by Toni Cox
Jagaer and Silas were waiting for him on the speaker’s platform, surrounded by Elders and two other Commanders. When his father noticed him pushing through the crowd, he gave a signal, and the Elders and Commanders went to find their seats. Even Commander Ridgewell left him then, and Jaik joined the Lord of Shadow Hall and his adviser on the ornately inlaid speaker’s platform.
Jagaer banged his staff. The wooden sound resonated and everyone’s attention focused on him. Even with the peoples’ unrest and uncertainty about Maia, their respect for his father was written all over their faces. Jagaer stood resplendent in his uniform, his head held high and his eyes firm.
Jaik knew the pressure his father had been under and not just since Maia left. In his private chambers, Jagaer looked worn and tired, but today, even Jaik had to admire his father’s exceptional strength.
“People of Shadow Hall. Thank you for coming. I would like to make you all aware that tonight’s gathering is only to inform you of the whereabouts of my daughter and that the next war council will be held tomorrow night at sundown and the Shadow Hall maintenance meeting has been postponed until next Quarter. Please remember to hand in your grievances and suggestions to Silas at least two days before the meeting.”
A general murmur went through the crowd and Jagaer watched them through narrowed eyes until they settled again. Jaik noticed his father’s right eye twitch before he continued.
“As you all know by now, Maia has taken a leave of absence from Shadow Hall.” Another murmur, louder this time, interrupted Jagaer’s speech. He waited for it to lapse into silence. “We have called you here today to inform you of her quest. Due to the nature of her mission, as well as the constant threat of Vampyres, we thought it best she leave in secret. There have already been three attempts on her life since the last war, putting not just Maia, but all the people of Shadow Hall in danger.”
This time, the people in the crowd nodded in agreement and some shouted aye before Jagaer could continue. Jaik watched in fascination as his father slowly won the people over, folk who had been worried and upset only moments before. Jaik listened, and learned.
“Now, I know you all worry about my daughter, so I would like to remind you that she is a Life Elemental. Has she not proven to you that she is a brave warrior? Has she not shown you that she is capable of defending not just herself, but Shadow Hall, or armies, as well?”
Again, shouts of aye and yes, My Lord filled the hall.
“We should therefor trust that she is safe and doing everything in her power to find a solution to our troubles. She is with Midnight and they have vowed not to return until a solution can be found. As your Life Elemental, she is doing her duty to protect you from whatever may come, and she needs you, the people of Shadow Hall, to support her. Go home; spread the word to your loved ones. Pray to the Mother for Maia’s success and safe return. There may come a time when she will need our prayers and it is never too early to start.”
Now Jaik found himself nodding along with the people. His father was convincing. Jaik started to believe it himself. Although Jaik knew his sister usually had good reasons for the things she did, even he thought she had abandoned her duties
“I must ask you to keep this information within our community. Maia has chosen winter to travel, as it is the safest option to her. The Vampyres are mostly dormant in winter. Yet, what she is doing is still dangerous and there may yet be traitors within our country.”
Another uproar rose from the crowd. Jagaer raised his voice. It boomed across the hall, raising goosebumps on Jaik’s flesh.
“We must support her venture. Pray for her. Keep her secret. She is the chosen one. She is the one to keep us safe. She is the Mother’s child. Our Life Elemental. Our hope. May the Mother’s light guide her and keep her on the right path.”
“May the Mother’s light guide her and keep her on the right path,” the crowd chanted in unison.
In a quieter tone, Jagaer continued. “I know you will miss her as much as I will. But, until she is ready to return to us, we must do our part in protecting our people. The war council is tomorrow. Those from the community that may have something to contribute, please be there. Those with relatives in the countryside, or in neighbouring countries, please join us tomorrow. It is important that we keep our vigil. There is much to do and I expect every one of you to do your part.”
“Aye.”
“Of course, My Lord.”
“We will pray for her.”
“Yes, Lord Regent.”
The shouts of agreement from the crowd carried on for a while. Jaik stood next to his father and Silas, and waited it out. The plan had been for Jagaer to speak and for Silas and Jaik to answer further questions. There were none. Jagaer’s speech had convinced them, even Jaik, that Maia’s sudden departure had been a planned mission and that she was on a quest to save them all.
Wolf found Jaik after the meeting and now bounded ahead of him on the path leading to the Hall of the Guardians. Jagaer and Silas walked behind him, deep in hushed conversation. Behind them were the rest of the Commanders.
Once in the hall, Jagaer briefly spoke to the Commanders, as he did every night now. These were dangerous times. Jagaer firmly believed that regular reporting and communication was key to their Warrior Houses working at their optimal.
After the briefing, the Commanders left, filing out to give their seconds their orders.
“A word, please, Jaik,” his father called him before he could exit.
Together, they entered his father’s chamber, and Jaik and Silas took their seats on the two chairs in front of the desk, while Jagaer settled heavily into his own chair. Wolf curled up on the rug in front of the fireplace along the left wall.
“That went better than expected,” Jagaer said. “The last thing we need is for the people to feel that we are not doing everything in our power to protect them.”
