by Lana Axe
“There are plenty of rocks,” Galen said with a shrug. “We’ll use those.”
Placing what little wood she could find within a circle of rocks, Kaiya closed her eyes and focused on the wind. As the sparks appeared at her fingertips, she flung them onto the wood. A small fire was born, crackling itself to life.
“I’m afraid it won’t last long,” she said.
River knelt at her side and placed his hands upon the rocks surrounding the fire. Blue magic emitted from his hands, giving the rocks a soft sapphire glow. As Kaiya sat intrigued, the magic spread over the wood, changing the orange fire to blue.
“It will last all night,” River said with a smile.
Kaiya held her hands near the fire to warm them. To her surprise, her entire body felt warmed, not just her hands. Though the fire was quite small, it produced heat to rival a campfire five times its size.
“You’ll have to teach me that one,” she said, laughing.
“He has lots of tricks,” Galen said, taking a seat next to her. “This particular one is nothing more than elf magic, though.”
“So I can’t learn it since I’m a dwarf?” Kaiya took the comment as a challenge. She had always made an effort to do what people said she couldn’t.
“Kaiya can pull the warmth from the air to create fire,” River commented. “She simply hasn’t tried yet.”
He was right. Kaiya hadn’t journeyed away from home without her father before. He knew how to build a fire, and he always traveled prepared. She had never had the need for such magic. The idea of pulling the wind’s energy to create fire hadn’t occurred to her.
“If you haven’t seen me do it, how do you know I can?” She wondered how he could be so knowledgeable about her abilities. They hadn’t known each other long, yet he seemed to understand her magic perhaps better than she understood it herself. “Maybe you can also tell me why I can do magic when no other dwarf seems capable of the simplest spells.”
“You are more special than you realize, Kaiya,” River said.
“I’ve never had any training,” she admitted. “I listen to the wind, and the magic comes to me.” She had never understood the process, but she had accepted it gladly. Even small feats of magic could lift her spirits when she was sad. There was something about magic that could always cheer her, as if it were a friend to keep her company.
“You will have many long years to learn,” he replied.
“Maybe for a dwarf,” she said. “Elves have many more years to learn than we do.”
“Your life will extend far beyond that of an average dwarf. I can see it.”
Kaiya looked up at him, her eyes widening. “What do you mean?”
“Your magic grants you the lifespan of the First Ones,” he explained. “You will have to decide when you are ready to cross over.”
“The First Ones?” she asked.
“My kind.”
“So I’ll outlive everyone I care about,” she said with sorrow. She thought of her mother and father and even her dog Doozle. It was expected that she would outlive all of them, but she hadn’t considered what it would be like to be alone. How many generations would she see come and go? “How long do your kind live?”
“It depends,” he replied. “Most of us cross over after about five thousand years. Some feel the urge to leave sooner, and others have stayed longer.” He turned to face her. “It’s a choice, Kaiya.”
She swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat. Staring into the fire, she asked, “Can you really see my future?”
“Some of it, yes,” he admitted.
“I don’t have the gift of foresight,” she said with regret. “I might have prevented the plague before it began if I had such a gift.”
“I doubt you could have prevented anything,” he said. “The gift of foresight is new to me. I fear what I might see in times to come.” It was certain that he would see many unpleasant things to come in the world of Nōl’Deron, and he did not look forward to those events. Since coming of age, he had seen only a few events. All of them had been pleasant. In time, however, he would begin to see things he did not wish to see. He feared that someday he might see the loss of friends or the destruction of the Vale. He placed those worries far from his mind, knowing it would do no good to fear such things now. Whatever was yet to come, he would deal with it as it showed itself.
“I’m not sure I like the idea of deciding when to end my own life,” Kaiya said. How do people choose when they’re ready for their life to be over? Looking to her left, she noticed that Galen had wrapped himself in his blanket and had fallen asleep next to the fire. That’s why he’s been so quiet, she thought, chuckling silently to herself. She pulled her blanket around her shoulders to block out the cool night air.
“You should visit the Vale someday,” River said. “Perhaps one of the elders can assist you with your magic.”
“I think I’d like that,” she replied. The elves could probably teach her many other things in addition to magic. In her mind, she pictured the Vale as a land of enchantment. She wondered if the wind spoke louder there. After yawning twice, she said, “I guess we should try to get some sleep.” She curled up next to the fire, falling asleep within seconds.
River sat silently by the fire as darkness crept through the mountains, enveloping the world in night. From the flames, he sensed the presence of magic. Watchful eyes were observing him, their intentions unclear. They were unfamiliar to him, not the eyes of a worried father. Somewhere, a magical being was keeping track of him. Even the darkness could not shield him from its gaze.
Chapter 29
Racing up the twisted staircase with Sirra a few steps behind, Telorithan felt exhilarated. He entered the laboratory and chose a sparkling amethyst gemstone to hold the essence of his victim. The pair had decided on an elderly elf by the name of Master Koru. At nearly twenty-eight hundred years of age, he was already past the life expectancy of most Enlightened Elves. In his prime, he had wielded great power. In death, he would share that power with Telorithan.
