by Katie Macey
"Will this carry us all the way there?" said Niamh, her voice sharp and worried.
"We have no other choice," said Aarin. He looked beyond Niamh, behind her to the path.
The tiny ship slipped into the water. Niamh's skirts dripped water across the shallow deck as she dragged them onboard. More flowers tumbled at her feet. Aarin and Caeednce pushed off and they washed away from the shore.
"Wait!"
Iilen wasn't in the boat. A single flamed arrow extinguished itself in the water’s edge.
"Iilen!"
Niamh stood suddenly, almost tumbling out.
"Go!" said a muffled shout from the darkness.
Aarin pulled her down, and she sat whether she wanted to or not.
"But we can't!" Niamh turned to Caeednce for support.
"If you want to help Iilen, Niamh, you need to face Lord Gleriledd yourself.”
"I'm not like you Caeednce,” said Niamh. “You have this past, this past full of running and hiding, I don't!"
"You think I wanted it this way, Niamh?” said Caeednce, raising the sail. “Don't be like every other leader we've had for generations, only caring when people like you are harmed.”
Her words stung, but Niamh knew she was right. She'd cared about her sisters because they were hers. But she had to be more than that now. She had to care about everyone. She couldn’t sacrifice an entire kingdom for one friend. And hearing the number of shouts and commands being called through the cliffside forest on the shore, she knew they hadn’t stood a chance.
Niamh nodded, and Aarin unclenched his jaw, a new hope springing into his face, illuminated only by the dim light of the stars.
Niamh tried to see the way to the open sea, where they would navigate through the crashing waves and the wandering ice burgs.
"Will this ship withstand the icebergs?" said Niamh, unable to mask her fear. The boat pulled towards the crashing surf.
"It will not.”
"But you have done this before?"
"Well, no,” said Caeednce, steering the tiny ship. “But my mother navigated us this far from the palace. I have to believe that I can manage it also!"
Niamh shook with fear. Water splashed over them, but Caeednce's aim stayed true. They burst through the frothy crested waves and slammed back onto the water, slapping its surface hard. Coughing and with the salty water stinging her eyes, Niamh looked across at Aarin, who was grinning at Caeednce.
"Woohoo! Caeednce!"
He raised one fist to the sky and yelled from the bottom of his lungs. Caeednce ignored him and continued to steer the ship out to sea.
Niamh stayed silent, proud of Caeednce, but still devastated about Jomen and Iilen. The waves tossed the ship, and they passed iceberg after iceberg only missing by the narrowest of margins. The pinnacle of flames got smaller and smaller. But none of them looked back.
"Tell us what to do," Niamh called to Caeednce. Aarin leapt towards her, swinging from one of the sail's ropes. Landing deftly, he grasped her shoulder looking into her face intently.
"We're with you, Niamh," said Aarin. Then turning north, he traced the lined stars with his hand in the air in front of him. "For Jomen, for Iilen, for my parents, and for Caeednce’s too. We won't let Lord Gleriledd do this."
Niamh grasped his shoulder in the same way. She would need all the courage she could get. Not only did she have to face Lord Gleriledd for his dismantling of their peaceful kingdom, but she also had to face her aunt and demand answers.
✽✽✽
"The currents are working in our favour, Niamh. I think you're more powerful than you know.”
"How?"
"You may not understand everything yet, but it’s true,” said Caeednce. “We should be seeing the pinnacle of the palace over the horizon within the hour."
"But it’s unheard of to travel so far so quickly!"
"And they'll never expect it,” said Caeednce. “Niamh don't you see? Things are going right for us, and it’s because of you!”
“Golden hair for the win!" said Aarin.
"You seem to get excited more easily these days, Aarin,” said Niamh.
Caeednce looked up. Aarin finished tying the knot he'd been working on, then climbed to the railing of the rampart.
"I trained my whole life to protect my village and my family. I know how to lead, how to negotiate, and problem-solve, yet my position was taken away. I couldn’t stop the corruption in Muspary. But now, I'm travelling with the Golden Fate, returned after a thousand years, and although we are threatened by the return of weapons and old arts used for evil…we can fight back. We are not powerless, Niamh.”
