Malaki Mayhem

by Malaki Mayhem

  She laughed and scratched Lynx’s belly. He kicked his hind leg, completely enjoying the rub.

  When she stopped, he sighed contently and rolled back over, settling in by her side and clearly staking his rider preference.

  The magnificent creature dwarfed her.

  She should feel terrified, but instead she felt oddly...protected.

  “We should reach Valé before sunset. We can set up camp for the night once we speak to him,” Maddox explained. “From there, we’re only a couple of hours from home and can just continue in the morning. We can leave whenever you’re ready, my queen.”

  Ela still was not sure about this whole queen idea, but she nodded.

  Chrysantha crouched in front of Maddox, who gracefully swung a leg over her back and settled in. The shaman handed a couple of satchels up to Maddox, who slung them behind him over the fox’s back. He smiled and shook the shaman’s hand, then Chrysantha stood.

  Lynx slouched closer to the ground for Ela to climb aboard.

  Ela hugged the shaman, who reassured her that the foxes were better escorts than a scout and that she would be safe with them.

  The shaman then handed her a dagger. A gorgeous green peridot gem was embedded into a beautifully crafted silver handle. “Should you find yourself in danger, this dagger will protect you,” he said, simply.

  Ela thanked him and carefully tucked the dagger into a pocket sewn inside of her cloak. She turned back to Lynx, who patiently waited for her. She hiked up her skirt and climbed onto Lynx’s back.

  When he stood, she could feel the strength in his canine muscles beneath her, but, in contrast, his fur felt soft and luxurious under her hands.

  The villagers waved them off, some crying, others cheering, and the four companions began the trek through the forest.

  The foxes strode side by side with sure footing, making good time through the thick forest.

  Ela’s mind wandered as she settled into the foxes’ steady rhythm.

  Her preparations to leave took so much of her attention she hadn’t taken time to think about what all this meant.

  If this was all true and she was really Queen Ara, she had a husband out there she didn't know, a kingdom she had no idea how to rule, and centuries of history she could not remember. What if they could not unlock her memories? What would become of her? Of the kingdom?

  She gnawed her bottom lip thoughtfully for a while before speaking. “Maddox...can you tell me about King Phoenix?”

  “Tell you what, my queen?”

  “Anything. What he’s like; battles we have fought together... I know nothing about him or the mountain fairies...or myself...except what the villagers told me. I’m wondering what my life was like before I lost my memory.”

  Maddox shook his head and spoke angrily. “No, before your memories were stolen from you. One way or another, you will get them back and the thief will pay. I swear to you.”

  He drew a deep breath and held it for a moment before releasing it. He visibly forced himself to relax. “I apologize, my queen. I’m just so upset that someone did this to you. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.

  “I’ve been a knight for you and the king for 70 years. Before that, my father was a knight for you, so I grew up and trained with you in your Court. I will fight with you and for you, always.”

  “I’m trained for combat?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes. You’re a fierce warrior. Before I left for The Dragon Lands, you and I used to spar regularly in training. I think your body would instinctively remember the training should the need arise. But I truly hope Valé will hold the answers, and that won’t even be an issue.”

  He cleared his throat and continued, “Phoenix is a just and honorable ruler. I’ve never seen him make a rash decision. You rule together, and thoroughly make all major decisions together. The two of you make a wonderful team. You have for centuries.”

  “But if that’s true...how is this persecution even happening?”

  Maddox sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I suspect your impostor began making small suggestions over time. It probably took the full year to convince the King to enact this awful plan... I wish I’d been home. Maybe I could have prevented this.”

  “I doubt it would’ve made a difference, Maddox. Anyway, there is no use dwelling on what-ifs. No matter what, memories back or not, we must move forward and try to stop this insanity. Somehow.”

  Ela sighed, feeling a little overwhelmed.

  Maddox smiled and looked at her fondly. “Even if they took your memories, my queen, they didn’t take your spirit. I still see Ara in those eyes and I heard her speak just now. You may feel like Ela now, but your instincts are completely Ara. This will work out fine.”

