The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  Yes, everything seemed the same—except Malachi’s seat was shrouded in black and Mia was now the leader of the Dokkalfar.

  I shuddered as the wild child in the back remembered her expression, her hesitation when she should have killed me. Gavin’s hand tightened around mine.

  “I know,” Gavin murmured. “The fact she did not kill either of us when she had the chance shows she still has an ounce of integrity. Honestly, I think she and I have something in common.”

  “How can you say that?” I softly scolded.

  “Mia lives in darkness but does not weaken in the light. I live in the light and no longer weaken in darkness.”

  He started to say something else, but solemn music drifted from the courtyard, announcing that the service was about to begin. Elias and Elaine, dressed in their formal uniforms, accompanied Rune. They veered to the right. Rena and Tark went to the left. Gavin waited until they were in place before turning to me.

  “You ready?”

  I nodded, and we stepped through the archway. Thousands of kinsmen were dressed in muted tones, their hearts steeped in grief. The ones already accepting power were closer to the balcony; the ones still struggling stood along the broken outer wall. Gavin and I made our way to our seats, and the kinsmen fell to their knees as the Queen went to the podium.

  “Rise,” her voice carried across the courtyard, comforting but strong. “Since the time of the ancients, our lands have been blessed with an abundance of food, shelter, and fellowship. But our numbers have dwindled, our energy lessened, and as generations came to pass, my heart feared we had grown weak.”

  Thousands of heads turned to one another, a sea of restlessness at the unexpected topic.

  “It wasn’t until this recent attack I understood that I was wrong. You have shown me that our strength lies not within the solid rock of the mountain, but within the hearts of all.”

  A collective hush fell across the yard.

  “It was your strength that kept the enemy from coming over the walls, it was your strength that drove back the Dokkalfar, and it was you who stood side by side in the face of certain death. I am honored to be your Queen.”

  Silence was all that could be heard as the multitude in the front fell to one knee followed by the next until the gesture waved through the statues and to the gates beyond.

  Queen Lera smiled. “Rise. It is not I who deserve such respect, but you.”

  The crowd froze in disbelief as Lera’s knees made their way to the stone beneath her feet. She stood and spoke once more.

  “As the land grows stronger, so does its demands. I’ve been honored to serve, but no longer can one person meet the needs of the kingdom. Before the Ancient One left this world, he bestowed on Kailmeyra a great gift. I’m proud to present Elias, Keeper of the Beasts, Elaine, Keeper of the Skies, Corina, Keeper of the Fields, and Tark, Keeper of the Waters.”

  The Keepers stood as they were called, and hesitant applause rippled through the crowd.

  “As you know, the Prince is the Keeper of the Mountain, and our Princess Nora, Keeper of the Ancient Power.”

  The applause grew, and I blushed. Lera waited until the crowd settled down.

  “The Ancient One served as a counselor, mentor, and friend throughout my reign. And while there are many accolades I could give, many distinctions I could make, in light of recent events I’ve asked the future King to speak on behalf of the house of Frey.”

  She backed away from the podium as everyone on the balcony stood. Gavin brushed his hand down my arm, his eyes briefly meeting mine as he passed. To the crowd, the gesture was a simple touch, reassuring perhaps. But I knew this was extremely difficult for him.

  “My fellow Kailmeyrians, today we gather to honor the ones we’ve lost. We humbly acknowledge their sacrifice and vow to honor them through our kindness to one another and the way we care for the land.” Grief hung over the crowd, and Gavin paused. “Many of you did not have the opportunity to meet the Ancient One. His name was Malachi, and he was a great warrior. He protected us in our darkest hours by distributing energy to the land. He was also dearly loved, and my clan and I will miss him for years to come.

  “It has been our tradition to repress thoughts of the ones we’ve lost. Fear shackles our hearts. Fear of grief, of negativity, fear of birth ... of death. It is this very fear that dwindles our numbers—that tethers our abilities. The greatest lesson Malachi taught me was that fear oppresses potential, for each of us holds the capacity to harness energy, to bear children, and to fight just as strongly as those gifted in defense. Kinsmen, on this day, the day we mourn, I ask you not to fear. Share your thoughts. Remember the fallen with joy in your hearts, for within these memories lies the power of love.”

