Najia's Sacrifice: The Path to Destiny Book Two

Najia’s Sacrifice

Elly Helcl

Copyright © 2012 Elly Mae Helcl

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover Art Designed By

Tsyplakova Alla(pseudonym AkuBaka), freelance fantasy artist from Russia.

The main gallery http://akubaka.deviantart.com

e-mail: akubaka90@mail.ru

eBook Formatting By

www.gopublished.com

Acknowledgments

This book is dedicated to my ornery husband – who somehow tolerates my ever moody self – and has supported my dreams throughout the years.

I would also like to thank Janette Nash, my editor. She is a wonderful woman who points out my every mistake. I am eternally grateful that her grammar is far better than mine.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

It isn’t fair, Najia thought. Even though she was almost eight, Mama Tia still said she couldn’t go to the village with her! Again, she was to be left with the Falkeries while Tia went to the village for supplies. Again!

It isn’t fair! she yelled in Tia’s resigned face.

Storming out of the house, Najia headed for her favorite place – the meadow. Plopping down among the flowers, she thought, I am not a stupid little girl anymore! Why won’t the Druids let me go to the village yet? Turk had lived, and surely everyone knows I wasn’t the person who actually hurt Papa Roland! Sometimes it was hard for Najia to understand the things her Mama Tia told her. She knew her Papa was killed defending her, and she was somehow blamed for it, but she couldn’t understand why anyone would believe a four year old was strong enough to kill an adult.

Picking a flower to play with, Najia was horrified to watch it wilt in her hand. She wasn’t mad, she really wasn’t!

"I am not mad! Please, flowers, don’t die! I don’t want you to die!" Najia was horrified to see that all of the flowers around her had died. Frustration welled up in her chest as she stared at the ring of dead flowers.

But I am not angry! Why can’t I even be sad? She slumped as tears welled in her eyes. There must be something good I can do!

Sobbing, she threw herself across the dead flowers, allowing her tears to fall to the ground. I am nothing more than a bringer of death! Why can’t I figure out how to do good things? Tia promised I will someday when I am older. But I am older now. Why is it I can only do bad things? Najia wondered, frantically.

Najia, Faye has arrived! Tia called from the house.

Not wanting Faye, her Falkerie, to see her crying, Najia sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see Faye, she did, but she also really wanted to see other kids. It was lonely in the meadow with no one but Tia to play with. Fingering a flower bud, Najia realized it was slowly growing inside the ring of dead flowers.

With a start, Najia just knew in her heart that her tears had created this. She watched in wonder as the tiny green bud began to blossom. I did it! I finally created something! She was so proud of herself. Warmth blossomed in her chest as she realized she would finally be able to tell Faye she had created something good.

As the petals opened, Najia watched in awe as a beautiful purple flower bloomed. The inside of the petals shimmered iridescently like the surface of a pearl, and the center was filled with pearl-like orbs. With a little poof, the flower released all of the shimmering white orbs. Not really understanding what had just happened, Najia watched them float away on the breeze. She was so worried about those orbs that she didn’t hear Faye approach her from behind.

Najia! Faye exclaimed breathlessly. Do you know what you have done?

Wincing, Najia turned to look up at Faye. Blocking the sun with her hand, she tried to discern if the Falkerie was angry or not. Sweeping her gaze up and down the tall and skinny woman, Najia studied her long white hair – which fell to her waist when it was down – and her light blue eyes that shimmered with tears.

I’m sorry, Najia said, as she watched Faye sit down beside her. Hanging her head in shame, she decided to just confess what had happened. After all, it was an accident. I made it with my tears – I think. I was just so frustrated and angry with Mama Tia for leaving me behind…so I came to the meadow. I sat down in the flowers, and they all died.

Faye wrapped an arm around Najia, and encouraged her to continue.

I don’t know why the flowers died! Najia sniffed. "I didn’t mean to do it, and I started to cry because I killed all of the flowers. When I sat up, the flower was growing, and I really do think it was where my tears had fallen."

