The Heart of the Ancients

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  “No, it wasn’t. Weylin forced the issue—”

  “And you need to accept that.” Gavin interrupted. He closed his eyes; the masculine frustration burning through me cooled. “Love, Rena is truly at peace with her decision. You need to be too.”

  I looked over the courtyard. “I know you’re right,” I finally admitted. “But that doesn’t make it any easier.”

  Gavin let go of everything but my hand and tugged me forward. We made our way to the front steps. “I have something I’d like you to see.”

  We walked through the foyer, winding through the corridors until we came to the hall that led to Malachi’s sitting chamber. Light poured from an ancient archway.

  Gavin put his arm around me. “The Archive Room opened this morning.”

  Tears stung my eyes as we walked into Malachi’s old sitting chamber. The ample space had once been cluttered with art supplies, broken sculptures that needed mending, and years of Malachi’s artwork. A team had labored for weeks clearing and organizing every article found. Now, shelves lined the entire left side of the cavern; tables were sprinkled throughout to give plenty of room for studying. Huge partitions stood off to the right, displaying frame after frame of ancient artwork. The only item kept from the original space was a long table, which was placed in the back, close to the mountain’s hidden entrance.

  “Of course, the most significant art and any documents regarding the Keepers are still in the mountain.” Gavin leaned closer, muttering so low that only I could hear. “And I’ve ordered the Archive Room to close at sunset. When Elias and Elaine get back, we’ll dine here with our clan.”

  Memories of countless dinners crossed my mind. Gavin knew eating at this table would bring me peace, as if Malachi was, in some way, still with us.

  “He would be pleased,” I whispered, watching several scholars with their heads bent, pouring over a set of scrolls.

  “That he would, love. That he would.” Gavin’s large hand settled on my back as he guided me to the gallery. “The curator has finished setting the artwork in place. You’ll ...” he stopped midsentence as four warriors made their way into the hall. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to go through the gallery without me. There’s a matter requiring my attention.”

  I frowned, and he kissed my forehead.

  “Nothing’s wrong,” he said, answering my thoughts. “Just a few loose ends to tie up.”

  I headed toward the display, glancing beyond the partitions to where blue energy billowed over a hidden threshold.

  It was hard to believe that energy hid a myriad of secrets ... secret places that housed power, and, most importantly, the heart of Kailmeyra. Its flames, the very breath of creation, had burned since the beginning of time. They held the love of the Creator himself. It was the heart of not only Kailmeyra’s existence but the reason Earth still survived as well.

  No one outside the Keepers, the Queen, and a few trusted guards knew the mountain extended well beyond this point. The Kinsmen believed Malachi lived in the deepest section of the mountain, when in actuality tunnels ran through massive rock, creating passageways to every part of the land.

  But Mia knew.

  She’d been raised to be Gavin’s bride, and she’d been given a journal from the Queen that held the mountain’s secrets. When she joined the Dokkalfar, she shared this knowledge with the enemy. It was only a matter of time before she came back and found a way to invade the mountain. If that happened, all of creation would be destroyed.

  Soft chimes sounded throughout the chamber, reminding everyone that the Archive Room would be closing soon. I walked down the last partitioned corridor. Canvas turned to tapestry as I neared the end of the exhibit. A small woman with wild white hair stood along the last row, just feet from the energy that protected the mountain’s inner sanctum. Skin stretched over eyeless sockets, making her cheekbones seem as if they were made of sharp angles. Even though the Dokkalfar had taken her eyes, she still had sight, although I had no idea how her vision worked. Her brow remained lowered as if she were deep in thought.

  “Ester?”

  Her hand flew to her chest. “Princess, you startled me.”

  “I’m sorry.” I smiled and looked at the work in front of her.

  Ester was one of the oldest Alfar in the kingdom and had been captured by the Dokkalfar during the last battle. Her strange ability to see the future had been one of Gavin’s biggest concerns, for only the Ancients had been blessed with the gift of prophecy. Even though she’d survived many days of torture and then managed to help me when I needed it, Gavin still didn’t trust her.

