The Flames of Arathia

by Jordan Liberatore

  “Goodbye, Nathan. Keep yourself safe. I’ll be thinking of you,” Adam told him, patting Nathan’s shoulder. He then stepped back and nudged Drusilla forward.

  “I guess I’ll see you later on,” Drusilla sighed with a nod. She shook Nathan’s hand before walking back to Adam. The scent of her hair was floral, causing Nathan to want her to linger. Valtari then returned with two large baskets, looking up at Nathan.

  “Zel len,” Valtari muttered, handing the baskets over. “Kotonor, Naraithan. Zat aslë len.” Nathan smiled.

  “Kotonor, Valtari. Strength with you as well,” Nathan replied. Valtari smiled, hugging Nathan tightly before running behind Annloe who just smiled proudly.

  “Goodbye Nathan,” Annloe sighed. “I think of her often, just as you. She’s my granddaughter, you know.” Nathan nodded, taking a deep breath and one last look before leaving the home of Annloe the Great, adopted grandfather of Lillian Serenity.

  Herto stood on the deck of his ship, scanning the horizon. Most of his crew were eating below deck, allowing Herto some much needed time to look out and just meditate on the water. At least, he thought he was alone. “Well, what have we here?” a woman sighed just behind him. Startled, Herto turned, unsheathing his sword. A tall woman with curling red hair and emerald eyes faced him. She was dressed in a soft gray dress and a dark red cloak, a diadem with five different colored gems sitting on her brow.

  “Beings above, who are you?” Herto growled. “How the hell did you get on here?” The woman laughed.

  “Tell me, Captain Herto, have you heard the tales of the Phoenix Queen?” the woman inquired, walking to the rail.

  “Y-yes, my wife, Breena, spoke o’ her often. A lady of legend, survivor of five trials by the Beings,” Herto explained. The woman slowly nodded.

  “Good, then you have some idea of who I am,” the woman sighed.

  “There is no way,” Herto argued. “That story is hundreds if not thousands o’ years old!” The woman simply laughed.

  “And there is no way a woman who survived trials by the Beings could be around the long when you have sorcerers, gypsies, and Elves?” the woman countered. “Fine. Call me the Wise. Many do. I do the work of Fate.”

  “Why the hell are you here?” Herto demanded. The Wise turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

  “Why? Because, Captain, we are in times of war. The Dinthlayi Amarca is coming to pass, and you are needed at the Isle of Serenity,” the Wise explained. Herto stumbled back slightly.

  “The Isle… Beings above, that place is sacred!” Herto breathed. The woman nodded. “Why am I needed there?”

  “You are to carry an army from the Isle to Norto. The Fireblood War is finally ending, dear Captain, and your daughter needs your help more than she knows,” the Wise told him. Herto sheathed his sword, going to reply, but when he looked back up the woman was mysteriously gone. Herto sighed, turning around to find his men.

  “Men! Make way! We head for the Isle o’ Serenity!” Herto shouted, ready to jump into whatever action fate had for him.

  Drusilla and Adam watched as Nathan left. Annloe looked with his sapphire eyes from the Free Strider to the man as Valtari stepped towards Drusilla, grabbing her hand. Despite being unable to share words with her, Valtari reached out towards her in a way that actually made Drusilla regret giving up her son. Smiling, Drusilla tousled the Elven boy’s blonde hair, causing him to smile. «We are going there, aren›t we?» Adam asked Annloe. The sorcerer solemnly nodded.

  “I fear ‘tis the only way. Years ago a group of firebloods came to me seeking refuge. That is exactly what I gave them, Adam. I had no other choice,” Annloe sighed. Adam raised an eyebrow.

  “Was she the leader of the group?” Adam inquired hopefully.

  “Yes she was. She is alive and well,” Annloe assured. “I know of one who would love to see her again when the time is right. For now, though, I shall let you be until dinner. You cannot leave until the morrow, so enjoy thy stay. If anything is needed, see Valtari for I have business to attend to in my library.” With that, before anyone could ask, Annloe briskly walked down the hall, slipping behind a large ornate door. Drusilla simply raised an eyebrow before following Adam out into the garden. Fresh flowers surrounded her, from roses to lilies to violets. It was stunningly beautiful. They walked over to a nearby bench and took a seat, Drusilla leaning against Adam’s shoulder as they studied their surroundings.

