by Ben Alderson
"It's your father—that's why you feel so rushed to leave?"
Hadrian nodded. “If there is a chance he is still alive, I have trust in it.” His response had me stumbling over my words. “Either he is dead, alongside my mother, and it is my duty as Prince to take my place and lead my people; or he is alive, and there is no saying what state he will be in... wherever he is. That type of magick, taking the appearance of another is not common. I don’t understand how it works, its dark magick. What evil infection the Druid has used against him may have changed him for the worse.”
“What if the Druid expects you to go looking?” I said. “He had you once already...”
“Then let him. I can promise our next encounter will not end as it did before.”
“The council—”
“I care little of what the council think. It is my father, Zacriah. Family. Would you leave yours if you knew there was a chance they were alive?”
I understood his want to find him, for my parents had been on my mind for days. I'd been informed by the council my parents were safe, but I knew just how quickly that could change from my own experience over the past weeks.
"You must do what you feel is right," I whispered.
“Can we just have a few moments where we do not talk about this? I just want to enjoy the silence up here. I believe it will be the last chance to enjoy it for a long while.” Hadrian looked back out at the night as the stars winked into life above us.
We hung there for a while, my hand in his, and spoke no more.
Only when we returned to the ground, my wings tired and body heavy, did we say our goodbyes.
“I will see you in a matter of days.” Hadrian held onto my cheeks and leaned in. A warm kiss pressed against my head.
“Will you be okay here?”
“I am sure I will keep myself busy.”
That was not what I meant, but Cristilia found us before I could explain more.
*
CRISTILIA GUIDED NYAH and me back to our room. We had to leave Hadrian in the cave where the two figures stood confused as to where he’d disappeared off to. I knew there was more to Cristilia’s abilities, but as we walked up the never-ending walkway, all I could think about was sleep. That and the words Hadrian and I had exchanged.
We passed through the main gate unnoticed and back into the town. Shrouded from view within Cristilia's bubble of night.
That night and the two that followed, I dreamt of blue fire, inked Druid marks and creatures of smoke.
I'd not left my room for the few days the town waited for the arrival of Queen Kathine. Nyah kept me company. We read books, searching for a mention of Heartfire or the Staff of Light, but we found no insight into either thing.
Cristilia had visited us at night, bringing news of Hadrian's growing boredom. I had asked if she would take me to see Hadrian, but she refused. It seemed she didn't want to put us at risk. Not that it seemed to bother her the first time she snuck us from the town.
The uncertainty of meeting Queen Kathine worried me and kept me up most of those nights. Nyah showed no issue with sleeping as she camped out in my bed. When we gave up on searching books, we opted for physical exercise. Nyah didn't want us to slack and miss any time to train. Especially when news reached our room of another body that was found covered in Druid marks.
On the morning of the Queen's arrival, Nyah woke me with a wooden cup of fresh spring water, which quickly brought my senses awake.
"Better get ready. Today is the big day." She had already dressed. She wore a pair of black pants and a grey tunic. Her ginger hair draped over her shoulders, framing her exhausted face. "I took the liberty in picking out an outfit for you."
"Thanks." I yawned.
Nyah began moving the furniture in my room back into place. We had moved them out of the way as we trained yesterday and had yet to put it back. "That bruise you gave me yesterday is massive; I'm so proud."
I stretched my arms above my head. "What can I say? I have a good teacher."
Nyah waited for me to change into the earthy green robe, which hung loosely around my arms, and a brown belt that matched the boots given to me on my first day in Kandilin. I chose to go with Alorian made garments instead of my ripped Niraen guard outfit I'd arrived here wearing. Anything to appease the council and make today go as smooth as possible.
Once we left our room, Nesta waited beyond it to guide us and fill us in on the coming day. We had not seen her since the fall of the council hall, and she embraced us both.
“Queen Kathine arrived this morning and has requested a public audience with the Council and you both.” Nesta spoke over her shoulder as we passed Alorian guards and rushed handmaids who danced around us with hands full.
