by Toni Cox
“My daughter came through here?”
It was starting to annoy Jagaer that everyone had seen his daughter except him. In his mind, he attempted to put together her timeline. She must have travelled through Bron first and then went through Serengate. He wished he knew what she was doing or where she was going. His heart ached for her.
“My Trackers discovered their spoor close to the dock several days after the incident. People from a nearby village gave them eyewitness accounts of the dragon flying over the gorge. They did not linger and were not seen again after that. I’m sorry; I am not able to tell you more.”
“Maia is on a quest of her own, but, as her father, I worry about her safety,” Jagaer said, not wanting to let Seras know that he was unaware of his daughter’s agenda.
“I can only imagine that Maia being a Life Elemental must be a burden, but you can sleep easy tonight knowing that Bron’s armies are yours to command. The chambers have been readied for you. Let your men rest now and we shall finalise everything tomorrow. I guess you will want to be on your way to Oberon as soon as possible.”
Jaik sat in his father’s chair watching Wolf’s even breathing. He had learned, over the past few days, the wolf was so in tune with Silas’ condition, all Jaik had to do was watch him. Right now, Wolf lay relaxed, fast asleep, alongside Silas’ prone form next to the fireplace.
He had sent Luke home to shower and rest about an hour ago. The young man had stubbornly refused to leave Silas’ side, caring for him every moment of every day and night. There had been some moments when Jaik had been glad the Human was there, as Silas was far from stable, even now.
After Luke did the initial surgery, Jaik brought in the other Healers of Shadow Hall. None were as skilled as Silas, of course, but they were Elves, born and raised in Shadow Hall, and he wanted to get their opinion on Silas’ condition. He was relieved when they told him that what Luke did was nothing short of a miracle. One even called it magic.
After the Healers left, Jaik thought about what they had said and he wasn’t surprised. Luke had studied the craft on Earth. He then furthered his studies under Silas’ tutelage for another two years. And, last but not least, he was the son of a Life Elemental. He should have expected Luke to excel.
Wolf’s ear twitched and one of his eyes opened. Jaik sat up straighter in his chair, watching the animal. When the wolf sighed and closed his eye again, Jaik relaxed. Keeping a vigil over Silas was his self-imposed punishment, but it was taking its toll on him.
Since his father left, he did everything in his power to keep the city safe. Jaik had not only followed his father’s instructions to the letter, but also heeded the Commanders’ advice, and added his own measures. When news came in from his father that the Vampyres were more active during the cold season than expected, Jaik doubled the guards around the city and sent out patrols twice daily, instead of only once.
How, then, had this army of Generals and their hounds managed to set up camp outside their city? Jaik could not fathom how they managed to slip by their defences. There had to be something he had not taken into account. Something he did wrong. Until such a time as he discovered what his shortcomings were, he did not consider himself a fit leader for his people.
As things stood, however, he could not simply abandon them. They needed him, so he fulfilled his duties as heir to the throne and none, except Filithrin, were aware of the insecurities that plagued him.
He bent over the work in front of him. He despised the administration part of being a ruler, but there were certain matters he preferred to do himself. Jaik looked over the numbers and was glad to note, at least they were ahead of schedule with sending the war equipment into position, manufacturing swords and arrow heads, brewing Silva, making chain mail, and forging armour.
Jaik wished he could do more, but the blizzards prevented them from moving their Legion into place around Greystone. Daily the weather worsened and it would not let up until the Moon of Storms was over. He wondered how his father’s travels fared in this weather.
He looked up again, but Wolf was still asleep. Luke had given Silas drops, administered by rubbing on the gums, to keep him asleep so he could heal. With the kind of injuries Silas sustained and the drastic measures Luke had to take to keep him alive, Luke estimated his recovery to take at least two Moons, if not more.
Clenching his jaw, he concentrated on his work. Every day now he sent Luke home to shower and rest for a few hours and Jaik would keep watch over Silas and see to administrative tasks, no matter how tedious. The tasks still frustrated him, but something had fundamentally shifted in his thinking. He no longer saw them as merely numbers on paper, but as Sentinels patrolling the city, Night Watch by their posts, Scouts on a mission, or Messengers delivering an urgent missive. He shifted them around with purpose and as needed, always keeping in mind tat they were people, not numbers.
“May I come in?”
Startled, he looked up. Siya stood in the doorway, draped from head to toe in a heavy, white fur coat. Her Server stood discretely behind her. He rose from his chair to walk towards them.
“Of course, my love, what are you doing here?”
Jaik took her hand and led her to a chair. He took her coat and gave it to the Server, who went to stand at the bookshelf. Gracefully, Siya took a seat, looking towards Silas with sad eyes.
“You are hardly at home anymore. I never get a chance to see you. I thought I would pay you a visit here.”
“There is much to do, Siya. I promise, once the war is over, you will have my full attention.”
“There is no need to explain, Jaik. I understand.” She smiled at him. “It is a hard time we live in and I am proud that you keep us safe in such danger. If only you could hear the people talk. I feel like a queen already.”
Jaik frowned. “What do the people say?”
