“Another pet?” Cobaaron gave her a skeptical look and shook his head. He shrugged, and then stated once Ambrosia and Tyrus found them they would know soon enough if she wanted to replace the wooden warriors. “And no, you can’t have a critter.” He grinned, but Ky knew he meant it.
Soon after Cobaaron and Ky picked a few toys for Lu Lyle, Ambrosia and Tyrus joined them. Ambrosia’s joy was noticeable, but Cobaaron played dumb. Ky was sure he knew, and he even glanced at their hands. Instead of voicing his thoughts, he pointed out the toy warriors to Ambrosia and asked if she wanted them.
“Oh, no, it’s not the same. They would have different personalities,” Ambrosia said, looking at Tyrus. “I heard a rumor of living water around the City of Lights. Tyrus will make me more, and dip them himself. I have nothing to guard anymore.”
“But they’re lifeless, and he wouldn’t have to whittle them,” Cobaaron explained.
“Oh, well if they’re not already charmed…” Ambrosia replied with new interest.
“I need Rodd, the treasure keeper, from inside your room, unless he’s in the market.” Cobaaron told Ambrosia. Tyrus said he saw him leave, and suggested Cobaaron call him back with thought. A few minutes later, a brunette warrior who carried a pack on each shoulder sought out Cobaaron.
They bought the toys, and wandered more shops, until they had more items than they could carry. Ky found a magical instrument that would protect Ambrosia’s room from burning. The magical tool was a glowing white orb like a cloth lantern. She bought only one, but Ambrosia duplicated it several times before tossing them into her realm. They zoomed above the trees, and once there, resembled big, bright stars on a clear, black night.
It was a mistake putting the teddy bears inside Ambrosia’s room. The moment they set their furry feet on the moss, the three mirror critters waddled into the wild, embracing freedom in the acreage they had to roam. They wouldn’t come back when called. Ambrosia purchased another, and duplicated the bear until she had a small colony. “Ambrosia, I can honestly say that you have the coolest stuff,” Ky said, grinning.
Ambrosia beamed with pride. “Thanks. It will be perfect once I have my warriors occupy the castle again.”
Once they reached the outer limits of the market, with various gifts, they began the journey to Opalace. As the underground city opened up to a beautiful landscape, Cobaaron had the warriors and women parade before them; some carried Wyt’s coffin, ushering him in like a reigning, victorious king. Cobaaron and Ky followed the long procession with Tyrus and Ambrosia, while traveling on top of Huntra.
When they were an hour outside Opalace, a trail between trees guided their steps, and the women began an elegy:
“I’m broken like your heartbeat; I cry at your loss.
Then I hear your voice call out to me—remember me.
In this dark moment, I weep bitterly in your memory.
Then I know your voice calls out to me—remember me.
Though I never want to lay you by the waterside of great peace.
Still I’ll listen for your voice speaking to me—remember me.
And when you’re with His glory, and Light is by your side,
Left behind, heed my voice speaking jealously—remember me.”
They continued to sing, as they emerged above to the beautiful land of the elves. They passed a well-lit forest bright from some unknown light. As they wound through the forest, the elves joined the long procession of warriors, and sang. The lyrics became increasingly bittersweet, until every woman wept.
They crossed a golden archway with opal encrusted doors, and continued to march into a city of pearly stone; large trees grew around and in the city as if the elves refused to cut down living trees in order to build their roads and homes. They didn’t stop marching, until the line of warriors was led into the throne room that rested over waterfalls. All the while, they continued to sing to Wyt in memory.
Yulley, undoubtedly aware of her husband’s death after hearing the song, stood proud and tall when she saw the coffin that held her true love. The singing slowly softened to quiet hum, and that is when Yulley bowed to her husband in honor. As his glass box rose into the air, Yulley smiled painfully, and with wet eyes she waited for Cobaaron and Ky to pass the crowd of warriors and elves. When Cobaaron came to Yulley’s side, she gladly accepted his warm embrace.
