Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora 1)

Alora’s cheeks heated. “We... we’re not...”

“It’s perfectly fine, dear. Young love often blossoms into a real long-lasting relationship. But there’s no need to rush things. Let it happen naturally.”

Alora chewed the inside of her cheek. Her grandmother’s argument was persuasive. Could she be right? She decided to tackle a more comfortable subject. “If my wander-jewel is more powerful than others, what will I be able to do? What could I do beyond what I could with a normal jewel?”

“Well, obviously you can move yourself and two other people at the same time. That alone is amazing. You might be able to move two people without transporting yourself. That’s the most I’ve ever heard of. Your mother could do that as well.”

“What else could she do?”

“Most transports are done to yourself or away from yourself. Your mother could transport a person to or from any place she could see with her eyes. So, she could find me in Laegenshire and transport me to the top of that hill over there. Or from that hill to Laegenshire. The danger is the farther away you are from their landing place, the less control you have on the landing.”

“If you were in Laegenshire, but then you went on a trip somewhere, could I send Kaevin to you? Where would he go?”

“Yes, you could do that, and he would go to me, wherever I was; but you could only do that if you could form an accurate image of me in your mind. So, I could describe Kaevin’s father to you, but you wouldn’t be able to send him to his father—”

“Because the image wouldn’t be accurate. I’ve got it,” she said, nodding her head.

“The danger comes if you succeed in sending someone to the wrong place. For instance if you meant to send me into the house and you accidentally sent me to the middle of the lake. I have no way to let you know I’m not where you meant for me to go.”

“So I have to be able to concentrate...”

“Yes, it’s imperative you concentrate, no matter what’s going on around you. Imagine trying to help in the midst of a battle and sending someone to the wrong place. Of course, when a bearer is present in battle most soldiers wear metal belts so an enemy cannot transport them against their will. But there have been no active bearers for several years now, so we’ve abandoned that practice.”

“Oh, I didn’t know bearers were used in battle.”

“That’s why you’re so important right now. You’re the only active bearer in all of Tenavae. And the power of your red-heart jewel transcends protective wards. Only a shield of iron can protect someone from your assault.”

“But I’d never transport someone against their will, at least not in a bad way. I’m not that kind of person.”

Raelene’s eyes filled with sympathy. “I hate for you to lose your innocence at such a tender age, but consider this. What if someone were holding a knife to Kaevin’s throat? Or to your uncle’s throat? Would you still refuse to use your gift?”

Alora swallowed hard. “I... I hadn’t thought... I don’t...”

Raelene hugged her tight, and her voice trembled when she spoke again. “Don’t worry, Alora. We will take every precaution to prevent you from ever facing such a terrible choice. But I hope you will be able to help us in battle after you’ve become proficient with your gift. Your mother could heft huge boulders and drop them on the enemy. But moving lifeless objects is the most difficult skill to master. You may have eighteen or twenty years before you can predictably accomplish such a feat.”

Alora was swallowed by a sudden exhaustion. And it must have shown on her face, because Raelene said, “I think we’ve tra

ined enough for today. Kaevin mentioned going on a hunting trip tomorrow. Perhaps that would be a good time for us to practice again.”

“That sounds good, Grandmother. My head is starting to hurt.”

When Alora entered the house, she found Kaevin on the couch watching television with Charles. When their eyes met, he gave a weak smile.

“I’m not certain I have the energy to attend the dance tonight,” he said.

“Me, neither.” She plopped onto the couch beside him.

“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings today.” His quiet voice barely reached her ears.

She locked her fingers with his, murmuring, “It’s all right, really. I’m confused and emotional right now.”

“You have just cause to feel that way. I can learn to be more sensitive, if you’ll be patient with me.”

Her residual anger melted at his sincere tone and sweet intent. She leaned her head against his shoulder until she noticed her uncle’s glare.

“Hi, Uncle Charles.” She stiffened, lifting her head. “Did you have a good ride this morning? How did Gwendolyn behave with Grandmother?” Luckily, her distracting question seemed effective, as his scowl disappeared.

“Your grandmother had no trouble making Gwendolyn perform. She’s got a way with horses, for sure—didn’t even use a bridle.”