by Toni Cox
“Good night, My Lord.” Aaron bowed to him and then turned to follow Karinthia.
Jaik watched them disappear down the path, and moved towards his own home, Wolf padding ahead of him.
He believed going after Maia was a wasted effort. If she did not want to be found, no one would find her. After the discussions tonight, Jaik now thought that Maia had not left without reason or purpose. He had been upset with her, but now gave her the benefit of the doubt. Although he hated that she had not confided in him, he hoped she would succeed in whatever she was doing. He would add his own voice to the prayers to the Mother.
“Come, Wolf.” Jaik held the door open for the shaggy animal and Wolf bounded through straight to the fire, where he curled up on the rug.
The nights were getting colder and Jaik thought they would have snow early this year. If Aaron was to leave, he would have to do it soon. Even he needed to properly prepare for his trip to Braérn. It was one of the few events he looked forward to.
Because of the war and Jaik’s duties as Guard, he had not seen Siya much over the past two years and they communicated mostly via letters. He could not wait to bring her home.
In his room, he took off his heavy coat and Commander’s jacket, and then sat down at his desk to pen a letter to Siya. Taking Silas’ advice to heart, he refrained from mentioning anything about the war or matters of state. He did, however, tell her about Maia, hoping, as a woman, Siya might have a better understanding of Maia’s reasons than he did. At the very least, it felt good telling Siya how he felt and he slept better that night than he had in a long time.
Jasmin stalked carefully through the tall trees of the forest. During autumn, it was especially difficult to walk silently, as the rustle of dry leaves or the snap of a twig could give away your position at any time.
But she was now as adept as the Elves at stalking prey without making a noise. Today, as on most days, she was out hunting with Joscelyn and they had spotted dainty Reed Deer not far ahead. Their meat was rich and flavoursome and would be a good catch.
With care, the two girls crept closer, using what little undergrowth there was to hide behind. Finally, they were within range and, with the almost silent language of the Hunters, they agreed on which animals to shoot.
Two thuds, almost perfectly timed, resounded through the forest as their arrows hit. The group of deer scattered and the girls rose in unison to go after them. Jasmin’s doe did not get far. She collapsed after only a few strides and Jasmin was by her side, dealing the killing blow swiftly with her hunting knife. Joscelyn’s doe made it a few paces further, but the animal was dealt with as swiftly. Together, the girls said the hunting prayer to the Mother and then each strapped their kills to their backpacks.
Had they hunted something larger, they would have only killed one, so as to be able to carry it home. The Reed Deer, however, were not much larger than a wolf and they could carry one each.
The two Hunters made their way home, still vigilant, but no longer walking as silently as they were before the hunt. There was a smile on Jasmin’s face. It was there most days now. She had everything she had ever dreamed of.
It had taken her two years on Elveron before she had the courage to speak up about her life on Earth. Now that her issues had been dealt with, she felt like a new person. She took every day on Elveron as a gift and appreciated everything she had been given.
“Thinking of Archer?” Joscelyn asked teasingly.
“How did you guess?”
“I think it was the smile that gave it away.”
Jasmin giggled, but she no longer blushed. Everyone at Shadow Hall approved of Archer’s courtship of Jasmin and she could not be happier.
“Has Archer said anything further of what is to happen?” Joscelyn asked, carrying on an earlier conversation.
“No.” Jasmin’s smile faded and a frown formed on her forehead. She wiped a strand of her blonde hair out of her eyes. “There will be a war council tonight and he hopes decisions will be made then. Jaik plans a trip to Braérn and it is likely that Archer will accompany him. Further than that, we don’t know.”
“I dread to think of the state of you while Archer is away. Mother, give me strength.”
Jasmin laughed and her frown disappeared. “I am not that bad, am I?”
“Worse.”
Joking and laughing, the trip back to Shadow Hall seemed short and they soon reached the outskirts of the tree city. Approaching from the northern side, they did not have to descend the cliff face that dominated the south-western part of the city. They walked past The Crags and Jasmin looked up with sadness in her eyes.