Over the soft hum of singers, Yulley said, “He believed in you, Cobaaron. Prove that his death wasn’t in vain. Give Surv a reason to look at this moment with pride and not sorrow.” She choked back tears. “He told me you would change the world, and restore more than the light, but the people also. He told me I’d have to remind you of a promise to your partner. She asked for men to marry. Though, I don’t understand that word.”
“I understand,” Cobaaron nodded. “The warriors in my army, no matter what rank, are urged to bond with a woman. I find great value in unions these days, as does my wife.”
“Then we shall hold a feast,” Noelya said coming up to Cobaaron and Yulley, “in honor of finding partners for your men who wish to unite, and to honor Wyt’s death with this request. There are several cities that would bring eligible women, eager for a new life.” Limro gave a nod as he too agreed with his wife and greeted Cobaaron.
“Wyt would like that,” Yulley said in approval.
“It will be a nice way to cheer up your men, Cobaaron. A loss of a beloved Star is tragic among elves. I’m sure your son would welcome a distraction, Yulley,” Limro said.
“He doesn’t know yet. I’ll tell him soon. Give me until morning to explain. He’s young and won’t understand,” Yulley said.
“Of course,” Limro said. “But allow me to make your voice loud for such an announcement, Cobaaron. Stars, like elves, become sick with sadness; we too can die of prolonged grief. So please, do not think we are rude, Yulley.”
“I understand,” Yulley replied. “As I said, Wyt would’ve liked a feast. As a Star, he didn’t wallow in sorrow.”
“Please feel as you must. This is a sad day,” Noelya said to Yulley. “I know your heart troubles you. You need to grieve.”
“I do grieve, but I’ll try to be strong for Surv.” She left to be with her son, and to be alone. The humming continued until she was out of the throne room, and then they all fell silent for a full minute.
“This is why I asked you for gifts, Cobaaron. Make your announcement, and please let us change the mood,” Noelya said.
While Cobaaron was in the midst of declaring that a feast for Wyt would take place the following evening, and stressed his hopes that warriors would find partners, Noxis cornered Ky. “Did you have something to do with this?”
Ky looked at him, seeing his disapproval. He stared her down for several heartbeats while she wondered if she should lie. Saying she influenced him would only make him believe all the more she was a witch. Finally she decided to ask, “Don’t you love Onya?”
“I thought I did until I found out how many men she’d slept with. I’m not sure what I think about her anymore. How could I love someone who has slept with over three hundred partners since she’s been on this mission? If anything, I’ve begun to loathe her.”
His confession slowed down her response. She did everything she could to keep her mouth closed from shock and dismay. “But…don’t you see men need more than battles and blood to be whole? The world I’m from, all warriors can have partners. I can’t think of any that don’t, and their partners are their equals. So, yes, I did ask Cobaaron, but this is his choice.”
“I don’t find it good to feel as I do for any woman. So, no, I don’t think men need more than a warrior’s life. It’s a good life.”
“Then you’re brainwashed by a stupid tradition, and that shows ignorance,” Ky argued, boldly. He sneered; pleased he was getting a reaction. “A bond would keep Onya from being with anyone else. You should finish it.”
“She isn’t the type of woman to vow loyalty, and love doesn’t keep women faithful. A bond wouldn’t c
hange that. You are the ignorant one. I don’t like the idea of other men being on top of her. I can’t look at her without thinking of her other men. So, why would I bond with her?” Noxis glared. “My indifference to her since I learned of her numerous lovers has only made me stronger-willed. As far as I’m concerned, Onya can go back to her studs and breed, or stay in a city to keep house. She has no other value and certainly none to me.”
“Well, if it wasn’t for your brother, you’d either be a stud or dead, so you’re of no significance, either. You’re success is not your own doing. And what really bothers you about Onya is you’d only be one more man of countless others, inconsequential and used for your seed like a mindless breeder. Ironic because that sounds like the life you lead now; you’re nothing compared to the men around you.” She knew she’d pay for that outburst. Noxis turned almost purple and a vein pulsated in his forehead when she said the word inconsequential. He looked like he was about to ring her neck, but slowly his hardened expression faded, then he scoffed. The hatred never left his eyes.
