Emerald Fire

by Kathryn Blade

“I thought you wanted to move south?”

  “The threat will pass in two days' time.” She touched his hand. “We must remain as quiet as we can. Cut firewood now. As much as you think we need for two days, maybe three. No fire during the day. Smoke will bring them here.”

  Dusk had fallen by the time their preparations were complete. They ate, washed up in the brook before sliding into their makeshift beds. The moon crested the night sky. Crickets sang while toads called out to one another. They lay silently listening to nature’s symphony.

  Kaegan rolled to one side facing her. “How did you know they were following you?”

  “I’ve known things before. I don’t understand where it comes from.” Her responses were short. She hoped that he would soon tire of questioning her.

  “Are you a mystic? A witch?”

  “I’m not sure what I am,” The tears filling her eyes were visible in the fire’s dim glow.

  He wanted to brush the tears away but feared she would bring the dagger to his throat again. “You’re beautiful, Loriann. You’ve been a ghost taunting me from afar. Your power, gift, whatever—it doesn’t scare me.”

  “It isn’t just knowing when things will happen. It’s destruction, death, and always rage. I can’t control it when it breaks free. That’s why I was afraid in the village.” A short, dry laugh burst from her lips as she thought of his profession of love.

  “Someone hurt you.” His observation came as he formed a clearer picture of who she was.

  A muffled sob burst from her lips. “The king’s men killed the only people to love or care for me. I couldn’t get to them in time. They are dead because of me.”

  The person who killed them is responsible, Loriann. Not you. How old were you when it happened?”

  “Twelve years perhaps. I’m not sure how old I am—orphans don’t have recorded births or anyone who cares how old they are. The king’s guard killed them for no good cause.”

  “I’m sorry you lost them.” He understood the nervousness and need for hasty escape in the tavern. The king’s guard had entered there, perhaps hunting her.

  “So am I. Derah and Sandel were the only good things in my life.”

  He moved from the warmth of the blanket to squat beside her. His rough hand caressed her cheek, moving lower to stroke the curve of her neck. “I promise to treat you well. I will protect you, give my life to save yours. Will you trust me?”

  Loriann smiled as she rubbed the tears from her eyes. “How can you say love without knowing me? Trust isn’t something I give many people, Kaegan. Sleeping in your cottage last night while you were feet away was a small sign of trust.”

  “That it was my lady.” He pressed the issue further. “Will you show me your power one day?”

  “I know you will see it soon. It’s never far away.” She pushed him away firmly, the flat of one hand against his chest. She was strong. “Too close. It is not safe here.”

  “No one could know we are here,” Kaegan responded, grateful that she had not threatened his throat with the dagger.

  Loriann left the relative warmth of the bed then moved to the mouth of the cave. Squatting by the dying embers of the fire she whispered, “I cannot promise to control it. It is time you saw part of my power. You should understand.”

  He admired the graceful curve of her hip. Long locks of ebony hair fell across her face, obscuring the entrancing emerald eyes. At her words, he rose and knelt with her by the fire. “Show me.”

  Nothing happened at first. Moments later, Kaegan felt her body tremble slightly. Graceful hands extended toward the dying embers. Without warning, a small burst of emerald flame raced toward the embers. The dying fire sprang to life yet again, flames dancing high, soot gathering on the roof of the cave.

  He noticed a trickle of crimson staining her upper lip. His thumb removed the crimson trail.

  “I didn’t think I could control it,” she stated. “This is the first time I have been able to hold it back.”

  “Does your nose bleed when this happens?”

  The ebony locks tumbled about her face in disarray as she shook her head in response. They sat by the fire, watching as the flames continued to dance with the breeze. “There is just rage when it happens. This time was different. I called on less painful memories from long ago.”

  “We should move on to Astor. Perhaps the magi can help you.”

  “That has been my plan all along,” Loriann spoke as she sat on the ground by the fire. They watched as the fire died. The peaceful sounds of croaking toads, singing insects, and the occasional call of an owl, filled the night air. “Tell me about your family, Kaegan. I would like to know more of my guard.”