  The crowd applauded, the front a bit more enthusiastically than the back.

  “While we have grown stronger, we are not safe from the threat of darkness. The abyss contaminates the surrounding land, and the Dokkalfar still survive. We must rise to this challenge and embrace the responsibility of defending our way of life. We must trust one another. For it is my hope, if we learn to unleash our potential, the Dokkalfar will be no more.”

  Thunderous applause shattered the silence, and Gavin waited until the crowd grew quiet.

  “In the coming days, there will be rumors, strife. Be aware that the Dokkalfar can now imitate voices telepathically. They have the power to search your minds, and even though they are no longer in our lands, they will return. I tell you this not to frighten you, but to prepare you. If you have a grievance with your neighbor, voice your concerns with care. We draw our strength from love, joy, faithfulness, and self-control. Let us remember—against such things as this no darkness will prevail.” The crowd roared.

  The Queen came forward. “Well said, my son.”

  The keepers stood side by side watching the crowd disperse. Even though the day was filled with loss, the kinsmen seemed stronger, as if hope had taken root in their hearts. Gavin squeezed my hand, and we made our way from the balcony.

  The next few days flew past in a flurry of activity. Malachi’s sitting chamber had been turned into an archive facility so that Ester could enjoy some of the ancient scrolls. Gavin had all her belongings moved to a new suite. He assured me that he had bestowed this honor as he was grateful for her service. While I was sure that was true, a part of me believed he also wanted to keep an eye on her. The best healers were with her, and she seemed to be recovering. Her eyes were not restored, but the power of the Sfera had allowed her to see in a different way. It was still unclear if the mountain would allow Ester entrance, but the Prince had expressly forbidden her to try.

  Gavin’s presence in the castle was felt more than seen. He now held an energy of leadership that had been forged in experience. No longer was he solely focused on me, but his intensity extended to everything he did. His purpose stayed honed like a sharp knife. The change was subtle but felt by everyone who lived in the kingdom.

  The children of the guard were given the charge of strengthening others. I oversaw the changes to make sure everything went as planned.

  In the few days since Gavin’s return, Elias and Micah reorganized the warriors, and a new class of younger candidates came forward to train. I was a little worried about their age, but Micah was adamant we had no choice. Too many were lost in battle.

  “I’ll be needin’ to speak to ya, Princess,” Rune gruff voice echoed in the room as he came through the energy. I sat down he scroll I’d been reading. Gavin and the rest of the clan were still finishing up lunch.

  “What is it, Rune?”

  His eyes stayed on his feet. “I’ll be goin’ through the portal first light, tomorrow.”

  “But that means you’ll have to leave tonight. Can’t you wait just a few more days, or maybe a week?” My voice quivered.

  “Nay, Lass. I’m needin’ to prepare. I feel it down to these toes. And don’t be temptin’ me to change me mind,” he practically barked. His harsh eyes conflicted with the feat
hers laying flat against his head, and I couldn’t help but smile at the contradiction of brutishness and vulnerability.

  I bent down so we’d be face to face. “I once was on the other side of the portal without my mate. I more than understand.” I squeezed his rough hand. “At least let me see you off.”

  Rune bristled. “Are ye daft? Ya’ll not be gallivantin’ off t’ the portal. We’ll be sayin’ our goodbyes here. An’ I’ll be seein’ ya soon, so no need for tears.”

  I hugged him. “Please be careful, then. And God’s speed.”

  He smiled. “I’ll be needin’ it. The last portal I’d be goin’ through led to Scotland, but it’d be closed now, wouldnit?” He shook his head. “How I’ll be findin’ me Molly in yer mountains is beyond me.”

  “We’ll meet you at the gates. That reminds me.” I turned to Gavin. “Have Wyn and Siana meet us by the statues.”

  Rune went to gather his things while the rest of us made our way to the front of the castle.

  Siana stood on the front steps, her little frame jumping up and down.