Are you very sure about that? Faye asked gently.

Wrinkling her nose in annoyance, Najia replied, Well, it just grew out of the ground, out of nowhere, and poofed out all of these white things.

Laughing at the precocious little girl, she pushed, "Do you think this was a good thing or a bad thing?

I made it…so I guess it must be something evil or bad, Najia shrugged, I really haven’t learned how to do good things with my magic yet. Can it hurt you or Mama Tia?

You can only hurt me with your anger and your flames, Faye reminded her gently. I am a Demi-God with lots of magic. Your Mama has a little magic, and you have to remember that it only takes one time of you losing control of your magic, and you can easily kill her. But it is important that you remember that I am a very strong magical being. You should never fear hurting me or killing me, unless that is your expressed intent.

Smiling down at Najia, she could see that the rambunctious little girl was having a hard time sitting still. This flower is a very special flower, Najia. When the last Pixie died, these flowers disappeared, and no one has seen one since. Do you know what this flower is?

No! Najia felt a little crabby. She was sure this was about to turn into another of Faye’s boring lessons.

Stubborn, aren’t you? Faye laughed, deciding to make this short, while roping in her little student. You know you have the power to kill, but you also have the power to give life. This flower is something good, I promise you.

Najia looked at Faye with disbelief, and tried to see if she was playing a joke on her or not. Though that would be out of character for her Falkerie, it made more sense than the idea that she could give life. Sucked in by Faye’s neat little trap, Najia still wasn’t quite sure she believed it.

Are you sure?

It is true, Najia, Faye soothed and reassured her at the same time. This flower has the power to give life, and the power to heal the earth. The Great Battle took place in this very meadow; I am sure it needs a lot of healing. But the really fun part is this: since you created the flower, you can now communicate with the meadow, and it with you.

Najia silently absorbed all of this new information. Finally she said, "So, this flower opened, white stuff came out, and that means my meadow is happy again and can talk to me?’

Don’t describe it that way to anyone else, but yes, that sums it up quite well. Faye giggled with mirth at the confused look on Najia’s face. Now, I think we have kept Tia waiting long enough. Why don’t we go say our goodbyes, so we can start our lessons?

Blech! Najia rolled her eyes as she got to her feet. Perking up, she realized she could tell her Mama Tia that she had created life and could somehow talk to the meadow now. With a much lighter heart, she smiled up at Faye. If she couldn’t go to the village, being here with her Falkerie was the next best thing. Giggling, she thought, I wonder how you talk to a meadow. I will definitely have to try that one!

***

The summer Najia turned thirteen started out like every other summer; she was very lonely. As she lay in her meadow, she didn’t know this was to be her greatest summer ever. She didn’t know that by the time the summer was over, she would barely remember the loneliness that she felt at the beginning of this day. All spring she had played in the meadow, and her boredom was bordering on depression by this point. More than anything, she wanted something new to happen.

She just wanted to be normal. She wanted to have something new to explore, someone new to talk to. She loved her Mama Tia, but she could get boring at times! Najia wanted to meet other Phoenix girls – talk to them about boys – and she really wanted to meet her Seared. She had heard so many bad things about the Phoenix that she now wondered if it was even possible for a race to be that bad.

Her Mama Tia had explained that for the Phoenix, a Searing was like a betrothal, and she had been Seared when she was three months old. Normally, a noble Phoenix girl was Seared when she turned twelve. That is when her family chooses her mate, and the two are Seared in a special ceremony, where the essences of the chosen mates are Seared. Apparently, a tiny piece of her soul had been transferred to her Seared, and vice versa. Once, she had tried really hard to feel her Seared, but she hadn’t felt anything.

