Gwen glanced at Faolan, who stared at Corann with skepticism. Other rulers did not share his doubt—King Weylin nodded, and Queen Kaie whispered rapidly to a companion. Corann was not done his monologue, and his fist pounded his palm.
“I vow to fight for the realm, to save the people of the Velvet Woods from terrible rulers. I took over to save the life of Isolde, but I continue my rule to save the lives of my people. Every Breenan life is precious. It is only a matter of time before the room of enchantments yields to me. Then, this chaos will cease, and a new peace will reign over the Velvet Woods.”
Corann stopped then, breathing heavily. He glanced at each leader in turn. He must have seen something hopeful in a few faces, because he straightened and faced Faolan.
“I presume you mean to supplant me, King Faolan?”
“I do,” Faolan said calmly. Corann bowed stiffly.
“Then there is nothing more to be said. I will take my leave and prepare my defenses.”
Faolan addressed the other leaders.
“You have a choice, my fellow rulers. Fight with me to place the rightful heir on the throne of the Velvet Woods and stop the destruction of the worlds, or support Corann and his dubious claim.”
“I am with you, King Faolan,” said Queen Brenna.
“As am I,” said King Gavin. “I trust your wisdom.”
“I am with King Corann,” said King Weylin. Corann looked triumphant. “I have no desire to place so much power in the hands of those who may not be able to wield it. And the volatility of the tribeless…” he trailed off.
“I agree,” said Queen Kaie. “It is too risky. The room of enchantments must be made to work. I will back King Corann.”
Queen Ula indicated her wish to follow Faolan. Queen Saraid pursed her lips.
“I see no reason to interfere. Appletree will abstain from battle.”
“That is your prerogative.” Faolan said. “The realms of Wintertree, Longshore, Whitecliff, and Riverside will mobilize our forces and march to the Velvet Woods. Velvet Woods, Midvale, and Southlands, I suggest you prepare your defenses. I am sorry for this conflict—it is the first schism of the nine realms in four centuries. Nevertheless, I see no other way forward. You may show yourselves out. As soon as you leave the borders of Wintertree, we are at war.”
Gwen shivered at the heavy finality of Faolan’s pronouncement. Corann turned on his heel and strode toward the double doors, followed by his retinue. The other two rulers followed in his wake, Queen Kaie looking nervous and aggrieved, King Weylin resigned. Gwen leaned against Aidan.
“So, are you ready for a battle?” she whispered to him.
“No bloody way,” he whispered back. “We’re finding your sodding uncle and leaving the Otherworld behind in our dust.”
She squeezed his hand, and Faolan spoke again.
“We will have a brief pause, then reconvene to discuss battle strategies.”
Discussion broke out among the parties. Isolde brushed past Gwen and ran on light feet to the doors.
***
Isolde ran past the grim-faced Breenan of Midvale and the anxiously chattering Breenan of Southlands. She ignored completely the inhabitants of her own realm, who stared at her with wide eyes, and wrapped her fingers around Corann’s forearm. She pulled him to the side and turned him to face her. He looked at her with shock. One of his retinue stepped over.
“My lord?”
Corann put up his hand.
“I will meet you in the stables.”
The man nodded and left. The members of the other realms peered at them with curiosity as they passed. Isolde waited until they were out of earshot before she spoke.
“How can you be so blind?” she hissed. Corann flinched at the venom in Isolde’s voice, but held his ground. Isolde continued. “Your usurpation is causing chaos. Your betrayal is destroying our world.”
“The destruction started long ago, when you refused to act,” Corann said with heat. “And how can you be so ungrateful? I did this for you.”
“For me?” Isolde laughed in disbelief. “I assure you, you have given me far better gifts in the past.”
“Your magic was leaving you. Couldn’t you feel yourself weakening? It might have killed you, that slow draw of power. Perhaps you don’t understand how terrible it was for me to watch your last dying days in the summer. To watch you fading away, leaving me, and knowing I could do nothing to save you. I couldn’t see you suffer again, and this time I could do something about it.”