  “I’m not sure where to start. The oafs at the tavern are my best friends. We grew up together. I lost my father and mother a few years ago. You would have liked them, Loriann. Hard-working, good people. They loved each other so much.” Kaegan smiled as the warmth of fond memories filled his heart.

  “I wish I could remember my family.” The softness of her voice told of pain the lack of memories bore. “I think my mind protects me from the most hurtful things. Remembering may not be best for now.”

  They sat in companionable silence. After a time, he felt the weight of her head on his shoulder. He saw that her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and even. He carried her to the makeshift bed, placed her beneath the blanket, then sat beside her wrapped in a blanket.

  ***

  Derek and Archmage Orizahr

  Two brothers walked through the courtyard of Waelcombe Keep. Orizahr, a much older man with greying hair and beard, wore a royal blue robe bearing an odd brooch pinned near the collar. His air was one of a dignified man with a true sense of his purpose and worth in the world. Beside him strode his brother, a man some twenty years his junior, physically fit and accustomed to the rigors of the battlefield.

  “You are sure the prophecy speaks of this girl? She is the one who is destined?” Derek’s head turned toward Orizahr, his heart racing slightly in anticipation of his brother’s words.

  “She is the one from the prophecy. Our scouts have followed discreetly without interference. They report her use of powers that, when properly harnessed and trained, could destroy any creature, even daerveth.” The older man stopped walking, turned toward his brother, a smile forming on his lips. “We have hope that someone can defeat Cedric.”

  “If she has half the power you say she does, we must move now to ensure she receives the necessary training. How is that old keep and tower of yours in Astor?”

  Orizahr bowed his head slightly, then raised his eyes to look at Derek. “Managing a school of magic without some support is difficult. Were it not for your gifts, brother, it would have fallen into disrepair years ago. Loriann needs training in order to understand her abilities. I have everything she needs at the keep. Psions...”

  Derek snorted, his eyes rolling skywards at the word. “Psions? Don’t you mean an old hag with a crystal ball and tea leaves in a cup? One that has learned how to manipulate and play upon another’s emotions? What will psions do for our cause?”

  “Dear brother, I beg you to put aside your doubts of their abilities. Few true psions exist. I have gathered information on several older scholars of the art. The rumors say the one who is destined will have the ability to move within the glimmer unimpeded by earthly forces.” Orizahr continued walking about the garden, Derek following alongside. “We both know that this power could place our allies in the position to seize power in the Olde World. We must remove Cedric from the throne. Our world falls into ruin while he drowns in wine and food. The king’s guard does as it pleases with no repercussions!”

  “Then you must do what you can to ensure everything is in place at your keep. My spies tell me she and her companion have moved south from Froudown. They might arrive in Astor in the next few weeks.”

  “I will provide everything she needs,” Orizahr agreed. A young man exited the keep and approached the two brothers. “Ah, here
is our prodigy. I think he will make an excellent aide for Loriann and her companion when the time comes.”

  Ebin Quidell approached the archmage and duke with more than a healthy measure of respect. His desire to join the wizard’s keep in Astor for additional training was imperative for continued growth as a mage. Ebin bowed respectfully to both men. “My lord, Archmage Orizahr. How can I be of service?”

  “Have you heard of the ancient prophecy, young Ebin? It foretells the coming of the one who is destined?” Archmage Orizahr sought to gauge the boy’s knowledge before trusting him with any further information.

  “Yes, I’ve read the prophecy before. Hadn’t thought a lot about it. Mum says dusty old tomes sometimes don’t tell the whole story. She says I should always believe them. I’m not too sure about that. I’ve seen things that would make your innards quake.”

  Derek observed and listened as the two conversed of magical things he barely understood. He only cared that their efforts removed Cedric from the throne. In years past he served the man as a loyal member at the royal court. Others there betrayed him. Sympathizers told him of Cedric’s intention to execute him for treason. Their actions saved his head from the executioner’s ax.

