by Shawn Sodman
Ariella jumps to her feet and says, “Chance, what brings you here?”
Chance enters the room as Drake returns to the table. Chance says, “I didn't mean to interrupt your morning meal.”
“Nonsense,” replies Ariella as she walks around the table to Chance. She takes him by the hands and begins to lead him further into the room. “Have you eaten yet? We have plenty.”
“I am not very hungry right now, thank you,” says Chance. “However, since we are on the subject of eating, I came here to see if you were still up to having dinner with me this evening.”
“Of course,” she replies with a smile. “I’m looking forward to it. Did you have somewhere particular in mind?”
“I'll come up with something.”
“You never were much for planning.”
“It has worked for me so far.”
“Can you stay now?”
Chance smiles and says, “You know, I could stay, but I think I should be going now. Some things are worth making plans for.” He walks back to the door and says, “I'll see you an hour before sunset.”
Ariella replies, “I'll be waiting.”
Chance excuses himself as Ariella sits back at the table. Annalee asks, “Who was that, Captain?”
Ariella answers, “I am so sorry, I should have introduced you. That was Chance Na'Moon.”
“Really?” she asks. “The Orcnea Slayer?”
“Yes,” Ariella responds. “But I don't think you should call him that. I don't think he likes the title.”
“Of course, Captain,” Annalee replies. “I can't believe that was the Orcnea Slayer. I guess I always figured that he would be taller.”
Back in the castle, the seven sisters of the Silver Moon are having breakfast along with Kristieana in the dining hall. They are all sitting around the large table when Isen enters. He walks around to where Kristieana is sitting and pulls out the chair next to her.
“What do you want?” Kristieana asks, a scowl on her face.
Isen looks nervously around at the others, who try to look like they are eating rather than eavesdropping. He says quietly, “I wanted to apologize for last night.”
“Oh, and why is that?” Kristieana asks.
Isen says, “Because you mean too much to me for me to give up on you without a fight.”
Kristieana takes the napkin on her lap and wipes her face. She turns to Isen and says, “Go on...”
Isen looks again at the other women, who have all stopped eating and are blatantly listening to what he has to say. He sighs and says, “I’m sorry that I made you feel like I wouldn't fight for you. I talked with Chance and—”
“Wait,” Kristieana interrupts. “You talked with Chance about me again?”
“Yes, why?” asks Isen.
“Did he put you up to this?” asks Kristieana. “Were the two of you discussing which one of you were going to be stuck with me?”
“No,” Isen insists. “That’s not how it went at all. Kristieana, I never meant to suggest that you are merely a piece of property that can be given away. You're not, and even if you were, I would never want to part with you.”
“Well, that’s not how you behaved last night,” Kristieana replies.
“I know, and I am sorry,” Isen says. “I was thinking of Chance and his needs, and believe it or not, I was thinking of you as well.”
“How so?”
“I wanted the two of you to be happy, and if that meant being with each other, I didn't want my need for you to interfere,” Isen explains.
Kristieana doesn't know to reply. The others are moved by Isen's words as well. Gelana intervenes and says, “Kristieana, Isen cared about you so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own happiness in order for you to be happy.”
Kristieana asks Isen, “Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes,” he eagerly agrees. “I’m sorry if I didn't make that clear last night.”
“It's all right,” Kristieana replies. “I know I was making it difficult for you, as well.”
Kel'ana asks, “So, does that mean that everyone knows about what happened between Chance and Kristieana?”
Ya'leigh walks through the door of the dining hall and asks, “What about my father?”
Kristieana sighs. “Ya'leigh, I have a confession to make.”
As Kristieana begins to explain herself to Chance's eldest child, Princess Kianna is enjoying herself in the garden adjacent to the royal library. She is accompanied by Prince River and his bodyguard, Baeldeth.
Kianna takes in a deep breath, enjoying the fragrance of the surrounding flowers as she sits next to the large oak tree in the center of the garden. It is the only tree in the botanical paradise.
River says, “This is my favorite place in all of Sheathelm.”
“Mine, too,” Kianna replies. “I like to come here to read.”
“I can understand why,” he replies. River looks around at the ivy-covered stone walls that encompass the east and west sides of the garden. These walls, along with the century-old oak tree, keep this section of the grounds well shaded. Plants that usually only grow deep in the forests, like the bread lily or wild ginger, flourish here.
Baeldeth walks to the farthest edge of the garden beyond the walls of the castle. In contrast to the cool shade beneath the oak tree, this is an open area enclosed by less imposing walls that are diminutive in comparison to the castle. They separate the gardens from the rest of the castle grounds. This section of the garden is exposed to the sun's light throughout the entire day. Lavender, aster, and verbena are just a few of the flowers that cover the grounds. Baeldeth walks along a narrow stone pathway that circles the garden and says, “I didn't know that humans could build such a tribute to nature's beauty.”
The prince sits next to Kianna and says, “Now, that is unfair, my friend. You and I both know that humans are not all the same, any more than elves.”
“I know,” Baeldeth replies. “I’m just more used to seeing humans cutting down trees rather than surrounding one with a garden.”