“Where will we be meeting?” I spoke up, dodging one elfin man who almost tumbled into me.
“The heart of the city," Nesta replied, her golden face pinched with concern.
"How is the possible?" Nyah asked, "Hadrian destroyed the entire thing."
"Many hands make for light work. During the past days, we have been able to rectify part of the destruction." Reading the confusion on my face, Nesta added, "You will soon see."
As we walked through the town in the trees, we could see what she was talking about. Paneling connected the west and east side of the town once again. Although the council hall was still absent, the large walkway acted as a stage.
As we got closer, the civilians of Kandilin stepped out of our way. Their distrusting stares caused the hairs on my arms to stand. It would see the entire town was out to watch the audience this morning. Some elves looked our way, but most kept their eyes glued to the woman who stood in the middle of the city.
Queen Kathine.
She stood a foot taller than the guards around her. Dressed in elven chain, Queen Kathine was a statue of silver. The closer we got, the more I sensed her presence and power. Across her shoulders, a design of frosty leaves gave her frame a broad illusion. The same intricate design wrapped around her waist where her white skirt hung over tight trousers. Her braided brown hair and thick brows were striking, and her brown skin glowed. She was the perfect depiction of beauty and power.
She wore no crown, nor did she need to. The air of royalty practically danced around her.
“Both of you go and stand before the council. You will be addressed when the meeting starts,” Nesta said, urging us to a place before the table. "And a tip, don't speak to Queen Kathine unless you are spoken to first."
Then Nesta pushed us forward.
I kept my gaze unmoving from the Council members as we walked before them. Kazmir, Penna and Cristilia sat with the rest of the council on an oaken desk. Kazmir raised a hand for us to stop, and we both bowed our heads.
Under the gaze of the council and entire town of Kandilin, I felt vulnerable. I was confident that was how the council wanted us to feel. This was nothing more than a show of power.
All heads snapped towards the Queen as her voice rained out. “Where is the third?”
I knew she was talking about Hadrian. He was the only one absent, whereas Emaline could be seen sheltering between guards to my right. Nesta stood beside her.
“He is being retrieved as we speak, my Queen.” Kazmir rose from the desk and responded.
“My one request was simple. Have the three here when I arrive.” Her gaze narrowed on Kazmir.
Queen Kathine moved towards myself and Nyah. The soldiers around her began to follow, but she raised a firm hand to stop them.
“No need.”
When she reached us, she extended a hand. "I am glad to finally meet you both, although I wish it were under different circumstances." She whispered the last part. "Do not let those fools frighten you. They like to believe control comes from fear."
Her handshake was as firm as her tone.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my Queen," Nyah said, dipping into a curtsy.
Queen Kathine just smiled. "Gallion has told me much about you, young lady."
>
Nyah blushed, her skin matching the color of her hair. "Only good things I hope."
"Oh, yes, only good things."
I stayed quiet, and that didn't go unnoticed. "Gallion has also talked about you, Zacriah Trovirin. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And you." I bowed again.
"I must take my seat, so we can get this started," she said.
She turned away from us and moved to the desk, taking her place between Kazmir and Penna in the middle seat. More like a throne. It was made from twisted wood, the tips crowned with crystals like those in the caves we had visited.
Queen Kathine rested both her forearms on the desk and waited. Soon after, there was movement from the bridge connecting the west side of Kandilin that caught everyone's attention, and all heads turned to Hadrian.
Hadrian walked ahead of his escorts. With a head held high and shoulders pinned back, he moved like a King. There was a flush of color back in his skin, but the blue Heartfire still glowed from his body. Those he passed shied away from him.
He wore the deep purple and brown, Thessolina colors, which stood out compared to those dressed in silver around him. His choice to wear these colors was a clear message. Kazmir's face soured as she looked upon him.
"Here comes the boy of fire. The Prince of destruction. Wearing his crown of ashes," Penna said, voice louder than it needed to be.
