Zaconis - Guardian of Magic

by MJ Schutte

  ‘Is this the truth?’ Jenneve asked softly.

  Desha nodded her head vigorously, keeping her eyes on Jenneve.

  Jenneve sighed deeply and said, ‘Desha, go to your room. I will talk to you later.’

  The young girl scrambled to her feet and dashed out of the room.

  ‘Tell her I’m sorry,’ Lilian whispered.

  Jenneve sat back in her chair, staring at Lilian with wide eyes.

  ‘You really are a witch,’ she said.

  Lilian just nodded. She did not feel like arguing about it.

  ‘You are the witch who will destroy Zaconis,’ Jenneve muttered, more to herself than anyone else.

  ‘He is too powerful. The only person that can stand against him is Brighton,’ Lilian said.

  ‘Imlan? Is his name really Brighton?’ Jenneve asked.

  Lilian nodded, staring at the floor.

  ‘I will do everything I can to help you, but I fear the task ahead of you is a very difficult one,’ Jenneve said.

  Slowly Lilian looked up.

  ‘Brighton is the most powerful human that ever lived. He destroyed an evil dictator when he was barely older than twenty, he freed an entire race of people from oppression and together, we expelled the evil that was killing the elf forest. If I can get close to him, I can make him remember who he is and he will fight Zaconis. Brighton will not allow this vile person to destroy any more lives!’ Lilian said passionately.

  ‘I can see that you believe this with all your heart, but how will you restore his memories? How are you going to remind him of who he is?’ Jenneve asked.

  ‘I don’t know,’ Lilian admitted.

  ‘Can’t you use your magic?’ Jenneve suggested.

  ‘I tried it once before, but it did not work. Perhaps if I can hold him in an embrace and whisper our children’s names to him he might remember. Our love has always been strong, and he loved our children with all his heart. Maybe that will remind him of who he really is,’ Lilian replied.

  ‘Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Three of my best girls were unable to seduce him. He obviously still remembers his feelings for you, even though he might not remember who you are,’ Jenneve agreed.

  She stopped for a moment to pour herself more wine and offered Lilian and Goralt each a cup, but both declined.

  ‘Do you have any lemon juice?’ Lilian asked.

  When Jenneve shook her head, Lilian said, ‘We will have some water, thank you.’

  Jenneve called Aiya back into the room and instructed the girl to fetch water, bread, meat and fruit.

  ‘All the excitement has made me hungry. Please join me for a meal while we discuss the way forward,’ Jenneve said.

  While they waited for the food, Jenneve asked a few questions about Brighton and Lilian’s life. She clapped her hands excitedly when Lilian mentioned the elves. Goralt removed his hood so that Jenneve could see his pointed ears.

  ‘Incredible! Everybody believes elves only exist in fairy tales,’ Jenneve gasped.

  When the food came Jenneve served it herself, offering her guests the finest looking fruit, bread and meat.

  Lilian took the opportunity to ask a few questions of her own.

  ‘Do you know where Brighton is now?’ she asked.

  ‘Alexi, Zaconis’ second in command, is taking the army back to Palentis. It is a city on the edge of the civilized world where Zaconis lives, about twenty five days travel north-west of here. I will show you which road to take to get there,’ Jenneve replied.

  ‘Why is Zaconis not with the troops?’ Lilian frowned.

  ‘This was my doing. After the first girl failed to seduce Iml…uh…Brighton, I asked Zaconis for more time. He agreed and left Alexi in charge so he could get back to Palentis,’ Jenneve answered.

  ‘What is in Palentis that is so important to Zaconis?’ Goralt asked.

  ‘The daraghna,’ Jenneve answered.

  ‘I’ve heard of this daraghna. What exactly is it?’ Lilian frowned.

  ‘They are fearsome beasts that live west of Palentis,’ Jenneve answered.

  ‘Where did they come from?’ Lilian asked.

  ‘Nobody knows for certain, although I would wager everything I have Zaconis knows. He is the only person the daraghna obeys,’ Jenneve replied.

  Before Lilian could ask another question, Jenneve continued.

