He never did and within a few minutes all that seemed to be left was a few chicken bones. “Ahh,” he sighed with relief.
Kelarin couldn't stop staring at him, eyes widened.
“What?”
“You—poor thing, must have been starved!”
“Oh.” He chuckled. “Eh…I kind of always eat that way.”
She giggled. “Really? Maybe I should teach you some manners then huh?”
“Perhaps. Though I doubt you will break my habit. As a warrior I need my energy.”
“So, all Nasharins eat as you?”
“Well—um, not really.” He suddenly realized how stupid he must have looked, eating like that in front of a lady, a beautiful lady too. He remembered so often, the people at Loreladia, even Uncle Seth and his own father scolding him for inhaling his food as if every creature in the world sought to take it away.
Though Kelarin didn’t seem to think of him as silly or ridiculous, as others did. Rather, she seemed more concerned he might choke—at the same time she seemed to think it a bit funny, admiring his innocence. “Be at peace. I won’t make fun.”
“Heh. No offense taken.”
The rodents went to him, staring up with their dark beady eyes.
“Your little friends need something?”
“They want your chicken bones.”
“Oh, well of course.” He set them a little closer and rapidly removed his hand as they attacked them like prey. “Have at it fellows or—ladies.”
“Eight females and four males.”
“Ah, the boys must have 'fun,' if you catch my drift…Two girls for each.”
Kelarin turned a blushing red and gazed at the floor.
Smiling, Darshun grabbed the wooden bottle the largest rat brought and twisted off the seal—which felt like poorly fashioned metal—and discovered it to be red wine. He wasn't a big fan of wine, for when it came to alcohol he preferred Alaric's ale, but this was no time to be ungrateful. He took a few big gulps to satisfy his thirst. “So, when do they normally bring you meals down here?”
“They do not—not to me or any captive. Instead, the prisoners are given a single black capsule every morning.”
“For food?”
She nodded.
“What is it magic?”
“You can call it that, yes. The Dark King’s Wisemen created it long ago for the sake of sparing real food for those of Asgoth, and not the prisoners. The capsule replenishes the body but there is no taste, comfort or joy in eating it…just bitterness. The energy lasts half a day, enough so they can manage to work their hardest before lack of nutrition breaks them down. They are tossed back into their cells with empty stomachs until the next morning which can be anywhere from twelve to fifteen hours, depending on the present job.”
“Wow. Ha! I bet with your rodent friends you must eat well.”
She stared at him, eyes as stern as a disciplining mother. “I never eat that food. Why should I when others have nothing? Instead, I accept the capsule and have my babies prowl the kitchen two to three times a day, where a glutton feast is always being selfishly prepared. They steal whatever scrap of food they can get their little paws on. At night, they transport the food to the slaves.”
“Additional tunnels?” Darshun guessed.
She nodded with a smile. “Fortunately, their teeth are stronger than iron and sharper than a double edged sword. Through hundreds of walls have they chewed, making passage ways even so far as the Gershom Pits, where slaves suffer the most.”
“You think much of others, Kelarin, but why not indulge for yourself at least once in a while?” Darshun asked, putting himself in her place, feeling he could never do what she does. His love of food was just too great.
“If I were to do as you suggest, then someone else that night would go without—you might have gone without. I cannot allow that to happen. My spirit is stronger than the men and women held captive here. They need some amount of joy, so I give them the food."
“Well, that's very righteous.”
“Righteous? Kindness? Charity? I don't know. I try not to label my actions with words, and just react with how my heart feels.”
Glancing over to the rodents gnawing on the bits of bones Darshun asked, “Have they ever gotten caught?”
“Never once. My babies are smart, fast and sneaky, make great company too. If not for them, I think I would suffer in dire loneliness.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Fifteen years.”
“Oh, dear Abidan!”
