"It must be very bad, my lady," Belfi said, serious. "But someone will come and bring the light where there's darkness."
She smiled again with melancholy and sighed.
"You're lucky, you're free like the wind..." she brushed his face and hair, then jumped at the sound of her husband's voice.
"Denisonde!" The Lord of Caer Danae reached for his wife with fury in his eyes. "Go to your chambers! And you, archer, report to my captain at once or leave the castle immediately!"
Belfi glanced at Denisonde, who was slowly walking away, head hung. He flashed an impish smile at the jealousy of the Lord of Caer Danae and went back to the drawbridge. He knew enough. It was time to report to Yooden.
***
Belfi reached the mountains at dawn the morning after. He came out of the woods to the clearing where Yooden was waiting for him, sitting on a stone at the entrance of a cave.
"Hello, Yooden!" the archer greeted cheerfully, taking off the green band and letting his long hair free to move in the morning breeze.
"Welcome," the dwarf answered, leaving his seat and limping to him. He reached only his waist and Belfi sat in the grass to be more of his height. "How was the journey?" Yooden inquired.
"Interesting, the Lord of Caer Danae isn't a pleasant man," Belfi answered with a smile.
Then he saw somebody coming out of the cave and his smile vanished.
The young man with long raven hair stretched, trying to get used to light, not really noticing he was observed, still half asleep.
"How can he already be here?" Belfi murmured in disbelief.
"Who?" Yooden turned to look at the newcomer.
"The Lord of Caer Danae!" Belfi answered. "He can't be that fast! I left him yesterday in his castle. Even with a horse he couldn't be here already!"
"Ah!" Yooden said, starting to understand while the young man, now fully awake, joined them. "Good morning," the dwarf greeted him."As you see my friend is back."
"Oh, hello!" The other exclaimed with a relieved smile, sitting near Belfi. The smile faded under the inquisitive eyes of the blond.
"You're not the man I saw yesterday at Caer Danae," Belfi decided. "Who are you?"
"I'm Ivaloo of Caer Danae, the real one," the young man answered, still a bit embarrassed. "You must have met my twin brother Dafydd."
"Now I understand!" suddenly Belfi grinned. "Your twin is making a mess down there! Everybody hates him and they're not fully convinced he's you, but he scares them to death and they obey him. His wife is terrorized, I don't know how she can stand him, he's so damn jealous..."
Ivaloo closed his eyes and Belfi stopped, serious again.
"Did I say something wrong?" he wondered.
"Denisonde is my wife," Ivaloo whispered. "She married me. Dafydd took her as well..." He clenched his fists, then looked at Yooden with challenge in his eyes. "I must go!"
"No way!" the dwarf retorted. "He is stronger, you will lose. Everything and forever. Unless you stay here a little longer and learn some magic from Belfi."
"Forget it!" Ivaloo protested. "Magic ruined my brother already! And besides Belfi is too young..."
"Do you really think so?" Belfi smiled. "I've been on this world for much longer than you. I'm a half-blood and I can use sword, bow, lance and magic better than most."
Ivaloo stared at him in disbelief. Belfi widened his grin, pushing his hair away from his boyish face. The blond locks revealed a pointed ear.
"I've seen the fall of the Magical Races," he continued. "My father was the last king of Rayheart."
Ivaloo gaped. "I had never seen any Genn or Waiora in my entire life," he said after a moment. "I mean... the Magical Races are legend. I sent out a cry for help, but nobody answered. I kept hoping to meet one of you, but I didn't know what to expect..." He glanced at Yooden. "But then, I had never seen a dwarf before meeting Yooden either," he added with a little shrug, averting his eyes.
"So you know about the now invisible Magical Races?" Yooden asked, amused.
"Genn, Fajrulo, Waiora and Sila." Ivaloo kept his eyes low and spoke as if he were repeating an old lesson. "Ether, Fire, Water and Air. I'm not sure I know what that means, though. Like I said, it's the stuff of legends. The fall of Rayheart and all that... even the Moren Empire fell long before I was born!"
