It took her longer than she cared to get her mind off of wanting to stay the night with the blacksmith. The smell of his bed will have to be enough for now. She told herself, curling up into his bed, and wrapping his thick quilt around her shoulders. She breathed deeply and drifted off.
51
Hekla
Casualties of war are a hard burden to bear. It weights on you, especially when you meet the families of the victims. It does something to your spirit--your soul. Yet, it's for the best, because without seeing how it affects the families--you truly don't know the consequences of your actions.
King Thomasett the Kind, Second King of Aequoris, 337 A.V.
Hekla marveled at the Aequoran Island as she stood to her full height. Unlike the cities of the Tellurians on land, this island was paradise. Tall supple trees with no names she could conjure overtook the Aequoran lands. They were all shades of teals, emeralds, cerulean and Persian. Some with flowers that lit up like lanterns. It was the most exquisite thing she had ever seen.
She felt the gentle ocean breeze brushing through her long, blue hair. And the moisture in the air kept her cool even with the blazing sun above. Around her, she saw beautiful buildings made of coral and sea foam. Some buildings looked to be made of stone, but when she placed her hand on the surface, it was soft, and light to the touch, as if she were touching coral. Curious, she placed her hands on the building and gently lifted. The entire building lifted off the ground. Startled, she let go, and the building gently landed back on the ground.
"Hmmm," she murmured as she surveyed the rest of the beautiful area around her.
"Ceasum Orbium Expandum Aquum purum."
Immediately the air bubble that had been her home for her entire time underwater, disappeared, and the scepter that had been like a treasured friend, reappeared in her hand.
"Thank goodness, some normalcy. Speltus, where are you?"
The orb atop her scepter glowed brilliantly in response. Oh, he was back in his magic home.
Even above water, the ground where the Aequorans lived was much softer than the land at shore. It was spongy and damp smelling, and Hekla could feel the air permeated with it. Here the Aequorans ran around, little ones played together and chased small webbed footed animals around. With no soldiers in sight, her body relaxed, and she heaved a deep sigh of relief.
"Speltus, they're so beautiful," she gushed, watching the fluid movements of the Aequorans as they moved around and tended to their duties.
Finally comfortable, and no longer afraid of attack, Hekla took the small cobblestone path that led her across the floating island and around the pastel coral homes of the illuminated city. Just as below, many of the homes were made of all colors of coral, and light wood.
The sea foam skinned women smiled peacefully at her when she passed and she nodded her head to them.
"Good day," she called. With no response from them, she didn't take it personal, but continued walking, her smile overwhelming the rest of her presence.
"Hey! What are you doing here, lady?" a young, familiar voice caught her attention, and she whipped around.
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" Hekla asked of the familiar faced little girl that had come to see her when she had been jailed.
"I live here. That's my house just there." The little girl's hand reached into Hekla's, gripping firmly. She pointed not far off into the distance at a pale pink coral home, which rose up behind the others houses. "That pink one there, that one is mine. Do you want to come see?"
Hekla bent down until she was at eye-level with the child and smiled at her. "Little girl, are you aware of the wars between the lands?"
Her teal haired head bobbed up and down, her eyes turning somber. "Yes, I lost my father to it."
"Oh, my dear, I am so sorry," Hekla's voice softened, her tone sincere, and she longed to wrap the child in an empathetic hug.
"Are you really here to bring peace?" the child continued.
"Yes, I'm here to bring peace. That is my sole mission." Hekla stood back up.
"Please, don't let my mother or brother be lost to war, too," the child said.
Hekla was beginning to feel the weight of guilt that had come from escaping the underwater kingdom. She knew she had to go back even if it cost her life. There was no choice in the matter. Staying above land was not an option. No matter how much she wished to hide.
"I will return to the king, young one, if you do me one thing."
The little girl bobbed her head.
"Tell me your name, young one?"
"Luna," she answered softly.
The gentle name couldn't have been more perfect for the bright light of a child that stood before her. "All right, Luna, I will restore peace. You have my word."
Hekla bent to gently hug the girl and then made her way back to the ocean entrance she had come from. Along the shore, she now noticed the light oak wood ships that belonged to the Aequorans, all chained along the shore bobbing gently in the waves. Each boat had the Aequoran seal somewhere along the side. Hekla could tell it had been a while since the boats had left their posts as at the base of each all manner of algae and barnacles grew along the hull of the boat.
"Hey, you there, what are you looking at?" One of the Aequorans approached her quickly, stepping between her and the view of the ships.
"Oh, I was just admiring your fleet. They are lovely. Have they not been used in a while?" she softened her voice, and her eyes. Allowing herself to seem sincerely interested in his answer, afraid he may get angry and ruin the calming experience she had on their elegant land.
"No madam, I'm afraid they haven't. They used to carry Aequorans, Caelestans and the like back forth from land. They used to do trade with people, but now... we dare not take them to sea for fear of the Tellurian's shooting them down."
Acknowledging his answer, she said with all sincerity, "It really is too bad that is the way things are. I hope that peace will soon come again to the kingdoms, and that Verdil will once again be great, and peace will reign throughout."
