by Nesa Miller
“Not even Mister.” Shaking his head, Elfin placed his hands on his hips.
“We best let her know you aren’t coming.” Wolfe turned to the doors. “Feel better, Dar.”
Elfin held back. “You go on and give the queen the message, Wolfe. There’s something I want to talk to Dar about.”
“Sure. Catch you at dinner. See ya, Dar.”
“Wolfe.”
Elfin watched him leave, then turned to the High Lord. “I know this is none of my business, but I’m going to say it anyway. You should let others help you sometimes. No one person can save the world. Not even a Krymerian.”
The High Lord clasped his hands behind his back, interested in what the young elf had to say. “This is not about me trying to save the world.”
“Then our part of it. We haven’t known each other long, but from what I’ve seen, you have friends who are more than willing to help. And let’s not forget your amazing wife. You can’t keep pushing everyone away.”
He appreciated the sincerity in the elf’s voice. “Too many have been hurt because of their association with me.”
“You and me… We believe in the same things. Inferno and all the others, too. You may be the only Krymerian, but you’re not alone. You aren’t responsible for our destinies. We each choose our own fate. Whatever happens to us is because of the choices we make. It’s not up to you.”
Dar chose to believe him if only to get through the next few moments. The elf may think he lifted a weight from the Krymerian’s shoulders, but Dar knew he would always carry a part of it. “Thank you for your honesty, Elfin. I know what you say is right, but some things are ingrained too deep.”
“You need to relax. I find when I’m stressed, a good workout in the ring helps.” Happy that Dar was listening, he rambled on. “Wolfe and I have been invited to spar with the Black Blades. Why don’t you join us? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind one more.”
Dar crossed his arms over his chest and scrubbed his knuckles along his jaw. “After today, I’m not so sure about that.”
“If they have a problem with it, you can spar with us. We love a challenge.”
“It won’t be the same without my blades, but I could make do. Nunnehi has a well-stocked armory. I’ll think about it.”
“Good. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Elfin, and thank you for speaking your mind.”
A few hours later, a knock on the door interrupted his quiet solitude. Dar opened it to a cart laden with food and drink, surrounded by a sea of smiling faces.
“Good evening, High Lord.” Alatariel pushed her way into the room.
“Good evening, Your Grace.” He leaned out the door, seeing what appeared to be the entire elven community spread from one end of the hall to the other. “What’s all this?”
Trident bowed his head as he stepped past the Krymerian. “We are all family here, milord. Family does not allow family to eat alone.”
Dar moved aside to allow the cart to be wheeled into his room. “After this morning, I thought I had been relegated to black sheep status.”
One by one, the citizens of Nunnehi, each with a plate, cup, and eating utensils in hand, filed into his room. When space ran short, they continued to squeeze in, spilling out the door and into the hall. Wolfe and Elfin, plates proudly displayed, were in the mix of smiling faces.
A tug on his arm found him peering into Alatariel’s emerald eyes. “Now is not the time to be left on your own. Let us be here for you.” She turned to a woman at her side. “Dar, this is Moira, Shalen’s partner…” Alatariel motioned to a boy and a girl who looked to be in their mid-teens, “and these are their children, Garrick and Renme. They wanted to be here…for you.”
His heart swelled. Elfin had been straight with him and now this. From the first moment he came to Nunnehi, these precious people had accepted him as one of their own. Even now, after all the damage inflicted and the trouble he had caused, they gathered around him in support. How is it I ever considered myself alone?
He crossed his arm over his chest and bowed his head. “My deepest apologies-”
Moira placed a hand on his arm. “High Lord, apologies are not required.” She gave him a sad smile. “Our gracious queen has explained the circumstances, and what prompted your role in Shalen’s passing.” She paused, her bottom lip quivering. Garrick and Renme gathered around their mother, offering her their support. “Forgive me, High Lord. Although I understand we are all victims of this…tragedy, my heart is broken.” Her tearful gaze met his. “Mourn his loss, but do not take on the responsibility of his death. That weight does not belong on your shoulders.”
