The Heart of the Ancients

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  “And you’ll not be getting yer feathers in a ruffle, happy one. I’m not sayin’ ya didn’t defend her well, I’m just sayin’ it’ll be nice havin’ the big one over there too.”

  “We’ve already discussed this, Rune dear.” Elaine came from behind a boulder, just beyond the firelight’s reach.

  Her jade eyes glittered in the warm light as she drew near. She reached out and gave me hug. “I see you made it in one piece.”

  “Yes.” I grinned. “Although I’m not sure where here is.”

  “We’re a few miles from the Canadian border.” Elaine’s smile slipped a little. “It seems things have changed considerably.”

  “Aye.” Rune shook his head. “We’ll be needin’ to discuss many a thing. But first, there’s someone I’ll be wantin’ ya to meet.”

  As if on cue, a smaller Urisk with silky light-gray skin emerged from the darkness. Her glossy black feathers matched her deep black eyes. The rich blue tartan draping over her chest matched Rune’s. If any Urisk could be considered beautiful, it would be her. The other Urisk stopped when she made her appearance. She met their gaze, and they scurried away.

  Rune’s chest barreled out as he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I’d like ya t’ be meetin’ me Molly.”

  A collective round of warm wishes sounded as everyone finally met Rune’s beloved.

  I held out my hand. She hesitated before taking it.

  “I’ve wanted to meet you for so long,” I practically gushed. “We’ve heard so much about you.” I smiled at Rune. “And you’re right. Her feathers do put yours to shame.”

  Rune’s cheeks darkened, and his grin widened, if that were possible. “That they do, Lass. That they do.” His long finger caressed a small black feather bound to a cord around his neck.

  Molly elbowed his ribs. “Tis nice to be meetin’ me Nora.” Her voice, low and gravelly like the others, held more of a lilt. “We didn’t think there’d be help comin’. And then one frosty morn I’d I surely thought I’d lost me mind when I’d heard me Rune callin’.” She chuckled at the memory. “I’d be refusin’ to answer until he’d be sayin’ ... well, he’d be tellin’ me things only Rune’d know, now wouldn’ he?”

  Rune gave her a sly look but didn’t say anything. Molly cleared her throat and absentmindedly rubbed a feather that was on a corded necklace similar to Rune’s.

  “Oh, Rune. I almost forgot.” I pulled a pouch from under my cloak. “Siana made this for you.”

  Rune’s eyes lit with joy as he reached over and took it from me. He smiled at Molly. “She’d be the pup I’d be tellin’ ya about.”

  He unwound the cording and spilled the content in his hand. An arrowhead necklace made of amber rested on his gray palm. Rune’s feathers ruffled as he softly traced the unicorn sculpted in its center. He drew a deep, unsteady breath.

  “It’ll be created with the hope of a child. Pure hope. The tike’ll never be ceasin’ t’ surprise me.” His fingers curled around the stone.

  “She’ll be givin’ gifts beyond her years, now wouldn’ she?” Molly’s dark eyes twinkled.

  “Aye,” Rune grunted. “That she would.”

  Molly reached over and placed her hand on top of Rune’s. Taking the necklace from him, she undid the clasp and put it around his neck. “The young ‘un’s intent’ll be clear, and that’ll be around your neck until you’ll be seein’ her again.”

  Rune’s grin widened as the arrowhead nestled in between the feathers of the necklace already there. “I’ll be havin’ t’ bring her back somethin’.”

  “I’m sure you making it back in one piece will be more than enough,” I said, watching Rune slide the arrowhead beneath the feather as if to protect it from harm.

  Kyla darted through the trees. Her face fell as soon as she saw Rune and Molly together. She started to walk away.

  “Kyla,” I said.

  She froze.

  I waved for her to come over. “I’d like for you meet someone.”

  Kyla glanced back, not at Rune but Molly.

  “Come forward.” Molly’s tone held an air of authority, and I finally put two and two the together.

  “Molly’s the Urisk’s leader, isn’t she?” I asked Rune.

  Kyla’s insecurity increased with every step.

  I gestured to the small Urisk. “Elias, Elaine, this is Kyla, one of the guards that made sure we got here safely.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Elaine warmly greeted, although she didn’t make an effort to shake her hand.

