Alleria smiled at Reia, for a moment forgetting the situation they were getting themselves into. Prysmi took the lead, and, anxiously, they began to make their way to Strita once more.
Chapter 18
They didn’t run into much trouble at all the rest of the way to the village. Maybe it was because the rumors about this path through the Brushdeep were exaggerated and unfounded, or maybe it had something to do with a dragon traveling with them. Nevertheless, they made it to Strita before the sun had set on the following day.
The woods opened up to a valley, the mountains seeming to appear out of nowhere as they came out from under the thick canopy of leaves. Flanked on its eastern side by mountains, with a small river flowing from a cave at the base of the nearest mountain, Strita spread itself throughout the valley along the mountain’s face. It provided those who lived there with a strategic natural wall in case of an attack, though the town had been generally peaceful for over a hundred years.
A small, rocky path led up into the mountains, and a dock on the river harbored several large sailboats, which could be taken out to sea using the river’s path under the mountain. This was the main reason a town had even formed this far away from civilization, as food and other goods were easily transported out to sea and back again.
So, although Strita was an inland village, it had the feel of a coastal town. The single market in town saturated with fish, delicate shells, and other exotic ocean goods. Many of its residents were seafaring folk, making their living on ocean expeditions, sometimes lasting for months at a time. Their peak fishing season was in the summer months as the fish explored further and further north in the warm water.
Mavark’s house was on the outskirts of town—a small, quaint cottage with a decent sized farm spread out behind it. He raised horses, having five adults and two foals at the time. Normally, horses are skittish around dragons, but these had grown up with Prysmi by their side and treated her as a sibling. They nickered as the travelers approached, trotting up to the fence, and dangling their heads over the side. Prysmi hurried over to them, bumping foreheads with each of them in turn, spending a bit more time with the little ones.
Elwyse had woken up as they traveled but had kept to himself. Once awake, Mavark untied his foot bindings, allowing him to walk instead of being carried. He didn’t try anything, but rather picked up Odie carefully from the ground and held him tightly the entire time. He spent most of his time staring, his mouth gaping at the forest around them, admiring individual blades of grass and leaves each time they stopped for a break. Emery, of course, delighted in this, and quietly educated Elwyse on the different types of foliage in the Brushdeep Forest. He drank it in, wordless and entranced.
They reached Mavark’s house on the hill with daylight to spare. Elwyse was to remain outside with Prysmi for the time being. Before Mavark could even knock, the door flew open and a woman nearly tackled him to the ground. “Thank the gods!” she cried, tearful, squeezing around his neck tightly. Mavark hugged her back, a tender moment. After a long embrace, she released him and pulled back.
“It is so good to see you, my love,” Mavark said warmly. He gestured toward her. “Everyone, this is my wife, Ysmira.” The elf woman did a half-courtesy, giggly and clearly overjoyed that Mavark was back. She was quite tall and thick in her hips and thighs. Her skin was dark for an elf, a caramel color that complimented her dark hair beautifully. Her eyes were golden, as Alleria’s were. She carried with her the unnatural beauty that accompanied all elves.
Ysmira clasped her hands in front of her, scanning the crowd behind him. “Oh, you brought guests! Please, come in!” She held the door open and ushered them inside, observing each of them in turn. Laderic entered last, and she grinned mischievously. “I should have known Laderic was involved with all of this!” She slapped him on the arm, joking. “What kind of trouble did you get yourself into this time?” she asked.
Midiga bared her teeth in a smile. “I’m glad she already knows the drill,” she chided. Laderic groaned.
Ysmira whipped up a quick meal for them, the travelers not realizing how ravenous they had become until they started to eat. They ate happily, starting in on their conversation with warm bellies. Mavark quietly took some food out to Elwyse and Prysmi, even giving some scraps to Odie, though the zombie dog did not need to eat.
