by Toni Cox
“These are texts about Elementals by the Elder Amala. She did a special study about the relationships between Elementals, especially Primes, and she has some very interesting notes. All Elementals have an opposite; Fire and Water, Earth and Air. There is always some attraction between opposites, but in the Minor Elementals, the consequences are minimal, and most don’t even notice it. In Primes, this attraction is more pronounced and mostly leads to some form of confrontation.”
Silas pointed to tightly written text on the scroll he had opened.
“The relationship between Life and Death, however, has significant impact. You are much more powerful than any other Elemental and the difference between life and death is so vast that most cannot overcome it. Their meeting is always fraught with disaster. Life cannot abide death and Death strives to extinguish life. One has to dominate the other, and they will fight. One of them will die. That’s why Life and Death Elementals usually do not exist in the same lifetime. There have been incidents, not many, but the ones that are recorded, speak of terrible things.”
Maia’s eye widened in terror, but Silas held up a hand and continued.
“But Amala mentions here that once, over eight thousand years ago, there was a pair of Life and Death Elementals that came together when their peoples’ need was great. It speaks of them as heroes that protected their people from great evil.”
Maia sighed. Maybe there was hope after all.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t much detail, so I cannot tell you what to expect,” Silas continued. “I would advise you to be careful. Although I hope he has no malicious intent, we cannot know for sure what he wants. We should treat him with care and try to avoid him if at all possible. I will see if I can acquire more writings on this matter.”
Chapter 14
“Why do we have to leave? I want to stay with you!”
Jasmin was pouting. She did not like the idea of having to leave Maia to go to another city, with strange people, just to be safe.
“Jasmin, it will be the safest place for you. Our city is the closest to the Gate and all the warriors from the other clans will be arriving here shortly. My grandparents will also be going, along with all those too young or too old to fight. Malyn will also follow, but only once we have departed for the Gate. You will enjoy the trip there. It is a four day march through the mountains, but is very beautiful. There are waterfalls and rivers that wind through ravines so deep, the bottom never gets to see sunlight.
“The most beautiful blooms grow there, glowing most bright during the night. The valleys have flowers of every colour and size and there are trees that carry a fruit that looks like a nut, but tastes like honey. The mountains are full of precious stones the people of Tarron Heights mine. You might be able to trade for some nice jewellery. And, if you pay close attention where you walk, you might just find a crystal by the waterfalls or along the river beds. You will like it, you’ll see.”
Maia smiled encouragingly at Jasmin, who was still moping. “Once the war is over, you can come back. My father says, with the strategy we have in place, it should be over quickly. I don’t want anything to happen to you, or Luke and Aaron.” She took Jasmin’s hand and held it.
Jasmin smiled at her sadly. “But what about you? I will worry the whole time. And Archer. I will miss him so much.”
“Archer is quite capable of looking after himself, and so am I. And I am not fighting alone, I will be fighting with Midnight, I could not be safer.”
Maia took Jasmin in her arms. Although they were of an age, and had become fast friends, Maia felt a strangely maternal urge to protect her. Going to Tarron Heights was the safest option for Jasmin. Soon, their city would be full of warriors, their War Horses and their Battle Dragons. Everyone would be training and preparing for the coming fight, and they would be in the way.
“Come, I will help you pack. I will give you some of my suede, which you can use for trade. I might even have some sheepvine. It is a rare and powerful painkiller. People will line up to trade for it. I’m sure you will find something beautiful there for yourself.”
“There, that should do it.”
Maia dropped the last bundle of clothes on to the bed. Jasmin stuffed them into her bag, still a little upset about having to leave. Luke and Aaron had also come home to pack. Maia had lent some of her brother’s rucksacks for Luke and Aaron to use. Jasmin was using one of hers.
“We’re done,” shouted Luke from the common room. “I am making tea. Will you have some with us?”
The question was obviously intended for Maia. She considered it for a moment. There was still so much to do, she didn’t want to waste more time, but it was their last night here. They would leave early in the morning.
“Yes, I would love some tea,” she shouted back.
She helped Jasmin tie the backpack closed and then they went through to the common room. Aaron sat at the fire, which crackled in the pit.
The evenings are getting colder, Maia thought. I should remind them to take their overcoats as well.
She found herself a place to sit near the flames. Aaron smiled at her. It did not make her as uncomfortable as it used to. Although she was aware of his feelings, during the last few Quarters he had been patient and not made any advances. She was glad for it.
Jasmin helped Luke finish the tea and they brought the tray through to the common room. Luke poured and Jasmin handed out the cups.
“I understand why we have to go,” Aaron said, “but I wish you would go with us. Are you sure we cannot change your mind?”
“No, Aaron, I cannot abandon my people. It is my duty to serve and protect them and I will help in any way I can. Don’t worry about me; I have Midnight to protect me.”
She smiled at him, which took him off guard and he momentarily forgot what they were talking about.
“Do you know how long we will have to be away for?” he asked when he regained his composure.
