by Toni Cox
Riker spread out the blankets and Rothea and Maia unpacked their luncheon from the baskets they brought. There were boiled quail eggs, freshly baked bread, preserves, cheese, sausage, sugared fruit, smoked meat, some fresh, raw vegetables, and a small flagon of mild, spiced wine.
Maia was glad for the selection, as she found it harder and harder to eat meat. She felt a significant increase in her powers since spring of this year and with it came an aversion to eating meat such as she had never experienced. Carefully she placed the sausages and smoked meat on the far side of the blanket, for the men were sure to enjoy these.
“I am glad we made time for this,” Jaik said as he sat down and briefly touched her arm.
“So am I,” she replied and smiled at him.
“Let us eat then. Watching you all fight has made me hungry.” Silas grinned and reached for the bread.
For a while they were silent as they helped themselves to the food. Rothea, decked out in her uniform as usual, was relaxed, smiling. Jaik, for once not in his Guard uniform, but his sparring clothes, piled up his plate with a variety of treats and he too looked more relaxed than Maia had seen him in a long time. Silas, his grey robe overflowing in waves around him, appeared deep in thought as he contemplated the food on his plate, but he too was more at ease than he had been over the past few Quarters.
Maia, happy that everyone was at peace this very moment, smiled by the time she looked to Riker. She was startled to find he had been watching her and, her smiling at him must have given him encouragement, for the grin that spread across his face was huge, exposing his perfectly shaped, white teeth. Maia blushed at having been caught looking at everyone, but even more so that Riker had been watching her in return.
She did a good job of avoiding the male attention due to her vigorous training, but here, in this relaxed atmosphere, it was difficult to ignore. Riker was a good man; handsome and tall, strong, kind and funny, and the son of a noble. If not for Blaid she would eventually have to admit to herself that she had feelings for Riker. It was also clear that her father, as well as Jaik, approved of Riker and they allowed his courtship of her, even though it had not been made official. It saddened her to know it could never be.
Unexpectedly a tingling of premonition shot through Maia and her stomach roiled at the possibilities. She received a brief warning from Midnight, before the Messenger burst from the trees and stumbled into their midst.
“Lord Longshadow, Lady Maia, your urgent presence is requested at the Hall of the Guardians. And you too, Sir Nightshield.”
For a second longer they looked at each other. Something terrible had happened.
“Go, go,” Rothea said, standing up, “we will pack this up. We will meet you there.”
Maia was on her feet in one fluid motion and, flanked on either side by Jaik and Silas, they ran down the path that would take them to the House of the Guardians.
It was not that far, not even a mile, but the premonition grew stronger and stronger the closer they got and by the time they reached the sprawling building, one of the few structures in their city built on the ground, Maia was breathing heavier.
They were quickly ushered in by an Elder waiting for them at the door. They made their way directly to their father’s chamber in the House of the Guardians, where half a dozen Elders were already seated, as well as a few Commanders. Jaik went to take his place with his Guard, while Maia and Silas stood next to Lord Longshadow. Her father seethed with rage and Maia’s nausea worsened. It was absolute agony waiting for the last people to arrive, although it only took a few moments longer.
Finally, everyone was present and her father took his seat behind his desk. He looked tired, dark circles under his eyes, and his hands were shaking.
“A Messenger has arrived,” he said simply, and handed the paper to Silas.
Maia suspected he did not want to read the message again. Silas cleared his throat and read.
My Lord Longshadow
It is with great sadness that I pen this note. On the tenth day of Blood Moon, we discovered the delegation from Stoneloft that had travelled to Shadow Hall and were on their return journey. Without exception, all were killed, even their horses. They were butchered and their meat taken, only the bones were left behind. Their belongings were plundered and all valuables taken.
My Scouts surveyed the area and it was clear that the delegation had been followed for a while. This was a planned attack. There is also no doubt as to what attacked them. All of the spoor and signs confirm that the attackers were Vampyres. However, the precision with which the assault was executed and the fact that they were followed for such a long while, leads me to believe that there are other forces in play. Until now, Vampyres have always attacked at random, killing everything they come upon, but without any observable planning. This type of attack is new and I am afraid of what it might mean.
One of my Scouts tracked the signs almost all the way to Shadow Hall and, although he admits it could have been coincidence, the Vampyre tracks were mixed in with Elf tracks at some point. It leads me to a conclusion that makes me shudder.
News has reached us of the delegation that travelled to Dragonfort and the similarities between the attacks just confirm my suspicions.
I implore My Lord to consider this matter with haste, as the people are becoming restless and travel and trade have come to a standstill. If there are, indeed, Elves working with the Vampyres, then they need to be found and brought to justice with immediate effect.
I hope this note finds you well.
Sincerely,
Commander of the Guard, Erendal Baywater
Silence prevailed for a long time after Silas finished reading. Maia shivered beside him, suddenly cold. Someone coughed. Then her father rose from his chair and Maia noticed that a terrible calm had settled over him and that he was now ready to discuss the matter. Her skin began to crawl with the force of his Eläm washing over her.