Sighing, Najia remembered how angry Mama Tia had been when she found out. Her Mama had raged at her until she realized that she had never explained why Najia shouldn’t try to use the bond that Seared couples have. Tia explained that the bond allowed the Seared couple to read each other’s thoughts, feel their feelings, and find one another if there is ever a pressing need. The farther apart, the less the bond; the closer, the more heightened the bond. For months, Najia expected the Phoenix to descend on her meadow, but it had never happened.

Najia knew the Druid Elders expected her never to marry or have children. Mama Tia had simply said her destiny would be revealed in time, and that she should be patient. Najia really didn’t care one way or the other at this point; it was the isolation she couldn’t stand anymore. She wanted a friend to play in the meadow with – to talk to – and she wanted to get away from this tiny area and see new things.

Sitting in the meadow, Najia tried to stop thinking about being lonely, and to concentrate on the flowers she was growing. Unlike most people, she didn’t have to plant a seed and nurture it for weeks for it to grow and bloom. One wave of her hand, and the planted seed would grow steadily until she stopped it. Today, however, her flowers didn’t look as vibrant as they usually did. They just looked sad.

I want a friend I can talk to, Najia told the flowers. I want someone to play with and share my dreams with. I want a friend I can’t hurt with my magic; is that so wrong?

Sniffing, she growled in frustration as tears welled in her eyes. Fighting to hold them back, she tried blinking really hard and then tilted her head to the sky. I am not crying! she declared to the sky, even as a fat tear plopped to the ground.

Frustrated, she wondered if she would ever really be able to control her tears. Wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her chin on her knees, she prepared to watch the purple flower bloom. It was the most beautiful flower that appeared whenever her tears fell in the meadow. Though she would never get tired of seeing this flower bloom, she was tired of crying the tears that caused it to grow.

Watching the stem slowly rise from the ground, Najia was surprised to see that this one looked different. Moving to kneel in front of the flower, she realized it looked as though it was sagging, as if the bloom was filled to capacity and needed to open prematurely and release its white orbs. Disappointed in herself, she thought she had ruined this flower’s short life cycle.

Ever so slowly, the flower’s petals started to open, one by one. It had never done that before, and Najia couldn’t help but lean closer and watch as this familiar, yet odd, flower slowly opened its petals. The slower the petals moved, the closer to the ground the flower sagged. Reaching out to cup the bloom in her hands, she was surprised to feel how much it weighed. Without any warning, a ball of goo popped out of the bloom and landed on her lap.

Screeching, Najia twitched it off her lap, and fell backwards onto her hands. Scooting away, she stared in horror at the moving pile of goo.

Ouch.

Najia couldn’t believe her ears! That thing just spoke! She stared dumbly as the ball of goo stood up. It looks like a miniature person covered in boogers! Najia was sure she was going to be sick.

That was very rude of you! the little person scolded her, as it brushed the goo off its body.

I...I’m sorry? Najia stammered uncertainly. It isn’t every day a little person gets spit out of a flower onto my lap.

I am a Pixie, thank you very much, it replied saucily. I was just reborn, and I am covered in nectar! One would think it is only appropriate of you to offer your new friend a bath! After all, you did ask for me from the Gods!

Najia was dumbstruck for a moment. She had made someone? Just by wishing? She really didn’t know what to think; and if she didn’t know what to think, what was Mama Tia going to say?

I think my Mama is going to be very angry with me. She was awestruck, despite her statement. Did I really make you?

Yep.

I can’t hurt you?

Nope.

Will you leave me if I get a little angry every now and then?

The Pixie scoffed at her.

Most of my magic is bad, she told him softly. Are you bad?

Pixies aren’t bad! We are fun and loyal and great! But a Pixie also needs a name…So, what do you plan to name me? the Pixie demanded.

Can I name you anything? Even something gross? Barely pausing as she fired questions at the goopy Pixie, she realized she didn’t even know its gender yet. Are you a boy or a girl?

You must be joking! Pixies should be named with honor! Sighing dramatically, the Pixie attempted to dry off its sticky wings. "And I am not a boy. I am a Pixie man! We are born adults when we are born that way." He flicked his head towards the now dead flower.