Kianna says, “Humans don't cut down trees out of disrespect for nature. They do it to survive and build their homes and to stay warm in the cold. They are not all blessed with the elven affinity for magic.”
Baeldeth nods and replies, “You are right, princess. I did not mean insult your father or the other humans.” Baeldeth walks back towards the door of the library. “If you both will excuse me, I think you are safe here. I'll be in the library if you need me.”
“Thank you, Baeldeth,” says River.
As the prince's bodyguard leaves, Kianna asks River, “Is he always like that?”
“Like what?”
“Harsh towards humans?”
“Baeldeth is harsh towards everyone.”
“I wonder why.”
“I think it may have to do with not having a mother growing up.”
“I don't have a mother, either. Or at least, not one I see very often.”
“Well, I’m glad that you aren't as mean-spirited as him, then. You are too beautiful to imagine that way.”
Kianna blushes. “I would hardly call myself beautiful.”
River takes her hand and says, “Don't be ridiculous. I have felt the warmth of the ember willow's blossoms. I have stood at night in the ruins of Valplya when the luminous trees released their pods and their seeds fell slowly like floating stars. I have watched, from the peak of the Fire Mountains, as the sun set into the clouds below. But, out of all the beautiful wonders of Runefell, I have yet to see anything compare to the radiance of your smile.”
“You flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery if it’s sincere.”
“If you put me on too high of a pedestal, I will surely fall.”
“If my princess falls, then I shall catch her.”
“But what if you put your princess so high that you cannot reach her?”
“For her, I can reach the stars,” River says as he takes her hand and kisses it. He s
its back and laughs lightly to himself.
Kianna asks, “What is so amusing?”
“It's nothing,” replies the prince. “I was just thinking about how worried I’ve been about how you were going handle our engagement. I thought you would be more upset.”
“Our engagement?” Kianna asks. “What are you talking about?”
River, surprised by her reaction, asks, “Your father didn't tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Kianna asks, already knowing the answer.
“That we have been betrothed to be married,” says River. “It is why they sent me here, to prove my worth as your future husband. I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”
“No,” replies Kianna, still stunned by the news. “My father didn't tell me.”
River takes her hand and says, “Well, it's not that bad, is it? I mean, we have talked about it before, haven't we?”
Kianna nods and says, “Yes, but that was to be our choice, not our parents’.”
River sighs, “Unfortunately, because we are royalty, we don't always get to make our own choices. It's part of the tradition.”
“Well, I hate tradition,” Kianna says, becoming agitated. “I can't believe my father would do this to me.”
Disappointed, River says, “I'm sorry you feel that way.”
Kianna explains, “It's not that I don't like the idea of being with you. I just wish you could have asked me.”
“I can ask you now,” he replies.
“It's not the same when I don't have a choice,” she says. Kianna stands before heading toward the door into the library.
“Where are you going?” River asks as he follows her through the doorway.
“I am going to have a talk with my father,” Kianna says as she starts to climb the stairway to the main level of the castle.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” he asks while following her. “Perhaps you should take some time to calm yourself.”
“I AM calm!” she snaps as makes it to the top of the stairs.
River looks back down the stairs at his companion, Baeldeth, who is shaking his head and smiling. Kianna storms out of the library as River says to Baeldeth, “This isn't funny.”
“Sure it is,” he laughs. “If she turns down this marriage, your parents will betroth you to Lady Borsaria.”
“Please, my friend,” says River. “I would rather not think about that.”
“Well, then, you’d better think of a way to change her mind,” Baeldeth says.
“No,” replies the prince. “Kianna is right, she should be able to choose who she spends the rest of her life with. I know what I must do.”
In the throne room, King Arioch is sitting at his throne. There are six guards, three on each side of the room. Princess Kianna enters from the hallway. She approaches the king and says, “Father, why didn't you tell me that I am to be married to Prince River?”
Arioch, exhausted, says with a heavy sigh, “I am sorry, Kianna, I meant to tell you.”
“Why would you tell me instead of asking me?” she questions.
“There was no time for a discussion,” Arioch explains. “Prince River is best suited for you, and we needed his troops.”
Kianna gasps, “You traded away your daughter for reinforcements?”
“No, it's not like that,” Arioch answers as Prince River enters the throne room. “The elves were already sending forces. I just wanted to make sure that we got their full support. If it were anyone other than Prince River, I would not have agreed.”
“What if I refuse to take my vows with him?” she asks.
“Please don't,” replies Arioch. “It would be seen as an insult to the elves.”
“I should have been given a choice,” says Kianna.
“I know,” Arioch says as he stands. “I am sorry, I don't what else to say.”
Prince River steps forward and says, “Perhaps I can help.” Kianna and Arioch turn their attention to the young elven prince. River says, “Your Majesty, with no disrespect meant to you or your daughter, I must decline the offer to make Princess Kianna my wife. I will only take my vows with someone who is free to choose me as their companion.”
Arioch replies, “Prince River, are you certain?”
“Yes,” he says. “My father will not be offended if it is I who breaks the engagement. I promise you that you will continue to have the full support of Elonfar.” River looks at Kianna and adds, “I also pledge my own sword and life to you, Princess. I promise to keep you safe from harm.”
