“Powers of nature, help protect us from these evil spirits.”
She waved the group forward, and they stepped onto the lookout. The colonel prompted the soldier to signal his comrades. But just as they turned around, Aisling froze. A black, snake-like haze slithered across the tower toward the mercenary. It surrounded him, blocking his movements. He let out a gasp and climbed onto the ledge. With a look of horror on his face, he moved backward.
In the next instant, he plunged off the castle wall, to the courtyard below.
The dark cloud swirled along the tower wall and approached Aisling.
“Colonel, tell the prince we need help.”
“I won’t leave you here alone.”
She watched the oncoming fury slithering toward them.
“I can repel this force for a few minutes. Please go. Now.”
He nodded and dashed for the door.
Aisling confronted the evil presence. “Show yourself,” she commanded.
The dark mist morphed into human form, as Aisling’s nemesis appeared before her.
“Who are you to issue orders?” the queen glowered.
“At least mine are filled with good intentions,” said Aisling, her gaze alert.
“Come now, I’m sure we can reach some sort of agreement.”
“I’m not foolish enough to trust you.”
“Well, at least I keep my promises. I told you not to stand in my way. You’ll join the ranks of all the others who defied me. Then the Fifth Prince will have no one.”
Aisling faced her enemy, her hand on the dagger.
“By the powers of nature, I command the sky and water to eliminate this evil.”
A powerful gale swept across the roof and scattered the vile spirit. It swirled over the courtyard like a dragon, forming a series of massive, looming clouds. As Aisling watched the wicked force, she felt a presence behind her. Her heart felt heavy as she turned to confront the enemy once again.
“I must say, you’re optimistic about subduing my powers. I have many forms, you know. You can’t defeat me,” she said, reaching out and shoving Aisling to the edge of the tower.
“You’ve tried many times and failed. Perhaps you’ve overestimated your strength.”
“Don’t count on it,” said the queen, morphing back into a dark mist.
Still clutching her wand, Aisling realized that her enemy’s powers were becoming diluted, as they splintered into smaller clusters of haze. She waved her dagger for the second time.
“I command that a fire dissolve this evil.”
The winds howled as the dark form scattered across the terrain. This time, a sea of flames circled around the queen.
Aisling heard voices from below, one of them Drayaen’s.
“Grab hold of the rope,” he called.
She strained to hear, as the intensity of the heat increased.
An arrow struck the tower, tied to a long rope. Aisling ran and fastened the cord around a stone pillar.
“I’m coming down,” she shouted.
For the third time, the noxious mist regrouped. She held her key.
“Wizard, please come,” she intoned.
As the rain poured down, Aisling could see a presence behind the queen, its red glow burning bright against the night sky. She exhaled a deep breath and felt as though a burden had lifted.
“I need your help, Chindor.”
“You have the power,” he said.
She pushed up the sleeves of her jacket and turned to the queen. “You’re defeated. Many of the evil forces in the kingdom have been removed. You can no longer feed off each other. There’s a more potent presence now. One that’s based on faith and compassion, not treachery or hatred.”
Aisling signaled Drayaen and took a deep breath. She no longer needed to depend on her Book of Magic to dictate her actions. By using her whole being, she could defeat evil and protect others from misfortune.
“With all my might, I command the earth to seal this dark force and prevent further harm.”
She waved the key and her dagger in front of the wrathful, poisonous vapors.
As the mist flew at Aisling, the earth shuddered, surrounding the fetid fumes with massive rocks that created an impenetrable boundary.
The rocks collided with the fire, and the dark mass exploded.
Aisling grasped the rope and threw herself off the tower.
The queen lay in her chamber. She had limped back from the fortress, convinced that Aisling plunged to her death. She also believed the princes had met their demise.
My powers may be reduced, she concluded, after that unfortunate encounter. She fumed at the audacity of the girl. Once I recover, she reasoned, I’ll still be able to secure the throne. Tomorrow, she would tell the king that the political unrest had continued and the princes were killed as a result. Poor Aisling was an unexpected casualty.
The room became dark as clouds cast veiled shadows over the moon. She heard the sounds of footsteps, and creaking as her door opened.
“Who’s there?”
“Your Majesty, it’s me. The mission has been successful.”
“You fool. I told you not to come here. Go away.”
“I thought you’d be pleased. Both princes are gone. So is the commander.”
“Good riddance to them all.” She sat up and strained to see the figure in the doorway. “Don’t come near me again. If you do, I’ll have you arrested.”
“But, Your Majesty, you owe me.”
“I paid you well.”
“I want more. I poisoned that servant. I also helped you kill the last queen.”
“Perhaps you don’t want to live either. I’ve kept you around for years because you did my bidding. One more word and you’ll meet a similar fate.”
Lieutenant Jambha walked farther into the murky shadows of the room. Behind him stood Tae and Drayaen, along with King Yi. Guards entered and removed the queen from the bed.