  “Don’t you agree, Derek? I think Ebin would make a nice addition to the keep and to our plans.” Orizahr had caught him daydreaming, thinking of times past.

  “Absolutely,” the Duke agreed. “You will forge a friendship with both Loriann and her companion. Their protection will be of utmost importance. You will report only to myself and Archmage Orizahr. Is that clear?”

  Ebin bowed again, rapidly nodding his head. “Yes, yes my lords. I’ll do exactly as you command. Lady Loriann and her friend will be safe under my watch.”

  Archmage Orizahr nodded as he announced, “We should be off then. Derek, please ensure you send the agreed upon financial support posthaste. We do not want to keep the one who is destined waiting, do we?”

  “You’ll have your support within a fortnight. I’ll see that my men deliver it personally,” the duke called out to the departing backs of his brother and Ebin Quidell. Their plan would soon spring into action.

  ***

  Derek

  Derek’s thoughts turned to past events. He remembered his time in Cedric’s court as a trusted advisor. A soothsayer delivered word of the prophecy but could not provide details the king insisted on knowing. The soothsayer lost her head as punishment.

  Cedric asked him to decipher the prophecy. Orizahr was invaluable in learning more. The mystics and elders in Astor provided translations of the prophecy. Derek and Orizahr searched throughout the Olde World until they learned the location of the one who is destined. They were wrong.

  Cedric, Willem, and several members of the king’s guard traveled to the remote village. They intended to kill the one who is destined. Their overzealousness destroyed the village. They killed the young girl’s mother. In their haste, they overlooked the girl who was the one who is destined.

  They set the prophecy in motion that day. Cedric appointed Willem Jarin as Grand Meister of the king’s guard. The young girl escaped and grew stronger. The king accused him of treason not long after the village raid. He barely escaped with his head still attached.

  He and Orizahr would atone for their wrongs by fostering the girl’s magical gifts when she came to Astor. They would only find true vengeance on the battlefield as their actions fulfilled the prophecy.

  ***

  Chapter 4

  Kaegan and Loriann

  They remained at the cave for two days. Loriann rose early on the morning of the third day and packed their supplies.

  Kaegan woke as she prodded him with a booted toe. He groaned, peering from one eye at her. “What’s this about, my lady?”

  “We should leave. The way is clear. The followers have moved south, east, and west.”

  He complained as he left the warmth of the makeshift bed. He rolled the blankets, then stored them in their respective packs. They kept to the lightly wooded area slightly west of the roadway. Astor lay at least a week’s ride to the south.

  A few days later they happened upon a farm bordering the road. Kaegan approached the farmer. As with any farmer, the older man wore a threadbare hat and clothing. Dirt and grime caked his bare feet.

  Loriann remained hidden a safe distance from the farm.

  The soft clip-clop of hooves on the ground brought a smile to her face. “And how did you manage that?”

  A broad grin lit Kaegan’s face. His mother always said his smile made him even more handsome. It could not hurt his chances with Loriann. “A charming fellow like me has his ways.”

  Loriann laughed as she approached the horses. Long ropes tied to the halters appeared to be the only tack provided for their mounts. The stocky horses were the working breed, common in the Olde World. They had short backs and necks, a muscular build, and were covered in a thick, wooly coat. They had strength and endurance.

  She patted the black horse’s neck before mounting it with ease. “I’ll take this one.” Loriann reached for the rope. “The bay looks stronger. ‘Tis a good mount for you.”

  “Let us ride, my lady. Off to Astor we go!”

  They pushed their mounts hard, stopping only to camp at night. Four days later, they stood on a hill overlooking the city.

  Loriann felt a sense of exhilaration. The azure blue ocean was visible. Ivory stone harvested from cliffs facing the sea formed massive walls that encircled the city. Two entrances made the wall more secure. A high guard tower flanking each tower protected the gates. Massive oak gates reinforced with iron straps could be closed with minimal effort to protect the city.