Kianna whispers to River, “Thank you.”
River says softly, “Your fate is for you to choose, and when you are ready to make that choice, I'll be awaiting your decision.”
Confused, Kianna asks, “Are you asking me to marry you?”
“No,” replies River. “I am saying that if you ever decide that you want to get married, I will be waiting to see who you choose to ask.”
“You want me to ask?”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“A woman isn't supposed to ask a man for marriage.”
“Why not?”
Kianna thinks for a bit before answering. “It’s not traditional.”
River laughs and replies, “I see, so now you are suddenly concerned about tradition.” Kianna cannot tell if River is trying to make a joke or if he his words are meant to express his frustration with her. River smiles and says, “I’m sorry, Kianna, I shouldn't have said that.” Looking at Arioch, he continues, “I will go inform my parents at once, so that they can hear the news from me. If you will excuse me, please.”
“Of course,” says Arioch.
Kianna watches as River exits the throne room. She begins to wonder if she has just lost a good friend.
Chapter 44
The Tempest's Fury
In the courtyard of the castle, four of the five drake riders are gathered. The drakes are lined up, lying on the ground on beds of straw. They mindfully stay in their places while their riders are gathered around a table with an hourglass.
Captain Belron sits atop his sky drake, Nimbus. His wife, Nicari, pets the scaly creature and says to it, “Keep Belron safe, Nimbus.”
The beast lets out a huff of air as if to tell her that he understands. Belron says, “Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.”
Nicari replies, “Would you tell me if there was a reason to be concerned?”
Belron laughs. “If the hourglass expires before I come back, then you can worry.”
She looks over at the hourglass and can see that the sands are starting to get low. One of the riders, Ashton, points to the sky and says, “Re'ann has returned.”
“And with time to spare,” Belron says as the sands continue to flow through the shaped glass.
“Be careful, my love,” Nicari says.
“I will, as always,” Belron replies. He looks back at the table and says, “I'll leave now. Just let the time expire and turn it over when it’s done.”
“Yes, sir,” Ashton replies.
Belron gives a nod to his men and then says to his drake, “Nimbus, up!”
The drake takes to the sky as Belron steers them over the sea. It is a route that the riders have been patrolling since they arrived. They travel the perimeter of the area within a half-day’s foot journey of the castle. As fast as the sky drakes are, however, they can make the trip around the entire area in just under an hour.
First, they check the sea for any approaching ships before turning west. It is a routine flight that has become as tiresome as it is uneventful. Belron takes the same path as always out to the sea and turns north. After about fifteen minutes, he starts to make his way back across the land north of Sheathelm. Unlike the clear skies that Belron is used to seeing, this time he spots a storm forming off in the distance.
Belron gently kicks his heels against the sides of his drake. “Nimbus, faster.”
The blue drake increases its speed as Belron lowers his body close to that of his flying mount, reducing the re
sistance from the flowing air. Even at their current speed, Belron knows that it will take him nearly ten minutes to reach the edge of the growing tempest.
Back at the castle, King Arioch and A'ranah are in the courtyard. They spot the edge of the approaching storm and A'ranah says, “I think it is time we call upon the sisters to push this orcnea storm back.”
“Your efforts will be much appreciated,” replies Arioch.
A'ranah starts to walk back to the castle as she spots Yentroc and Lyra looking up at the sky. She says to them, “I am gathering the sisterhood to push that storm back. I will need the two of you to join us for the ceremonial casting. If you each help for an hour, that should suffice.”
Yentroc replies, “Mother Elder, Lyra had plans this afternoon.”
“It's all right,” Lyra says. “I’m sure Sven will understand.”
Yentroc says, “Please, Mother Elder, I'll sit in on the spell for two hours so Lyra does not have to break her plans.”
A'ranah smiles at the two girls. “Very well, Yentroc, you will take the first hour. Then get some rest so you can return for another hour this evening.”
“Thank you, Mother Elder,” Yentroc replies excitedly.
“Meet here in the courtyard at noon,” A'ranah instructs her. “We will begin then.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Yentroc says as A'ranah begins her search for other Amazons of the Silver Moon.
Lyra says, “You didn't have to do that. I could have taken the first hour.”
Yentroc shakes her head and says, “You’re meeting Sven in the library at noon.”
“He can wait,” replies Lyra.
“Now he doesn't have to,” says Yentroc. “Besides, we have to get you ready. Amanda told me that the princess has the perfect dress for you.”
“I’m starting to feel a bit nervous,” says Lyra.
“Well, don't,” Yentroc replies with a laugh. “I think the two of you will have a wonderful time.”
Lyra and Yentroc enter the castle to fetch the dress while, to the north, Belron has reached the tempest's edge.
Rain begins to soak the captain of the drake riders as he enters the storm. The winds are strong, but Belron has no problem staying on Nimbus. He casts a spell that allows him to see through the rain and looks to the ground. With his spell active, he is able to see clearly, but Belron finds himself over one of the few forests in area, and the pines below make it difficult to spot any orcnea activity. He decides to fly lower.