They spent the next hour or so filling Ysmira in on what had happened. They explained to her about Elwyse and the warning he had given them. They mentioned how the nightwalkers were working with the canidae when they finally came to Alleria. She slowly removed her hood and watched as Ysmira’s face went from confusion to awe. “Oh my,” she said, tears instantly filling her eyes. “I–I have not seen another of my kind for quite a while.” She reached out, clasping Alleria’s hands between her own. “You have no idea how welcome a sight you are.”
Alleria smiled, eyes turning a lavender color with the compliment. “Oh, th–thank you,” she stuttered, feeling modest.
Ysmira noticed her eyes change color, and she furrowed her brow. “Your eyes,” she said, peering closer. “Did they change?”
“Yeah, they do that sometimes,” Alleria admitted.
Ysmira was silent for a moment. “Strange,” she muttered but said no more on the topic.
Midiga and Emery introduced themselves as well, going into a bit more detail than they had with Mavark. This was unintentional but likely had to do with Mavark’s intimidating appearance versus the motherly aura that Ysmira projected with her every move.
“That’s wonderful that Laderic has another close friend that can keep him out of trouble,” Ysmira told Midiga after she finished introducing herself. Laderic rolled his eyes, already having accepted that the two of them would bond over roasting him like a hog.
“So, how long have you known Mavark?” asked Alleria, curious about the history of the only other elf she’d ever met.
“Oh, my manners,” Ysmira said. “Of course, let me give you the short version. Mavark and I met over a decade ago when I was still on my own—a renegade elf is welcome nowhere in the Far Land. His kindness got the better of him, and he decided to aid me in my search for a permanent home. As we traveled, we fell in love… and we decided to make our home here in Strita. We got engaged, and then he encountered Prysmi, and our whole life was turned upside down.” She smiled as fond memories of the past bubbled up to the surface. “Of course, it was quite strange when he started growing wings and a tail, but this didn’t change my love for him.” She looked at Mavark, who took her hand. “We married shortly after, with Prysmi as our witness. We have been together ever since.”
“So, do you travel with Mavark when he takes jobs?” Midiga asked.
Ysmira nodded. “Occasionally, but recently, I haven’t. My real passion is collecting knowledge about elves and their—our—mysteries.” She sighed heavily. “I hope one day to see the last elvish city in the north—Nara’jainita.”
Laderic, Midiga, and Alleria exchanged glances. “That’s funny you say that,” began Laderic slowly. The three of them, in turn, relayed to her the reason they had come to Strita in the first place. Her eyes seemed to get wider and wider as they spoke, and so did her smile.
“We were hoping you could help us find it,” Alleria finished.
Ysmira stood from her seat, pacing back and forth for a moment, muttering to herself. She paused, opened her mouth as if she were going to speak, then shook her head, and kept pacing. Finally, she sat back down. “Of course, I’ll help you,” she confirmed. Alleria breathed a sigh of relief. “However, as of now, I know nothing of the lost stronghold’s location other than what you know.”
The table grew silent, the travelers feeling dejected. Alleria frowned, feeling her cheeks get hot, but before she could get too upset, Ysmira continued. “However, all hope is not lost. I’m sure you have all heard of Ewa’jainito?” They nodded, recalling the story Emery had told them of the mountain city. “My next excursion was going to be there, though the city is
infested with all kinds of mythical creatures that don’t take kindly to intruders. However, you say you can use magic, and your eyes change color… and you are an alamorph.” Alleria nodded, confused about what those things had to do with anything.
Ysmira smiled, folding her hands on the table. She took a deep breath, launching into a lecture. “The major elvish cities are spread out across the Far Land,” she began. “Ewa’jainito, the mountain city; Kaina’jainito, the ocean city; Oru’jainito, the desert city; and of course, Nara’jainita, the ice capital. Hundreds of other cities used to dot the Far Land, but their names have been lost.
