Dryad's Touch (Void Waker Book 1)

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Dryad's Touch (Void Waker Book 1) Page 15

by A. W. Graybill


  “Not all our kind are born with magic,” Nara murmured, smiling kindly to the other Apprentice who was wiping her hands free of oil with a cloth. “This is something that has been known for some time now.”

  The Apprentice who had administered the oil shook her head, murmuring softly before she said, “It is happening more consistently now. I would be surprised if even four of the fifty who arrived tonight found their marks. The same goes at the other temples.”

  “Hush, Lana,” the other said, her fingers gently pushing into Nara’s shoulders. “We should not concern ourselves with that tonight. The gods have their reasons, whether we see them to be kind or not. Even with that demon that visited, they must have allowed him to come.”

  Nara swallowed hard, remembering the way the thing had come towards her, how all the negative emotions of the world had built inside her until the protecting light cast them away.

  The Apprentice continued, “We will leave it at that. Now, Nara,” her fingers danced across Nara’s chin until Nara turned to look up into the Apprentice’s eyes. “You’ve already been asked, but I ask again. Are you taking your rites in purity and innocence?”

  Nara closed her eyes, thinking back to Castien. Deeply ashamed, she lied again, “I am.” Counting the moments in her head, she hoped the lie passed once more. She prayed the gods would hide the lies within her. Even if she received no mark, and even though she was leaving Vheria, she could not tell anyone she had traded ancient rites for brief desire. As brave and headstrong as she was, she wanted desperately to have followed the gods’ boundaries, except when it came to binding herself to Fallon.

  The Apprentice released her, allowing calm to settle across the air once again. When Nara opened her eyes, she saw them smiling as their hands helped her stand and gently ran through her hair once again. The flowers placed in her hair held tight. The Apprentices kissed her cheeks, and she weakly smiled back.

  “Nara, we two Apprentices, chosen to aid you through the task beset upon you tonight, will kneel to pray for you.” Lana took Nara’s hands, gentle and intentional energy swirling through the touch. “We pray the gods guide you. We pray the gods find you. We pray the gods touch you with their blessing. Here, close to the shrine, we touch all aspects of magic. While mana runs through all things, we are close to the presence of the dead mother goddess, Gaia; her essence clings to the shrine. With our sealing kiss, we pray you peace; we pray you clarity. We pray your blood crystals attune to their divine purpose, that they give you the knowledge you need; we pray you have an open heart to accept the gods’ wisdom.”

  One before the other, they kissed her forehead. A charge of peace and love swept through her mind, joy pulling through every part of her body. Such an unexpected feeling that could not have been done by the Apprentices.

  Nara turned on her heel, easing away. She was disappointed at the start. The older elves had told her that they had felt an immediate presence course through their body to lead them to where the gods would want them to go. None knew for certain if it was the gods who saw to them individually or if helpers of a kind were sent through the spirit realm to guide each person.

  She’d felt nothing so far, only the lingering peace and joy.

  Looking over her shoulder, she saw that the Apprentices had knelt in the grass, their hands placed at either side of the idols sitting before them. Their lips moved in a prayer only they could hear. Nara sighed at the hope that had been in the Apprentices’ eyes, always kind and gentle. So many were losing their gift of magic lately, most being born without, but still hope lingered.

  At that moment, when she made to tell them what she had done, something pulled through her. Some unnatural wind touched her, delicately gliding across her skin and through her hair, causing bumps to form across her sun-touched skin.

  There it was.

  The rush of joy she felt from the sealing kiss was nothing compared to the feeling that now brought her to tears. A tingling ran through every part of her as she was called to look at the shrine. The shrine was devoid of anyone, all Apprentices in their respective places, while others passing through their rites had wandered off.

  She glanced towards the tree line where wooded faces peered out, the glinting black eyes of the dryads reflecting with the light of the orbs that hung in the air. A mist covered their usually dry eyes, as though tears had shed. With the last Elder Apprentice couple kneeling, the dryads crept forth, feet taking root whenever they paused. Another presence followed them; the fae of the deep wood moved with tiny, twig-like wings. Wide eyes on miniature tree-like bodies watched her.