  “Princess Nora!” She squealed, running through the front foyer as soon as she saw me. “Did you see?! It’s a real live unicorn!” Her face was alight with joy as she ran and grabbed my hand, clearly tired of my slow pace. “Hurry, Miss Rena,” she hollered over her shoulder, “you’ll not want to miss it.”

  Gavin took Siana’s other hand, and we swung her between us and made our way to the stallion.

  His ears twitched, and his intelligent black eyes glittered. He snorted as if he found our request amusing. Gavin stepped forward and stroked his mane before his hand ran along the line of his back. As soon as he touched the hindquarters, the unicorn raised his leg. Siana ran over, her dimpled fingers grazing the center of its hoof.

  “Oooh, look, Princess Nora, you were right ... and wrong.” I stepped forward to see what she was talking about. The outer part of the hoof was rough and black, but the center was arched, silver, and smooth as glass.

  “I guess we need to fix the statue then.”

  Siana stood there, her face steeped in concentration. “How do we know all the feet are the same?” She asked, and Gavin grinned.

  “The stallion assured me they all have similar traits, although the female’s hooves are a bit smaller.”

  “How come girls are always smaller than boys?” Siana grumbled. Now this puzzle was solved, it seemed she was ready for another.

  “I have no idea.” Gavin’s smile widened.

  Rune came out of the castle, his belongings once again bundled in tattered tartan. I smiled seeing that he wore his vest. “The serious one thinks it’ll be best if I’m wearin’ this thing so the Alfar guardin’ the portal don’t try killin’ me the minute I swim to the surface.”

  “Where are you going?” Siana’s brow lowered over her aquamarine eyes. Her bottom lip jutted out. “I’ve not gotten to see in you a long, long, time. And you never played hide and seek with the butterflies like you said you would.” She crossed her arms, her eyes glaring in accusation.

  “Pipe down, young ‘un. I’ve got t’ be goin’, but I’ll be makin’ it up to ya. How ‘bout yer ridin’ with me round the yard?”

  Siana’s face lit up as she jumped up and down. “Really?!” her voice rose so high it echoed off the marble. Rune’s featured softened.

  “Come on, I’ll not be havin’ time to tarry.” He bounded on the stallion. Gavin placed Siana in front of Rune, and they cantered off to the butterfly garden.

  “She’ll be the most popular child in the kingdom by tomorrow.” Rena grinned, standing next to me.

  They circled the statues a few times before pulling up to the front gates.

  “When are you coming home?” Siana asked Rune.

  “I’m not sure, but I’ll be bringin’ a friend the next time you’ll be seein’ me. And I’m thinkin’ she’ll be likin’ ya.”

  “Does she have pretty feathers too?” Siana stroked the top of Rune’s head

  “Her feathers’ll be puttin’ mine to shame.” His voice grew gruff.

  “Then give her this for me.” Siana wrapped her arms around Rune’s neck. She squeezed as hard as she could, and when she released her grip, Rune’s eyes were lighted to a dusty blue.

  “Aye, I’ll be doin’ just that.”

  I took Siana off the stallion’s back, and she ran to her mother. “You’ll be amazed at the changes Earth has gone through.” I looked at Rune through tear filled eyes.

  “Aye, that’ll be true.” He tilted his head toward Rena. “The happy one’ll be tellin’ me there are ships that fly.”

  Rena giggled.

  “An keep a firm hand with the Prince. He’ll be needin’ it, he will.”

  “I promise.” I grinned as Gavin nudged me.

  “Take care, my friend. And don’t forget what we discussed.” Elias handed him a folded piece of parchment.

  My brow wrinkled as I looked from one to the other, but I didn’t ask.

  Gavin’s eyes glittered as one moment passed into another.

  “Aye, Prince, I’ll be seein’ t’ that, first thing, I will.” Rune’s gruff voice grew serious. He looked over the courtyard once more, his feathers ruffled, his purpose etched in the hard lines of his face. Without another word, the unicorn cantered away.

  Gavin reached for my hand as we stood next to Rena, Tark, Elias, and Elaine.

  “What did you give him?” I asked Elias.

  “A map to the mountain house. I’ve asked that he prepare the place for our arrival.”

