Myths & Magic: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Collection

by Kerry Adrienne

  Jonas looked around at the chaos in the tavern. “Let’s get out of here and lay low at Kyra’s. We can eat some of our jerky we picked up earlier there.”

  I followed him out of the tavern. The prisoners lay in a line on the ground, their noses in the dirt, arms stretched out before them. A guard stood by each with their swords drawn in front of them.

  “What is this? Frey!” A woman ran to one of the smaller prisoners and fell to her knees beside them. “What crime have they committed?” She yelled at the guards. “Frey is just a young boy, swept up in the excitement of his friends. He has not wronged the king or this village. Please let him go.” She begged as tears fell from her eyes.

  A guard ran over to remove the woman. She latched onto her son and became dead weight to the guard.

  “Why is this not done? Why do they still live?” Larkin came to stand in front of the guards. “It was a simple command. Assist those wanting to leave Yardis. I tire of hearing the chatter of people so eager to leave our village. Do you know what awaits you outside this boundary? Death. You will never make it to civilization before the wild beasts or frigid temperatures take your life. You want to leave this village, this sanctity that has provided for you and sheltered you from the harsh world around? Well, let me assist you in your departure.” In a flash, he drew his sword and thrust it into the back of young Frey. The others that lay on the ground hurried to their feet, trying to get away, but each were met with the sword’s edge and dropped to ground to draw their final breaths. Even Frey’s mother was lost in the slaughter.

  Jonas took a guarded stance in front of me but he surprisingly had not tried to stop the guards. Why had no one spoken up for the injustice that had played out before us?

  “Jonas,” I whispered, “do you think we’ll have any problems leaving at the week’s end?” Would Larkin prefer us gone and welcome our departure, or would he restrict us as he has the other villagers? A chill shuddered up my body, and I leaned over and vomited, but it was not enough to expel the horrifying images of the slaughter I had witnessed.

  Jonas helped me stand straight. “I was just wondering the same. Come on, let’s get to Kyra’s.”

  Chapter 12

  Torin came in an hour or so after Jonas and I. We stayed up most of the night talking. Torin had no knowledge of the public slaughter that had happened at Larkin’s hand, though he had seen the blood outside of the tavern.

  Torin’s account of his time with King Vintras contrasted with the violence of our evening. He spoke of a peaceful king who felt he had failed his people. Years had been spent trying to undo the spell that had caged the people and changed the way the villagers lived. The Yardinians had to inbreed animals for enough food and double up in houses to make room for growing enough to make up for what they could no longer gather. We’d noticed the herds of chickens and goats when we’d arrived, roaming freely throughout the village—and the smell of their poop everywhere.

  “King Vintras spoke of two women who he loved dearly. Larkin’s mother and our mother.” Torin looked toward the only window in Kyra’s home. His eyes squinted a moment before turning back toward us.

  “What did he have to say about them?” Jonas inquired.

  “He asked that I not say anything more. He would like to share the story with Ray, and I promised I would honor that.” Torin stood and grabbed another hunk of cheese and returned to our small circle of chairs. “Sorry. I know you must be anxious to learn about this. He asked that you,” he pointed his cheese at me, “join him for lunch tomorrow.”

  Jonas stood and patted my back. “I will accompany you, as I have some medicines that I have brought from home that might help the king’s health.” Jonas turned toward Torin. “I’m not sure if I should have you join us or allow you to explore the village tomorrow. After what we saw this evening, I’d feel better if you weren’t alone. Maybe I can have Kaden escort you around.”

  “I don’t need an escort nor do I want one. You have trained me well. I can handle myself in difficult situations. You know this.” Torin stood abruptly, knocking the chair back as he stood.

  “But Yardis is a different from everything you’ve grown up knowing. There are different rules. You did not see the executions.” Jonas shook his head as he recalled the horrid memory. “I won’t have you at risk. This is not up for discussion. I’ll ask Kaden to guide you. If he is not available, you will remain with us.”

