The Elemental Trilogy Box Set

by Toni Cox

  “What?” she had asked, disbelieving.

  “We received a bird from Stoneloft this morning that he killed twenty-four Elves. The city had been under attack by Vampyres and he infiltrated the city and killed our own people.”

  “That cannot be true.”

  “Wel,l it is, Maia, and from now on he will be treated as much of an enemy as the Vampyres. You might have been right about Kanarel, but you are wrong about Blaid. He is dangerous. Now, I want you to go home and stay there until you receive orders from me. I will not allow any further disobedience from you.”

  She had been shocked by her father’s words about Blaid, but did not believe them. There had to be some other explanation for it, she was sure of it. She wished she knew where he was now and she wished she could contact him somehow to warn him about her father’s orders. Why could the people not see he was helping them? He was a Prime; he should be revered like her. Just because he was Death, did not mean that was all he stood for.

  The lights of the city came on one by one. She had no intention of sleeping under the same roof as her father tonight and she would stay in this tree until she felt the need to come down. The city was beautiful from her vantage point and, as night deepened, the city lights sparkled like stars in the night sky.

  At some point Rothea left her seat and then returned with food, but Maia was not hungry. The dish stood untouched on the windowsill until morning, when Rothea eventually took it away. Rothea stayed by the window all through the night, for which Maia felt bad, and even now she refused to leave her. Rothea sat there all though that day too and only left once, when it started to get dark, to light a lantern to put in the window. Maia had never had a friend like Rothea and, although it all had started with Rothea filling in for a Server, the two of them had become real friends. It felt good to have someone she could be close to without the need to explain everything. Rothea seemed to understand her better than anyone, besides her brother, and did not judge her for her actions.

  Maia knew Rothea enjoyed her new position as Maia’s personal guard but, in light of their most recent excursion, that position might be in doubt. She would have to tread carefully with her father if she did not want Rothea to be reassigned.

  “Maia,” Rothea whispered up to her.

  She looked down and saw Rothea sitting on the windowsill looking up at her. She often called her Maia now, but only when they were alone.

  “A bird arrived from Braérn this morning. The city is under siege by an army of Vampyres. I am sorry I could not find out sooner, it is almost night already.”

  Maia closed her eyes for a moment. It would be so easy to fly there and help them; why did her father not see it? If the message was already received this morning, then maybe they were already too late. There was nothing her father could do in a hurry; it would take a Regiment at least four days to get there if they did not rest their horses. Desperate, she reached out to Midnight. It was a long shot; Midnight did not serve anyone and the only reason he helped them was because of the bond he had with her. To send him to help people he had no connection with was probably asking too much.

  Midnight was out hunting; Maia caught a brief image of him in the mountains with three mountain goats in a heap at his feet. He had probably devoured twice that many already. Quickly she explained the situation to him. Strangely, Midnight did not so much mind going to help the people, but he had trouble understanding why she could not go with him. She was Bright-Shining-Silver-Star and nothing should be able to stop her. Maia smiled at his sentiment, but then went serious again. Midnight eventually agreed to go without her, grudgingly, and after finishing his meal of mountain goats, rose into the air above the mountains and flew east. Their bond was strong, but to maintain contact over long distances took tremendous energy, so she severed the contact as soon as he was out on the plains.

  She watched the rise of the moons and calculated when Midnight would reach Braérn. She hoped he would get there in time. At some point her mother came to the window and asked her to come in, but she refused. She had been in the tree for two days now; although Elves enjoyed sleeping, they needed little of it. She could also go without water or food for another few days if she needed to, but knew it would be thirst that eventually got her down. For now, she had no intention of going anywhere; at least not until Midnight returned.

  A short while later she felt a vibration in the tree. She looked down and saw Jaik climbing up towards her.

  “You know sulking will not achieve anything,” he said as he took his seat on the branch beside her.

  “I know,” she replied. “I am just not ready to face him yet.”

  “He is not at home,” Jaik said, and draped his arm around her shoulder. “Father is still at the House of the Guardians. Reports have been coming in all afternoon and there seems to be fighting everywhere. He is questioning his decision of keeping the bulk of our forces at Greystone. Things have been difficult for him.”

  “I know,” she sighed. “I heard about Braérn.”

  “Yes, there is little we can do about it, but Father has sent a small detachment to rush to their aid.”

  “I asked Midnight to assist them.”

  “Midnight? Alone?”

  “I dare not defy Father again. Not because of me, but because of what it would mean for everyone else. But I can also not leave the people of Braérn to their fate when there is something I could have done about it. Midnight has graciously agreed to assist them. He left about two hours ago. He should be there by now.”

  “There is hope then,” her brother said.

  She leant her head against his shoulder and together they sat in the tree and watched the moons cross the night sky. Soon the orbs were hidden by the thick canopy and slowly slipped towards the mountains. Maia’s eyes were just closing, safely snuggled into her brother’s arms, when she felt a mental nudge from Midnight.

  Immediately she was alert and sat up.

  “What is it?” Jaik asked.