He leaned in closer to her ear, “But Cobaaron is my brother, and because of that, I’m watching you closely. I’ve seen what you’ve done to him. Pray my brother doesn’t bleed again, because I’ll come find you before he does.” Noxis strode off casually, as if he hadn’t threatened her.
Ky turned back to Cobaaron, trying not to shake. She feared what consequences would come from their encounter. But dwelling on the bad always felt too uncomfortable, and for distraction she listened to Cobaaron’s last few words: “Late tomorrow night, you must all come to the feast. Whether you take a partner, is up to you. Though, only bonded women will travel with our legions, and those women will belong only to the man who bound and bed them. I trust you will give this a great deal of thought while you go and rest tonight. Sleep long and well.”
Cobaaron didn’t get far. Before warriors left the throne room, Vergara and the two remaining women sought Cobaaron out. Vergara bowed low before she said, “My King, Sula, Nolia, and I have been with you the longest, and are the only three still not bonded. At this feast, may we be honored as superior partners over all the rest…and me as the greatest?”
“And why should you be the greatest?”
“Because of my beauty.”
“I have yet to find any beauty in you. Your arrogance assures me that you will show disrespect to my army. I don’t wish for you to attend this feast at all.” Cobaaron replied coldly.
Vergara’s mouth dropped, “You don’t find me at all attractive, my King? You don’t think well of me in the slightest degree?” She seemed devastated by his words, but before he could answer she added, “I can read and I sing. Does that please you?”
Cobaaron took a breath, exasperated. “Though I wish you didn’t attend the feast, you may come if you will find a warrior who will take you as a partner and keep you from embarrassing my troops. Your bond must be complete beforehand. Come as a partner to one of my men, or not at all.”
Cobaaron had nothing more to say, and walked away while asking Tyrus, Ambrosia, and Ky to accompany him to exchange gifts with Limro and Noelya. The three women muttered amongst themselves wondering if Cobaaron meant only Vergara or all three of them should unite prior to the feast. They determined each would bond beforehand, and they set out to find a willing warrior.
“I am hoping she doesn’t find a partner, and I can leave her in one of the nearby cities.” Cobaaron took Ky’s hand. “But I don’t see that happening.”
Limro and Noelya took the four to another room where the gifts were stacked taller than Cobaaron, and all the presents were wrapped in gold foil. Sensing that Cobaaron wanted his gifts to give to the elves, Ambrosia opened her room without instruction. Tyrus followed her inside to collect them, before summoning a stubborn mirror critter when he wouldn’t willingly come running.
“What a surprise,” Noelya crooned happily, when the wrapped boxes kept coming. Soon Cobaaron’s heap rivaled the elves. Ky had a hard time believing Noelya truly unexpected anything, considering she requested them, and knew that Ky would have a girl named Lu Lu, who would later marry her son. Nevertheless, Noelya’s spirits lifted as presents for her unborn child mounted.
“I’m sure this is most unexpected after asking for them,” said Cobaaron, grinning.
“You would have forgotten otherwise. I resisted going to the market knowing what you would bring me. I’ll have my maidservant put them away.” Noelya touched a bell, which didn’t ring. A petite elf with bright red hair came into the room. She waved for the gifts to follow her out, and magically they waddled or rolled as they followed her.
Limro selected a package from their gold-wrapped pile, but instead of handing the package to Cobaaron or Ky, he gave it to Ambrosia. “For all you have done, this is your reward.”
Ambrosia took it, and opened the gold foil-wrapped box. Inside was a glass mushroom that hung from a chain. “A protective charm.”
“Your womb has been blessed. It will not be long before you’re with child. That will protect you and the child while traveling.” Noelya explained.
Ambrosia opened her mouth, but was momentarily at a loss for words. “I’m claiming solitude,” Ambrosia said weakly, with a glance at Cobaaron.
“Well, if you don’t want it.” Noelya beamed at Ambrosia and held out her hand.
Tyrus looked at Ambrosia. Apparently after knowing one another so long, Ambrosia could read his subtle expressions because she quickly said, “No, I’ll keep it. I’m thankful, my Queen.” Ambrosia then thanked Limro, and hugged her necklace closer. “Thank you for everything, including blessing my womb.”
