“Probably best that we stay in here until the party,” Kellia says, joining her friends. The heir of Serab is dressed in simple clothes that belie her social status, reminding her fiancée of when they first met. “My uncle is taking Luciana’s eighteenth birthday very seriously. He’s a little nervous about all of you being here considering what happened last time champions were in his home. You have to understand that my cousin is his sole heir now and he’s become very protective. Lady Adara promises that she can convince him to behave, which shouldn’t be too hard. Timoran is royalty, Nyx is nobility, and Delvin has inherited the contracts that Lord Gideon has with Selenia. Excuse me, I mean had. Really hard to believe that she’s gone even though Dariana allowed me to see the funeral.”
“I’m still having trouble believing it,” Delvin states, reaching over to pat his fellow graduate on the arm. The call of a gull makes him jump and nearly grab his sword, which is on the table next to him. “To be honest, we’re all a little tense. This party feels like an obvious target for our enemies, so we want to stay for it. Think of us as added protection.”
“That is a wise action,” Aedyn claims while oiling his mechanical legs. The half-elf’s sapphire eyes narrow as he tries to get the can’s thin nozzle into a tight crease. “It appears that you are being attacked on many fronts. I am not a battle tactician, but the Baron is obviously scared that you are too strong for him. You may have already guessed this, so my counsel is not anything new. Please know that I will come to your aid if you have need of me. Though, I do not move as quickly as I used to.”
“Fizzle smell potion,” the drite says as he puts down his apple. Moving closer to the priest’s fake limbs, he sniffs around the joints until the curious scent is located on the black-haired man’s forearms. “Strong magic. Not cast recent. Fizzle know Aedyn not fight. Why Aedyn work strong magic? How Fizzle sense it?”
“Might be a lingering side-effect of you using my magic,” Nyx weakly answers, her thumbs slowly massaging her ears. The brief appearance of Luke’s sound sight is steadily fading, but the shock to her system has left her in a mild stupor. “I see more residue on that chandelier, which is pretty funny. We fought some zombies in this room and had to climb up there because we were overpowered. The whole thing came crashing down and you can barely make out where the stone was fused back together. Looks like they put new flags in here, but the table and chairs are the same. I still like the ocean view. Just give me a minute to rest and I’ll climb up there for the residue. So, why are you working with powerful potions, Aedyn?”
The priest glances at Kellia, who is biting her lower lip and wringing her hands. When a butler opens the doors and enters the room, she practically runs to greet the servant. She can feel her friends watching her every move as she asks the polite halfling to bring a tall ladder and remind Luciana about their guests. Kellia is aware that the distraction will not come quick enough to save her from revealing the burden that has been dropped on her shoulders. Returning to the table, the young woman reaches into her unassuming purse and pulls out a beautiful bronze crown. Teardrop gems have been placed on the front to create a peacock tail pattern, which turns the morning sunlight into a rainbow on the floor.
“My father has become ill and Aedyn has been working to heal him,” Kellia explains, putting the headpiece on the table. She is about to lean back when Aedyn pushes the crown towards her, his calm stare telling her to put the priceless item away. “We don’t believe it was anything underhanded and he is expected to make a full recovery. Just a disease he caught during one of his travels. Still, it means I’m the acting Duchess of Serab until the Neberith and Zarian priestesses say he can return to the throne. On a positive note, this means any request for military assistance in your upcoming battle can be made now. Mayor Highrider has agreed to help as well.”
“That is a nice offer and we will consider it,” Timoran diplomatically replies, unsure of why he receives looks of disapproval. Scratching his head, the barbarian realizes how cold and insulting he sounded. “My apologies, Duchess Solomon. I merely meant that we are more concerned with rescuing Luke and reuniting with Sari at this time. There are a lot of mysteries around our final battle, so we may not have time to call for friends.”