  “Midnight is back,” she replied, then was silent for a while as she waited for Midnight to explain what he had seen. “It was all over by the time Midnight reached Braérn. The Vampyre camp was in flames and all the Vampyres were dead. The city sustained some damage, but Midnight thinks most of the people are all right. He says he is unsure of what transpired there. The general thoughts of the people are that someone or something from the outside helped them, which led to their eventual victory.”

  “There have been six attacks over the past four Quarters,” her father said to the assembled in the Elder Hall. “Thala Yll, Stoneloft, Braérn, Dragonfort, Rathaés and Tarron Heights.” He listed the cities. “We know that Thala Yll, Stoneloft and Braérn have successfully managed to fight off their attackers, but Tarron Heights is still under siege and we have not heard from Dragonfort and Rathaés.”

  The Elder Hall was packed to capacity and those that could not find a place inside crowded the paths outside. Everyone present, from Elders and Commanders to Potters and Servers, began to whisper anxiously. Her father did not stop them, but waited until everyone had calmed again.

  “Besides the cities on Crook Island, Alea Yll and Shadow Hall are the only cities that have not been attacked yet. We can only guess why this is so, but at the same time we must also assume that our time is coming. I know everyone has already been doing guard duty day and night, but I must urge you to be even more vigilant. Our Scouts have reported Vampyre tracks a few miles south of here and, although it seemed to be a small group of only four or five, we think they may be gathering for an attack on Shadow Hall.”

  Again, there was commotion in the crowed and their combined worry weighed heavily on Maia. She found it difficult to breathe and wished she could get out of there.

  “We have also had reports from Greystone that some of the Scouts have not returned and Wood Cutters and Hunters have gone missing. Commander Willowbay assumes these to be the acts of Vampyres in the area and will be taking a Regiment to investigate further. He also s
ays there has been some strange activity around the Gate. Although they have not seen anyone come or go, the energy field within the circle was definitely activated several times during the past Quarter.”

  Maia’s skin crawled; she knew what that meant and so did her father. She had explained it to him after she returned from Naylera. Vampyres were certainly coming through the Gate right under the noses of their own troops.

  “We are now at war,” Jagaer said, raising his voice over the murmurs of the crowed.

  Everyone fell silent.

  “We must expect an attack at any moment and I want everyone to be ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Please make sure you are all aware of your given positions for the defence of the city. Double check all your weapons, equipment, traps, and the water buckets in case of fire. I do not want anything to go wrong when we can least afford it.”

  Her father droned on about the safety of the city and what needed doing to keep it safe, but Maia could listen no longer. She came out of her tree once Midnight returned and Jaik went to give the news to their father. She slept in her bed that night, plagued by weird dreams. Jaik had woken her early in the morning and asked her to attend a meeting at the House of the Guardians with him immediately. The meeting had lasted for hours and everything her father shared this afternoon had already been discussed and she already had her orders.

  When she noticed others leaving, obviously to see to their tasks immediately, she quickly got up and followed them out, Rothea behind her. She needed air and to get away from the anxiety of her people.

  “Maia, wait,” Aaron called out behind them as they pushed their way through the crowded door.

  Once he had caught up with them they walked in silence until clear of the crowd and descended the steps of the Elder Gate together.

  “I believe you will be flying patrols from the air,” Aaron said when they were finally alone.

  “Yes,” she replied, trying to keep her disapproval out of her voice. “But with a city such as this there is not much I can do from up there if there is fighting here on the ground. I would be better placed here, where I can protect my people.”

  “I admit that I have yet to see my first Vampyre and I know little about how they fight,” Aaron said, “but I do know the people here. They are all strong and great fighters, even the young ones, and we have spent many hours devising the security systems around the city. I personally have designed many of the traps your father chose to employ.”

  “Are you not anxious, Aaron?” she asked, startled by his upbeat demeanour.

  “I am, but I have faith. I have seen what your people … our people … can do and I believe in your father’s leadership. He is a great man and a strong leader.”

  “Aye,” Rothea said.

  Maia cast a quick glance sideways at Aaron. He had changed so much; she hardly recognised him anymore. He was quite accomplished with the sword and she had no doubt he was brave enough to engage a Vampyre in a fight, but Aaron still lacked the speed of the Elves, and Vampyres were as fast; if not a little faster. She was worried Aaron might be over confident in his abilities and she worried for him. Jasmin would also be in the middle of the fighting, as she was posted as one of the archers on the outer defences. Luke would be stationed in Silas’ cave, where he would see to any wounded. It would be Silas’ job to collect the wounded from their posts and deliver them to Luke. At least one of her children would be in a relatively safe place.

  “I wish I had your confidence,” she said. “Promise me you will look after yourself.”

  “I promise,” he said, and took her hand and kissed it.

  Strangely, she didn’t mind. She felt it was done with respect and his promise had been sincere. He let go of her hand immediately and they carried on walking side by side, Rothea following at a respectful distance.