I’ve never met a Pixie before. How was I supposed to know? Najia just shrugged at him. I guess I will name you later, after you meet my Mama Tia.

Ahh! the Pixie screamed as he fell to the ground. His arms and legs were flailing about as if he were having a seizure.

What’s wrong? Najia’s heart fell into her stomach as she scooped up the little man. I knew I couldn’t make something good! Please, don’t die! Tell me how to fix you!

You must name me! he rasped, wriggling about in her arms. Or I will die!

Thinking frantically, Najia yelled, Kender! Your name is Kender!

Thank you very much! Kender replied, darting into the air and giving her a wink. Kender? Humm….I like it!

You tricked me! Didn’t you? Najia’s fear was quickly replaced with anger.

Of course! Kender replied with a shrug, as if it should have been obvious.

You little imp! Najia shouted. You scared me! That was horrible of you!

Kender giggled, enjoying the first prank of his new life.

Narrowing her eyes at Kender, Najia slowly became aware that her hair was starting to smolder. Looking down, she growled when she saw that she had burned holes in her robe, and it was dangerously close to bursting completely into flames. Patting the charred areas, Najia closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. My magic is never good, Najia thought. I created this odious little man; I should have known there would be nothing good about him!

Feeling something lightly touch her shoulder, Najia opened her eyes, and was surprised to see Kender sitting on her.

I am not odious! Kender pouted.

How are you still alive? Najia marveled.

You can’t hurt me…physically, Kender sniffed.

Did I hurt your feelings? she asked rudely.

I am not odious.

Oh, that. Well, I am sorry I said that, Kender, Najia apologized offhandedly, out of habit. Realizing she had never actually said anything out loud, she exclaimed, Wait! You can read my mind?

Maybe, he pouted.

I promise I won’t think bad things about you anymore. Okay? She sighed and cursed her temper. She really did want to know the answer, and whether or not he could read her mind. Can we just start over?

No! Kender fumed. No, no, NO!

I really am sorry. Najia was honestly beginning to feel apologetic now.

Ok.

Really? She was startled by the sudden acceptance.

Yep.

So the Gods really did send you! Najia started to feel a little giddy over the idea. She was brimming with excitement, and anxious to brag about her new friend. She was especially looking forward to telling Tia all about Kender. Now we just have to find a good way to explain this one to Tia! She giggled, feeling happy for the first time that summer. But before we bring you home, we had better give you a bath. Tia isn’t a fan of anything slimy!

Bringing him down to the creek, she quickly went and found a root that turned into soap when rubbed, and gave it to Kender to bathe. Kender ordered her to sit with her back to him while he bathed, and Najia couldn’t prevent a little giggle when he emerged from his bath wearing a couple of leaves. Shaking her head, she hurried him up to the house, and hesitated at the door.

You should probably wait here. Najia glanced guiltily at Kender, who was hovering by her shoulder.

Shrugging, he landed next to the door, and leaned against the house.

Just hurry, please. I am famished, he announced.

Giving him a small smile, Najia went into the house leaving the door open just a crack.

Mama? she called.

Yes? Tia replied, coming out of the kitchen.

I have a confession to make, Najia admitted slowly, but I am a little afraid to tell you.

I can see why, Tia remarked dryly, with a pointed look at the remnants of Najia’s charred robe.

I made someone, Najia blurted out.

Made someone? Tia repeated, looking baffled.

I was lonely, she confessed, before Tia could say another word. I was just making flowers, and talking to myself. I said I wanted a friend, and I got really sad that I am always so lonely, and I started to cry. I tried really hard not to cry, but I did, and this time, instead of those little white things, it spit out a friend for me!

You made someone? Tia repeated, incredulously. "What kind of someone?"

A Pixie? Najia wrinkled up her nose as she waited for a reaction.

Jaw hanging open, Tia finally had the presence of mind to exclaim, What?! Where is it?