“You even had me convinced, Father.”
Jagaer’s brow furrowed when he looked at Jaik. “There is no reason why we should not believe it ourselves. Only we know she left without telling us why, or where she is going. Silas told us everything he is at liberty to say. I do not begrudge him the fact that Maia may have told him secrets only for the ears of Elementals. I may not like that she has left, but we must trust that she knows what she is doing. She is with Midnight and, between the two of them, they are perfectly capable of protecting themselves.”
“Yes, Father.”
“It is now up to us to bring everything else in line. We cannot spend our time worrying about Maia and neglecting our duties. There is much to do this winter. The cold Moons are precious few and we must utilise the time wisely. During the war council tomorrow, I will announce that I am invoking the Council of Kings; the Rule of Grildor. The time has come for our neighbours to come to our aid. This is a fight we cannot win alone and I am tired of begging for assistance from Lords that think themselves above their status. By now, the Sirens have spread the news all over the globe and it is not just Grildor under threat anymore. We, as a people, need to stand together to fight this threat. And, although I am not pleased with your sister’s behaviour, I do hope that whatever she is doing is in the best interest of all our people.”
“The Rule of Grildor?” Jaik asked, awestruck. “This has not been implemented in a long time. Does the alliance of nations still hold?”
“Once chosen, the alliance cannot be broken unless another ruler is elected. I am King of Grildor. I am the Ruler Elect over the alliance. I will call on them to serve and protect, as they have sworn to do.”
“Your father was elected over a millennium ago,” Silas cut in. “It may seem like a long time to you, Jaik, but alliances of nations have lasted for much longer than that. They are sworn to our flag and, now that the Vampyres have spread so far, they are as much in danger as we are. It would be folly to disavow the alliance now. You can be assured they will heed the call. We will rally an army such as Grildor has not seen in a very long time.”
“There is always hope, Jaik,” Jagaer said. “We have seen war and hardship and we have endured. Have faith, my son.”
“I have much to learn.” Jaik bowed his head to his father’s wisdom.
“You are already a strong leader. You always have been. You would not have been made Commander of the Guard if it were not so. It is only experience you lack, but, fear not, there shall be plenty of that in the Moons ahead of us. For all we know, this war may last years, not Moons, and we will need strong leaders like you. Tomorrow, we will finalise the plans we have discussed. You have but a short time to see to your personal affairs before the fight begins anew.”
“Thank you, Father.” Jaik turned to Silas. “Are you still accompanying me to Braérn?”
“Aye. I have my own affairs to settle. Your father has also asked me to search for history on dealings Elveron had with Naylera in the past. There may be something there to aid us in our quest to defeat them.”
Jaik nodded; they had discussed Naylera’s history a few days ago, hoping to find some reasoning behind everything. “When, then, should we leave, Father?”
“It is best you leave soon, before the first snows. A pigeon arrived this morning from Lord Sparrow confirming that all is as we have discussed. You may bring Siya back with you, so you may court her here for the duration of the winter. You will need to spend more time with her than the brief encounters you have had on your visits to Braérn. Then, if you both still feel the same by the end of winter, we will arrange for a royal wedding. Fear not, Jaik, you shall be wed before the next war. The future is so uncertain, it may do us all some good to have something positive to look forward to.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“I must warn you, though. You do not have much time. We cannot spare you here for more than a fortnight. Three Quarters at the most. Both of you see to your affairs in Braérn and then hurry back to Shadow Hall. I will be travelling to our neighbours during the winter Moons to discuss the terms of the alliance and, Jaik, you will need to take my place as Lord of Shadow Hall in my absence.”
“Aye, Father, but …” Jaik leaned forward, worried, “… travelling during the winter Moons is dangerous even in fair weather. Will you only be visiting the southern countries where there is less snowfall?”
“I have spoken to Lord Hazelwatch of Thala Yll and he has agreed to give me an escort of his Regiment. We will be travelling on dragon back. Commander Hollowdale will lead us and we will visit all countries, even the northern ones.” Jagaer raised a hand to forestall Jaik’s protests. “I have been assured the dragons can fly even through the worst of blizzards if need be. As I said earlier, we do not have much time. The winter Moons are my only chance to bring our nations together. We will discuss the details during the war council tomorrow and inform the rest of the Commanders. I will take with me half of your Guard for my personal protection, so you have until tomorrow night to decide who will accompany me.”
“Yes, Father.” Jaik’s cheek muscles bulged as he clenched his jaw.
“I bid you both a good night, then,” Jagaer said, rising from his chair.
“Good night, Father.”
Jaik and Silas stood, bowed to their lord and then exited the chamber. They walked together in silence for a while, their coats drawn tightly around their bodies as the wind that blew that night robbed them of warmth.
“You are much like your father, Jaik,” Silas said as they reached the fork in the path where they would each walk their own way.
“How so?”
“You both worry much for your people and for your family. There is not much room in your thoughts but for your worries. As a leader, it is not a bad quality; you should always put your people first. However, if you worry too much, there will not be time in your life for anything else. You need to learn to address your concerns at the right time and let go of them when other matters are called for.”
