“Look!” Cam exclaimed, interrupting Fiera’s rant. She pointed as her frantic nerves diminished to their normal feeling. Before them, looming through the snowy pine trees was a gleaming ice castle.
Seventeen
The narrow, winding path through the forest soon became like
walking through a blanket of mist, beautiful and silvery. As they walked on, they saw that snowflakes sprinkled the trees until they came to a spot where they were also walking on snow and the cold air nipped at their bare skin. Cam shivered and felt the heavy weight of an extra cloak on her back. She turned to see Terra enveloping her shoulders with her own mantle.
Under an arch of snow sprinkled pines, was erected a glass gate, clear and polished and at it a young, fair-haired man standing guard. Above the gate was a circle like that on the Medulla and Gnosi Realm entrances. In this circle, were three waves, curling over one another; the symbol of Imber Fel.
“What brings such young travelers to Imber Fel?” the man inquired, his voice clear and smooth. A pleasant smile brightened his face.
“This young lady,” replied Caleb, pulling Cam towards the gate. Cam nodded her head in a greeting as the young guard dipped into a low bow. The guard did the same to Fiera and Terra, addressing them as ladies. Apparently, courtesy was a trait in Imber Fel Realm dwellers, or at least in this man.
“For training?” he queried. Cam nodded once again. With his gloved hand, he pushed open the gate and allowed the four newcomers entrance into the city.
“Why is it so cold here?” Fiera muttered with gritted teeth. “Their magic keeps it at constant cold temperatures
throughout all seasons,” Terra replied.
"Why would anyone wish to live in the endless cold?" Fiera
questioned, raising a brow.
The road widened and descended through a village of small
cottages built along a towering stone wall. Several boats were
docked along a strip of sea beyond the wall and at the mouth of the
river at the far northern end of the realm. Copious citizens could be
seen carrying baskets of fish while clad in bundles of blue and gray
wool. Some women were sweeping snow off the stone sidewalks.
Cam could hear the distinct voices of women, children and even
men murmuring songs as they worked. Over a small hill from the
village was the Silver Sea, a vast quantity of water the color of blue
and silver.
“Adria alsotoldmethatshe’s heard,” Terrasaidfrombehind
Cam, “That it is beautiful here at night when the moon is full and
the stars shine. It’s like everything is silver and glass.” Before Cam’s senses could adapt to all that bombarded her,
she and her company had drawn before another glass gate opening
to thecourtyardoftheicecastle. “Only theoutsideis ice,” theyoung
guard informed them with a smile. Cam’s glance drifted upward.
She winked her eyelashes to rid them of the drifting snow. The
castle loomed several levels into the air in round terraces many of
which had pointed towers. The pinnacle of the castle resembled a
pointed crown, one assembled of glass and ice towers. The guard
opened the doors of the castle, and they found themselves in a
circular hall adorned with glass statues of legendary sea creatures.
Dark blue draperies dangled from the window.
"Before you meet the leader of our realm," the guard said,
"We would appreciate if you took the time to cleanse yourselves."
He held out for them each a bowl of clear water. They dipped their
hands into it and vigorously cleaned them with white, supplied
soap. Linen towels were also provided.
“Why this exercise?” Fiera murmured.
“They’re very clean here” Caleb informed her, leading the
way to the main hall.
Heiron wasn’t a tall man as Cam remembered from the ball
in the Royalty Realm. He had a square jaw attached to a placid face
set with wrinkles and framed with wavy, silvery hair. He walked
with a calming air surrounding him. His hands were clasped behind him. Walking with him was his daughter who he spoke to in a low
tone.
“Lord Heiron,” Caleb addressed him. The one addressed
turned. “I am Caleb Opados from Cinis Lumen, and I am escorting
this young lady and her sisters across the nation so that she may
learn the uses of magic in order to become a Royal.”
“When did youdecideto speak likea diplomat?” Fieraasked
aloud. Cam was beginning to weary ofher sister’s constant desire to
belittle their guide. Heiron neared Cam with a warming smile. He
kissed her hand as he had done upon their first meeting. “Welcome to our realm: the land of peace.” He shook the
hand of Caleb and showed the same affection he had shown Cam,
to her sisters. He greeted each of them in a gentle, smooth tone.
“This is my daughter, Glista,” he said, indicating the young woman
beside him. The woman was youthful and feminine in countenance.
Her form was tall and slender, and silvery hair cascaded over her
shoulders as a flirtatious energy danced in her icy blue eyes. “I am ever so glad to have guests as youthful as yourselves!”
she exclaimed, almost squealing. Her eyes darted quickly to Caleb
and rested dreamily over him.
“Yes, yes we are,” agreed Heiron with a small smile. “We
would be pleased if you would take refuge in our home during your
stay and dine with us this evening.”
“That would be preferable, thank you,” Cam replied.
“Following our meal, I must inform you and your realm of an
incident that has arisen concerning all of Mirabelle.” Heiron
frowned a bit and scratched his forehead.
“We do not like hearing of incidents that concern us,” he
said after a moment. “But if you insist upon its importance, I shall
be willing to hear.”
“I do,” Cam returned earnestly.