“On a sunny spring morning I was flying upon an eagle, soaring ever so wonderfully across the blue sky. We wandered close to the north, crossing over into Cullach territory when we were immediately shot down by a patrol guarding the border.” She spilled a tear. “I never meant for my eagle friend to die. I thought I could heal him, but they immediately took me as prisoner.”
“Wait a minute, you never meant for the eagle to die? Do you mean to say that you—allowed yourself to get captured?"
She met his eyes they looked hard and weary. “I did. I needed to come here, Darshun. I had to be enslaved for—”
Probably afraid of her answer while guessing the meaning, Darshun put a hand over her lips. “I don't want to hear it…No! Please, do not say you did this for me—suffered fifteen years alone for me—accepted a bitter capsule as your food for me. No…no…no!”
She gently removed his hand from her mouth and stared at him for a long time. “Yes Darshun, I did.”
“Kelarin! You didn't deserve that, not for me—I don't deserve such mercy.”
“It is all right. I wanted to.”
“But why?” His voice cracked.
“Because I—well—because I needed to heal the Guardian.” By the joyful expression on her face and sudden bedazzled tone in her voice, it sounded like she might say something other than heal the Guardian.
If so, Darshun didn't care to learn, he’d already received more mercy than he deserved. For fifteen years a poor woman suffered, just so he might be spared? The Guardian? Yeah, right, if that were really true then it should have been Darshun saving Kelarin. Not the other way around! He felt frustrated.
“Darshun, it is okay, please. I needed to come here for a lot of reasons, to soothe the suffering of the prisoners also.”
“But fifteen years?”
“There may have never been another chance. I cannot read the future, but can assure you it changes all the time. I witnessed the visions of you and chose my moment to act. Besides, I haven't always been sitting here in this dark cell you know. Originally, I was assigned duties but after a few years, the King and Queen banished me to solitude for talking too much to the captives, giving them the hope of Abidan's Guardian who would one day come to free us.”
Darshun sighed.
“I admit to dearly missing the woodlands, the birds and trees—my people. But I do not regret my actions. My own father even knew what I was doing, and agreed with my decision."
“And you are happy?”
“I delight in nothing more than easing the suffering of wounded spirits.”
Unnaturally kind she was. Sitting there, the rodents on her lap, dressed in old ragged garments—the most beautiful glorious lady he’d ever seen.
“It grows late. We should both get some sleep, in the morning they may come to check if I killed you. When they see I haven’t, you will most likely be sent to the Underground.”
“What is that?”
“A place where the slaves are forced to look for Milandrith Metal.”
“Milandrith Metal? That is what us Nasharins use for weapons it's the strongest metal on earth!”
“Some of it has been discovered deep in the ground here, under the castle. They are using it for weapons and armor. The slaves are pushed beyond limits to find the metal. Those who fail or don’t do a good enough job digging, according their masters' standards, are either beaten severely or executed.”
“A little demanding is it
not?”
“That is the way here. When a slave has an accident, leaving him crippled or temporarily damaged, or reaches old age they are executed as well.”
“How long have the slaves been here?”
“Too long to remember. The elder slaves were taken from their defeated kingdoms long ago only to live here with no hope and to die alone. The younger generations were born into captivity. They get transported from place to place when another task is underway.”
“All Human?”
“Entirely.”
“So—their lives here are nothing but worthless material?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“That's not right. No!” Darshun clenched his fists and streaks of fire flared around them, the room heating up from his power.
Kelarin immediately approached the angry Nasharin and gently placed her hand on his arm. “Please be calm,” she whispered. “Let not vengeance cloud your judgment.”
“You can tell what I am feeling?”
“Easier than you realize.” She ran a hand up along his chest, ascending his throat and lightly brushed his cheek. “Please, young warrior, relax your thoughts.”
Darshun felt an incredible inner peace fill his spirit. It felt hard to fight it. He wanted to stay angry, vengeful but her touch easily tamed him too easily, he wasn't sure if he liked it. “Whether I am the Guardian or not, I promise you this, I will destroy this Demon Lord and all of his followers. I vow to it!”
