“They killed Percival,” she said soberly, her admission sending a dart of pain through his heart, but he could not let on how much he was grieved.
“Is that reason enough to kill them? If we kill them, we’re no better than them.”
Eloise shrugged. “Perhaps we’re not,” she said, wiping away a tear from her soot stained face.
Jakobe didn’t know how to respond to her. He gulped, saddened for the hardness Eloise had formed around her heart and soul. Jakobe understood it, but he didn’t like it.
“We need to get moving,” Jakobe said.
“Lead the way,” she said.
7
Hekla
Often times the best thing you can do for your family is be strong. Many things in this life will try to knock you down, and you need to overcome that. And they need to see you overcome it.
King Cedric the Just, Third King of Telluris, 470 A.V.
Hekla watched her sister asleep on the bed. She resisted the urge to sit next to her and try again to heal her. It would be stupidity at best, as she knew that there was nothing that she could do. Her heart burned with the pain of seeing her sister so helpless.
Snarky, rebellious Svana. The sister she could have trusted with anything. The sister she knew understood her better than anyone, even when Hekla had been so childish. Even when she had fought their call to this journey, Svana had encouraged her onward, if not with her words, with her senseless bravery. Her scarlet haired sister wasn’t afraid of anything.
Hekla only wished she could be more like her, or at least take the place of her resting form on the bed. She would gladly have taken Svana’s spot.
“If there was something I could do, Svana, I would. I would do anything to release you from this forever slumber.” As she spoke, a servant entered the room to feed Svana soup. Hekla was grateful Svana was still able to swallow in her current state. After the servant left, she sat next to the pale skinned woman, holding one of her cool hands in hers, and running her freehand through Svana’s long red hair.
“What could I have done differently?” she asked Svana, praying she would answer. Hoping against hope the Unseen Ones would help ease the burden she carried.
Quit focusing on the past, Hekla, Speltus said to her.
“I can’t,” Hekla whispered. How she wanted to, but she knew she would never forget, not until Svana was back and breathing with her cheeks flushed red with mischief and her hand brandishing her sword playfully at Hekla, challenging her to a duel.
Svana twitched on the bed.
Hekla nearly jumped forward to get closer to her sister.
“Svana? Can you hear me?”
Svana didn’t move.
“Please, Svana. Wake up.”
Hekla dropped her head in her hands and collapsed onto Svana’s stomach. She fought to hide her tears, but no matter how hard she tried, they fell anyway.
“I could try,” Hekla said, wiping her eyes. “I could try to revive her.”
Speltus shook his head. It would kill you Hekla. It may even kill me.
“It isn’t fair.”
Life often isn’t.
Hekla sniffled.
Don’t worry over your sister. Lingaria has a way to revive her.
“What way? He never told us.”
You must trust him. You must trust us. You are not the first human’s we’ve been given to guide, and you certainly won’t be the last.
“I barely know Lingaria.”
You know me.
Hekla clenched her eyes and nodded. “Do you really think Jakobe and Lingaria will be successful?”
I don’t know. Lingaria was given this quest by the Unseen Ones. I believe if there’s any chance at all, the Unseen Ones will know it. And if he’s been directed to take this quest by the Unseen Ones—I believe it is Svana’s best chance.
“I just wish there was something I could do.”
I know, Hekla. But you need to get over this.
“I don’t know if I can. I wouldn’t be a very good sister if I did,” she said angrily. “Speaking of, what do the Unseen Ones have to say about this. Why aren’t they here?”
I don’t know, he answered honestly.
“So, what, they called us to this mission? To possible death, and now that my sister lays dying, they have nothing to say about it? They aren’t going to help?” Hekla’s blood pumped stronger through her, and she could feel heat gathering in her cheeks.
Hekla, do you remember when you were first chosen? Do you remember how much you fought this? How much you questioned every move, even yourself?
She didn’t answer, too infuriated to say anything.
This was part of it, and your acceptance of what lay ahead was part of your willingness to do this mission. For the greater good, remember? Your life to save the lives of countless others? Remember?
She barely nodded her head, tears trickling quietly down. She may have been a warrior, but she could not fight the heartbreak and the anger that roared through her like a river untamed.
You have become every bit of the chosen woman that the Unseen Ones envisioned you to be, the little girl you were is long since gone. With that, you must accept that when there is war, and promise of peace, there is injury and death. Your sister is a hero, you--are a hero. All of you, you have done exactly what we asked you to do and even though that mission is not yet complete, you must trust that we are looking out for you. If Svana does not survive, her death will not be in vain. You must cling to that.
“Ugh! It’s not enough!” she yelled out, “her death? Not in vain? That isn’t enough for me. Still, so many lives have been taken anyway! How can any good come of that?” The questions continued to barrel from her.
“My dear, Hekla,” he said aloud, calling her attention, “Your mission is not yet complete, and neither is hers. Once you’re back in Aquarius, it will help. I assure you, that as soon as I learn of what happens with your sister—I will let you know.”
