by Toni Cox
“What were your findings?” Jaik asks, getting annoyed with the slow process of the discussion.
“We discovered that it would require the power of two Prime Elementals working together to just bring one person through safely,” Dorien took over the explanation, “without there being any repercussions.”
“But Maia brought three.”
“Exactly. What do you think this means, Jaik?” Dorien asked him.
“That she wasn’t working alone?”
“No, we believe she was working alone. There was no one else there on Earth able to help her. We think Maia is even more powerful than we believed any Life Elemental to be and definitely more powerful than she herself believes she is.”
“And what does that mean, exactly?” Jaik asked, suddenly feeling extremely protective of his sister.
“It means, even after millennia of research, we still do not know the true power Life Elementals are capable of. Silas now fears, with everything he has taught her, he might have limited her with what she thinks she can do.”
“I don’t understand. Why would it limit her abilities?”
“The mind is a powerful tool. If you believe you can do something, chances are you will get it right. But, if you believe yourself incapable of accomplishing something, you set yourself up for failure. Maia has been taught her limitations all her life and, unless someone told her otherwise, she could live out her entire life without ever reaching her full potential.”
“But if even you, the wisest, do not know her true power, then who will teach it to her? Has anyone spoken to Maia about this? Do the other Elders know about Maia?” Jaik directed his last question at Silas.
“Yes, I have told them. I also told her to go. Things are happening with Maia I have no way of comprehending and her staying at Shadow Hall would have accomplished nothing. She has been having dreams, premonitions and other signs that pulled her away from Shadow Hall and I thought it best to let her go. There are forces out there that may help her discover who she truly is and we would just be in the way.”
“Silas, have you told my father this?”
“Jagaer will not listen. He remains stubborn on this subject and only sees what is right in front of him. He thinks that Death’s power has become an addiction for her and she has left to seek it out. He does not believe that his daughter is, or could be, the ultimate Elemental; the most powerful being Elveron has ever seen.”
Rothea gave a few orders and then they spurred their horses into a gallop. Aaron’s heart raced as Mist King ploughed ahead of Rothea’s black horse and all he heard was the thundering of hooves behind him. Wolf ran beside him, barely keeping up.
Then, as they rounded an outcropping of trees, they could clearly see Midnight gliding over the dark forest ahead of them. He seemed to be just sailing, gliding on some updraft, and only occasionally, lazily, beating his wings.
They were still so far away, the enormous dragon did not look bigger than a large bird, and even though they travelled at a full gallop, they did not seem to close in.
The initial excitement wore off after the first few miles and Aaron struggled to just stay in the saddle. Mist King’s hooves beat the ground steadily, but Aaron could feel him tiring, too.
Suddenly, the dragon disappeared and they assumed he had landed. They urged their horses to one last effort and raced along the treeline towards where they had seen the dragon go down.
“I think I see him,” Rothea yelled across.
Aaron strained his eyes, but saw only the plains ahead and the ominous forest to their right. Trying to keep his head still enough to see into the distance proved to be impossible.
“There he is,” the Scout shouted beside them.
Aaron looked again and now thought he saw a large shadow in the far distance. The shadow moved and when Midnight beat his wings and rose into the air, even Aaron could see him clearly, although they were at least two or three miles away.
Already out of breath and with his muscles burning, Aaron clenched his teeth in anticipation of the chase, but Rothea called for a halt and reined her horse in.
It took Aaron a few moments to understand what was going on, but Mist King was so well trained, he immediately slowed at Rothea’s command and finally came to a stop amongst the other milling horses.
Wolf ran on for a while, but even he eventually turned and came back to them.
“Why did we stop? We were so close.”
“Our horses are spent and, even if they were still fresh, they would not be able to keep pace with the dragon. They need to rest and so do we. Let us walk them to the point where we saw Midnight and investigate the scene and maybe we can find out where they were going.”
Grumbling, Aaron agreed with Rothea’s assessment of the situation and they rode on slowly towards where Midnight had taken off. They reached the area soon after; Midnights deep claw prints easily marked in the soft soil.
Rothea walked around the area, reading the spoor and eventually confirmed there were two sets of footprints, one of which was definitely Maia’s.
The footprints, however, led from the dark forest to where the dragon had waited on the plains, confirming that Maia and her companion had come from the dark forest. When Rothea investigated further, she discovered the entrance to a path, hidden by overhanging branches from the trees above, that led deep into the forest.
Accompanied by four warriors and Wolf, Rothea and Aaron proceeded to investigate the road. Even in the gloom of the forest, Rothea could clearly distinguish between Maia’s footprints and those left by Vampyres and Werewolves.
“There have not been Vampyres here in some time,” she said, “but I do not feel safe. Something is wrong. Look at Wolf. He has his tail tucked beneath his body and ears flat to his head. I think we should leave.”
Aaron did not need to be asked twice. He did not scare easily, but this path and the forest around them frightened him. By the way the warriors turned and marched back towards the entrance at speed, he knew they felt the same. Wolf was the first back out on the plains.
