Kora opened her eyes and sat up quickly, just as Shadow seemed to come undone as well, launching himself up and over the fire snarling fiercely. Ben sat up as well, the abrupt noise startling him. His sword drawn, he looked around warily, trying to see what danger Shadow sought. Kora did not even get up, she called for Shadow.
"He isn't here, Shadow, come back." She whistled and drew her knees up to her chest. Ben looked at her, confused.
"Who isn't here, Kora? What is going on?" Kora quietly explained the vision, and how Shadow had seemed to have sensed it. Ben shook, in anger at being held captive by someone who was not even near them.
"There is one bright side to all of this, though, he will never get your heart." Ben looked down at her, pulling her close to him as Shadow curled around them again.
"I'm failing to see your optimism, Benjamin." Kora's voice was tart. She was shaking, the roller coaster of emotions taking all her energy.
"He said you must willingly let him cut your heart out. No one can willingly do that. Even under the most extreme circumstances, how does he plan to get you to willingly do it? There is just no way." Ben scoffed. Kora shook her head.
"He will find a way." She looked up at Ben, her eyes full of fear and sadness.
"Do you think I would not give my heart to save you, Ben? He was right, and I was too afraid to admit it to myself. I could feel our connection from the beginning. Without you, there is nothing. I will not let him hurt you." She cupped his face in her hands, panic starting to rise. He was going to come for Ben, she had to stop him. Ben grabbed her hands, pulling her into his lap, cradling her to his chest. Her shaking scared him.
"Nothing will happen to me, Kora. I can take care of myself. I do not have your powers, but I am not defenseless. Kora, have faith in us. We can do this together." Kora remained silent, clutching him tightly, fighting tears.
They rose early, neither of them sleeping well. Shadow too seemed to have slept poorly, he was not his normal self, walking beside the horses. Kora looked him over. He really was getting huge. It had to have been proximity to her magic. He had grown to the same size as her horse. She was certain she could ride him. Even since yesterday, he seemed to have grown a few more inches. Comparing him to Oginalli, how now treated him like another horse - Oginalli was 16 hands at least, so Shadow by comparison has at least 15. She grew concerned and began to pull power, checking Shadow's body. Kora felt the animal magic within and scanned his brain and body-all seemed normal. She checked his growth plates and was relieved to see he was done growing. While his massive growth had been quick, his body did not seem to have any ill side effects. She told Ben her findings, and coming around on his horse, he looked shadow up and down as the dog trotted down the road.
"He may be part Fenrir. It could not have to do with your magic at all." Ben mused. Fenrir were monstrous wolves that lived in the wasteland of the Old Empire.
"The merchant had mentioned his dog had been tagged by a wolf on the road home, THAT is why he wanted to get rid of the puppies so quickly. He was a monster." They busted out laughing, as Shadow gave them a lopsided look.
Their friends and the mages waited for them at the village entrance, and they turned for the road to head south. The landscape changed quickly, and soon they found themselves entering the jungles of the south-west. Stella was surprised, thinking the change would have been more gradual. The jungle was close and hot, steaming during the day. Kora taught the women how to cut the sleeves off their shirts to give them more breathing room, and how to weave hats out of palm tree leaves. They hit the river Sal lix and began to follow it further south. It led to the Southern Ocean. Kora's nightmares and visions continued, and though she tried to hide them, she started to grow gaunt and pale. The lack of sleep was eating at her nerves. Drew was trying to make her go crazy, and she was not having it. Royce and Ludis finally pulled her aside.
"Look, lady, I have had enough of your snappy attitude. Ludis can fix your terrors. So, stay still and do what she says." Royce did sound very irritated, and Kora bowed her head, sorry she had irritated her friend so. Ludis smacked him hard with a satchel she held, and Royce sighed.
"Kora, kiddo, I am sorry. I know it is not your fault. But you are strung tighter than a bow, and you are about to break. Something must give. Ludis can help, let her." He stepped back and Ludis reached into the bag. Inside was a woven circle, on a thin leather cord. A necklace. Small golden griffin feathers hung from it.
"We made these in our tribe, to ward evil spirits. I cast a spell against visions and nightmares, and the feathers will help you see the truth. We are not certain that it will work, but it is worth a try. You have grown so thin, Kora." Her friend sounded so worried about her. She took the handmade necklace and slipped it over her head. She felt… Lighter somehow, as if a shadow had been lifted from her mind. She smiled and gave them each a hug.
"I think this will help, thank you." It took another week, and the ocean finally came into view. Everyone was excited to spend some time on the beach. Down the mountain path they went, Kora sketched pictures of the waterfalls they passed. They finally hit the bottom and the start of the construction. The road was being leveled and widened through a large valley, to make a new road to connect to the other side of the mountain. It was how it had been 1500 years ago, but the jungle had taken it back. Heading for the beach, they could see ships already, carrying the supplies to build the harbor itself. Things were progressing much faster than Malik had anticipated, and he was pleased. One of the captains had offered them the chance to stay on his ship, but they all wanted to camp on the beach. They spent three weeks lying about, and soaking up the sun, and eating tons of seafood, caught fresh. Kora's sleep had improved with the necklace Ludis had given her, and her weight returned rapidly, she was glowing again. She loved the ocean and dove deep looking for coral and shells. Her connection to the earth calling, she spent more time in the water than out of it. Royce taught her how to surf, and Stella learned how to make sandcastles with Ludis and Malik. Ben fished and swam. Shadow was all over the place, finally feeling the small bit of peace that Kora had found. He jumped off cliffs into the water, and when he came to the beach shaking to dry off, everyone and everything became soaked. The adolescent mages also enjoyed their time in the sun, but when a ship was set to sail to the northern shores for more supplies, Malik opted to barter them passage to go home. The hardest work of the summer had been done. When they set for home, the only thing left was to widen the lake on the border of Ben's lands for a better reservoir. It was time for the three couples to enjoy some alone time. Malik, personally, was enjoying the vacation. He made love to Ludis every night beneath the stars, and he never wanted it to end.