by Toni Cox
The blue glow from my hand faded. The remaining goblins pushed in closer. The goblins I stunned got back to their feet. I reached for the other dagger.
Thomas and I crouched, back to back, ready to make a last stand. The goblins’ broad, curved swords glinted in the torchlight. They came at us now. Crowding us. Swinging their weapons.
A blast of silver magic sent the goblins staggering to their knees around us. They cowered there, struggling to get back up. Another burst of magic went over their heads, aimed at Sorena.
The elven sorceress raised her hands in defence, pushing out a feeble grey smoke, but it did nothing to stop the magic that attacked her. Grimacing, she sunk to her knees.
Then, another wave hit the elven guards. They screamed, and dropped their weapons, clasping their hands as if they’d burned them.
My hand lit up again, glowing blue of its own accord. Around us, the goblins got back to their feet, the spell wearing off. I spun, shooting them backwards with my blue magic.
Another blast of silver magic washed over the elves, making them double over, and sink to their knees. Twice they tried to get up, and twice more silver shot out from the shadows until the elves eventually stayed still.
Thomas and I turned to where the silver magic had come from.
A figure stepped out of the darkness of the forest. As the person neared the torches the goblins had dropped, Thomas and I saw it was a woman wearing a long, red coat.
“Arianna,” Thomas’ shout startled me.
He left my side and ran to her. They embraced. Arianna looked up and reached a hand out to me.
“Are you alright?” she asked, holding us both to her like we were both her children.
I couldn’t speak. I’d never felt the comfort of a mother’s embrace, and after what we’d been through, I wanted this to last a little longer.
“We need to leave,” she said, far too soon. “My spells won’t last forever. Come.”
We followed her back to the horses. She had tied her Gypsy horse alongside my two mares, and I quickly patted the big gelding on the neck, glad to see him.
“I’m sorry, Thomas,” I said, “I had no time to look for your horse.”
He smiled weakly. “We’ll get him next time.”
With Arianna in the lead, the way back seemed quicker than my way there, probably because this time, I wasn’t alone, in the dark.
Arianna quickly wove the magic that brought us back to the dreary part of Raven Hall Forest. She barely paused her riding to cast the spell, and we were on our way on the other side before I could see what she’d done.
I could tell that Arianna had incredible power, whatever kind of magic she possessed, and I had a strange desire to learn from her.
“Arianna, may I ask you something?”
“All things may be asked, Dana, but not all things have an answer.”
I took that as a ‘yes,’ even if it confused me. “How did you know where to find Thomas?”
Thomas grinned at me, and I suddenly knew that even if I had not gone to rescue him, he would have been alright.
“When Thomas didn’t return from taking you home, I performed a tracking spell. They are tricky and only possible if you have the blood of the person you are seeking.”
My eyes widened, and I stared at her.
“Ever since Thomas started looking for his father and going into foreign cities, we’ve had this arrangement that he leaves me with a vial of his blood before he departs on a trip.”
She laughed at the look on my face.
“This wasn’t the first time I had to use it. Thomas knows how to get himself into trouble.”
I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be angry or amazed.
I had abandoned my father, my people, my kingdom during their most dire moment to rescue someone who didn’t actually need saving.
Of course, I hadn’t known that at the time, and if I were honest, I’d probably still have ridden out to save Thomas. Besides, a tracking spell?
I swallowed my pride. “That’s pretty awesome.”
“It also saves lives.”
“Could I ask you something else?” I requested after a moment’s thought.
Arianna smiled at me.
“Why can Sorena disable my blue magic?”
“She can’t, Dana, she can only make you think she can.”
My ears glowed hot as Sorena’s whispered words surfaced in my memory. A spell, cleverly spoken to deceive me. My foolishness knew no bounds.
“Sorena is devious and will employ whatever trick necessary to get what she wants.” Arianna brought her horse closer to mine. “Even the best spell weavers have fallen prey to her mischief before.”
It did not soothe the anger within me. No matter how I looked at it, I remained a fool.
“You only need to realise that she is manipulating you, and you will be able to work against her. Then, you will be able to use your magic despite her spell. It might take some practice, but I don’t doubt you have the ability.” Arianna’s face softened into a smile.
Despite myself, I smiled back. Arianna’s eyes held so much warmth; I could get lost in them. At least, it’s what I liked to believe.
“The elves sent an army to Draeguard.” I took advantage of Arianna’s gentle mood. “The city is under attack, and we could use your help. Will you come back with me?”
Arianna’s smile faded. “Dana, we will accompany you to Oaktown but will have to say goodbye to you there. Our kind is not welcome in Draeguard, and especially not now that it is under attack.”
“But you could help.”
“The fae council would not see it that way. They would assume we were allies of the elves, spies, or assassins. We cannot risk going back with you. I am sorry, Princess.”
I knew she meant it when she called me princess. My heart sank. I risked everything for them.