"You are so brave, Aarin,” said Niamh. “And you are clever, Caeednce. I wish one of you had been the heir to the throne, or even the Golden Fate, instead of me."
Caeednce softened her expression.
"Niamh, you'll see, sooner than you think, that it is you, and not just your new power, that will save us."
Niamh rested her head on her knees, continuing to look out to sea. She hoped Caeednce was right, but she couldn’t see it yet. Everything hurt, and her eyes threatened to spill over again.
"There!" Aarin pointed to the horizon.
The Island Palace awaited.
CHAPTER 18
Niamh crouched behind an abandoned cart, heavily laden with bales of hay. The sun had been up for hours, and they entered the docks unhindered. Wary of discovery, they'd taken the narrow path Niamh used to practice the old arts on. But it seemed they need not have worried.
"Where is everyone?" said Aarin. Peering over the hay bales, he saw an empty street. "This is it?"
"Below is where most of the wealthier Gutheacian’s live, and to the west, my home. But I thought we'd find life as normal…"
"But the High King is dead, Niamh,” said Caeednce.
"Mourning doesn't require isolation. If anything, there should be people gathered, and services running constantly…my Aunt cooking dumplings and sharing them as all the other mothers do…"
"You make it sound pretty perfect,” said Aarin.
"Well, it is most of the time…here anyway,” said Niamh. “I didn’t know how different things were in outlying areas. If the High King still lived, I would hope that someone would have told him.”
"Even if they knew, they probably didn't find it a problem Niamh,” said Aarin. “Sometimes I think you must have lived in a bubble, outside of real life. It’s no surprise to me that you're struggling so much with your new role.”
“You’ve spent your entire life thinking you lived in the most perfect family in a perfect kingdom,” said Caeednce. “But it’s not true. It has never been true.” Caeednce kept her voice low, but she didn't disguise her anger.
Niamh knew she spoke the truth. She was starting to find her feet, but she hadn’t gotten her head around everything yet.
"I can't blame myself for believing what I was taught,” said Niamh. “But I am doing my best to learn and to change. And I will be asking the Lord to do the same."
"That won't be enough, Niamh. Look."
They ducked down, hearing the thumping steps of a row of marching soldiers. Red caped, weapon-carrying men thundered by.
“I’ll follow them,” said Aarin, “and find out what I can.”
“No, wait!” said Niamh.
But Aarin deftly crept down the cobbled road.
“Meet us at the bridge!” Niamh called after him, in a loud whisper.
“Is your home nearby?” said Caeednce.
“It is.”
“You need to breathe. And there may be others in hiding nearby.”
“Good idea,” said Niamh. “Maybe Aunty or my sisters have news that will help us.”
Caeednce didn’t reply.
✽✽✽
Niamh and Caeednce noticed unlatched doors and abandoned baskets as they walked the empty streets. Niamh refused to cry any more. Her eyes still stung though.
"Tell me more about your childhood, Caeednce. You seem less shock
ed than the rest of us."
"You have been sheltered, and to your detriment, yes. But you are used to justice, Niamh. My family fled when our Lord passed away, in much the same way your sisters would have to. This is not new. It is only new for you and the people here."
"So what do we do?"
"I am only an ordinary citizen, Niamh. And last time this happened, I was a little girl. This time I’m older. I may not have an official voice, but I won't hang back. And Niamh, you have such an opportunity."
"One I have no skill for!"
Caeednce squeezed her friend's shoulder.
"You're not alone, Niamh. You have friends, and Iilen will be fighting his way to you even now, I can guarantee it."
"But Jomen- I thought…I thought…"
"We all saw it, Niamh,” said Caeednce. “And we've lost a friend too. But worse will happen…you're Niamh yes, and stay that girl, but don't shrink yourself now. You're the Golden Fate. You don't have to stay in your tiny life, with only sisters and a lying aunt. You're the one we need right now.”
