The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series

by Andrea Lamoureux

  “Perfect! Thank you for tending to our horses, Thaimis.” I mocked him with a bright smile.

  He bristled at me before he left to search for the stable, three horses in tow.

  “We’ll wait aboard the ship for you!” Percifal called after him.

  Once Thaimis joined us aboard the small, but resilient, ship called The Blue Angel, Admiral Ruess instructed Percifal on the art of sailing.

  I tore off a piece of the bread Percifal had packed and chewed on it while I watched the Admiral pointing to the sails and shouting at my brother over the blusterous wind and crashing of waves. Thaimis stood behind them, listening intently to Admiral Ruess.

  I admired the admiral. The way his eyes sparkled while he spoke about sailing; it reminded me of myself and my love of the sea. The sea… I turned to the edge of the ship and took in a deep breath of salty air. The sky had turned a deep shade of violet now that the sun had sunk away from the world for the night. The clouds covered the moon like a thick blanket, but a few stars glittered though their veil. The endless, dark water spread out before me, giving me a sense of peace. This was where I belonged.

  Curious, I peered down into the rippling water below and made a swirling motion with my finger. To my delight, a small whirlpool appeared. I was shaken from my hypnotic state when a blanket dropped around my shoulders. I jumped and spun around to find Thaimis standing there with a stony expression. Surely, he hadn’t seen what I’d done.

  “What are you doing?” I growled.

  He lifted both shoulders. “Your brother wouldn’t be happy if you caught a chill and grew sick.”

  I rolled my eyes and pushed off from the edge of the deck. “I’m going below to get some rest.”

  He didn’t answer. I pulled the fur blanket closer around myself and climbed the ladder to the lower deck. It was a compact space filled with empty barrels and a couple pallets. Dust tickled my nose, causing me to sneeze. I lay down on one of the pallets and closed my eyes. Why did my brother have to be friends with such an arrogant ass? Thaimis needed to mind his own business and stay out of my way. He’d almost caught me using my power. Luckily, he didn’t see. I could imagine how he’d badger me for answers if he had. I swear, I’d have had to throttle him just to shut him up.

  I must have been tired from the day’s journey because before I knew it, I opened my eyes to streams of sunlight beaming in through the cracks in the boards above me. Thaimis was asleep on the pallet beside me. Admiral Ruess and my brother’s voices floated from up above.

  I sat up and stretched. I left Thaimis sleeping and joined the others up top.

  “Ah, g’mornin, Miss Chel,” the admiral said cheerfully.

  “Good morning to you, Admiral Ruess. What a beautiful day.” I gestured towards the bright blue sky.

  “Ah, right you are. A perfect day for sailin.’ You want to come see what I was just showin’ your brother?”

  “I’d love to.” I picked up my skirts and walked past Percifal to follow the admiral.

  Percifal gave my head a rub, messing up my already tangled hair. “I’ll go wake Thaimis. If I let him, he’d sleep the whole bloody day away.”

  “I say, let him sleep it away,” I replied, quickening my step to keep from being playfully slapped on the arm.

  I joined the admiral at the back of the ship, which he informed me was called the stern. There, he stood by a large, wooden wheel with brass spokes. He held onto the spokes, steering the ship through the water. “This is the wheel of the ship. It’s what’s used to control where the ship’s goin,’” he explained.

  “It’s magnificent!” I admired from beside him.

  “Would you like to hold onto it?”

  “May I?”I asked with wide eyes.

  “Yes, just place your hand here—and here. Ah yes, there you go. See, you’re in control of the ship.” He let go of the wheel once I’d placed my own hands where his had been.

  “How wonderful! I can feel the motion of the sea in my grasp,” I marveled.

  “A great feelin,’ ain’t it?”

  ”Thank you, Admiral Ruess! For this, and for allowing me to come onto The Blue Angel.”

  “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Miss Chel. You remind me of myself at your age. So in love with the sea.”

  “What is this?” Percifal approached us with a bleary eyed Thaimis in tow. “My sister in control of a ship? You’re a brave man, Admiral Ruess.” He nudged my cheek and shared in a laugh with the admiral.