"Yes, we're talking centuries back," Belfi replied. "You Humans are quite short-lived compared to us."
"And with very short memories," Yooden added. "You forgot how you chased us all underground... The Magical Races and us non-Humans alike. And then you complain you only have dark magic at your fingertips."
"Demons still find their way to Humans' hearts." Belfi glared at Yooden who shrugged.
"Is it my fault if they're so gullible and keep falling for the demons' promises?" he retorted.
"I'm sorry." Ivaloo blushed. "I'm not responsible for my ancestors."
"Of course not!" Belfi smiled. "We're not blaming you. I'm here to help. Especially you."
"Thank you." Ivaloo dared to look at him with hope in his eyes.
"I know what you're going through," Belfi continued. "I, too, have a dark twin."
Ivaloo looked puzzled, but Belfi decided not to get into that. "How about breakfast, Yood?" he asked cheerfully, changing the subject.
Yooden called a female dwarf who came out of the cave with fresh food.
Ivaloo asked Belfi with a new respect if he could tell him more of his visit to the castle, while Yooden went back into the black hole of the cavern.
When he came out again, Ivaloo had once more clenched fists and had eaten nothing. Without words, the dwarf took out from behind his back a magnificent sword and gave it to the astonished young man.
"Yours is in your brother's hands," he said as a way of explanation. "And this one stayed for too long in our armory. It's time someone starts to use it."
After a very short hesitation, Ivaloo took it and observed it more closely. The hilt was neatly carved and the blade was absolutely perfect. He stood, trying weight and handling of that weapon that seemed forged for him. Suddenly his anger exploded and he started hitting trees and air with the blade, screaming to release his emotions.
"That's not a magic sword, is it, Yood?" Belfi asked.
"I'm not a powerful half-blood who can make magic swords," Yooden grumbled.
Belfi chuckled. "Besides, he wouldn't know how to use it," he commented as Ivaloo gave vent to his frustration with the sword dance.
"Aye, shout them out," Yooden whispered, observing him. "Then you'll be ready." He exchanged glances with Belfi who smiled at him.
***
Ivaloo lost track of time again while Yooden and Belfi taught him to feel the light inside him that was meant to counterbalance Dafydd's darkness. His days were divided into theoretical lessons and practical exercises, moments of meditation and others of discussion.
Being curious about his half-blood mentor, one day he dared to ask Belfi some questions as they rested in the clearing under the sun.
"You once told me you too have a dark twin. Would you talk about him?"
Belfi sighed.
"If it makes you feel better... Know that I'm son of a dark being who is no more. She was known as the Queen of Darkness and had her share of believers in ancient times."
"I've heard about her. She was evil incarnated." Ivaloo began to think old legends were truer than what he'd thought before his twin came back with demonic powers.
"She was, indeed. She was killed when I was young. Magical Races should know better than consorting with minions of Dark Ponds, but my mother wasn't Human anymore and my grandfather was desperate. He promised her his son. Twenty-two years later the Queen of Darkness claimed my father. So I was born, along with my twin. He looks like me, but is totally made of darkness and is now the new Lord of Demons after my mother's death."
"The Magical Races kingdoms fell two centuries ago, how come you still look so young? How long do Genn live?"
"Magic users can reach one
hundred and fifty years, all the others normally die around one century. But I am special, I am immortal. I ceased growing old when I confronted my twin brother. We were twenty-two. He lost and was exiled in the darkness, and I stayed on this world keeping this look forever. Mind you, I can be killed, like my mother! But I'll never grow old."
"Same with your brother? That's impressive. So you're a half-god?"
"Not really. My mother wasn't a goddess and neither are the Magical Races. The Immortals are the real gods of this world. Pray to them, especially Earth, protector of all Humans."
"I will. And I pray also to bring back the sunshine on Caer Danae."
"The cloud of darkness will be wiped out. I promise."
