by Amy Morris
“The stones were the power of Fraine, the magic that the land needed to exist. Once the amulet was destroyed, the magic ceased and everything disappeared with it. The royal court and every other human that had lived there for centuries left when it happened for fear that they would be the next victim of the loss.” Kermit paces the room, which isn’t helping me concentrate on the information I’ve just received.
“So we find the other five stones, put them back on the amulet and poof, the land comes back to life with magic and dragons?” I can see the skepticism in Talia’s face as she makes light of what we’ve just been told. But I believe Kermit.
“Not just dragon’s young lady but also fairies, unicorns and such.”
“Oh, come on,” Talia gripes as another blue spark hits her arm this time. “Ouch stop that damnit,” she rubs the spot where he zapped her.
“So my visions are real, is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes, they are actually a glimpse of what will exist again once you complete your task or anything else that may lie in your future. It’s been a part of your power manifesting itself as you approached twenty, hence the frequency that has increased of them, I assume.”
“What happened to the people that fled Fraine after the magic disappeared?” Angel asks.
“I’m curious about that as well,” Goss pipes up before taking a bite of her pudding. She hasn’t spoken much during this conversation, but from the gleam in her eye, I know she’s intrigued.
Kermit stops his pacing and takes a deep breath as he retakes his seat. “We are them Abby, you and I that is. Well, not physically I should say, but more their offspring. Your great grandmother Queen Ismerelda wasn’t just royal in the Groves kingdom. She was the Queen of Fraine before its collapse. The queen lived to be near six hundred, if I did my math correct. It has to be a full blooded descendant of hers that could fulfill the prophecy, thanks to your mother’s love of Ned that could happen. It was no accident that they fell in love, it was magic that drew them together.”
“So not only am I royal, I’m also part of a group of freaks that live a long time and immigrated here after the magic stopped in Fraine.” The look on Kermit’s face shows disappointment, “Please understand, I mean no disrespect. It just seems unreal to me right now.”
“I second that,” Talia weighs in.
“We will talk later, just you and I. But for now you will need rest for the last part of your journey to Shete starts in the morning. For now, I bid you all ado.” And with that, he retires through a doorway behind us.
“Not to knock you Abby, but you don’t seem special or magical to me. At least not from anything I’ve seen you do,” I point my hand under the table at Talia to see if I can send a spark her way for that comment, but it doesn’t work.
“I hate to agree, but a lot of what he said seems farfetched you have to agree Abby.”
Angel’s right, but the connotation of what both Talia and he just said puts a slight damper on my hopes it’s possibly true. “I know, but maybe there’s something to it. Might as well get some sleep before he kicks us out in the morning though.” Rising from my seat, I head towards a sofa that looks like it might be comfortable to rest the night on. Goss sidles up to me and shakes her head.
“Abby, I don’t know what’s going on, but I know you are special. I’m not sure in what way exactly, but you are. I’ve known it since I met you all those years ago when my parents brought you home.” She opens her arms and we embrace each other in a hug that I definitely needed to help re-center myself.
Goss and I rest head to toe on the sofa while Talia drapes herself across an armchair while Angel makes a pallet on the floor with a few blankets we found. I can’t sleep, and it’s not just because of the snores coming from Talia’s open mouth across the way. It has more to do with what I learned tonight from Kermit.
If my parent’s both have magic, then where’s mine, did I lose it somehow? Can I get it back is a good question to ask when I have a chance. My great grandmother lived to be over six hundred years old. What if I lived that long? I’d watch my friends die long before I age, I don’t think that would be fun. My mind wanders through another hundred thoughts and questions as the surrounding room is silent in sleep.
“I knew you wouldn’t sleep, come with me and we will talk more.” Kermit silently wanders towards the tunnel we entered through. He wasn’t even near me when those words were just spoken. I just heard them somehow.
“Now what?” I ask, emerging from the shrubs outside the entrance. “Are you going to be straight with me about everything now?”
“Come sit my child,” patting the ground next to the water’s edge where he has already settled. “Now we do not have long, there is much I wish to tell you but cannot.”
“Why can’t you tell me everything?”
“That is another long story with which we cannot get into tonight, I’m afraid.” I feel like I will not get any answers from him. “I will tell you what I can fear not. Now first describe to me the visions you remember most recently.”
I describe my most recent one from just two nights ago, soaring on a dragon's back from behind a waterfall. Gliding over mountains until we come upon a palace made of glass from the looks of it. He asks me to describe the dragon in as much detail as possible and how many times I have seen it; he smiles after I do.
“I should have known she’d be around still, just don’t let her near any gold, it’s her favorite thing to collect.”
“Wait, the dragon’s real, like really real?”
“Oh yes, Charm is real. She has been a protector of royals for centuries. It’s not that shocking that you see her. Grant Falls, the large falls you mentioned, have a large cave system under them. They constructed the royal palace with a material similar to glass in the capital city of Shyne. Water from the falls flows through the city and is the backdrop for the palace. In the cave is where the amulet was along with other royal treasures.” He takes a heavy sigh and continues, “Many magical creatures lived on Fraine, with your help they will again.”
