by Toni Cox
“Did he hurt you?” Silas then asked quietly.
Maia stopped dead in her tracks. The people around her carried on walking and after a while it was just the two of them standing on a field half a day’s march from home. The buzz of the insects was overly loud to her ears. Midnight looked on from a distance.
“No,” she said softly.
How did he know? By now, she wasn’t even sure herself that it had been real. If it wasn’t for Midnight’s behaviour, she could easily believe it had only been a dream.
Silas touched her arm. “Maia, look at me.”
She looked up, fearing reproach, but found only concern in his eyes.
“I can only speculate on why such things occur, but the fact that a Life Prime and a Death Prime have come together has saved our people yet again. Whatever happened, I am sure it was all part of the magic that the two of you wrought to defeat the Vampyre army. Remember, I am always here if you feel the need to talk about it.”
The stone was dug deep into the fissure between his toes and he was growing angry. He was not used to spending this much time on the ground. If Bright-Shining-Silver-Star would just consent to flying with him, then he could have her home before the sun touched the mountains. He had asked her time and time again, but she insisted of walking with her injured. He understood her worry for her people, even if they were all insignificant to him, but he knew it was not the reason she did not want to fly with him. He worried about her. She was in such deep turmoil, he was afraid she would not be able to find her own way out of it.
He growled and a puff of smoke rose from his nostrils, making the nearest horse whinny in fear.
Dark-Silver-Moon was the reason she was feeling like this and he had a good mind to tear him to pieces should he ever catch him. However, Dark-Silver-Moon had eluded him twice already. He was cunning and dangerous. He would have to keep a close watch on Bright-Shining-Silver-Star, so Dark-Silver-Moon could not take advantage of her again.
Another puff of smoke curled from his nostrils at the thought. Even Red-Angry-Flesh would be preferable. Although, he had to admit, the Human’s colours had faded somewhat since he had arrived. His red that had looked like blood when he had first seen him had gentled to the soft red of a sunset in the time that he had been here. Maybe Red-Dusky-Sunset was a name more appropriate for him now. He had never felt anything but disdain for the man that had such strong feelings for his Bright-Shining-Silver-Star, but in light of these new developments, he might be preferable to the alternative.
He would think on it some more. If Bright-Shining-Silver-Star was to mate, then she should do so with the right male. Suddenly, the affairs of the Shining-People were of more concern to him than they had ever been before.
They reached home without further incident. The warriors from the other clans returned to their cities and life in Shadow Hall took on some semblance of normalcy once more.
Shadow Hall had lost many. Three hundred and twenty-three, of which one, Lenoro, was Guard, and many were of the Warrior Houses. Once the people that had been sent to Tarron Heights returned, they held a great ceremony, mourning their dead. In total, including the people from the other cities, there had been over three thousand dead. It was a dark time for Maia.
Watch rotation was arranged between the cities of Grildor, and Greystone was now under guard night and day. Scouts, Trackers and Hunters were out in the mountains and forests every day, searching for the escaped Vampyres and their beasts. They still kept double Night Watch and no one was really at peace. The threat remained and everyone was on edge.
For Maia, every day was torture. Was Silas right? Had what happened between her and Blaid just been a result of the magic they created? It did not feel like that to her. She pined for him every day. She felt her life was somehow emptier without him. Knowing that being with him was not only against their laws, but would also alienate her from her people, made her infinitely sad. One did not associate with Death.
She kept herself busy throughout the days that followed the War of Greystone and cried herself to sleep every night. She spent much time with Aaron and his children, but could find no solace in their company either.
By the time the first frosts came over the land, she resigned herself to the fact that she meant nothing to Blaid and that what had happened was only the result of their magic.
She had taken to sleeping in Silas’ cave, craving the solitude it provided. Silas would often sit with her in the evenings, but then left before the moons were high, so she could be alone. It was how she wanted it.
Maia now climbed into her furs, for it was cold in the cave, and dimmed the shutter on the lantern. She was tired, always so tired. She would toss and turn all night. Nightmare after nightmare would wake her and she would sit up, screaming. She was so tired. She put her head on her pillow and closed her eyes.
!!! Midnight’s thought came crushing down on her. Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she was instantly alert.
She sat up and in the half-light of the shuttered lantern, she found herself looking into Blaid’s deep blue eyes.
Epilogue
Things had changed. Aaron could not quite put his finger on it, but something was fundamentally different. It wasn’t just that the whole city was on edge with those Vampyres still at large. It wasn’t even the fact that most people were still in mourning and the general atmosphere within the community was subdued.
No. The change had more to do with him, and he now also believed, with Luke and Jasmin. He felt different. More part of the whole. He felt a kinship with the people that had not been there before. He felt their loss and their suffering as his own; he shared their concerns and worries.
Most of all, he felt it within his body. There were changes. Subtle at first, but he noticed them more and more. His eyesight became keener, of that he was sure. He had built muscle and, in a certain light, it looked like he had a ribbed stomach. His skin was smoother and the wrinkles on his face were barely visible. He even sometimes fancied that his ears now had a slight tip to them.