  The black stone walls of Baeliton Keep and the Eikyriun Tower were visible. Loriann learned about the keep’s purpose through rumors. The ancient school provided instruction to those possessing ability in the arcane arts. A sense of excitement built inside her as they dug their heels into the horses, urging the beasts forward at a slow canter. Finally, she hoped to unravel the mysteries of her powers!

  ***

  Kaegan grinned as they rode through the massive oak and iron gates. Neither of them had visited a place of this size. The large village where she had met Kaegan paled in comparison to the richness of Astor. An expansive system of cobbled streets allowed easy access to any area of Astor. Near the center of the city, an east-west oriented thoroughfare led toward the ocean. They dismounted and guided the horses as they explored.

  A massive, open-air market lay before them. The rising sing-song chant of merchants haggling with their customers, the smells of exotic food being prepared, brilliant colors--all assailed their senses. Loriann inhaled the sharp saltiness on the ocean breeze. They found a stable near the center of the market. Kaegan haggled with the stable master as he attempted to gain the highest amount for each. They had no need for mounts here.

  A farmer hawked his wares. Loriann’s eyes were drawn by the vivid color of ripe fruits and vegetables. It was the first time she had laid eyes upon an assortment of food such as this. Kaegan haggled with the farmer for fresh apples and peaches. The sights and sounds of the market nearly overwhelmed her senses.

  An inn located in the northeastern corner of Astor beckoned. Kaegan haggled with the innkeeper for a fortnight's lodging. He assured the gentleman that they would be staying much longer than that. Selling the horses had left them in good financial standing.

  The evening sun had just begun to set in the sky as they retired to the simple room. Neither of them cared to wash up or take the evening meal as the day's adventures had exhausted them. They slept on the blanket without bothering to remove more than their shoes.

  They woke early the next morning to the heady smell of bread baking and cooking meat. The innkeeper had assured them that meals were included with their lodging. They washed up quickly before heading down the stairs to the open room that served as a dining area for the inn’s residents.

  “I want to find Baeliton Keep today,” Loriann s
aid earnestly. She nibbled at a piece of freshly baked bread spread with butter and honey.

  Kaegan merely nodded as he ate. He relished the taste of cooked eggs and roasted pork. A large chunk of fresh bread was held in one hand. For the first time in months, they had fresh milk and fruit in addition to the plainer fare. When at long last he had cleaned the plate he nodded, "Yes, Baeliton Keep it is."

  The innkeeper provided directions to the keep. “They are a queer bunch, the magi are. Not everyone is allowed entrance--you are aware of this?” he asked.

  “We will not know if we do not try,” Loriann stated.

  “Evening meal is at six,” the innkeeper said with a smile.

  Loriann followed the innkeeper's directions. She and Kaegan easily found the keep that lay just a short distance from the inn. The front gate opened onto a cobbled courtyard with trees growing around the perimeter. The shade was a welcome respite from the rapidly rising heat. She observed several people entering and exiting the keep through a door centered in the courtyard's far wall. Kaegan followed without question.

  The foyer of the keep was dark. The thick stone walls insulated the interior from extreme temperatures. The faint smell of ancient tomes, herbs, and smoke lingered in the air. A low desk sat near the entrance.

  A young man no more than twenty years sat there busily writing in a thick ledger. He stood up as the new visitors entered. "Ebin Quidell at your service, mum," he stated with a bow.

  "Are you the Archmage?" Loriann asked hesitantly.

  "Oh, no! Not me, mum. I'm just an acolyte yet. Got to earn my way up to a higher rank. Our first job is being a butler of sorts. I greet the guests then turn them away."

  "Turn me away? I've just arrived! We've traveled so far!" Loriann exclaimed in apparent distress. "Won't you see if the archmage will see me, please?"

  “Just ask the archmage, would you? Tell him that Loriann Astus is here to see him,” Kaegan added. “We won’t take no for an answer.”

  Ebin's brow furrowed as he looked from the young lady to her tall, muscular companion. He knew he was no match for the man being at least a foot shorter and a hundred pounds lighter. "I...I, umm...the archmage isn't accepting visitors right now," he stammered.