Dar lay a hand over hers, tears burning in his eyes. “Þú heiður mig, milady. Megi guðdómurinn blessa þig fyrir alla daga þína (You honor me, milady. May the goddess bless you for all your days).” Giving her hand a comforting squeeze, he turned his gaze to the others in the room and smiled. “I believe we’re going to need a few more chairs.”
17
Deudraeth
After a breakfast of grilled trout and cold spring water, Etain saddled Razz in preparation for her trip into Deudraeth. Once she was in the saddle, Linq handed her the elven cloak. Spinning it through the air, she draped it over her shoulders and fastened the silver clasp at her neck.
“Remember to keep your words short, your hood up, and be quick about it. You let me deal with finding information about your brother. Once we locate him, there'll be plenty for you to do.”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
Etain pulled the hood over her head, nudged Razz, and left Linq standing by the river. Once well away from the campsite, she veered off into the shelter of the tree line and dismounted. Reaching into one of the saddlebags, her fingers touched on everything inside except the item she needed.
“Figures.” Ready to give up, her fingers came across a small vial. “Aha! Found you.” She held it up in the sunlight and marveled at its glittering contents of red, purple, and orange. “What a pretty spell.” She poured a small amount into the palm of her hand. “No need to worry, Linq. This little glamour will keep my identity quite safe.” Casting the magic into the air, she turned around and around, chanting as instructed as the sparkles showered over her.
The chant complete, she looked down at her body. “I don't look different. Maybe I said the words wrong.”
Spirit's instructions rang in her head as she reached into the saddlebag again, looking for the small mirror she had packed. Eyes closed, she held the mirror in front of her face. Her blue eye opened to see one of violet looking back at her. Slightly moving the mirror, she saw brilliant copper curls and a light splattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. For curiosity's sake, she moved the mirror down her body. The appearance of her clothes had also changed. The white gauze shirt was now pale green, and her leathers had changed to black denim. Taking the mirror in her left hand, her wedding band appeared as a single band of silver with no stones. However, the ring on her right hand, the Tiffany Stone, remained unchanged. She removed Nim'Na'Sharr and placed the sword in the pack behind the saddle. Unchanged, the cloak remained on her shoulders.
Twenty minutes later, the copper-haired vixen rode into the village. Although the town boasted modern conveniences, the townspeople paid homage to their ancestors by keeping the village as close to original as possible. Lightposts, now powered by electricity, lined the main roads. Cobblestone streets ran between whitewashed Tudor buildings. Except for the clothing worn by the people she passed, Etain felt as though she had stepped back in time.
The warm fragrance of freshly baked bread lured her down one charming street. With Razz tethered in an area set aside for such use, she wove between displays of fragrant produce. Apples, bananas, mangos… Every fruit and vegetable imaginable made her mouth water. A basket on her arm, she chose a little of each, then entered the store, the shop owner greeting her with a huge smile. She purchased a fresh loaf of bread and a block of hard cheese to go along with t
he fruit, remembering to pick up a few bottles of ale.
Etain asked the owner about a local apothecary. She smiled, happily giving Etain directions to the shop located in the next block. “Whatever yer looking for, it'll be the best of the best. Bert's proud of his stock, he is, and keeps it fresh.”
Since she wasn’t familiar with the layout of the town, she returned to Razz, slipped the bags over the pommel, and followed the directions given to her. True to her word, the apothecary was on the far corner.
It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust from the brightness outside to the dimness of the shop. Etain breathed in the exotic smells of spice, incense, and scented candles. A dark-haired young man behind the counter welcomed her into the shop.
“Welcome. How may I help you?”
“Are you Bert?”
“No, miss. I am Piran, his assistant.”
“Nice to meet you, Piran.” She fumbled for the paper in her pocket as she approached the counter. “Do you have damiana?”
His head bobbed as he perused the list. “Yes, fresh in this morning. Looks like we have everything on your list.” He flashed a smile. “If you'll excuse me, I'll get your order together.”