  She wanted to go to the Galassan’s workshop to collect her things. Midnight’s saddle had already been hoisted into position with the contraption they had built to get it onto his back. All she needed to do was ask Midnight to walk beneath it and, by pulling one lever, the saddle dropped down onto his back. All she then needed to do then was tighten the straps. Her own armour, though, was still at the workshop. Jaik had asked Galassan to make alterations; extra padding for the chest, more protection for the neck, a broader kidney belt and fine chain mail to go underneath it all. Even her gloves had been fortified with knuckle plates. She appreciated her brother’s concern, but she found the new design a little too bulky for her liking.

  They reached Galassan’s workshop and Aaron waited while Rothea helped her into her new outfit. It fitted well enough and she was surprised to find, even with the extra padding, she could still move freely.

  “You look breathtakingly beautiful,” Aaron said as she stepped out from behind the screen.

  “It is my battle armour; it is not supposed to be beautiful,” she replied, somewhat taken aback.

  “Then you were born to be a warrior, for I have seen you wear many beautiful things, but never has anything ever looked as perfect on you as this.”

  Maia blushed. How were you supposed to reply to something like that? She wished there was a mirror in the workshop, but if Galassan had one he kept it hidden. She tried to see her reflection in a shield resting against the wall, but it only showed her a hazy, distorted version of herself and she was unable to see what Aaron could. She cast a glance at Rothea, who nodded as if agreeing with Aaron.

  She had to admit that everything fitted her perfectly and the leather conformed to her body well. It was tough enough to protect her, yet supple enough to allow her free movement. And, as always, Galassan had been creative with his design and generous with his decorations and accessories. Each section of leather had been carved with dragons and scenes of battle. She now also had new straps to hold her bow and extra quivers, her Twin Blades, her sword, her hunting knife and two extra pouches, one on each leg, for throwing knives. It was certainly comfortable and practical and ideal for the purpose for which it was intended. Now all she needed to do was to collect her weapons from home and strap them to herself.

  “Well, thank you, Aaron,” she finally managed to say. “Now that I am done, where is it that you need to go?”

  “I am to report to my post within the hour. I just thought I would spend some time with you before you took to the air.”

  “All right. I need to collect my weapons. Will you walk with us then?”

  “I would be delighted to,” he replied.

  They stepped onto the Workers Lanes and walked beneath the silver trees of the birch forest. As they crossed the bridge over the river the alarm horns started blaring. They froze for a moment and looked at each other.

  “It is time,” Maia said, and put her hand on Aaron’s arm. “May the Mother be with you.”

  “And you.”

  Maia and Rothea took off running, leaving Aaron to find his own post. They sprinted up the steps to her home and into her room to strap her weapons to her outfit. Rothea grabbed her own extra weapons and Maia was still fastening the last buckle as they ran back out the door.

  Commotion came from the forest to the south of the city.

  “I am going to get Midnight. See what you can do to help on the ground.”

  Rothea nodded and sprinted away, taking the stairs that connected to The Median. Maia took the fastest route to The Crags, running as fast as she could. She heard Midnight roar in the distance and knew he was ready. Sprinting up the last steps, she broke from the trees and into the open. Midnight stood beside the contraption with his saddle, but Maia did not take the time to lower it onto him. He knelt and she ran up his leg and settled into the crook of his neck. He was airborne immediately and swooping away over the forest.

  Through the trees, she saw people running towards the southern side of the city; towards the water mill. The trees were thick there and she would not be able to help from the air. The Steep, the road that led down to the city from the water mill, came from high up a cliff and
ran down steep steps and ladders to reach the city. If the Vampyres were attacking from that direction, they would have the advantage of high ground.

  She asked Midnight to circle the city once to make sure they were not being attacked on multiple fronts.

  Shadow Hall was built within a horseshoe-like formation of one of the lower cliffs of Shadow Peak. It had a wide opening to the east; wide enough to harbour the entire Silver Forest, as well as two of their main roads into the city. She asked Midnight to fly there first. It was the easiest access point, but they had taken precautions and barricaded the entire section, stationing archers every ten paces. They looked up at her now as she flew overhead.

  Then there was The Ascent, which was the path that led up from the stables. It was a gentle rise from the Grazing Grounds on the other side of the cliff, but it wound its way through thick forest and rocky ridges. It was fairly easy to defend and they had barricaded the road there too, posting archers within the trees. Maia was unable to see through the trees, but Midnight assured her all was quiet.

  Then there was Hallows Entrance; it was a steep and dangerous path that ran almost parallel to The Steep. One had to pass through a narrow gorge to reach the city from this point and it was probably the most unlikely road the Vampyres would take. They flew over it quickly, but again Midnight confirmed he sensed no Vampyres below.

  Then, on the northern side, there were five different roads that led from the forest into the city. One of them, Blackwood Drop, led past The Crags. Maia knew there were no Vampyres there now, as she just came from there. As she circled, she saw that The Rise, Hollow Hill, Cedar Path, and Oaken Drift were all clear.

  Why would the Vampyres only attack through such a narrow entrance as The Steep, even if they had the high ground? At best, only two would be able to fight alongside each other and anyone daring to come past the second waterfall would be shot by their archers.