“I believe in you Darshun Luthais. Now we really must get some sleep.”
“All right…” He sighed deeply, feeling the loss of what felt like a year's worth of stress. “If you insist.” He sat onto the floor.
“Oh no, you don’t,” she scolded.
Darshun felt a bit startled. This would be the first time he’d heard her speak in a harsh tone.
“Here, sleep on my bed. It may not be much, and is quite raggedy, but it's softer than the floor.”
“Next to you?”
She blushed. “No silly, I will take the floor.”
“Absolutely not!”
“Oh and why is that?” She crossed her arms.
The sparkles in her eyes brought about from anger were attractive, at least to Darshun. “Because you are a lady. You deserve the bed, not I.”
“This is my cell and that makes you the guest, so you will take the bed.”
“I will not take the bed. I’m used to sleeping on the ground.”
“But the stone is cold,” she whimpered. “You could develop sores.”
Her whimpering tone almost won Darshun over, but he remained unmoved. “All the more reason you must sleep on the bed. Just give me a few sheets and I’ll be fine.” He smiled, enjoying the little debate.
Kelarin’s expression suddenly dropped. “Listen Nasharin, have you ever wakened to find your leg gnawed off by rodents?” Her gaze reflected fire, her voice a chastisement of love.
“Um—no,” he answered licking his lips, nervously looking back and forth.
“Well then, I suggest you take the bed. What about you Brianna, do you think he should take the bed?”
Finishing the remnants of a bone, Brianna looked at her mistress and squeaked.
“Oh, all right, and what about you Katrina?” she asked an albino rodent. “What do you think?”
Katrina began squeaking as well.
“Really? And how about the rest of you?”
They all faced Darshun, stood on their hind legs and squeaked repetitively like a horde of little insane rats.
“All right, all right! You win. You all win!”
The rodents ran over and up onto him licking him all over, even within his ears. Their miniature wet tongues tickling and Darshun couldn’t help but laugh until his insides hurt—something he hadn’t felt in a long while.
“I think you made them happy,” she noted.
“I would never have thought you had a dominant side Kelarin.”
She smiled. “When it comes to aiding those I love, I am the dominant mother.”
“I guess so.” He kept chuckling.
She took some blankets off the bed, made herself a little nest and then lay on the ground. “Goodnight Darshun.”
“Goodnight Kelarin. And thank you—for everything.”
No response came.
Darshun wasn’t sure if she’d already fallen asleep or simply chose not to comment. Whatever the case, he didn't think of going to sleep, not just yet. She’d done enough for him; there was no way he would let her sleep on the stone floor.
Patiently waiting another half hour, he slipped out of the bed and silently tiptoed over to her, awakening the rats snuggled together on her blankets. “Get out of here,” he whispered swaying his hand at them.
They scurried off making a bit of a fuss.
He slowly picked up his Angel—as what he thought of Kelarin, and carried her to the bed in his arms, gently setting her down and tucking her in. Then he glanced at the rodents. “If you make even a peep, I will scorch you all,” he said changing his eyes into fire for a brief moment to frighten them.
Immediately, they retreated into the holes along the wall. Darshun laughed but whom was he kidding? He could never hurt another creature in cold blood, especially Kelarin's babies as she put it. However, he did desire for Kelarin to sleep well.
When he turned to walk away she grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Please don’t leave me!” she begged. “Please. I need you.”
Startled at first, Darshun soon realized she was talking in her sleep. He wondered what kind of dream it might be, perhaps a loved one from the past? No matter, he decided to honor her dream and remain with her for a while. He knelt down and held her hand while she slept. Gazing at such a radiant face he wondered who she really was, for something about the Elf's presence, the way she spoke, moved and felt seemed familiar, like one he’d met in a long forgotten dream. Vaguely, did he remember standing on the ledge of a mountain, ready to leap to his death because he so miserably failed at something important? Then a lady shining like a star among the heavens appeared to stop him and healed his broken spirit. He couldn’t remember the face, only the white light glowing around her. The dream felt as if it happened many years ago. Perhaps it had nothing to do with Kelarin at all. But what if it did?