Floor-to-ceiling shelves containing bottles, jars, and boxes in an array of colors lined the wall. A rolling ladder affixed to a track gave easy access to the items stored up high. Etain watched the clerk search the rows of bottles on display behind the long glass counter.
“This is a lovely shop. Have you worked here long?”
Busy in his search, he spoke over his shoulder. “A few weeks. Bert’s great.” He jumped down from the ladder. “Took me in when I had nowhere to go, gave me a job. He even gave me my name.”
She thought it odd and, apparently, her expression told him so. He chuckled. “I’m sorry, miss. I tend to talk too much. Bert keeps telling me I need to be careful. Seems like I lost more than just my memory.”
His admission piqued Etain’s interest. “You’ve lost your memory? How awful.”
Piran shrugged. “It’s not so bad. Bert watches out for me.”
“He sounds like a generous person.”
“Yes, miss. I’ll be right back. Gotta slip into the back for a few of these items.”
“Thank you.” Etain turned, checking out the rest of the shop. On the opposite wall, she found a variety of items required for the mixing of herbs…pestles and mortars, vials, small bottles, beakers, and books of spells.
One title, in particular, drew her in. The small red book boasted a red sash tied in a neat bow. Taking it off the shelf, she eased into an overstuffed chair and opened the book, scanning the table of contents. She hoped to find something that might help with Dar but didn’t find anything. However, reading further, an interesting spell made her pause. Love Potion #9. She flipped to the page…red wine, basil, and rose petals.
If that’s what it takes to win his love back…
Lost in thought, she happened to glance at her side and discovered a display of brightly colored, polished stone amulets. One caught her eye. A circular black onyx, encased in a simple setting of two silver dragons affixed nose-to-nose and tails intertwined, suspended on a sterling silver chain. The ruby eye of each dragon glittered, and the links of the chain sparkled like diamonds in the light. She carefully lifted it from the peg, dangling it between her fingers.
“Black onyx protects against black magic and evil spirits,” the clerk said. “It's a lovely piece, but if you don’t mind me saying, far too masculine for such a delicate neck as yours.”
She smiled at him in the mirror. “It's not for me.”
“Your husband then?”
Her heart skipped. “Why do you ask?”
“The ring on your finger. I'm sorry if I assumed wrong.”
She looked down at the band and laughed. “Silly me. I haven’t gotten used to it yet.”
“Newlywed?” Etain blushed, nodding. “Congratulations.” He stepped from behind the counter and joined her at the display. “It would make a wonderful wedding gift! Oh, pardon me, mistress. Perhaps you’ve already given him a gift?” Still gazing at the piece, she shook her head. Piran smiled. “Of course, the necklace should be worn by a man with great presence. Otherwise, the piece overwhelms and is no longer an accessory.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Perfect! Shall I add it to your other purchases?”
“Yes, please.” Her heart fluttered in anticipation of presenting the gift to her new spouse. “I think my husband is the just the man to pull it off.”
With the sun’s movement toward the western horizon, Etain decided the time was right to get back to camp. Not in any hurry, she turned Razz south and meandered the way they had come. Halfway there, the chestnut stopped, nostrils flaring, head high in the air. Etain nudged her on, and while Razz did take a few steps, she merely made a circle, refusing to leave the area. “What’s the problem, girl?” Etain loosened the reins and allowed the horse her head.
Razz stepped off the dirt path into the tall grass and colorful autumn wildflowers. Etain waited, curious to see where the path ended. As they continued through the jungle of vegetation, her nose finally picked up the scent. She patted Razz on the neck.
“Sorry, girl. My thoughts were a thousand miles away.”
Now that she and Razz were on the same page, she heard the rushing of the river. The big horse pushed through the grass, but Etain pulled her up short of the riverbank. Razz snorted.
“Sshhhh, girl.”
