by B. C. Morin
“Leave her!”
The voice was muffled, she could not tell who it belonged to, and she could not spare the attention to figure it out. Evyette stood to her feet once more. You will not have me. You will not defeat me! She yelled to herself. The darkness receded slowly and painfully, as she pushed back using as much concentration as she could muster and mumbling protection spells under her breath. Her eyes flung open at the achievement of regaining full control. Evyette turned to find Tristan and Kaleb on either side of her, staring at her with their brows furrowed, whether in confusion, or anger she was not sure, yet. She glanced over at Magister Torin who was down on one knee. Evyette took a step forward to check on the Magister, when the entire courtyard began to spin. Carefully she tried putting one foot in front of the other, but they weighed more than a boulder and she fell forward.
“Evyette!” Tristan and Kaleb yelled simultaneously, as they reached out to grab her. But it was Tristan who arrived first, sliding his arms around her waist and chest, just as the stone floor was approaching her face.
“Thank you,” she managed with a slight smile, “What happened?”
Tristan helped her to her feet but did not release her from his arms. Evyette collapsed her head on his chest.
“What happened to Magister Torin?”
“He was testing you.”
Evyette jerked her head back glaring at Tristan in bewilderment.
“What? That was him?”
“Yes. We were going to help you but Magister Morcant told us to leave you alone so that you would have to fight alone. You must have put up more of a fight than he expected, because it really started to tax on his energy.”
She could hear the aggression in his voice. He was clearly not happy about the attack or the forbidding of help. His arms tightened around her and she lifted hers around him in response.
“Are you alright?” He said, smiling down at her. He caressed her cheek, coaxing a smile in return.
“Yes, just exhausted. I did not think it would take so much of my energy to do that.”
“That is why I attacked you as hard as I did.” Magister Torin walked up on them.
“I needed to be sure that you can handle it. Evyette,” His eyes were somber now, and he had regained most of his energy back, “We do not know what we will encounter and I want to be sure that if none of us can help you, you will be able to defend yourself.”
“I understand.” Evyette stood taller, still not daring to release Tristan.
“Good. Let us return to our rooms for a bit of relaxation and to change, and then we will meet for breakfast before we investigate the housing area.”
Before they could agree, the Magisters had already begun walking away with one guard in tow, the other standing cautiously by Evyette.
The sun was high over the treetops, now, and the cool breeze helped to keep the heat away. Her curly, honey colored hair blew behind her. The empty feeling that she had in her stomach upon leaving the inn had gotten worse. Evyette glanced over at Tristan and smirked. The corners of his mouth rose as he nodded his support. She looked ahead at the group of trees surrounding stone archways on either side, with a path leading toward the rooftops which she could just barely see through the trees. There was an eerie, foreboding look about the entrance. Most of the other villages within the Kingdoms were open, except for this one. There was a certain amount of trees at the entrance, it was almost as though they were trying to keep everyone who did not live there out. A shiver ran up her spine, causing her to shudder. Without looking at the rest of the group, she stepped forward toward the stone archway on the right.
The path was wide enough for a horse and small carriage to pass through, if need be. But the undisturbed, low lying branches gave the impression that it was not a common occurrence to see one passing through. Kaleb and Tristan positioned themselves on either side of Evyette, a guard behind them, and the Magisters and their guard behind him.
The path curved to the left, leading them through the center of the trees and releasing them into the middle of a new street. The first houses they laid eyes on were large wooden homes with pointed roofs. Each house connected to the next by one wall, and offset by at least ten feet. Small gardens leading up to each doorway gave a sense of invite to some of the homes while others had unattended weeds and ivy growing along the front paths and walls. The group walked down the main road with every eye that they passed on them.
Tristan reached over, grabbing Evyette’s hand while keeping his other hand on the hilt of his sword.
Evyette contained a smirk.
“Do you think that is the best way to walk through here?” She nudged her head toward his sword. “They might think we are looking for trouble.”
Tristan looked at her from the corner of his eye, raising just one corner of his mouth.
“Or it might keep us out of trouble.”
Kaleb let out a laugh.
After walking by several of the connected houses, the main road broke off into several paths leading into houses that were separated by wooden gates or stone walls. It dawned on Evyette that they had only seen a few young fae since they had arrived. She looked around in the yards, looking for any sign of children, play toys, vine swings, anything. Nothing. Not a trace. It was a dreary village, indeed.
“Which way should we go?” Magister Morcant called to Evyette who was still leading the group.
“This way.” She continued without hesitation.
“Are you sure?” Kaleb leaned in asking her lowly.
“Yes. I don’t know how, but yes.”
Kaleb stole a glance over Evyette’s head at Tristan. A glance, which was more concern over her knowing the way than confidence.