She thought for a long time about what he said, Luna’s lovely pale face dancing through her mind. At least there was that, that little girl had survived because of Hekla. It really was about the lives to be saved, and not the lives lost. Even as her sister’s body remained unmoving, her chest barely rising and falling with breath, she knew he was right.
“Thank you, Speltus.”
It is time.
“Time?” Hekla asked. “Time for what?”
The door opened. Astrid stepped inside. Her long green hair was no longer frazzled, but straight and brushed. A smile was nowhere to be found on her face. Her eyes were set with determination, but her expression faltered as she looked down to the bed where Svana laid.
Hekla tried to straighten her tangled hair with her fingers, but there was little helping it.
Astrid handed Hekla a brush.
Hekla feigned a slight smile as she took it. “Thank you.”
“We cannot stay much longer, Hekla.”
Hekla gulped. She nodded as she proceeded to brush her own hair before turning to Svana to brush her unconscious sister’s hair.
“I’m not ready,” Hekla said softly.
“I know,” said Astrid, stepping behind her younger sister and placing a calming hand on her back.
Hekla knew this time would come, but she still wasn’t ready for it.
“Caelestis and Aquarius need us. We can no longer linger,” Astrid’s voice came stern, but full of compassion.
“I know,” Hekla said, her voice defeated.
“You know… when Svana wakes up, she’s going to be starving,” Astrid said.
Hekla laughed. It felt good to laugh. Astrid and her often joked to Svana about her appetite. It didn’t matter how recently they had eaten, Svana was still always hungry five minutes later.
“Yes, yes she is.”
Hekla stood, wiping her tears away. She looked down to Svana, grabbed her hand and squeezed.
“Hang in there, Svana. You’ll pull through this,” Hekla said.
&n
bsp; She leaned down and kissed Svana on the forehead. Hekla moved away from the bed and stood near the door.
Astrid took one quiet step toward the bed. Her face was stoic, but it was clear she was fighting back her emotions. She pushed her hair behind her ears and leaned down to kiss Svana on the forehead as Hekla had.
“You’re too stubborn to let this beat you, Svana. And when you come back, we’ll be sure to have a feast waiting on you.”
The two sisters met each other at the door and embraced in a long hug. Hekla didn’t know when she would see Astrid again. They each still had so much to do in their kingdoms. And Hekla didn’t think she’d be able to convince the Aquarian king to unite the people like the Tellurian king. She wondered if he had been under a spell by the dark wizard as well. A part of her wanted him to truly be a good man, but a large part of her told her that it wasn’t the case.
“Take care of yourself,” Astrid said.
“You too.”
The door opened again, and this time Emmeline stepped inside. She was alone and a lot less pale than she had looked the past few days. As she saw the two of them, she smiled.
“Are you leaving?” Emmeline asked.
“We must,” Astrid answered.
“I figured you would be leaving soon. I have been sent to look after Svana when you leave,” Emmeline said.
Hekla nodded to her.
“Don’t you worry, I will take good care of Svana in your absence. I know what she means to you—and trust me, she means the same to me. I have grown fond of her. She helped me come back to who I needed to be. I had almost given up on Uncle, but her determination for peace brought me back.”
Hekla’s smile was small, but it was genuine. “I’m glad to hear you’ll be looking after her.”
“You two need to return the good news to the other kingdoms,” Emmeline said.
“Good news?” Hekla asked.
“That King Armand has returned to normal.”
Hekla pressed her lips together tightly. “I don’t think the news is going to have the same impact you imagine it will.”
Emmeline frowned.
“Like all of Telluris, no one is going to trust King Armand again. It doesn’t matter that he’s been acting while under a spell. To everyone else, they will believe it’s just a ploy of his.”
Emmeline sighed. “I wish there was something we could do.”
“You can look after Svana. Once she is brought back, I guarantee she’ll have a solution.”
“I’m hope you’re right.”
“I have faith,” Astrid spoke up.
Emmeline walked into the room and sat at the chair by Svana’s bedside. She rocked in it a few times, then pulled out yarn and needles.
“Thank you,” Hekla said.
“Hmm?” Emmeline asked.
“Thank you for looking after my sister.”
Emmeline smiled. “It’s the least I can do.”
Hekla nodded, then stepped out the door. Astrid followed her.
“Goodbye, sister,” Hekla said.
Astrid smiled. “Until we meet again.”
They clasped hands and kissed each other’s cheek before splitting to walk in different directions in the hallway.
8
Astrid
The darkness in a man’s heart has much to do with the evil and atrocities in the world. Often times, it is the darkness a man carries that leads to not just our greatest sadness, but also our greatest triumphs. They key lies in accepting that with every black heart that exists, there is a heart full of light. It is our job to discern which we carry, and work to make it stronger, and better for the good of those around us. Every being has its purpose, and without the bad there is no appreciation for the good.
King Michiel the Trusted, Third King of Caelestis, 481 A.V.