“I wonder what she was doing in there,” Rothea asked when they were safely in the open. “We shall not camp here tonight. Let us ride back a mile or so. I am sure I saw a stand of trees on the plains in which we can make camp.”
Without argument, everyone climbed back into their saddles and they rode back at a walk. Wolf trotted ahead of them, his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth, the fear of the forest already forgotten.
Aaron was deep in thought about how creepy the forest had been, when Wolf suddenly yipped, ran to Mist King, yipped again and then turned to lope away towards the edge of the forest.
“I think he found something,” Aaron said, and trotted off after the wolf.
The Regiment followed him, but as they neared the forest, all slowed again, wary this time. Wolf, however, dived straight into the undergrowth and disappeared from view. They could hear him rummaging around, yipping and growling.
They dismounted, standing with their horses a good twenty paces from the edge of the forest, unwilling to go closer. When Wolf suddenly dashed out from beneath a bush, even the horses spooked and it took them some time to settle them.
Wolf ran in circles around Aaron, yipping at his heels, then dashed back towards the forest and back into the bushes.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Rothea said beside him. “We will need to go in there.”
“I am not sure I want to,” Aaron replied.
“Me neither, but here he comes again.” She pointed at Wolf who had just come out of the forest.
“What is it, Wolf?” Aaron asked. “What is in there?”
Wolf growled, then yipped and circled Aaron’s legs twice before running back into the underbrush.
“All right, let us have a look then,” Aaron said, more confidently than he felt.
Handing his reins to one of the men behind him, Aaron took the first step toward the dark and forbidding forest. Rothea was beside him moments l
ater and together they approached. Wolf poked his head through the bushes, with his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, waiting for them.
“I will go first,” Rothea said in a voice that left no room for argument.
With a slash of her sword, she opened a gap in the underbrush and they managed to squeeze through into the forest. Wolf waited for them on the other side, where there was a surprisingly large clearing they could walk unhindered.
They turned in a circle, looking at the unnaturally dense foliage around them and, if it had not been for Wolf digging under a bush to their left, they would never have found it. Curious as to what the wolf was doing, both stepped forward carefully.
“What do you have there, Wolf?” Aaron asked.
Wolf backed away from his hole and sat down, panting.
“Here,” Rothea said and stepped forward, slashing the clinging vines from the bush under which Wolf had dug his hole.
The moment she had hacked off most of the branches off and they had access to what lay beyond, Wolf jumped up and onto the large kist, surrounded by smaller chests and bags.
“This must be Maia’s supplies,” Rothea said, breathlessly. “She was probably coming here when we disturbed them.”
“Do you think she will come back for them?”
“I don’t know.” Rothea bent over some of the items and looked through them. “I may be wrong, but this looks like Maia’s entire supply. If she has anything with her, it can only be a day’s worth. I think she will be coming back for this.”
“What if she doesn’t?”
“Then we still at least have some idea of the area she is in. We also know that she has been into the dark forest. I have my own ideas about that, which we can discuss later. But, I am almost certain Maia will come back to retrieve her things. Let us set up camp out on the plains. We will post guards here night and day, as well as lookouts along the treeline. I am also sure Wolf will warn us if she comes close to this area again.”
With Wolf leading the way, they made their way back out of the undergrowth into the open. Their people were visibly relieved when they saw them.
They set up camp a good distance from the edge of the forest; none of them wanted to be too close to it, especially once the four who had entered the forest path with them spread the word of how malignant the forest had felt.
Despite the success of finding Maia’s goods, the camp was subdued. Rothea sent out people to hunt and scout the area while it was still light, and dispatched one of her men to light a fire at the entrance to the small clearing that hid Maia’s supplies.
After they had eaten, Rothea sent out riders to patrol the treeline and stationed a guard to watch over Maia’s hiding place during the night. None of them could sleep, even when the moons rose high into the sky.
Rothea and Aaron sat by the main fire, talking quietly, when Wolf came running from the direction of the forest and bounced excitedly up and down in front of them, tail wagging.
“Oh, no,” Rothea said immediately, “Maia has managed to get to her things.”
“She moves as if she doesn’t even know it happened,” Siya commented, watching Firestorm’s even gait as they rode out of Braérn.
“The Horse Master did an excellent job,” Jaik agreed. “I think she will be fine, as long as we keep to a steady pace during our journey.”
It wasn’t just Firestorm Jaik worried about, though. He was now also responsible for Siya and took no chances this time. His men all rode in formation around him and Siya, with the Elders riding right behind them.
He had also begged a Regiment from Lord Swiftfisher to accompany them to Shadow Hall. Kyreon would have agreed to this, even without Lord Sparrow backing up the request.
Jaik only paused briefly during noon to rest and water the horses and made sure they reached the guest house, or camp site, well before dark every evening.
He sent out riders every morning to scout the route ahead and had one rider trail behind to make sure they were not followed. Jaik employed every method he could think of during those five days. Five of the most trying days of his life. He finally understood why his father would not allow their mother to accompany them to war, even though she used to be an exceptional fighter.
