Free Wielder's Fate by T.B. Christensen Page B

privacy, least of all yours.  You have my word.”
    As he earnestly stared back at her, she could not help but believe he was telling the truth.  The sincerity of his assurance and the honesty in his eyes calmed her worries.
    “I believe you,” she said as her frown melted away.
    Another wave of relief passed over the young wielder’s face as he nodded.  He then pushed himself up from the ground.  Kalista held up her hand so that he could assist her to her feet as well.  He hesitated for a split second before taking her hand in his.  As his strong hand wrapped around hers, a jolt of energy coursed through her body.  She stared up into his sparkling eyes as he effortlessly pulled her to her feet.
    With their hands and eyes connected, something passed between them.  She should have let go of his hand the second she was on her feet, but she did not.  She loved how her hand felt in his.
    “Traven!” someone shouted in the distance.
    They both let their hands drop quickly to their sides as they turned towards the voice.
    “Over here!” Traven shouted back.
    Kalista stared up at him out of the corner of her eye as she waited for whoever it was to find them.  He continued looking forward at where the garden path came around the large tree and gave access to the secluded clearing they were in.  She began to see him differently than she had before.
    “There you are,” Commander General Blaize said as he rounded the tree.  “Oh, excuse me, Princess.”
    The large general looked between Traven and her and the corner of his mouth twitched.  Kalista realized that she and Traven were still standing right next to each other.  She took a prudent step away from the young wielder as Gavin and Traven’s cloaked servant also appeared from around the tree.  Gavin’s countenance darkened slightly as he glanced at the two of them together in the secluded clearing.  The look passed quickly as he replaced it with a smile and walked over to her.
    “I did not realize I would find you here as well,” Gavin said as he reached her side.  She smiled in return and took his arm.
    “Wielder Traven was showing me some of the things he can do with the ambience,” she explained.
    “Good,” Gavin responded as he turned towards Traven.  “We are in need of your abilities at this moment.”

 
     
     
    7
     
     
    Traven followed as Blaize led the small group to the east city gate.  Gavin and Kalista walked arm in arm just in front of Traven, and Darian walked at his side.  Apparently, there were refugees on their way to the city and a horde of creatures wasn’t far behind them.  From the brief description of the beasts, it sounded to him like they were possibly galdaks, but he didn’t want to say anything until he had a chance to scree them.
    As they made their way along the streets of the city, Traven noticed Kalista giving him strange, sidelong glances whenever she had the chance.  It was also difficult for him to keep his eyes off her.  He was sure it was she who had held onto his hand longer than was necessary when he had helped her to her feet.  She had looked into his eyes intently, and he could have sworn that something special passed between them.
    Even though he had enjoyed it, he wished the moment hadn’t occurred.  It would make it that much harder for him to leave.  Then again, if there really was a horde of galdaks coming to attack the city, he would be forced to delay his departure.  As much as he wanted to be near Kalista, he would have to make a concerted effort to keep his distance from her.  She was engaged, and he didn’t want any misunderstandings or accusations to surface.
    He knew Blaize had noticed how close they had been standing to each other.  His friend wouldn’t say anything to anyone else about it, but Traven was sure Blaize would have something to say to him.  From Darian’s mischievous smiles, half hidden by his hood, Traven knew the elf had some comments of his own to make as