“Very well. Glista, why don’t you go and find some suitable
rooms for these young people and some warmer clothing.” With a
smile, Glista skipped off. Cam and her companions turned to follow
her.
They consumed their evening meal in Heiron’s private
dining room. Their meal consisted of savory, warm soup, dark
greens topped with a flavorful dressing , and the Imber Fel Realm
specialty of fish. Fiera sat across from Cam, situated uncomfortably
next to Glista who was giggling at something Caleb had said. She grasped his arm. “You amuse me much,” she chirped, her blue eyes
bright.
“And then, the beast burst from the brush!” He exclaimed.
Cam groaned internally, wishing he wouldn’t recount the story. “What happened?” Glista demanded eagerly.
“It almost snappedCaleb’s headfrom his throat, and I killed
it” Fiera cut in dryly. Caleb’s face turned red, and Cam realized that
he had never intended on mentioning that part.
"Well, at least you lived," Glista said, ignoring Fiera
completely.
Caleb's humor returned. "Ladies! I sense we're on the brink
of quarreling. No need to fight. There's enough of the Caleb for
everyone!" At the mention of his own name, he thrusted his arms in
the air. Cam choked on sudden laughter.
Glista smiled at his remark. “But three-fourths go to me!”
Fiera looked as if she was about to explode. Her eyes rolled as she
hauled herself fro
m the table and retreated from the room. Glista
gazed after her, a pleased expression on her face. From across the
table, Terra shook her head.
Cam leaned on the table in the dining hall, her elbows pressed into
the wood. She knew she looked earnest for Heiron’s eyes revealed concern. The rest of their company had taken a recent departure to watch as the moon rose over the realm.
"Lord Heiron has developed a scheme to overtake all of Mirabelle," Cam said tapping her fingernails on the surface of the table. Heiron's forehead discovered it for himself conversation between the leader and what we believe to be an accomplice." Cam sighed, hoping that the details she could provide would be sufficient enough to convince the Imber Fel Realm leader.
“Have you placed full trust in your assigned guide?” Heiron inquired.
Cam swallowed and dropped her hands from the table into her lap. “He saved our lives from men who attempted to rob us, but apart from that, he has given me no reason to trust him.”
Heiron leaned back, contemplating Cam’s words. “We do not normally become involved in political arguments here. We do believe strongly in peace, you know. I do not see why the Gnosi Realm would have anything against us.”
furrowed. "Caleb, our guide, has when accidentally overhearing a
"It's most likely not against you, but all of Mirabelle. Maybe they have a problem with the Royalty Realm." As the words fell from her lips she remembered the Spirit Followers and their goal of "restoration." She clenched her jaw, thinking of Amelia. “We are on opposite sides it appears. But then…” Cam’s thoughts continued to trail as Heiron considered her.“But then…IhavetrustedAmeliamy entire life and have only recently befriended Caleb. How do I know who to trust?”
“Pray for a sign, young one. Pray for a sign that will allow you to see the intentions of others clearly” Heiron said.
“Pray to whom?”
Heiron waved a hand as he stood. “Whoever your elyon...or god is.” He cracked a small smile.
“To which...elyon do you pray?”
Heiron’s eyes turned slowly toward the open window where the moon’s reflection could be seen dancing upon still waters. “The sea.”
“I do not understand” Cam murmured, following his gaze. “Gods are only sources of false comfort,” she thought. “No god can provide me with a sign.”
“You are quite fatigued,” Heiron remarked. “Go and gain some rest. I will reflect on your words and allow time for investigation.” Cam rose from her seat, realizing she had done little to convince him. She clenched her fists in frustration with herself. She ascended the darkened stairwell along, her hand brushing the smooth, marble railing. “I must speak with Caleb.”
Themorning following Cam’s arrival in Imber Fel, she awoke to
Terrapullingatherarm.Cam stirredandstaredblanklyintoTerra’s smiling face. “I want to see your training today!” Cam sat up remembering that she was to begin training that day, even though they had only just arrived. “Glista has arranged for a guide to give us a tour of the kingdom.”
"What time is it?" Cam asked, now fully awake. Terra, who had already dressed, informed her that it was ten in the morning. Cam bounded out of bed, feeling guilty for sleeping so late. But why should she? Imber Fel allowed such a privilege of sleeping in that the Medulla Realm did not. Terra handed Cam a light blue dress that cut mid-calf and black leggings to wear beneath. Cam threw on a heavy cloak and laced up her boots. Terra offered her some food before they met Glista, Fiera, and Caleb to be escorted from the castle by the guard they had met the previous day.
"His name is Brooks," Terra told Cam, holding onto her arm. Cam and Terra shared a low laugh as they witnessed Glista clutching possessively to Caleb's arm, while Fiera sagged against the door frame of the castle's front doors.
The main street below the castle led through the main villages of Imber Fel. On either side of the street were stacked buildings, some workplaces, and others homes. An enormous stone surrounded the city between the sea and the villages. Cam and her company emerged through a gate in the stone wall. Along the seaside were docks with wooden boats tied to them. Men carrying barrels of fish walked up planks onto the street. Women and children strolled along, smiles on their faces, bundled in soft clothing. The smell of fish and the salty sea filled the air. Cam smiled, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
“Where exactly are we going?” she asked Brooks. "Why everywhere," he returned cheerfully. "I will show you the entire realm today, that is if you are pleased with the arrangement." Cam nodded, smiling. A whole day out and about would hopefully help her clear her mind.