Koru’s tower was less than a mile from Telorithan’s home. It was likely no one would notice him during the short journey. Having been present at an inquest against Telorithan some centuries ago, Koru had voted in favor of his imprisonment. With such a motive in place, Telorithan was determined to make his death appear natural, thus avoiding suspicion.
Sirra had agreed to assist, even if that meant dealing the deathblow herself. Her level of excitement was high, and her eyes gleamed with anticipation. She wondered how it would feel to hold another elf’s essence in her hands. Such thoughts only increased her craving, giving her a wild, savage feeling.
Telorithan remained calm and composed. His heart was racing, but he did not show it outwardly. Though his prey was elderly, he still might fight back. Sirra would have to be prepared to step in to preserve Telorithan’s magical supply. He couldn’t risk exhaustion. If his magic were depleted, he would have no chance of binding the elemental should he be forced to confront it. He must use as little of his own power as possible.
He passed the gem to Sirra, allowing her to admire it. Pressing it to her lips, she said, “A kiss for luck.”
“We won’t need luck,” he scoffed. “All I need is you to keep your promise.”
“Of course I shall,” she replied. Giving him a wicked smile, she placed the gem back in his hand. “I am yours,” she said seductively.
“There’s no point in waiting any longer,” he said. “We have what we need.”
He took her by the hand as they descended the staircase and exited the tower. There were no other elves to be seen in the streets as they walked toward the elderly master’s tower. Sirra would have to gain entry while Telorithan remained unseen. No one would accuse Sirra of murder. She was well liked, even though she had been seen in Telorithan’s company on many occasions. No doubt most of her friends felt sorry for her. She was pursuing a man who would never return her affections.
Stepping to the side of the tow
er, he hid himself from the sight of any servants who would be standing near the entrance. Sirra grasped the large brass ring on the front of the door and struck it once against the wood. A servant answered almost instantly.
“May I help you?” the petite elf asked.
“I’ve come to pay a visit to Master Koru. Is he in?”
“Yes, Mistress,” the girl replied. “May I tell him who is visiting?”
“I am Dahlia,” Sirra lied. If this servant did not know her identity, there was no reason to divulge the truth.
“Have a seat in the waiting area,” the servant instructed.
Sirra stepped inside, pretending to close the door behind her. The servant disappeared up the stairs, and Sirra quickly turned to motion Telorithan inside. Making sure no one was watching, he glanced to each side before entering the tower. Immediately he hid himself behind the heavy velvet drapes that adorned a large window.
The servant descended the stairs to find Sirra standing casually near the door. “I’m sorry, Mistress,” she began. “He doesn’t recognize your name. At his age, his memory isn’t all that good. I expect he’ll recognize your face when he sees you. Fifth floor at the end of the hall.” She curtsied and stepped aside to allow Sirra access to the staircase.
“Thank you,” Sirra replied, placing a hand on the railing.
Telorithan peeked from the curtains and watched the servant turn away. As she disappeared down a corridor, he tiptoed to the staircase to join Sirra. He was not a fan of sneaking around, but if he were seen on the day of Koru’s death, there would certainly be an inquiry into the matter. Koru was a former member of the Grand Council, and he had many friends. Telorithan, on the other hand, was disliked almost universally. He had escaped punishment for crimes on a few occasions, and many believed him guilty of murder. He was a dangerous elf to be near.
Master Koru sat propped on his bed. He had taken ill a few days earlier, but he seemed to be on the mend. The color had returned to his wrinkled face, and he had managed to eat breakfast that morning. It seemed he was not prepared for the grave just yet.
He eyed Sirra suspiciously as she entered the room. It was obvious he did not know her. When Telorithan stepped in behind her, he was recognized immediately.
“You,” Koru said, anger filling his eyes. “What are you doing here?” Their dealings in the past had not been pleasant. Koru had sat on the Grand Council when Telorithan was charged with murdering three classmates. The evidence had been unreliable, and Telorithan was acquitted. Koru, however, believed him to be guilty and lucky to escape justice.
“I’ve come for a visit, dear friend,” Telorithan said mockingly.
Without giving the elderly elf a chance to react, Telorithan extended his hands, shooting an orange beam of light at his victim. The old man was paralyzed instantly, his face twisted in agony.
Telorithan stepped closer, still maintaining the spell. “You wanted to send me into exile all those years ago,” he said. “All these years you have hated me. Now you will hate me for eternity.” He lifted the gemstone from his pocket and presented it before Koru’s eyes.
Koru knew exactly what Telorithan intended. The practice of soul binding was banned, but a criminal would not abide by such laws. Koru had seen the process used in his youth, and he had never forgotten it.
Sirra stepped forward to take over the spell. Dark-green magic replaced the orange as she held Koru in place. Telorithan readied the gem and sent a beam of purple light into the old man’s heart. As Koru attempted to struggle, Sirra’s magic spread over his face, covering his nose and mouth. The paralysis spell was lifted, allowing her to focus only on suffocating her victim. He kicked wildly as he struggled to find his breath. His green eyes pleaded with the dark-haired woman, vainly hoping she would stop this madness and spare his life.