“I am not sure I follow.”
They stopped at the fork and Silas turned to Jaik.
“Your leadership is about to be tested to its limits with your father away. I see how you struggle to hide the worry on your face from the people, and your family. Work on controlling your facial expressions when dealing with the people first, so that when you speak to them, they do not doubt you. Then, once Siya is here, do not take your worries to her. Once you have been married for as long as Malyn and Jagaer have, matters of state may be discussed at home. Until then, use your time with Siya for private matters.”
“I shall, Silas. Thank you for your advice.” Jaik bowed his head to the old Elf.
“Good night, young Lord Longshadow.”
The old Elf turned down his own path, his white hair glowing silver in the moonlight. Jaik watched him for a while, and went his own way, Wolf quietly at his heels.
He had much to think about. Every time he thought knew his father’s next move, his father surprised him with a new development. They discussed everything relating to matters of state before they were discussed with the rest of the Commanders, for which he was glad. Had he only found out about his father’s decision to invoke the Council of Kings during the war council tomorrow, he might not have been able to hide his surprise.
Silas was right. He showed his emotions too often and needed to work on retaining neutral expressions when speaking in public, or even to the Commanders. His father had demonstrated tonight how effectively convincing he could be, even though Jaik knew how Jagaer worried about Maia. None of that had shown during his speech.
Jaik went through a range of emotions after Maia left. He had been surprised, angry, jealous, sad, worried and, he had to admit, annoyed. He realised that he was very much like his sister. Her emotional turmoil often showed through her outer facade. Jaik could not afford to be that open with his emotions, especially not as Commander of the Guard.
A low growl from Wolf made him stop in his tracks. At another growl, Jaik drew his sword and took a step back into the shadows of the bushes along the path.
“Jaik?”
Wolf suddenly wagged his tail and ran ahead. Further along the path, the wolf crouched low in front of a shadowy figure that came out from under a tree. The figure bent to stroke Wolf’s head.
Jaik sheathed his sword and returned to the path. “Aaron. You are out late. It is well past curfew time.”
“I know, but I was hoping to catch Jagaer on his way home. Is he still at the Hall of the Guardians?”
“He is. Is there anything I can help you with? My father does not want to be disturbed right now. How did you manage to get past the Night Watch?”
“With difficulty, My Lord,” Aaron answered, “but I am not as clumsy as I once used to be.”
Jaik laughed softly. There had been a time he had not liked the Human much. Over the past Moons, though, the man had changed. It was his daring and tenacity he now admired most.
“Very well, Aaron. Walk with me then. We can talk until we find a Night Watch to take you home. Now, what troubles you?”
“I proposed a venture to your father and I wanted to find out if he had spoken to his Commanders about it yet. I am desperate for an answer, as the matter cannot wait much longer.”
“I know of no venture, so I must assume my father will discuss it during our war council tomorrow.”
“Ah.”
“You look disappointed. May I ask the nature of your venture?”
Aaron was silent for a moment as they took stairs up to the next level of the tree city. The Human looked worried, yet determined, and by the time they reached Lower Walk and turned right onto it, his voice was strong when he carried on speaking.
“I have asked your father for permission to take a search party to look for Maia. I believe it is my fault she left.”
Jaik frowned, unsure if he heard correctly. “Your fault?”
“I did not agree to her terminating the engagement.”
“I see. And my father thinks there is a possibility th
at Maia leaving is because of your decision?”
Aaron hesitated. “I don’t think so, but he is worried about her and either wants to know where she is or for her to come back. I am hoping, if he thinks there is a chance I might be successful, he will agree to provide me with the horses and warriors needed for the mission.”
“Did you attend the meeting at the Elder Hall tonight?” Jaik asked.
“No,” Aaron replied, shaking his head. “I already know everything Silas told you, so I did not see the point.”
“My father was convincing. The people are now sending prayers to the Mother for Maia’s success on her quest. Only because she left without telling us anything do we not believe Silas’ story, but now I am not so sure anymore. She may have other reasons, too, but she is a Life Elemental with a duty to her people. My sister would not neglect that duty simply to get out of her engagement to you. Also, what you are proposing might not only be futile, but also dangerous. Are you sure that is what you want to do?”
“I am sure, Jaik, and I am aware of the risks. I would have left already, but I cannot leave without the supplies, horses and an escort of warriors, if your father can spare them.”
“Then I shall speak to my father in the morning. If you cannot be swayed from your decision, then you should at least go well prepared. There will be a war council at the Hall of the Guardians tomorrow night. Be there before the meeting and I will arrange for my father to see you before he confers with the Commanders.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your help in this matter and I swear I will find her for you.”
“I do not doubt that you will try.” Jaik stopped and nodded to the female Night Watch leaning against a tree at her post. She immediately stood to attention. “Karinthia will see you home, so you will not be accosted by the other Night Watch. Give my regards to Luke and Jasmin. Sleep well, Aaron.”