Brooks led them through a doorway into a small tavern lit by the sunlight, peering through circular windows which overlooked the sea. "Five," said Brooks to a man behind the counter. Presently, they were given each a cup of steaming liquid. It tasted the way she thought pine needles with sugar would taste. "Tea. Everyone drinks it here," he explained. Cam sipped the drink slowly, allowing its heat to plunge into her chilled body. As soon as they had emptied their mugs, Brooks led them back toward the brisk seaside. For the entire morning they toured the main villages, looking in clothing shops and watching men bring in and clean fish.
“The next location is sure to capture your breath. That is if you’ve never been here,” Brooks told them after their mid-day meal in another tavern. Cam exchanged glances with Terra, wondering what they could possibly see next.
"Have you ever seen mermaids?" Glista asked in a sing-song voice as they neared the seaside. Cam's breath caught when she glimpsed a shimmering tail breaking the surface of a curling wave. She watched as the tail vanished and reappeared several yards down the coastline. When the head of the She-fish appeared, Cam noticed that it was joining several others who lounged on the giant, jutting rocks.
“Are they...friendly?” Cam asked, remembering Adria’s mention of deadly she-fish that lured sailors to their deaths.
"Not particularly. They do us no harm and in fact, act as lookouts from those rocks. Sometimes, they can be found in the caves beyond." Brooks replied as he pointed toward a mass of black openings farther down the shoreline. "There are the sirens, but they never come close the villages."
“We will head toward the caves now so that you may see our magic,” Brooks toldthem as Cam rippedher gazefrom thelounging merfolk.
Cam knew only that Imber Fel's magic consisted of a poison base which was used to create three other kinds of poisons. "Most of our citizens begin poison studies during their seventh year from birth," Brooks explained as they mounted the rock-strewn shore and ambled toward the caves. "We learn to detect and create poisons and also have copious methods of removing certain poisons from human and animal systems."
So fishing was not the Imber Fel Realm’s only benefit to the kingdom. Cam had often heard that the Cinis Lumen Realm had used poisons in battles, but she had never wondered where they had come from.
Whereas a majority of Imber Fel was cheery in its wintery way, the caves were overshadowed and secluded. The towering stone wall enclosing the villages loomed beside the caves. The mermaids held steady gazes at the company passed. For some, recognition was apparent at the sight of Brooks. They remained still as statues until Brooks and those he was leading melted into the enormous entrance of a cave.
Blue fire danced over the shiny surface of the stone walls and floor. "This place is so melancholy," Terra remarked.
Brooks turned. “Why would anyone look here for magic if it’s so…melancholy.” Immediately, Cam glanced around, looking for a likely location for Imber Fel’s one and only source of magic. Could it be a tree like what they had in the Medulla Realm? Brooks seemed to read her mind. His hand splayed upon the small of her back and steered her toward a curving tunnel.
The company descended deeper into the caves in a maze was twisting passages. Though Camaria felt utterly lost, Brooks and Glista seemed to know where they were headed. Finally, they broke into a large cavernlike room,
and a familiar sound reached Cam’s ears; rushing water. A river flowed beneath Imber Fel and dumped out of sight into the ocean. Glista told Cam and her company they were walking beneath the ice castle in the realm’s main refuge. But where was the magic?
Cam followed Brooks and Glista a few ten yards down the length of the river which flowed under an ancient arch of stone. They entered another opening into the most beautiful cave Cam had ever laid eyes on. The ceiling of the cave reached into darkness, and the walls glistened with moisture and sapphires. Rocks jutted from the walls and on one were written a series of names. Cam traced her fingers over the names, most of which she had never heard of. These were the names of those who had mastered the art of the poisons. Someday, if she succeeded, her name too would be carved into the stone.
“This is our magic,” Brooks announced. Cam tore her eyes from the list of names and looked to where he pointed. At first, Cam thought he was only indicating the wall, but when she peered closer she saw the faint trickle of liquid which covered the entire cave wall. “Do not touch with your barehands. Wear these.” Cam acceptedthe gloves handed to her and slipped them over her hands. “One must ask special permission to enter this place. We allow newcomers to see our magic, but otherwise certain designated poison takers are the only persons who are permitted entrance.”
“What must she do for training?” Terra inquired.
“Of course you will have a discussion with Lord Heiron on the values our realm holds, but you must also successful detect a certain number of poisons, arranging them of least harmful to most harmful. Following that, you will use a sample of our magic to create the three poisons used with that base. These poisons can be made by other means but are amplified and hold more power when used with our magical base.”
“Who created the magic here?” Fiera questioned.
Glista shrugged. “No one knows. When people were first settling in this region, a group explored the caves and poisoned themselves unknowingly with the magic. Since then, our people have been studying it and using it to create our main source of defense should we need a reason to defend ourselves.”
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