Limro retrieved another gift, and handed it to Tyrus. With care, Tyrus opened the box, and found a book. On the cover of the crest were several stars around a wheel. Tyrus stiffened when he saw it. “This is your families’ trade secrets, generations of spells. You once had this book, until you burned down your childhood home, heroically ridding this world of your witch mother. This book has been restored, all dark magic destroyed, and the spells of Ambrosia’s family are now yours as well. As you see, you can still learn much from your family that wasn’t evil. Now that you have revealed to your comrades your heritage, give them time to adjust. Understand that you have lied to Ram and Parson for years, and they feel they don’t know you at all. After keeping it from them for so long, you need to ask for forgiveness. But this will make the three of you stronger, considering that you are such a quiet man; a simple apology works wonders. Peace offerings will not remedy this problem, young Tyrus.”
Ambrosia snorted a laugh, and then apologized. “Sorry, but he does tend to try to buy forgiveness.”
“Yes, thank you, Ambrosia.” Tyrus eyed her with one raised brow. “You’re blistering salt in a wound.” Ambrosia smirked, enjoying his sarcasm. Her reaction made Tyrus return the expression. And for a moment they locked eyes, and their gaze became serious and sensual. He didn’t stop looking at her for a full minute even after the conversation continued between everyone else. They looked happy, and Ky didn’t think any two souls deserved it more.
Limro gave Ky a box. She peeled away the foil, revealing a small object resting in the cup of her hands. It was a clear, magical orb with deep white bubbles that swirled in blue water. “Thank you.”
Noelya laughed. “You have no idea what it is, do you?”
“No,” Ky flushed pink, admitting it.
“This,” Noelya lifted the orb, “is a boundless ball. You can’t ever be controlled again once you break it over yourself. No witch can trap you in a tree, or force you to move. I thought you would find that useful, and you’d appreciate it.”
“Oh, wow, yes. This I will greatly value.” Ky clutched it tighter for safekeeping.
Finally Limro handed Cobaaron a gift. When he opened it, Cobaaron stared at it a moment. “A map?” Cobaaron asked, and laughed. Cobaaron knew the world too well to need a map.
“This is the map to the hidden city of Contesta where Lu Lush was bound
to the king. A statue was erected in honor of her death shortly before the king moved his castle to live in mourning. This city is long forgotten and in ruin, and can’t be found unless men follow this map. In the city, trust your instincts Cobaaron; it will serve you well.”
“Limro, please say nothing more about the city or the sword. I’m sure he’s heard all the legends surrounding Lu Lush and that the fake is cursed, and coerces men to a suicidal end. No more talk of the future and the danger it brings,” Noelya urged her partner. “Let’s show our tired guests where they can rest before we eat. There are many heavy things they must do before this journey is over. For now, I want them to have peace.”
Ky diverted her gaze to Cobaaron. The news of an identical sword that cursed men with dark thoughts of death didn’t come as a surprise to him. With a sobering expression, he took her hand, and told her not to fear. With confidence he reassured her: “Together we have achieved much. And together we will do the impossible. Fear nothing: not the lava, the sword, or the future.”
“Together we can do anything.” Ky tried to smile. But to hide her fear she bowed her head; she dreaded their challenges, knowing it was unlikely he’d survive.
Rise of the Golden Age
CHAPTER ONE
Everyone gathered by the stream that led to the vast ocean of Vyssen, as they mourned Wyt. They floated message boats in the gentle current, which followed him, wishing him a safe and final journey. The somber music carried out over the water and most of the elves cried along with Yulley, her child, and the few citizens of Sarnia.
Ky, too, wept bitterly. She felt responsible for his death. She kept thinking that his passing might not have happened if she hadn’t fallen through the trap door and born a Star. No one would have died on her behalf. She mourned the losses, which weighed heavily on her soul.
She felt guiltier each time she glanced at Cobaaron, because she couldn’t imagine life without him, and she wouldn’t give him up. For him, the journey and its trials were worth the hardship. She would have endured more loss to love and be loved by him; knowing that made Ky feel incredibly selfish and blameworthy.
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