She’s so beautiful, so unique—I’ve never met a creature like this before, Darshun thought. Her aura gives off a presence of absolute peace and holiness. It’s as if purity itself has manifested into feminine form. He brushed his lips against her hand and kissed her palm. “I promise you Kelarin,” he whispered, “I will let no harm come to you, even if it means I must die.”
An hour later, he left her side and lay on the floor, drifting into sleep.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Mocking the Queen
Darshun opened his eyes after feeling two rats crawling over his belly, tugging at his already torn, blood stained tunic, trying to wake him. It was Brianna and Katrina. “Shoo! Shoo!” he hollered.
They hustled away squeaking.
“Good morning,” Kelarin greeted.
“Is it morning?”
“Yes. One gets used to the time around here. You’d best get up, they’ll be coming soon.”
He stretched out his muscles and yawned; feeling something soft under his body, softer than he remembered the ground feeling. He sat up to find himself on the bed. “What? Impossible!” He stared over at Kelarin.
She sat pleasantly on the floor, legs crossed with a great big victorious smile. “My my, you are a deep sleeper.”
“But how did you manage—nah, I’m not even going to ask.”
“It's a blessing to have animal friends,” she quipped and the rodents started running circles around her making them both laugh.
Abruptly, a loud horn blew from outside the castle and what must have been the Cullach began to chant a dark melody, complex in structure.
Darshun didn't like the sound of it.
The rats scurried into the holes.
“He is here,” Kelarin whispered.
“Who?”
“The Demon Lord. That is the chant they sing upon his arrival.”
Darshun could feel the terrible presence of evil this Demon gave off. It felt horrible, beyond anything he’d ever felt or thought possible. At the same time, a feeling came over him, a strange feeling of desire or perhaps need, a need to lay eyes on this dark lord to—challenge him. “He’s come for the crystals hasn’t he?”
She nodded. “Just as I predicted. I suspect the High Wizard Levieth is with him also.”
“That Demon’s power is incredible—astonishing!”
“Abaddon is the most dangerous villain ever to step foot on earth. In the Underworld, the Demon's place of origin he has led great battles, defeated countless creatures and is feared above all.”
“Led great battles? So—Good exists in the Underworld?”
“No. As sometimes here on earth, evil wars with itself always fighting for territory, power and dominion. Abaddon killed his very own father in order to take his crown and became King of the Demons. It is said, he is a god having no beginning or end…immortal. But that stench is an utter lie. Nevertheless, avoid him at all costs.”
“I cannot. I must act now before he corrupts them to darkness. Not only that, but, few times have I experienced the 'frenzy' my father spoke of, an incredible desire that pours over the spirit of a Nasharin like the rising sun illuminating the darkness. Mirabel taught me to control it when I was very young. But—never have I felt such horribly awesome strength omit from an adversary. I feel starved—starved for battle!” A big grin covered his face. “I want to challenge him.”
She grabbed Darshun's wrist, applying a bit of pressure. “Darshun please, if you challenge Abaddon he will kill you.”
The gaze in her eyes looked like something Darshun had never seen, hardly indescribable. “How can you be so sure?” he snapped, removing her hand.
The look on her face changed to sorrow.
He sighed. “I’m sorry, it's just—do not doubt my power Kelarin. You have never witnessed it—”
“There are only three crystals,” she interrupted, ignoring Darshun's words. “Abaddon still needs one more before he can distort their powers completely. Until his forces find the last, he will remain in the castle. Somehow, you must find a way into his lair and secretly take them back. I know you are a great fighter and should have no problem slivering around here in the shadows, but if Abaddon should ever confront you…” She got onto her knees before him making her request all the more powerful and subduing. “Promise me you will not fight him—promise!”
Crossing Forbidden Lines (Guardian Series Book 2) Page 11