Astrid’s heart panged again with the sense of loss, as she walked away from her sisters. The image of Svana’s form laying on the bed was like a dagger digging itself into an open wound. So much loss lately, and not enough healing. If the kingdoms are restored tomorrow, it would not be soon enough, she thought.
She followed the hallway down its length and took the stairwell that swirled down and away from the tower. It was at the far end of the castle, where she would not have to pass the king’s room again. Which is what she was trying to avoid. Inside, she still had mixed feelings. Guilt for having tried to kill him, anger for all the destruction he had caused. It’s all too much, she thought sadly.
It is too much, Astrid. Caelestis will be a nice break from all of this. Aronus spoke into her thoughts, his voice kind, and almost sympathetic.
“Careful, Aronus, I may think you’re going soft.”
Astrid wiped the sweat off her forehead, feet descending the steps, the green leather of her boots worn and in desperate need of repair from the war and bloodshed, and the endless days on the road. These were thoughts that crossed her mind, as she walked the plush carpet, looking down at them. Such wear did not belong here, gliding across the elegant weavings of the royal floors.
She thought about how Svana must have felt, brave Svana marching into the stone building, sword held high, never afraid of anything. With Hekla gone from sight, Astrid found a tear making its way down her cheek, and quickly wiped it away as she exited the castle.
Cayden had been waiting for her, and the moment she was outside, his calloused hand grabbed her arm.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She nodded her head. “Yes, thank you for waiting for me.”
She smiled wide, studying his face, still fighting the mistrust she felt, but knowing that anyone who could share what he had so cavalierly, was worthy of some level of her trust.
“Come,” she urged him, “we have a long journey, and I long to be back with my people.”
He nodded. “Do you think they will be accepting of me? Will you be all right if I accompany you?”
She had to think about it for a moment, even though they had already decided, but knew that when it came to allies, she wanted him by her side. She nodded.
“Then let us not waste another minute.”
Together they quickly took the rough road leading out and away, toward the mountains that would bring her home, to Caelestis.
Home? Aronus said. Do you really feel that way?
Her answer required she think about everything that had happened. The Volcano of Shadows seemed years away, their little Island of Volican that existed inside the Volcano seemed like a dream.
Yes, I suppose I do, she replied honestly. Its elegant light-footed people, with their nearly translucent skin. Their barely noticeable wings reflecting the sunlight. She took in a heavy sigh. She did consider it home, all except for the king who she was not looking forward to facing.
Would he understand the decisions that had been made in an effort to restore peace to the kingdoms?
I doubt it, Aronus answered her unspoken question.
Yes, well I assumed as much already, but I have to try, she responded, her feet picking up speed.
The wind was barely a ripple through her long emerald hair which had slowly started to come undone from its braid. As she glided quickly over the ground, the warmth of the sun on her face, she chose to believe for the moment that all was well. Cayden matched her stride for stride, which surprised her. She had assumed he would not be as familiar with this terrain and it would slow him down.
"You're pretty swift on your feet," she laughed, running faster and faster away from him. He laughed in return, catching up to her quickly. At the pace they were going, they would soon be in Caelestis, with her people. She could hardly wait to be there. Even if she lost Svana, she knew the pain of the loss would be made more bearable if she had gained the trust of the Caelestans.
As they ran, her bow bounced gently against her. It offered her a feeling of comfort that she had not felt in quite some time. The mountains appeared quickly, and soon her feet were dancing up the familiar paths that led her to the top.
Even as the brush attacked her chest and face, her leather armor kept her perfectly guarded, and her head bobbed in and out of the trees as if her entire body was laced with magic.
She barely noticed the scratches from the bramble against her arms, and instead found her happiness spreading the closer and closer she got to the mountain top, to the sky stairway that would lead her to her heavenly home.
"I'm on my way," she said aloud, forgetting that Cayden followed closely behind her.
"Yes, and we'll be there soon," his voice cut through the gentle tossing of the breeze through the branches.
It was just the two of them, and the greens of the Tellurian land and mountains. Aronus had long since silenced himself, not wanting to be detected by her human partner.
As they climbed the mountain, so many memories from days before, when she had first come to this place. A woman, but still so much a child in so many ways. She had watched over her sisters for so long, but this journey they had been chosen for had caused her to grow in ways she could never have thought possible.
Even as her joy increased, her worries did as well. She knew that there was still much that needed to be done, and if the king did not err on the side of uniting the kingdoms, then she had a very difficult task at hand. She wondered how long Cayden would stay by her side, if he knew what was really at stake.
If he knew the task that would befall her, if the king did not fall in line, would he understand? More importantly, would the Caelestan people understand? She shook her head, willing away the sudden unwelcome thought of the king dead at her hands, her arrows the culprit that would have to stop his heart. Astrid could feel the chill that entered her at the thought. Lives had already been taken, but only out of necessity. She still held to the mindset that no lives should be lost unless absolutely necessary. The less harm she could cause unwittingly, the lighter her conscious would be.
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