The Lost Shell of Mahon

by Casey Phelps

  Then beautifully their song took flight and they people began to dance. Luckily Artileon had taught me the dances, as we were on the platform above the people dancing. I took turns between the Prince, Re’em, the King and even Jyar. We all floated within the intricate steps of the dance and matched the ageless rhythm of the music.

  The dancing came to the end of the song. As they finished they immediately struck an odd clashing chord, and another tune began. The horns rang out, adding to the cacophony and all the people cried out!

  “Sceadu! Sceadu!”

  Then Shadows began their dance with the moon, beautiful and wispy tendrils they spun and swirled high in the heavens. The light and shadows played across the faces of the assembled revelers.

  Then you could see the face of the Lady, she favored the child I had seen in my dreams. Coal black hair framed, and dark eyes peered from a pale round face. One couldn’t tell if she was benevolent, or malevolent, merely beautiful and cold.

  Then one by one the people sifted to their animal forms and poured from the courtyard into the waiting night.

  The shadows danced as we ran into the moonlight. I found my lioness on this night. She shone in the moonlight, a striking silhouette against the dark night. I raced her through the forest, winding around the trees, panting with the excitement. A beautiful white lion joined my frenzied running; Steel eyes met mine as we swept under the low hanging branches and over the brambles.

  As we exhausted our energies we rounded back to the palace. We found a hill high above the trees, and together we roared in the exhilaration of the event. Scaring the inhabitants of the forest below and sending the birds from their roots high up in the trees. We raced back to the feast.

  At the end of the celebration, we were asked what we would do next. I looked at Artileon, and said “next we must find your brother.”

  Artileon looked surprised, I continued. “In my vision I think in his current predicament we will find he has repented of his ways, he nearly lost his life in his folly. He followed the Ladisians and the council; if we are truly to fight this evil darkness we might need his help.”

  “You speak truly, and I trust your intuition but where to start this search for him?” Artileon said.

  “I believe I can take us to the place and he is housed in the Forbidden Lands.”

  I told him how when I faced the witches trial I had gone through the kingdom and had seen Aremi and his captor, how he had been wasted by some disease.

  “Then we must make haste and find him, and hopefully return him to his health. We shall see if he has truly turned from his shadows and whether his help can aid us in this next quest.” At his direction we said our goodnights, for in the morning we would say our farewells.

  In the morning much to the regret of the unicorns, Re’em and the king walked us to the gates and blessed our journey home. We walked through the Forbidden lands, people waved and cheered for us as we passed their villages and towns. A far cry from the reception we garnered so many moons ago.

  We travelled through the various small villages and went through many forests. Forest after forest with Artileon saying these woods look the same as the last one, are you sure you know where to go.

  I assured him and on we went. After searching for almost another moon, we happened upon a very small village. I inquired of their very shy and quiet inhabitants whether there was a woman who lived alone in these woods. They said there was a witchy woman, no one knows if she really is a witch only that she lives alone and is very strange. They set us on the path, and we walked into the forest. It was dark and eerie; the silence that met us as we neared the woman’s home was almost tangible.

  “You are not welcome here, go away,” screeched a woman’s voice from behind the shutters of the small home.

  “We are looking for a young man; I think you may have seen him pass this way?” I inquired.

  “There is no man here, I live alone, now go from this place.” She shouted again at us. We walked closer and there was a mumbling. “I believe I hear someone else in there surely you have no need to lie to us my good lady.” Artileon said.

  “Brother…” rasped a voice from inside.

  “Aremi!” Artileon strode forward and pushed the door ajar. Inside the woman was batting at him furiously with her broom; Artileon was defending himself from her attacks.

  “He’s mine, I found him.” She shrieked over and over. “He doesn’t even know who he is, just his name and that his brother will find him, he is of no use to you, go away and leave us be.” She tried to reason with us. I walked into the small strange hut, it was dim and dingy. It smelled of various unknown herbs burning.

  My ring lit up and the woman stilled. She fell to her knees, and apologized. She crept forward trying to grab my hand and kiss it. I pulled my hand back, and shrank from the woman.

  “You are the ONE, the one to end the darkness.”

  “What do you know woman?” inquired Artileon.

  “I will only address the Queen.” She said stubbornly.

  “Answer his question, please. And rise from the floor.” I soothed. She did as she was asked, and slowly came to her feet. She was an ugly thing, and crooked. Her scraggly hair hung limp and dull around her full face.

  “The ONE will come with the shining ring, and she will take the darkness away. She is the dragon, she is the Lioness, and she is the one.” She repeated this every time we asked her what she knew.

  Exasperated, I sighed “but what does that mean?”

  “You may have him my queen, and you must leave this place.” She dismissed us. We tore open the cocoon around Aremi and had to carry him from the bed to the door. He seemed steady upon the horses and we set off. I looked back at the strange woman, and she was muttering.

  “Mistress will be unhappy with the one, the dragon, the Queen. No queen but the mistress, unhappy with the one, the one is precious. Protect the one.”

