"I liked it, Bell. It was.." He struggled to find the words.
"Good?" Bella teased.
"To be certain." Laelliandir was just as astonished as Bella. He'd never been with a woman before. Never kissed anyone. Always, his duty first. Bella was his first attraction, and even then, he pushed his feelings aside. Now he was back, and she was there, and he was as confused as ever. That first kiss left him wanting more, and he was lost and ashamed of himself, but it also felt so good and so right.
The two put the moment in the back of their minds or tried to anyway. They resumed their hike around the castle to the falls. As his family came into view, Laelliandir observed Albatros throwing his brothers and sisters into the water. Bella noted Laelliandir's clenched fists and the angry expression on his face and suggested he take deep breaths. "Everything will be okay," she promised. He did just this, determined to behave civilly.
They walked a little closer to the falls when Laella, who sat upon a rock near the water, spotted her son. She tried to squelch her excitement at the sight of him, but her eyes lit up with joy. Still, she looked around until she was certain Lonewolf was nowhere near before she broke into a full smile, jumped off the rock, and ran to where Bella and Laelliandir stood. Laelliandir left Bella's side to greet his mother with a warm hug.
"Laelliandir. You've returned."
"Aye mother, it is good to be home," he answered as he held on to her, and she almost cried in happiness.
"I've been worried sick," she explained. Within seconds, Laelliandir's brothers and sisters from inside the pool of water also noticed him. Quickly they swam, cheering and hollering, excited their brother was home. Fern, standing next to Albatros at the shoreline, smiled and waved. Laelliandir did likewise. As his brothers and sisters surrounded him in greeting, his mother backed away, allowing them space to swarm in around her eldest child. Laella smiled first at Laelliandir then Bella and back to Albatros. While her son had shared his plans for coming home, she had read between the cryptic lines of his letters and sensed he was involved in a perilous game that might prevent him from ever returning.
"Come on," Fern told Albatros, motioning him to welcome Laelliandir home. "He won't bite if you don't." Albatros sighed, but it came out as a grunt and steam came from his nostrils.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Fern," Albatros muttered. Fern put his hand upon Albatros' back, pushing him. He was such a big guy that the scrawny young Fern didn't come close to budging him, but Albatros took a slow step of his own accord. Laelliandir gave each of his brothers and sisters hugs, picked the youngest ones up and spun them around before he made eye contact with the minotaur he had dreaded seeing. Maintaining a stern appearance as Albatros walked toward him, Laelliandir took yet another deep breath. He even looked back to Bella for reassurance, who smiled and nodded him on.
"Lord Laelliandir. It is good to see you." Albatros spoke first while Laelliandir extended his hand to the burly minotaur. Laelliandir's gesture surprised Albatros, but he brought out his own humongous hand to greet him. Laelliandir grasped his gray palm first and shook it.
"Lord Albatros. I trust you've been well here in Garroth."
"Well enough, my lord." Fern walked past Laelliandir as he patted him on the shoulder before stopping next to Bella.
"Good." A very serious Laelliandir retorted. The silence dragged on until Laelliandir attempted a joke to break the discomfort. "Having fun throwing my brothers and sisters like rocks in the water, and making sure my mother keeps you fed, I hope? Someone needs to keep them in their place while I'm not around. You're a big enough guy for the job. Oh, and I'm sure you've been beating the castle guards too? Well, not good if you have, but they surely deserve it. When I came in, they blew an unwelcoming horn at me. You must see to it they are punished. There is no slacking in Garroth, Lord Albatros." As hard as it was to tell, Albatros realized his attempt at humor and played along.
"I'll make sure that horn is splintered, Lord Laelliandir," he responded in an earnest tone. Laelliandir wasn't sure if he was joking or not, but he smiled.
"He can keep the horn. We may need it one day."
"I wasn't serious," Albatros released his grip on Laelliandir's hand. "And I wouldn't dare tell your mother what to do. She is the ruling Lady of Garroth and keeps me and everyone else in their place. I'm lucky to have a day off, but when I do, I surely take every opportunity to toss your brothers and sisters around." The children laughed at this as the others smiled. Laelliandir noticed how Albatros fit into his family and how attached they had gotten to him. Bella had been right. He figured he must learn to do the same.