  Thaimis shook his head. It seemed he didn’t have anything to say.

  “Look! I see the shoreline!” I squealed.

  “Indeed, we’re almost back at the harbour,” Admiral Ruess said.

  “So soon?” My lower lip stuck out a bit in disappointment.

  “Yes, I believe your brother has enough new information to soak up for now. Perhaps you can join him on some of his other lessons.”

  I gave Percifal the most pleading look I could muster.

  He snickered, “We’ll see. First you’ll have to tell Mother and Father where you’ve been.”

  I nodded, happy with the possibility of sailing again. Perhaps we could leave Thaimis behind next time too. When I glanced at him, he scoffed at me as if he could read my mind. I rolled my eyes and handed the wheel to Percifal. I wanted to spend more time alone with the sea before we anchored.

  In too short of a time, we set anchor and had to part ways with the charming admiral and his ship.

  My mother had found the note I’d left in my room stating I’d went with Percifal. She decided to punish me by making me clean my own chamber until the following full moon. I didn’t mind. It’d been worth it, and I couldn’t wait until I could sail again.

  Chapter 5

  It turned out I was allowed to join Percifal for some of his sailing lessons, but Thaimis was always with him. We learned to tolerate each other… somewhat. His snide comments still grated on my nerves from time to time.

  Admiral Ruess was more than happy to share his knowledge of the sea and the weather that one could come across while sailing the waters with us. Admiral Ruess would often cast a net during our journeys to catch fish to take back to sell in Ambedar. This was how he earned his keep.

  I was ecstatic King Zaeden approved Percifal’s request to invite Admiral Ruess to Noctis De Celestia two springs later when it was Aquila’s turn to host again.

  I smiled at my reflection, approving of the dress I’d had commissioned from the kingdom’s seamstress. I’d never owned a gown so exquisite. The silk blue skirts cascaded to the floor in a number of different hues, while the midnight blue, lace bodice hugged my waist and pushed my pale bosom up in a flattering way. At the age of sixteen, I had developed the womanly curves it took to pull off such a dress. Secily had helped me pin up my dark hair and place a few pearl pieces into it to match my necklace and earrings.

  Satisfied I was ready for my second Noctis, I floated down to the grand hall from Secily’s guest chamber. I was swept away in a flurry of sound and colour when I stepped through the tall, silver doors. Many people, from all over Sarantoa, occupied the hall. To my one side sat a group of square tables dressed in ivory linens and sprinkled with silver candlesticks and glass adornments. White marble fountains with statues of sea-creatures stood around the edges of the hall. The windows along the outer wall were shaped like giant seashells. No one there could argue against the fact they stood in the kingdom of water. That night, I was proud to be from Aquila.

  King Zaeden and Queen Thea were not yet in attendance. They would be the last to enter, as was custom. I spotted my mother and father. Mother was elegant in a shimmering gown that was a paler shade of blue than mine. My father complemented her well. He wore white breeches with black, knee-high boots and a light blue doublet with silver trimmings. I returned their smile and joined them. “Good eve, Mother... Father. You both look stunning tonight.”

  “Good eve, dear. You look quite stunning yourself. That’s a gorgeous gown,” my father offered as
Mother plucked a tiny crystal goblet of Sanguis off a tray a servant brought by for me.

  “Happy Noctis, Chelela.” She handed me the goblet, and she and my father raised their own drinks.

  “Happy Noctis.” I returned the gesture and downed the tasty, sparkling, red liquid that was the official drink of Celestia de Noctis. It was meant to represent the blood of our goddess. The finest of all wines, made from a special kind of grape grown by the priestesses of Celestia. Celestia had created our world and had given us life. We were meant to live in a sort of paradise, but her brother, Vesirus, had cast his curse on all of human kind. If one gave into his dark temptations, they would have to live with him in the dark world of Mnyama for a century. After that, the dark soul would be reborn and have a chance to redeem themselves so they could return to Celestia one day.