  Kyla’s wary black eyes glanced at Molly.

  “You’ll be answerin’ the Alfar, Lass.”

  “Tis nice to be meetin’ ya as well,” she muttered.

  Urisk darted in and out of the trees, glancing toward the scene, and I suddenly wondered if singling her out was going to make her life difficult with the others.

  Molly glanced from Kyla to the trees and back again. She sighed as if she were frustrated. “You’ll be goin’ back to yer post now.”

  Kyla bowed and headed into the night.

  “I take it the Urisk aren’t thrilled we’re here.” My statement came out more as a question, and Rune smiled before he shook his head.

  “You’ll be wrong on that one, Princess. It’s the timin’ of our arrival, that’s what’s the issue. Well that, and I’ve shown me feathers back round these parts.”

  Molly glared at him. “’Tis not a problem me mate’s come fer me. I’ll not be havin’ ya sayin’ such things.”

  Rune chuckled. “Aye. She’ll be glad to be seein’ me, but the rest o’ the clan’ll be havin’ a different opinion, now wouldn’ they?”

  The Urisk that guided us to camp made his way past the fire. His gaze fixed on Rune’s hand resting on Molly’s back. He scowled and addressed Molly. “The woods’ll be clear. None of them night creatures are close. The Nora needs rest.”

  “Thank you, Finn.” Molly nodded.

  He bristled before walking away.

  “Is there some reason he didn’t want us to know his name?” I asked.

  Molly’s eyes narrowed. “Finn didn’t introduce himself when he’d be meetin’ ya?”

  “I’m sure he was worried about getting us here safely,” I rushed on, not wanting to get him in trouble.

  “Yeah. I’m sure you’re right.” Rena’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

  Gavin put his arm around me. “It’s getting late, and Finn’s right. Nora needs rest.”

  Molly motioned for us to follow her. “Come. Rune’ll be showin’ ya to yer quarters.”

  Quarters? I looked around seeing nothing but trees.

  Elaine smiled. “I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the accommodations.”

  Molly walked off with the guard, and we made our way past the boulder to a crevice so narrow Gavin had to turn sideways to get through.

  “Wow,” I whispered, looking at the grotto beyond.

  Torches hung from stalactites overhead, creating hundreds of chandeliers, illuminating the vast cavern below. The Urisk ambled about, their eyes roving, curious. Smooth, rounded walls rose high above. Instead of art, the walls were covered in concentric circles, crossing in places to create geometric designs. Tables and chairs, formed from rock, stood in various arrangements throughout.

  I reached across and ran my fingertips along the edge of one of the wall’s crests. Music filled my mind—deep rich voices humming, flutes lilting in harmony, laughter echoing from the shadows.

  “Urisk rarely live outside the mountain. They use music to create their homes,” Gavin whispered. “These must be sound waves that were made during the construction of the caves.”

  Elaine ran her hand along the path where the lines intersected. “Can you see their memories?”

  “Yes, but even better, I can hear them.” I closed my eyes and placed my palm close to hers. “And it sounds heavenly.”

  Rune chuckled. “I’ll be sharin’ the compliment with me Molly.” He tugged my hand from the wall
. “Sorry, Lass, but we’ll not be tarryin’ today. There’d be enough to be discussin’, and we’ll be doin’ it in a place that’ll be private.” His uneven gait clopped across the cavern and down a dark corridor.

  We followed in his wake.

  The familiar ache in my chest grew, and I glanced at Gavin. His emotions became distant as soon as I touched the wall.

  I looked closer. He seemed pale, and his jaw clenched and unclenched over and over. What’s going on?

  He kept his eyes forward, saying nothing.

  “And here we’ll be. I’m apologizin’ now, Prince, knowin’ how yer likin’ privacy and all. But this’ll be yer room, and I’ve instructed me Molly that no one ‘cept the clan’ll be allowed in.”

  “This is fine.” Gavin let go of my hand as soon as we entered the cavern. A long stone table with matching benches lined one end of the room. The other end held a slate pallet, softened by a featherbed. Distracted, Gavin stood by the table, staring at the circles rippling in the stone. Weylin and Rena leaned our packs against the end of the bench.

  Rune cleared his throat. “The rest of ya will be stayin’ down the hall aways.” He walked toward the door. “I’d be suggestin’ ya settle in before we’ll be talkin’ about the mess we’re in.”