“Commander Baywater put into words what we have suspected ever since the attack on our own people. It is a tragedy to think that one of our own could be involved, but the evidence suggests that this could, indeed, be true. If there is a traitor among us, then it is imperative that he be found. Jaik,” Jagaer said, turning towards his son, “I charge you personally with this task. You may make use of any additional men you require from the Regiment and the Legion. All Commanders are to assist you with anything else you might need as well. As of now, the Guard will put aside all other matters and only concentrate on this. You will not rest until this has been dealt with. I will charge each city with the same instructions.”
Jagaer nodded to Silas, who immediately made some notes. “I am hereby also declaring additional curfews around the city. Besides the Night Watch and the Sentinels, people are to stay indoors throughout the night. Daytime activities are to be commenced under guard at all times. Commander Willowbay,” Jagaer shifted towards the Commander of the Legion, “please assign a group of two to five men to guard each workshop. I also want men on standby to accompany anyone who has errands to run around the city. No one is to walk alone. We have lost too many already.”
Maia watched her father give instructions, noticing also it was a tight meeting; Elders, Guard, and Commanders only. Silas and herself that were neither, but Silas was the royal advisor and she was their Prime. Her father spoke for a long time and when he was finally finished and the people left, it was already starting to get dark outside.
“Maia,” Jagaer finally said, turning to her, “I know you have trouble adhering to the rules and curfews imposed on this city at times,” he laid his hand on her shoulder, “but it is of the utmost importance to me that this time you obey. You know what my suspicions are and if anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself. I have released Riker from his duty as Guard for the time being and he will join Rothea as your daily protection full time. You are not to go anywhere without them, do you understand?”
Maia’s heart beat wildly in her chest with
the force of her father’s plea, his Eläm laid bare before her. She knew he had opened himself on purpose and, although she thought it unfair, it was effective. Tears sprang to her eyes with the force of her father’s feelings for her and she only managed to nod, the lump in her throat making it impossible for her to talk.
The days that followed the meeting were especially dark for Maia. Due to the strict curfews her father had imposed, they were not allowed to practice in the forest. Most of her days were now spent in Silas’ cave, with Rothea and Riker her constant companions. Rothea now even slept in her room every night; her father was leaving nothing to chance. She felt like a prisoner in her own home.
If she could just convince her father that Blaid was not the threat that he thought he was. In light of her father’s feelings about the matter and his current state of mind and short temper, she dared not approach the subject. She was sure that Blaid was not the reason the people of Stoneloft were killed; someone else among them was devising these heinous acts. Protected as she was right now, there was no way for her to make her own inquiries. She shared her suspicions with Riker and Rothea, but there was not much they could do either.
Blood Moon finally came to an end and Maia wondered where the time went. This entire year had been one dark mass of bad news. The year had started with her holed up in her room, brooding about Blaid’s absence. Then they went on the ill-fated Good Will mission, which had seen so many of her people injured. Some still bore the scars; what was dead she could not resurrect.
The entire year people had been dying, killed by Vampyres, and nothing they did so far had been good enough to stop them. Everyone was sure worse was to come and the only thing Maia could do was to assist Silas in making more of the Silva that had seen them through the last war. The potion would at least give them the extra strength and stamina required to fight the Vampyres.
Even with everything she had learned and all the training she had received, she felt helpless and it weighed heavily on her. Making the Silva, though, gave her something to do other than brood over their current predicament. And it gave her the chance to work with Jasmin and help her master her Water magic.
Silva was made with a wide range of different ingredients, from herbs and spices to minerals and crystals, but to combine them in the way that brought out its powerful regeneration properties, one had to use magic. It was a complicated ritual of boiling, stirring, pouring, mixing and diluting, all without the liquid ever touching any kind of object. Only once it was made, was one able to pour it into a container without degrading its powers.
Jasmin was a quick study and Maia enjoyed working with her. Due to Maia’s duties and her training, she had not had much time for Jasmin and, when she had had the time, she was been in the right frame of mind to pay her daughter proper attention. She felt guilty about it now and used every moment she could get to involve Jasmin in what they were doing. Unfortunately, this also meant that Aaron spent more time with her and although she liked him well enough, it was clear he had motives that went beyond friendship. During the times that Aaron was present, Riker always stayed close and the tension between the two males could have been cut with a knife.
The other advantage working in Silas’ cave brought was that Kanarel had less opportunity to woo her. He had been sending her small gifts, stopping by in the evenings to bring her flowers and, on occasion, even little poems. His attentions annoyed her; she had never given him reason to believe she was interested in him; but he still believed, because of the relationship between their two cities, the arrangement that they might wed could still be in place. She would have to speak to her father about it soon if it did not resolve itself.
“Maia.”
Startled, Maia looked up to find Jasmin holding a bunch of herbs out to her to take. She had been so deep in thought she had forgotten about what they were doing. Embarrassed, she took the herbs and added them to the roiling liquid ball that floated in the air above the fireplace.