"I don't blame you. Anyway, they don't seem to mind. It appears like you have earned your place, minotaur champion. I am sorry for my rude display before I left." Albatros waved his hand downward, signaling him to forget about the past.
"I don't blame you. I would have reacted the same if it were you being forced to marry the Queen of Lamisdoria. I'm fortunate you can see beyond our differences and realize we are also alike." Laelliandir stared at him and considered his recent actions opposing the tyrants on the throne, and how he felt it was his duty but not his desire. In this fashion, they were both slaves, forced by circumstances out of their control to make things work.
"I suppose you are right. However, my apologies stand, and you'll just have to live with it. Now, what are we to do today? What is everyone doing out here? Have you had supper?"
"Yes, but the remains have not been tossed yet unless Luminear discarded them. But first, everyone needs to listen and listen carefully." Laella announced gathering everyone's attention to her.
Laella reminded her family they had a guest, and they were to act as if Laelliandir had been on but a short hunting trip. They mustn't reveal how long he had been away from his post. Even the youngest children agreed because keeping the secret not only kept them safe but also Lord Laelliandir. After she reminded the group how important it was they keep the secret, she dropped the name of their visitor.
"Lonewolf is here?" Bella exclaimed. "Where?" She was eager to see him. Laella moved to stand closer to Bella and Laelliandir.
"He's in the castle with your sister. Be careful what you say and what you don't. He works for the Overlords now. An important figure."
"Why is he here?" Laelliandir was far more flustered at this information than he had been earlier about seeing Albatros again. Despite Bella's defense of the man, Laelliandir did not trust Lonewolf at all. Again, Bella assured him, and the family that Lonewolf was trustworthy and part of her kindred, but Laelliandir and Laella exchanged wordless glances. They were well aware that if the Overlords had granted permission for this visit, then they would expect a full report upon Lonewolf's return. Bella had no patience with the silent paranoid looks that passed between Laelliandir, Laella, and even Albatros. She was so excited to see Uncle Lonewolf, while the trio before her did not want her dear uncle around at all.
"Lae. I'll meet you at sundown?" Bella interrupted the silent communication, and Laelliandir nodded to her.
"Aye Bell. I'll stay here with mother and the children and meet up with you later. Enjoy your visit with the man." As thrilled as Bella was to meet up with Lonewolf, she paused. Part of her expected a hug or some kind of affection from Laelliandir but she soon realized it would not happen. Even if he broke past his reserve, Laelliandir was unlikely to show affection before his mother and siblings.
"I will see you then," Bella answered him and then turned to address Laella. "Lady Laella. A pleasure to see you. May I be excused?" Laella nodded, and Bella turned to Fern and motioned him to follow. "Come along Fern. It is time for you to meet Uncle Wolf." Bella smiled in encouragement and Fern shrugged and followed her even though he rarely enjoyed meeting new people.
"All right, but you better remember to introduce me this time.” Bella tended to forget about introductions, and Fern had suffered uncomfortable encounters with her friends from school in the past. Bella grabbed Fern by the arm to drag him along but l
ooked back at Laelliandir once more and giddily smiled.
"Tonight," she said as her eyes locked on his. Laella watched the look between Bella and Laelliandir and scrutinized her son's behavior. She noted he seemed more nervous around Bella than he had before, and his typical polite smile was more of a silly grin when he looked at her.
"My boy. What am I to do with you?" Laella asked, snapping him out of his starry-eyed reverie.
"What do you mean, mother?"
"Nothing. I hate to be too intrusive, but before we all get too busy, you and I will need to talk." Laella looked at her younger children and said, "An adult discussion." Laelliandir knew what she meant. She wanted to know where he'd been and how concerned she needed to be. Laelliandir would not argue with his mother his first night home, and he submitted to her request as soon as he sent the kids back into the water for a swim. They would need solitude to talk freely. So much to tell of his adventures in Divox, and his plans to follow.