“Each of these major cities has many things in common, the most important being the treasure rooms, only accessible to other elves. In fact, they require elvish blood to open their doors. Most artifacts found in these rooms have been pillaged and stolen, since any old thief could come across an elf, take some blood, and use it as the key.
“My previous explorations and research have led me to believe that, inside of Ewa’jainito, there are quite a few of these containers only accessible to royalty, requiring the blood of a member of the royal family to open. I believe there may be an ancient map of the Far Land located there, as well. Each major city had their war plans locked up tight so only a select few could view them, and I am positive there is a strategy map located somewhere in that city. That map would be our key to finding Nara’jainita.”
They sat in silence for a moment, comprehending. Reia actually spoke up first. “But… wouldn’t that require someone in the royal family to open the boxes?” she asked.
Ysmira’s eyes shone with excitement. “This is why I have put off my expedition. But now, I feel preparations may be in order.” Her eyes drifted toward Alleria.
There was a long pause before the pieces fell into place. The young elf was shocked, as everyone in the room had turned to stare at her. “Me?” she asked, balking. “No… No way! No, you’re definitely wrong,” she sputtered. “How could you think that?”
Ysmira shrugged, her eyes still twinkling. “I have studied elvish history significantly. One of the most notable traits of female elvish royalty is their color-changing eyes and that they are alamorphs.” Her eyes glanced over at Reia. “The fact that you may have royal blood in your veins may be one of the reasons you are able to use magic and others are not, but that’s just a guess. All of this is a guess, really, but it’s the best we have to go on—and I think it’s our only chance of finding Nara’jainita.”
Alleria stared, mouth gaping, trying to process this new piece of information. I just found out I’m an elf last week, and now I might be royalty?
Mavark interjected into their conversation. “This is wonderful news and will be good information to go from—if we survive the next few days,” he said darkly. “We need to spend the next day and a half preparing the town for the imminent attack. We don’t know how long we have until they strike, but we need to act now. If what Elwyse said is correct, a mix of canidae and nightwalkers could be here in three days or less.” He stood from the table, kissing Ysmira on the head as he passed her, heading out the door. “I’m going to take the necromancer to the jail for more questioning. You should all get some rest. Tomorrow we start our preparations. We need you at your best.”
After Mavark left, Ysmira showed the tired travelers to their beds. It had been over a week since their stay in Acrosa, and so much had happened in a short amount of time that it was hard to comprehend, but this night was not for comprehension. It was for rest. Even Emery slept in a bed, sharing it with Alleria and Reia. Midiga and Laderic passed out in the same bed in another room, too exhausted to even talk. Midiga swore she was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
It was a good night’s rest for the group, and they were welcomed with a hot meal the next morning, cooked by Mavark and Ysmira before they woke up. Each of them slowly rose with the decadent smell of eggs, roasted tomatoes, and glazed ham. Breakfast began jovially, but as the food disappeared from the table, so did their sense of humor. The shadow of the events to come had settled over them until they were practically silent as they cleaned up their plates.
“Elwyse is in the jail to the east, there”—he pointed—“nearly touching the foot of the mountain,” Mavark explained. They had left the house and had gathered in his front yard, overlooking the village for the first time in broad daylight. “If any of you wish to speak to him again before this all goes down, you are welcome to. I will ask that you do not lay a hand on him.” That last part was directed at Laderic, who continued to stare down at the jail without making eye contact with Mavark.
“I also ask that you each, please do your best to spread the word and warn the citizens. We will be encouraging the elderly and children to evacuate on the boats out to sea for a few days. All that can fight will be encouraged to prepare. This isn’t the first time a threat like this has arrived at Strita’s doors, and it won’t be the last.” He paused, pondering for a moment, before speaking again. “I will say, though… please refrain from telling them exactly why we will be attacked. I don’t know how they might react knowing that the nightwalkers and canidae are only after a prisoner and a renegade elf. I worry that they would sooner turn you over than stand and fight. Simply tell them that the word has come from Mavark, and you don’t know many details, only that they must flee or fight.”