Hadrian walked straight to the desk and extended his hand across to Queen Kathine, ignoring Penna's comment.
“Queen Kathine, I must say it is a pleasure to see you again.” His voice carried across the watching crowd.
“You have grown mountains since our last encounter,” she replied, shaking his hand twice.
The fact Queen Kathine didn't think twice before touching Hadrian's glowing skin proved he was no threat.
They dropped hands but not their stare. “How is Queen Sallie? I heard you recently welcomed your younglings into the world. I must first offer my congratulations.” Hadrian bowed his head.
At the mention of her children, her eyes shone for a moment. “Your blessing is welcomed. My wife is doing well. She would have visited, but we both agreed the twins are so young it was best to keep them away from possible harm.”
Hadrian’s arms raised. “Ah, that would be me. I must apologize. I am unsure which version of events you have heard.” He looked at Penna and Kazmir with intent. “But as I am sure you can understand, that was a mistake.”
“Do I now?” she responded, her voice tipped with ice. “All I am aware is that one of the oldest buildings in my land has been destroyed and that accusations have been passed from hand to hand. That is why I am here, to seek the truth and ensure that it does not happen again.”
Hadrian’s proud smile faltered. “Please, ask whatever you desire. But I too have requests for you.”
The tension between Hadrian and Queen Kathine morphed between my very eyes. First, they felt like old friends and now, the greatest of enemies.
“I would like to start this meeting with a blessing from our Goddess.” The Queen's voice raised in volume, yet she didn’t shout. Magick. Her words seemed to bounce off every tree, leaf and watching elf in Kandilin until everyone bent their heads.
“May the Goddess Dalibael grant us light to uncover the darkness that shrouds the truth. We ask the Her to look down upon us with her great wisdom and clarity, and help show us the path of mercy and virtue. May she forever love us and banish the dark.”
The town was bathed in silence as Queen Kathine finished her prayer. Even the wind seemed to still.
“Prince Hadrian Vulmar of Thessolina. I welcome you to speak your heart on the destruction of our Council Hall. Please, explain the reasoning for your actions after such gratitude has been shown to you during your stay here.” Queen Kathine stood once again, her hands raised to sides as she questioned Hadrian.
There was a low rumble as he cleared his throat, then he looked up with his golden jeweled eyes and shocked the entire crowd. “Heart Magick.”
QUEEN KATHINE'S EXPRESSION melted into shock. Her hand slammed down on the desk, wood creaking in protest under her force. Her jaw tensed as she bit down hard, muscles in her cheeks rippling.
Hadrian had gone against the one wish that was placed upon us by the council. Not to reveal the truth. Not to mention Heart Magick.
The only person who didn’t look shocked was Cristilia, who smiled to herself where she sat.
“Our Goddess is light, life and truth. Since she’d been invoked before this meeting, I feel that it is only fair that I follow her three virtues. In truth, I admit that the news is not a positive one, but it is important that you know before I explain what has happened here.” Hadrian was talking to the entire town now, whether they heard him or not. This was an act of defiance against the Queen and her council. If he was in trouble before, it was nothing compared now.
“How dare you spill those lies to my people,” Queen Kathine shouted.
“Lies.” Hadrian laughed. “Do you swear on your Goddess, our Goddess, that I do not speak the truth?”
The Queen opened her mouth but lacked a response.
“Thank you. I shall continue. The return of the Druid, as I have only recently learned, has brought more than just panic to these lands, but a magick that for centuries has been forgotten by most. Right now, the Druid is hiding in plain sight, abducting our friends, family, allies and threatening our very existence. What happened in the Council Hall was out of my control, something I regret deeply and wish I could change. But I cannot go back and redo my wrongs. What I can do is look to the future and find a way to stop it from happening again. From this morning I will be returning to Olderim and take my place as King until my father is found—”
“You will not be leaving Eldnol, Prince Hadrian,” Queen Kathine said quietly. I could see the anger rolling off her in waves of heat that could match Hadrian's fire.