  “I know you probably have a lot of questions, Sill, but please understand that there are some things better left unsaid,” Adam sighed, his wedding ring, mocking Drusilla madly, glistened in the sunlight that drifted down to the grass.

  “You don’t have to explain. I know that I’ll never have all the answers. I’d rather not know everything anyways. Sometimes that’s better, not knowing. It’d have helped me with Malcolm, at least not realizing that he wasn’t the man I thought he was,” Drusilla sighed. Adam slowly nodded in understanding. She stood up and began to walk around, Adam following her.

  “How are you holding up?” Adam inquired. Drusilla shrugged.

  “I miss the man I was about to have. Perhaps it never was meant to be. We were engaged, before he killed my mother. All thanks to the Eknar,” Drusilla mused, shaking her head. Adam grabbed her hand.

  “I just don’t want you to feel as though you are being left out in any way. It’s not that you shouldn’t know; it’s that you can’t,” Adam confessed. Drusilla stopped, turning to him. She felt so respected in that moment. He cared to tell her as much as he could. Adam was always like that, making sure Drusilla understood things. That was how he worked. He was so kind and loving, very much like how Malcolm was those years ago. It made Drusilla feel safe. Adam studied her, raising his hand to brush away her bangs. He glared viciously at his wedding ring as it caught his eye.

  “The only question,” Drusilla proposed quietly, “is who are you, Adam Brightheart? The only thing I want to know is who you are and what makes you tick.” Adam smiled.

  “How about you ask me that question in a day or two? You may just get your answer,” Adam winked, carefully brushing his thumb against her cheek. They could both feel the pain of the distance forced between them, slowly killing them. It was a gap made of choices they’d made, choices they both wished they could change now. “I’m not quite sure I can answer it myself. I’ve begun to question the past few years. All I can tell you is what you already know.” He leaned in softly, his deep blue eyes meeting hers. They studied each other, just a breath away, Adam’s eyes fluttering shut alongside Drusilla’s. Neither wanted the moment to end, but before Adam could lean in entirely, Drusilla pulled back. Not only was it too soon after Malcolm, but Adam had Lu. She wasn’t going to step between that. That wasn’t the type of person she was.

  “It’ll never work out like we want it to,” Drusilla reminded him. Adam looked down, biting his lip as a wind raced past, causing them both to shiver.

  «You’re right about that. It just won›t work, at least for now. I can›t say for sure about the future. I suppose you could say that anything can really happen,» Adam agreed quietly. His voice was warm and soothing, causing Drusilla to relax with each word. He pulled her in for a hug and then simply walked away.

  Chapter 10:

  “Help me up!” Nathan called up to Lu as he arrived back at his ship. Lu swiftly ran to the side of the ship, dropping two ropes for Nathan to secure, using to help her hoist the boat up. Once up, Nathan handed Lu the baskets Annloe had given him. “Take these to the kitchen,” Nathan instructed. Lu hesitantly grabbed them, raising an eyebrow.

  “Where are the others?” Lu asked harshly. “Where are Adam and Drusilla?”

  “They’re still with Annloe. I’ll explain in a bit, just do as your told and come help me pull the anchor up,” Nathan sighed, walking towards the other side of the ship. Lu didn’t move, simply staring at him.

  “So we’re just going to leave them there?” Lu demanded as though it was the most ridiculous idea she had ever
heard. Nathan sighed again, turning to face her with arms crossed.

  “Yes, Lucinda, we are. Now do as your captain has told you,” Nathan growled. Lu stepped back half shocked at Nathan’s tone, but finally turned to take the baskets down to the kitchen. Nathan looked around at the water around him, setting his hat on the wheel. Already the sun was threatening to set within the hour. The day was cooling, and the thought of being alone with Lu in the darkness of night was actually eating at Nathan. Was this the best decision? It had to be. Annloe’s warning was just getting to him. Nathan shrugged it off as Lu returned, helping him with the anchor.