“Except that we’re fairly certain my father will appear in Gaia,” Dariana interjects from the railing. She finds the fresh ocean smell is invigorating and has become determined to burn the experience into her memory. “I don’t know if an army will be necessary. It could add to my father’s desire for an audience or give him hostages. Yet, he is not above summoning undead and demons to take advantage of superior numbers. Perhaps it is strategically sound to accept the offer and have armies ready. It is a precaution that would save lives, especially since they could evacuate Gaia before our arrival.”
“The barbarians and chaos elves would need to start marching soon,” Timoran points out, showing his excitement at joining his wife in battle. The curious expression from Kellia and Aedyn makes him believe that he should stop talking since he is having trouble choosing his words carefully. “Again, my apologies. It would appear that neither of you know what really happened in my homeland. The truth is that Queen Trinity and her army were defeated in Stonehelm. The world believes she is dead and that her people are scattered, but they are hiding in the mountains and are now allies of the Snow Tiger Tribe. If we can defeat the Baron then the chaos elves can reclaim Shayd as their homeland. Though there is distrust and hatred towards them, Queen Trinity wishes for peace.”
“It appears that the world is changing rapidly,” Aedyn says as he finishes oiling his legs. He stands to adjust his dull yellow robe and mutters a spell to erase the oil residue from his hands. “People are remembering Baron Kernaghan with varying levels of acceptance. Many have been institutionalized for healing while others have sworn loyalty to him. It seems his return to history is necessary for his defeat, which means things will get worse. There is no telling what will happen when everyone is reminded about a part of Windemere’s history that countless generations have forgotten. I will talk to the Duragian order and see if I can call the priests to action. Not to fight, but to heal those who are in need.”
The doors creak open and an elegant young woman enters the room, her slender body clothed in a light blue dress. Her sleeves flow down to her wrists where they are embroidered by a twisting wind design. Nervous about greeting her unexpected guests, Luciana Silverstar adjusts her ebony belt, which holds an ornamental dagger that she has never drawn. Her light red hair is long enough to reach her waist and have two long braids drape over her shoulders. Moving with a noble grace that she has spent the last few weeks practicing, she walks to the table and abruptly freezes at the far end. A spark of the shy child she once was can be seen as she awkwardly looks at all of the empty seats and struggles to decide on where to sit. She starts to go to her left, but changes her mind and takes a single step right before freezing again.
“You grew up,” Nyx bluntly replies, sitting up in surprise. The channeler jumps to her feet and heads for Luciana, the noblewoman staring at her with wide, sapphire eyes. “First, I should say happy birthday. Second, I have a question. Why do you have more of Luke’s aura residue in you than Kellia and Aedyn? I know you were trying to bed him long ago, but he refused. This isn’t like what Kira and Sari had, but it’s definitely more than friendship.”
“I don’t understand what’s going on,” the uncomfortable noble admits, staring at her cousin for help. She breathes a little easier when Delvin steps in to forcefully sit his fiancée into the nearest chair. “Kellia told me what happened to Luke and your quest to save him. I’m really sorry that he’s in danger. It would have been nice to see him again. Not that I have any interest in him like before, but I’m curious to speak with him once more. I’m sorry that I don’t have an answer to your question, Lady Nyx. The only thing we shared was a kiss. My first kiss actually, which was very memorable. Would that be a reason for this residue?”
N
yx turns into mist to get around Delvin and rematerializes in front of the redhead. “That would do it. If you don’t mind, I’d like to absorb that for the ritual. I promise that this will not hurt at all. It won’t even mess up your hair or anything else you need to look pretty for the party.”
“I trust you, Lady Nyx.”
“Good. Although, that makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong.”
“Should I close my eyes?”
“If you want. This isn’t anything intimate.”