Hadrian seemed stunned, but a small part of me was happy to hear those words. I didn’t want him to leave. It was a selfish emotion that flooded my mind, but I couldn’t deny it.
“You cannot return when you are still such a threat. Heart Magick is not something you can just control. Until the Druid is destroyed, you cannot return and risk the lives of your people. What happened here may—will happen again. Mark my words.”
I stepped forward, taking a breath for confidence.
“Hadrian, Queen Kathine is right. You told me the reason for our existence is to put an end to the Druid just as our predecessors once had.” I turned to the Queen and bowed, keeping my eyes to the fresh paneled floor as I spoke. “Queen Kathine, I request that we send a party to find the fourth Dragori.”
“I already have scouts in Morgatis,” she replied, voice stern. “I am searching, but that is not where our efforts should be placed. No matter where Prince Hadrian goes, his power will only bring destruction. He cannot control Heart Magic.”
“What of the sympathizers?”
It was all I needed to say to catch her attention. Her icy gaze bore into me and froze me to the core.
“I am aware of the sympathizers, the spineless traitors. From today, I am doubling the soldiers in each city, town and village to cease their attempts.”
Nesta stepped forwards and bowed. “My Queen. What of his shadow creatures? Animated dead that run off his power. During the mission two days back, within the border forest of Kandilin, we were attacked by a handful of them.”
The Queen stood there for a moment, her eyes locked to a spot on the desk as she focused on her thoughts. She then turned like thunder towards the council, her voice booming across them. “Is this a detail you decided not to pass onto me?”
Penna’s scared expression as his queen screamed at him was a vision I would not forget in a hurry. “Not at all, my Queen. With everything that happened with Prince Hadrian, it slipped passed us.”
“How dare you insult me. You, as my council, are my eyes and ears beyond Lilioira. What other information have you
simply forgotten to tell me?”
“That is all, my Queen. My deepest apologies.”
“Oh, sit down.” She waved a hand at him. “Nesta, as you are the only one to have mentioned it I will allow you to explain what happened to me, can you do that?”
Nesta bowed, her honey colored hair not moving in its knot. We stood there in silence, and Nesta revealed the little information she knew about the creatures. The Queen stood as still as stone, listening to every word that fell from Nesta’s plump lips.
“You say they did not cease their attack until the head was taken from its body?” The Queen asked.
Nesta nodded. “Correct. It was Nyah who figured that part out.”
Nyah blushed beside me, pulling a strand of red hair that fell in front of her eyes and tucking it behind her ear.
“Stand forward, brave soldier,” Queen Kathine commanded. “Is this true?”
I couldn’t help but smile as Nyah got the recognition she deserved, something she’d never be given back in Olderim.
“Yes,” Nyah replied, arms pinned to her side as she bowed her head an inch.
Queen Kathine made a sound and raised the corners of her mouth so slightly that it could’ve been missed. “I must say I am impressed. I have known many brave soldiers from Thessolina. Your prince must be proud of your blood line.”
Nyah cleared her throat and looked up. “Thank you, although I must say that my mother was Alorian and my father Niraen.”
“Blessed.” Queen Kathine smiled a final time and directed her attention to the crowd. “I ask if anyone has news of similar creatures spotted or encountered?”
“I have,” I said. “Before Hadrian was captured by the Druid, we were attacked by a cloud of what I thought were birds, but they were not. Much like those in the forest, these seemed to be real creatures created by shadows. Animated dead.”
I looked at my arm and still saw the faint claw marks that were etched onto my skin. Just another reminder of that horrific day and the events that followed.
“Then it is clear, more than ever, that the Druid has returned. And if these creatures still linger amongst us, it means his disappearance is not the end of him.” Queen Kathine turned to the council again, urging them to rise from their seats. “We must prepare for the worst. It is clear that our efforts need to be put into finding the Druid to stop his warped plans.”