The dreary forest of Raven Hall passed in a blur. Arianna led the way, bringing us to Oaktown without the forest causing us any delays. It seemed to harbour less resentment towards Arianna than it held towards me.
“You can keep Lorelei.” An awkward smile spread across my face, but it was the least I could do now that Thomas’ horse got left behind at the elven compound.
“Thanks, uhm,” he looked down, playing with the reins, “will I see you again?”
Blood crept into my cheeks. It was my turn to look at my hands. “Maybe, after the battle. Thanks for everything.”
Once we turned our horses in opposite directions, and I rode for home, a heavy hollowness formed in my chest.
The loneliness seeped into my bones, making me shiver. I rode in a trance, the road a distant backdrop to my inner thoughts.
I encountered neither elf, nor goblin, nor fae, but even if I had, I doubt I would have noticed. The road ahead stretched endlessly before me, so much harder to travel now.
Mistakes I could not undo. Elves I could not bring back to life. Friends I could not take with me. Thomas I could not…
My heart stuttered. My own thoughts frightened me.
The morning sun blinded me as I rode down the hill towards the fields leading up to Draeguard. I guided Lapis Lazuli off the path, seeking shelter behind the trees.
Squinting, I looked down on the fields. The elven army had left them trampled, muddy, and bleak. Fires burned in places around their greyish tents. I couldn’t see any elves.
Carefully, I rode down the hill and towards the main gate. My error soon became clear. Shouts and the clash of metal on metal drifted to my ears. The big doors of the gate hung shattered on their massive hinges.
Lazuli, although tired from the long trip, danced beneath me at the noise. Smoke billowed from the burning guards’ building.
“Shh,” I soothed the mare and rode slowly forward.
As I neared the broken gate, I could see fighting within the streets. Draeguard soldiers battling elf warriors. But, it looked to me as if the main fight was already over.
Rubble littered the stree
ts, and I could see citizens pulling the injured to safety. Some roofs smouldered or burned, and people manned the hoses to douse the fires.
All the worst thoughts raced through my mind as I imagined what happened here. How many had died? Did they break through to the palace? Was my father safe?
I put my heels to Lazuli, and she sprang forward through the rubble of the gate and on into the streets of Draeguard. Her hoofs rang loud on the cobbles as I urged her on.
We passed tired-looking warriors still holding off the last elves within the streets. I sent well-aimed blasts of blue magic their way, to give the Draeguardians the upper hand.
The forecourt to the palace was empty besides some injured soldiers. I didn’t bother with riding around to the stables but rode Lazuli up the steps straight into the palace.
Once I reached the massive foyer, I let her go and ran on down the first corridor. The clash of steel rang loud throughout the palace. I could see people fighting if I looked over the railings onto the floor beneath.
An elf darted around the corner and nearly collided with me. I barely had time to notice the flash of metal as he drew his sword; his mouth a gruesome black grimace.
I ducked, slid sideways, and shot out both my arms, releasing a wave of magic, which sent the elf crashing into the wall beside him. He crumpled to the floor.
“Dana?”
“Father?” I looked up as he came around the corner, wearing full armour.
“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” He reached down and picked me up.
“I’m fine,” I mumbled into his bear-hug. “I am happy to see you, too.”
My father took a step away, his hands still on my arms. His eyes sternly fixed on mine.
“What were you thinking? I have been sick with worry. We sent riders to look for you. Where have you been?”
“Father, I told you I had to save my friend.”
A frown appeared on his face. “You left for that?”
“Yes, Father.”
He shook his head. “We don’t have time to discuss this, now. We don’t know how many elves are still in the palace. Let me take you to the safe-room.”
“No, I can help.”
“Dana, this is too dangerous. I will not argue with you about this.”
Angry shouts and running footsteps made us turn around. At the corner of the corridor, an elf knelt on a soldier, driving a knife into his chest. Two more elves ran our way; one of them firing a bow.
Blood rushed in my ears, and I took a step forward, my hands spread out in front of me. A blue disk of magic as wide as the corridor spread from my fingers to wash down its length, obliterate the arrow, and knock down the elves.
In the silence that followed, the king stared at me.
“I can help, Father,” I repeated, trying not to tremble.
“I see.” He’d gone pale.
My father took me by my arm and led me down the stairs to the next level of the palace.
“I received your warning about the assassin,” he said as we walked. “We searched for them for days without success, and then before sunrise this morning they opened the city gates from the inside.”
He pulled me behind a pillar as two soldiers ran past, chasing a lone elf.
“Councillor Herold is dead,” my father continued. “Assassinated. Poisoned dart.”
“No.”
“I’m sure they were after me, too, but we took all the precautions, thanks to you.”
We stopped, again, as several soldiers came running along the gallery, followed by an elder and two councillors. The scene made my hair stand on end.
“The vault,” one of them yelled. “They’re in the vault.”
My stomach turned. “The moonstones.”
The king took charge of the soldiers and led them on down into the lower level of the palace. I raced along with them, my heart beating faster than my footsteps.