  I hugged her before looking at the work she had been studying. “I’m curious. Why are you so interested in these papyrus pieces?”

  Ester wrung her hands together, obviously flustered. She pointed to a charcoal sketch of the mountain as the castle was being constructed. “Do you know if this is one of Malachi’s?”

  I studied her face. Her intent flitted from guilt to purpose and back again. She knew well and good that Malachi didn’t sketch this. It was made millennia before he was even born.

  I kept my voice even. “I think that’s one of the original works.”

  Her cheeks flushed, and she looked back at the partition. “Ah, yes. You are correct.” Her tone faltered. “I don’t see like I used to.”

  A second chime rang overhead.

  I linked my arm with hers, and we headed toward the exit. Most of the kinsman had already left, but a few were putting away books and scrolls on the shelves. Gavin was still with the four warriors, the intensity of his expression matched the emotions churning within me, and I hoped that everything was all right.

  I turned my attention back to Ester. “How are you?”

  “I’m healing. Although, I miss my golden stone.” She tilted her head toward me. “Do you know if the Prince would give me another?”

  I didn’t like the possessive sullenness in her tone. The golden stone she referred to was a Sfera, something that held immense power and was given to the land by the Creator. Years ago, Ester found two Sfera while in the forest. She took one and left the other. Even though her mate died when she opened the stone, Ester kept her discovery a secret and used its power to survive.

  “There aren’t any to spare,” I muttered, hoping Gavin was too engrossed in his conversation to pay attention to ours.

  Gavin glanced at me, his chest barreled out as it always did when something made him angry.

  I changed the subject. “How are your quarters? Do you need anything?”

  After the guard had rescued Ester from the Dokkalfar, Gavin had all her possessions moved to a suite in the castle. She didn’t like it, but she had no choice.

  Gavin had her cottage burned to the ground.

  “Surely the Prince could give back the one Sfera he took from the woods? After all, I found it first. It’s rightfully mine.”

  I frowned. “That was originally stolen by the Dokkalfar. We’re not sure if they’ve done something to it. I think you’d want to stay as far from it as possible. Now, is there something else I can get you?”

  “I only need that which I cannot have.”

  We stopped at the entrance to the chamber.

  “It’s good to finally see you out and about,” I said, patting her shoulder. “Should I send someone to help you to your suite?”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Gavin came from behind. “I’ve already made arrangements. Ester, I’d like you to meet your guard.” He took a step back as the four warriors approached.

  Ester scowled. “I need no guard.”

  “Oh, but you do.” Gavin’s soft voice held a thread of steel. “You have knowledge of our lands that few possess. I’ll assure that you do not find yourself in harm’s way again.” He took my arm from hers. “It is of great interest to me that you stay well guarded.”

  Ester’s back stiffened, but I smiled and patted her shoulder.

  “I agree with Gavin. You shouldn’t have to worry about you
r safety.”

  Her expression turned grim. “That’s not what he meant, and you know it.” She walked past Gavin without as much as a thank you. Two of the guard marched in front of her, two trailed behind as they left the chamber.

  “Why does Ester have the same protection as the Queen?”

  “Because I don’t trust her further than I can fly.” Gavin watched Ester until she disappeared from sight. “Listen, Jacob has asked me to help him with a personal matter. I should be back by this evening. Weylin is aware of the situation.”

  “I need a day or two to get used to things.”

  Gavin’s understanding surged. “Weylin is now the head of your guard.”

  I frowned. “I know.”

  He studied my expression while I struggled not to blame them for Rena quitting.

  He closed his eyes. “All right. Weylin won’t be happy, but he’ll keep his distance. Please don’t go outside the gates or in the mountain.”

  My frown grew into a scowl. “I can understand not outside the gates, but why not in the mountain?”

  Gavin’s emotions darkened as he led me out of the chamber and back through the intricate labyrinth of tunnels. “The energy blocks your mind from me, and the other Keepers aren’t here at the moment. If you were hurt no one could get to you, and I have too much to worry about already.”