  Just as I was about to excuse myself to go look for Secily, the king and queen were announced. Everyone turned and bowed at the regal pair’s appearance. They both wore robes of blue velvet, and gold crowns encrusted with twinkling sapphires sat on their heads.

  They took their seats at the head of the table. That was our cue to sit. It was time for us to dine.

  After the servants brought out our scrumptious meal, King Zaeden stood and held his glass of Sanguis in the air. “Welcome to Aquila. Those of you who are from other kingdoms, we thank you for joining us. Tonight, we celebrate our love for our great goddess, Celestia.” He paused to scan the faces of those around him. His eyes settled on Percifal. “There’s one more reason we have to celebrate, besides this. There’s an island called Gwon just off the coast of Ambedar. We’ve discovered it’s currently flourishing, and so we are sending our chancellor there to offer trade with them. So, on this night, we want to thank Celestia for the life she has given us—and for this new opportunity.”

  “To Celestia!” We all cheered and downed our Sanguis.

  I eyed my brother, who was now flirting with some young woman I didn’t know. Did King Zaeden mean for him to sail with the chancellor? Surely this was the reason Percifal had learned to sail. I needed to go with them to this island. He’d be safer with someone who could control the waters.

  After our meal was cleared by the servants dressed in white, the musicians took up a light tune with tambourines, bells and drums. People paired up with dancing partners. The sweet and musky scents of the oils the guests wore mingled and drifted through the air.

  Admiral Ruess approached me. He was dashing in a light grey doublet with breeches to match. I wrapped him in a warm embrace. “You look very handsome, Admiral.” I chuckled as he squeezed me.

  “I’m a lucky man. Your brother had this sent to me as a gift. I’ve never owned such a fancy outfit.” He stepped back and passed a hand in front of his chest. “You look very beautiful yourself, Chel,” he complimented with a smile that reached his eyes.

  “Thank you.” I returned his smile.

  “I have something for you. I saw this at the market, and it made me think of you. I know you love the sea as much as I do, so I got you this to always remind you of it.”

  I took the beautiful necklace that dangled from his fingers. It was a gorgeous pearly seashell on a silver chain. Simple but perfect. “Oh, Admiral Ruess, you are too kind. Would you mind helping me?” I asked, holding the chain so he could clasp it behind my neck for me.

  “Not at all. There you go. It suits you beautifully,” he stated, coming back to stand in front of me. Would you do this old man a favour by dancing with him?”

  “Of course,” I laughed, and he swept us onto the dancefloor.

  We glided across the floor, and he twirled me with skill. I was a little surprised at what a great dancer he was. I got lost in the music as we drifted between other pairs of dancers. As we made a turn, I spotted Thaimis dancing with a lady with hair the shade of rich mahogany. She giggled and blushed as he whispered something in her ear. I was about to roll my eyes when they turned and his eyes locked with mine. He parted ways with the pretty lady and meandered his way toward us, careful not to get in the way of the others still enjoying the song playing. Oh bother, just what I want, I thought with sarcasm.

  “Admiral,” Thaimis gave Admiral Ruess a slight tilt of the chin. “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all.” The admiral released me.

  Thaimis placed one hand in mine and the other on my waist and guided me into the new song that had just started up—a slower beat. I tried not to think about the light pressure on my waist …too intimate.

  “Why are you scowling? It’s not very becoming of you.”

  If I wasn’t scowling yet, I was now. “I am not scowling, but if I were, perhaps it would be because you have stolen me from the admiral. I was enjoying his company.”

  “Apologies then, but you were scowling at me before I even approached you. Could it be jealousy?” A smug expression played on his face.

  I scoffed and tried to pull away. “I certainly am not jealous of anyone who dances or flirts with you. I say welcome to any girl who keeps your attentions from me.”

  He pulled me closer to him once again. “If you say so.”

  I let the subject drop. I had more important concerns on my mind. “So, are you to accompany my brother and the chancellor on this journey to Gwon?”

  “I am. There’s a small group of us joining the captain who will take us there.”