Isolde stared at him for a moment, then shook her head.
“Still, you betrayed me. Why did you not speak to me of this earlier?”
Corann threw up his hands.
“I did! Countless times I tried to discuss changing the defense of the realm, and countless times you rebuffed me.”
“You have a chance to put it right.” Isolde put her hands together in a curious gesture of supplication. “Give the throne to Gwendolyn. She is the rightful heir. Save our people from the needless battles that will come.”
“Gwendolyn?” Corann spat out. “I would rather see a forest person on the throne. She knows nothing of the Velvet Woods, and cares less. How could you be so reckless as to make her your heir?”
“You have always been hostile to Gwendolyn.”
Corann pushed out his hands in an angry, dismissive gesture, then turned and stormed off.
“Corann!” Isolde called out, but he did not look back. Isolde pressed her fist tightly to her mouth for a long moment before she slowly turned back to the great hall.
***
The room buzzed with murmured conversation. Aidan turned to Gwen.
“A solution is in our grasp, and of course Faolan says no. Who is he to tell you that? You know what? Never mind about your uncle—let’s leave and forget this ever happened. They have lots of magic here—they can figure it out. And Faolan can’t reach you in Canada.”
Gwen was about to remind Aidan about the destruction of both worlds and Faolan’s worried face, when the ground trembled. Then it shook. A groaning roar sounded from deep below their feet. People screamed. Gwen clutched Aidan’s arm until the shaking stopped.
“Fine,” Aidan said unsteadily. “Fine, we won’t leave. But we are going to find Finn, and he will take the throne. Even if I have to make him.”
“What if you can’t?” Gwen had a vision of Aidan dueling magically with Finn and winced.
“He’ll come.”
“But what if he won’t?”
Aidan grabbed Gwen’s hands.
“Then we’ll both move to the Velvet Woods. Perhaps I’ll finally learn how to dance.”
It was a feeble joke at a terrible time, but Gwen smiled weakly.
“That won’t be possible,” said Isolde from behind them. Gwen whirled around.
“Why not?” What was getting in their way now?
“There is a spell on the Velvet Woods to prevent the ruling family of Wintertree from living there. It is a broad-reaching spell, however, and Aidan’s blood relation to Faolan’s heirs would include him in the spell.”
“Why? Why would there be a spell―” Gwen shook her head. “Just take it off.”
“No one can do that. It is in place for a hundred years,” said Isolde with a hint of apology. “It was a preventative measure, a disincentive for Faolan to invade.”
“Aidan’s been to the Velvet Woods,” said Gwen in triumph. “It must not work on him.”
“It’s a subtle spell. He could live there for a time. After weeks, he would feel a longing to leave. Eventually, he would fall ill.”
Gwen was aghast. Why was the universe conspiring against them?
“Then—I’ll live in the human world,” said Aidan wildly. “Go through a portal every day.”
“Only until our anchors die,” said Gwen. “Hopefully it’d be a long time, but it’s not forever.”
“Fine. Breenan world, but right on the border.”
“And, what? We’d live long-distance?”
Gwen’s breath caught in her throat. “Always?”
Gwen and Aidan stared at each other. Aidan’s eyes were filled with desperation. Then, a steely resolve hardened his features.
“Then it’s back to plan A,” he said.
Chapter 10
“Come on,” said Gwen finally. “I need some air. Let’s see if we can find the history garden.”
No one stopped them as they strolled out of the great hall and wandered down corridors in the direction Gwen remembered from her brief visit through Faolan’s room of enchantments.
Eventually, they found a door at the end of a hall that had a carved insignia of flowers and leaves. Gwen pointed at a pattern she recognized.
“Look, there’s the shape for ‘garden.’”
“I’ll take your word on that.” Aidan peered at it. “Good memory. Perhaps that ridiculous flower-writing can be learned, after all.”
