by LJ Swallow
I place a hand on Calla's shoulder, but when she flinches away, I quickly withdraw. What do we say? I don't think she understands how serious the accusation of shadowmancer is.
"Do you think he will tell?" asks Rohan gruffly.
"Probably." Calla folds her shaking hands beneath her arms and her eyes widen further. "You. What will you do?" Her greatest fear is aimed at Rohan. "Will you kill me? He said you want to."
"No." His response is quicker and firmer than I expected. "But I can't help you. We can't help you. You must face your fate alone."
I open my mouth to respond, but Rohan shoots me a warning look. Why promise Calla what I can't guarantee? Safety. I will try. I intend to take the girl with the dragon and dark powers from this town. Finding the girl with the dragon was always my intent when I left the stronghold searching for recruits. I never expected to find a daughter of shadow, nor can I explain how and why this girl is.
This shadow magic is only performed by the most powerful Ebon elves and the old Ebon dragon flight. All elven shadowmancers found in this kingdom have been eradicated, during and after the war, so the dark abilities cannot spread through the land again. This girl is neither elven nor dragon.
Which means there is something more to her dragonkin. I don’t trust dragons, as many of my race don’t after they suffered at their hands in the Battle of the Flights.
I need to take both her and the dragonkin to the stronghold.
Time is of the essence and already slipping through my fingers the way my sister's life did many years ago, through a dragon’s claws.
4
CALLA
The annual fair takes up several large fields with tents and stalls stretching from the edge of the lake to the road running out of town, a mile from the settlement. The area is crowded with merchants selling everything from unusual spices to exotic fabrics. Mrs. Grunwald stocks up on harder to find ingredients here, while her husband samples the mead and her son watches the jugglers and dancing bears. I pity the animals and avoid the shows.
By night, the fairgrounds become louder and more raucous, as the minstrels and storytellers fill the evening with fun. The townspeople part with their money more readily in the evenings, and the travellers know this. Last year, I spent an evening dancing into the night, caught in the sway of excitement. I listened to tales of other places and my determination to leave the town grew.
Now I’m unsure I’ll survive the day.
Those travelling to this fair take a risk. Our shire borders the territory where the queen’s elven followers hide. This means nobody takes the shorter route through Ebon territory when travelling to other parts of the kingdom. Not anybody who returns anyway. Everybody sticks to the roads leading out through a neighbouring shire that offers safety.
Lori nudges me and smoothes a crease from her long, dark pink dress. I envy the beautiful satin that tightens below her large breasts, then drops to her ankles. A perfect fit. Her dark hair is braided around her head, and the flushed cheeks and rosy lips bring out her cornflower-blue eyes. Lori always wanted to be a princess. There are no princes in the realm, but if any nobleman has come here to find a bride, she'd be a good candidate.
Better than me and the evil magic that spews from my body.
Lori bites her lip and looks at the ground, hiding her ambition. Others in the village whisper that she's vacuous and will only succeed because her father is high-ranking, but Lori is smart. Of course she can use her looks and station in the world to get ahead, but who wouldn't?
I rub my tired eyes and brush at the simple linen dress. The style matches Lori's, but that's where the comparison stops. The material doesn't hang in such an alluring way and mud stains the hem. I braided my hair too and then unbraided again because the hairstyle accentuates my purple streak. A ponytail will have to do for today.
"You didn't sleep, then?" she asks me, eyes shining. "Too excited? I was awake with the dawn chorus. I'm so nervous."
I smile because the words won't come. Lori knows everything about me, but I can't tell her this. Not about the magic and definitely not about Thomas.
Lori misreads my silence and pats my hand. "You know you'll show them how skilled you are. You just need to have confidence in your abilities. I think that's part of what causes you to fail."
That or the fact I wield dark magic.