“The warriors will start to arrive from tomorrow. The date Somas has given us is only one Moon away. The fight should, hopefully, not take long, so if everything goes to plan, you could be back here within five or six Quarters.”
They were silent for a moment, each sipping their tea.
Luke spoke next. “We only know Vampyres from our stories on Earth. I believe these are different. Ours are mostly portrayed as beautiful, irresistible and deadly. Would you mind telling us about these Vampyres?”
Maia considered the question. She did not want to frighten them, but she did not want to lie either. She remembered the story Elder Livarion told at the last meeting. It was the truth, but left out the more gruesome aspects of the enemy they would be facing. She set her cup down and sat up straighter. The Humans leant forward in anticipation. They had learned that Elves loved stories and there were stories to be heard most evenings around the fires.
“The Vampyres’ planet is called Naylera. It is slightly bigger than Elveron or Earth, but by far not as pretty as either. It is riddled with Volcanoes and whole areas of it are often covered in noxious fumes. Vampyres need very little oxygen to live.
“No one can recall exactly when the Vampyres changed. Trade between Naylera and the other planets stopped a few thousand years ago, as they had plundered their planet of resources and had nothing to trade with. It wasn’t until about eight hundred years ago that the Elders realised the Vampyres underwent change. They used to be a tall, stately people, handsome and elegant, but they were also proud and greedy, which is assumed to have led to their demise.
“More recent research has discovered that their physical change was a direct consequence of their lifestyle and diet. Because of vegetation scarcity on their planet, they became complete carnivores and their bodies adapted. Vampyres have always had a taste for blood, but they ate a variety of foods before. With the change in diet, some of their features altered. Their faces became slightly elongated, enhancing the visibility of their already prominent canines. Due to the lack of vegetables and greens, their skin has
taken on a greyish, unhealthy pallor and is stretched tightly over their angular bones.
“They also lack the natural materials to make cloth. They devised a means to make a strange material out of the oil they pump up from the depth of their planet, to supplement the furs and leathers they wear. It is hard and durable, but flexible enough to be shaped. It can be dyed any colour and they use it for many things, including items of clothing. Most of their shoes are made from it. However, it melts easily, unable to withstand high temperatures. We believe their army does not use the material in combat clothing; that consists mainly of Werewolf fur, Vampyre skins and bone armour.
“Their beasts, the Werewolves, are even more horrifying to look at. They have the general shape of a wolf, but much larger. Their humped shoulders are almost the same height as a horse. Inbreeding and selective breeding has also altered their appearance. They are bred for bulk, strength and viciousness, and are used as beasts for hunting and killing.
“It is believed the Vampyres have made forays to other planets to gather resources, but those visits have always been brief. This is the first time that they have come through in such numbers and the first time that they are actively planning a raid. We think, what little food supply remained on their planet, has now dried up and they are forced to look elsewhere in order to survive.”
Maia took her cup off the low table and drank the rest of it in one go. Her throat was parched. She was not used to speaking uninterrupted for that long. When she set the cup back down, she noticed the shocked faces of her family.
Luke recovered first. “They sound like horrible creatures. And to think that they have Werewolves as well …” He shuddered.
“So it is true then? They do drink blood?” Aaron asked.
“Yes,” Maia answered, “but they also eat meat, any meat. Silas thinks they are no better than the Werewolves they breed.”
“And do you know if they are good fighters? In our legends Vampyres are incredibly strong and faster than the eye can see.”
Maia heard Luke’s voice quiver, no doubt worried about her answer.
“Yes, we believe they are good fighters. Somas has confirmed they have a massive army. They are, indeed, strong and fast. But, among the races, Elves and Vampyres are the most similar. We are also stronger and faster than Humans are, so in strength and speed we equal them. The battle will be decided by the element of surprise, the strategies used and the skills of the individual warriors. We believe we have a good chance and, although Elves do not do battle often, we are good fighters and will do anything to protect our home.”
It was very late by the time Maia went home. The moons had already travelled half their circuit in the sky. She heard the Sentinels murmur a greeting as she walked by. Watch fires were lit all around the city; she could see the flames blinking through the foliage in some places. All lanterns on all paths were lit. Although she would have been able to find her way in the dark, she was glad for the extra security. It did make her feel safer.
She thought about the evening and wondered if it had been wise to tell them so much. But they were a part of their clan now and they had a right to know. She knew they worried for her safety, but she was probably more afraid for theirs She would feel better once the bird arrived with the message that they had reached Tarron Heights.
When she walked into the house it was dark. Everyone had gone to bed already. Wolf rose from his blanket by the dying fire and ran to her, tail wagging. She took a moment to greet him and to rub behind his ears.
“I am tired, Wolf, I am going to bed.”
Wolf cocked his head to the side, listening to her.
“You can sleep in my room if you want.”
Subconsciously, she made the motion with her hand as she spoke and Wolf ran up the stairs ahead of her. She smiled indulgently after him.