Even though Laella assured him, he could speak in Albatros' presence, Laelliandir would not say anything within earshot of the minotaur. To him, Albatros was still a potential enemy, and Laelliandir could not risk sharing his dangerous secret knowing Albatros might use it as a bargaining chip for his freedom. Thus, he asked Albatros if he would mind watching over the children while he and Laella took a private walk around the castle grounds to discuss important business matters.
∞ ∞ ∞
"I headed this way right after our last victory. My only guess is Lonewolf was also there at that encounter. He must have departed for Garroth the same day I did. Maybe he stopped in Magwhen to check in on the Overlords, or maybe he pressed on. That explains how we arrived here around the same time." It was their third trip around the castle. Laelliandir had shared most details of the rebellion and his role in it with his mother.
"And you're sure none of your people are spies? You're certain Lonewolf doesn't realize you're working with the rebellion?" Laelliandir shook his head vigorously. He was confident.
"There is no way he could. Only the four lords of the abandoned kingdoms know who I am, besides Akelda. We've been careful. I wear a white turban to keep my disguise. As far as the Overlords, Neighraellium and his wolf smut believe I've been here all along. You launched that expedition the Overlords requested? The one to scope the borders in hunt of the rebels?"
"Your rebels? She nodded. “Yes, I did that. One of our loyalists posed as you to make random impressions and appearances. I think none here question you, and most of our soldiers here are a part of the resistance, loyalists of Javalla. The ones who suspect wouldn't say a word. Most were your father's men, mind you."
"Yes, they were. I did not mean to question you, but I must be vigilant. Too much is at stake." His mother sighed.
"You need to learn to let things go. What you've done may catch up to you, and if you're caught, all of Garroth will pay the price.” Laelliandir noted the pensive look on his mother’s face and regretted that his actions worried her. “I support you and admire your courage,” she went on. “It is indeed a just cause, but a lost one, I fear. I don't see a good end to any of it." It hadn’t been so long ago when she had been angry enough to have joined her son's ambition with a fiery ambition of her own, but unlike Laelliandir, she had age and experience on her side. Her friendship with Luminear had changed her perspective where she had been able to move on and appreciate what she had instead of focusing on what the Javallas had lost.
But Laelliandir, in his youth, shared the stubbornness of his father and followed his father’s teachings. His ambition to set things right knew no restraint. While he regretted causing his mother concern, he could not stop. "There can only be a good end through justice. Live under tyranny, and we don't live at all. We have honor, and as long as we are impartial and loyal to our people, even if we fail, we followed Xio's teachings. To abandon reason is to abandon life. There is no life worth living if we surrender to injustice." Laelliandir spoke passionately just above a whisper, taking furtive glances around to ensure no one overheard. His mother laughed.
"You sound like your father."
"A good man."
"Yes, and a dead one now,” reminded Laella.
"Mother!"
"He was honor-bound to fight a champion meant for another. If he had backed down, he'd still be alive. His principles got him killed. He was too proud to let a minotaur fight in his stead."
"He saved Albatros who would be dead now. He did as he felt he had to, and I do not hold that against him, and neither should you. He died a symbol of righteousness and decency."
"Decency? What good is honor if you leave everything you love behind and a family barely holding themselves together? I fail to see how his death has led to anything besides torment. You live like he did, and you will eventually die as he did. Don't let your pride take you from me, my son." Laella pleaded. "If you choose Bella Luna, I will not only support the marriage but will make damn sure nobody stands in the way. End this madness. Submit to the Novanian order and come home. Live your life and quit chasing shadows." Laelliandir walked alongside his mother as he considered this option. He thought about it longer than he usually would indulge in a fantasy.
"I might. I just might, mother. But not until freedom is restored. Not until my uncle is locked up with that Lonewolf, who at this moment, parades around our real home. Not until the Overlords have been stripped of power." Laella sighed, upset at her son's persistent refusal to hear reason, and then tried once more to persuade him.
"Achieve all this by some miracle, and you and I restore the twelve kingdoms. That will take up our entire lives, and more than likely, the responsibilities will fall on my unborn grandchildren to assume. That is what you wish for the Javalla name?” She stopped walking and looked into her son’s eyes. “Freedom comes at a price, Laelliandir. Make no mistake about it. Payment in blood and misery. I pray every day for Xio to show me some sign that this is his will, but I get nothing in return. Is this what our Lord wants of you?" Laella asked.