“I hope so,” Gwen muttered, but quietly enough that Aidan could pretend not to hear her, although his shoulders tightened as he pushed the door open.
The garden was vast, and the stone walls which encircled it barely contained the multitude of plants. Most looked bare and trim in the winter cold, although a few evergreens were bright and cheery. The glossy green leaves and red berries of a nearby holly peeked out shyly from a dusting of snow that also crunched beneath their feet.
“This is the library, is it?” asked Aidan. “Bit chilly for my liking.”
“Hello, my little birds,” said a voice behind them. Gwen jumped and whirled around. Loniel was perched on a low wall that surrounded a raised bed. One foot dangled carelessly while the other rested on the top of the wall. His golden eyes gazed at them calmly.
“Loniel,” Gwen breathed. “What are you doing here?”
“Speaking to you, of course. How goes the conclave? What news?”
“Faolan and some others are attacking Corann in the Velvet Woods. They’re going to make me queen.” Gwen dropped her voice and looked around before continuing. “Unless I can get to my uncle first.”
“Uncle?” A look of confusion was swiftly followed by comprehension on Loniel’s face. “He has been found. I thought him lost to the human world.”
“You knew?” Gwen said with a gasp. “You could have said something.”
“And at what meeting between us would that have been relevant information?” Loniel said with a raised eyebrow. “Do you know where Finn Sayward resides currently?”
“Yes. He’s in the Forbidden Lands.”
“Faolan has said we’re not allowed to look for him, that it’s too risky for Gwen,” added Aidan. “But we’ll go anyway. We must find him. He’s the only one who can take Gwen’s place on the throne.”
“And what world do you wish to live in, little bird?” This was directed at Gwen.
“Me?” said Gwen in surprise. “The human world, of course. It’s my home. It’s where I belong, where my friends and family are, where my life is.”
“And you have a chance to return there to live?”
“If my uncle agrees to be king, yes.”
“Then I will support you in this. I don’t want to see anyone in a world they don’t wish to be in.” Loniel hopped lightly down from the wall and padded through the snow toward Gwen. She willed herself not to step back. Loniel, although seemingly always on her side, had a dangerous otherworldly aura that emanated from him like a subconscious warning.
“The Forbidden Lands are to the west,” he said. “They are surrounded by treacherous mountains and a deep lake. I would guide you there myself, but I find my hands full with escorting wayward humans back through portals.”
“That’s nice of you,” said Gwen.
“You know my thoughts on being in the wrong world. But I won’t deny I play my little tricks on them first.” He gave her an impish grin and Aidan huffed quietly.
Loniel reached out with a finger and traced a glowing green line in midair. Gwen’s eyes widened as the shape of a valley surrounded by a jagged mountain range materialized before them. Loniel pointed at the center of the valley and a gently pulsing dot appeared.
“There is a settlement here, or was the last time I passed through. It is likely Finn resides there. You will cross the lake and land here.” Another glowing dot on the outside of the mountains. “You will take your watercraft through the tunnels. They will lead you to the river that flows through the Forbidden Lands. And I suggest you avoid the caves of Naer.” He circled a region of caves on the left of the tunnel complex. “It’s rife with beithirs.”
“Great. Beithirs,” said Aidan, looking queasy. “Do I want to know what they are?”
“Giant venomous snakes,” replied Loniel mildly. Aidan shuddered. Gwen changed the subject.
“Can you tell us more about the tribeless ones? Who are they, actually?”
“To answer that, you must first understand the nature of magic in the Breenan people. Through long separation, there are two flavors of magic: that of the Ardra, the ruling class, and that of the forest people, known as such although they do not all reside in the forest. The Ardra possess quick, showy magic, strong yet temporary in nature.”
“Are we Ardra?” said Gwen.