She washed quickly, changed into sleeping clothes and snuggled under her blankets. Her mother had put winter bedding on already. The blanket was stuffed with goose down and kept her warm even in the dead of winter.
“Come, Wolf,” she said, and Wolf jumped onto the bed and curled up by her feet. She scratched him behind his ears again. She would miss him, but she felt better for sending him along with Jasmin - they could keep each other safe.
She closed her eyes and was almost instantly asleep. It had been an emotionally draining day.
She was warm and comfortable, tucked into her furs on her bed. Candles cast a pleasant glow around the small, cosy room. She sighed. Surely, it was not time to get up yet. She snuggled deeper into her furs. She was just about to doze off, when she felt him move closer to her under the fur blanket. His warmth against her bare back felt good. She wriggled a bit to conform her body to his and felt him respond to her movement.
He stroked his warm hands along her thigh. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, giving her goosebumps. His hand moved up, stroking along her stomach, then cupping her breast. She shivered when her nipple became hard under his touch. He kissed her neck and shoulders and pressed closer to her, hugging her to him. She felt his need for her and her body responded. She moaned softly. She wanted him too.
Slowly, she turned in the circle of his arms. Now facing him, he took his time to kiss her, first gently, then more urgently, until they were both breathing harder. She could feel his desire pressed close to her thigh. Firmly, he pushed her shoulders down, turning her onto her back, then bent over and kissed along her jawline, and found her mouth again. She shivered with delight at his touch. She was so ready for him. She shifted her body to allow him access. Anticipation made her tingle all over.
She woke with a start. A soft scream escaped her lips. Wolf jumped off the bed, startled. She still felt arousal surge though her body and she fought to control it. There was no doubt in her mind about who had been with in her dreams. But why was she dreaming of him like this? What was the meaning of it all? She shook her head, angry with herself, then got up and went to the washstand to splash her face with cold water.
The water cleared her head somewhat and she felt the effect of the dream wear off. She would have to pull herself together. She had to focus now, concentrate on her training. The warriors would start arriving from today.
They expected people from Thala Yll, plus their dragons. Alea Yll was sending their entire legion, Braérn and Crook Harbour had promised all foot soldiers as well as their cavalry, and Tarron Height would send every man and woman able to lift a weapon. It was the same with Shadow Hall. Everyone wanted to fight and everyone who was able to fight would remain here, while everyone unable to fight would leave this morning to go to Tarron Heights for safety.
Tarron Heights was deep in the mountains. It nestled in a large valley close to where the Oakin River sprang to life. From Shadow Hall, it was a four-day march through rough terrain, but the exceptional scenery made it worth it. If one were to travel from Greystone to Tarron Height, one had to go through a thick and dark forest that covered the uneven and constantly rising terrain. Bears and wolves abounded in that section of forest, as well as Riven, if the stories were to be believed, and Elves seldom ventured there. The way was hemmed in on both sides by tall mountain ridges, so the only way to get from the Gate to Tarron Heights was to go the long way around, which could take as long as seven days. Her family would be safe in Tarron Heights.
She was dressed now and made her way down the stairs into the common room. Her father and Jaik were already gone, but her mother and Biandala were busy in the kitchen. She smiled as she thought back on how amazed Luke and Jasmin had been that they had a Server in the house.
They had Servers, or Servants as the Humans called them, in England too, but to hire them cost a lot of what they called money or Credits, which was their currency. As Elveron did not deal in coin, they wondered how they paid Biandala for her services. Malyn had laughed when she explained it. Most families had a Server. It was a respected position in their society. Sometimes, whole families were employed as Servers and standard payment f
or employed was food and any other household essential. Good Servers would often be rewarded with other items; usually something of more value they could either keep or trade with. Biandala was one of the higher-ranking members of their city as she served the royal family. She was very proud of her job.
“Good morning,” Maia greeted them, and they replied in kind.
“Here,” Malyn said, and handed her a slice of bread with cheese, “you had better go if you want to say farewell. The caravan has gathered already and is almost ready to depart.”
Maia took the bread and thanked her mother. Why she had slept so long? If it had not been for her dream, she would probably still be sleeping. Maybe it was because of her dream she had slept so late. Thinking of the dream brought on memories she did not want to relive right now.
She raced down the Royal Steps and onto The Slope to the Gathering Ground, trying not to choke on her bread.
Once on the ground, bread finished, she trotted through the trees and then onto the Gathering Ground. As her mother had said, the people were already assembled. Some were on horseback, others on foot. Jagaer had selected ten warriors from the Legion to accompany the people and see them safely to Tarron Heights. They would remain there until the threat had passed.
Maia glanced around, trying to spot her brother or Luke and Jasmin. The crowd was dense, around four hundred people were going, and it took her a while to find them.
“There you are. I hope you weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye.” She smiled at them.
“We would never,” Jasmin said, grinning back at her.
“One last time … are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”
Maia heard the hope in Aaron’s words, but by his voice she could tell he knew the answer to that question. She just shook her head.