The Cursed Princess and the Black Knight chapter 5/6

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I do own these characters. Please, do not use them without my permission.

5: Natural Enemies

Kumari was not sure what the last task would be for Crow, but her father would probably assign her something supremely dangerous. He refused to discuss it with her, but ordered her not to go with Crow tomorrow. She would see how Crow reacted to the task. While she might not have any more mothers out there, there could always be other family members and if not, Crow was the Black Knight. She had already had enough adventures to fill a library and survived them all. For the time being, she wanted to just be near Crow, enjoy her company without danger looming.

Kumari sought Crow in her room, but it was empty. Instead, she found Crow in the garden with her mothers and sister. They had a fire going and were laughing over something. It seemed much too intimate for her presence, so Kumari turned to leave.

“My Lady!” Crow sounded cheerful and bright.

Kumari turned to see Crow smiling, looking more youthful than she had since they met. She was in plain clothes rather than her armor, a simple shirt and red knee-breeches. She seemed so relaxed, at peace. She trotted up to Kumari, gazing up at her. Kumari’s heart thumped as she got lost in those strange, dark eyes.

“Come, sit.” Crow motioned to the group with one hand. The other hand took Kumari’s and held her hand like she never wanted to let go. “Ma was just lying to us about that time she fell out of a tree and broke her leg.” Crow snickered, as if it was a joke.

“For the last time, I didn’t fall out of the tree!” Calynn threw her hands up. Ar shook her massive head and Raven definitely laughed.

Crow leaned in close, her warm breath tickling Kumari’s skin. “She definitely fell out of the tree. Come hear the lies with us.”

“I didn’t fall out of the tree. A ghost pushed me,” Calynn insisted. Okay, Kumari was not expecting that as an explanation.

“You know you’d have better luck convincing us a fairy pushed you, right? Even a big cat coming back to its branch,” Edra pointed out.

“It was a ghost!” Even Ar and Raven laughed. Ar’s laugh was almost like a wheezing sound, but it was quite clearly a laugh. Raven was close to braying, so that had to be a heavy laugh.

“Beloved, I promise you, none of us think less of you for falling out of the tree,” Edra said, patting Calynn’s knee.

“We think less of you for saying a ghost pushed you,” Crow chimed in as she walked Kumari over to their group. They sat down in the grass with everyone else.

Calynn glared at Crow. “Eddie, Ar, one of you better get your daughter before you don’t have one anymore.” Ar hissed in Crow’s direction and Crow nodded.

“She says I do things like that because we all know Ma couldn’t kill her double,” Crow explained to Kumari.

“I’m actually surprised Crow wasn’t the reason you fell out of the tree. You always swore the smallest branches could hold you when you were chasing after her,” Edra said. Raven made a noise and nodded toward Calynn. Edra sighed. “Yes, I know none of you know how big you are.”

“Wait, that reminds me, remember when Crow got Raven into a tree,” Calynn said and there were groans all around. Kumari could not wait to hear that story. Raven seemed embarrassed and hid her head behind Ar’s foreleg.

Eventually, they moved on from tree misadventures, just talking about anything that came to mind and passing around snacks, like banana chips, grapes, biscuits, and other good things. At some point, Kumari ended up leaning against Crow and she never wanted to move. Crow did not seem to mind, wrapping an arm around Kumari’s waist. Ar let loose a grumble and Edra chuckled. Kumari glanced between them to try to figure out what was going on.

“Mom!” Crow groaned. Kumari turned her attention to Crow, hoping for an explanation. Crow looked away with her mouth twisted up to the side.

“She’s right, though,” Edra said. “You’re both cute together.”

Kumari yelped and her cheeks burned, but could not bring herself to move. Crow went stiff against her, but also did not move. Was Crow as attached to her as she was to Crow? She could not see how. Crow was worldly while the most Kumari had been outside of her room had happened in the past few days. For the moment, she would not question it. She would enjoy Crow’s warmth and this friendly atmosphere.

“Let’s have some spicy hot cider to go with this calm night,” Edra said and she went into her bag. Kumari expected her to just pull out full tea cups, but she pulled out several vials instead. She smiled at Kumari. “It’s best to make from scratch rather than magic when it’s possible.”