  Ela hoped he was right.

  Maddox continued, “I suspect you have more questions about Phoenix as a fairy, rather than as a ruler. You grew up together in Quarrin and you have dedicated your entire lives to each other. Even as children, you were never far apart.

  “You were born two weeks apart 726 years ago this year. Since your ascension to the crown, over 400 years ago, you celebrate your birthdays together with an annual two-week festival for the kingdom. The festival features a little of everything--musical performances, dancing, art displays, and various competitions--all of which honor the regional heritage and your personal interests.

  “Phoenix loves to sing. He’s always surrounded with a warm--almost electric--aura, anyway, but music--singing--makes it stronger. Somehow, music amplifies his magic. I’ve never seen anything like it... Phoenix’s aura, his energy, is different than most.”

  Maddox’s was quiet for a few moments as he considered Phoenix’s energy, but then he shook his head, cleared his throat, and continued.

  “Phoenix is also a strategist. He can create phenomenal plans in record time. It’s impressive.

  “Your interests fall more toward design, both clothing and weaponry. Your favorite portion of the annual festival is the battle design competition, where regional designers create the most innovative armor and weapons. Our warriors always sport the best gear and utilize the most efficient weapons.” He gestured to the circular weapon on his side, but didn’t elaborate about its purpose.

  “The festival is a happy time. Fairies and non-fairies alike come from all around to attend. That’s why I’m so shocked by this proclamation.

  “Phoenix notably respects you, and--though in the past kings have ruled without the influence of their queens--the two of you are a team and rule side-by-side in a co-regency. Your lifelong romance is legendary. Everyone who knows you sees how you cherish each other... That makes these recent developments even worse. The king will be furious when he learns what the impostor did to you.”

  Ela’s heart ached for the missing memories and time stolen from her. It sounded like her life was remarkable...yet she could remember none of it.

  She could only press forward and hope that everything worked out in the end.

  Chapter 4

  The foxes took a direct route to Valé through Tarakin Forest rather than the road, so the trip took less time than anticipated. They strode through the lush, hilly forest terrain easily, as though they ran it daily--which they probably did.

  They walked right up to the base of a gigantic oak tree that looked to be at least 200 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter.

  As Ela and Maddox dismounted, Ela heard a deep voice rumble, “Why, Queen Ara, what a wonderful surprise.”

  Ela looked around a moment, unsure of the voice’s origin, before focusing closer on the oak tree.

  She didn't see a mouth, but a pair of hazel eyes peered at her from the tree’s bark. The eyes appeared to be able to move around the trunk freely, allowing it to find the optimal vantage point.

  She stared in awe at this enormous tree fairy for a moment, her mouth slightly agape.

  “Valé,” Maddox nodded, unfazed. “Good to see you again.”

  “Maddox. Our Queen isn’t herself
today. What’s wrong?”

  Maddox explained the situation to Valé, whose eyes bobbed up and down slightly while he listened, as though he were nodding his head in understanding.

  “I see,” Valé said thoughtfully as he finished explaining. “Your Highness, pluck a piece of my bark and chew it.”

  “What? Won’t that hurt you?” Ela asked.

  “Nope. It’s just tree bark. It won’t hurt either of us. Go for it.” Valé chuckled.

  Ela approached the giant tree and delicately pulled a small piece of bark from the trunk. She hesitantly stuck the bark in her mouth and chewed. She’d expected it to be disgusting, but it actually tasted a bit like apples.

  “Now what?” she murmured.

  “Spit it out, roll it into a ball, and stick it to my trunk.”

  Ela complied.

  He said, “If magic afflicts you, this will tell me what type of spell and possibly who cast it. Just a moment.”

  Ela jumped a little when Valé’s eyes completely disappeared, leaving smooth bark behind.

  Maddox put a hand on Ela’s shoulder and smiled supportively. “We’ll figure this out, my queen.”