She turned to her husband. “This person is trespassing. I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Although her denials and protests echoed through the corridors, it was of no use. The screams of defeat faded into eerie silence, as the guards carried her down the hall and out of the palace.
The next morning, Aisling awoke and wandered to the window. She watched the river meandering through the gardens, the white rapids clamoring against the serene rocks. She took a deep breath of fresh air. It was as though all her cares had disappeared.
Today, I’m going to focus on my wedding, she said to herself. There was a knock at the door as a servant entered with an exotic array of breakfast foods.
These will be the last few moments of peace I have today, she thought. Meetings had already been scheduled with the Minister of Royal Events and his teams, to review details of the ceremony and banquet. She sipped her tea as she thought about her appointment with the legal advisor. As the servant left, she looked up to see Hanu and Maehwa entering with fabric and supplies.
The girls set their boxes down on the long table. “Hello, Commander. We have one more fitting left. We’ll need to make a few minor adjustments.”
“I appreciate all of your efforts, and I’m very excited to see my dress.”
“It will look beautiful on you. We’ve made a few other things too.” Hanu removed silk garments in shades of deep green, red, and blue.
“These are so elegant. I can wear them during our trip to the Island of Crystal Waters.”
“You’re going after the ceremony?”
“We’ll be spending a few days there before traveling west.”
“We’ve heard you’re taking people with you.”
“Yes, the prince has invited some soldiers and assistants.”
“Commander, are you bringing anyone?”
“I haven’t thought about it. Why do you ask?”
“Well, you’ll need girls who can sew and work in your household.”
Aisling thought about the primitive life onboard a ship. She recal
led her trip to the interior, where Hanu and Maehwa lived. The villagers were courageous, battling every day to survive their rugged conditions.
“It will be dangerous. Life in the new land will be very different.”
“We’ve thought of that. It doesn’t scare us.”
“Would your families approve?”
“Yes. They want us to be happy.”
She looked at the girls, who were glancing up at her in earnest. “Once we leave, we may not come back for a long time. If you’re prepared for hardships and unfamiliar places, then let me know.”
“Thank you, Commander. We’ve already decided. We’d like to go with you.”
Aisling looked at their clasped hands and expectant faces. “All right, pack a small bag with your belongings. We’re leaving a few days after the ceremony.”
Both girls hugged her and retreated with their unfinished garments. Aisling’s journey home was already proving to be a new adventure.
The morning of her wedding, Aisling woke and gazed out the window. The first rays of sun peered over the horizon. She clutched her long silk robe and sat at the table, looking out at the river and surrounding gardens.
Her present to Drayaen’s family had been delivered yesterday. She had decided to contribute more food to make up the gap from the recent grain thefts. She had considered other ideas, but in the end, chose what His Majesty would want. She glanced down at his poignant note, filled with heartfelt wishes for a happy marriage.
His courier had delivered an ornate box along with the card. Inside was the king’s gift to her. It was an exquisite double-strand necklace of gleaming white pearls and a gold clasp, fastened to a large square-cut emerald stone surrounded by diamonds. She admired her present, appreciating that the sparkling jewel matched the color of her engagement ring. Since they had belonged to Drayaen’s mother, she vowed to treasure them both.
She smiled as she thought back to the girl who launched a fleet of ships in Clew Bay. When her journey started, she had no idea where it would lead. Setting up a trading route in the East Kingdom was a business transaction. The most surprising event had been meeting Drayaen.
She never expected to fall in love. It hadn’t even crossed her mind. But after their initial meeting on the cliff, she thought of no one else. Now they would have each other, and, she hoped, a lifetime of adventures.
Working with Drayaen, she had learned to trust and collaborate. She smiled as she remembered the wizard’s initial advice. With her powers, she was able to save people, defeat evil, and protect those she loved.
The day after defeating the queen was marked by another significant event.
It had been twelve months since she had inherited her powers. On the morning of her anniversary, she had asked the wizard to appear. He materialized and asked her what she had learned about her special gifts. She smiled now as she recalled her answer.
The use of logic, without feeling, is feeble, she had realized. It separates those who seek power in order to control others, from those who want to help humanity.
Aisling also recognized that evil takes on many insidious forms. The queen did not act alone. She tempted many supporters to join the ranks of the vile. It was a complex system that had taken years to build. As the queen increased her ambitions at the expense of others, her capacity for evil grew.
But as much as those forces battled to control the kingdom, there was a small but powerful faction who chose to oppose their efforts. By creating a wave of attacks, Aisling weakened the potency of the dark spirit. As its presence became less formidable, she was able to launch the fatal blow.
Aisling understood that to make lasting, positive change, her whole being was needed, including her character, thoughts, and feelings.
Her love for Drayaen made her realize the potent combination.
With him by my side, she thought, we can accomplish anything.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES
The room was filled with excited chatter as the assistants crowded around the bride. Aisling stood in the center of the room, her gown cascading into layers of silk and translucent gossamer. The top of her dress was a shimmering jacket in green silk. The collar, ribbon tie, and cuffs were red, decorated with small floral designs. A green, white, and red sash was fastened around her waist, and below that was a full skirt in red, with a long, matching translucent train.