  Compassion welled. “Is it Wyn?”

  A few months back, the Elite Guard had gone to investigate rumors of a Dokkalfar slaughtering field. They were ambushed, and during the fight, Wyn, Jacob’s mate, had gotten separated from rest. They found her a few miles down the road, severely beaten and near death. Even though her body healed, something was wrong. Wyn wouldn’t say what happened and continued to grow weaker. She refuses to speak to anyone, including her mate.

  Sadness grew in Gavin’s eyes. “Yes. I’m afraid she may be headed for the higher plane.”

  Shocked, I stopped in my tracks. “She’s dying?” Wyn had a little girl, Siana, who was no more than five years old. How could she leave her? Worse, Jacob would surely die soon after because he no longer would have his source. “I thought the Alfar healed when they were surrounded by encouragement and love.”

  Gavin squeezed my hand and started toward the front foyer. “In normal circumstances, that’s true. But for Jacob to help her heal, Wyn must open her heart while sharing what happened when the Dokkalfar attacked. She refuses to let Jacob in.”

  “How do you plan to help?”

  “It’s rumored that beyond the northern plains there is a grove of mature Linden trees. These are rare, but their roots run deep, and they give off so much energy it is said that can heal a broken soul. Jacob plans to leave Siana with Micah and Ruth and take Wyn there. As I’m gifted with the languages of the animals, we hope to get information leading to the most direct route. He’s afraid we’re running out of time.”

  Light poured across the marble floor as the massive doors opened. Jacob stood, hat in hand. His gaunt face and haunted eyes looked like a warrior that had been through hell and hadn’t made it out.

  Gavin’s emotions muted, and my chest ached to the point of pain.

  “I’ll see you tonight,” he whispered. He kissed my forehead and started toward the door. Jacob bowed, and Gavin put a hand on his shoulder. His anguish rolled off him in waves, and I began to worry if Jacob was going to make it past the front gates.

  Gavin’s unexpected trip cleared my schedule for the day ... and now I didn’t have Rena.

  Trying to shake off the familiar sense of loneliness, I made my way out the front doors and stood on the portico that led to the steps. Maybe I’d spend some time with the butterflies.

  Hundreds of kinsmen milled about, trading their wares, children ran to and fro, chasing each other and squealing with laughter.

  I smiled at the scene. If it could always be this way.

  A wave of awareness ran through the kinsmen. Everyone slowed to a stop. Those who had learned to accept energy didn’t move—those who hadn’t walked toward the back of the yard.

  Hoping that Gavin had already spoken to Weylin, I headed toward the statues. Surely, he would honor my request and give me some space.

  Apparently not. His burly figure loomed to the left of the gates. He never approached me, but from his stance, he seemed to understand that I wanted to be alone because he didn’t move. His eyes glanced at me and then swept right, then left as if he expected Dokkalfar to pop out of the ground.

  I shook my head and looked away. Even though I knew Weylin was a great warrior and a decent guy, I couldn’t help it—I resented him. If he hadn’t pushed Rena, she never would have resigned.

  A two-teired scaffolding spiraled around the front monolith in the courtyard, which had been damaged during the last battle. This was the oldest sculpture, and Rena and I were determined to fix it before we left for Earth. If the castle were attacked while we were gone, the bravery embedded in this statue would help the kinsmen fight. The Alfar drew strength from them.

  I started toward the two-story marble piece. I’d spend the day not thinking about my best friend quitting her job, or the new guy that took it from her. I wouldn’t think about Jacob and Wyn and Siana, or Gavin withholding his emotions from me. I’d lose myself in the art and sculpt.

  I walked to the side of the large base. Chips and fissures marred intricate leaves and vines, and I concentrated on the task at hand. Marble warmed under my touch, fusing the cracks together. The complexities of trying to replicate the braiding at the base’s edge had all six streams of thought focused. I slowly made my way around, mending the stone as I went. My back ached as the sun made its way westward. I stood and stretched.

  “Princess Nora!” A high-pitched squeal rang from the front gate. A little girl ran, her mahogany hair streaming in the wind like a river of silk. “It’s mama. You have to come quick!”