Kumari nodded and the next thing she knew she was sipping delicious, hot, spicy cider under a blanket of stars with her head on Crow’s shoulder. Crow smiled at her. This was so peaceful, almost enough for her to forget tomorrow Crow might leave her behind forever.

“Are you worried?” Kumari asked Crow.

“About tomorrow’s task?” Crow replied.

“Yes. I’m sure my father will think of the most deadly and dangerous task around.”

Crow grinned. “And I’ll conquer it because I’m capable.” She held up an arm and moved her sleeve, showing off her arm. She made a muscle and Kumari’s body tingled in a way it never had before. She resisted the urge to touch the bulking muscle as the fire light made the temptation greater as it gave Crow’s bronze skin an interesting orange glow. She looked like an otherworldly being, not quite a god, or angel, or even fairy. Just some being unto herself.

Edra chuckled. “Don’t fret, Princess.” Her voice broke Kumari out of her daze and she turned from Crow to Edra as Edra continued. “Take it from someone married to her own reckless knight, the idea of danger only makes them want it more. Just be there to support her and catch her if she falls. And, she will fall every now and then with all of that confidence because they don’t realize sometimes the confidence leads to stupidity.”

Kumari was flattered that Edra thought Crow would allow her that honor. But, Crow smiled at her, as if it was true, and her stomach flipped. Could she support Crow? Catch her if she fell? Kumari would love nothing more than to find out.

After the cider, everyone settled in for the night. Crow covered Raven with a huge blanket and then settled against Raven with Kumari by her side. Raven nudged Crow with her snout, almost pushing her over. They laughed and then Raven tucked her head, closing her eyes. She deserved a good rest. Crow then tossed a thin blanket over herself and Kumari.

Edra and Calynn made themselves comfortable against Ar’s hind leg, a blanket over them too. Ar glanced at Crow before tucking into herself for sleep as well. Crow took Kumari’s hand and held it tight.

“Will I be able to come with you tomorrow?” Kumari asked.

“If that is your will. While I don’t know the danger, I do know if I’m unable to protect you for whatever reason, Raven would.” And Raven neighed as if in agreement. “So, no matter what foolhardy thing I do, you’ll be all right, which is what matters to me.”

“Why?”

Crow grinned. “Because you’re my Lady.”

Kumari did not have the courage to ask what that meant and all too soon sleep claimed her. Pleasant dreams danced through her mind. Dreams where Crow stayed with her and they went on many adventures and became the best of friends.

In the morning, Kumari was awoken by guards and her handmaidens who ripped her from Crow’s presence before she could fully comprehend what was happening. Crow, her mothers, and Raven all startled awake, but were on their feet in seconds, as if getting ready for a battle. There was a tense few seconds before Kumari thought to calm the situation.

“It’s all right,” Kumari said, stepping away from the guards, Citi, and Dumali. She went closer to Crow and company, wanting to make sure they did not hurt anyone.

“What’s going on?” Calynn demanded to know, standing just in front of Edra with her fists up. Crow had her fists up as well.

Kumari turned to Dumali and Citi. “That’s what I would like to know.”

Dumali nudged Citi as a cue for her to say something. “Forgive us. We worried when you did not come to your rooms last night and then the King sought you out this morning. He was in a frenzy, claiming your knight stole you.”

Kumari glanced at Crow before focusing on her handmaidens. “Crow is not myknight and she obviously did not steal me.”

“Forgive us, my Lady.” Citi and Dumali bowed their heads.

Now, Kumari felt like she had done something wrong. She stepped over to her oldest friends and took a hand in each of hers. They both looked at her.

“I’m sorry for worrying you. Can you forgive me?” Kumari asked in a gentle tone. Citi and Dumali smiled at her.

“Of course,” Citi replied.

“Let me introduce you to Crow and then I need to prepare to hear Father’s last task for Crow,” Kumari said.

Dumali nodded while Citi just blushed for whatever reason. Kumari turned back to Crow and waved her over. Crow trotted up to them. She was shorter than all three of them. It was adorable.

“Sir Crow, these are my dearest friends, Dumali and Citi.” Kumari motioned between them.

Dumali smiled and waved. “Hello.” Citi bowed her head.

“Um… hi.” Crow waved back. “Thank you for being there for Kumari.”