I left him outside, Najia admitted, not sure if Tia was angry or not.

Get it-I mean invite him inside! Tia was excited and a little afraid. Pixies are extinct. If she is right and it is a Pixie, she is more magically advanced that we ever could have expected, given her age. The thought made her feel apprehensive and vulnerable.

Kender! Najia called, confused by the expression on Tia’s face. You can come in now!

Najia felt him settle on her shoulder, and looked over at Kender’s smiling face.

Kender, meet my Mama Tia! she grinned encouragingly, until she looked at Tia and saw the color draining from her face. What’s wrong? she asked, sure that Pixies must be bad after all.

He’s a Pixie! Tia shook her head and weakly collapsed into the nearest chair. Pixies are extinct.

Extinct? I am not extinct, madam! Kender proclaimed. "I am sitting right here!"

I must get the Falkeries right away! Tia felt an impending sense of doom as she realized fully what this meant. We just didn’t know you were so strong, Najia! It isn’t safe here for you anymore! I must summon the Falkeries!

Najia’s jaw dropped as she watched Tia run outside to summon the Falkeries. Bewildered, Najia felt Kender tap her jaw, and she closed her mouth as she turned her head to look at him.

Kender, are Pixies evil?

Snorting in disgust, Kender just shook his head at her.

But if you’re not evil, then why did my Mama look so scared? Najia’s stomach was starting to hurt.

Evil Pixies? Give me a break! Kender snorted at her, before grumpily muttering, Are you evil?

I think I must be, she replied honestly, I am going to go lay down for a while. I don’t feel so good.

***

The next day, Najia watched apprehensively as a small group of Falkeries rode across the meadow to her house. She was excited to see that they all rode Unicorns, but the feeling quickly waned when she remembered why they were coming, and why they were pulling sleds.

Watching the lovely white horses canter up to her house, she pressed her nose against the window to get a better look at them. She was surprised to see that their horns were different colors than the drawings she had seen depicted in the Druid books. While one did have a golden horn, the others had purple, red, blue, and one even had a multicolored horn.

Deciding the adults were distracted enough not to notice her, Najia crept outside and tentatively approached the nearest Unicorn.

Get away from my Unicorn! one of the Falkeries shouted out as he stomped up to her. You would probably kill it with your stupidity!

Armond! Faye admonished, looking shocked by his outburst. Get away from Najia!

Lips trembling, and holding both of her hands behind her back, Najia looked up at Faye with tears in her eyes.

I wouldn’t have hurt the Unicorn, she promised brokenly.

Armond is an ass, Najia. Ignore him. Faye glared at the offending man for a moment, before approaching Najia and giving her a reassuring hug. Now, what is all of this urgency about?

Pulling out of Faye’s arms, Najia whirled around and ran back inside the house. She immediately headed upstairs to her room and slammed the door behind her. She didn’t want to be around when Tia told Faye what she had done. Najia knew she hadn’t meant to do a bad thing, but judging by the reactions Kender was getting, it was a really bad thing.

Leaning heavily against the door she had just slammed, Najia closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.

Opening her eyes, she froze at the sight that awaited her.

Kender?! Najia gasped in astonishment, What have you done to my room?

Looking around her destroyed room, she knew it would take hours to clean. She tried to remain calm as she bent to start picking up her scattered clothing.

Kender casually strolled out from under her bed, wearing a shirt, pants, and shoes. Absently, Najia wondered if her Mama had sewed him some clothing the night before, but was too busy cleaning and remaining calm to really think about such a little detail. Throwing Kender a disgusted look, she growled a little when he just laughed at her.

Kender! Najia scolded, as she shook one of her robes at him. This isn’t funny!

Angrily throwing the robe over her arm as she moved to pick up another one, she froze as she realized there was a large hole in it. Grabbing another robe, she saw that this one too had holes cut into it. Najia quickly started sorting though her robes looking for holes.

You cut holes in my clothes?! Najia couldn’t believe