan in person.

Either way, we had to be ready. I had to stay awake and protect my people. Even if I deprived myself of sleep, Udan would not fall, not under my watch.

I passed the village's cottages cloaked in the night. In the distance, on the top of the wall lit flares from torches. Armored men crowding the wall paced back and forth with spears by their sides. I approached the side, near the iron gate, and felt for the door built into the wall. Once I had entered, I climbed the stairs until reaching the top. I paused at the landing, announcing myself before they could attack.

"It's Hona."

The men nodded, one stepping toward me. Tall, dark, and sturdy—Captain Rooke. "You need to be more careful," he breathed, holding a hand to his chest. "Gave us all a heart attack."

I had not seen Rooke in years. He was the one who taught me everything I knew. It was good to see his old face again.

"I kept you on your feet," I retaliated with a slight smirk. "Are there any signs outside the wall of the Rabaka?"

"No," he answered with a clearing of his throat. "But my men are tired and need rest. We won't see danger if our eyes are closed."

Even though I didn't want them to go to sleep because of the leader's visit with me, I couldn't deny them sleep.

"Take shifts," I stated. "We need as many men as we can to stay awake but I understand they cannot be vigilant without proper rest."

Rooke nodded, leaning forward to get a better look at me. "You look as if you could use some sleep yourself. Those marks under your eyes make it clear you haven't slept well."

"I know," I answered, "but I can't sleep with the Rabaka on my mind."

I didn't want to tell them the truth, that the woman lurking inside of dreams was here. I didn't want them to worry, but I feared what she was capable of doing in a dream. Sweat beaded down my forehead.

"Don't be nervous," Rooke said, "we are well armed and watchful."

That wasn't what I was in a tizzy about.

"I am going to retire to the castle," I answered. "Rest your men, but keep an eye on the woods. Jonga has always been sneaky."

Rooke smiled. "I know," he answered. "I was the one who trained the both of you, remember?"

I tried to laugh, but it came out forced. "I remember."

"You should recall me knocking you on your arse every left and right."

I nodded with a groan. "Until the queen took us by her side."

Rooke sighed with a shake of his head. "It was a pleasant time to have you two boys with me," he answered. "I'm glad to see you grow into the General you are today."

I nodded. "Hopefully I can beat you now."

"Oh?" he questioned with a raised brow. "Is that grounds for a fight?"

I chuckled, relaxing. "Maybe once this fight between the Rabaka and Udan ends."

"I will hold you to that," he called as I turned. "And Hona?"

I turned to face him. "Yes?"

"Come visit me more often," he asserted. "I'm an old man who misses your company. Who knows how much longer I will last."

"I will," I promised, walking to the steps.

I climbed down them, smiling. I was glad to see Rooke again.

The image of the black-haired woman invaded my mind, causing the smile to disappear. I had almost forgotten her, but she returned, constant, in my mind. She haunted me more than Anai did.

I winced, thinking of what Anai said.

She wanted me to be freed but when the light shined, she would always be present. The only time I was alone was when I slept, and even now, another woman invaded my dreams.

I was no longer alone at all.