  “What happened there? Why is my husband staying with that scum and sorcerer?” Lu barked, her body tense and her eyes cold and fierce. Annloe’s warning once again came to mind.

  “They are doing something other than we are. Drusilla isn’t scum, by the way. I order you to have a bit more respect for her. As for Adam, he chose to stay and help her with their quest. We are to head northwest,” Nathan explained, trying to remain calm. Lu’s eyes widened.

  “That’s just what you say. Why in the world are we heading towards Galdirr? Do you want to be caught? We’ll be killed on the spot!” Lu argued. Nathan simply glared at her. Whatever mood had her so wrapped up, Nathan wanted it in check and fast.

  “We are going northwest and that is an order. If you have a problem with that, I’d suggest that you leave now. I have no need to put up with this. I won’t take your attitude, Lucinda Brightheart,” Nathan commanded sharply. Lu took a step back, crossing her arms as she shook her head.

  “The Brethren will get us, I tell you,” Lu warned, her voice wavering. Nathan felt a chill run down his spine. There was a clear, unmistakable spark of joy in her cold dead eyes. It was hidden, only there for a second, as though she were fighting to hold up a mask. The fear she held in her face was clearly false, and that was what scared Nathan the most, chipping away slowly at whatever positive outlook he had for her just hours before.

  “I’m not afraid of that right now. What we’re doing will take the Brethren down for sure,” Nathan assured. Lu simply stormed away, muttering something that Nathan couldn’t decipher, not that he thought he wanted to. Nathan sighed, walking back to the wheel. He thought of everything that had happened, that conversation, everything at Annloe’s. It felt to him days since they’d come to the Isle of Serenity, not mere hours. He didn’t want to leave. He felt as though he’d found something there, a secret part of him. Finally Nathan felt like a true heir of Latorro, more than he ever had before. That place was a reminder of everything he was going to have before the flames devoured them. No, Nathan never wanted to leave, as much as he knew he had to.

  Annloe stepped into the library. The Wise was already sitting in one of the large chairs by the fireplace, reading something in her lap. “I hate it when you come in late,” the Wise sighed. Annloe smiled, taking the seat across from her.

  “I must apologize. I have guests,” Annloe remarked. The Wise looked up at him, closing her book.

  “So I am aware. It’s begun, hasn’t it?” the Wise inquired. Annloe simply nodded. The Wise stood, walking to the fire. “The Free Striders ride to Norto.”

  “That will be good for the Free Strider and Prince,” Annloe mused. “If they had a way to get there.” The Wise turned to him and smiled.

  “Yet again you underestimate me, my dear friend,” the Wise chuckled. She sighed. “Captain Herto Blackwright sails towards here as we speak to aid his daughter.”

  “A pirate on the Isle of Serenity? What are the days we live in?” Annloe sighed, shaking his head.

  “His heart is true, Annloe. I know the rules. Only the pure of heart can step on these sands,” the Wise assured. Annloe slowly nodded. “The final battle will be quick, same as the final battle of the Fields of Yulgarra.”

  “They say you were there on the fields,” Annloe remarked. The Wise shook her head.

  “No, Annloe, I’ve just been shown the stories, same as you,” the Wise corrected. She sat down again. “The captain doesn’t suspect the woman, does he?”

  “He trusts her more than her own husband,” Annloe confirmed. The Wise looked up at him.

  “Well, Adam has always had a gift for reading people. He’s almost as good as his mother,” the Wise pointed out. They both laughed. “Still, he has to trust his heart. Those two will drive each other crazy.” She looked out at the window looking in on the garden. Annloe turned to see what it was she was looking at.

  “The poor maid just lost her love,” Annloe reminded her. The Wise frowned.

  “It had to be that way, Annloe. True love hurts the most,” the Wise sighed. Annloe slowly nodded.

  “How is she?” Annloe asked, swallowing hard.

  “Tell me what messages you have for me and I’ll tell you,” the Wise offered. Annloe glared at her.

  “Then shall we begin?” Annloe offered, walking over to the nearby desk to look at the papers he needed for the next half an hour.