“I can’t believe you just let her go,” Joscelyn said, also looking up at the empty rock formation.
“Shh, we are too close to the city; do not speak of it here. You know I don’t want anyone else to know I saw her.”
“I can’t believe she didn’t tell you where she was going,” Joscelyn now whispered. “You are the only one to see her before she left and you didn’t even ask.”
Jasmin stopped and stepped closer to her friend, speaking in a hushed voice. “I did not want to know, Joscelyn. There was a look in Maia’s eyes that was only too familiar. She has her own problems to deal with and if she needs to leave in order for her to do so, then who am I to stop her? I have found my happiness and I want Maia to feel the same. If she cannot have that happiness with my father, then I cannot fault her for it.”
“I can see how much you miss her, though. It must be hard for you. I can’t even begin to understand how your father must be feeling.”
“He thinks it is his fault she left, even though I told him it is not. He can be so stubborn sometimes.”
“Well, I am glad I know the truth from you. Lord Longshadow did a good job of convincing the people that she is on an elemental quest. It gives them hope.”
“She is on a quest, Joscelyn. Maia would never abandon her people. It is only my personal belief that she is combining some kind of personal matter with this quest she is on. Please, my friend, do not tell anyone what we know or what my thoughts are on the matter.”
“Jasmin, you know I would never discuss anything we talk about in private. I swear I will keep your secret. Now, let us go, this deer is getting heavy.”
“Thank you. And you’re right. Let us be rid of this burden so we can go home to eat. I am famished.”
Joscelyn laughed as they turned back onto the path. “You are always hungry.”
“Elven food tastes good; I need to make the most of it.” Jasmin grinned.
“Do not worry; you are going to be eating elven food for another three thousand years.”
“Not unless we deliver our kills. It is still early and I am hoping to trade this deer for more than potatoes. If we hurry, there might be some rhubarb left.”
“You are strange, Jasmine.” Joscelyn laughed again, a hearty sound that alerted a Sentinel to their position.
“Lady Hunters,” he greeted them. “You were successful, I see.”
“And you have managed to get yourself posted here again to catch a glimpse of Joscelyn, I see,” Jasmine countered.
“No harm in taking the same position more than once a Quarter.” The Sentinel winked at Joscelyn as they walked by. “Fare thee well, My Ladies.”
“Until the morrow,” Jasmine called over her shoulder.
The girls walked in silence until they reached the end of the path and swung towards the Butchery.
“You should really not leave Elgan hanging like that. He is trying so hard.”
“It does not hurt a man to work a little harder for what he wants.”
Now it was Jasmin’s turn to laugh. “He is one of the most charming men in Shadow Hall and you resist him as if he matters nothing to you. I know how you feel about him, so why not give in?”
“No,” Joscelyn said adamantly as she dropped her deer on the marble slab of the receiving hall. “He still needs to earn the right to court me.” She winked. “Come; let us see
if there is any rhubarb.”
Finally free of their burdens, they checked in their kills with the clerk, before making their way to the trading hall. It did not take Jasmin long to find exactly what she was looking for. Rhubarb, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, cheese and sausage. Joscelyn teased her one more time about food before the girls went their separate ways.
Tired, but feeling good about her day, Jasmin ascended the steps to her home. Even now in autumn with the trees bare of leaves, the house blended in so well with its supporting trees that it was difficult to tell where house ended and tree began. She loved her home, as she loved everything about Shadow Hall.
Opening the front door, she immediately noticed a heated discussion in progress. She dropped the bag with the food in the kitchen, stashed her gear at the entrance to her bedroom and then went through to the common room.
There she found Rothea and her father sitting around the table, while her brother paced angrily in front of the fireplace.