"I am certain it is. Xio would not tolerate this!" Laelliandir fired back.
Laella resumed walking slowly. "I wish sometimes he would just come down from hiding and tell us what he wants. Has us running around mad, and everyone seems to believe they know what Xio wants. I don't understand what Xio wants, but I wish you would do what I want. Come home and end it. Nobody who ever lived got everything they wanted. We deal and we move on. We have each other, and that is enough. Is it not?"
"I'm sorry mother. I can move the loyalists out of the city and somewhere safe. Far from you and Garroth. If I'm caught, then you claim to know nothing. There will be no ties to the rebellion here to prove you ever knew anything." Laella put her arm around her son and thought a moment of what she wanted to say.
"No. I will protect you and Akelda and aid you until the end. You will not stand alone. If you are determined to follow this path, then I too am bound to this fate."
Laelliandir stopped and took his mother’s hands in his own. "I thank you, mother."
"I wish I could reciprocate that appreciation. But we're family. That's why I do it. I'd expect no less of any Javalla. It's who we are." Laella said reluctantly. She would do what she could to support him but feared her decision might seal their fate.
"Even Uncle Neighraellium Javalla?" Laelliandir reminded her while ignoring his mother's displeasure. The two dropped hands and walked back toward the falls.
"Any Javalla other than him. Bah, as you said. The poison has deluded him. He died the same day as your father. That man is long gone, and whoever he is now is not family. What about the Wolf?"
"Don't worry about him. I'm aware of more than one person willing to pay a pretty price for his head. His head can bring us one powerful ally. Leave him to me," Laelliandir warned. “Family to Lumi and Bella or not, he's not long for this world.
Chapter Thirteen
The Lion and the Wolf
A s twilight fell, Bella picked up her handy broad sword
with its traditional silver hilt and headed toward the back of the castle near the falls to meet up with Laelliandir as planned. She had found Lonewolf and Luminear earlier and wandered the halls of the castle with the pair. It was like old times except Luminear had gone from tipsy to drunk on the wine Lonewolf continued to offer her. By the time Bella met up with them, Luminear was so intoxicated that Bella, Fern, and Lonewolf had to help her to her room to sleep it off. The poor girl hadn’t lasted much beyond the conversation with Lonewolf about Laelliandir and the Javallas. Bella would have been angry and more amused had she not missed being a part of it all. She, Markus, and Fern had all snuck into the wine cellars plenty of times. They’d been waiting for a chance to get Luminear to join them, but it was Lonewolf that got that privilege.
No one told Laella what Luminear had been up to so she became frustrated when she discovered that everyone left before helping with cleaning the dishes. To keep the peace, Albatros and the children tidied the kitchen after their swim. Once the children scattered to their rooms, Albatros took to the study to read while Laella settled down for an early rest. Over the months, Albatros had taken over bedtime for the children to accommodate Laella’s early sleep schedule.
As for poor Markus, he paced in self-pity within the confines of his room until Fern showed up and tried to cheer his friend. The two shared a bedchamber comprised of two of everything, beds, desks, chairs, dressers and bookcases divided by a wall between them. It was a basic sleeping quarter that had housed servants in years past. Mark and Fern agreed the room was far superior to the dormitories where they had lived in the past, but tonight, try as he might, Fern could not lift his friend’s spirits.
After putting Luminear to bed, Bella escorted Lonewolf to his guest chamber on the fourth floor in the back of the castle. Here he enjoyed an excellent view of the mountain, forest, stream, and waterfall behind the castle. Unlike Markus and Fern’s room, this room was decorated to impress. The guest’s quarter was rectangular and included the sleeping area along with a separate closet and a water closet. The main room included a substantial sized bed, shrouded in crimson blankets with an elegant white canopy. A thick white velvet rug with red intertwining designs about its borders covered the stone floor while an ornamental oval-shaped mirror hung on the wall above an oak dresser. Three diamond-shaped windows on the back wall provided a view of the outside world.
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