“No, thank you for that,” Citi said. “Um… could I trouble you…” She held her hand up.

Crow stood up taller. “Sure.” She took Citi’s hand and eased it to her cheek.

Citi did not explore for long, just felt Crow’s cheek, nose, and her little eyebrow scar. Crow smiled the whole time. Citi smiled as well and stepped back.

“We’ll continue to take care of her for you,” Citi said. Dumali nodded.

Crow bowed slightly. “I will do the same.”

It was a powerful thing, but Kumari did not have time to dwell on it. There was a whirlwind of distracting activity, pulling Kumari to breakfast, then to her room to bathe, her hair needed to be washed, and she had to get dressed. Kumari ended up sprinting to the throne room to make sure she did not miss Crow’s final task. She stepped in, coming up behind Father’s throne. She locked eyes with Crow, who stood just below, in full armor with the visor of her helmet up. Calynn and Edra stood behind Crow and to the side.

“At the edge of my lands to the West lives a wind ifrit in the Golden desert. Do you know it?” Father asked.

“I’ve heard of her, I think. I’ve heard whispers that she’s called Riah Shadida.” The Court gasped. It was bad luck and poor taste to say the name of supernatural creatures, especially with such boldness like Crow, as if it did not matter. They were lucky the ifrit did not just appear in the throne room. Crow went on, like there was nothing to worry about. “She’s expanding the desert and destroying your land, is she not?”

Father nodded. “That itis. It wouldn’t happen to be a relative of yours, would it?”

Crow glanced at her mothers, who shook their heads. “Not that I know of, Sire, but as you know I am a foundling. I could have family anywhere.”

“But, to the best of your knowledge, you are not related to this ifrit?”

“Correct. Does it matter?”

“Yes, because I’m assigning you this task with the utmost seriousness. This ifrit is devouring my land, driving animals from the forests, pushing them into important farmland. This is already causing food shortages in the area. Soon, it will come to towns and drive out people, making living a normal life that much harder. This ifrit will cost lives if not properly taken care of.”

Crow tilted her chin up. “Sire, I approach all my tasks seriously. Some things just require less violence than others. What would you have me do?”

“Stop the ifrit at all costs.”

Crow nodded. “It will be done.” She bowed her head and her eyes drifted to Kumari as she stood back up. “My Lady.”

Kumari stepped forward, but Father jumped up and blocked her path. “No. I forbid you to go on this trip. It’s far too dangerous.”

Kumari eyed her father with a sternness she did not know she had in her. “I’m going. Crow is quite capable of keeping me safe.” Somehow, that phrase did not feel like nearly enough, but it was definitely the truth. Crow would not allow any harm to come to her, she could feel that in her bones.

Crow’s entire face lit up and she held out her hand. Kumari wasted no time sidestepping her father and hurrying to Crow. Crow’s hand was warm and strong in her own. Kumari never wanted to let go.

“I am more than capable of protecting you. Thank you for trusting me,” Crow said.

“Always.” Kumari doubted she ever said something so true.

“Go slay that ifrit, lizard,” Calynn cheered, pumping her fist in the air.

“Yes, your mothers will start planning the wedding,” Edra said, pulling Calynn’s hand down, but having to do it by her shirt sleeve because there was no way she could reach Calynn’s hand once it was up.

Crow yelped and rushed away with Kumari right behind her. Kumari could not help snickering as she moved with Crow. The idea of Crow being embarrassed by her mothers while having no problem with running off to face a wind ifrit bordered on ridiculous. They had to take a detour to pick up Kumari’s travel bag and then made their way to the garden for Raven. They mounted Raven and were off, heading west to the expanding Golden Desert.

“Have you ever faced an ifrit?” Kumari asked.

“No, but there’s always a first time. Do you know anything about wind ifrits?” Crow asked.

“Yes, I’ve read about them.”

“Tell me everything.”

Crow did not have to request that twice. It was nice to be useful on this adventure. So, Kumari spilled all she knew about ifrits, first in general and then specifically wind ifrits. Crow listened, interrupting only when she had a question.

“So, when it summons a dust devil it’s pure wind?” Crow asked.

“From what I’ve read.”

Crow nodded. “How do I fight the wind?”

