by Toni Cox
Jaik and Rothea struck a deal concerning her protection and, to Maia’s surprise, it was decided that Riker would take over Rothea’s duties on the days she had off. Riker seemed happy with this arrangement, but it made Aaron wary. At first, he had not noticed how much time the Guard spent in Maia’s company; always assuming it was because of Jaik; but after a while, he saw it for what it was and the rivalry between the two was palatable.
To make matters even worse, Kanarel, still here as an ambassador of Braérn, made it his personal mission to entertain Maia. He always seemed to be around, wherever she went and he took every opportunity to talk to her. His shallow conversations annoyed her. So, the thought of taking a walk to the stables without Kanarel was tempting, even if she had to walk past the place where it had happened.
“I would be delighted,” she finally replied and she noticed the relief on everyone’s faces.
Shrugging off his black cloak, he settled at his desk. He despised being here. The goal was so close, yet he was unable to accomplish it. He was being foiled at every turn. It was frustrating. It took all his self-control to maintain his composure, but it was necessary; he was learning so much. Thoughtfully he turned the ring on his finger, studying the strange symbols that decorated it. The item had become like an extension of his body; he felt naked when he took it off; and he had learned to use it well.
In the time that he had been here, he had managed to open only two communication routes. It was difficult operating with so many eyes on him, but the longer he stayed, the more he learned about the place and how to avoid unwelcome eyes. Still, he had to be careful; the danger of being caught here was higher than everywhere else. And he was alone; he had sent his dragon away for now as it would be impossible to bring him here. He was surprised to find that he missed the ugly beast. He had captured Shard only as a means to an end. A mode of transportation, as well as for personal protection. It was strange how they seemed to have bonded.
Once he finished sending his most recent message, he left the room; he had some research to do today. Because of the danger along the Trade Route, some trading goods had become scarce. Steel, for instance, was a commodity in severe shortage in Braérn. Yet here, the manufacture of weapons was going ahead rapidly. He needed to find out where it came from and put a stop to it. He had other plans for today as well, but they would have to wait. He had learned that certain matters could not be rushed and he did not want to give himself away by being too ambitious. For now, he had earned their trust and he intended to keep it that way. His time would come and he could feel it approaching.
“What is the difference between creating a spark and creating fire?” Silas asked.
They had been going over her studies for days now. Maia thought it was as a distraction for her, but Silas said it was to hone her skills. Her elemental powers were vital in the fight with the Vampyres and he wanted to ensure that she remembered and understood every aspect of it. It was not just Silas’ request that she study that made her put every effort in. Blaid said she was in danger here and, although she did not know where this danger might come from, she believed him and took the threat seriously. Additional training, in all forms, was exactly what she needed.
Maia knew that Fire was one of Silas’ elemental powers, besides Water and Earth, and he understood the difference between a spark and a flame all too well. He could create the spark; it required little energy, but a fair amount of concentration. A flame, however, was a lot more difficult to create and it was one of the few things Silas struggled to master completely. Maia, on the other hand, could create and hold fire, and she sometimes had the feeling that he asked this particular question because he wanted to learn more.
In order to create something, one took it from or out of something else. Drawing water from the ground was fairly easy. Drawing a plant out of a seed was simple. However, to draw fire from the air was impossible for most Elves. One had to understand what fire required to live and then draw from the environment all the items needed. One did not need large quantities for a spark and it required little effort, but to create and then hold the flame required a lot of concentration, the right knowledge and lots of energy. Maia and Silas had experimented with it before and it had not turned out so well; she had set fire to the forest and even singed Silas’ robe.
“A spark can be created quickly out of just a few molecules of the elements required. It is short-lived and does not take a lot of energy, so it is relatively safe to accomplish. A flame needs to be sustained, so the elements required to create a flame need to be taken from the surrounding environment. To keep the flame burning, one needs to maintain a constant stream of these elements, which takes a lot of energy and concentration. For a novice, this can be dangerous, as they can misjudge their own energy levels and pass out from fatigue, or they can misjudge the quantities or ratios needed of each element and create an explosion instead of a flame.”
“Very good.” Silas made a note on a piece of parchment. “We will attempt the fireball again next Quarter. So, practice holding your flame over the next few days.”
Maia did not think it was a good idea, given what happened last time, but she dared not disagree with him. Besides, she did want to learn how to throw the fireball; it could be crucial in a fight.
“Now,” Silas continued, “tell me how we can use the powders to our advantage during a fight.”
Using the powders had been one of the first things Silas taught her when she was younger. They were mainly minerals, but also some herbs, able to react with certain elements. She had used some during her ceremony that had made her a Prime.
“Blacklace creates a profusion of sparks when thrown on a fire or even a simple flame. Shadowdust explodes into a cloud of black smoke when mixed with oxygen. It should always be stored in a tightly sealed container. Heathermilk develops into a thick, white mist if strewn on bare dirt. Foulbark emits green steam and an evil smell when mixed with water. Robinweed makes the eyes water and the throat burn when thrown onto a fire. Redsand temporarily blinds an opponent if thrown into his eyes. All of these powders can be used to confuse or hinder the enemy to either gain the upper hand or to leave the area unseen.”