“That is madness. You barely know how to fight, or even ride a horse. You do not even know how to hunt.” Luke stopped for a moment, looking at his father. When he did not get a response, he continued. “Why did you not speak to us before you asked Lord Longshadow for permission? Jasmin and I should have at least some say in this matter.”
“Ah, Jasmin.” Aaron rose from his chair and greeted his daughter. “How was the hunt?”
“It went well, thank you,” she told her father before addressing the elven warrior at their table. “Evening, Rothea, nice to see you again.”
“A good evening to you too, Jasmin. A delight, indeed.”
“Jaz,” Luke cut in, “please listen to what our father has planned and tell him that it is simply crazy. He cannot go out there by himself.”
“I will not be going by myself,” Aaron defended himself.
“Can we start from the beginning?” Jasmin asked as she sat, a scowl on her face.
Her brother did not often lose his temper, but she could see he fought for control.
Luke started pacing again.
“I went to speak to Lord Longshadow to ask for permission to go after Maia,” Aaron explained. “I have asked for provisions, horses and an escort. Rothea has volunteered to accompany me.”
The Elf nodded; Luke shook his head. Jasmin stared at them all in turn.
“Papa, you do know that Maia leaving had nothing to do with your decision not to terminate the engagement? We spoke about this. Maia had her reasons for leaving and I doubt she wants to be found.”
“I spent a lot of time with Princess Maia over the last year and I believe she might be in need of our help,” Rothea said. “I do not know what triggered her leaving. It might have been Aaron’s refusal. What I do know is that she thinks she is not strong enough to deal with this threat on Elveron and I am afraid she will seek drastic measures to …” Rothea hesitated, “… make herself stronger.”
“What do you mean make herself stronger?” Jasmin asked.
“What I am about to tell you must never leave this room,” Rothea said, looking at them all sternly. “The only reason I have this information is because I was present during some of the events that unfolded and because Maia confided in me about some matters. There is still much I do not know, but I have been doing my own research and I am slowly piecing it together. I also believe that Silas is aware of what I am about to tell you, but I do not think Lord Longshadow knows.”
“How can that be?” Luke asked. “Silas is Jagaer’s adviser. Surely he would tell him if he had information about Maia.”
“I cannot answer that, Luke. I just think Silas knows and hasn’t told Lord Longshadow. Silas will have his reasons.”
“Then what is it you know, Rothea?” Jasmin asked.
“You are by now familiar with the Death Elemental,” Rothea said in a low voice, and they all leaned in closer to listen. Even Luke came to sit at the table. “We have won two wars because Maia, a Life Elemental, joined with a Death Elemental to defeat the enemy. This kind of action does not come without a price. The last time a Life and a Death joined forces, they not only killed each other, but their entire nation as well. The amount of power the two possess when together is irresistible, but detrimental in the long run. I believe Maia has gone looking for Death.”
Aaron sat back, folding his arms on his chest, looking smug, knowing his children could not argue with that kind of information.
Jasmin glowered at him. “So you believe Maia could be in real danger?” Jasmin asked Rothea.
“I do, which is why I support your father’s decision to go. It is also the reason I have volunteered. There is a war council tonight and we hope Jagaer will make his decision then. I must leave here shortly if I want to be present for the meeting.”
“His name is Blaid, is it not?”
“It is,” Rothea confirmed. “How much do you know about him?”
“Very little, I admit. Most of what I know is from the gossip around the city. People are scared of him, yet also in awe that he helped save their lives. The people admire Maia for her courage in working with him. I cannot believe Maia would want to seek him out if there was even a remote possibility it might destroy us all.”
“She is so worried about us, her people, I believe she is not thinking clearly. She only sees the benefits of what might come from it and not the detrimental effects it could have. I see it as my duty to stop her. She is not only my princess, but has become my friend. We must help her. Silas has let her go, despite what he knows. Lord Longshadow is unaware of this information, so is not acting on it.”
“Can we not tell Lord Longshadow? Maybe if he is aware of it, he will send Jaik and the Guard to look for Maia.”