Niamh pushed her front door open, and it swung freely, confirming that it was abandoned like the others. She sank into the familiar sofa and stared at her lap. She had made it her business to stay unnoticed her whole life. Yet she had questioned her foundational beliefs and found her own, and she had made new friends…and even fallen in love. All of it, without her Aunty’s meddling. Niamh sighed. The fireplace was a mess of ash.
"Perhaps, I might be able to…"
"You can Niamh. There's a solidness in you that your Aunty has never been able to touch.”
Niamh's eyes widened. She hadn't talked about it, not with anyone. But what Caeednce said was true. There was a secret part of her inner thoughts that no one had ever been able to touch. That was the part of her drawn to the old arts, and the part of her she had to rely on now.
"I am so sorry, Caeednce. I don't know what power I have over this land, except for dropping flowers or flying. But I will do what I can and if justice returns here, it will be for everyone.”
"We should go to the bridge,” said Caeednce. “If only the Silver Fates hadn't gone into hiding fifteen years ago..."
"I sure could use some tips on what to do."
"You’re not just any Fate either, you’re their leader,” said Caeednce. “You're the main one."
"Let’s just see what decisions are being made in the Island Palace,” said Niamh. “Hopefully they've got a plan to take down Lord Gleriledd and we won’t even have to get involved."
Caeednce coughed but stopped when Niamh’s eyes flicked in her direction. Caeednce managed to turn it into a chuckle.
"Come on Niamh. Swords. Bows and arrows. For the first time in a thousand years. The Golden Fate’s return won't be for nothing.”
Niamh sighed. None of the comfortable background roles would be hers, and she knew it.
✽✽✽
Niamh found stale bread in the kitchen, which she and Caeednce nibbled at. One of her sisters’ spare capes lay draped over a chair. Lifting it affectionately, she fastened it around her neck. It looked derelict compared to her new clothes, but Niamh felt comforted to have found something from home.
Someone knocked at the door.
"Maybe Aarin has news?" Caeednce spoke cautiously, as she backed away from the kitchen doorway.
“But it isn’t locked - oh!"
Niamh couldn’t believe who stood in the doorway.
"Hmm, what is the protocol for greeting the Golden Fate? I didn't major in historical studies, well, not that far back."
Niamh stepped back, palms raised.
"Veayre!” said Niamh. “Why did you collude with those-" But the words died in her mouth. Two red-caped soldiers appeared from their hidden stations beside the doorway, flanking Veayre left and right.
"Why are you doing this?” said Niamh. “How can weapons be a good thing Veayre?!"
She stopped shrinking back, but couldn’t bring herself to face her ex-friend directly.
"You were sheltered, Niamh. You know nothing of the weak leadership of the High King. His line was ended. I followed you to make sure it stayed that way. But now you're more of a problem than we ever anticipated. So you'll be coming with us."
Caeednce stepped out of hiding.
"Oh, I don’t think so, Veayre."
Veayre laughed and nodded her head to the soldier on her left.
"Oh, Caeednce is going to save you?” said Veayre. “You're power is worthless, Niamh. The old arts may have changed your outfit and your hair, but you're the same naive girl I met on the ship.”
Niamh fumed at the open insult. But Veayre didn't stop there.
"Honestly, you wanted my approval for everything."
"That's not true,” said Niamh.
"You didn't know about the last-ship risks."
"Not my fault."
"And you thought you came from the most perfect home in the whole of Guthaecia,” said Veayre.
Niamh winced and lifted a hand to her heart. She tried to retort the barbs being thrown at her, but she couldn’t think of anything. Veayre spun a tale close to the truth. The veneer of perfection over her life had torn completely. But now she was a historical figure, someone who mattered. She lifted her head.
"You can't stop us, Veayre."
"Oh, but I can. Take her!"
Niamh looked wildly about the room, thinking of escape. But she knew this place like the back of her hand.
"Veayre, don't do this."
Then Niamh saw how many guards stood behind. They carried blades that hung from their belts like dangerous kitchen knives. Gasping she reached for Caeednce, hoping their combined strength would protect them.