  I took Siana’s hand, and we hurried through the gate.

  “Princess,” Weylin growled, standing in my way. “Where are you going?”

  Siana tugged on my fingers, and I started forward.

  “You’re not to leave the area.”

  The little girl’s frustration grew. “Please, we must hurry!”

  I glared at Weylin. “I order you to stand down.”

  His eyes widened. “My orders come from the Prince.”

  “You are the leader of my guard, not Gavin’s. But I don’t have time to argue. If you must, follow at a distance,” I hissed.

  Weylin’s eyes blanked, and I gritted my teeth knowing he was speaking with Gavin.

  Seriously? Siana is panicked. Gavin, I have to go.

  Weylin looked at the little girl. “Why aren’t you speaking with your father?”

  Siana shook her head. “Because he’d tell me no. But he doesn’t understand.” She tugged my hand again, tears forming in her innocent eyes. “Please, Princess, you have to help me.”

  We marched around my new Guardian and ran out the gate.

  Weylin seemed to understand that I’d use my shield if I had to because he jogged a few yards behind us.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked as Siana grew desperate. “Have you accidentally done something with your new gifts?”

  It was beyond strange, but even though Jacob and Wyn’s child had been through so much, she’d grown stronger. Over the past month, Siana had displayed abilities way beyond the average child. Gavin thought it was because she had accepted power at such a young age, and she was developing earlier than expected. Still, I couldn’t help thinking something else was behind it.

  Siana pulled me off the cobblestone path onto a dirt road. We rounded the bend. Slate and thatched roofs speckled the landscape as a group of two-story cottages came into view. Siana stopped halfway down the lane. An overgrown garden stood to the side of the dwelling, but other than that, the home looked well maintained.

  Weylin grew nearer, but I held up my hand. “Stay here. If I need you, Gavin will let you know.”

  A deep rumble came
from his chest, but he stayed put.

  The hinge creaked as Siana opened the arched carved door. We stepped into the sitting chamber. “She’s in the back. Papa made the library into a guest room. Mama doesn’t live upstairs anymore.”

  Startled, I didn’t say anything. Siana kept my hand as she wove through the furniture, making her way to the back of the house.

  Dust motes danced through sun streaks angling across the room. Filth coated the plush furniture, making their once vibrant color muted and dull.

  “She asked to see you,” Siana whispered, pointing to a small woman huddled in the corner farthest from the light.

  Wyn’s sallow pallor held a tinge of gray; her greasy hair hung across her face.

  Siana’s wide eyes looked at me as her fingers squeezed my hand, needing assurance. I squeezed her hand back before crouching so that I could meet her face to face.

  Tacking on a smile, I patted her shoulder. “Why don’t you go check and see if your friend Lucy is home?”

  Siana glanced at her mother. “But what if she needs something? Papa’s away with Prince Gavin, and I don’t want to leave her alone.”

  “Well, I’m here now. I’ll stay until your father gets back.”

  “Please. Try and help Mama.” Siana’s shoulders quivered as she tried not to cry.

  “I’ll do my very best.” I held the little girl for a moment before nudging her away from the room.

  Siana walked to the front of the house. She looked back one last time. “Thanks, Princess Nora.”

  “Go on, now.” I smiled, breathing a sigh of relief as she opened the door and made her way outside.

  “That was sweet, really.” A frail voice came from the darkness. “But you of all people should know how destructive it is to raise the hopes of a child.”

  I stepped into the room, approaching Wyn as if she were a feral animal instead of a seasoned warrior. “I’m glad you asked Siana to find me. I’ve wanted to stop by for tea, but Gavin said you weren’t accepting visitors.”

  “I waited until we could speak alone.”

  A tinge of alarm threaded through me.

  “Come, now. I’m no fool, Princess. We both know Weylin is ready to rip the door off its hinges, and I’m sure by now the entire Elite Guard is on its way. It’s a good possibility after this the Prince will have me carted off. It matters not. I’m dying; we both know it.”