  Ela nodded. She hoped so.

  The companions stood in silence for a few minutes, all eyes on the tree.

  Finally, the eyes reappeared and Valé spoke.

  “You were cursed by a shapeshifter... This spell also tastes of intense heat, and that’s not a shifter quality, which, frankly, has me a bit stumped...” Vale paused for a moment before continuing. “Anyway, this shifter’s spell gave them access to some of your memories. Not everything, but probably enough to scrape by and mimic you convincingly. Blood magic--very dark blood magic--binds your powers and memories. You must spill the shifter’s blood to break the spell’s hold.”

  “Spill their blood...you mean kill them?” Ela asked.

  Though Maddox swore she was a fierce warrior, Ela wasn’t sure she could kill anyone.

  “Killing may not be necessary,” Valé said. “It might just take a scratch. However, you physically spilling the shifter’s blood is the only way to recover your memories. This particular spell is intricate and powerful.”

  Maddox looked frustrated and slightly perplexed by the explanation. He said, “The Queen herself is, by nature, quite powerful. I don’t understand how someone could cast this spell on her.”

  Valé’s eyes shook side to side, as though he shook his head. “I’m sorry, but until the Queen’s memory returns, we won’t know what happened. My guess is someone slipped an elixir in her food; perhaps the shapeshifter impersonated kitchen staff. But that’s speculation.”

  Ela drew a long deep breath, then slowly released it; determination took the place of hope.

  “What do we do now?” she asked.

  The foxes excused themselves for a few minutes to shift into human form so they could participate in the discussion, taking satchels with them that must contain their clothes.

  When they returned, Ela studied the teens. Lynx sported a full head of black hair and a young mischievous face, while Chrysantha’s curly gold locks gave her an innocent look; the brother and sister looked night and day different.

  Both wore plain, comfortable clothing and went barefoot.

  The companions made themselves comfortable near the base of the tree.

  Lynx settled in next to Ela. It seemed the fox had claimed Ela, as though she was a pup needing protection. Lynx’s loyalty comforted her, and she thought maybe he intentionally demonstrated it to reassure her.

  They unanimously agreed Maddox had safe entrance into the royal villa; the king expected his return and would welcome him. Ela, conversely, would draw too much attention if someone recognized her; she would have to hide for now. Maddox’s solitary return would allow him to find out more about the situation and report back so they could come up with a further strategy. It seemed the most logical approach.

  Ela hoped it worked.

  Chapter 5

  The royal villa stood at the base of the largest mountain in Quarrin. Gardens and a small orchard set it apart from the town.

  Lynx and Chrysantha lived with a large fox skulk, or pack, on the outskirts the town, where houses grew sparser as the town met the forest edge. The foxes’ house was about a thirty-minute walk from the villa--close enough to the town for easy accessibility but far enough away to avoid prying eyes.

  The skulk met the shaman’s scout in the forest as they fled Quarrin. Upon hearing the plight, Lynx and Chrysantha volunteered to stay behind to help; they planned to join their skulk once this debacle resolved.

  Following the skulk’s departure, the house interior sat disarrayed, with minimal furnishing and boards nailed over the windows. Ela could tell this home was once well-maintained, beautiful, and loved, but it now sat threadbare, ruined by the shapeshifting impostor’s chaos.

  The house was large, with five bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room. Houses in the royal town were powered by fairy magic, which meant they were well-lit and comfortably heated at all times, and also featured indoor running water. Many fairies, and non-fairies alike, chose to settle in Quarrin because of this specific perk.

  Lynx and Chrysantha tried to keep Ela’s mind occupied while Maddox headed to the villa. They told her stories of their childhood and legends from their race. Ela learned that much of what the woodland fairies told her about fox shifters was untrue, distorted by rumors and re-tellings through the years, which made her feel terrible about fearing the gentle creatures when they first met.

