by Toni Cox
Malyn on the other hand kept engaging Blaid in conversation. Aaron, Rothea, Luke, Jasmin and Archer showed equal interest in Blaid and huddled around Malyn trying to catch every one of Blaid’s answers.
Silas wanted to learn of Aaron’s and Rothea’s quest, especially their discoveries within the dark forest. No one even paid him any attention when he asked his questions.
Maia wanted to learn of her father’s success with the alliance, and her brother’s victory over the assault on the city, yet their priority was to learn of her adventure and the size of the army Lord Elderbow was marching toward Grildor.
Siana, surrounded by warriors all her life, had taken one look at Luke and not said another word. She simply sat, with Wolf and Lunar by her feet, staring up at the tall, young Human, bewilderment written all over her face.
Maia grew quiet as she watched the chaos unfold within her home. What had gotten into everyone? Blaid glanced in her direction, looking for help. She had never seen her family like this.
Scared.
When Maia carefully opened her senses, she knew Midnight was right. They were all a little scared. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of what was to come. But, most of all, they were afraid of who she had become.
The revelation startled her. She did not want to pry further into their minds to find out where this fear came from, but she had to know. Concentrating more on Silas, for she knew he would understand, she sought the answer.
Again, what she found startled her. When she saw herself through Silas’ eyes, she was not the person she used to be. Stronger, calmer, more confident - she could see the falcon looking back at her.
What worried the others was that she was unmistakably with Blaid. One did not have to have elemental senses to see that they were bonded on a level akin to marriage. Even her father saw it; and knew he could do nothing about it. They worried about it, because to them, it could only bode ill.
Maia let go of their minds with a sigh. Silas looked across at her and, one by one, they all fell silent, looking at her, too. Blaid walked over to stand beside her.
“There will be time for all of you to tell us your adventures,” Maia started, “for we need to discuss them in order to understand the full plan of the Vampyres.”
Some of them nodded hesitantly.
“First, however, I would like to tell you of the Finding of Souls. During our ancient history, a Life and a Death Elemental merged their souls so that they could partake in the Accords, which sealed a peace treaty between the planets, which has lasted for five hundred thousand years. Due to the incredible power that the Finding of Souls gives to the couple, a rumour spread across the land that Life and Death should never meet lest woe befall them all. It is now our law that a Life Elemental should not be with a Death Elemental. It is considered an abomination. Against all code and ancient law.
“But, I tell you now, it is not so. Life and Death were created to be together and only together they can be whole. Blaid and I have completed the ceremony of the Finding of Souls and we believe that we now have the power, the wisdom, and the ability to defeat our enemy. There is much yet we are learning, as our journey has but begun. So, I must beg you to be patient, but trust in us. Do not shun us. Blaid and I are one. For without death, life has no meaning; for without life, death does not exist. We are One.”
In the stillness that followed, Maia’s heart beat loud in her ears. Blaid took her hand and held it tightly. His warm, reassuring grip soothed her and she lifted her chin, looking at the assembled people before her.
“It is as she says,” Silas confirmed. “I have been searching for the answer ever since Maia came back from Earth. I have even discussed it with some of you.” Silas nodded towards Jaik, who nodded back. “I was close with my assumptions, but I could never quite find the right answer. I am glad you have found them on your own.”
“Silas said you would be the answer to our problems,” Jaik confirmed, a proud, brotherly smile on his face.
“We were discussing the Accords not so long ago,” Jagaer said, to Maia’s surprise. “The Vampyres need reminding that they still stand today.”
And with that, the tension broke.
Malyn came towards them, taking them both in her arms. Everyone took their turn to congratulate them on their Finding of Souls, even her father. Maia, in turn, congratulated Aaron and Rothea on their new relationship.
Relieved, for she had been dreading this moment the most, they moved the informal gathering to the Elder Hall to discuss matters of war with the Commanders and Elders.
A Moon ago, Maia would not have believed this to be a more comfortable topic of discussion than family matters.
The map of the northern hemisphere of Elveron hung on the back wall of the Elder Hall for everyone to look at while they discussed the movement of armies from countries Jagaer had visited.
Outside, it snowed again and the wind howled around the roof, making the rafters creek. The fire baskets in all eleven corners of the Elder Hall burned brightly, keeping them warm.
“The armies are still moving slowly because of the weather,” Jaik informed them, “but more have arrived at the camps around Greystone.”
The gathered Commanders, Elders, and various warriors and guests nodded. They now met for an update every third day and everyone had a good understanding of the armies’ movements. Maia had been home for a Quarter and this was the second meeting she attended.
“We have all of the armies of Grildor in place, as well as armies from Eiken, Bron, and Tandemar. Already, we have four times as many warriors on the battlefield as we had during the last war. But,” Jaik paused and looked around the assembled group, “do not get too confident. After everything we have learned, we know to expect a large-scale attack.”
“Aye,” Jagaer stepped forward, “and not just in Grildor.”
The crowd stirred, whispering, confused.
“Since my daughter returned, we have been able to gather more information. Certain questions have been asked that were not thought of before,” he looked significantly at Siana, “which has led to a startling discovery.”