  Drusilla sat down again on the bench, Reddari coming out to join her. The woman reached down and pet the fox’s soft fur with a heavy sigh. “Why does it have to be so hard?” Drusilla asked, shaking her head. “Why can’t things be simple for once? They used to be, but I can scarcely remember that time.” Reddari simply looked up with an understanding gaze. Drusilla leaned back, looking around her. “I was in love once,” she mused. “I gave him my everything and he gave me a son. But under orders he killed my mother and I never realized what had actually happened until it was too late. Now I have another chance, but Adam’s taken and I won’t step in between that.”

  It was clear to Drusilla that she was destined not to love, or so it seemed to her. Love was only causing her pain. She hated it, but what could she do? Malcolm was dead, and Adam taken. Then again… If they were right about Lu… No, she wouldn’t think that way. Breena had raised her better than that, Luther trained her to be more honorable. Drusilla was just going to have to set aside her own emotions and respect what life had given her. Some things were just too sacred to try and break.

  The sun soon began to set. Orange and red swirled around, meeting the blue of the water. Sunset reflected against waves in a brilliant display. For Nathan, late summer sunsets were always the best. He stood tall, taking it all in with his head leaned back as though this moment was the air he needed to live. These were the moments that reminded him why he took to the seas, why he followed in his father’s footsteps. The wind brushed back his hair, kissing his face. It was here that Nathan Rodrick felt like he could take on anything, even the Brethren.

  Lu stood to the side, utterly lost in thought as she had been all evening. She was still tense as ever, gripping the railing with pursed lips and heavy breathing as she stared out on the water. Nathan watched as she slowly shook her head side to side. She then turned around, returning to her work as though trying to speed up the pace. Nathan sighed heavily, returning to his own duties. The ship could, with great struggle and frustration, be run by just one person. That was the main reason that Nathan had sought out Adam to join him once again. Lu just happened to come along for the ride. For the longest time they all got along perfectly well, until Nathan learned of the gem.

  “You aren’t serious,” Lu protested when Nathan suggested that they find a fourth crew member.

  “I’d rather have the safety of one extra person,” Nathan sighed.

  “I understand that, but are we sure that Northern Galdirr is the best option?” Adam inquired. Nathan looked at him.

  “Free Striders,” Nathan replied.

  “Of course,” Lu huffed, shaking her head. “Outcasted wanderers.”

  “Are we any more than that?” Adam argued. Lu just glared at her husband. “If you mean to find a Free Strider, that may be the best option. Just be willing to pay Nathan.”

  “Of course I’d be willing,” Nathan sighed. “Why else would I consider them?”

  “So what are we even looking for exactly?” Lu inquired. Natha
n looked at each of them.

  “Have you two ever heard the legend of the Fireblood Gem?” Nathan asked, taking a seat with a cup of buttersip as he began to explain his idea to his two friends.

  Around sunset Drusilla wandered back inside, hoping to find some dinner. To her joy, the smell of food hit her nose almost immediately. Annloe and Adam were sitting at the dining table once again, talking in Elvish. The two looked up as Drusilla stepped into the room. “Ah, dear Drusilla, I was just about to send for you!” Annloe greeted warmly. Drusilla smiled at him, looking at Adam who smiled back. The Free Strider took a seat across the blonde. Their eyes locked as they waited for food to be brought in, just studying each other in comfortable silence as Drusilla rested her chin in her hand. The meal brought in was what they had eaten earlier, and everyone took their fill in silence. The Elvish draught calmed Drusilla’s mind, bringing her a strange sense of peace just as it had before. As they ate, Valtari ran about, chasing Reddari and taking what bites of food and drink he wanted. He truly was just a normal boy enjoying himself.

  After eating, Drusilla retreated to her room, throwing herself on the bed. Seeing Valtari reminded her of Declan, and he simply reminded her of Malcolm. It made her heart ache. A tear rolled down her cheek as she overwhelmed by thoughts of everything that had happened in the last few days. Her wounds felt so deep, and soon she was sobbing, tears falling into her dirty blond hair. She barely noticed the door open, Adam slipping in. He studied her for a moment with a sympathetic mind before walking towards the end of the bed. Cautiously he sat down, letting Drusilla curl up into his embrace as she continued crying. Adam just held her tightly. “It’s okay, Drusilla,” Adam soothed, brushing her hair out of her fac.