Last night, I snuck home and spent an hour standing in my bedroom window shaking and staring at my hands, convinced the same would happen again. Each shadow that moved in my room scared me, in case it was the evil creature with the green eyes back again. Eventually, I sank onto my bed and lay awake hoping I'd imagined this.
But I know I didn't imagine Thomas's hands on me. Or my body's shadow-fuelled retaliation. And I definitely didn't imagine the elf and lightbringer who witnessed everything. I expected them to apprehend me, but they left once they decided the situation wasn't threatening anybody. But their expressions and mutual glances told me that what I did will have consequences.
My sleep was fitful as I waited for the local guards to hammer on the door and drag me away. Nothing happened. I woke this morning tired but the same Calla as I was, distracted by nerves about the tests and hope I leave Westdale today.
Something else is different.
Luin.
Since the time he saw the elf and lightbringer, he's remained subdued. Not only did he fly home to safety and familiarity last night, but this morning he isn't in my room when I wake. This isn't unknown, as he likes to investigate breakfast even at the cost of my mother assaulting him with a tight hug and kisses.
Usually, if I'm distressed he'll snuggle up to me and make the unusual sound halfway between a purr and growl, which I think is his attempt to soothe.
Last night, he was already sleeping atop my wardrobe and never paid attention to my restlessness. My paranoia pokes at me: he knows I'm a shadowmancer. Luin detects the magic and is rejecting me.
"You look tired. Did you not sleep because you were worrying?" Lori whispers.
I force a smile. If only that was the reason and not terror the elf and lightbringer are about to kill me for threatening the world. "Yes," I lie.
"You're better than you think. If you're lucky, the stronghold's representatives will ask for apothecary skills. Your time at the Grunwald's makes you good at this."
"Better at," I correct. "Apart from the explosions."
"Calla..." She sighs, then points at my shoulder. "Where's Luin?"
My disgruntled dragon is locked in a small room in the rear of my small cottage, amongst the jars of pickled and dried foods. I apologised to him and tried to explain why the judges and visitors from outside the shire may not welcome dragons, and this was for his own protection. He hid on a high shelf, turned his back, and curled up to sleep. Dragonkin. Too haughty and too smart.
Sometimes, I wish I'd chosen a cat as a pet. They can be aloof, but when they cuddle, at least they're fluffy and not scaly. Plus Luin's claws are a lot bloody sharper.
"He's not here," I reply, flatly.
A family tramp by towards the fair's colourful sea of tents, children chattering excitedly about the circus animals. Despite recent hot weather, the ground remains sticky with mud from heavy rain a few weeks ago.
We make our way along the uneven ground towards the stalls set up at the town's edge, close to Silvermere Lake. I loved the trials as a child, not because I wanted to watch the success and failures, but because the outsiders would bring exciting food. Exotic fruits with mysterious names, colourful candy and pastries in beautiful colours. All tastes like nothing anybody could make in town.
While everybody watched, I'd tuck myself behind a high tent and sit on the ground while savouring my delicacies. I dreamed of a future where I could live in the place that created such marvellous things. I would peek at the strange people who passed—elves, humans, and others I didn't recognise. As a child, most ignored me, but in recent years, they paid more attention to the young woman, and occasionally spoke to me t
oo.
I stopped bringing Luin to the trials the day a lightbringer threatened to slash his throat and take his head home. I stopped liking lightbringers that day too, even though I know how valuable they are to the kingdom. Rohan never threatened to kill Luin, but his suspicion of me last night is worse than worrying about Luin's life. I'm scared for my own.
Rohan and Galen saw a darkness in me that I know could cost my life.
I trip over a rock and land on my knees, then grumble as I pull myself upright and brush dirt from my dress. Not that it would stain my brown linen clothes too badly.
I part ways with Lori as her scheduled trial comes before mine. Hers is academic and involves reading complicated texts. She must prove her translation and writing ability. I retreat to a low wooden bench situated in front of a small stall. Behind, roast meat and spices cook on a spit, and the aroma spirals in the air and my stomach growls.