We entered the corridor to the elder’s wing and got waylaid immediately by a group of elven warriors.
The Draeguardian soldiers, led by their king, attacked. Steel on steel. Man to man. I was left standing helpless, as I couldn’t risk hitting one of our own with my magic.
The fighting moved along the narrow corridor; a forest of stomping legs, heaving bodies, blocking shields, and swinging swords. I cringed. I could make it.
Pressing myself against the wall, with my hands glowing blue and facing the fighting, I moved along the corridor. I had to duck, dodge, and evade, but I made it past them.
With my heart beating frantically and dreading the worst, I raced down the rest of the corridor, then down towards the vault.
The gate stood open, a dead elder prone before it. My steps faltered as I walked on into the vault.
The moonstones ~ four of them were gone.
Chapter 20
“Dana, look at me. Open your eyes.”
Nausea wormed its way through my body and threatened to come out my top end if my father didn’t stop shaking me. I pried one eye open.
“What happened?”
“You fainted, my faeling,” my father said gently.
“I never faint.”
“Well, you did, the second, or is it the third, time this month, too. I guess, finding the moonstones gone was too much for you.”
Now, the nausea returned. Leaning over my father’s arm, I retched onto the floor of the vault.
“Oh, dear. Never mind. Let me take you to your room.”
I took the handkerchief my father handed me and wiped my mouth. The room swam in front of me as I clutched my father’s arm.
Soldiers moved all around us, helping their wounded or dragging the elves away to the dungeons.
“How did they get out?” I asked. “How did they take the moonstones?”
“We don’t know, yet,” my father said as he half carried me, “but we will find out.”
Throughout the palace, the fighting ceased. By the time we reached the top level, I found my feet again and walked the rest of the way to my bedroom.
“I don’t know what came over me.”
“You are a daughter of the fae, Dana.” He stroked my cheek. “The stones channel and store all our magic. You are more connected to it than you think.”
My stomach roiled again, but I kept it down as I sat on my bed. Rosalie brought me a glass of water.
“We have always managed to keep the moonstones safe within the kingdom,” my father folded my hands in his, “but now we have been presented with a challenge, and this, too, we shall overcome.”
A smile tugged on the corner of my mouth. I almost believed him. “We have to get them back. What do you think they want with them?”
“I don’t know, Dana, but let’s not give them a chance to use them. The council will meet tomorrow to discuss how to get them back.”
“I think I might know where they are taking them,” I blurted out, feeling stronger by the minute.
“You do? How?”
“They held me captive in the elven forest.”
“Captive? Dana, after you rest, it is time you tell me the entire story of what happened to you while you were away. I also want you present at the council meeting tomorrow. Your input may be invaluable.”
“Father, this can’t wait until tomorrow.”
“No argument. Rosalie will look after you now. Rest, and then come to see me in the morning to discuss matters before we go to the council.” He leaned over and kissed my forehead.
“No.” I stood up but swayed, and my father had to grip my arm so I wouldn’t fall. “By tomorrow, it could be too late,” I said weakly.
“Dana, I have sent riders out looking for the elves and the stones. Some of my best trackers. I will gather the war council in the morning. Until then, you must rest.”
When I nodded, he leaned over and once more kissed my forehead before leaving.
Rosalie replaced my father as she knelt in front of me to take off my boots. I didn’t argue. I let her undress me and tuck me into bed.
/> The tiny crystals sewn into the curtaining of my four-poster bed swam in my vision, drifting out of focus, drifting off to sleep.
“I cannot believe you were held captive. I was not informed of what you told the council while I was still in the dungeon.” My father’s voice dropped; a sure sign of anger. “I will speak to William about this.”
The early morning sun streamed in through my father’s office window, casting long shadows of his furniture across his room.
“I only told them what they needed to hear at the time, Father. There is so much more to the truth. What is important is that I know the way into the forest. I could lead your men to recover the stones.”
“Absolutely not, young lady.”
After sixteen years, I knew not to argue with that voice.
“You can tell the council what they need to know, just keep your mention of your blue magic to a minimum. It is bad enough you made such a display of yourself when you came to rescue me.”
Blood rushed to my face in a violent explosion. “Display of myself?”
“Dana…” He held up his hands. He knew that voice, too. “What I meant was that the councillors are not used to this kind of magic, and they look at it with superstition.”
“I am not used to this kind of magic.” My face still glowed. “The way you talk about it I could swear you are afraid of it, too.”
My father put his elbows on the table and combed his fingers through his blonde hair. “Maybe I am, Dana. I’m afraid for you. All I know is that it is powerful and potentially dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
He sat up and looked at me. “Have you learned to control it, yet?”
“I have some measure of control over it.”
“Good. Good,” he mumbled.
“Father, I need to know what is happening to me. I found Arianna, but she wouldn’t help me.”
The shock on my father’s face startled me. His eyes stared darkly at me from his ghostly appearance.
“I wasn’t thinking clearly when I told you to find her. I should never have mentioned her to you. It is best you forget all about her.”