  ‘I was in Zaconis’ castle in Palentis for a visit and overheard him talking to a daraghna. I could have sworn he called it brother. I don’t know if this means the daraghna is related to Zaconis or if it was simply a way of addressing the beast,’ Jenneve said.

  When it looked like Lilian was about to say something, Jenneve held up her hand and continued.

  ‘I have heard rumors that the daraghna eats human flesh and particularly prefers magically talented people. I do not know if this is the truth, but I can tell you this: Zaconis travels often to find magically talented people. He recruits them for his army, but strangely the number of troops seem to stay constant. I noticed this some years ago and started compiling notes,’ Jenneve said as she leaned back to retrieve a small book from the bookcase behind her. She flipped a few pages and said, ‘Ah, here it is. I use the birth of my son to keep track of the years. When Al’taish was one year old, the army numbered slightly more than a thousand. In his second year that number grew by less than a hundred, but in his third year, there were roughly nine hundred troops. In the last twenty three years, the army’s numbers fluctuated between eight hundred and one thousand two hundred,’ Jenneve read from the book.

  ‘Why is this significant? Soldiers die and others are recruited. An army’s numbers will always vary from year to year,’ Lilian frowned.

  ‘True, but there is no reason the soldiers should die. There has not been a war for as long as anybody can remember. Also, Zaconis frequently travels to distant lands and always returns with new recruits. Lastly, he breeds magically talented people. By my count, the army should grow by at least three or four hundred soldiers every year,’ Jenneve answered.

  ‘Breeds them?’ Lilian gasped.

  ‘Yes, he breeds them. There are more that three hundred young women who live in Zaconis’ castle. Their sole purpose is to produce babies. I think Zaconis lets his soldiers, or the Elite Corps lay with the girls,’ Jenneve answered.

  ‘How do you know all of this?’ Lilian asked.

  Jenneve shifted uncomfortably on her chair, avoiding eye contact with Lilian when she answered.

  ‘A part of my business is to find young girls specifically for this purpose,’ she confessed.

  ‘You sell girls to Zaconis?’ Lilian exclaimed not bothering to hide the disgust in her voice.

  ‘No, I don’t. I find girls, mostly orphans, who have nowhere to go and take them in. I provide for them until they are old enough to go to Palentis. Although Zaconis pays me for every girl that goes there, I always give them a choice and make sure they are well treated once they leave here. Once a year I visit Palentis to ensure Zaconis keep his word and the girls are well taken care off,’ Jenneve defended.

  ‘You are still selling them!’ Lilian accused.

  ‘Most of these girls will end up on the streets, probably raped and abused several times by the time they reach twenty years of age. I give them something better. I am not proud of it, but it has given me some intimate knowledge of what goes on in Palentis. This knowledge might just help you in your quest,’ Jenneve replied.

  Lilian tried to continue, but Goralt quickly interrupted her.

  ‘We want to go after Master Brighton as soon as possible. It would be best to reach him before he gets to Palentis. Mistress Lilian has a better chance to remind him of who he is if Zaconis is not around. What can you do to help us?’ he asked.

  Lilian took a deep breath, glad that Goralt kept a cool head and decided to steer the conversation in another direction.

  Jenneve got up, walked to the far corner of the room and lifted a floor board. From under the floor she produced three large, heavy-l
ooking bags. She placed the three bags on the table as she said, ‘In Celonis, everything revolves around money. In these three bags there are more than enough to buy horses, weapons and enough provisions to sustain two hundred soldiers for a very long time. You may have all of it and I will ask only two things in return. Destroy Zaconis and bring me my son.’

  ‘I can not make any promises,’ Lilian said carefully.

  ‘I know you will do everything you can to get your husband back, and that most likely means killing Zaconis. All I ask is that you remember Al’taish when it s all over. Tell him his mother would like to meet him, please,’ Jenneve said as the tears welled up in her eyes.

  ‘Are you sure he is in Zaconis’ army?’ Lilian asked.

  ‘Yes,’ Jenneve said softly.

  ‘Then I will enquire after him when we have rescued Brighton and eliminated Zaconis,’ Lilian replied.

  Jenneve nodded her thanks.

  Lilian opened the one bag, looked inside and let out a low whistle.