“Did they die when the amulet broke?”
“No, from what I have learned these past hundred years they did not, just entered a suspended time not of our realm. It’s complicated,” he shrugs.
Great, more complicated or mystical things I can’t understand or that he just can’t tell me. I throw a pebble out into the middle on the small lake to ease some of my frustration.
“Disturbing the waters will only force them back to calm, it will not calm you Abigail. I can tell you of the many creatures that will wake when the amulet is restored and other sights that await you in Fraine if you wish.”
“I’d rather see them myself if all of this is true. What’s my mother like?” Asking before I lose my nerve, “What was my father like?”
“Now those two questions I could answer, but I’d rather let your mother when you meet her a few days hence. Anything else?”
We discuss the lush landscape he calls a rainforest that covers much of Fraine. I now know it’s an island with a darker side to the north, with an icy terrain that most humans didn’t venture to even before the magic left. They say the mountains are breath-taking and Grant Falls, which feeds power somehow to the capital city.
Dawn rises before I know it. I’ve been lost for hours within the descriptions of a land that should be my home. Kermit stands and starts back to the entrance, “Come my dear. I will answer the rest of your questions in time, do not fear.”
8
After gorging ourselves on a large spread that appeared on the table in Kermit’s cave, we take the packs he made for us and head out at his insistence.
“So I’m guessing that since we were already eating when you walked back in with the hermit this morning that you were up most the night.” It’s not a question from Angel; he knows me better and has just been working his way into finding out what I learned overnight.
I tell them what he told me and explain in more detail the crea
tures and land on Fraine at Goss’ request.
“Well, if he had magic, and I’m thinking he did with how that spread appeared this morning. Then why didn’t he conjure up some horses for us?” Talia asks.
“That I don’t know,” although I’m wondering the same thing. I just pray there isn’t another trial on the way to Shete.
For three long days we walk companionably through the desert and rejoice when we notice the landscape change. At first it’s not much, just some blades of grass in the sand the morning of the third day. But by nightfall there are trees again, we can make a fire to rest by for the night. Which we need after two nights sleeping in the frigid desert air.
Kermit outfitted Goss with a bow and store of arrows, which until this point I couldn’t figure out why. I’m not alone since Angel and Talia seem puzzled as well. “Now that we have a fire to roast something over I might as well make myself useful and kill something.” Slack jawed we all watch Goss leave the campsite bow in hand.
“Do you think…” Angel starts.
“Nah,” Talia quips.
“If she comes back with a dead animal, I don’t care how she gained her skill with a bow to be honest. I could do with a hot meal right about now.” I suggest, but as soon as the words leave my mouth the three of us look at one another and laugh at the thought. Right Goss killing an animal with an arrow is about as believable as me having magic and living to be hundreds of years old.
An hour later, while I’m tucking into my third rabbit leg, I decide that living a few hundred years might not be so bad. “Well Goss, I have to be honest you surprised all of us with this.” Angel gushes as he starts in on another chunk of roasted rabbit.
“I guess this means I’ll be able to shoot blue sparks out of my hand any second,” I quip with a chuckle.
“Now, now, don’t get ahead of yourselves. I’ve been an excellent shot with a bow for a couple years now.” Goss doesn’t even bat an eyelash as she reveals this tidbit. “What? You’re all staring at me as though I’ve grown antlers.”
“Let’s be honest Goss, I’ve grown up with you and trust me, this is a new skill at least Abby and I’ve never seen.” Angel says.
“I haven’t known you near as long, but with the skill you used to take out the last one easily qualify you for the royal guard Goss.” Talia chimes in.
“Allen taught me how to shoot,” her face turns to Angel and my jaw slackens at this revelation. “What did you think all the time I spent with him was just kissing and touching? Please, he wanted a wife who could defend herself so since I was no good with a knife we changed to the bow.”
“I never knew. Why didn’t you tell me,” I ask.
“Well, everyone has to have their secrets right princess,” she throws back.
“I didn’t know I was a princess, remember.”
“Touché Abby, but imagine if my parents ever caught wind. That’s the primary reason I told no one. I still don’t know how Kermit knew though,” Goss muses.
Talia reaches into the bag he gave her and withdraws two small knives, “well he also knew about my skill with throwing knives. These were in my pack. Angel, did he give you anything besides the sword or is that your strong suit?”
“Nope, just the sword, but I assumed it was because I lost mine when the horses ran off. Abby, did he give you anything extra?” he asks.
I dig through my sack looking for anything besides the usual dried meat and water jug, to no avail. “No, I guess I have no special talent.
“Or maybe you have his talents, but they don’t work yet,” Goss suggests. “He said you would be as powerful as him, but you don’t have training yet so we don’t know.”
“I have my doubts,” swallowing a gulp of water. “But I appreciate his knowledge of your skill with a bow right now. Anything else you want to spill to us Goss, any more secrets.” Smiling at her, I can see she’s not upset and glad my joke breaks the tension.
“Alright, so we now know what each of has as a secret talent. Mine is throwing knives, Angel with a sword and Goss for the win tonight, taking down dinner with a bow. I have no doubts that Abby’s will reveal itself when the time is right. Even if she doesn’t know it herself,” Talia winks at me.