  We had to stop often as Aremi would tire quickly. He seemed no more than a husk of the man he once was. He only mumbled “brother will come for Aremi, no more shadows, I am sorry…”

  We started assuring him he was safe that we did find him; he never seemed to hear it never seemed to matter. So we gave up, and hoped we could find a healer to help him when we reached the palace.

  ****

  Chapter 29

  Most people think that shadows follow, precede or surround beings or objects. The truth is that they also surround words, ideas, desires, deeds, impulses, and memories.

  Elie Wiesel

  The Palace of White

  The Palace of White or the Palace of the Beasts loomed above them; I had never even once looked back to the place we had fled shortly after the blood Ceremony and incarceration. I had quickly seen the throne room, the dungeon, and the white hall. The bright Harvest moon shone onto the hoary stones. The castle stood as a beacon to the city surrounding it. The darkness had turned the stones from a lustrous white to a lifeless grey. Candles and whispers of hope spoke through the darkness and made the night quiver in its might. The lights shone from the ramparts and high places shining throughout the evening.

  Now we walked the halls, and had our rooms. There was a lovely young woman who came to help me dress and wash, and tame my wild hair. She would lovingly brush the strands until they were glossy and she would fix an intricate hairstyle. I had told her not to bother or go through the trouble, but then I saw her disappointment and allowed her to do as she pleased. She picked out the most complicated gowns, without her I’d have had to wear my nightgown around the palace.

  The council welcomed us back to the palace proclaiming a great feast, the Ladisians seemed to disappear and the people rejoiced in the streets for the return of their Prince and Princess. The streets were lined with rose petals that the still warm nights turned into a gentle perfume.

  With no power to back the council, and the knowledge that they would answer for their crimes the council bowed over themselves to try and regain favor with the ne
w rulers.

  Knowing now that Aremi was no longer fit to rule in our stead they had no claim to the throne and thus no longer had any power nor did he wish to.

  They quickly relinquished the daily duties and were relieved to no longer have the long conferences with the masses that came before the royalty.

  The council was disbanded, and trials were held to select a new council. There were so many things to do; the royal pair was constantly busy. There were many sent forth to find the missing Ladisians, and the dungeons were searched and emptied.

  The Hunter Moon and Frosty Moon brought their own challenges as winter once again sets across the lands. A declaration was sent out.

  ****

  To the inhabitants of the Land:

  We will declare the 3rd day of the Cold Moon, a day of great feasting and rejoicing. We invite all to celebrate or attend the coronation of our

  Crown Prince Artileon,

  And our

  Beloved Princess Raechelle L’eonis.

  They will be crowned together on this morning at the rising of the sun.

  The Blessing of the Lord Sun be upon you.

  Greetings from the New Council of the Dalthimus throne

  ****

  The preparation of the coronation was in full swing people fluttered to and fro, we were measured and poked and prodded, we tried on garments, and shoes, and tasted foods until our heads swam.

  ****

  Artileon

  I went into my brother’s apartment to see how he fared today. I had taken to visiting him every day since we found him in the woods. My new found heart ached with the sight of him huddled in the first few weeks unaware that he had been rescued, that he was safe and he had not even recognized that his brother had come. Those few words becoming his mantra, he only spoke to Chelle and me.

  The servants refused to enter his rooms afraid of the mentally disturbed prince. After searching for anyone who was willing to take on the challenges presented with helping this particular patient, we felt lost. Chelle would come in to speak and he would touch her face with awe, then shuffle back to sit in the large chair looking out the window. She and I would talk to him, telling him about our adventures, Chelle was better at talking to him she had a different perspective having been transplanted here. She would tell him all about our world and through her eyes; I fell in love with her more and more. I also fell in love with my people.

  This day I went in only expecting to find the hunched figure, instead I found him dressed and groomed. He even met my eyes when I walked in. I halted in shock at the transformation, a tear fell wetting my cheek. He had quickly looked away, but even looking at the ground he had a smile on his face; I looked around and saw a young man jabbering away nonsense. He froze when he noticed my entrance and then scurried from the room faster than I could even think to ask him to stop.

  I asked Aremi who his friend was not really expecting an answer, but was pleasantly surprised when he said quietly. “Friend, help.” And smiled. I told him I was happy he had a friend and I hugged him. I wiped away the tears that had escaped and drew away; I looked at Aremi’s face. I noticed first the lopsided grin stretched across his face that mirrored my own, and the tears glistening in his eyes. I never was able to catch the boy, but my brother steadily made progress.

  ****

  Chelle

  I often escaped the tumult by taking to the sky and flying over the city of Parth. I learned that the name of the city surrounding the White Palace was named such, after a long ago king. The inhabitants would cheer, and I would roam the skies. I would also run along the castle walls, as a lioness leaping from the ramparts and battlements. I would also walk the streets and meet with the vendors and buy from the markets. I would visit and volunteer at the temple.

  More and more people flooded the ruins of the temple; they would remove the rocks and debris, and had cleaned and lit the entire structure with glowing candles. The effect was stunning. No move was made to rebuild, merely light the looming remains.