  The beating through the trees, a voice whispered.

  A surge, comparable to what she had felt with Castien, pressed the creatures onward. All the dryads and fae focused on the shrine. Like a butterfly seeking nectar, Nara glided towards it. She felt everything around her. The way the grass slipped past her bare feet, the way the coolness in the air intensified, the way the dew clung to her skin. The light from the moon burned brighter than before, the energy pulling at every part of her.

  Thought failed her the closer she came. Before, she felt it strange she could feel what the dryads could feel and understand them without speaking their language. Now, she was at peace. Now, it felt right.

  Bare feet touched the cool stone of the shrine, its stone top laden with an assortment of offerings from everyone present that night.

  There, a voice in her head whispered. A long lost friend telling her to look at the center. The essence of Gaia rested there. The shimmering pool of ichor was immobile in its glass basin. The golden essence was protected by spells so old no elf could touch it.

  Drink, the voice told her, the feeling of fingers sweeping her cheeks. Her lips parted, and she stared upwards, seeing that none but the wind had touched her. By now, the dryads and the fae surrounded her and the shrine. Many fae dropped down to stare up at her, while others flitted by, voices like birds and smaller animals.

  “I cannot,” Nara whispered, feeling as though she were in a dream. One dryad ran her hand up the length of Nara’s arm, placing Nara’s hand on the bowl.

  Try, the voice said, melodious and echoing in her mind. Nara turned her eyes to the one who held her hand. The female was taller than most, her eyes holding many swirling colors unusual for the dryads. The two branches that stemmed from her forehead were also larger than most, her bark-like skin paler than all the others present. Never had Nara seen a dryad like this.

  Nara repeated, “I cannot.” To which the dryad smiled lovingly. Stepping behind Nara, she took both of Nara’s hands and had her cup the bowl. The flames licked at her fingertips but did not harm her. You must try. Drink.

  Closing her eyes, Nara surrendered everything to this force.

  Peace and love filled her entire being, the power of her blood crystals clinging tightly to the bowl even though her hands loosely held it. With very little effort, she picked it up. Heart pounding in sync with those around her, the beating of the earth becoming louder and louder in her ears. The light of the moon held her like a mother while the fire that continually burned around the basin reached out, licking at her fingers, resisting. There was love, guidance, assurance. The energy of her blood crystals enveloped her along with the power of the dryad that guided her. The world seemed to embrace her when she raised the bowl to her lips.

  It is sweet, said the voice just before the taste. But it did nothing to prepare Nara. When the first drop touched her tongue, her eyes shot open from pure bliss. It was like nothing she had tasted before, like a thousand different fruits all at once. As it seeped past her tongue, more poured into her mouth, and she drank heavily as though it were water that had not been touched for days. It held life, and she could feel it pulsing through her body, forming around the blood crystals, intensifying the beat and the light of their power. Nara’s heart raced from pure pleasure; nothing could feel as this did at this moment, not even the embrace she had shared with Castien.

  Then she remembered those
without a god’s guidance would die if they drank the blood meant to make mortals into gods. The danger of it made her heart beat even faster. Her body quaked, and she would have dropped the bowl had it not been for the strength of the dryad.

  Death will not touch you just yet, the voice said reassuringly. It sent an urgent rush through her, telling her to set the bowl down. She knew whatever powers had released it for her would seal it back.

  Nara stared ahead, through the fire and at the dryads who stood arm to arm swaying like trees, their feet grounded into the earth beneath them while the fae danced about. The bird-like voices hummed a tune Nara did not know, but her soul seemed to.

  Now sleep, the voice spoke. The dryad’s gentle hands swept Nara into a hug as the dryad knelt. This dryad held her like a mother would her child, long stick-like fingers running through her hair and passing by the flowers woven into it. It was a touch she had missed for so long without knowing.

  Rest, child. I promise, you will wake.