“Thanks, now, when should we reach Shete’s city limits?” Not knowing who may hold that answer.
“From my few trips accompanying my father for purchases, I would gauge that by midafternoon tomorrow we should be in the city proper.” Goss offers.
“Well then, I better get a good night’s rest if I’m to be dining with my mother, her Royal Highness Queen Alicia, tomorrow evening.” It’s a joke to lighten the mood, but after it leaves my mouth, I take some time to fall asleep imagining a reunion with my mother.
Gossimer is right and we enter the city just after lunch. The city has remnants of the latest sand storm still visible on the outskirts of town. Once we venture farther in, I’m in awe of the beautiful sandstone structures that line the streets. On the outskirts of Madera buildings are timber, but here no timber structures, only wooden thatching for the roofs.
We take in a late lunch at one of the many street side taverns to get some information on where the abbey might be located. The lamb stew is delicious, but no one is forthcoming with anything that might leave us to the Regina Convent. Having a name of the abbey was at least something, even if that’s all we could get out of the serving girl.
A leisurely stroll through the markets almost feels like home after lunch. The spices at the Cray’s store came from here. The smells are so familiar that Goss sheds a tear for a moment after musing about never going home.
“I’m sorry you can’t go home, Goss,” I tell her through a mouth full of dried dates. “I mean it, I never meant for any of this to happen. Maybe you can go home after we find my mother, just tell them we left you one night?”
“No Abby, I’m over it, I swear. I don’t think I could go home honestly, not to my lying parents or treacherous brother. Not with what any of them have done,” she stops walking, looking morosely at me, opening her mouth to continue I stop her.
“Goss I blame nothing they did on you, I was only worried that it’s my fault this rift has formed. Mind you, I’m good with disowning all of my adoptive family but you after everything I’ve learned.” And with that we both smile as we continue our market stroll, with Talia and Angel keeping pace behind us.
“Well, now that everyone’s friends and happy again, we can concentrate more on finding this damn abbey,” Talia suggests.
“Hey, they needed to sort that out and better now than later Talia,” Angel adds through a mouthful of apricot. “But she has a point you two, time to find this abbey, convent, whatever it is.”
Speaking to different merchants in the market doesn’t help us besides draining us of money and adding to our supply bags a surplus of snacks. After three hours of scouring the city square and adjoining areas, we’re still at square one. Also now in need of a place to sleep.
The most alluring tavern with lodging around us is the Gate Keeper. We all agree it’s time to spend some coin on dinner and beds. After thorough negotiations between Talia and the barkeep, we have a room with two beds secured for the night.
“Why did you argue with that man so much?” Goss asks Talia.
“Never pay full price, something you probably haven’t done before,” she laughs.
“Got me there” Goss throws back.
An older gentleman comes by the table we secure in the crowded tavern and informs us of the evening’s meal. We order four plates along with wine. The man stares at me for a few moments too long before retreating to get our food and drinks. Not wanting to overthink things, I continue the conversation with the group until I notice him still staring from the kitchen door next to the bar. Quickly our drinks arrive along with some stew, but I notice it’s a different man this time. Staring at me as well for too long, he bows and takes his leave to the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back, let me know if you figure out
what meat is in this,” I gesture to the stew then leave the table. Goss normally gets stares from men because of her beauty, and Talia always has second glances, but not me. While the innkeeper isn’t paying attention at the bar, I slip through the kitchen door. The smell of the cooking area is the same as the stew we were just served, but the room is empty. Noting the door at the back, I venture farther in, hearing voices just beyond it.
“It’s her, I say. We’re supposed to be on the lookout,” the voice I recognize as the older gentleman says.
“We don’t know for sure,” another voice adds. “Besides, how would she know where to go if he’s not with her?”
“This place is the Gate Keeper, son. Anyone looking for something might look for that, right?” As the man that took our order finishes, I realize that Angel made a similar remark about the tavern's name when we saw it.
Having had enough of their lingering looks earlier and now suspicious activity, I push through the door I’ve been listening through. “Who the hells are you and what are you the gate keeper of?” My appearance has startled them enough that the younger man falls back a few steps before catching his balance in the garden.
“Oh, hells it’s only her. See, we should have spoken farther from the tavern,” the young man sputters.
The older man approaches me slowly, “My child, there is nothing going on here but a kitchen spat.”
“I’m not stupid,” I remark with a short laugh. “Where’s Regina Convent, I sense you’re keeping something from me?”
He laughs now and shoo’s the young man back inside. “Child, if there is something that you seek that belongs to you, it will find you. Have a good evening, mistress,” as he continues through the kitchen door.
Great, a puzzle. Is it even meant for me? More confused than ever, I return to my friends. Reaching the table, I notice Angel and Talia have now switched to ale and there is a second glass of wine next to mine.
Goss hands me a wineglass, “Oh good, you need to catch up Abby. We got drunk.” I notice her bowl is half full, so I guess the stew wasn’t very good. And after having a taste of mine, I see why they switched to just drinking instead of eating.