  Deep down, Ela believed that the root of the newly descending darkness came from that same seed of unfounded fear. She felt an overwhelming compulsion to fix it. She was unsure what she could possibly do yet, but--whatever it was--she would do her best.

  Maddox

  Though the royal villa was magically warded against danger and watchmen weren’t essential anymore, a traditional watchman still greeted visitors at the entrance.

  Maddox grinned at the watchman as he approached. “Miss me?” he asked.

  The burly mountain fairy watchman laughed heartily and embraced Maddox. “No. But welcome back, anyway. Where have you been?”

  “I spent some time in The Dragon Lands. A fascinating race. The dragonlings got their kicks out of teaching me how to dance...by puffing fire at me,” Maddox laughed. “I look forward to returning someday.”

  The watchman scowled. “We’ll have to see how that works out with the latest royal proclamations. I’m not sure that’ll be a possibility in the future. First, no non-fairies in the kingdom; then, who knows how far this will go.”

  Maddox frowned, but patted the watchman on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you again, my friend. I must find our King. There’s much to discuss.”

  The watchman opened the door and let Maddox pass.

  Maddox stepped into the large foyer and looked around.

  Not much changed about the villa itself in the two years he’d been away.

  A massive dining hall with a vaulted ceiling sat to his right. It housed long tables used during town feasts. During other festivities, the tables were removed for dancing and celebration.

  Straight ahead, a long hallway led to the kitchen. Various other doors lined the hallway, one of which led downstairs to a massive, fully equipped training room.

  To the left, a large stairway led up to the bedrooms and offices.

  Above those, a large third floor attic space carefully housed the villa witches’ workshop.

  The villa was magically enchanted so that, while it looked like a normal-sized house from the outside, inside there was more than enough room to house the staff and the knights who chose to reside there--and it was always capable of expanding.

  Maddox headed up the stairs toward Phoenix’s office, the first door to the left at the top. Queen Ara’s office was directly across the hall.

  The inside of the queen’s office resembled an untamed forest, even housing a small waterfall and pond. Much to the queen’s
amusement, the office’s resident birds loved attacking Maddox. According to her, they didn’t do that to anyone else--but Maddox wasn’t convinced of their innocence.

  In contrast, the king’s office was mostly made from gray stone, engraved with elaborate illustrations. No resident wildlife dwelled in there, thankfully.

  Maddox knocked and proceeded through the heavy stone door into the king’s office.

  The stone walls, desk, and chairs were all painstakingly carved. Various wildlife and nature scenes lined three of the walls, the most prominent being a lone bird with flowing, elegant plumage and long graceful wings soaring over a mountain peak. Maddox wasn’t sure what the bird was supposed to be--he’d never seen one elsewhere--but the carving was beautiful.

  The wall behind Phoenix’s desk featured floor-to-ceiling glass that ran the entire room; instead of its natural view, Phoenix enchanted it to provide random images from the entire kingdom, sometimes showing the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, or various scenery, and other times giving live glimpses of downtown Quarrin. It was a reminder of what they all worked so hard for every day.

  Two stone chairs sat in front of Phoenix’s desk, and a large stone bench lined with cushions ran the perimeter of the room. Maddox knew from experience that it was possible to sit comfortably on that bench for hours; he and the other knights had done so many times over the years.

  The glass behind Phoenix’s desk currently showed a beautiful panoramic view of the Quarrin Mountain Range.

  Phoenix sat behind his desk reviewing paperwork, humming to himself and drumming his fingertips on the desk in tune with the song. He loved music and often unconsciously sang or hummed.

  As usual, his short dark hair was slightly tousled and his blue aura, edged with white and gold, swirled brightly around him. He wore a gray button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled on his forearms.

  Maddox hadn’t quite figured out the gold part of Phoenix’s aura; that rare trait was unique to Phoenix, as was the way music made his aura more powerful. Maddox had never seen another creature possess either trait--not even the dragons. In Maddox’s experience, “gold” was uniquely Phoenix; even his magic glowed gold.