by Talia Haze
I found my aim with ease. I hummed Sean’s song softly as I gently pulled the map half from the wall, setting it upon the bed. Taking care not to make too much noise, I unlatched the frame, removed the tattered map half and replaced it with Father’s sign. After closing the frame, I leaned back to admire my work. Father would be proud; the sign had the same parchment pattern as the faded map half and was unassuming enough that unless someone were to look right at it, it wouldn’t draw any eyes.
I smiled and hung the frame back on the wall. After carefully folding the map half as small as I could, I put it in my slipper under the arch of my foot and opened the door.
“What are you doing in there?”
I was so startled that I trembled back onto the floor. A young boy with curly brown hair and round hazel eyes stood before me. He clutched in his hand a stuffed donkey toy. I was so unsettled that I stumbled over my words.
“I…I was,” I swallowed hard, “I was looking for the queen.”
I bit my lip the instant the words came from my mouth. The boy stared at me.
“It is mother’s birthday,” he answered, coldly. “How are you not aware of this?”
I took a deep breath and rose to my feet, remembering my duty. Father relied on me. “Of course, I am aware, My Prince,” I said, boldly. “But My Queen had excused herself and your servant was seeing if she had gone to her chambers.”
“She has not been up here.”
“Yes, My Prince,” I answered with a curtsy. I turned, but the boy wasn’t finished with me.
“I am weary,” he said.
I paused. I didn’t like where the conversation was going. “Oh?” was all I managed to say.
“My companion abandoned me and has gone to the banquet.”
“A shame. Why do you not join him?”
“Because it is boring. Will you read to me?”
He left me speechless again. “Your servant isn’t worthy enough to read to you, My Prince,” I said.
“You do not have to be worthy, you just have to be able.”
A fine thought. I tried again, “your servant is not able to read.” At this the prince sighed loudly.
“Surely you know some tales! Please! I am so weary!”
And I would surely be left behind. I wondered what Angel would think? And my father? My first time alone and I was captured by a seven-year-old. The decision was made for me, and the boy led me by the hand down the corridor. I was so thrown by being captured, that I lost my position. I forgot to count the corridors, I forgot to hum my songs…I forgot even what I was doing in the first place.
The young prince led me back to the grand corridor that overlooked the banquet. The others had finished and were receiving commendations by the monarch. My senses returned and I paused hoping to catch the gaze of my sister. The prince didn’t release my hand.
The others bowed and turned to leave. I waved, and Angel paused, staring at me. She glared, trying to work out what had happened. The prince became bored again and continued to pull me down the hall. Angel spun on her feet and followed the others out of the banquet room.
I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears. She had seen me, but did she figure out that I was being held captive? What could I do? Even if I could get out of the palace by myself, there was little I could do against the prince! How upset Father would be when he learned that I was caught!
We reached the prince’s room, and after he showed me his favorite toys, he sat at my feet and rested his chin on my knee and his donkey on my other. I once again fell into a daze. “Tell me a story.” He had to ask twice; I was so distraught that I couldn’t focus.
So, I started, “Once upon a time.”
The prince groaned. “Do not tell me a fairy tale!” he complained. I felt shocked; almost offended.
“You do not like fairy tales?”
The young prince shook his head, furiously. “They are so boring! They are nothing more than whimsical fantasies and outlandish yarns!”
“Perhaps,” I argued. “But then, how can a whimsical fantasy be boring? You never know what to expect!”
The young prince just stared at me. So, I tried again. “Once upon a time…”
I told him of a fair maiden who lived under the rule of her evil uncle. I told him of a mystical stone that guided her way, I told him of a fairy god-chancellor. I told him of a secret lane that passed through the dominion of trolls, and where riddles reigned supreme. I told him of imps, of elves, of dragons, of thieves…everything.
We both jumped when the door flung open. The queen entered, smiling at me lightly. “Ah, Bastian, I see you have captured another innocent.”
“She tells the best stories, Mother!” The young prince stood; I did as well. I hadn’t realized that my legs had fallen asleep and I trembled, trying to fight the sensation and keep balance. I wondered how much time had passed. “I want her to continue!”
“You need your rest, my son. And she needs hers.” The queen smiled at me before looking towards the door with a slight nod. My leave, I supposed. I bobbed a quick curtsy and walked quickly towards the door. Her face changed as I past her. “Stop.”
I did as told, my back facing her. “What is your name?”
“Ga..elle. Gail,” I replied, not turning to face her. I wasn’t sure how many people knew the names of Renard’s daughters. They certainly knew us as “his seraphs.” She walked around me to stare at my face.
“You look so familiar.”
I didn’t know how to respond. If I said I was related to a close servant of hers, would she ask? Perhaps I could say I had been in her service for several weeks, but would she confirm?
The queen continued to inspect me carefully. “You are very pretty.”
“Thank you, My Queen.”
“Hmm. I simply cannot remember. Very well, you are excused.”
“Yes, My Queen.” I curtsied again and turned to leave as she turned to her young son.
“To bed now, Bastian. Or do you not still desire to help your mother pick out some suitable jewelry from Divah…?