  With those words a welcomed fatigue washed over Nara.

  The beating of the earth. The war drums are approaching. Words tender yet hostile, the humming of the dryads lulled her until at last she slipped into a euphoric slumber.

  Dreams often felt real; every moment could seem as though one could hurt or cause great pleasure. Until the moment something made the dreamer realize the reality, giving them the freedom to wake or to turn the waters of the dream as they wished. It was a blessing such things were often this way.

  Nara was not as lucky as she slept on.

  The dream she fell into was frightening and she was unable to take control. Glimpses of a cloaked figure with bloodied hands flashed through her mind. Children played happily within a land of dead. Clashing metal mixed with screaming and horses crying out. Golden tears trickled down her cheeks at the sight of angels falling and dragons arching across the sky. Spouting flames and rays of magic shot forth from the riders’ hands.

  A sword pierced her chest, and the images shifted, pain erupting through every inch of her physical body as her lips opened wide. A silent scream stuck in her throat, her fingers curling from unbearable pain.

  All of a sudden, the dryad that gave her life stood before her, kind eyes gazing upon Nara’s naked form while her hands reached out. When they met Nara’s chest, ripples of pain surged in her heart. The dryad closed her eyes, hands burning and causing tendrils of gold to spread outwards across Nara’s body. Branches formed across her arms with tiny outlined leaves. Onwards the pain seared, leaving more golden lines in its wake. They stretched across her neck and down her back, where she was unable to see anything more.

  Finished, the dryad opened her brightly shining eyes. Coming close, she kissed Nara’s forehead, light breath smelling of honey.

  Wake, a voice said gently. Wake and let all see what has become of you. There will be no more talk of demons for now.

  Nara felt the warmth of the sunlight on her skin first, then the coolness of the stone beneath her as she was sprawled on her side across the steps of the shrine. She didn’t move for the longest, neither did she open her eyes. Instead she focused on Vhedril’s warmth, feeling the light dance across every inch as though the goddess were inspecting her.

  When she finally opened her eyes, ever so slowly, she looked up at the many faces of those who had come with her the night before along with some newer ones. Looking into the eyes of several Elder Apprentices, uncertainty on each of their faces, she felt out of place.

  Slowly pushing up on her hands to sit, Nara realized the dryads and fae had left her and also that she lay there naked, her disheveled hair the only thing to cover her. She didn’t bother covering herself, knowing full well they already saw every part of her. While the dream slipped away, she frantically tried to embrace it, wrapping her fingers around her head when she stood.

  The crowd murmured, swaying to whisper to one another. Curious, she first looked at her arms, seeing the golden branches with their tiny, curled leaves. Then she looked at her chest, the imprint of wooden hands there. Further down, golden roots curled every which way around her legs. Nara grimaced, not understanding if this were a blessing or a curse sent from the gods. She had a taste now of both god and demon.

  “Her back,” someone said, and she wondered how they could see anything at all with her long hair flying in different directions and curling down towards the small of her back.

  The crowd parted shortly after, Lana, from the night before, leading the way for the High Elder. Nara stared at him blankly, not understanding anything that had happened, the last of her dream slipping out of her mind’s reach.

  Shen rushed forward with a blanket of dark fur draped over one arm. Gently he took her by the wrist, turning her and pushing her hair to the side. Loud enough for only her to hear, he said, “There is a tree that stretches across your back, Nara.” Thoughts were fleeting and a haze covered her vision as she looked up into his understanding eyes.

  Shen’s eyes darted across her face before he gave her a soft smile. He wrapped the blanket around her body and led her down the stairs, back through the parting and away from the crowd.

  When they were far enough away from the others, he tried to reassure her. “The gods work in many ways, Nara. Worry not. For now, you should rest. You have a long journey ahead of you.” Too dazed to think about his words and what they meant, she stared up at him, nodding. Though she had slept, it had not been a good rest.