  Torin looked like an angsty teenager rebelling against his father.

  Jonas must have noticed it too. “Torin, this isn’t about if I trust you or if I think you are strong enough. The king’s guard did not exist in my time. They have more power and are more militant than the Guardians ever were. Larkin seems to be pulling the strings behind the scenes. I have no idea how he has made such aggressive moves and remained unchecked.”

  “Wait, you think King Vintras is unaware of Larkin’s actions?” Torin questioned. “But how? How can Larkin do these things while the king still lives?” It didn’t make sense to me either. “Doesn’t anyone stand against Larkin and his minions?”

  “After what we saw tonight, I’m afraid not. Those that stand against Larkin are dealt with in a swift and deadly manner,” Jonas answered.

  The sun shone through the single window. I had slept fitfully, tired and troubled from everything that happened yesterday. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Frey’s panicked eyes go blank as death took hold of him.

  We cleaned up and headed out for our meeting with King Vintras. Kaden was helping clean up the remnants from last night’s bloody massacre as a small crowd of mourners watched and laid offerings of wood carvings, stacked stones, and personal items where their loved ones had been slain. Four king’s guards silently stood. I was surprised they were not mocking the mourners or forcing the villagers to leave the pools of blood as a macabre reminder of their power and message. “Cross us and be struck down.”

  “Kaden. We have business with the king, but I wondered if Torin could stay with you during that time. Perhaps you can show him around and teach him about the village?” Jonas asked.

  “Sure. We need to finish our job here. Grab a bucket and roll up your sleeves.” Kaden pointed to a wooden bucket near a building entrance.

  Jonas patted Torin’s back. “See you at the evening meal.” Torin’s face was twisted in revulsion as he carefully stepped around the dark crimson mess.

  We headed to the king’s home and this time, the guards allowed us in immediately. “Follow me.” The guard said as he led us up the stairs. As we reached the top landing, Larkin entered the open common area with several guards. Our eyes met as he gave me a most unwelcoming look.

  Jonas looked over his shoulder and quietly said, “Make no waves and stay off his radar.”

  I nodded in agreement. After seeing the cold and heartless side of Larkin last night, I worried for the many things he could order his guards to do to us. We represented the world outside of Yardis, the world he wished never existed to tempt his villagers away. What would keep him from laying his blade into each of us to send another message to his people?

  King Vintras was deep asleep when we entered. The medic stood by the large window, looking out at the grounds below. “Henrick,” Jonas called to him.

  He greeted us. “Welcome back. The king has been asleep for some time, but I expect he shall wake soon.”

  “I wondered if you and I could speak.” Jonas asked. “I have medicines that might help the king, but I’d like to hear your observations on his condition and examine him first.”

  “Of course. All my notes are in my room down the hall. Raynar, do you mind waiting with the king?” When I agreed, he continued, “Good, if he has any discomfort, my room is the one at the top of the stairs.”

  Jonas and Henrick left and closed the door behind them. I pulled a chair closer to the bed and took a seat. Torin had said Vintras seemed like a kind king. He slept peacefully with the covers pulled up around him. There was more grey than light brown in his hai
r and beard. He looked older than my parents and Jonas, though they all spoke as if they were all close in age.

  I pulled out my phone and powered it on. The start-up jingle caused the king to stir but not fully awaken. I muted the sound as I walked slowly around the room, hoping by some miracle, I could get a signal. No luck. I returned to the chair and checked my notifications. Two missed calls from my dad a few days ago And a text message from Lauren.

  Lauren: About the other day—I can’t stop thinking about our kiss. Glad I took the risk. When will you be back? I miss you.

  I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. I powered my phone off and pocketed it.

  “Must have reminded you of someone you love. You look happy.” King Vintras lay awake, watching me with a smile on his face.

  “A note from a girl back home,” I answered.