“You are their hero, Jaik. The city was surrounded, Vampyres everywhere, yet you took your men and slaughtered them all. As they describe it, the white forest was painted red with the blood of our enemy.”
“Humph,” he huffed, “that is what I gave them.” He pointed towards Silas.”
“Oh, Jaik.” Siya leaned forward and took his hand. “Silas is not your fault. The Vampyres are devious and cunning and you cannot be in two places at once. You did the best you could and, by the Mother’s grace, Silas is still alive. Only the Vampyres are to blame for his current condition.”
Gently, he squeezed her hand in appreciation.
The door opened and Luke entered, still looking tired, but clean and in fresh clothes. He nodded briskly towards them and, without a word, made his way towards Silas. Wolf looked up, wagging his tail. Luke mumbled something under his breath, patted the wolf on his head, and took his place beside Silas, unpacking the fresh supplies he had gathered while he was out.
“Time for me to get back to work,” Jaik said to Siya.
“I thought that’s what you were doing here.” She motioned to the papers on the table.
“Aye, but I have duties beyond this room. My paperwork is done for today. I will meet with the Elders in the Elder Hall later today and brief them on the state of affairs. First, however, I must meet with the Commanders and get their feedback on how the day went and to discuss any changes for tomorrow. Then, I will make my rounds of the workshops. Although the manufacturing reports get delivered to me, it motivates the people to see me in person and it shows in production numbers.”
Jaik helped Siya into her coat and they moved towards the door as he talked, the Server following them silently. Luke did not look up from his tasks.
“I know you have your doubts about the quality of your leadership, Jaik,” Siya said softly as they stepped into the outer hall, “but you are going above and beyond your duties and your father will be proud of you when he returns. I am proud of you.”
They halted before the stepping out into the cold through the heavy double doors.
Jaik stroked her cheek; her skin warm and soft beneath his roug
h hands. “I love you, Siya, and I cannot wait for the day I can call you my wife. You make my heart glad with your presence and ease my mind with your words.” He leaned in and lightly kissed her on the forehead. “Take her home safely,” he instructed the Server, before giving Siya’s hand one last squeeze.
Then, he opened the doors and, pulling the hood of his cloak deep over his head, marched through the snow across the Sparring Grounds.
He felt guilty for leaving Siya alone almost every day, yet glad she was at Shadow Hall, even with the attack on the city. Having her here gave him that extra bit of motivation to push past his own fears and doubts.
Having sat there within his father’s chambers for the past four hours staring between his papers and the still form of Silas had been depressing, to say the least. He dreaded the tasks ahead and would have happily traded them for an early night. Her interruption had been his saving grace.
And now, new ideas surged through his mind and he lengthened his stride as he sought out his Commanders. The Vampyre activity during the winter Moons had upset all their planning and, coupled with his father’s warnings, had him worried that Naylera might attack before the winter was over.
Jaik had discussed the possibility with the Commanders on several occasions, but had so far failed to come up with a plan that did not involve his army travelling through blizzards, or camping out on the open ground of Menandril Fields during the middle of winter. Besides, their main worry had been to keep the city secure.
Now, however, the city was safe and, with the armies of the other countries on their way, he thought he knew how to get the camp around Greystone ready before the snow-melts.
Aaron sat motionless within the forks of a tree branch, looking out across the forest. His brown jacket blended in with the brown bark of bare trees around him, his white overcoat hidden underneath a snow-covered bush below.
With the current situation, and the plans Jaik had put into action, most people now worked double shifts. For eight hours of the day, Aaron worked either in the smithy, or the joinery, manufacturing war machines. Then, for another four hours of the day, he did Sentinel duty.
Aaron did not mind the extra work. In fact, he enjoyed it. He had changed so much during the past few Moons, he hardly recognised himself. The changes Maia wrought within them had ensured they would gradually become Elves. Yet, for reasons unknown to him, his beard had started to grow again. It began during his travels with Rothea. It was slow growth and he only ever trimmed it, liking the look of the five-day stubble. So did Rothea. Rothea also fancied his tall, lithe form. His defined muscles, speed, stamina, and now his skill with the sword, tracking, riding, shooting, trapping, and various other things he had learned.
It wasn’t the physical changes that were the most impressive. Not to him, anyway. What startled him the most was his new outlook on life.
He still had feelings for Maia; he doubted that would ever change. But he now saw her more as a daughter than as an ex-wife. Aaron now also saw Earth for what it was - a cesspool of disease and corruption - and he hoped never to have to go back there. Elveron had become his home and protecting it one of the biggest priorities in his life. He saw exactly how valuable this planet was and, whether he lived here or not, it needed protecting at all cost, even if that meant giving his own life to save it.
The Aaron he knew - the OCD, pedantic, set in his ways, old-fashioned, weak, and did-not-like-taking-chances Aaron - had turned into a warrior. Set apart by his bravery; his willingness to lead men into battle; eager to try something new if there was a chance for change for the better; and happy to make allowances for things he would have previously vetoed immediately.
Never had his children looked up to him as they did now. Even Luke, who was mostly too preoccupied with keeping Silas alive, had noticed the change in him. Jasmin commented on it every day, especially the fact that he and Rothea were now officially courting.
