by B. C. Morin
“There.” The low grinding voice of the Dorchae echoed through the tunnel. “The sorcerer will have to break the wall, since we never cut all the way through”
Maligo took that as his cue and began making his way through the crowd of disgusting creatures, with their pungent odors. She lost sight of him, after he passed the first few Dorchae in front. With them being so tall, Evyette was only able to see the glow of his staff, along the walls.
“Contúndere.” Maligo’s voice echoed through the passage, along with the sound of the stone wall exploding, expelling pieces of rock and dust all over the group.
For the first time, Evyette was grateful to be behind the large Dorchae, since they took the brunt of all the flying debris.
She heard Samil take an exaggerated breath, “Aaaahh. It is much better to be outside.” She filed in behind the Dorchae, as they walked through the opening and stood around Samil, awaiting their next order.
As soon as they walked out, Samil’s eyes landed on her.
“Do not worry, young one, it will not be long.” He walked up to her, bringing his hand to a solid form and placing it on to her cheek. “Soon, this will all be over.”
Dread filled every corner of her being as she looked into his demonic eyes, the heat emanating from his hand, threatening to burn her skin.
Samil then turned and began walking at a quick pace again, looking over his shoulders.
“We will not stop tonight.”
Evyette turned to see if anyone else seemed as bothered by this command as she was, but the vacant faces of his minions stared past her as they followed their master.
Maligo walked up to Evyette, putting his hand on her shoulder.
“I have stored energy in my staff. Should you need some, I can-“
“I am fine.” She said softly. “Th-“ She turned to face him. “Thank you.”
Maligo inclined his head toward her, his eyes giving a shadow of a smile.
Evyette leaned against a tree, massaging her legs and attempting to regain feeling in them. It took less time to get through the clearing than she thought, but that may have been because it had been hours since she was able to feel her legs. At one point in the night, she sprouted her wings and was reprimanded by Samil for fear that she would fly away.
“Stop her!” Samil yelled into the night air, though Evyette was only a few feet from the ground.
Prompted by their master one of the Drow pulled two daggers from his leather vest and threw them at her, lodging one in her shoulder and the other in her wing.
Evyette immediately fell to the ground, pulling the daggers out.
“I was trying to relieve my legs. They hurt from all this walking!!” She yelled as she tried to stand, retracting her wings back beneath her skin, blood dripping down her back from the slit that her wings come out through. Evyette whispered a quick healing spell to stop the blood from flowing.
Samil stomped toward her, his ghost feet not making a sound on the cold ground. When he reached her, his hand took the form of flesh and he violently grabbed her face, squeezing her cheeks, sending her staggering backwards.
“If you try to escape-“
“I was not! I was merely resting my legs.” She tried to yell, but Samil’s fingers were digging into her face and jaw, making it was difficult to talk.
Samil stared at her for a moment, before releasing her.
“You will not make it far, should you attempt to flee me. “ He stepped forward so that the heat of his breath fell on her face. “And after I kill you, I will kill your family, for your insolence.” He finished, through gritted teeth.
Evyette opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it.
Maligo stepped forward, reaching his hand out to Evyette.
“Do not heal her.” Samil called over his shoulder as he walked away.
Maligo looked at Evyette, his eyes filled with a sorrow and pain that he did not try to hide.
“I-“
“It is alright.” She put her hand in his for a moment. “I will be alright.”
Now as she watched the sun’s morning rays filter through the tree limbs, she caught wind of the sea air and she realized that they must have been nearing a shore. Evyette tried desperately to guess where they might have been going. Wondering what was near them that he could be headed to, since he had not shared any of that information with anyone.
It wasn’t long before they reached the shore, where Evyette was able to see an island in the distance.
Samil allowed the Dorchae and Drow to look for food and drink, while he pondered the best way to get to where he wanted.
Maligo returned with a satchel full of berries and dropped it in front of Evyette, who had dozed off within minutes, sitting against a tree near the shoreline. Samil had insisted that they stay hidden within the trees, and Evyette wondered if his cloaking spell might have been wearing off.
“Thank you.” She looked up at Maligo, while he stared out to the sea. “Want one?” Evyette stretched out her arm, her hand full of berries.
Maligo took some berries out of her hand and popped them into his mouth before settling down next to her.
“Where do you think he is taking us?” Evyette asked through a mouthful of berries.
“If my guess is right, judging by the route we have traveled and what I see in the distance, I would say Garvis Island.” He rested his staff on the ground next to him and Evyette saw that it was no longer glowing as brightly as it had been earlier in the evening.
“Garvis Island?” Evyette quickly tried to remember all that she learned in school about Garvis Island. It was a place where no fae traveled to, since the few that had gone had never returned. It was rumored that there were beasts on the island that kept even the dragons away and that was why they never settled there. Huge beasts, four times the size of a horse, covered in fur, with poison dripping from their fangs. “Nobody goes to Garvis Island. Why would he take us there?”
Maligo kept his eyes on the island.
“Must be where the last scroll is.”
Evyette’s heart quickened with the thought. The last scroll, the one thing that could make Samil so powerful he could lead an army against the fae people.