Evyette continued leading them down the road in a manner that would have indicated she had been there before. The pull in the direction she traveled was maddening. One moment she knew she was heading in the right direction, and the next every bone in her body told her to turn back. The shivers were back, running up and down her spine like icy insects that she could not shake. She stopped cold, and felt her skin drain of color as they approached a burnt stone wall surrounding an abandoned lot. The ivy had taken control of the stone wall and wooden gate, sending a clear message that no one had entered these grounds in years. Overgrown grass covered every inch of the front and side yards. In the center sat the foundation of what used to be a large home. Burnt walls and furnishings, now overrun with weeds and ivy, filled the home. In the center of a wall of what must have been the gathering room or den, stood the largest part of the home that had survived: a great stone fireplace, with a metal crest hanging in the center, distorted beyond recognition.
Tristan and Kaleb had left Evyette at the gate, surveying the lot and its contents as they walked around the stone gate, checking for wards or traps.
“Who lived here?” Tristan called out, as he walked back to Evyette.
“I did.”
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Chapter 4
Sweat beaded her forehead and moistened most of her body. She tested her grip on the sword she had drawn to be sure it would not slip. She stared into the eyes of her attacker, waiting to see if he would telegraph his next move. But he did not, he never would. With his intense brown eyes fixated on her, he advanced, slicing his sword through the air, missing the first time as she backed out of the way. The second time, she was stopped with a wave of sparks as she drove her sword at his to stop him. The edge of his lip twisted up slightly in pride, before attacking again. She was not distracted by the smirk. Not this time, anyway. She was ready. Always ready, she had learned, unless his sword was in its sheath. The clashing of the metal rang through the air. Her feet moved swiftly over the smooth wooden floors as she avoided his strikes. She saw a glimmer in his eyes and without hesitation she ducked at the oncoming attack of magic.
“I must say,” He began, as he sheathed his sword, “you have improved tenfold in the past couple days, Alannah. Your focus is impeccable.�
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She tilted her head slightly, auburn curls sticking to the sweat on her face and shoulders.
“Because of you, Master Jadoc.”
“I appreciate that, Alannah, but you have also changed. I do not know if you have managed to learn to clear your mind as I have asked, or simply learned to focus all your energy and problems into your training.”
Alannah bowed her head, huffing a laugh.
“Perhaps a bit of both.”
“Well, that may work well in the sword fighting, but let us see if it will work with your powers.” Master Jadoc nudged his head at a nearby table where drying cloths and water lay.
Alannah walked over the table grateful for the momentary break. She gulped down the water allowing some to escape from the corner of her mouth and reveling in the cooling sensation it brought to her skin, while it worked its way down her chin and onto her chest. She had already calmed her breathing in preparation for the next training. She grabbed a cloth, admiring for a moment the crest of the Kingdom of Anrad sewn into a corner, and wiped herself down.
“Alannah.” Jadoc began as he watched her walk toward him. “You told me that you were marginally successful in manipulating fire, and also smoke, while you were en route to Anrad. Correct?”
“Yes, Master.” She kneeled in front of Master Jadoc, who had sat down on the floor and placed a metal bowl in front of her filled with small pieces of wood and twigs.
“I would like you to try to start a fire.”
Alannah’s brow creased with concern.
“I know you have not tried that. But I would like you to try to master the most basic aspects of your abilities before being able to manipulate them.”
“Yes, Master. May I use the words, or am I to only create it with thought.”
“You may utter the words, now. Later in your training, you will be able to manipulate your powers and cast your spells without speaking out loud. You can if you wish, but you will not have to.” He motioned his arm toward the bowl for her to start.
“Incendium.” Alannah commanded as she pushed her hand toward the bowl of small bits of lumber. In an instant, they were engulfed in flames.
“Well done. Now. Manipulate it.”
“Master?”
“First, try making the flames larger, then smaller, take the fire to where you almost snuff it out and then bring it back to life. Pull it to the right and then to the left. When you have mastered that, you will practice wielding it between your hands.”
Alannah’s eyes widened at the thought.
“Do not worry. You will not burn yourself. Do not concern yourself with that as of yet. Focus first on the tasks I have given you.
For the next few hours, Alannah practiced bringing the fire to nothing but a spark and bringing it back to life. On several occasions she could not control it, and put out the fire completely, causing her to start all over again, and calling on a raised eyebrow from Master Jadoc.
She heard the gate open but did not dare to look and risk losing concentration on her task. Alannah put her hands on either side of the fire, pulling it in each direction, then releasing it and allowing the fire to rise and fall at the commands that she thought. The voice she heard was unmistakable though, and instantly, despite her attempt at concentration, her heart rate increased, and her body began to fill with a yearning and longing. The flame grew past the height of her head, and she watched it in fear.
“Control it, Alannah!” She heard Master Jadoc yell, but she did not dare look at him.
Alannah stared at the flame, her heart rate accelerating to a pace she could no longer control. The emotions of desire and love were pushing against her attempt to clear her mind. She closed her eyes, raising her shaking hands, her palms facing either side of the flame. She concentrated on the rapid rhythmic rising and falling of her chest. Her hands began to tremble more as she fought to control the flames, which by now almost reached the wooden beams, threatening to burn the building. A single tear escaped, falling down her face, and evaporating as it reached her chin from the heat that was emanating from the fire and Alannah herself. Frenum, she repeated over and over in her mind, remembering the word Master Jadoc had taught her for control. Slowly the flame became smaller and eventually died down, but not before Alannah felt herself swaying slightly from side to side.