Everyone else nodded except for Alleria, who looked conflicted. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Would it… not be better for me to head off on my own again?” she asked quietly. “I mean, I don’t want anyone dying because of me…” She frowned, looking down at her feet.
Mavark was shaking his head. “Absolutely not,” he assured. He thumped his tail on the ground adamantly. “These nightwalkers and bloodhungry are dangerous and would hurt people, regardless. You being here gives us a fighting chance to stop them now, before they can do any more damage. Look at it as a tactical advantage. This is by far our best chance.”
With those words of encouragement, they split up into groups, each heading in different directions to take care of different orders of business. They weren’t expecting the attack to come for at least two more nights.
Little did they know, they were wrong.
Chapter 19
Midiga and Prysmi headed north, directly down the hill from Mavark’s house toward the town. Prysmi was in her human form—large, angelic wings relaxed on her back, their feather-like tips brushing the ground behind her as she walked. “I figure this would be a good time to show you around, as we have to go and warn everyone anyway.”
Midiga nodded, taking in the impressive landscape. The mountains to the east at their right were quite imposing. At the moment, the sun—though it was on the rise—was still blocked behind the giant walls of rock. It wouldn’t be peeking over the peaks until near midday. For now, beams of light shone over the mountaintops, framing them in a glittering halo.
Prysmi wrung her hands, a bit nervous as they walked. “I also wanted to introduce you to our fletcher,” she began, and Midiga’s ears perked up. “I know him personally—he and I get along much better than most other people in town. He doesn’t seem too afraid of dragons.”
“Would he… have a bow that I could use?” Midiga asked. She had been worrying nonstop about having to fight this battle without her weapon. Prysmi nodded, and her heart soared, picking up her pace with new energy. “Let’s go then!” she whooped, breaking into a run.
Prysmi smiled broadly, pointed teeth glinting in the sunlight, picking up her pace, as well, until they were racing each other to reach the outskirts of the town.
Alleria and Reia hung back at the house, watching as their friends headed down into town. Midiga and Prysmi were laughing and teasing each other, which made Alleria smile. I’m glad Midiga got over her fear of dragons. She watched them, almost jealous of how close they had become in such a short amount of time.
Mavark headed off on his own, taking flight on his own wings, soaring down the hill quite ma
jestically. Alleria watched him, definitely jealous this time. I wish I could fly… Maybe Prysmi would let me ride in her saddle one time. Wait, is that rude to ask?
Surprisingly, Laderic and Emery had paired up, talking seriously about something as they made a beeline toward the jail. Of course, Laderic wants to talk to Elwyse again. She was pleasantly surprised that he was going with Emery, though, and this made her heart happy. Everyone is getting along so well.
Nevertheless, something was keeping her from heading down with them. Reia, by her side, looked up at her, confused. “Is everything okay?” asked the kitsune.
Alleria frowned, looking back toward the house where Ysmira had gone back inside. “I–I’m not sure. I think I’m just a bit overwhelmed from yesterday. I–I think we should stay and talk with her for a while.”
Reia nodded in agreement. “I think that would be good for you. I’ll come with you. I’m interested in learning more about elves, too!”
That was the only confirmation she needed. Alleria turned and walked back toward the house, wrapped up in her own mind. Now that I’m finding out so much about my people… all I want to do is learn more. She turned the handle, opening the wooden door to find the other elf handwashing dishes in a sink.
When Ysmira heard the door open, she turned, and her golden eyes lit up at the sight of Alleria. “Please, come in!” she said warmly, her voice as welcoming as the cozy house. She turned back to the sink, continuing to scrub the dishes from breakfast. Alleria quietly shut the door behind her. Reia ran over and jumped on a kitchen chair, sitting up straight with her face barely reaching over its surface.
Ember: Echoes of Ashes - Book 1 Page 21