Thomas approaches and sits next to me, tearing meat from an animal’s hind flank with his teeth. He doesn't speak and that silence crawls across my skin as readily as his hands did last night. Our bodies don't touch, but revulsion pokes at the dark magic from last night. The whispering begins in my mind.
I stand and make to leave, but he grabs my sleeve. "I know your secret now, Stripe."
Pushing his hot hand away, I reply, "I don't have any secrets."
Thomas stands and towers over me. His heavy scent takes away the hunger, worse than last night, like he needs a bloody good bathing, "I know your magic is dangerous and illegal. If you don't pass the tests today, which you won't, I'm going to have so much fun with you."
I square off, face sour, while my fingers itch to slap him. The magic doesn't flow this time. Because I'm not directly under attack? "What does that mean?"
"I need someone who can serve all my needs." He runs his tongue along his teeth again and my mouth fills with bile at his emphasis on needs. "You could never use your evil magic, and you're useless at any other, which leaves you what? A role as my wench, I think. Your talents are wasted in that shop. I won’t report your magic if you work for me."
Thomas's eyes darken and I stare back, refusing to allow my panic to show. "I will pass my tests."
"I heard that this year's magic test is for mind reading as that's what the kingdom needs. A magic difficult to fake. Have you faked to hide your shadow, Calla?"
I force a smile. "Maybe I have a mind-reading potion hidden away."
I don't, but I wish to the stars that I did.
He scoffs. "You mean a potion you never spilled all over the shop floor?"
"What tests are you doing?" I reply.
Thomas smirks. "You know I don't need to. I have the benefit of my family's importance in town; I don’t want to leave."
"That's lucky, since you have few other skills." I could never tell if Thomas failed at school because he was stupid or lazy. After a few years, I settled on both.
"Listen. I chose not to reveal your secret, Stripe. But in return, you need to do what I ask." Thomas licks his fingers and drops the animal bones to the floor. "I hope you're a good cook."
"No. I'm not," I say. "You'd best find someone else who is, to be your wench."
His huge hand curls over my knee and squeezes tight. Leaning closer, he whispers. "Then I guess I'll need to beat into you how to serve me properly."
I choke on his words. The worst part is, he's right. This privileged arsehole will be able to claim me as his servant if I don't prove I'm worth anything to the town.
Shoving his hand away, I stand. "Enjoy the fair."
He nods. "I will. See you later, I'm sure. Good luck, Stripe."
I walk away and look down at the greasy stain on my dress, imagining how his handprint could brand my skin too. Amongst other things.
5
ROHAN
I stride through the fairgrounds, enjoying how villagers part like waves when they lay eyes on my cloak. The golden symbol sewn into the scarlet red material catches the light and immediately identifies me as a knight from the Order of Lux. There's no need for full armour here, but the cloak and belt are enough to confirm who I am. The heavy metal around my waist is wrought into a gleaming belt with a scabbard containing a single, sapphire gem in the centre of the Lux mark. The lightbringers’ helms are what make us stand out the most, faces covered by the distinctive carved pattern.
Without my face covered, the smitten village girls can appreciate more of me. Galen mocks my vanity, but believing my own importance comes with my role. Besides, I can't help being born from good stock. The scars from past battles on my cheeks and hands add more appeal to my appearance—a hero of the realm.
Gaining entry to the Order of Lux requires more than physical skill. We train from a young age and not all who want to become lightbringers succeed. As we train with swords, we also train to harness the light. This teaching includes meditation to develop the skill to channel the light in battle.
Order of Lux trainees who manage to connect with the light in themselves become lightbringers—they have developed the ability to capture energy from the world around to aid in their battles. As the Ebon use shadow to help their armies, we use light. There’s no religious angle to this, just a lot of determination and hard work.
Lightbringers are the ultimate warriors in the king’s army and the greatest threat to the Ebon. Our light can counteract their shadow and kill efficiently—but not eradicate it completely. They can do the same to us. Lightbringers face the greatest dangers and an almost guaranteed death at a young age.