  ‘There must be hundreds of coins in here!’ she exclaimed.

  ‘Two hundred gold in each bag,’ Jenneve confirmed.

  ‘I only have twenty one elves and two more humans with me,’ Lilian said.

  ‘Twenty four people? I’ve seen what Goralt can do with that bow, but going up against a thousand soldiers with only twenty four of your own is suicide!’ Jenneve gasped.

  ‘I don’t plan on fighting the entire army. The elves are highly skilled at moving around unseen, especially in the forest. I’m confident they can get me to Brighton without having to fight one soldier,’ Lilian answered.

  Jenneve nodded slowly.

  ‘A good plan, but then you have to catch up to the soldiers before they reach Palentis. They have healthy lead but are on foot. If you have fast horses you may just catch them. Why don’t you go back to your ship and I will arrange everything for you,’ she said.

  ‘Shall we return here to collect the provisions and horses?’ Lilian said as she got up.

  ‘No, collect your troops and make your way north out of the city. Just beyond the gate is a large clearing. Wait there for me,’ Jenneve answered.

  Goralt cleared his throat as a signal that he wanted Lilian’s attention. As she looked around, he made a few quick hand gestures. Lilian shook her head and made some gestures back before turning to face Jenneve again.

  ‘Is that a secret signal between you and your protector?’ Jenneve frowned.

  ‘No, it is the elf language. All elves communicate this way,’ Lilian smiled.

  ‘And what did he say to you?’ Jenneve asked.

  ‘He asked if I trusted you,’ Lilian answered honestly.

  ‘I see. I assume you said no,’ Jenneve said.

  ‘Correct, but I also said that you are our only hope at this point, so we will do as you asked,’ Lilian answered.

  Jenneve nodded pensively as she said, ‘I understand.’

  Lilian got up and said, ‘Since you are making the arrangements, I will leave this money with you.’

  ‘Take at least one bag for in case you need anything,’ Jenneve offered.

  Lilian took the heavy bag, thanked Jenneve and turned to leave.

  Jenneve waved casually as she scribbled a note on a small piece of paper.

  ‘Aiya, come here!’ she called.

  The young girl entered the room just as Lilian and Goralt were leaving.

  ‘Aiya, go to Master Lero and tell him I need at least four of his children to deliver messages for me. I will pay them well if they are fast enough,’ Jenneve instructed.

  Chapter 20

  ‘Where were you?’ Jonathan demanded as soon as Lilian stepped onto the ship.

  ‘Securing horses and provisions for our trip,’ Lilian answered casually as she passed him on her way to her cabin.

  ‘How did you manage that?’ Jonathan shouted after her, but Lilian ignored him.

  Goralt approached the prince and held out a bag.

  ‘What is this? Jonathan asked as he took it.

  ‘Gold,’ Goralt replied, then rushed off to inform the other elves of their plans.

  Jonathan’s eyes went wide as he looked in the bag.

  A few moments later Lilian was back on the deck, her rucksack on her back, Brighton’s bow slung over her shoulder and his cane in her hand. She still had his sword strapped to her belt and a few gold coins in her pocket.

  ‘I am taking the elves and we are going after Brighton. I will leave two elves here with you to guard the ship,’ she informed the prince.

  Turning to Angelina, she said, ‘I could use your help, but if you don’t want to go with me, I will understand.’

  Angelina did not need to think about it. She immediately ran off to collect her rucksack.

  Jonathan did not say a word. He knew arguing with Lilian was pointless. Seeing that she was in a hurry, he did not ask where she got the bag of gold coins.

  ‘Jonathan, you know I appreciate everything you have done, don’t you,’ Lilian said.

  The prince nodded.

  ‘And you understand why my mood has been so dark lately,’ Lilian added.

  Again the prince nodded, knowing that Lilian was trying to offer an apology but could not get the words out.

  ‘I…’

  ‘I know, Lilian. Go, find your husband,’ Jonathan smiled at her.

  ‘You are a good man,’ Lilian whispered in his ear as she gave him a quick hug.

  Angelina returned and the two women made their way to the dock where Goralt and eighteen elves were waiting.

  ‘Good luck! Please come back alive and bring Brighton with you!’ Jonathan called after them.