“This is one of the final steps,” Silas said. “It needs to boil now for about a day before we can add the crystal powder. Once the powder has been added, we will let it cool for a few days before we can finally bottle it. This should yield about thirty vials, so we need to make at least another twelve batches if it is to be enough for an army.”
Jasmin nodded seriously at Silas’ instructions, her eyes glued to the swirling mass of liquid in front of her.
“How are you holding up, Maia? Do you want me to take over for a while so you can rest?”
“I think I can go for a while longer, Silas. Why don’t you and Jasmin eat your supper and then you can take over.”
“As you wish.” Silas rose from his seat.
Jasmin followed his example and they left together.
“You look pale, My Lady, are you sure you can go on?”
“Yes, Rothea, I will be fine. It does not take that much energy or concentration to keep the ball in the air. The lack of daylight is making me pale.”
“Aye, and some fresh air would not go amiss either,” Rothea agreed.
Riker nodded his agreement and sat beside Maia. She was instantly aware of his smell and his Eläm and the Silva ball wobbled in the air for just a moment.
“Maybe it would be possible for us to dine on the veranda this evening. I believe Biandala has set aside our meal for when we are done here.”
Rothea and Riker now dined with her every day. Biandala, the Server of their royal household, prepared additional meals for mornings and evenings. Most of the time meals were a rushed affair, and they seldom got to eat with her parents. Her father had his duties, which kept him busy in the Hall of the Guardians for most of the day, and her mother was also actively involved in helping the citizens of Shadow Hall prepare for another war.
Last year they sent the people that were unable to fight to Tarron Heights, but that almost ended in disaster. They would not take that chance again. This year they would fortify their city and help the young and old secure their homes and teach them how to cope with the threat. Maia marvelled at her mother’s strength and calm as she tackled this task, hardly spending any time at home.
To take some time out to dine on the veranda with the two people that had stood by her through the worst of the year seemed like a wonderful idea. Although she had not lied to Rothea about the ball not requiring that much energy, she was tired. Tired of the threat, the politics, the worries, and everything else she was dealing with.
She smiled at Riker, making his eyes sparkle. “That does sound like a wonderful idea.”
Soon Silas and Jasmin returned from their dinner and Silas took over from Maia. Handing over the energy was a delicate business and there was a moment where they were afraid the ball might drop. Then Silas was in control and Maia breathed a sigh of relief.
“When would you like me to return?” Maia asked, knowing Silas would not be able to maintain the ball all night. Jasmin was not yet strong enough to hold it.
“Do not worry about tonight, Maia. I have asked Thangur Teakendrum and some others to assist. They will help with the boiling phases of the potion, as those do not require any special abilities. They should be here shortly. Return in the morning and we can start preparation for our next batch.”
“Thank you, Silas,” Maia said, feeling release flood through her.
She nodded to Rothea and Riker and together they walked down the tunnel to its exit. It was fully dark outside, but the stars sparkled brightly between the branches of the trees overhead.
They made their way to her home, ambling along the winding pathways that criss-crossed the city. Maia loved the paths; the swaying wooden walkways, the stone bridges, the tunnels of ivy and other climbing plants, the multitude of stairways, each different in design. She had lived here all her life, but she never ceased to marvel at the beauty of her city. Lanterns lit up the paths and shone patches of light on the verandas of the houses around them. Whether one looked up, or down, there were lights; some white, some blue and some even
green; and during the night it was clear to see on how many different levels their city was built. It was breathtaking.
Finally, they reached the royal house and Riker and Rothea immediately busied themselves with bringing their dinner to the veranda. Maia unfolded a tablecloth and laid it across the oaken table that was a permanent fixture on their veranda. She added a few candles and soon the three of them were seated. It felt a little strange; a romantic, candlelight dinner for three; but Maia was delighted with the company. The evening was mild and the lights of the city around them twinkled like the night sky. For just a moment, Maia was happy, all other thoughts pushed to the back. They ate and drank, laughed, and exchanged stories, and finally cleared up together and packed away the dishes.
When Maia stood under the hot water of the shower later an altogether too familiar feeling resurfaced - premonition. She shivered, feeling cold even under the warm water, and she quickly finished and dried herself. Something was wrong, or was going to go wrong, and she hurried to find clothes to wear.
Riker and Rothea followed right behind her as she hurried to the Hall of the Guardians to seek out her father.
“He has already left, Maia, and you should not be out at this hour,” her father said after she barged into his rooms.
Maia paced up and down in front of him. Riker and Rothea stood by the door, watching.
“When did he leave? Is there no time to call him back?” Maia asked, worry in her voice.
“Somas left early this morning and, although I trust your instincts, Maia, it is important that Somas sees this mission through. We have not made any headway with gathering information and sending Somas to Naylera again might just get us the information we need to prevent another war.”
“I do not have a good feeling about this. Something will go wrong.”