“Divah!” I spun around, inadvertently. She stared, a shadow of anger passing her face, but I had completely forgotten my act.
“You cannot buy from Divah!” the prince cried out, becoming upset. “You can’t! He stole those jewelry pieces from the Tashin!”
“He killed a child for them,” I added, “he is…he is a horrible man!”
“And he killed Depash and Nee Gus! And for no reason…!”
The queen stood before me, searching my face. I quickly remembered my place and pinched my lips together, hanging my head low. My expressions always gave me away, but this time for good. I was truly upset, and the queen’s face finally relented.
“Where did you learn the tales that you told my son?”
“I’ve seen it,” I stuttered. I was at a loss, I could only think of the truth. “I’ve heard and I’ve seen.”
The queen’s gaze was shrewd. It felt nearly as piercing as Father’s. After a few moments of painful silence, she nodded her head towards the door once more. She believed me, but I was sure she also knew who I was. I didn’t know anything about Father’s sins, but the queen wasn’t going to make me pay for them.
I walked from the door and started down the hall. I was so caught up in what I was doing, that I hadn’t the slightest how much time had passed. How the others must have worried! The queen’s voice sounded far behind me.
“Escort this girl to the gate.”
I started, but the guard meant no harm and gently wrapped my arm in his. We wandered up and down corridors silently, out of the servant’s door, down the stone path and out of the gates.
I stood in a shadowed street just out of the reaches of the palace’s lamplight. I walked a few paces before collapsing on the ground and sobbing. My strength had left. I had been successful, but I had also come dreadfully close to being caught. The queen had been so kind. I shouldn’t have left Father’s sign. I felt so guilty.
Could I try to navigate the streets by myself? What if it became packed with drunks like the last town? I didn’t know yet how to fight and protect myself.
I stood and walked along the buildings, trying to stay out of sight and remember the direction I came from. My senses had still not returned. I felt in a stupor; I felt present, but not. I felt that the lonely girl who walked down the street wasn’t me, and I was just an observer.
I started when a black mass down the road rounded the bend and made its slow way towards me. I didn’t have a torch and couldn’t tell what it was. I could have run, but my shock was overpowering. I simply stopped and waited for its approach. I wasn’t sure what I was going to see, but facing it seemed the only thing to do.
“Gab!”
Father. As the mass neared, I could see it was the entire group. They had come back for me. Father grabbed my head with his huge hands. “Gab…”
“I got it,” I said simply. He smiled as I collapsed senselessly in his arms.
Chapter Six
An Act of Friendship
“Decent, Gabby!” Kyle exclaimed as we neared the stable. I told them the entire story during the long ride back. I was in such fright that Angel traded places with Connie, and I hadn’t let go of her the entire trip. “Getting the prince to hate Divah? Wonderful! I hope she did recognize you; perhaps we have all gained her pardon, then!”
“Do not be so boastful,” Stony ordered quietly. Kyle scoffed.
“Come on, Zairae; Gabby looks exactly like Renard! The queen isn’t stupid! Either way, with Divah gaining another kingdom as an enemy, he will start having a much tougher time selling our items and acquiring men for his silly armies.” Kyle fell back into a pile of straw in the barn. “I can’t wait none to see his face!”
“Then don’t let me deprive you.”
Kyle’s face fell as we looked to the door. The man known as Divah stood calmly between its posts and frowned. Father started, and Angel’s grip on my hand loosened. Divah scoffed as he walked inside. “I am just here to talk. Be relaxed.”
That would be impossible. Angel was furious and Sean couldn’t get a good grip on her. With Ryan’s help, he pulled my angry sister from the stable.
“I’ve angered her, Renard,” Divah explained, watching them go. “Simply because you first angered me. You commanded Nee Gus not to tell me where they were? And pray! What did you think I would do to them?”
Father looked away, but Mother crossed her arms. Divah scoffed angrily.
“I see. I am not as cruel as you clearly think I am. I enjoy seeing them so big; I wish your wife would have allowed me the occasional pleasure as they grew…and before we were at such odds. You see this, don’t you?” he added, gently touching his blackened eye. “Compliments of your youngest.”
“I quite admire it,” Mother said coldly. Father shifted uncomfortably.
“Yes. Came quite close to killing me; I have other complaints as well. Just like you, Syrah; beautiful, but so hot-headed.”
“Why are you here, Divah?” Father finally said. Divah didn’t respond as he walked to face Father, eyes scanning me as he past. I clutched my skirt at my sides. He seemed so calm. So arrogant. Who was he to end such an innocent life?
I took a couple steps back.
“I have come for the ring,” Divah said, finally taking his eyes off of me. Kyle laughed at him. Stony lived up to his name. “Clever, you are, Renard, to have sent it with them. I never would have thought to look for it there. Thankfully, you’re careless…”
“And how are you to come about this with no one from your little troop around?” Kyle mocked. “You know we overpower you.”
“Because you were foolish enough to give me leverage,” Divah simply answered. Father’s eyes slowly traveled to me, but I didn’t have time to move. My stomach jumped as terror seized it and Divah held his hand at me. It was so fast. In only a breath, I was enveloped in a blue light.