  Lilian waved at Jonathan and shouted back, ‘If you need anything, search out Madam Jenneve and tell her you’re with me.’

  Lilian and the elves walked fast through the city. She did not care that they were attracting attention to themselves. All she could think of was getting to the clearing and how she was going to get Brighton to remember once they have caught up with him. Passing a shop with clothing on display, a beautiful white dress caught Lilian’s eye. It reminded her of the dress she made when Brighton and her were teenagers living in Four Mountains. Brighton had once told her the day she wore that dress was the day he realized he was in love with her. An idea formed in her head.

  ‘Goralt, wait here for a moment,’ she said to the elf and disappeared into the store, Angelina following close behind her.

  Once inside, she walked up to the store owner and said, ‘I want the white dress that is hanging outside.’

  ‘Certainly ma’am. It will be two gold coins,’ the owner smiled.

  Lilian knew it was far too expensive for the dress but even Angelina’s urgent tapping on her back did not dissuade her.

  ‘Fine, I also want thin pink ribbon,’ Lilian said as she handed over two gold coins.

  For a moment the store owner was shocked that Lilian did not argue about the price, but quickly regained his composure and said, ‘I will give you the ribbon for free. Please wait here.’

  He ran to the back of the store to fetch the ribbon.

  ‘He is very dishonest,’ Angelina commented dryly.

  ‘Yes, I know, but I am in no mood to argue with him,’ Lilian replied.

  The store owner returned with the ribbon.

  They followed him outside where he unhooked the dress from the railing and handed it over to Lilian.

  ‘We can alter the dress if you wish. It was made for someone…uh…a bit bigger than you,’ the man said.

  ‘No thanks you. I will alter it myself,’ Lilian replied, turned and gave Goralt the signal that they were ready to go.

  ‘Lilian, why did you suddenly decide to buy a dress?’ Angelina asked the question she bit back inside the store.

  ‘When I was thirteen, I made a dress like this one. It was on the day that I wore it that Brighton realized he was in love with me. I had known for a while that I was hopelessly in love with him and wanted to make him see that I
was a woman, not some silly little girl. For a while after that I always wore white dresses, but having lived in the forest for so long, I started wearing only shirts and pants. I’m certain that Brighton will remember his love for me once he sees me in this dress,’ Lilian answered.

  ‘And the ribbon?’ Angelina pressed.

  ‘I also used to decorate my hair with pink ribbons. Brighton always loved it when I did that,’ Lilian replied, wiping a tear from her cheek.

  They walked in silence for a while before Angelina spoke again.

  ‘Don’t you think it’s worth trying to use your magic on Brighton again? It is the single most powerful thing you share,’ she said.

  ‘No, it isn’t. Our love is the most powerful. Even if neither of us were magically talented, we would still have fallen in love and loved each other deeply until the day we died. Our magic has simply made it possible for us to be together for much longer than normal people,’ Lilian answered.

  Slowly Angelina nodded, wondering if she would ever find love like that. She was still confused about her feelings when she thought about Jonathan.

  ‘Lilian, may I ask you something?’ she said carefully.

  ‘Go ahead,’ Lilian smiled.

  ‘What does it feel like to be in love?’ Angelina asked, feeling slightly silly as soon as the words left her lips.

  Lilian hooked her arm into Angelina’s and pulled the young woman close.

  ‘I had the same conversation with Adri Brasten, your ancestor, about two hundred years ago,’ Lilian smiled, remembering the woman she considered a sister.

  Seeing that Lilian’s thoughts were very far away, Angelina waited patiently for her to speak.

  ‘I thought of Adri as a sister, you know,’ Lilian mused.

  ‘I never knew that,’ Angelina smiled.

  Lilian’s smile broadened as she remembered the conversation she had with Adri just after they fled old Mendin through the cave of demons west of Four Mountains. Her smile slowly turned into a frown as she remembered how Adri got her magic.

  ‘Do you know the history of your magic?’ she asked Angelina.

  ‘I thought Adri Brasten was simply born with it and it was passed down from generation to generation,’ Angelina frowned, her question about being in love pushed to the back of her mind.