Ivaloo felt more confident after the talk, but still thought he was wasting precious time – although he was aware he needed Belfi's training to beat Dafydd. He had almost lost hope when Yooden said he was ready. He stared at the dwarf in disbelief, his back by now scar-less like before Dafydd stabbed him.
"Thank you!" he said with a grateful smile. "Will you come with me?"
"I'm afraid I'm not too fond of Humans' way of life, my boy," Yooden admitted. "But if you need me again, you know which door to open!"
Ivaloo bent to embrace him, embarrassing him quite a lot.
"Don't do that, I'm only a wrinkly old dwarf!"
"Maybe, but you saved my life and are my friend," Ivaloo replied tenderly. He stood up. "And you, Belfi, will you come with me?" he asked the half-blood who was waiting patiently.
"Sure," Belfi smiled. "I look forward to see what happens to that castle with you at the head!"
***
On their way to the castle, Ivaloo could see his people were unhappy and fearful by the way they looked at him. Belfi followed him, impassive, with his green band back on his hair to hide his pointed ears, and didn't make comments.
Ivaloo looked forward to be home and see how Denisonde was doing. He was missing her greatly and hoped Dafydd hadn't hurt her. He still thought he'd kill his brother if he'd hurt the love of his life.
Ivaloo was furious when he finally reached Caer Danae. Denisonde was at the window, trying to ignore Dafydd when Ivaloo stepped into the great hall.
"I'm back!" he exclaimed darkly.
Startled, Denisonde stared at him in wonder.
Dafydd paled. "You're dead!"
"I'm alive," Ivaloo retorted. "And I'm here to take back what is mine. I already challenged you once and you stabbed me in the back. Now I challenge you again, witnesses being this archer, my wife and those guards and servants. Will you fight me?"
"I will," Dafydd answered gloomily. "This has to be settled for good."
"Ivaloo?" Denisonde called, uncertain.
He nodded quickly. "Later." She looked fine – at least Dafydd hadn't abused her physically.
She didn't insist, but exhaled, relieved. Her frail smile gave him strength to do what he had to do.
Slowly the twins unsheathed their swords, studying each other with hatred. When a weird duel started between the twins, they seemed to dance, but the blows they exchanged were fairly violent. In the heat of battle and mutual hatred, their faces were identical and since now they both wore blue it was hard to tell who was who.
Belfi observed for a while before stepping in and interrupting the strange ballet by raising a hand and spreading a colorful magic powder that wrapped the twins' heads. The twins stopped, breathless. Dafydd's eyes went back and forth between his brother and the half-blood who was now showing his pointed ears and looked back with an impish smile.
"Think about the rivers of blood," Ivaloo said slowly. "Think of the trees growing swords, of the demons lurking in the dark, waiting for your lost soul, and the moon with our mother's face. Think about the day you lost your humanity. What did you get in return?"
Now Dafydd was staring at his brother with possessed eyes.
"You... how do you know that?" he asked upset, with a hint of starting madness in his voice.
"I am you and you are me, remember?" Ivaloo answered with a rueful smile. "But you will never have what I have, because you are no man anymore!"
"No!" Dafydd screamed, hurling himself toward his twin.
Ivaloo swayed but kept his ground. A flash of magic gone crazy cut the air, but Belfi dispersed it with a bored gesture.
Dafydd was weakening. His black magic was not enough against his brother's new power. Ivaloo had the strength of Light with him and Dafydd's personal demon seemed gone.
Ivaloo's sword sank in Dafydd's chest. Dafydd collapsed with a moan. This time it was his blood flowing out of his chest. For a moment his eyes were innocent again, lost in pain and darkness. Then his heart stopped.
Ivaloo dropped his sword. He wasn't proud of himself. He was only defending his person and belongings, but the death of his twin left him sad and empty. Till the end he had hoped in a different conclusion. But now, looking at his brother's eyes, he knew Dafydd was doomed from the beginning.
Denisonde ran to him, nestling in his arms, and he relaxed a little. The people in the great hall went out to spread the word. The demon was dead, their real lord was back.
When he went in the courtyard still holding his wife, Ivaloo was greeted by a standing ovation.