“How does it work?” She watched as the waves of water gently hugged the sand, and crept back into its vastness. About ten feet into the water, Evyette saw a head of hair break the surface. She looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, but no one else had paid attention.
Evyette leaned forward, crossing her legs and leaning her elbows on her knees. The mermaid peeked out of the water, her yellow eyes fixed on Evyette, beckoning her to come into the water. Her bluish-grey skin mirrored the water, and her dark brown hair floated behind her like soft seaweed. Evyette stood and began walking out of the safety of the trees, towards the water.
“Evyette!” Maligo yelled at her, as he scrambled to get up.
Samil saw the commotion, and following Evyette’s line of sight, saw the mermaid in the water. He grabbed a blade from the waist of the Drow standing beside him and flung it into the water, just barely missing the mermaid.
Evyette shook her head free of the fog that she had been in and turned to look at Maligo who now had her by the shoulders and was coaxing her back to her resting spot. She looked back into the ocean to find the Mermaid breach her entire head, this time hissing and baring her rows of pointed teeth, and fangs, at Samil.
“Mermaids.” Maligo said, shaking his head.
“How did she do that? I thought they could only lure you with song?” Evyette asked, settling once more against the tree.
“Their eyes can hypnotize you.” Maligo sat next to her once more, his hands resting on his knees.
There was a silence that hung in the air so thick and ominous, it was almost visible.
“I started out with love you know.”
Evyette turned her head towards Maligo who was combing down his beard with his hand.
“What?”
“What
I was doing, what I did. Before you were born.” Maligo sighed.
Evyette wanted to tell him to stop, to tell him that he did not have to tell her anything because she did not want to hear him justify what he had done, but no words came out. Instead she kept her gaze on him and listened.
The corner of his mouth crept up slightly.
“She was stunning. The most beautiful fae I had ever met.” He began, keeping his eyes from meeting Evyette’s. “I never thought I was worthy of her, even before I found out who she was. But then, when I did find out, it was as if something broke inside me. I did not believe I would ever be good enough for her.” He tilted his head, looking into her eyes for just a moment. “I thought.” He sighed and chuckled to himself. “I was young, and I thought if I could give her all that she was used to, then, only then could I truly have her.”
Evyette turned her body so that she was sitting with her legs crossed, facing Maligo.
“She told you she did not need that. She did not want that. She only wanted you.”
“I know.” He hung his head. “I can still hear her arguing with me. That is where you get your strength and courage from. Certainly not from me.” He raised his head, looking at her again. “Anyway, I thought you should know that. I was not always this way, and I certainly was not horrible to her. Not at first. Not until she was about to leave. I would like to say that perhaps if she had told me about you, it would have changed me, and that I would have listened. But I would be lying. If I did not think that I was worthy enough for her, I certainly would not have believed myself worthy enough to be a proper father for you.” Maligo looked to Garvis Island. “I cannot change what I have done. Even the more recent events. But worthy of you, or not, there is one thing I can do right now. I will not let him hurt you, Evyette. I swear this to your mother.” With that, he grabbed his staff and pushed himself off the ground before Evyette could say anything in return.
She sat astonished at his confession, at his promise, and she wondered if she could believe him. Could she believe the man that had tried to overthrow a king, kidnapped her sister, was willing to kill her sister for her powers, and raised the most evil fae ever to have lived from the spirit world? All because he discovered he had a daughter? Her chest ached. Her heart begged for Tristan, for Kaleb, and for Alannah, craving so badly to lean on them and ask them for advice. Though, she was pretty sure that if they were here, they would tell her not to trust him. And despite what he has done, despite her doubts, there was a part of her that wanted to believe him.
Samil motioned for everyone to stand, before turning and walking along the tree line to the far end of the shore. It took almost an hour, and Evyette was glad for the break that they had been given. The pain in her legs had turned to a dull throb.
When they reached their destination, Evyette looked around thinking she would find a boat, or some mode of transportation to the island but the shoreline was devoid of anything, except a few small crabs.
“How do you expect us to cross, when the island is at least two miles from the shore!” Maligo spat out.
Samil gave him a look of discontent, before turning his gaze to the forest. Through the trees , you could see two of the Dorchae carrying a small boat that they had stolen.
He turned his attention back to Maligo, raising an eyebrow, and awaiting an apology, which Maligo was not going to provide. Samil looked at the Drow and Dorchae, explaining that they would have to cross in groups of four as the boat was not sturdy enough to hold more. He walked over and motioned to one of the Drow to get in the boat, then turned to Maligo and Evyette, commanding the same.
“The rest will surround the shoreline upon their arrival.” Samil called to them.
The rest? Evyette thought to herself.
Once they reached the shore of the Island, Samil had the Drow row back to collect the next group. The Island had a small shore that spilled out from a forest so dense, one could not see ten feet in front of where one was walking. Half-dead vines inched their way from between the trees and onto the sand as if they were trying to escape Garvis Island. The Island was easily the size of the Kingdom of Meira but with all the forestry, hills, and mountains, it gave the impression that it was smaller. The mountains sat toward the very back of the island. The stones and dirt, which comprised the mountain, were so dark they seemed black. The dismal feel of the Island began to surround them and Evyette felt a physical and mental change in her own disposition.