“Good. Let us move over to my workbench and you can show me how to make these powders. I have already gathered the necessary ingredients.”
Maia obediently followed her teacher to the workbench and set to work. Some of it was dangerous work, but she had done this many times before and was confident in her abilities. Silas watched silently as she worked, nodding every now and then. Once she created all the powders Silas asked for, they moved over to a different workbench and Silas made her read passages out of an Elder scroll. Maia grew a little frustrated cooped up in the cave for so long; yet she persisted and took in everything Silas was trying to teach her.
Silas closed the book, obviously having noticed Maia’s lapse in concentration.
“Maia,” he said, keeping his voice down so Riker, standing guard at the entrance of the cave, could not hear, “you have incredible inherent power within you. It is one of the reasons, I think, you managed to bring your family from Earth without any of the detrimental side effects. But as yet you lack the knowledge and experience to use it to its full potential. Do not get frustrated with yourself; you are still young and knowledge and wisdom only comes with age. With time, and continuous studying and experimenting, you will, one day, become the most powerful Elemental to have ever lived. I believe this not just because I love you, but also because I see the strength within you. Believe in yourself and have patience; all will happen as it should.”
Maia was surprised by Silas’ words; he had been so strict with her ever since the incident in the forest and she had been ready to believe he had lost faith in her. His motivating words made her feel warm inside and she suddenly felt a whole lot better. She would think on what he said and see if she could use any of it to her advantage.
For the meantime, she was glad when Silas finally told her that training fo
r today was over. She longed for fresh air and preferably some rest.
Riker, motionless at the entrance for hours, was just as glad to leave the cave as she was. They walked side by side along the paths back to her home.
“It really is fascinating all the things Silas is teaching you, but I think he is working you too hard. You have been at it for days on end and he never gives you a break.”
Maia noticed how Riker tried to keep the annoyance out of his voice; she knew it was concern for her that made him this upset.
“It is necessary, Riker. No matter how much I think I know, there is always more to learn. I have the power to fight the Vampyres with magic, but it will not help me if I do not know how to employ it.” She cast down her eyes and continued in a quieter tone. “There have been incidents where I lost control over myself and each time the aftermath was terrible to behold. It cannot happen again; I cannot endanger my people like that.”
“Maia, is this what happened in the forest when you fought Blaid?”
“Yes, like that.” Maia sighed.
“But it helped you fight him off. It probably saved your life. Why is this so bad?”
Maia stopped and turned towards him. There was confusion and admiration in his eyes and the ever-unwavering love he felt for her. It hurt her that she could not return his feelings; he was a truly good man.
“Yes, it might have saved my life then, but had we been in the middle of a battle, it would most likely have taken out at least a score of our own warriors. I need to learn to control not just the magic, but also my temper. I still have a lot to learn before I am ready to face the Vampyres.”
Riker took her hand. “You are not alone in this, Lady Maia. You do not have to fight this fight by yourself.”
“I know,” she said, extracting her hand from his, and continued down the path, “but these are my people and it is my duty to protect them. All other feelings will have to be put aside. There is no time for anything else right now.”
Riker was quiet then. Maia felt his Eläm dip for a moment and she realised he had taken what she said and applied it to their relationship. She felt sorry for him, but in a way, she was glad she had found such an easy way out. If Riker thought she had too much else to worry about, maybe he would stop actively pursuing her for a while. She knew it was selfish of her to still want his company and yet not tell him that she wanted no more than that. She could not bring herself to tell him the truth; it would break his heart. She would have to find another way; later, once the fight with the Vampyres was over.
The Moon of the Dragon arrived with beautiful summer sunshine and the warm weather made it feel like everything was right with the world. Besides her training with Silas and the fighting lessons with Jaik and Riker, she also spent a lot of time helping Jaik train Firestorm. She truly was a remarkable horse, strong, willing, and intelligent. The bond between her and Jaik grew stronger every day. Maia enjoyed these sessions, which gave her an opportunity to be with Fire, but mostly it was a distraction from the constant worry of the threats they faced.
Maia was now part of the regular meetings held in the Hall of the Guardians and the stream of bad news that flooded in every Quarter was shocking. Messages from all over Grildor came in of sightings, attacks, stolen goods, and all manner of events. Jagaer did his best to send aid to those worst affected, but in the end, there was little he could do. Their forces were already stretched too thin.
A messenger bird arrived from Dragonfort with an answer to the request sent by Lord Longshadow. It said, although they had no incidents within the Eternal Forest, they had reports of attacks nearby and would like to know more of what was going on. The message was a clear request for a delegation to be sent to them and Jagaer did not hesitate to assemble a group of those willing to go. It was a long journey to Dragonfort, but Lord Middleclaw had a large army at his disposal, which would go a long way to reinforce their own.