"Niamh!" said Aarin. With all the frightening metal, she had looked right past her friend.
"Aarin!"
But he was shoved down, grasped by his hair. Niamh saw his busted lip, and the way they twisted his arm behind his back. A word spilt from her lips and landed like lead.
"No."
Uncertainty flickered across Veayre's face but was quickly masked, and her arrogant smirk returned.
"Don't even try, Niamh. You'll only embarrass yourself."
Niamh braced her feet, one slightly forward of the other. Caeednce moved back slightly. Niamh wasn't a hero, not even close. But she'd be damned if she lost another friend to the fight for Gutheacian rule.
CHAPTER 19
Niamh wove her hands in a graceful dance at face height. She looked straight at Veayre, who said, “Flowers are hardly going to stop us.”
Niamh took a deep breath. She’d deal with the flowers later.
“You should be happy to come with us,” said Veayre. “I mean, you’ve never stopped going on about your family…”
Niamh’s eyes flashed.
“What do you know about my sisters? Tell me!”
“Oh Niamh, I couldn’t say, even if I wanted to. My father, Lord Gleriledd, is very strict about such things.”
With complete focus Niamh thrust out her hands, barrelling a tunnel of air out before her. She cleared the doorway. Capes and swords tumbled out of her way. Men staggered and tripped. Veayre tumbled back across their legs and let out a scream. Niamh took another step forward and willed the barrelling wind to continue.
"Whatever errand your father sent you on,” said Niamh, “consider it failed!"
Niamh dropped her hands and rushed outside. Eight soldiers and Veayre lay scattered on the ground.
"Come on, Aarin!" she cried, breaking into a run. Hair streaming behind her, and her skirts billowing, she leapt over the sprawled soldiers. The path fell in a steep decline. Niamh felt more energized the more she ran, and with every street they passed, she increased in speed and fervour.
"Here!" Aarin called from a few steps behind. Niamh slowed her pace and saw that his face was red. He reached for her, and she saw he carried a token in his hand.
"What's that?" said Niamh. She expected to sound breathless, as Aarin had, but her voice sounded
steady, and she discovered that she wasn’t puffed at all.
"It's her token…palace entry, accepted-" He spoke in bursts, obviously puffed. Caeednce kept up but didn’t venture to speak. Niamh accepted the token, and kept running,
✽✽✽
Niamh skid to a stop in a cloud of dust. It settled to reveal her in a crouch, fingers perched on the dusty road, one arm swung behind her. She stood, habitually expecting she'd need to catch her breath. But she stood poised and calm, any fear she expected to feel had long melted away. The hood of her cloak hung around her face, so she had to turn her body to see the coastline of the city. Every window framed faces pressed to the glass, and every balcony was crowded with watchers-on. She scratched at the skin on her wrist and glanced down. The blue stain had spread further. Niamh wished she'd been allowed to study the history of the Golden Fate because, even though it was apparently her, she didn't know what to expect or what anything happening to her meant. The blue curled markings stretched up her arm, and from an itch at the base of her neck, she knew it must have spread there too.
Niamh surveyed the cliff-side city, with its buildings stacked over the top of one another, shining and reflective in the light of day. So many quilts wrapped around shoulders and little girls with their hair in winter braids. So this is where everyone was.
Turning to face the forbidden Royal Bridge, Niamh kept her face resolute. The Island Palace rose from the horizon, scraping the sky with its sparkling pinnacles. The sky was empty of clouds, but a light haze vibrated across the heavens. Niamh frowned as a new sound distracted her.
It began as an echo that tickled your ears then darted away, only to return. Niamh searched over her shoulder, squinting. Through her lifted hand, she caught sight of the crowds.
Singing.
Had she heard the song as an infant? It prickled her memory and she tried to remember where she'd heard it. A song so old…
The younger ones started it off. As more and more voices joined in, its volume built like heavy rainfall. Niamh stood before thousands and sniffed back tears. Their voices blended to form one garbled mess of a choir, but Niamh had never experienced such solidarity before. She searched the crowds, wondering where her sisters were, but she couldn’t see them.