  “It must’ve been hard, coming here and leaving those you love. But I am grateful for this time with you.” He pushed up to a sitting position. His grayed hair stuck up in all different directions, and he worked to smooth it down without much success. “Is it any better?” I shook my head causing him to laugh hard. The laugh became a coughing fit that ended with him gasping for breath.

  I rose and hurried to his side. “Do I need to get Henrick? Water?”

  He shook his head and put his finger up for me to wait. After a moment, his breath became steady. “I’m all right. Raynar, sit, we have much to talk about. What have you been told about me and Yardis?”

  “Not much. I learned you are my father and the people who had raised me were Guardians under your father’s rule. I also know there was a spell cast on this village, trapping everyone within the boundaries, and the spell was recently lifted, though I have no idea how or what lifted it. I also know you are ill and wanted to see us. That’s about it.” I debated telling him about Larkin and the horrid event that occurred the other night. I knew that would take the conversation on a different path, and with the king’s poor health, I wasn’t sure if sharing such news would push him over the edge, guaranteeing Larkin’s place on the throne.

  “That’s the basic information. Do you know anything about your mother?”

  “No. Torin told me nothing.”

  “Good. I was young when I met her, just a prince. My father and I didn’t see eye to eye, and we definitely did not share the same views on witches and magic users outside of our people and beliefs.” He must have noticed my eyebrows raise. “Yes, I said witches. Your mother lived on the outskirts of the village, beyond the circle of oaks. Her mother, Malora, was a powerful witch and her dislike for non-witches matched my father’s hatred for witches. I often wondered if that’s what drew us together.” He let out a long sigh and looked off into the distance. “Meina was beautiful and exotic looking with her long black hair and dark eyes against her olive skin—the kind of beauty that made you stop breathing. Have you ever met someone that does that to you?” I nodded as I thought about Lauren. “Your mother was more than beautiful. She was kind, smart, passionate… The more I got to know her, the more in love I fell.” He started coughing and adjusted his position in bed. “It’s been almost eighteen years since I’ve seen her. I do not know whether or not she is still alive. If this decrepit heart hadn’t confined me to this bed, I’d be out there searching for her. But seeing you and Torin, how Torin has her smile and you have her dark eyes, it’s brought back a flood of memories.” His voice quivered as he looked away. “I loved your mother with all my heart.”

  “Have you asked your Guardians to search for her?”

  “Since the barrier has come down? Yes.” He faced me, his eyes appeared red and wet. “But there has been no sign of her. My Guardians returned to report a family of First Nation natives now occupy her house. They were questioned but had not seen Meina.” He looked down at his hands. “Anyway, your mother and I would meet in the forest. We’d talk for hours and explore the world around us. But she was lonely and angry with her mother for bringing her here and banning her from mixing with villagers. What was she to do all day with no one to talk to or play with?”

  “I can’t imagine how lonely she must have felt. Why didn’t they move to a place where they would be accepted?” I tried to imagine King Vintras as a young boy, running off through the forests with a forbidden girl. It made him sound rebellious and made me want to hear more.

  “Malora could have cared less about moving to a peaceful place,” he said. “She cared only about isolating themselves. She saw us as the intruders despite the village having been here for many years before she arrived.”

  “So the village was here first but she came along and tried to kick you guys out of the area? She’s only one person.”

  “Yes, but she’s a powerful witch from a strange people. Besides the barrier, she had tried countless times to cast us out. We’d suffered from days of extreme temperatures, infestations, terrible diseases, each disaster took many lives but we remained, rebuilt, repopulated and each time we came back stronger. However, the barrier, her most successful attack, did away with us. We were imprisoned for over seventeen years while she was free to do as she wished without worry of any attack on our part.” He shook his head.

  “What finally broke the barrier?” I wondered if King Vintras had his own magic user who reversed the spell since he didn’t seem to oppose witches.