She inched her way to the tree line along the shore and jumped as a roar, unlike any she had ever heard, came billowing out from the trees.
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Chapter 24
“No!” Alannah reached her arm out to Evyette, just grazing the hem of her sleeve. “Give her back and take me.” She begged, as she dropped to her knees. Alannah tried calling on her powers but it was useless. Nothing she did worked. Maligo and Samil sneered at her, laughing at the inability to save even herself.
She tried to stand and could not, as she felt there was a weight keeping her on the ground. “Evy!” She yelled again as Samil threw her sister in the arms of two Dorchae that held her up, though her head bobbed back and forth from the immense beating she had already endured at their hands.
Samil pulled a blade from his belt, the chrome reflecting the bits of sun that managed to penetrate the clouds of dust and dirt surrounding them. He walked close to Evyette, running the blade softly from her abdomen up to her neck, where he pulled her head up by her hair.
“Stop it!” Alannah threw herself forward, clawing at the ground to get closer to her sister. The rocks dug into her skin, leaving a trail of blood behind her. Just as she looked up, and her eyes met Samil’s, he granted her a wicked smile as he plunged the blade deep into her sister’s throat.
“Evyette!” She called into the wind, as her sister’s eyes fell on her for the last time.
“Ma’am! Please wake!” Anora held Alannah’s hand as she thrashed in her bed, yelling for her sister.
Alannah sat up, her chest soaked in sweat, heaving as she scanned the room trying to ensure she knew where she was.
Anora shoved a mug of cold water in front of Alannah, as she brushed away the hair that was stuck to her face.
Kontar flew over from his small bed by the fireplace, tucking himself in her lap, and looking up at her.
Alannah looked at her, confused for a moment, then as she slowly realized where she was, she took the mug with her shaking hands and held it up to her lips. The cool water felt as if it were sizzling, while it crept down her throat and down the sides of her lips, onto her neck and chest.
Anora pressed a towel gently to Alannah’s neck and face, wiping the remnants of her tears.
“How?” She ran a hand through her damp hair. “How did you know?”
“A couple of the servants heard you yelling as they walked past your room. They peeked in to ensure you weren’t in any danger, then stayed with you while the other went to get me. I have been trying to wake you for quite some time, Alannah. I was beginning to think that the ambush had driven you to the point of madness.”
Alannah smiled, grabbing hold of Anora’s hand.
“Not yet.” Her gaze dropped to the small dragon in her lap. “Not yet.” She raised her head to meet Anora’s eyes that seemed filled with sorrow, though not for herself. “I am sorry you were woken on my account, Anora.”
Anora stood from the bed, insulted.
“Ma’am, do not be sorry for that! You could not help those nightmares any more than you could have helped the ambush today. It is my honor to be your handmaiden, but more so to be your friend, though I know I should not see you as such.”
Alannah stood from the bed, standing in front of Anora. She put out her arms to hug her but lowered them again, and took her hands.
“Apologies, I did not want to get perspiration on you. Anora, you should see me as such because you are my friend. I can think of none other that has stood by me and listened to me, the way you h
ave since I have arrived. The honor is mine.”
Anora bowed, her smile reaching her eyes.
“I think I will bathe and get dressed, I am sure King Brennus will want to have another meeting. We were all so battle weary yesterday, we really couldn’t come up with any good ideas, as to why Samil would-“
The sound of the door slamming against the stone wall behind it, halted her sentence.
“Driscall knows the location of the scroll! We are to leave as soon as possible.” Kaleb yelled, before realizing that Alannah was standing in a wet nightgown, and turning his head. “Apologies, Alannah.”
“Oh!” Alannah looked down and realized how exposed she was. Anora quickly ran to the end of the bed, grabbing Alannah’s robe.
She ran to Kaleb, putting her hand on his shoulder so he would turn.
“Apologies. Nightmare.”
“Oh.” Kaleb said, as he looked sadly at her. “I am sorry.”
Alannah shrugged her shoulders.
“Where is the scroll?” She bit her lip anxiously.
Kaleb sighed, knowing what the reaction would be.
“Garvis Island.”
“What!” Alannah brought her hand to her mouth, images of all the legends she had heard about the island rushing through her mind.
“It nearly killed Driscall. It may be weeks before he is fully recovered. Somehow Samil was able to reach more spirits and have more under his control.
“Evy.” Alannah whispered.
“Yes, that is what we thought, as well. Alannah, we must leave as soon as possible. Brennus thinks that the ambush was a distraction and that Samil may already be there. We will have to take the dragons.” He grabbed her hand as she stood shocked-shocked at the fact that Samil had used her sister in such a way. “We’ll find her Alannah. I promise.”
Alannah turned and smiled at Kaleb.
“Yes, we will. Tell the others I will be ready quickly.” She closed the door behind him and turned to find Anora had already laid out her training gear, boots, and weapons and was already packing more weapons and potions into the charmed bag she brought with her from the Magi Kingdom.