During those days, he was first and foremost a Commander, and Siya came to see a side of him she had never seen before. At first, he worried that this hard side of him frightened her, but soon learned she had other ideas.
Firstly, he learned that she accepted his orders like one of his men, without taking offense. As a matter of fact, she seemed to enjoy this side of him and, on those occasions when they did have private conversations, she spoke to him with more respect and in a voice that insinuated things he could not think about until after their wedding.
It made the five-day journey seem longer than it was and he was almost overwhelmed with relief when they finally reached Shadow Hall.
To his surprise, bright flags waved merrily in the evening breeze and multi-coloured lanterns lit their way as they rode along The Axis towards the city. They passed the Silver Forest and, just beyond it, a crowd cheered them as they rode on towards Jaik’s home.
“Welcome, My Lady.”
“Hail, Lady Sparrow.”
“Blessings on thee, My Lady.”
Jaik looked around at the people assembled, all crowding along the edges of the road, waving flags, smiling and welcoming his bride to be, and he looked up towards his home to see his parents on their porch, dressed in their finest clothes.
His heart swelled with pride as he led his bride towards his parents and he could not describe the deep feeling of gratitude he felt towards them. Beside him, Siya smiled and waved to the people, sitting her horse regally, with dignity, and already looking like the queen she would be some day.
“It is good to see you back safely, my son,” Jagaer greeted him, holding Firestorm’s reins as Jaik dismounted. “And you, My Lady. I hope the journey wasn’t too arduous.”
Jaik went around to Siya’s mare - more white than grey - and assisted her with her dismount. She did not need assistance, but the occasion called for formality and she remained seated until he was by her side.
“We had no trouble on our journey, My Lord,” Siya answered his father, “and Commander Longshadow was exemplary in his duties to protect us and get us here as swiftly as possible.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
Malyn came forward and the two women embraced, dispatching with the formality as they walked off chatting and laughing.
“I am relieved to hear you had no trouble on the road back. Kyreon informed me of what happened on your way to Braérn.”
“We ran into two small groups of Vampyres during out trip back, but we managed to dispose of them quietly without alerting Lady Sparrow or the Elders.”
Jagaer’s eyes dulled for a moment with concern, but then he took Jaik around the shoulders and led him away to their home.
Behind him, Jaik could still hear the commotion of the Elders dismounting and being greeted by their loved ones. His men then made quick work of unloading the luggage and taking the horses away to the stables. He turned when they reached the wide porch of the royal home and waved to the people, who cheered and waved their flags one last time.
The crowd before him broke up and he followed his parents, and wife to be, into their home.
“We have not had any incidents while you have been away,” Jagaer told him once they had settled by the fire, while the ladies went to oversee the Servers bringing in Siya’s luggage. “But, reports have come in from Tarron Heights, as well as Rathaés, that they have had some Vampyre activity in their area. I cannot delay any longer. I will finish my preparations tomorrow and be on my way the day after that. I have left you scrolls with further instructions on the table in my study and you can turn to Silas if you need assistance.”
Jaik heard the worry in his father’s voice and knew, by the calming hand Jagaer laid on his shoulder, his father was concerned. He did n
ot blame his father for being worried. Before Jaik left Shadow Hall, he had nothing but doubts about ruling while his father was away. Now, however, a calm had settled over him and he felt more confident in his abilities than he had before.
“Do not worry, Father. I will look after our people in your absence. I know what I need to do and I will not disappoint you.”
Jagaer looked at him searchingly for a moment. Jaik hoped he could see on the outside what Jaik felt deep inside.
“I have no doubt, son,” Jagaer said with a nod, his voice full of pride. “You will make a good king someday.”
“Thank you, Father, but let us not make it so for many a year. Travel safe and I hope you will be able to accomplish what you set out to do.”
The women joined them then and the conversation changed to a different, more light-hearted topic. Yet, Jaik noticed his father look at him on occasion, the look of pride clear to see in his eyes.
Their group of thirty-five left before dawn, riding through the early morning mist like apparitions from another world.
Cloud’s breath came out as steam in the cold air and mingled with the swirling whiteness. Jagaer patted his horse’s neck and the stallion snorted.
The mist clung to the forest, draping it in a pale blanket, as they travelled along the Trade Route towards Thala Yll. Jagaer sent out Scouts in all directions and the Regiment rode in formation around their group, with the Guard alongside Jagaer himself.
It was only when the sun rose to the east and its warming rays banished the mist deep into the forest that Jagaer was able to relax. Vampyres often attacked when the mist was thick and he did not want his quest to fail on the first day.
They travelled the two hundred and twenty-five mile journey without incident and reached Thala Yll during the early afternoon on the fifth day. Cold rain drenched them as they rode into the city and their coats left wet puddles on the floor as they entered Thala House, their lodgings for the next few days.
“Winter is coming early this year,” Lord Hazelwatch said by way of greeting.