"I hope so too," he smiled broadly at her. "I don't know what land you are from, but if everyone had your take... peace would already be restored. I hope we soon get a new leader that thinks like you."
"Oh, as do I," she said. "As do I." She smiled, tipping her head, before turning her attention back to the dock that descended into the water. When he was out of earshot she mused out loud,
"Guess there's no way to do this without meeting with the king, not that I wanted to leave for good. I just hoped to achieve my goals from here," Hekla spoke, waiting for Speltus to guide her in what to do.
"It was better for you to discover that fact for yourself, than for me to tell you. Are you ready to return to the sea?"
"Indeed," she said, as she reached the steps leading downward into the water. She steadied herself on land, holding her scepter in front of her, and chanted the words "Orbium Expandum Aquum purum." Just as before the scepter assumed its bubble like form over her body, and she jumped into the sea, beginning her descent back to the familiar pathway she had just come from.
52
Astrid
Trade between kingdoms is important. No matter how plentiful your resources are, there will always be something you don't have--or a single bad harvest, that will condemn you and your people. But, with open trade, there is always something you can offer to get you through the winter.
King Cedric the Just, Third King of Telluris, 481 A.V.
Astrid sighed as she left the castle with Ellowin by her side. She hadn't wanted to be a part of any war. Foolishly, she hoped it would be as simple as running headstrong into the kingdom and murdering the king. Astrid wondered if her sisters had the same thoughts as she, and if they were prevented from killing the kings for the same reasons: all because of the pesky dragons and their so-called timing. When would be the right time? If she could have just murdered him, then she wouldn't have learned of his son.
She couldn't blame hi
m really. How would she have reacted if her child had been murdered? Astrid just couldn't conceive it. She hadn't a child. But, what if one of her sisters had been sent to her piece by piece. Even the simple speculation made her blood boil. Their quest had been set forth by saying they must end the war and unite the kingdoms. And that they would be at the throne. But had anything been said about the death of the kings? Astrid bit her lip as she thought about the torment the Caelestan king must have gone through with his son. Did he truly deserve the death she came here for? Or was he right? Was it the Tellurian king who deserved death?
"Astrid, are you sure you are up for this?" Ellowin asked her as they left the castle.
"Yes, of course. If taking down King Armand will help to restore the peace between the kingdoms, then I must try. I will go down every road to achieve that goal."
Ellowin looked worried, but Astrid didn't care to ask why. She had a mission to complete, and that mission could put her sister in danger, something she had to avoid at all costs.
They made their way back to the practicing soldiers in silence, each too deep in thought to discuss what lay ahead.
"Look, they have returned!" One of the silver-haired beings ran toward them like an excited child. "What, what did King Bertram say?"
"My people," Astrid said loudly, addressing them all. "I am to be your general, and we have our first mission. We must journey to Telluris."
"Telluris?" That sparked confused conversation and worried looks.
"Do not fear, I have already defeated the Tellurian army at the Entrance of Caelestis. Anyone else we meet along the way will have to deal with all of us, you have nothing to worry about. As long as we remain united as one, we will be strong."
Had she thought about it more, she would have taken their furrowed brows and quiet whisperings more seriously.
"Go, ready yourselves, and get your armor. We leave at nightfall." Though I hate the dark, it won't be that bad traveling with a whole army.
They did what she told them, hurrying from her sight.
"What about you Quimby, will you be joining us?" Astrid asked.
"With that rag-tag group? You'll be lucky if you last a night," he said sarcastically.
"What exactly does that mean?" she said defensively.
"Nothing. Godspeed to you all, and may Palladin protect you." He turned tail and walked off toward his home.
"What about you, Ellowin? Will you desert me as Quimby has, or will you join us?"
Ellowin looked nervously to his feet and then back to her.
"I will come along," he said with resolve. There was something in his face she couldn't quite read and it made her somewhat nervous. Perhaps he wasn't trustworthy?
The king had sent a servant with some provisions for their travel, for which Astrid was grateful. When the soldiers had returned, and all seemed prepared. They set off to the steps that would lead them down and away from Caelestis.
"Ready your weapons, men. Once we reach the ground, we will no longer be under the protection of your king."
"I thought you said you killed the Tellurian Army that awaited us at the entrance?" an unknown soldier said.
"Indeed, I did. That doesn't mean we will be safe. There are many more armies, and beasts that await in Telluris." The soldiers didn't appear too happy at her disclosure, but she didn't have time to mull it over. She knew they must reach Telluris, and kill the king.
They were met with nothing but the twinkling of the stars overhead, and the soft chirping noises of crickets as they ascended the steps and then found a camp site halfway down the mountainside. It appeared as if it had been abandoned quite suddenly, and she had to wonder if the Tellurians had discovered the dead soldiers atop the mountain. Maybe that scared them away.
Here midway down the mountain, the breeze bit cold and blew fierce. It whipped around them as if angry at their arrival in Telluris and Astrid hoped it would disappear before morning. Wind and arrows didn't mix well at all.