The delegation was ready quickly, and ten men and women moved out with haste to negotiate the terms. Maia was glad her father had not chosen Jaik to go; he was the rock that steadied her through this trying time. When the delegation left, it brought renewed hope to Shadow Hall that lifted everyone’s spirits. Singing sounded again in the forest at night; people gathering, exchanging stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Maia was glad for her people, but could find little joy herself. Every moment she was not distracted by her training, she was reminded of Blaid’s absence. She could live with the fact that he was not here right now, but as more rumours of him working with the Vampyres emerged, her father became increasingly obsessed with finding him. Jagaer was convinced that Blaid had no good intentions, especially not after the attack on Maia, and had put together a special detail that scouted the area around Shadow Hall every day and night to ensure that Blaid never came this close again. Maia walked in on numerous conversations Jagaer had with his Commanders discussing the subject of Death and what it could mean to them as a nation. It was disheartening that the people thought of him as an evil. She tried to reason with her father, explain the situation to him, but it seemed, the more she told him, the more upset he became. Silas eventually stepped in and forbade her to speak to her father about Blaid.
“Here,” Silas said one day, “read this book. I had it brought over from Bron. I have a friend there that specialises in the study of Elementals. Chapter thirteen to fifteen outline and highlight the relationship between Primes and the repercussions they can have and the destruction they can cause. But it also tells of and explains the fatal attraction between the opposites and it warns of its perils. Please, read it, for me. Maybe it will help you understand more of what you are feeling right now.”
Maia took the book from Silas and, after days of it lying on her bedside table, finally read through the chapters. She was horrified to find that nothing good had ever come of any coalition between Life and Death, with the one exception eight thousand years back where a Life Elemental and a Death Elemental joined up to save their nation. Unfortunately, even that had not lasted and soon after the fight was won, the two destroyed each other in a massive explosion of magic that devastated the land of Hindelan for a century.
Feeling even more depressed than before, she tried to push all thoughts of Blaid to the back of her mind and concentrate solely on the difficulties ahead of her. Although now dedicated to her training and all other activities to do with the preparations for the war they were expecting, Maia herself became more reclusive and closed off with every day that passed. Soon she did not even notice the rivalry between Aaron and Riker anymore and hardly recognised Kanarel’s advances for what they were. She moved through the world without seeing or feeling; doing the actions that were required of her, nothing more.
So, when Silas eventually told Jagaer and Malyn about what happened between Blaid and Maia, she was hardly aware of the commotion it caused. Had she noticed, it would have broken her heart, for her parents were devastated.
Silas became increasingly worried the more distant Maia became and was now convinced that the intimate joining with Death had taken a piece of Maia’s soul. Jagaer immediately doubled the number of Scouts and Hunters looking for Blaid and set a reward for whoever was able to bring Death in; even if it meant killing a Prime.
Then the day came when the Humans celebrated their one-year anniversary on Elveron. They had truly become part of the clan, and Jagaer decided a feast was in order. With all the training and tension, everyone would benefit from some light-hearted cavorting.
The Gathering Grounds were decorated in colourful crystal lanterns, paper garlands and draping cloth. The community spent half a day preparing a mouth-watering array of dishes and barrels of wine and ale were brought up from the storage caves.
By the time the sun set behind the mountains, the Gathering Grounds were a remarkable sight, with lanterns sparkling merrily and garlands waving in the breeze. Musicians had set up on the stage and some people were already on the dance floor or simply sing
ing along to the music.
Maia, sitting in her customary place at the royal table, let the festivities wash over her. Although she was always polite when spoken to and answered questions, she did not engage in conversation. She was in no mood for celebrating.
“What do you think happened to her, Papa?” Jasmin asked.
“I don’t know, Jaz. She has been like this ever since Death attacked her a few Quarters back, but no one will divulge details about it. I am worried about her; I have never seen her this unresponsive, not even after the war.”
Aaron had spent a lot of time with Maia over the past few Quarters, especially in light of the other two suitors. Although he liked Riker, he thought of him as his biggest threat. He was tall and handsome and Maia genuinely seemed to like him. Kanarel, on the other hand, was sullen-looking and Maia did not seem to enjoy his company at all, but the man was intelligent and persistent. Aaron had also learned he was the son of a Lord and that because of his standing and Shadow Hall’s relationship with Braérn, a union between Kanarel and Maia would be regarded as favourable.
But Aaron had also changed; no longer was his hair grey, but had returned to its healthy, dark brown colour. With the training, and all the physical work required by the Builders, he had also developed a more muscular physique. Most of the lines in his face had smoothed out and there was now a small, but distinct, point to his ears. With his narrow face, he thought it gave him a cat-like appearance, but he liked what he saw. He was now well versed in Elven history, knew the names and properties of almost every plant around the city and had acquired a standing among the people for his ingenuity and skill as a Builder. As far as he was concerned, he was as good a match for Maia as any of them and he would never give up.
Thus he spent much of the evening close to Maia, always keeping her within line of sight. As always, Rothea and Riker were posted close to her as her personal protection, but neither made any efforts to draw Maia out of her shell. It suited Aaron just fine.