She glanced at Master Jadoc who stood next to King Brennus. Both of their gazes were fixed on her. The edges around them blurred and began to darken and Alannah placed her hand on the floor beside her to stable herself.
“Ma’am!” Anora yelled out before running to Alannah, the cup of water in her hand sloshing about.
“Is she alright?” She could hear Brennus’s voice but it was distant and muffled as if she were hearing it from another room. Alannah wondered if she was the only one that heard the concern and distress in his voice when he asked.
“She will be fine. Keeping control of her emotions and thoughts are crucial to her ability to wield her power effectively. Her potential is great and therefore she will require much focus when using her powers, or she may potentially hurt herself or others. It seems that she was struggling greatly with keeping her mind clear towards the end, there.” Master Jadoc glanced quickly at the King, and discerning the concern in the King’s face, turned back to Alannah and Anora. “Alannah, you are done for the day. You may go.”
Alannah had stood with the help of Anora, but was quickly regaining her energy and released the handmaiden.
“Can you walk, ma’am?” Anora held her arms around Alannah in preparation for a fall.
“Yes, Anora.” She answered sweetly and slightly breathlessly. She lifted her head catching her first full sight of Brennus. He seemed a bit thinner than he did a couple of days ago. Dark circles still weighed beneath his eyes, and there was a concern behind them that she was sure only she could . She caught his gaze, and felt her heart swell, before turning to Jadoc, and bowing her head. “Thank you, Master.”
“You are most welcome, Alannah. You have done very well today.” His tone was indifferent.
Was he bothered by the fact that Brennus had come along and broken her concentration, or mad at her for not being able to concentrate as he wanted? It did not matter. Not now, anyway. Alannah was proud of her accomplishments. She walked down the steps and towards the two fae.
As she approached Brennus, she inclined her head and bent her knees in a quick bow.
“Your majesty.”
Brennus inclined his head in return.
“Princess.”
Alannah lifted her head, meeting his eyes one more time before turning to leave.
“I should like to speak to you later tonight.”
Alannah’s heart dropped, as she stopped in her tracks. It had been difficult enough trying to get on with every day knowing she could not have him, but it was made easier by the fact that they had hardly spoken.
“Of course, Your Highness.” She answered sweetly over her shoulder.
“Anora, please advise me when the Princess is ready.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Anora bowed.
Alannah continued to the gate before Brennus could say anything else.
What could he possibly want to talk to me about? Alannah pondered, as she watched the water slip out of her hand and back into the tub. She listened to Anora sifting through her wardrobe choosing an outfit for her.
“Burgundy, Miss?” She called out.
“Perfect, Anora.” Alannah smiled. Despite all the pain she knew it would cause her, she still looked forward to seeing him tonight. But, what if Isibeal was going to be there? The thought turned her stomach, making her physically nauseous. She had learned of Brennus’s fiancée’s name from Anora, but she had not met her yet. She had heard that Isibeal wanted to meet her and had invited her to eat breakfast with her yesterday morning, but Alannah had sent a decline to the invitation with Anora, saying that she had to be at training early. She supposed the meeting would be inevitable, but would rather postpone it for
as long as possible. Though, the choice may not be hers tonight.
Alannah stood by the doorway to her balcony, staring out at the waterfall in the distance, as Anora tightened the corset.
“Alright, Miss. Let’s have a look.” She said, her voice sweet.
Alannah turned to face Anora, the long skirt brushing the floor as she turned. Most of her hair was up except for a few rogue waves and curls that managed to escape the barrage of pins that Anora had put on her to keep it up.
“Beautiful as always, ma’am.” Anora stepped forward, “Ma’am, if it’s not too bold to say...”
“Speak your mind, Anora.” Alannah responded with a smile. “You know I do not require such formality.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I simply wanted to tell you that I know you can get through tonight. I am sure it will be difficult, but I have seen a change in you the past couple of days, and I know you can handle being with him tonight.”
“I am glad one of us is, Anora.” Alannah said with a laugh.
“I will go notify the King.”
The King. Alannah repeated in her head.
Moments later, Anora came bounding through the door with a smile on her face. “He said he would like to meet you now.”
Alannah took a deep breath, and stepped toward the doorway. As she walked down the hallway, she saw him standing at the top of the stairs. He wore black trousers tucked into his boots, and a black linen shirt that was unfastened on his chest, and clung expertly to the muscles on his torso and arms. His Marks crept out from beneath the undone collar and the rolled up sleeves. His hair, black as ink, curled up just above his ear. As she approached, she realized that he had not taken his eyes off of her since she stepped into sight. Alannah felt the blush creep to her cheeks.
“Shall we?” Brennus said as he motioned toward the steps.
“Yes.” She answered as she fought the urge to take his hand.