  The others filed out of the room, following Rune, but Rena glanced back. Her brown eyes, so steeped in concern, found mine. Tark took her hand, muttered something in her ear, and they left.

  I sat on the bed. Gavin?

  He opened my pack and pulled out a fresh pair of shoes and socks. Taking a deep breath, he made his way over and stood in front of me. Dropping to his knees, he ran his hand gently down my calf before taking off my shoes, then socks. He pressed his thumb against my arch, and I groaned.

  “At this rate, Elaine will have to find more shoes,” he said, looking at the quarter-sized hole in the heel.

  “No wonder my feet hurt.” I ran my fingers through his hair.

  Gavin’s palm warmed, and my sole tingled as if it was asleep. The blisters disappeared, and I pointed and flexed my toes.

  “That’s so much better. Thanks.” I kissed his forehead.

  Gavin looked up and smiled. “You’re more than welcome, my Light.”

  The warmth in his eyes usually matched the feelings coursing through me. But not this time. That hollow ache still surrounded my heart. “Why are you keeping your emotions from me?”

  Love, devotion, and protection flooded through. “Sorry,” he mumbled, looking away. “I forgot.”

  “But why—”

  Voices traveled down the hall, and Gavin stood as the Keepers made their way back through the threshold, followed by Molly and Rune.

  “I’d love to talk to the captain of your guard,” Weylin said to Molly.

  “Aye. That’ll be Finn. I’ll be makin’ the arrangements at the top of the morn.”

  Weylin sat next to me and waved in an off-handed manner. “Oh, and I want Kyla on detail with me.”

  “Beggin’ yer pardon,” Molly growled. “But I’ll be the one makin’ the decisions regardin’ the Urisk.”

  Everyone froze.

  “My apologies.” Weylin dipped his head in a bow. “I didn’t mean to offend. Nora made a connection with the girl on the way here, and I’d like to surround her with warriors she feels comfortable with.”

  Molly smiled. “Tis I that should be apologizin’. Kyla’s barely of age. She’ll be green as the new grass, that one. Not even lost the feathers of youth. I’ll be puttin’ Finn and his top warrior’s to be protectin’ me Nora.”

  Rena’s lips thinned as she sat next to Weylin, but she didn’t say anything.

  Rune grunted. “Nay. She’ll be havin’ Kyla if the Princess’ guard’ll be askin’ for her.”

  Molly’s eyes narrowed. “She’ll be havin’ the guard I’ll be appointin’. Tis too important a task to be givin’ a pup like our Kyla.”

  Rune’s chest barreled out, his larger frame towering over hers. “We’ll be discussin’ this tonight after the meetin’.”

  “That we will, me mate. That we will.” Molly held her ground. Her slight emphasis on the word “me mate” had Rune’s eyes softening.

  He took her hand, “I’ll not be challengin’ yer authority over the Urisk, but when it comes to me Kailmeyra clan, you’ll have to be trustin’ me.”

  Molly leaned close, her forehead nearly touchin’ his. “You’ve always had me trust, you’d be knowin’ that,” she whispered.

  The air charged around them. The change was subtle but powerful. I blushed and looked away. Their conversation held a deeper meaning, and I felt like we were invading their privacy.

  Molly glanced over and smiled. “I’d be askin’ ye t’ forgive me. I’ve only had me Rune back for a short while. ‘Tis new, this compromisin’.”

  I could so relate to that one.

  Gavin nudged my shoulder.

  “So, Rune,” Rena piped up. “What in the Sam Hill is going on? And where are all the people? I know we’re in a remote part of the country, but we should have at least seen an occasional camper or heard a plane flying overhead. Something.”

  “That’s what I’d be needin’ t’ speak to ya about.” Rune stood. “It’d be complicated, but the best I figure is that all them blasted contraptions the humans put in the sky’ll not be workin, and neither do their confounded machines. They’ll be goin’ back to livin’ like they should’ve in the first place, but then all they’d done before made it damn near impossible for anythin’ t’ grow.”

  Confused, I looked around the table. “Does anyone know what Rune’s talking about?”