She watched a bronzed, broad-shouldered god rise from the water. Waist-deep in the current, his hands slicked over his dark, shoulder-length hair. She couldn’t be certain of the color, but black came to mind. Shaking his head, droplets of water sparkled in the sunlight like tiny crystals.
Unaware of his audience, he waded through the water, emerging onto the riverbank. Etain bit her bottom lip, watching the water trickle down the curve of his naked torso, over a well-defined abdomen, then down to an equally impressive nether region. No amount of lip biting could curtail her gasp or soften the stamping of Razz’s hooves. Etain’s attention elsewhere, she didn’t notice the green eyes watching her. He cleared his throat.
“Can I help you?”
“Oh, uh…” Caught in the act, her gaze came up to his. “Aye. No. Well… We’ve been out for a ride and Razz, my horse, got thirsty.” She sneaked a quick glance, catching his naked profile as he turned, picking up a pair of pants. “We weren’t… I mean… I wasn’t expecting to see anyone. We were on our way back to town. She just stopped in the road.” Razz stomped, shaking her head. Etain tugged on the reins and stroked the horse’s neck. “See? She’s rather headstrong. I let her go where she wanted and…” She gave a nervous laugh, “here we are. With you. And me. And Razz...my horse.” His laughter made her face burn. But with the man partially clothed, she smiled back. “I’m sorry for the intrusion.”
“Let’s get your horse a drink before she bolts in a thirst-driven frenzy and drowns you both.”
The horse snorted and pulled back when he touched the reins, but a few soft words convinced her to follow. She snorted again as her mistress dismounted, then dipped her head for a long drink. The young man peered over the saddle, amused.
“No one comes out here at this time of day. You’re the first I’ve ever encountered. You’re definitely the first with such a brazen stare.”
“You surprised me, that’s all.”
He cocked his head. “Deepest apologies for my shameless afternoon swim and blatant disregard of your peaceful ride.”
She grabbed the reins. “I’ll leave you to your shamelessness.”
He walked around Razz, blocking her escape, his green eyes twinkling. “Only if you’ll join me.”
Giving no outward sign of her exasperation, she turned away, searching the area.
He looked, as well. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No. I’m looking for a white jacket.”
“I don’t recall seeing a w
hite jacket.”
“Come now.” Her gaze came back to him. “Surely you jest, milord.”
“Not this time.”
Etain slipped her foot into the stirrup and eased up into the saddle. “It’s out there. And it’s yours if you think for a moment I’d do anything with you.”
He laughed, the twinkle returning to his eyes. “We’ve only just met and I already adore you, milady.”
“My husband will be elated to hear of your adoration.”
“Husband?” His frown was playful. “What a disappointment. I had hoped you were my ladylove come to whisk me away to your secret realm.” He placed a hand on his chest. “My heart is broken.”
“One of many, I’m sure,” she quipped, tossing her copper curls and wheeling Razz away.
“With more to come,” he called out.
“Miscreant.” She jerked the reins to the side. Razz balked at the rough treatment, biting at the bit. In the next moment, they were in a full gallop, straight toward the campsite. Etain dismounted in a fury, murmuring disgruntled expletives as she relieved Razz of saddlebags, packages, and saddle.
“I should have slapped that smug look from his stupidly handsome face,” she muttered, toting bags and packages to the cave. “Or a short burst of my charge… No. A long, leisurely charge. Fry that precious hair off his fat head.” She chuckled. “To see him writhing in…” She stopped mid-step, inhaled, and blew it out. “But that was the old Etain.” She returned for the saddle. “The new Etain is responsible, and considers the consequences of her actions.”
After tucking everything away in the cave, she joined Razz at the water’s edge. “It’s not just me anymore, girl.” She tossed her boots to the side and slipped her toes into the cool liquid. “I have Dar to consider.” She leaned back, filled with longing for her husband, and realized she had no sense of him. In the past, no matter how far apart they were, she could tap into their connection and be comforted knowing he was only a thought away.
Could something have happened? Emptiness gnawed at her insides. She sat straight up and pushed stray hairs from her face, feeling very much like a forgotten child.