After a moment, he ceased his struggle, the life draining from his body. Telorithan’s eyes stared greedily as the old elf’s essence traveled toward the gem he held in his hands. As it found its way inside, the stone vibrated uncontrollably. In an instant, it shattered, cutting deep gashes into his hand. Instinctively, he grabbed it to stop the bleeding, his mind in shock at his failure. Sirra rushed to his side, using her magic to seal the wounds.
“The gem,” he said, dumbfounded. He looked at its remains lying on the ground. It was little more than dust. “I’ve failed,” he said quietly. “The gem is destroyed.”
Sirra tried to comfort him. “The gem was likely flawed,” she suggested.
“No,” he replied, his face becoming hot. “This is your fault. You were too long in killing him.”
Sirra was stunned by his accusation. “I did everything I could,” she said, trying to keep her voice down. The last thing they needed were nosy servants poking their heads in. “We need to get out of here.”
With a wave of his hand, Telorithan collected the remains of the amethyst. Sirra took them in her hands and led the way down the staircase. Luckily, the servant had not returned, and the pair left the tower in silence.
The sun was high overhead, but still the streets remained empty. Sirra was grateful for the solitude. Telorithan walked as if in a trance, unable to accept that the procedure had failed. Slowly they approached his tower and stepped inside.
Sirra wrapped her arms around him and said, “We will try again.” She tried to sound encouraging. “I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure your success next time.” In her clenched hand, she still held the remains of the amethyst. She opened her palm to let him inspect them.
Staring at the purple remnants, he said, “You’re right. The gem was flawed.” He placed a hand against his forehead. “How could I have missed that!” he screamed in frustration. Turning away from Sirra, he picked up a wine bottle and threw it into the fireplace, smashing it to pieces. The light of the flames within caught his eye, and he stared into their hypnotic glow.
Chapter 30
Crushing some herbs between her fingers, Lenora sprinkled them into a glass of warm water. Her supplies were running low as more and more dwarves were coming in for treatment. The illness seemed to be spreading faster, and she had no idea if she could cure it. So far, most of her patients had responded to a mixture of yarrow and cherry bark. Though it was far from being a cure, it did help alleviate a few symptoms.
This morning, she had noticed one elderly dwarf whose situation was critical. Her herbs had done little to soothe his suffering, and she hoped this new mixture would bring him some comfort. Pressing the glass to the ailing man’s lips, she hoped that anise and thyme would do the trick. He coughed a bit after drinking, but after a few minutes he relaxed. As she wiped his forehead with a cloth, he looked into her pale eyes.
“I’ve never seen an elf before,” he said. “You are the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Lenora smiled softly. “Thank you,” she said.
The old man took her hand and pressed it to his heart. As his eyes closed, Lenora knew immediately that he was dying. Laying her hand on the side of his face, she said, “Stay with me.”
There was no reply. Only the sound of his final breath reached her ears. Tears fell quickly from her eyes as she covered the man’s face with a blanket. Losing a patient was part of being a healer at times, but she hoped she would never become accustomed to it. So far, she had lost three dwarves under her care. Each one weighed heavily on her heart, making her more determined to help the rest. She wondered if her friends were having any luck finding the artifact and how long it would be before they returned.
She continued checking on patients, hoping to work through her grief. Bron would handle the grim task of informing the man’s family. It was best for them to hear such news from a trusted member of their community. Lenora didn’t mind being spared from that burden.
A dwarf woman entered the tent, her expression showing her surprise at the number of patients inside. Lenora couldn’t help thinking she bore a striking resemblance to Kaiya. The woman was heavier and had graying hair, but their similarities
were too many to be coincidental.
On seeing Lenora, the woman walked carefully between rows of cots to reach her. “I’ve come to offer my help,” she said.
“Are you a nurse?” Lenora asked.
“No,” she replied. “My daughter has gone away to find help, and I thought I might be able to help here. I don’t have medical training, but I can do whatever you need me to do.”
“You’re Kaiya’s mother, aren’t you?” Lenora replied with a tired smile.
“I am,” she replied. “My name’s Kassie.”
“I’m Lenora,” she said, extending her hand. “Your help is most welcome. You could grind some of these herbs and administer them to the sick.” Gesturing to the vials on the desk, she asked, “Are you familiar with any of these?” She hoped Kassie would know at least a few herbs, saving her the time it would take to explain.
“I know ginger by looks,” she said, looking over the vials. “Some of the others I’ll recognize by smell.” She popped a cork from the top of one vial and lifted it close to her nose. Inhaling deeply, she said, “Yellowroot.”
“Good,” Lenora replied. “I’m having luck with some combinations. You can grind those first.” Grabbing three vials, she placed them in front of Kassie.
“I need two parts of the first vial mixed with one part of each of the others,” she explained. “One teaspoon dissolved in warm water seems to help with cough and fever.”
Kassie nodded that she understood.
“Nurse!” one of the female patients cried. “Please! Nurse!”
Lenora rushed from her seat to tend to the woman’s needs. Kassie ground the herbs in a stone bowl, occasionally glancing over at Lenora. The elf maiden had a gentle quality about her, and it was easy to see that she cared for her patients. After tending the woman, she checked on several other patients before returning to her seat.