“I have considered it,” Rothea answered, “but my instincts tell me not to. If Silas has kept this information from Lord Longshadow, then so should we.”
“Is there nothing else we can do to convince Lord Longshadow to send out a search party? Why do you and Papa have to go? Luke does have a point. Papa does not ride well, his fighting is mediocre at best and he does not know how to hunt. You are proposing to go into the mountains with someone untrained in almost every skill needed to survive.”
“Your father might surprise you, Jasmin, and he would not be going alone. I can teach him everything he needs to know along the way and we would have warriors with us to keep us from harm. But we are running out of time. Maia has been gone five days and could be anywhere. We need this decision tonight, so we can leave on the morrow.”
“How do you know where to start looking? You just said it yourself, she could be anywhere by now,” Luke commented, imitating his father by crossing his arms over his chest.
“I have an idea of where she could be. We will look there first. Now I have to go. The war council will start soon and I need to speak to my Commander before they convene, as I will not be allowed in the chamber during the meeting. Speak some more with your father. He will surprise you with the knowledge he has. I will come by as soon as Lord Longshadow has made a decision.”
Rothea rose, nodded to them and then strode from the room. Jasmin listened for the click of the door before she turned to her father.
“I don’t like it,” she said, frowning. “It is bad enough that my mother is missing. I do not want my father gone as well. Speak to Jagaer again and ask him to send someone else.”
“Lord Longshadow has enough to worry about what with rearming for the war and keeping his country safe. From what I hear, he is even going to ask the neighbouring countries for assistance. I don’t think he can spare anyone to go after Maia.”
“What about the warriors you asked him for? If he can spare those, surely they could go without you. Why do you have to go?”
“Jasmin, you know I love you both dearly and it pains me to leave you.”
“Then don’t.”
“I have to. I know she left because of me. I feel it inside. Rothea’s reasons just amplify the need to go. This is something I must do. Please, do
not make this harder than it already is. I could really use your support in this matter.”
“I cannot give it, Papa.. You will get hurt, maybe killed, and I do not want to have any part of that.”
“Please, do not cry.” Aaron leaned over and wiped a tear from Jasmin’s cheek. “I have to do this.”
“Then you have to do this on your own,” Jasmin said forcefully, knocking the chair over as she stood, before storming off to her room.
Jaik watched Rothea’s animated discussion with Commander Ridgewell from across the room. He wondered what it was about, as Rothea was not supposed to be at this meeting. War councils were strictly for Commanders only.
When Commander Ridgewell and Rothea made their way across the hall to where his father stood, Jaik stepped away from the wall he leaned against and followed at a slow pace.
Halfway across, Jaik was delayed by Commander Goldsbane of the Night Watch, asking him about tonight’s schedule. By the time Jaik had answered the man’s questions, the rest of the Commanders and their Seconds had arrived and Jagaer called them all into the council room. Rothea left quietly though the side door.
Jaik took his place at one end of the long, oval table and watched his father take his seat at the opposite end. There was some shuffling and scraping as the others found their seats. Jaik tried to catch Jagaer’s eye, but his father was distracted by the stack of papers and scrolls Silas placed in front of him.
Finally, even Silas took his seat, and Jagaer opened the meeting by having every Commander report on the state of their commands. Jaik had his report ready and it did not take him long to present it. Those of his men who had died during the last war had been replaced by equally good men and their training was going well.
To Jaik, it felt like hours before his father finally came to the point where they discussed the Rule of Grildor. The Commanders were unanimous in their support for the decision and his father wasted no time in discussing the details of the mission.
“As Ruler Elect over the alliance, I will have to travel to all the countries myself. I cannot send an ambassador. I cannot stress enough how important this mission is, so it is imperative that I can leave Shadow Hall knowing it is in good hands. Jaik will take my place in my absence as Lord of Shadow Hall and I expect every Commander to work with Jaik as you would with me.”