  HIGH ELDER

  Shen leaned against the edge of the table, looking Castien over. He had called the young elf to him after leaving Nara in her room. The poor child was exhausted from her ordeal, something that didn’t normally happen during the rites. Whatever workings had been cast on her, whatever had caused such a large, intricate, and deliberate design was out of his hands. Never before had he seen a mark like the one she now wore. Typically, marks took up a small section of skin, some barely noticeable, just enough to let others know they could wield the mana of the world. Through them, Elders with the ancient teachings would be able to feel for their talent.

  From Nara he felt an overwhelming pressure. Ancient, untouchable magic was at work inside her. She who both divine and demon sought after.

  And now mortals.

  “Please allow me to explain myself, High Elder,” Castien urged, taking a step towards him.

  Castien’s fate had been decided in the early morning. The young elf stood impatiently, his face red to the tips of his ears. Shen wondered if Castien were upset because he had failed at diplomacy or because he had failed to quietly steal Nara away.

  “I have heard enough from you, Castien,” Shen said, holding his hand up. “You’ve come here pleading for peace when we know better. We know Ghela’s intentions are to gain land without bloodshed, to further whatever goals Alinar has. Remember, you are not the only one with spies.” He folded his hands in his lap, considering his next words carefully. Anything said here would be heard by Alinar, by the council, and by the whole island of Ghela. “Whether you realize it or not, the actions on Ghela have damaging effects on its people, on the surrounding area, and, most of all, on Arlania. We cannot allow such things to spread here. Additionally, your actions in taking Nara’s innocence speaks enough to me of your mind. Something I know reflects your king, your father, your nobles, and the people you serve.”

  Castien froze. Shen could see anger welling up behind his eyes and scratching at his mind to be released. Stiffly, Castien replied, “Nara and I did not act of our own volition, High Elder. If we had, I still would have taken her in love, just as she received me.” Shen tilted his chin upwards, understanding some. They had not been in complete control. The gods had not controlled it either. No force he knew had.

  However. “I know you did not completely act on will. But how many other women and maidens have you loved, Castien, before coming here and after? When the demon appeared during Summer Set, where were you to protect Nara? I know with whom you shared your bed. Erana is not the best s
py Alinar has sent. Your actions are not as secretive as you want them to be. I understand that you are confused by what you’ve done with Nara. I know you are angry with your actions. But when you speak of having taken her in love, I wonder how hurt she would be by your actions.” Shen paused, eyes narrowing. “Love does not bring pain.”

  Castien’s anger finally broke free. Stepping closer, his lip upturned, he growled in the Elder’s face, “What I’ve done is no concern of yours and should not reflect upon the judgment against my king’s command.” Shen, with all that he was met with, smiled, giving him time to calm down. Glancing at Castien’s hands, he saw flashes of white. Shen felt the energy Castien gave off, the mana he pulled around himself. This was a dangerous elf. Everyone knew this. Shen sent a silent prayer for Nara’s safety.

  Shen inclined his head towards Castien, keeping his eyes locked on the younger elf’s. Very calmly, he informed him, “I did not speak of your lust for the princess, Castien. I did not speak of your desire for the throne.” Castien blinked and shook his head, stepping away in shame when he realized he had overstepped his boundaries. He had ruined any hope there still might have been. “Please, before you cause more damage, you should leave as soon as you can. Tell Alinar we will continue to respect his land, but we will not join him. I pray that when war comes, things might be different. Demons have come to the birth islands, and we must all be prepared for more than just our war.”

  Castien stood still for a moment longer, eyes wide. He would find no weakness or fear in Shen, nothing of use for Castien, nothing to pick apart.

  Before Castien had the chance to turn away, Shen offered a final plea, “Nara is delicate, no matter how much strength she shows. I now know I did more harm in my secrecy. Care better for her.” Castien’s jaw tightened, violet eyes flashing like daggers when he stalked away. On his way out, he kicked over a chair; the wood splintered beneath his strength. Shen knew he would see more of Castien in the coming years, or hear of him at the least. This display was only a small amount of what he was capable of.

 

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