  “I do not know. Henrick had tried for years to break through or weaken the barrier, but he had no luck. Eventually I stopped badgering him and accepted that this was our fate, that we’d never be free again. But after seventeen years, a young boy, playing tag with his friends, unknowingly ran past the boundary and barrier. The others didn’t know what to do and cautiously joined him. Once they realized the barrier no longer existed, they rejoiced and ran back to tell their parents, who then reported it to me. No one knows when the barrier spell broke. We had come to respect the boundary and stopped testing it for weakness years ago. Then less than two weeks ago, we find, by accident, the spell removed.” He broke into another coughing fit and pointed to a mug of water on the bedside table, which I handed to him.

  Once his coughing ceased, I asked, “But you don’t know what caused it to come down?”

  He shook his head.

  There was a knock at the door. Henrick and Jonas entered and greeted us. “King Vintras, Jonas would like to examine you. Would that be all right with you?”

  “I have medicines that may help your condition.” Jonas added.

  “Yes, of course.” The king motioned for them to approach. “Excuse me Raynar. Please stay; I’d like to finish our conversation when this concludes.”

  “Okay.” I walked over to the window to keep out of the way. The king’s room overlooked a large stone courtyard where guards were positioned at each entrance. In the center of the courtyard grew a small tree with red berries.

  “Do you see the tree in the center?” The king asked. “Those berries are probably the sole reason I am still here today. No offense Henrick.” Henrick did not look up at the king’s mention of his name. He and Jonas were busy speaking their medical lingo. “It’s true. They have potent medicinal uses in them. Henrick makes me teas and a relish from them. A little each day and sometimes more when I am swollen, helps to keep the Henrick away.” The king joked and this time Henrick leveled him with a stare. “Tell me Raynar, do you have this tree where you live?”

  “No. I’ve never seen one before today.”

  “I’ll ask cheeses and meats with Rowan relish to be part of our mid-day meal. It’s sure to cure whatever ails you.” He chuckled and coughed.

  “That would be nice if it was that easy, but I’m afraid it isn’t.” If Rowan berries cured vEDS, I and the rest of the patients would gladly grow and ingest the berries daily. But it was highly unlikely. “Jonas?” He looked up at me to let me know he was listening. “Rowan berries, are they safe for me to eat?”

  “Why must you ask Jonas? It was a joke. You are young and free of medical worries, unlike my old, used up self.” Th
e king chuckled but stopped when he saw Jonas and I looking at each other, silently deciding if now was the right time to tell the King about my condition. He shrugged one shoulder up, letting me know the decision was mine to make.

  “What is it? You both speak no words yet an entire conversation has transpired here before my eyes.” The king’s curiosity was peaked.

  “I have a condition that causes my body to be fragile.” I rolled up my pant leg and the king gasped at the sight of my leg. They did not look different to me as I had seen them every day since I was born but others remarked that I had old man legs. The skin was mottled, showing the mapwork of blood vessels beneath the almost translucent skin. The king reached his hand toward my bare leg but quickly withdrew it.

  “It’s okay. It looks strange but doesn’t hurt. See?” I rubbed my hand along the skin.

  “Jonas, is this true?” The king asked.

  “I’m afraid so. But Raynar takes excellent care of his body. He has yet to suffer vascular complications,” Jonas answered.

  The king stared back at me. “Did I give this to you?” His voice was thick with emotion as he wiped at his eye.

  Jonas set his hand atop the king’s. “Sire, there is no reason to beat yourself up with worry over how Raynar came to have this condition. I can assure you that your health issues and his are different. Raynar does not want your pity. He is here, and he is healthy. Please enjoy him and get to know your son. He is a wonderful human being, and he works hard to stay healthy and strong.”

  Jonas, for as long as I had known him, always held me to a high standard and never showered me in praise or compliments. But hearing him talk about me and my disorder in this positive way filled some of the cracks inside of me, making me feel better about myself.

  “And Torin? He didn’t mention any condition when we spoke yesterday.” There was sadness in the king’s eyes and I had to look away. I didn’t want him to be sad for me, and I didn’t want to be reminded of the seriousness of the vEDS diagnosis.