Chapter 4

        Rya and David rode into the camp side by side. Sinclaire and Natalie watched them approach. Sinclaire left his spot by the fire to meet Rya and David where they were dismounting. David was no longer wearing the blindfold that he had left wearing.

        "Rya, Natalie and I need to talk to you privately." Rya glanced at David. "He can wait over there with the hunters." Sinclaire pointed a gnarled finger at a small group carrying bows and long knives. David nodded and walked off in the direction indicated.

        Sinclaire and Rya joined Natalie at a private small fire. They sat down.

        "Grandfather, what do you and Natalie need to talk to me about?" She looked questioningly at the pair. Sinclaire glanced over at David, who was talking a blond female fletching arrows. Natalie cleared her throat drawing his attention back to Rya.

"Rya, Natalie and I have decided that it is time for you know something."

"What, Grandfather?"

"Do you remember your father and mother?"

"Grandfather, you know I don't know Mother. She died when I was born. Father disappeared when I was five."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. Your father was a master spell caster, much like myself. Your mother, she was a wonderful woman."

"Gwendolyn," interrupted Natalie, "was very special. She had no magic of her own, but she assisted your father in many ways. She designed the medallion that you wear around your neck."

"Damien imbued it with protective powers to keep you safe. There is only one other medallion like it. It was given to your twin brother."

"What twin? I don't have a twin." Rya looked at the pair confused.

"Actually, Rya, you do." Natalie reached for Rya's hand. "I was there when you both were born. They knew there would be two babies, so they made both medallions knowing that you would need them."

"Then where is my brother?"

"Only Damien knew where he was hidden." Sinclaire looked grim. "When he disappeared, I feared we would never see your brother."

"Why was he hidden and not me or both of us?"

"He was in greater danger than you," Natalie answered. "You weren't considered a potential threat like your brother would have been."

"A threat?"

"Rya, Kestra has been searching out any strong or potential opponents and destroying them. Your magic works best when combined with your brother's but his is stronger than mine by itself," Sinclaire explained.

Rya nodded her head in shock. She knew her magic wasn't strong compared to her grandfather's, but to learn she had a brother even stronger surprised her. "How can I find him, Grandfather, Natalie? Do you know what he looks like?"

"I'm sorry, Rya," Natalie started. "We don't know what he looks like. The only way to identify him is his medallion." Rya looked disappointed. "You'll find him when you need him most. That's what Damien always said before his disappearance."

"I hope he's right. Is there anything else you need to tell me?" Rya glanced toward David. The blond hunter was looking angry. Her face was red and she was glaring at him. If looks could kill, David might have been dead. "If not, I think I need to rescue David from Angie."

"There is something else." Sinclaire's words stopped Rya from joining David.

"What else could there be?"

        Rya left Sinclaire and Natalie and went over to where David was reclining on the ground after a punch from Angie. Their decision did not sit well with her. They wanted to send David to the noble rebels, and not just any rebels, but Michael and Peter. They were wild and undisciplined, especially Peter. Not only that, they associate with that half elf, Callen. David wouldn't survive or stand for their wild ways. David is just too reserved for that.

        "David?"

        "Aye, Rya?"

        "Would you mind traveling with another band of rebels for a while?"

        "Why?"

        "Grandfather thinks you need to know more about the land."

        "I wouldn't mind seeing more of the land but why couldn't I be with your band?"

        "My band doesn't travel much or very far. I guess you could say we're kind of stationary. We are too big to travel fast.?

        "That makes sense. Do you know who I'll be traveling with?"

        "You'll be traveling with two of the noble rebels."

        "'Noble rebels?' What are they?"

        "They're the rebels of the nobility. These two you will travel with do some spying for us at the capital. The only other person in their group is a half elf called Callen. He will be your contact with this band if you need anything."

        "Okay, I now know one name of someone in that band, but you forgot the names of the other two."

        "I did?" David nodded. "Sorry, their names are Michael and Peter."

        "So, they're only a trio. I guess when I join them we'll be a quartet. When do I join up with them?"

        "In two days."

        "Doesn't give me much time, but should be enough to gather my meager belongings for my latest journey. How do I find them?"

        "Natalie and I will guide you to the meeting place."

        "Guess I should go pack my bags?"

        "Mind if I help you?"

        "Sure, come along."