“What questions?” someone asked.
“Siana, Princess of Elbendal, who has kindly agreed to fight for us, thought it strange that the Vampyres, who dislike the cold, would attack during the winter Moons. Why not attack a Gate where it is warmer. This made us think. We sent messages via the Sirens again, but the answers were the same as before; no major attacks, all is well. However, when Lord Elderbow, who has the ability to wield the Sirens, looked through them, he saw that those countries were as overrun with Vampyres as ours.”
Shocked sounds erupted, and another asked, “How is that possible? How were we deceived?”
“With old magic,” Jagaer continued. “An ancient spell. The same kind of magic they used to break up the Gate. It leads us to believe the Vampyres have a powerful spell caster working for them. Only those of the ancient, royal bloodline of Drakul still possess the magic. We are now facing an onslaught from all sides. Every Gate is under attack. Possibly not only by warriors, but by magic, too. It is now a race for time.”
“Then we shall hope for more blizzards that will delay the Vampyres,” someone said.
“We don’t think the Vampyres are working on a Grildor time line,” Jagaer said, “although they are keeping an eye on our weather. Also, keep in mind that the blizzards delay the armies marching to our defence. The Vampyres will strike when they are ready, at all Gates. We are doing everything we can to find out when this will be and hope to have an answer within the next few days.”
“How do you mean to achieve this?” one of the Commanders asked. “Are you planning on sending your daughter back to Naylera?”
“No, Naylera is far too dangerous now, even for my daughter. There are many Vampyres already in our country. Maia and Blaid have agreed to a hunting trip and to use their powers to extract information. They are leaving the day after tomorrow.”
A murmur of approval sounded thro
ughout the hall.
It had taken the people of Shadow Hall most of the six days they had been there to accept Maia and Blaid. Some held on more tightly to the old beliefs than others. Maia’s grandparents had been especially tolerant. They moved through the city without together, often holding hands.
As the meeting continued, Maia’s mind wandered, as it did so often during such meetings. She had never been able to pay attention for long. More often than not, everything that was discussed, she had already discussed with her father and brother before and only attended due to formality.
In this case, and from hence forth, she attended with Blaid. They needed to be seen together so the people would get used to them. There was no need for them to be there, except for Jagaer to show them to the people. It was tedious, but Maia agreed it was necessary.
They had accomplished so much since she left. Her father had rallied armies from countries all around Grildor; a total of approximately one hundred and fifty thousand warriors, currently all encamped around Greystone, or marching towards it.
Jaik had successfully defended Shadow Hall against an attack and prevented a possibly siege and, in the process, became the leader Jagaer had always wanted him to become. Young, driven, and with an innovative mind, Jaik had not been afraid to try something new, employing Aaron to create war machines with designs from Earth to transport and house full Regiments during the middle of winter, as well as other war machines that could traverse any terrain and absorb impact, protecting its occupants, all the while firing ammunition.
Siya, all alone from Braérn, had single-handedly managed to get the people of Shadow Hall to love her. With Jaik constantly working, protecting the city, watching over Silas, Siya went out into the city to connect with the people. Quiet, yet strong and independent, she found favour with Malyn and the two were now often together.
Aaron, after having turned into a strong warrior during his quest with Rothea, had not only won the heart of the warrior woman, but also the favour of the young Lord of the city, and become Master Builder overnight.
Archer, having travelled with Jagaer on his journey, had won favour with Lord Longshadow and been raised to nobility due to his conduct and the fact that he had saved his Lord’s life on more than one occasion. Aaron had consented for Archer to wed Jasmin in the spring.
Strangest of all, during the past few days in Shadow Hall, Siana and Luke were inseparable. Maia thought them the most unlikely pair, yet somehow they complimented each other. Maia now looked at Luke in a different light, for the first time not seeing the gangly youth, but the tall, handsome man he had become.
All this positivity happened right here, around her, while they prepared for war. People thrived, blossomed, found love, and excelled. Where did it come from amid this chaos? Maia expected to come home to fear, panic, apprehension, and all the negative feelings war evoked. Yet, here she stood beside the man she loved, excepted by her people. They cheered them, wished them well, and congratulated them. It was more than she could have hoped for.
It was almost too good to be true.
Maia shuddered; cold shivers trickled down her back. Blaid glanced at her, taking her hand.
“I felt it, too,” he whispered.
“Something is wrong.”
“Come.”
Silently moving around the outer benches of the Elder Hall, they made their way to the richly carved doors. A Server opened for them and they stepped out into the freezing wind. Maia draped her hood over her head and then headed for the stairs.
Neither spoke until they reached Silas’ cave. They shook the snow from their coats as they walked through the tunnel and then hung them at the entrance to the cavern before taking their seat by the fire where Silas already sat, tea in hand.
“You’re back early. Is it finished already?”
“No, but we had a premonition,” Maia said as she took two cup off the table for them.
“Ah,” Silas took as sip from his cup, “good or bad?”
“Cold,” Blaid answered.