Nyx gently takes Luciana’s smooth hands and closes her eyes while concentrating on Luke’s aura. A thread of magic drifts off the noblewoman’s crimson lips and into the channeler’s mouth, neither of them moving or showing signs of distress. Another line of energy is flowing from the chandelier, the confident half-elf deciding to access two residue points at once. When a pulse of magic ripples through the room, both women begin to squirm in place. Without warning, Nyx pulls Luciana closer and kisses her hard on the mouth. The red-haired woman makes a muffled noise of surprise, but gently puts her hands on the channeler’s cheeks. It takes a gust of wind to separate the two and they stand gasping only a few feet from each other.
“That was strange,” Nyx says, noticing that she is gazing at the younger woman. She slaps herself across the face when she licks her lips, which are not as soft as they once were. “I wasn’t ready for a surge of lust. Not even sure where it came from. Wasn’t me or Luke. Maybe I picked up on the aura of two people who are nearby. My senses are becoming more acute, but harder to focus at times. It’s possible a couple had sex in this room and I picked up on that too.”
“I think it was me,” Luciana replies, timidly raising her hand. Her cheeks flush and she flails her hands when she realizes what it sounds like she has admitted to. “Not the having sex here or anywhere. I . . . may have gotten a happy feeling from the exchange. The kiss was still very enjoyable and you’re a beautiful woman, Nyx. Just that you’re taken and busy. I’m really sorry for causing you any trouble and discomfort. I will understand if you decide to no longer attend my birthday party.”
“If you haven’t guessed, my little cousin has a crush on you,” Kellia blurts out, grinning at the scowl from Luciana. Holding up a glass of cranberry juice, the older noblewoman makes a teasing toast to her kin. “Nothing to be embarrassed about, Luci. You obviously have good taste and Sebastian would be proud of your forwardness. In fact, you can say that little stunt is in honor of your dearly departed brother. Pretty sure I can hear that incorrigible flirt applauding from the afterlife.”
The blushing noble hangs her head in embarrassment and clenches her eyes closed. “Now I imagine that he was watching me. I can’t even cry because my makeup is already on. It took so long to get ready.”
“Don’t worry. I’m actually very flattered,” Nyx says as she guides the young woman away from the table. The channeler does her best to smile, which hides her desire to giggle at the Luciana’s adorable awkwardness. “Sari does stuff like this to me all the time. Usually to get a rise out of me, so it’s nice for someone to do it with nicer intentions. This isn’t going well. My point is that I’m not angry and am rather impressed at how brave you’ve become. Never would have expected you to grow up like this considering our last encounter. I’m truly honored to be a part of your birthday celebration.”
“Thank you, Lady Nyx.”
“I’m pretty good at doing fireworks if you want some at night.”
“That would be amazing.”
“Then consider it done. Although, I do need a small favor.”
“Anything that you ask for will be given.”
“Your father has something that I need. Think you can convince him to loan it to me?”
Luciana smirks and hugs the half-elf before stealing a friendly kiss out of excitement. “It’s my birthday. Until tomorrow morning, my father cannot say no. What is it you need?”
“The others probably won’t like this,” Nyx admits, glancing over her shoulder at where her friends are waiting. She shakes the noblewoman’s hand and bows, putting on a display to make it look like she is making a deal. “Timoran’s ears are too keen. We’ll have a dance at your party and I’ll whisper to you what I want. Besides, Lord Gideon might be in a much better mood once everything has started and he’s had a few drinks in him. Uh, you can let go of my hand. Are you okay? You really have to get that blushing under control. Now I know what Luke must have been feeling last time we were here.”
*****
Dariana remains on the outskirts of the party and watches the others do their best to fake enjoyment at the food and dancing. While they are not looking at a long delay, the idea of having fun while their friends are in danger makes it difficult to focus. The telepath blends into the background with a dress of dark green and black, the fabric having a faint leaf pattern. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, she has colored her hair a drab brown and slouches to make herself look shorter. Dariana watches Timoran and Delvin talk with Aedyn and Kellia, the quartet using their time to discuss plans for when the Baron returns. She has already said her piece and lacks an interest in strategizing for the distant future, her present concerns more about Walter than her father. Scanning the crowd, she sees Nyx dancing with Luciana and sighs at the conversation she is spying on. Knowing that the channeler’s plan could cause more trouble than they have time for, Dariana drops a warning into Delvin’s mind and waves when the warrior turns in her direction. She is about to join him when a quick movement to her left makes her blood chill and her fists clench.