Kumari had no answer for that. “Maybe it can be reasoned with.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

Kumari did not like the sound of that, but she did not have a better idea. The rest of the trip, they tried to keep the tone light, as if they were on their way to a picnic. They even had a picnic for lunch, but as the air changed from temperate to hot and dry, it was hard to keep up the pretense that this was going to be easy. At least the trees were still there, though they seemed to get thinner and less green as they continued on.

Kumari put her hand on Crow’s and held tight. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Of course I will.”

“I won’t think less of you if you need to abandon the mission.”

“I know, but I will defend your kingdom to the best of my ability because it is yours.”

Kumari’s heart thumped and she felt a light brighten her soul. “But, I don’t want my kingdom to cost me you, especially since I’ve only just gotten you.”

Crow leaned in, nuzzling her shoulder. “You won’t lose me just yet.”

Soon, as the air got hotter and drier, the forest gave way to desert. The greenery stopped immediately, as if there was a line in the sand it could not cross and there were golden sand dunes as far as the eye could see.

“Stay here for now,” Crow said as she slid off of Raven. Raven whined. “Yes, I’m sure. We can’t play our full hand yet. I’m sure if I get into trouble, the ifrit won’t expect you both to charge in and save me. Especially with you being a unicorn.” Crow patted Raven’s thigh.

“Be careful.” Kumari felt like she was repeating herself, but it needed to be said. Crow was reckless, according to all of the stories Edra told. She needed Crow to not be reckless, to understand she would be missed if something happened to her.

Crow nodded. “You, too. Here’s a pouch of magic pellets that can help if you get into trouble.” Crow untied a small sack from her waist. “All you have to do is throw them. They’ll do the rest.”

“You sure you won’t need it?”

Crow smirked. “I have other tricks up my sleeves.”

Kumari did not doubt that, but she could not help her worry. An ifrit was no laughing matter, especially one that could create a whole desert. Still, Crow donned her helmet and marched into the hot sand without a care in the world. Her black armor stood out in the golden backdrop, given a halo by the overwhelming sun. She looked like a war goddess, a very tiny war goddess.

“Riah Shadida, wind ifrit, I call to you!” Crow shouted. They were not sure if that would work, but most supernatural beings disliked humans using their names, especially their full names. Names had power in the magical world.

For a moment, nothing happened. Crow turned to look back at Kumari and shrugged. Kumari was about to shrug right back, but a tidal wave of sand ripped toward Crow. Kumari pointed ahead of them and Crow turned around just in time to brace herself, putting up her arms to shield her face.

Sand whipped around Crow, who stood her ground, arms tucked in close across her chest and feet firmly planted on the shifting ground. The dust devil moved like a raging storm. Soon, Crow disappeared in a whirlwind of sediment. Kumari’s heart was in her throat, not sure if Crow was all right now that she could not see Crow. After what felt like an eternity, the sand suddenly stopped, dropping around Crow like tiny beads. But, the howling wind remained, shrieking just in front of Crow, who stood solid and firm, like nothing could shake her. Then, the faintest hint of a form took shape, like a giant, looming cat.

“Human, how dare you call me out? Who are you to speak the name of the wind?” the wind roared rivaling the sound of the loudest thunder clap.

“I am but a humble servant to this world. I wish to request you halt your desert. You are destroying the forest, which naturally belongs here and slaying all those within, driving others from their home,” Crow replied, voice not seeming loud, but quite clear over the loud wind. How does she do that?

“You silly human, you think I care about the forest, about the creatures inside of it? I am the wind! Trees bow on my command!” And, to prove her point, the ifrit sent a strong gust of wind to topple trees to the right of Crow. Branches snapped and the trees seemed to groan as their roots were torn from the ground.

Crow looked at the trees as they were ripped from the ground and banished beyond sight. Then, she turned back to Riah Shadida and pointed at the ifrit as if accusing her of something. “This forest has just as much right to be here as you.”

“Foolish human. You are in no position to talk down to me. I could more easily take your head off than I uprooted those trees. Now, begone before I’m not in quite the charitable mood.”

“I can’t do that. You need to stop expanding the desert. Innocent lives are being destroyed.”

“Ha! You continue to think I care. Do you care about the lives of gnats?”

Crow shrugged. “On occasion.” That was probably true.