“I cannot say for sure, Silas,” Maia explained in more detail as she made the tea for Blaid and herself. “I was thinking how blessed we all were. How well we are doing despite what is happening around us. Then, this icy shiver ran down my spine. It stole from me every good thought I just had, robbing me of the joy I felt.”
“What do you think it means, Maia?”
As Maia handed Blaid the finished tea, he answered, “I think it means we will not get to enjoy what we have now. The Vampyres will come while the weather is still cold and will take it away from us. Everything we have done, everything we have worked so hard for, will be ripped away from us. After that, cold is all we will ever know.”
“Oh,” Silas sighed, “that is bleak.”
“Yes,” Maia agreed, “that is exactly how it felt. But that is not how it needs to be. We already know more than the Vampyres think we do. We also captured Lord Drakul’s cousin last year, so we know the ancient bloodline is alive and well; we can prepare ourselves for the old magic. We now have our own old magic in the Finding of Souls. We also have over a thousand dragons, which the Vampyres are not accounting for. We cannot be at all the Gates at once, but we make sure we win the battle here at Greystone and, once it is won, Blaid and I fly to assist the others.”
Silas looked across at them. Maia struggled to read his expression, but refused to enter his mind again.
“By the time our battle is won, the other Gates will have fallen. Hundreds of thousands will have died. When you get there, the war will be over and the Vampyres will rule Elveron.”
Maia wanted to protest, but Silas carried on.
“The Vampyres will swarm through our Gates, yes. And we will fight them here on the ground, but I don’t think that is where the battle needs to be won. They will come; we cannot stop them. Lives will be lost; we cannot stop that either. But we can avert defeat. The answer lies outside of war. I have seen it in your eyes. Sometimes, when you look at each other, it is as if nothing can stand in your way. I know, when the moment comes, you two will know what to do, even if we do not. Have faith and trust in each other. I can no longer tell you what to do. You have outgrown the Master. I now lay my life and my death in your hands, for I know it will be safe.
How did you chaperon a Life Elemental? Having Blaid stay in Shadow Hall made all of Jagaer’s worst nightmares come true. No matter how many times Malyn tried to calm him, and he tried to be reasonable, he could not let it go.
After his return, he made peace with his wife and he had no intention of incurring her wrath again. Jagaer now only included Jaik and Aaron in his plots to keep Maia under the watchful eye of a chaperon wherever she went.
This, however, proved to be more difficult than anticipated, especially once they agreed that Maia and Blaid would hunt the Vampyres for the information they needed. He planned to send them with a Regiment at their back, and a Commander to chaperon them.
“Father, we work faster and more efficient alone,” Maia said, and Silas agreed with her.
On the morning of their departure he waited for Maia in the common room before the sun rose to speak with her about his concern. Malyn pointed out to him that they had travelled alone together before, but as far as he was concerned, their courting had now officially begun and he needed to talk to his daughter about it.
At sunrise, Malyn came down the stairs, wrapped in her woolen blanket.
“My love,” she said, “they left before the moons descended towards morning. It is time you let go of your little girl and welcome the Prime she has become.”
With an ache in his heart, he followed his wife to the kitchen where she made him his tea before he saw to his tasks at the Hall of the Guardians for the day.
The forest lay still around them; white snow contrasting black trees. As they walked, the light from the moons cast eerie shadows through the stark branches above. They moved silently, using their Air magic not to leave foot prints in the snow.
Midnigh
t had taken them into the mountains between Shadow Hall and Thala Yll; for that was where the last Vampyres were seen; but from there,they commenced on foot and Midnight returned to Shadow Hall.
“When I started my training with Silas, I never imagined it to turn out like this,” Maia said as they walked. “Silas must have known something, though, for why else did he rush my ceremony? Most Primes do not have their ceremony until their two hundredth birthday.”
“Yes, I had mine when I was about that old,” Blaid confirmed.
“Now, look at us. I have children and a former husband from Earth. Your sister has become a dragon rider and your father has accepted dragons back into his country. Our planet is threatened by another race and we had to find our way to a ritual so ancient not even the Elders know about it. Sometimes, I cannot believe this is happening to us. We lived such peaceful lives before.”
“It is terrible what is happening to our people, but I have no regrets,” Blaid said. “I would go to war with you every day of my life, than never have met you at all.”
“Aye.” Maia looked at him and he briefly leaned over to kiss her cheek.
“The world is changing, and so are we. We scoffed at Kanarel and his drive for advancement, but he wasn’t all wrong. Look at how Aaron’s strange machines help Jaik maneuver the armies already. Bringing the Humans here, and your father accepting them into the community, may have paved the way for him, and the rest of Shadow Hall, to easier accept me. We need to be flexible and allow some change if we are to survive in this changing world.”
“I hope my father can see it that way by the time this war is over,” Maia sighed.
Blaid entwined his fingers with hers. “So do I.”
They walked on in silence for a while; their elemental senses open, seeing every life within their vicinity. The forest around them grew lighter as the sun rose higher into the sky and by noon they took off their heavy overcoats.
“The cave where we will make camp is not far ahead,” Blaid said, for he had lain low there several times. “After we have eaten and hidden our bags, we can leave straightaway. Are you ready to change into the falcon and scout through the night?”