My senses returned and I screamed, but no sound was heard. I looked down in a panic…no…I tried. I couldn’t move. As if my entire body was gripped in a vice, I was frozen where I was. I could only move my eyes. The sensation was indescribable. Will as I might, try as I could, no part of me would move. I could still feel though, and it felt as if I were trapped in ice. I wondered if it was how Connie felt when she was trapped.
Divah waved his hand at me and I shrunk until I was no larger than a small gem. I traveled to his hands and he held me before my father. “This is only to repay the insult you’ve given me. Believe me, Syrah; I never would have raised hand to them if only you hadn’t offended me in such a way.”
“Whatever.” Even Kyle seemed at ease and jumped from the seat he had made in the straw. Would Divah harm me? Surely not…surely if he were capable, wouldn’t the others fight to get me back? Father just stood, expressionless. Mother looked angry, but she didn’t move. Divah wouldn’t harm me. He said so before. I was sure he wouldn’t harm me.
Would he?
“So, the ring, huh?”
“And the map half too, apparently. Since this one follows so easily in her father’s footsteps.” Divah held me to his face to look at me within. “You must relate to me sometime how you made the queen my enemy. I am losing a fine amount of money due this.” He turned back to Father and my mother who still stood unchanged. Divah couldn’t read their faces, so he tossed me from hand to hand. My stomach lurched and my head thumped. I wondered what would happen if he dropped me? Would I shatter?
“Why do you delay? Do as I command! Or, would you rather test me? Shall we see if your calloused fears of me are warranted?”
Father still didn’t budge, but Stony stepped forward, handing Divah the map and ring from behind his back. Connie gasped and glanced at her bag, but Divah chuckled.
“Perhaps, Renard, she was one conquest I am not sorry to have lost. Otherwise, I too would be weakened by this sentiment.”
“Sentiment has nothing to do with it,” Stony said simply. “You have plenty of other qualities that weaken you.”
Divah’s face darkened. “Catch.”
He tossed me towards Father before turning on his heels. Connie started, but Stony waved his hand and I grew back to normal, collapsing on the floor and shivering.
“Let us go, quickly now!” Stony demanded, turning to follow Divah from the stable. Father helped me to me to my feet. Kyle followed behind Stony quickly.
“What have you done, Zairae?” he demanded. “And after all the trouble we just went through to get that map…what have you done? You know how easily we could have…”
Stony glared at Kyle. “I have outwitted him,” he answered. “Yet again. I do not know how long it will take him to realize the map and ring I gave him were not real.”
We followed Father out of the barn and found Angel, Sean and Ryan sitting in the inn. Father paid the innkeeper and we went back out into the chilly night, Father whistling for the horses. I shivered and shook uncontrollably, but Stony waved his hand, making a blanket appear around my shoulders. We mounted the horses and after Father briefly inspected the map, we took off.
We soon reached the river Angel told us about before we had found our parents. We would spend the night on its banks. I pulled the blanket closer around me and squinted into the darkness. The other side of the river was out of range of our firelight, and the roar was almost deafening. How would Angel have had us cross it had we not found our parents?
“Where do you think Divah will be when he realizes he’s been tricked?”
I turned at my mother’s voice. She knelt by Stony’s side as he sat against a tree and closed his eyes.
“I have led him to the eighth land,” he answered. “All the clues state that the grip does not pass the sixth land but again, the fool refuses to study.”
“This one,” spoke up Father, laying the map pieces on the grass next to each other. I turned away from the river as he waved his hand over the pieces, making the two parts into one. It didn’t help; the symbols looked similar to Lyngarian, but the words were all fuddled. I couldn’t make sense of it.
Still, Father read, plainly, “Over the third ridge, 40,000 paces east from the church, to the hall.” He ran his finger along the line and paused at the next symbols. “Past the hall, and through the hidden valley, to the Cotton Cottage. After that, we should reach the Shifting White Sands, but…”
“How are you reading this?” I asked. “All I see is gibberish.”
“Yes, how did you know?” Father sounded surprised. “This is a more olden tongue of Jibberich, but the words are not too different. To read it, you just unscramble the letters to a certain pattern. Once you discover the pattern, reading it comes quite easily.”
Hmm. Perhaps then those words that filled me with so much dread were in Jibberich? I picked up a stick and wrote what my imp wrote down in Nee Gus’ field. “Is this Jibberich?”
“Elaev hte rxi laoen,” Father read softly. I nodded, briefly relieved that he could understand, but Stony’s eyes popped open. He had been meditating silently against his tree, but rose instantly to his feet and stalked over to where we sat. Father didn’t notice him until Stony leaned on his shoulder, looking to the dirt where I wrote.
“It says to leave the Xri alone…”
“Where did you read this?” Stony demanded, not removing his eyes from the words.
“An imp wrote it in the dirt,” I stuttered. “I remembered it because it’s also what the people in the cave said…”
“What cave? Which people?”
It wasn’t like they introduced themselves. I didn’t want to remember it. Connie had me so terrified. Her scream, the darkness, the shaking of the boat, the cold splashing of water. All my senses were affected. Not to mention the hollow figures and menacing blackness…