Her hair was swept up into a topknot, anchored by a red and green jadeite pin. Soft curls framed her face, and a ribbon secured the rest of the cascading waves. Hanu fastened the pearl and emerald choker, then she and Maehwa stood back to admire the effect. As the sunlight poured into the room, it cast a brilliant luster over the ensemble.
Aisling smiled and turned to the group. “Thank you for your efforts. You’ve all worked very hard. I’m grateful.” She received an outpouring of hugs and good wishes.
There was a knock at the door, and the Minister of Events entered the chamber. “It’s almost time for the ceremony to start.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m ready,” she murmured. No matter what happens years from now, she thought, I will always remember this moment.
Aisling and her entourage walked down the winding garden path. After a few twists and turns, they came upon a canopy of cherry blossoms. Two parallel columns of trees whose branches had joined at the top formed a tunnel of flowers. On each side was a low row of sculpted hedges. A carpet of blossoms covered the ground.
On the path before her were members of the royal family, ministers, and high-ranking government officials. They murmured greetings and compliments as she arrived. She could see the Sixth Prince from her position in line, but had not yet glimpsed her future husband.
The sunlight emerged from behind the clouds and cast a rosy glow over the garden. As the music started, the procession made its way down the aisle. The crisp breeze created a soft rustling sound among the branches. Aisling glanced at the guests lined up near the end of the path. She smiled as she saw Maológ, her cousins, and crew.
When the officials reached the end of the walkway, they moved to the sides to make way for the wedding party. Aisling clutched her fragrant white and green bouquet of jasmine flowers. As she neared the front, Drayaen came into view. Their eyes locked. He smiled and held out his hand to her. “You look very beautiful,” he whispered. She beamed back at him and realized how much she had missed him the past few days.
Prince Drayaen faced the onlookers, his solid form towering above the other officials. His long black robes highlighted an overlay of red fabric, with panels of dragons and symbols of nature. At the bottom edge were cranes embroidered in gold, signifying long life. Next to the sword at his side was a black pouch, which held the rings.
As the ceremony began, she could feel the warm, steady grip of his hand. Aisling and Drayaen turned to each other and exchanged vows. She looked into his luminous eyes and felt a sense of calm wash over her. He slid the ring onto her finger, and she felt their deep commitment to each other. In the final segment of the ceremony, they drank rice wine from a cup to symbolize the happy union.
The official turned to the couple and announced their marriage. Drayaen swept Aisling into his arms. “You are my princess now,” he murmured. He held her hand as they faced the applauding crowd.
Members of the royal family and various officials offered their congratulations. It’s so strange to hear people calling me princess, Aisling thought. Her first inclination was to turn and look behind her to see if they were speaking to someone else. She looked up at Drayaen, who was smiling at her, amused at her reaction. “I’ll get used to it in time,” she murmured.
Aisling saw her crew and waved them forward.
“Uncle, I’m so pleased you’re here.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it. And don’t worry, everything is under control. The other captains were happy that you put them in charge for a few days.” He leaned in and whispered, “They’re busy making the changes you requested
.”
“Thank you for the update,” she said as she hugged him. “I’m sure the fleet is in capable hands. How are your quarters? Are you comfortable here?”
“Yes, I’m fine. They put me next door to Sean, Owen, and Fionn. The lads and I stayed up half the night playing cards.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” She thought of Hanu and Maehwa. “Uncle, as you know, Drayaen is bringing some of his people on the journey with us. I’ve also added a few more to the count. I was thinking that we could find a place for them.”
“Aye, we’ll make it work.”
Maológ hugged her again and left for the banquet. She watched him go and realized how much she was looking forward to the upcoming journey. She thought about all the new personalities that would be traveling with them. Drayaen slipped his arm around her waist and looked down at her smiling face.
“Come, I’ve hired an artist to sketch our first official portrait.”
Hand in hand, they walked to the riverbank where a white wooden bridge nestled over the river, sheltered by tall, leafy trees. The artist was stationed at the water’s edge, positioned for an optimum view. As she stood next to Drayaen on the bridge, Aisling imagined their life together. It’s already beginning, she thought. I must now think about the wishes and needs of the person I love, as well as my own.
After the artist finished the sketch, the couple moved to the banquet hall to meet the waiting crowd of palace officials and guests. The venue was held on a man-made island, the sole egress a long wooden bridge with red railings and bright green decorative posts. The pagoda-style roof jutted out into the trees, casting shadows over the water. As they crossed the bridge, Drayaen stopped.
“What is it?”
“Come closer.”
Aisling moved in, until there was no space between them.
“Closer still.”
As he wrapped his arms around her, his lips met hers with searing heat. Her eyelashes fluttered as she kissed him back, locked in his arms. Time stood still. Although there was a cool breeze, she felt dazed and overheated. After several minutes, she heard footsteps on the bridge. They separated and turned to face the interloper.
Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water Page 19