“Precisely. The forest people have a slower, more permanent magic, which allows them to nurture their crops and persuade the deer to run a different path.” Loniel sighed a world-weary sigh. “Tribeless ones, as they are known, are simply those born to parents of different peoples. Should an Ardra woman produce a child from one of the forest people, the child might grow up unmindful until their marking ceremony. But a different mark would await them on the Sacred Mountain, and the raw, volatile magic they possess would be unleashed. Occasionally, a child born this way might receive a true elder mark, which is why some risk the ceremony, but all too often they do not.”
“Don’t the forest people get marked?” asked Aidan.
“No. And unmarked, a tribeless one will never manifest the wild magic that everyone fears.”
“Are they dangerous? The tribeless ones, I mean?” Gwen wondered if they should be nervous of traveling to the Forbidden Lands on that account.
“Not with their magic contained in the Forbidden Lands. As for their temperament, confined in a small valley for their whole lives, never once venturing past their borders? I cannot conjecture.”
“You know so much,” said Gwen. “Why don’t you come inside to conclave? You’d really help, I’m sure.”
“I avoid entangling myself in Breenan skirmishes, if I can. Besides, I have lost humans to find. Good luck on your quest, little bird. I hope you find what you search for.”
“Thanks, Loniel,” said Gwen. Loniel simply raised a hand in farewell. A strong wind hit their faces with a flurry of snow. By the time Gwen blinked the snow out of her eyes, Loniel had gone.
“He knows how to make a dramatic exit, that one,” said Aidan with a roll of his eyes.
“He showed us where to go, though.”
“And no riddling this time—that’s when you know things are serious.”
Gwen shivered.
“Come on, let’s get inside. I’m freezing.”
***
The delegates and their retinues were milling about when Gwen and Aidan returned to the great hall. Some looked curiously at them, and others looked askance at their windswept hair and the dusting of snow on their shoulders. Gwen couldn’t help admiring the clothes of the Breenan, now that she passed them up close. They were dressed in their finest, with diamonds, velvets, sumptuous furs, gold and silver, precious jewels, and brilliant feathers.
Isolde stood silently in her place and stared at the far wall. No one attempted to engage her in conversation. No one wanted to be tainted with whatever had caused her to be dispelled from her throne.
Bran and Kelan approached them through the throngs.
“Father’s sent us,” Bran explained at Gwen’s curious look. “No need for you to attend the rest of the discussions. It’ll just be boring tactics. We
’re to keep you company.”
“Okay,” said Gwen. They didn’t speak until the hubbub in the great hall quieted with the closure of the doors behind them. Then Aidan spoke.
“We’re not staying. I don’t care what your father wants. We’re going to the Forbidden Lands to find Gwen’s uncle.”
Bran shot Kelan a look as if to say, I told you so, then replied to Aidan.
“I thought as much. When do we leave?”
Gwen’s eyebrows rose. Bran and Kelan wanted to come?
“You’re coming? What will your father say?”
“He always forgives me.” Bran waved his hand. “And it’s for a good cause. I know you don’t want to be queen, Gwen, and you’re my friend who needs help. I can make Father see reason.”
“And I’ll go along to keep Bran from getting into too much trouble, so I’ll be forgiven by default,” added Kelan. “Hopefully.”
“Well, thanks.” Gwen almost felt teary. It was good to have people on her side.
“Although I don’t know why you don’t want to be queen, Gwen,” said Bran. “It’s great being royalty. There are loads of perks.”
“Don’t be dafter than you must, Bran,” said Kelan. “There’s a lot of responsibility being a ruler. And the weight of the connection.”
“Do you suppose Father was light-hearted before he became king?” Bran said before he and Kelan started to laugh. Even Gwen and Aidan cracked smiles.
When Bran had caught his breath, he asked, “So, when do we leave?”
Gwen glanced around. No one was in sight.
“Right now.”
***
Once the double doors had closed shut behind Gwen and the others, Faolan snapped his fingers. Sparks flew, and four servants entered through the doors.
“Table,” he said curtly, and the servants hurried away, only to return a moment later with a wide table which they placed in the center of the room. Faolan strode forward and beckoned to Isolde.
Breenan Series Box Set Page 57