  I swallowed past the lump in my throat. Earth was riddled with evil. How could we find Mia and fight the Dokkalfar without the power of the mountain or the help of the land?

  “You forget, my lady.” Gavin’s voice held a gentle conviction. “You came from there, as did Edna. The people of that realm once were stronger than our kinsmen. I still hold faith in humanity. I’ve learned that the power of one true light can change the heart of darkness.”

  I could only hope that he was right.

  Excerpt from the third and final book in the Kailmeyra series, The Heart of the Ancients

  Desolation blanketed the cavern. The air bit and clawed, smothering any thread of hope. Ester stood, her shoulders rounded like teardrops, her wild white hair blocking the expression on her face. Her hands, scarred and bloody, reached for me; I backed away.

  “Princess,” she whispered, “it is time.”

  The last of her statement melded into an ominous buzz. Ester motioned me forward.

  “Come,” her voice became stronger, “you must take your place. It is time.”

  The buzz turned into a solid drone of white noise.

  Hot tears scalded my cheeks. “Please ... don’t ask this. You can’t ask this of me.”

  I backed away, but fingers, black as night, wrapped around my shoulder, nudging me forward. Startled, I glanced back. Thousands of almond eyes twinkled in the darkness.

  These were not the eyes of the Dokkalfar that had fought in the badlands. These were ancient half-dead creatures, resolved to die. Numerous hands pressed my back, pushing me forward, and I stumbled. The wild child of my mind conjured visions of Kailmeyra, demanding that I draw the last of my strength. My mind fought as thoughts flooded through. Thoughts of what could have been ... what was left undone ...what was still unborn.

  “Princess,” Esters fingers curled around my wrist. “You must fulfill your destiny. It is time ...”

  Matted hair strewn across my cheeks as sweat rolled off my face. Confusion and loss raged; I struggled to breathe. Kicking the tangle of velvet and silk from my legs, I reached across the bed.

  “Gavin?”

  Nothing.

  A fresh bloom of fear coursed through me, and I shot up.

  He wasn’t here. He wasn’t here, and I couldn’t feel him.

  “Gavin!”

  His name bounced off the walls, and it took me a second to realize the shrill voice was my own. Masculine emotions flooded within
—a weird mix of aggression, love, and protection so intense it was on the brink of painful. They eased as that thought ran through my mind.

  The nightmare faded as I jumped out of bed and stumbled through the door. A spacious living room, full of cozy furniture, sprawled beneath the upper balustrade. Small flames sputtered within the hearth’s dying embers. Judging by the pile of hot cinders, it looked as if it had been lit hours ago. Gavin sat by the hearth, his chestnut hair shone in the flickering light. He calmly flipped the page of a book, looking completely at ease.

  “Good morning, Light,” he said without looking up.

  “It won’t work, you know.” My voice traveled across the room as I made my way down the winding stairway. “You can sit there and act like nothing’s wrong, but I feel your emotions, and they give you away.”

  “Did you rest well?” he asked, completely ignoring my last remark.

  I frowned. “You know I didn’t. I dreamt again.” I stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

  Vague memories flickered through. Darkness ... Ester ... “It is—”

  “Are you hungry?”

  The images disappeared like smoke in the wind.

  I made my way across the room. “Not really.”

  A dull ache bloomed behind my eyes, and I pressed my thumbs on my temples. Lately, I seemed to be living in my own Twilight Zone. My emotions were stretched to the extreme. Sleep brought wild nightmares I couldn’t remember. As the dream faded, sweet relief flooded soon to be followed by a headache. It was like my subconscious was at war with the rest of my brain.

  Gavin kept his head down, eyes focused on the book.

  “Gavin, please. I’m tired of waking up this way. I don’t remember my dreams, but you do. If you would just tell me—”

  He set the book down with a decided thump. “We’ve been through this. If you’re meant to recall them, you will.” Taking a deep breath, he reached for me, his palms finding the rise of my hips. “God, I love the look of you in the morning.” He pulled me forward, placing his forehead on my abdomen. Desire seeped through his touch like warm honey. "You should get dressed. Tark and Rena will be here in a minute.”