Earth & Sky by Kaye Draper Read Free Book Online Page A

beginning of the war. 
    I swallowed the lump in my throat.  “I miss you,” I said
softly.  I took a deep breath, and then let it out in a rush.  “Oh Mom…I try so
hard, but it’s never good enough.”  I rested my palm on the cold surface of the
stone, wishing it were my mother’s warm hand.  “I wonder if things would be
different if you were here.”  Maybe she would understand.  Maybe she would
temper the harsh edges of my father and sister.
    I dropped my hand, balling up my fists and resting them on
my thighs.  A gust of wind brought a mist of rain, the dampness mingling with
the tears that streamed down my cheeks.  I was so alone.  “What should I do?” 
I asked the cold stone.  “How can I be who they need me to be, when I’m so
completely wrong for the job?”
    I closed my eyes and sat, counting my breaths, waiting for
an answer.  The dampness in the air accumulated on my face and back, forming
tickling streams.  I don’t know how long I sat there, completely still, waiting. 
I pushed myself to my feet when I heard the metallic sound of the gate opening
and closing. 
    Father was coming down the path.  I waited as he came
toward me, carrying a single blood red rose.  He gestured toward the iris.  “I
used to give those to your mother every year.”  Stooping, he placed the rose on
top of the headstone.  “Roses were her favorite though.” 
    “You should have told me you were coming.  We could have
walked over together,” I said softly. 
    He stood, meeting my gaze.  “Don’t you have training
today?”
    I rolled my shoulders.  “Is it really necessary?  You know
I’m a better fighter than the new recruits are.  I’ve trained with you since I
was little.  Why can’t I go to the more advanced classes with Winona?”
    He sighed heavily and turned a deep brown frown on me.  “Winona
is in the elite class so that she can practice her leadership skills.  You
don’t need those kinds of things.  Your place is with the soldiers who will see
combat.”
    I gritted my teeth.  “But I want to do more.”
    He leveled a dark look at me.  “There can only be one
queen, remember that.  Wherever you and Winona are on the same ground, there
will always be a battle.  You need to learn your place- and let her have
hers.”  He turned back to mother’s grave, dismissing me. 
    I turned and walked away.  “Why did you always give her
irises, if roses were her favorite?”  I whispered as I passed Dad.  He
stiffened, but didn’t reply. 
    I stooped and picked up my short sword and pistol from
where I had left them, just outside the gate.  Strapping them to my leather harness,
I headed toward the training room.  General Yates was there, working with the
young shifters that were approaching their eighteenth birthdays.  I had hoped
that General Maddox would be teaching today, but no such luck.  “General,” I
dipped my head in greeting and went to take my place among the others.
    “You’re late.”  He turned his attention back to the rest
of the recruits.  “Short swords today,” he said in a flat voice.  “You need to
be versatile in several weapons.  On the field, you may lose your sword or
pistol.  The short sword is good for close fighting.”  He paced the ranks of
youngsters, all eager for fighting glory.  “Grab a sparring sword and break out
into partners.  His eyes came to rest on me.  “Wren, you’re with me today.”
I grabbed my weapon and joined him at the edge of the room.  His dark blue
eyes met mine.  “Today was the queen’s birthday,” he said softly.  I nodded,
swinging my sword experimentally.  “I know you and your family must miss her
terribly, but don’t let that cost you your focus.”
    The wooden practice sword made a soft swishing sound as I
flicked my wrist.  “What started the war?”
    His eyes widened at my question.  “You know,” he said
cautiously.  “Why are you asking me?”
    My eyes met his.  “I’ve