I have my reasons for making the sacrifice. There was never any question in my mind—I would become a lightbringer.
I offer a smile to some of the more attractive girls but don't linger to talk; Galen's tall figure moves so fast I wouldn't have a chance to stop if I wanted. The elf draws equal attention, partly because he's an elf and they stick out like a sore thumb, but because his flamboyant garb is as vain as anything I wear. Seriously, the guy doesn't know how to button his tunic properly and the tight pants and soft leather boots are both embroidered with silver leaves and flowers.
We're not the only outsiders here, but our job is more important.
"Have you seen the girl yet?" I ask Galen as I catch up.
He pauses to examine a stall selling carved wooden items and picks up a small bird figurine. "No."
"Are we going to ask Calla to come with us or just take her?"
Galen nods at the wide-eyed stallholder and places the figure back on the table. "I think she'll want to come. Calla's star is too bright to remain in this dark place."
"Bright? She used Ebon magic," I retort. "Why do you want to take this girl? I know we were sent to find a sorcerer to recruit, but I don't think Mara will be happy with a daughter of shadow as a choice."
Mara. The leader of the stronghold and the first woman to hold the position. A woman no man dare cross and who fought hard for equal respect from some of our generals. Her tenacity brings victories in our battle to reach and overcome the Ebon queen, but we need more than military strategy and brute force. Recently we’ve lost more battles than we’ve won as the queen’s magic grows in strength. Mara wants and needs magic central to the stronghold once more. The troops and the Lux aren’t enough anymore.
But shadow magic? No.
Galen continues walking, and I stride to catch up. "Have you seen any girls who strike you as holding a strength of character to match her magic?" he asks. "I know you've studied plenty since we arrived. One or two in detail."
I half roll my eyes at him. He's correct. We'd spent time combing the town for suitable candidates yesterday. Frankly, I was relieved to find Calla in the shop after traipsing around the bloody town for half a day. Seriously, we should've started with all the magic stores first. I told myself it was the girl's understated beauty and the mysterious sadness in her green eyes that pulled me in. My inherent need to protect that comes with my birthright, honed when I joined the Order of Lux.
But once I saw
Calla's magic, my attraction to her muddied. My duty is to protect the kingdom. Yet how can I join Galen in wanting to protect a girl who is filled with magic the opposite to mine? I don’t understand his decision to take her.
"There." Galen points with a long finger.
Calla stands behind a small table in the centre of a courtyard, where people circle her. She's pale and eyes tired, her long blonde hair pulled back from her delicate features. My confused heart aches for the worried girl.
"Can she really help us? We would threaten the stronghold's integrity by bringing an enemy into the group. She may be stuck in a backwater town with no clue what she is, but this girl must have a connection to the Ebon queen. All daughters of shadow have been destroyed. Is the queen creating a new army? We have to consider that, Galen."
"Leander will make the decision." Galen says. "He has the final say in who we recruit."
Leander. Our third scouting party member who decided to stay at more comfortable lodgings out of town and told us he'd wait for our return. Lazy bastard. Yes, he's superior to us, but Mara gave him the same instructions: find recruits. Two day's journey from the stronghold on horseback wasn't fun. I guess his delicate arse couldn't take riding the extra few miles to town.
A man dressed in finery, and who looks and smells clean enough to be gentry, stands beside Calla with a scroll. I can't hear what's said and she stares at him, nodding but hands clasped tight in front of her.
"This isn't looking good," I say quietly. "She’s terrified. Maybe we should've found Calla before her test. Or taken her last night, as I suggested."
"Perhaps. But her failure will give Calla more impetus to leave with us." Galen taps his long fingers on his lips. "I don't like kidnapping unwilling recruits."
"Allowing her the humiliation of failure is almost cruel. What if she accidentally uses her magic again?"