You forget you have me, Aronus reminded her.
Indeed, I do. However, if I have to show my skills again... this wind will not do.
Do not fret, Astrid. Only rest and let your men rest tonight. Tomorrow will come with its own worries.
Yes, it will, she agreed, silencing her thoughts while she set about helping the men set up camp.
Nervous energy kept some soldiers from being able to fall asleep, and she watched them draw swords as they 'practiced.' Their lovely wings flowed about them giving the whole scene a lovely dance-like feel. If that dance were two awkward teenagers who had just discovered their feet and had never held a sword in their life.
"Pardon me, good soldiers. Please... stop whatever it is you are doing." Astrid jumped to her feet and ran over to them. "You look as if you've never gripped a sword in your life!"
"Well, we have... but not very often. We certainly were never taught how to battle with one."
"Excuse me?" she sputtered.
"I'm afraid it's true," Ellowin confirmed. "This lot has never been through the basic training given to most of our soldiers before they are sent out."
"Please say you're lying?" she pleaded with him.
"Not in the slightest," Ellowin responded.
"So, none of you have been trained to hold a sword or worse yet, to battle with one?"
A unanimous "no," went up from the camp.
"No wonder you could barely hold a bow, why? Why did the king ask me to lead you, if you are not even ready for battle?"
Astrid's stomach sank by the moment, the amount of time it would take to get the men into battle ready shape, was more time than she had. If any of the Tellurians tried to confront them, she would feel personally responsible for their deaths.
They would all have to train, at least for the next few days. If I can train them how to hold a sword and wield it, and if I can make them stronger with a bow, they can at least hold their own. That is all I need, Aronus... you and I have our work cut out for us.
Indeed we do, Aronus responded in her mind.
"Men, to sleep. We have a full few days ahead of us. I do not envy you all tomorrow, as I am afraid you will hate me."
Grumbling and agitated, the men put away their weapons and clambered into their tents for the eve. Restless, Astrid could not bring herself to go to sleep. There was too much she knew needed to be done and being given an army that had no idea how to fight made her feel as if she had been tricked.
When Ellowin had finally given up on getting her to go to sleep, he too wandered off to bed, leaving Astrid alone with her thoughts and Aronus.
Not wanting her conversation with her dragon guide to be heard, Astrid wandered off into the wooded mountainside, searching for a log or a stump for her to sit and think.
"You've much on your mind tonight, Astrid." Aronus appeared next to her while she walked.
"I don't understand how King Bertram could have sent me away with an army that has no idea how to fight. What am I to do? If we come against anyone, they'll all be dead."
"Maybe it's all he had, don't read too much into it, dear."
"I can't help it. How am I to get them in fighting shape within the next couple days?"
He landed on her shoulder and perched there comfortably as she walked. The light of dawn had softened the black of sky to brilliant pinks and oranges. "You'll do it, Astrid. Without a hitch, because that is who you are. A warrior, a fighter, Astrid of the Bow. You were perfectly chosen for this and now is not the time to doubt yourself."
Stepping over broken bark, she used a stick to knock branches and brush out of her way.
"Perhaps, but I can't help but worry everyone is going to end up dead because of me."
"Nonsense, don't be silly. If those soldiers die, it will be because the king sent them on a real mission, and he did not prepare or equip them. He will be the only one to blame, all you can do is teach them to the best of your ability."
Aronus tried to encourage her, but Astrid felt herself falling down a sli
ppery slope of what was right and wrong. I'd be better off going the rest of the way alone, than to risk their lives.
"Astrid, I know the thoughts in your head and you're wrong. Don't do it."
"Ugh! Why, why must you always read my mind?"
At that precise moment, the glittering chest of something small and emerald flashed near her before disappearing.
"What in the world was that?" she asked.
"A hummingbird," Aronus answered, leaving her shoulder to look for it.
"You're not going to eat it are you?"
"Not in the slightest, I just think them to be curious little creatures," he replied.
The hummingbird reappeared, this time hovering slower and near her face.
"Why, it looks as if he is trying to speak to me," Astrid exclaimed.
"Not possible, they aren't smart," Aronus harrumphed, irritated she was paying attention to the little thing.
When the little bird continued to hover near her, Astrid reached her hand in the air, and to her astonishment, its tiny body alighted on her finger. "Now there is something I never thought I would see."
"It can stay," Aronus said.
"Not that I was asking your permission, but are you sure you'll allow that? I mean, it's almost the same size as you and not nearly as annoying," she teased.
Aronus grew silent, and she had to chuckle to herself as she walked back to the camp holding the little bird on her hand. She boiled sugarcane she found in water for it, placing some in a saucer.
As if sensing what it must do, the emerald chested bird hopped down onto the tiny bowl and drank its fill. When it was done, it flew to Astrid, and almost sensing Aronus's disdain, it tucked itself in Astrid's hair on her shoulder, and promptly fell asleep.
"Well, would you look at that? It's made its home in my hair." The very idea made Astrid joyful until she noted the look of contempt on Aronus's face. "Aronus, what is the matter?"
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