  Elias stood. “I believe Rune is speaking about satellites and the fact that some time ago the environmental crisis reached a peak. I’m still not clear what exactly happened, but it appears there was a war and electronic devices were rendered useless. This caused a shortage of clean water, and disease spread through Western civilization. To make matters worse, the years of genetic manipulation and excessive hormones in the food supply weakened the human’s immune system. This led to a rash of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Between numerous diseases and lack of medical care, the loss of life is worse than the Black Death of the thirteenth century. Panic led to riots and wars, and the Dokkalfar thrived.”

  Shocked, I openly stared. “How long have we been gone? What year is this?”

  Rune shook his head. “I’d not be knowin’, Lass, but I’ll be tellin’ ya them black demons have been workin’ overtime on procreatin’ their kind. They’ve been stickin’ mostly to cities, as that’ll be where the death and devastation’ll be strongest. Mia made sure yer hometown was the first to fall into the darkness. That’d be why we’ve come this far north. It’d be safer here.”

  Tears welled as memories of Edna and her church, carnivals, and fireflies ran through my mind. How could it come to this?

  Rune grunted, “That’d not be the worst of it though.”

  “What could possibly be worse than that?” I asked, not sure I wanted to hear any more.

  His expression turned grave. “The land. It’ll be dyin’.”

  “Dying?” I whispered as Rena and Tark stood.

  “Aye. All them potions the human’ll be usin’ t’ be makin’ their lives easier. That’s what done it. That’s what’d be keepin’ the ground from allowin’ the trees t’ be growin’.”

  Confused, I looked to Elias again.

  “Pollution,” he softly said. “Acid rain and years of pesticides, plastics, and leaking landfills has made it almost impossible to farm much of anything. From what the other Urisk tell us, the more populated cities were destroyed early on. But there are a few places where people have banned together to survive. Commercial farms were looted long ago, leaving the ground fallow. Those who couldn’t grow their own food eventually died. The last fertile land rests high within the mountains, but the influx of people seeking food and shelter has depleted its energy, and so the mountains are dying as well.

  The tears I�
��d been fighting finally made their way down my cheeks, and I aggressively brushed them away. No wonder Finn was so resentful. He knew I was human. My kind was responsible. “What can be done?”

  Rune took a deep breath, his eyes held a harsh tenacity. “We’ll be stickin’ to our true intent.”

  Molly’s long arms folded across her chest as her eyes narrowed.

  Rune glanced at her before continuing. “And then, when we’d be done purgin’ this world of Mia and them demons, we’ll be helpin’ the Urisk find a way to fix this mess.”

  “That’s what the trouble’s been about?” I asked, looking at Rune. “The Urisk thought we were coming back to help?”

  “Aye, Lass. They’d not be happy when I’d be explainin’ that we’re on a huntin’ mission.”

  Molly, who had been strangely quiet this whole time, leaned forward. “’Tis not the entire tale, me Nora.”

  Gavin’s eyes hardened at the term.

  Molly leaned back and smiled. “You’ll not be understandin’, spoiled Prince of the Alfar.”

  Gavin slowly stood, his anger burning through me. “I’m not being selfish, nor am I being possessive. The simple fact is Nora is mine. She is my source, my strength, and she lives in me.”

  I reached up and took Gavin’s hand, hoping he’d sit back down. He remained standing.

  “And that’ll be your life’s greatest treasure, it will.” Molly stood as well. “But accordin’ to our prophecy, she’d be our Light too.”

  “How so?” Gavin’s jaw clenched.

  Molly made her way to the door. “Me mate’ll be explainin’ before we’ll be meetin’ again.”

  And with that, she left.

  Chapter 13

  The Urisk’s Prophecy

  Rune closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’d be tellin’ her tis too soon t’ be startin’ all this. You’ll be needin’ time t’ be adjustin’ t’ the way of things. I ‘magine it’s a shock, hearin’ your kind are sufferin’. But me Molly, she doesn’t agree. She’d be thinkin’ we’re runnin’ out of time. Best to get everythin’ out in the open.” He took a deep breath and stared at me. “Lass, you must be understandin’. In the mountains of Kailmeyra, the Ancients’ll be writin’ things down and keepin’ it in that secret cave. But here, the Urisk’ll be passin’ down prophecies through song. The intent is powerful, it is. For these songs’ll be kept in the heart, not the head.”