  So Percifal was going, just as I thought. This meant I was going too. Surely he wouldn’t keep me from joining them, knowing what he knew about my power.

  “I know what you’re thinking. Forget it. Percifal will never let you travel to Gwon. It’s too dangerous.”

  “We’ll see about that,” I said under my breath.

  “Pardon?”

  “Nothing. Oh look, our dance has ended. My feet tire. I’m going to find myself something to drink.” I pulled away and left him without looking back before he could argue.

  I managed to get Percifal alone in a corridor of the palace the next afternoon. I slowed my steps when he came into view. Sunlight filtered in through the arched windows, illuminating, the long narrow space.

  “Ah, just who I was looking for,” I said to him.

  He was wearing his usual leather armour with a blue tunic overtop, Aquila’s crest at the center embroidered in silver. “What, Chel?” He crossed his arms. Someone’s moody today.

  “I was just wondering when you’re leaving for Gwon.” I studied my fingernails.

  “Tomorrow.” He narrowed his eyes. “And no, you cannot come.”

  I threw my hands up with exasperation. “You know you’ll be safer if I go with you.”

  “I won’t have time to worry about you. This is official Aquila business. Don’t argue with me.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. You know I am safer at sea than anywhere else.” I stuck my bottom lip out.

  His lips formed a tight line. “It’s not the sea I’m worried about… these foreigners, we know nothing of them. They could be dangerous. You’re not coming. And if you try to follow, I will throw you overboard. We both know you wouldn’t drown anyways.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” I gasped.

  “Wouldn’t I? You’re not coming, Chel.” With that said, he turned and strode away, leaving me gawking after him.

  I took a few slow, deep breaths and then turned and stomped away. I knew I was being childish, but sass was in my nature though.

  I couldn’t believe Percifal was being so difficult. Without me there to protect him at sea, his life was at a greater risk. I’d always managed to keep the waters calm when we sailed together. Admiral Ruess called me his good luck charm. He said the waters were always serene when I was aboard The Blue Angel. Of course, he thought it was pure coincidence, but Percifal knew the truth.

  Perhaps I could still sneak onto the ship without him noticing. I’d just have to be careful not to be caught until we had left the harbour. I smiled with resolve. I would be there to protect my brother. All would be well.

  Ch
apter 6

  The sun was setting, casting the courtyard in shadow as I made my way back to my family’s apartment that night to make preparations for sailing to Gwon. All was still and quiet as I walked down the lane away from the palace. Only the sound of my footsteps echoed off the stone architecture. I welcomed the solitude. That was until I started to get the eerie feeling someone was following me.

  A crunching sound grew closer from behind... footsteps, I realized. I quickened my pace. My stalker’s footsteps also quickened, confirming my fear. Keep going, I told myself. Don’t look back. You’re almost there.

  At last, my apartment came into view. I almost sighed with relief, but then a hand closed around my wrist.

  I spun around and shouted at my pursuer, “Get your hands off me!”

  “Whoa! It’s only me!” The man dressed in a dark blue cloak let go of my wrist and held his hands up in defense.

  “Thaimis,” I relaxed at his familiar voice. Annoyance rushed in shortly after. “What do you want? You scared me half to death.”

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Then why were you following me?”

  “I wasn’t—er. I was trying to catch up to you,” he explained.

  I cocked an eyebrow at him. I needed to start packing, but I didn’t want him to grow suspicious of my actions, so I decided to hear him out. I tapped my foot and waited for him to continue.

  “I have something I want to show you,” he said carefully.

  “I don’t have time.”

  “What else could you possibly have to do right now?”

  I couldn’t think of a good enough answer that wasn’t the truth, so I shrugged. “Fine, let’s see what you wish to show me.”

  “Follow me.” He turned, his cloak flaring out with the motion.

  Tossing my dark locks over my shoulder, I did as he asked. He could be so aggravating.

  My nerves shouted warning calls at me when we crept around behind the palace to where the dungeon entrance was situated. “Where are you taking me?” I asked flatly. This wasn’t funny. I wouldn’t be playing along if I wasn’t up to my own mischief.