  I would say my prayers and light my candle. I was presented with a small token one day, it was a candle shaped into a large circle. I noticed a crack and found that it actually was two candles, that fit together, two wicks that when burned would melt the candles together. The priestess giggled, when I asked what it was for. She just shook her head.

  The day before the coronation the King and Crowned Prince of the Unicorns arrived to join in the festivities. I noticed in the entourage was Cian; I asked if he had brought his flute and the boy shyly nodded. I said he would have to play for me once again. He flushed and I could tell it meant a lot to him. Word spread of the attendance of the Unicorn court and it was certainly the first time they had ever witnessed a coronation in the Beastly Court.

  The day arrived and true to form my lovely maid had picked the most outrageous costume, the white brocade gown was jeweled and had a crest on one side there was the lioness, on the other was the dragon. In the middle was a tree the branches and leaves hung above the mighty creatures. They were delicate and all in silvery threads, the dragons had emeralds for her eyes, as did the lioness.

  She placed the dragon necklace around my throat. Around my shoulders was placed a white fur mantle, the clasp was an L like the carving on my ring. My hair was woven with silvery threads and laced with jewels. She walked me to the large mirror to appraise her handiwork. I was amazed. I assured her that I thought she had done beautifully.

  We walked to the antechamber behind the throne room, there was a curtain hung between our respective places, but I could hear Artileon arguing good naturedly with his manservant who was fussing over his clothing and hair. I stifled a giggle. The maid and manservant peeked across the curtain, and gave each other knowing smiles. There was music, and the people in the throne room all hushed their conversations.

  I was beckoned forward; I could hear the awed appreciation as the Prince strode to the dais.

  ****

  Artileon

  I couldn’t help but smile at the large stone chair my father had once occupied, for next to it was a beautifully carved smaller throne. Lined with furs and pillows for my beautiful princess, it had a crest with the dragon and lioness, and the tree. I looked across the gathered sea of faces. My brother wore a silly grin upon his face, he had regained some of his memories and some charm, but the arrogance and pride was stripped from his demeanor. Love had broken this curse as well. I awaited Chelle’s appearance.

  I could not imagine coming to this day without her. It would have been meaningless and trivial. Now it was a blessing to lead our people together. She was so calm and gentle; the people loved her, almost as much as I did myself.

  ****

  Chelle

  He was so handsome. He had on white much like I did, his shirt carefully embroidered the silvery threads matching my own, and the heavy chain of the armor he wore was polished and shone brightly. He also had fur upon his shoulders and a white cape flowed behind him attached with a matching L clasp. His steel eyes warmed as he saw his brother, and I was ushered forward.

  The crowd gasped appreciatively, but I only had eyes for the Prince. He turned slightly to look at my entrance and tears rimmed in his eyes.

  We both walked forward, and the newly anointed priestess met us, with the High councilman. They read the roles and responsibilities to which we each agreed. We swore our oaths. Artileon stepped forward and knelt, the Priestess handed the High Councilman the crown. He raised it and said “With the blessing of the Lord Sun, and the power invested by our laws and customs I crown thee, and name thee King of the Beasts. Rise and take your throne.”

  The people roared in elation as he did stand and walked to his throne and sat.

  A hush went through the crowd as the Priestess reached to take the second crown and hand it to the High Councilman. I knelt in the same fashion as Artileon did. The Councilman repeated “With the blessing of the Lord Sun, and the power invested by our laws and customs it is my highest honor to crown thee
, and name thee Queen of the Beasts. Rise and take your throne.”

  All the people rose to their feet as I walked to my throne, and sat beside my beloved King. The noise was deafening as the shouts of the people erupted through the hall.

  Artileon raised his hand; and they fell silent once more.

  “I have one announcement more to make,” He said. He stood and reached for my hand, I stood with him, and he knelt before me. The hall was hushed with anticipation and abated breath.

  Jyar flew to his waiting hand and presented him a ring.

  “My dearest Queen would do me the honor and become my wife?”

  My hand flew to my mouth, I was astonished. I went to my knees and tears welled up in my eyes, and said “Yes.”

  If the din was deafening before now it was downright painful, the people were shouting and clapping and weeping and jumping for joy. The people were riotous for some time in their joy and celebration.

  Until a cold wind swept through the throne room, and the flames in the scones wavered. The shadows deepened. A pregnant hush filled the hall. In walked the infamous Lady of the Moon.

  The childlike goddess slithered forward her shadows caressing their goddess. Her midnight blue gown shimmered and added mystery to her pale countenance.

  “I have come to give a gift to show my favor.” She declared imperiously. “On the next day in the fullness of the Lord Sun’s glory I shall show a sign in the heavens. This is my gift to you and my well wishes upon your reign and upcoming marriage. Blessings to you all.”

  She clapped and disappeared theatrically from the chamber.

  The people wondered about this upcoming event, and murmuring about this rare occasion they filed out of the hall to go out to feast.

  The merriment lasts well unto the hour of the celestial sign to be wrought upon the sky. The people flood the streets to see what blessing the lady will bestow.