Even though she only saw a small shadow dart into the hedge maze, the tense champion knows it is Walter. Stepping away from the party, Dariana does her best to tie off her skirt in case she has to fight. She removes her borrowed shoes and slips them under a nearby bush to avoid any guards getting curious about the ownerless slippers. Jogging to the maze’s gaping doorway, she hears playful laughter coming from the hedges and hurries in case there are children inside. As she runs through the entrance, a blistering heat envelopes her and transforms her clothing into what she is more accustomed to. The white shirt is burnt around the collar and sleeves, the strong smell of singed flesh making her nose wrinkle. Checking her body, Dariana is unable to locate the odor’s source and fears that the blast hit some animals that had been lurking in the shadows. She jumps when a cold liquid flows down her back, her unnatural hair color sloughing off her head.
“It’s silly to be something that you’re not,” Walter says, his voice coming out of an orange flower. The large bulb opens and closes as it releases puffs of spores that drift toward the champion. “You got here before I could start my game. I really wanted to play with the legless man and poke some holes in the birthday girl. Nothing that would kill her, but she wouldn’t want to go out in public afterwards. Mommy told me to have fun with my mission, but daddy wanted me to be serious. He was right since I spent too much time in Gaia and thought you would go to one of the other locations first. Oh well, now we’ll see if you pick the place I’ve already been to or the one I’m heading to after I leave here.”
“Is that the new game?” Dariana asks as she rushes through the cloud of spores. Her skin itches as she runs faster and sweats, the sensation fading once she makes the first turn. “If you aren’t after anyone here then you should leave. Let these people enjoy their happiness. It can be very fleeting for mortals.”
“Every breath is precious,” the boy mockingly states with a giggle. His head pokes out from under the hedges, darting back in when his sister lunges for him. “This game is between us because you looked bored. If you can reach the end of the maze then I’ll leave. If you get lost or leave the way you came then I’ll make the birthday girl explode all over the cake. Not sure if I will use a sneeze, hiccup, or cough.”
“I accept your challenge.”
“You don’t have to say that because you don’t have a choice.”
Dariana tries to sense one of the children playing at the far end
of the maze, but her telepathy is reflected to reveal her own location. Heading to her right, a low growl causes her to whirl around and jump backwards. She sees a full grown bear charging toward her at the same time the ground beneath her feet gives way to reveal a spike pit. The champion catches the edge of the trap and flips to safety, the earth shattering again and forcing her to leap in the opposite direction. The bear is nearly on top of her before she can stand, the confused beast drawn into a ravenous hunger due to the enchanted pollen on Dariana’s skin. A large paw knocks the woman into the hedge, which grows small spines that pierce her shirt and back. Frustrated by the barrage of traps, the telepath blocks the predator’s next swipe and darts under its arms to deliver a punch to its stomach. The bear groans before it collapses to the ground and bursts into a pile of rotting bones.
“That’s what happens when you go the wrong way,” Walter casually says while the champion takes the left-hand path. He has the leaves turn color until stopping on a royal purple, the color dripping onto the matted grass. “Thank you for playing with me. Daddy says it would make him happy if we bonded. He still believes you will join his side. What will happen if your friends die and you stand alone against him?”
“Then, I will fight to the death,” Dariana answers as she comes to a gaping chasm. She is about to inch along a narrow ledge when she spots the tips of hidden spines. “What will you do if our father loses? Without him, you have no purpose and may even be hunted. Let’s remember that Gabriel never planned for you to exist.”
Ritual of the Lost Lamb Page 20