“Well, I don’t. You are nothing more than an insect, as is this forest.”

“Okay, I tried to talk it out.” Somehow, Crow managed to free her sword on her side and slice through the wind whipping around her.

Riah hissed and swirled into a whirlwind, heading straight for Crow. Crow did not back down and used the sun to glint off her blade and actually blind Riah. There was a fizzling noise and the dust devil paused. Crow launched an attack, cutting the base of the tornado. The wind dispersed for a moment, breezing off harmlessly in all directions.

“Do you really think I’m so easily defeated, human? I am the wind!” A blast of air pushed Crow back several feet, but she managed to stay on her feet even as sand pinged against her armor.

Crow tried to cut through the wind with her sword again, but it was coming from all directions. Her armor sang out like a gong as some kind of blows impacted her and she grunted, but it looked like she was fighting air. She kept her footing and growled as the wind made it harder and harder to see as the sand became thicker as the whirlwind picked up.

Crow managed to slice through all of that with her sword and use the moment to slip through the gap to escape the assault. Riah snarled and spun herself into another dust devil, banging against Crow, trying to flatten her.  The whirlwind grew and grew. Crow held her ground once more and continued to use her sword, cutting through the wind as she best could. But, Crow’s body rocked as sand and pebbles clanged against her body. It sounded like Crow growled and forced her sword through the twister. Riah faltered for a moment.

“Just die already, great!” Riah howled, whipping the wind up even more.

“I would never!” Crow replied and took a deep breath. The wind paused and Crow managed to cut her way out again.

Riah screamed as the wind stopped and the sand dropped along with several stones. “Enough of these games!”

Crow put up her blade and crouched into a fighting stance before pushing off, going head first into Riah Shadida. The wind stirred up around Crow, spinning into a powerful cyclone, lifting her from the ground. Sand and stones lashed out around her, going under armor. Crow shut her eyes and growled, her grip on her sword seemed to tighten. It looked like she strained to move, probably wanting to cut through the wind again, but she was pinned by the dust devil.

Red streaks zipped through the sand. Kumari gasped. Blood! Crow was bleeding out. Crow’s sword was ripped from her hand and flung from the confusion, sticking deep in a tree just behind Kumari. It barely crossed Kumari’s mind that she almost lost her head to Crow’s blade.

“We have to help her,” Kumari said and Raven nodded. “Get me closer and I can use the magic pellets.”

Raven wasted no time charging into the fray like a unicorn on a mission with Kumari holding her reins in a death grip for a moment. She did best to shield her face from the flying bits of sand and rock, ducking her head and squinting. She loaded her palm with a handful of magic pellets. She ducked as Crow’s helmet was spit from the whirlwind, narrowly missing Kumari, and then she flung the magic pellets with all of her might. The wind caught the pellets, but that seemed to be enough. They crackled and popped and Raven backed up as they waited for something to happen.

The first pellet to do something sprouted thick vines, wrapping around Riah, showing she was a solid being, who laughed. “Are all of you mortals so stupid? Your vines mean nothing to the wind!” She wasted no time shredding the vines as they grew until they were practically mulch, but by then the second pellet took effect.

The sand around them became tentacles, snapping at Riah. Just as she cut those down shards of ice shot up around her and lightning shot up at her. The wind stopped and Crow’s battered body dropped to the ground. Raven moved on her own, charging toward Crow. A wall of wind shot up to block them.

“You gnats dare to challenge me!” Riah howled, sounding much like an angry cyclone, but looking much more like a person now. Her jet black hair whipped around her as almost colorless blue eyes glared at Kumari and Raven. “I’ll show you both what I can do!”

Wind picked up around them and Raven reared back, horn glowing with a bright white light. Riah snarled and threw her hands out. Raven kicked out her legs as she lost contact with the ground. Kumari held on tight, reins in her hands, but she wrapped her arms around Raven’s neck to make sure she did not fall. Sand and pebbles blasted around them, scratching at them. It was like their skin was being shredded.

“Raven, can you do something?” Kumari requested with hope in her voice. They had to get out of this and save Crow.

Raven’s horn glowed with more intensity, to the point it was blinding. Kumari closed her eyes to protect them. The wind died down and Riah yelped as Raven dropped to the ground and managed to stay on her feet. Kumari opened her eyes to see what happened, finding Riah paused in the air.