Only later during that busy day – as Dafydd's body was prepared for burial – he remembered Belfi. But the half-blood had vanished and nobody had seen him leave.
***
"What's wrong?" Ivaloo asked tenderly, holding his thoughtful wife.
"I'm scared," she admitted, lowering her eyes.
"Why?" he wondered.
"I'm pregnant," she whispered. "It might be your baby like Dafydd's."
He didn't speak immediately.
"We will never know," he sighed. "But it doesn't matter. I'm Dafydd and he's me. And if the baby grows with loving parents, he can only be wonderful like his mother."
Denisonde smiled and let him kiss her, reassured.
Belkyss
The castle had been built by King Wald, who had made it his home – hence the name. More a big mansion with smaller buildings on the side, it had no towers except the bell tower over the castle chapel. A stone staircase led to the first floor where noblemen lived, while underneath lived the servants.
For generations the prince heir spent the first ten years of his life in the mansion before moving to the city palace at Goldberg, officially entering political life at eighteen. But each and every prince heir had always tried to go back to Ker Wald as often as he could.
Janeck was twenty and had finished his studies. He had a whole summer before going back to Goldberg and attending his father's council sessions. It was his last summer as prince and he was determined to have as much fun as he could before tying the knot and inheriting his father's throne.
Long brown hair and blue eyes, Janeck was quite handsome. Any maiden, noble or not, younger or older than him, would have loved to be chosen by him. When his father had told him he should choose, he had laughed it off, though. He was kind to all and love hadn't knocked on his door yet.
"Welcome back, your highness!"
Servants were honestly happy to see him, since Prince Janeck was much loved at Ker Wald. It would be his last summer as prince and bachelor... He must spend it well! He'd organize hunting parties, balls and maybe even a treasure hunt. Yes, that was a very good idea!
He took his horse to check the surrounding grounds outside of the castle walls. Since it was a country residence, Ker Wald had no protective walls and the complex included a small hamlet built for princes and nobles who wanted to play peasants.
There was a wood and a lake at the edge of the property. King Wald hadn't bought the whole lake, but a good half, and Janeck thought one day they could go fishing. Some other time he could organize a tournament in front of the mansion.
By now he was riding along the lake shore, lost in thought. He had plenty of ideas to entertain his friends – he was even better than his father and his predecessors. The fact that
he was the most powerful man in the kingdom after his father didn't disturb him, although sometimes a part of him wondered if all those friends were faithful to him as a person or to his title. Probably both, in most cases.
The horse stopped to drink and he stared at the landscape that had remained the same through the years. Goldberg was changing, but Ker Wald looked unchanged. The mountains in the background – covered with snow during winters – and the forest where boars and bears lived with deer and wolves. The village of Crowleg on the other shore. The fields and meadows cut by unpaved pathways. The flocks of sheep and the cows...
His eyes widened and he spurred the horse forward. Not far away, seated on a rock, a beautiful maiden sat, combing her hair and looking at herself in the water as if she were the only person in the world.
Janeck stared breathless at her. He knew he'd never seen her before around Ker Wald. Who was she and where did she come from? She was very beautiful to behold...
The horse snorted and she dropped her comb, startled to see him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take you by surprise," Janeck apologized with a smile.
"Then why do you move quietly like a shadow?" she replied.
"I was going my way. It's the horse's fault."
"Of course, horses do whatever they want," she teased.
He got off the saddle and tied the horse to a nearby tree, then joined her.
"Do you mind some company?" he asked, suddenly shy for the first time in his life.
"Not at all." She put away her comb in a small purse hanging at her waist. She had long and wavy brown hair that was probably usually kept braided, but at the moment was spread on her shoulders. Her clothes didn't give away her status, but she didn't look like a peasant – too pale and her hands too white.
"My name is Janeck," he said, deliberately avoiding to say who he was. For one day he wanted to be just another young man, in love for the first time with the beautiful stranger.
Tales of the Northern Kingdoms volume 2 Page 17