Aaron silently chuckled at the thought. Jasmin had been outraged by the fact that Aaron and Rothea were allowed to be together and that they had, in fact, been together. She did not really mind - she was glad her father was happy - it was only that she missed Archer, even though he sent her a letter from every city he had visited with Lord Longshadow.
“Twoohoo. Twoohoo.”
Aaron looked down at the sound of the owl from below. His replacement stood at the base of the tree, looking up at him. Slowly stretching his cold legs, he rose from his position between the branches and then climbed down the tree.
“Thank you, Kraven. It has been quiet today.”
“Rest well, Aaron.”
Aaron retrieved his coat from beneath the bush, while Kraven climbed the tree into position. Walking carefully upon the rocks beside the stream so as not to leave footprints, he made his way back towards the city.
Today, he took the early Sentinel shift. He now had about an hour to have breakfast and rest, before he was needed in the joinery. This was where he excelled. Although the Elves were excellent craftsmen and even better warriors, Aaron had all of Earth’s history of war to draw on as inspiration for the war machines. He was not proud of the fact, but if it could help them to win the war, then he would use it.
“Good morning, Jaz,” he said as he entered his home.
“Morning, Papa,” she chirped and kissed him on the cheek. “I have made tea. Can I pour you some?”
“Yes, please, it is freezing out there.”
Jasmin clanked around in the kitchen while he took off his coat and hung it on the stand by the door. Before he took his seat by the fire, he retrieved his tool belt from the cupboard and laid it out, ready for when he needed to leave. Gratefully, he took his tea when Jasmin brought it.
“How are the machines progressing?” she inquired.
“Well.” He took a sip of the hot liquid and immediately felt himself warm up. “We are already ahead of schedule and I think the first two can be dispatched within this Quarter.”
“I still cannot believe Jaik thought of it.” Jasmin shook her head in disbelief.
“He is young and innovative, and his people are in danger. At this stage, I think he would try anything to win this war.”
“Sure,” Jasmin agreed, “but to ask you to design Sky Busses and tanks. I would have never thought of that in my wildest dreams.”
“Jaik has done well,” Aaron said with honest admiration in his voice. He might not always have seen eye to eye with Maia’s brother, but he was, without a doubt, a worthy heir to Lord Longshadow’s throne. “Jagaer will return to us within a fortnight. Silas is on the mend. The armies have been dispatched from the other lands. It is up to Jaik now to ensure Grildor is ready to host the armies and to prepare for the coming war. It is coming sooner than expected. We are lucky they have not attacked the Gate yet, which is why we are working day and night to get not only the machines ready, but to finish the production of weapons and supplies. Where are you working today?”
“I will be making Silva this morning and fledging arrows this afternoon. Then, I am looking after Silas while Luke takes his break, as Jaik is away today.”
“Away?”
“He called for some of the Legions from the cities within Grildor to march to Greystone and the Legion from Tarron Heights has arrived. Jaik will meet with them out on the plains before they make their way to the Gate.”
“Has that much time passed?” Aaron asked. “I did not expect them yet. Let me not linger then.” He finished the rest of his tea and rose from his armchair. “Come, I will walk with you to the Silver Forest.”
Donning their coats, they left their tree house and descended the stairs. It was snowing again. The flakes drifted down in soft swirls, enveloping them in white as they made their way to the forest that housed the workshops.
Aaron loved Shadow Hall in winter. When they first arrived, it had been summer, the Moon of the Dragon, and the city had been a show of green, decked in layers of leaves and vines. He had been fascinated by it then, never in his life hav
ing seen so much greenery. But then, he saw Shadow Hall in winter’s guise for the first time. The way the snow draped the trees in a velvety layer of white; the way the lake at the centre of the city froze and sparkled in the midday sun; the way the ice crystals frosted the railings, creating unique designs.
Even now, with guards standing at every corner and people rushing to and fro, the city exuded an air of tranquillity and beauty that touched something within his soul. He smiled as he walked; no matter how crazy Jaik’s idea, he would build the tanks for him to protect this place.
“I’ll see you tonight, Papa,” Jasmin said as they reached a bridge. She stood on the tips of her toes and hissed him goodbye, then crossed the bridge to walk towards where they were making the Silva.
Aaron watched her for a moment longer, and then turned left to follow the other path. The joinery workshop was further down the road; further away from the city. After a few more minutes, he could already hear the sounds from the workshop.
“Master Nightingale,” one of the Builders greeted him as he stepped through the doors.
“How fare things?”
“All is well. We completed the first Sky Bus during the night, but found that the design is taking more materium crystals than anticipated. We have been waiting for you to find out if there is any way to make the Sky Bus lighter.”
“I feared that this might happen. I am unfamiliar with the exact strength of the crystal, and was unsure of my calculations. The trial one we made floated perfectly, though. Are the proportions different for the big one?”
“This one hovers, just like the smaller version did. It is only when you load it that it becomes a problem. Lord Longshadow hoped to transport up to one hundred people, plus their supplies. As it is right now, it will carry a maximum of forty.”