“We’re not done yet!” Crow was up and somehow holding the tail end of the wind in both hands. She pulled it to her mouth and inhaled. Riah was pulled away from Kumari and Raven, going closer to Crow. Riah tried to spin back into a large dust devil, but could not move.

“Wait,” Riah said and Crow inhaled again, pulling in even more air in.

Raven snorted and marched to Riah, horn still glowing, aimed right at the ifrit. Crow took another deep breath as Riah flickered from her human form to that of the wind and somehow Crow inhaled again without losing her grip. What was happening?

“Wait!” Riah begged, but Raven took another step and Crow inhaled once more. Kumari could not believe her eyes as she watched Riah disappear little by little down Crow’s throat. Riah tried to move from side to side, but Raven always met her, blowing her path. Riah shrank smaller and smaller. And then she was gone and the air was still. Crow laughed, face a bloody mess, and then she collapsed.

“Oh no!” Kumari gasped while Raven rushed to Crow’s side. Kumari’s heart was in her throat and she was certain her ribs were about to cave in.

Raven bowed her head and poked Crow with her horn. Crow snorted and jumped to her feet. “I’m awake!” She blinked hard several times. “Awake and not dead.” Raven snorted and Crow frowned. “Well, obviously I know I’m not dead thanks to you. I’m not an idiot. I’m shocked the armor couldn’t hold up against sand like this. It really does get into every crack and crevice.” She glanced down at her arms. “And the helmet might be invincible against getting hit, but the wind could definitely blow it off my head.” She laughed, as if this was some big joke, like she had not almost died.

Kumari slid off of Raven, crashing to the sand as her legs struggled to hold her up. She charged Crow and threw her arms around Crow. The press of her armor was biting, but Kumari ignored it, holding Crow firmly against her. Crow returned the embrace, holding Kumari tight around the waist. Kumari’s body relaxed. Crow was alive, but she was still injured.

“Are you all right?” Kumari asked, stepping back to examine Crow.

Crow laughed. “Never better. Why?”

“You just inhaled an ifrit!”

Crow laughed more. “Yeah, that was wild. I wasn’t sure it would work, but you and Raven had my back.”

“Even though I didn’t leave when things got dangerous?” Kumari had done the opposite of what she was told.

Crow smiled. “You saved me. I’m not going to hold that against you. In your heart, you know what you’re capable of and you know what you should do. I’m glad you followed your heart.”

Kumari decided to follow her heart again since it seemed to know what it was doing. She stepped closer and leaned down slowly. Crow did not move and their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss. It was short and perfect, filling Kumari with such a great warmth.

“Marry me,” Kumari asked, begged, pleaded.

“I was hoping you’d ask.” A small smile lit up Crow’s face. “I would be honored to marry you.”

Raven let out a sound that seemed like a cheer. Kumari laughed and kissed Crow again in pure joy. Crow returned the show of affection with just as much energy. It felt like lightning went between them.

“I can’t imagine my life without you now. How could you grow on me so quickly?” Kumari asked.

Crow caressed her cheek. “I think I find myself in the close company of women I’m supposed to be with. First my mothers, my sister, and now you. And, like them, I don’t want to be without you.”

“I’m not sure why you feel that way, but I’m so glad you do. Now, let’s all get back home. You deserve a hero’s welcome,” Kumari said.

“No, wedeserve a hero’s welcome.” Crow pulled Kumari close with an arm around her waist and she reached out to stroke Raven’s neck.

“We were a good team,” Kumari agreed.

Crow grinned. “The best.”

They retrieved Crow’s helm and sword before returning home triumphant in their task. Crow shared the good news with her mothers immediately. They erupted into cheers and embraced Kumari, kissing her on her cheeks. Father was not very pleased, but he could not object with Crow being a legitimate hero to the kingdom now with defeating Riah Shadida.

Kumari and Crow did not get married right away. There were adventures to be had and they got to know each other. Crow became even more of a hero and Kumari ended up being very beloved by her people. Then, a year to the day they met, Edra married them in a lovely ceremony in the big garden and they lived happily ever after.

-8-8-8-8-

The End.

(Epilogue coming for Sandwich tier.)