Since the war, his confidence had soared. He felt bold and brave and would now often do things that would have been out of his comfort zone before. He had fired Jasmin’s crossbow on more than one occasion. He had picked up a sword and hewn at a straw dummy until it was lying destroyed on the floor. He had cooked and, with Jasmin’s help, served some tasty dishes.
He also finally understood why he often had difficulties expressing himself, even though the thoughts were clear in his head - he spoke a different language here. Elvish, he presumed. Therefore, when he wanted to talk about an item that did not exist on Elveron, for example, a car, then he would have to use the English term. Sometimes, it was hard to remember, but Luke and Jasmin made a game out of it and they now had a repertoire of about fifty words.
The best part of all of this was how he felt about Maia. The war had changed her as well. She was quiet and restrained. Often deep in thought and unapproachable. She had changed her attire from the soft suede pants and loose cotton tops she used to wear, to black leather pants and a black leather jacket, over a fitted cloth shirt. She now always wore her weapons. It made her look strong and in control, and incredibly sexy, but he knew she felt vulnerable and scared. It enhanced his feelings for to such a degree, he could almost not contain it.
However, he bided his time. He knew it was not yet. Slowly, with much care, he spent more and more time with her. He came to realise that something had happened out there by the Gate, which had shaken her to the core. He worked every day to gain her trust and, he was sure, one day, she would know that it was him that had stood by her through this difficult time. Then, and only then, he would make his move. He was hers and, one day, she would be his.
Glossary of Names
Shadow Hall
The Royal House of Longshadow
Jarra Longshadow - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Jadae
Algen Longshadow - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Jadae
Jadae Longshadow - Maia’s grandfather, father of Jagaer
Ikari Longshadow - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Jagaer
Jagaer Longshadow - Maia’s father, Lord of Shadow Hall & Elderlord of Grildor
Malyn Longshadow - Maia’s mother & wife to the Lord of Grildor
Jaik Longshadow - Maia’s twin brother, prince of Grildor & Commander of the Guard
Maia Longshadow - Princess of Grildor & Life Elemental
Wolf - Forest Wolf, honorary member of the Longshadow family
The Noble Houses of Birkenheart & Elderken
Maël Birkenheart - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Malyn
Alandrien Birkenheart - Maia’s grandfather, father of Malyn (deceased)
Kian Elderken - Maël’s life partner
Danyar - Giant Hare, honorary member of the Birkenheart-Elderken family
The Noble House of Chesterfort
Emrik Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Maël
Maraël Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Maël
The Noble House of Moonswain
Ramaer Moonswain - Elder & father of Riker
Lilonda Moonswain - Wife of Ramaer
Riker Moonswain - Son of Ramaer & member of the Guard
The Noble House of Nightshield
Silas Nightshield - Healer, Elemental, royal advisor & mentor to Maia
Elders of Shadow Hall
Jadae Longshadow
Emrik Chesterfort
Ramaer Moonswain
Lamar Oakencrest
Dictennia Hollowberg
Eilin Shallowaters
Livarion Summerlot
Janeke Oldenrift
Beccithalia Nordenfall
Falorien Deepsword
Baltor Owen
The Guard of Shadow Hall
Jaik Longshadow (Commander)
Argar Fairwen (2nd in Command)
Riker Moonswain
Boron Flowersfield
Filithrin Overmer
Munnar Shallowaters
Tallson Robynreed
Lenoro Woods
Somas Birkenstock
Aari Fyrlane
Glark Gnarkstrov (Dwarf)
The Warrior Houses of Shadow Hall & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Jaik Longshadow
The Regiment - Commander Rowlean Ridgewell
The Legion - Commander Calemir Willowbay
The Sentinels - Commander Livan Summerlot
The Night Watch - Commander Herrod Goldsbane
The Scouts - Commander Aduial Mellowood
The Horse Guard - Commander Caran Kastenbrink
Death
Blaid Elderbow - Death Elemental
Braérn
The Noble House of Swiftfisher
Kyreon Swiftfisher - Lord of Braérn
Amandel Swiftfisher - Wife of Kyreon
Kanarel Swiftfisher - Son of Kyreon
The Noble House of Sparrow
Elothrin Sparrow - Elder of Braérn
Soniana Sparrow - Wife of Elothrin
Siya Sparrow - Daughter of Soniana & Jaik’s love interest
The Noble House of Falconfall
Burindor Falconfall - Owner of The Falcon’s Nest guest lodge
Selest Falconfall - Wife of Burindor
Selena Falconfall - Daughter of Selest
Elders of Braérn
Solara Coldfire
Kaidan Darkblood
Florian Moongloom
Ciël Ravenken
Ilaya Countbay
Asgarr Redbrook
Zevrion Hightop
Atras Eaglesea
Ikanin Ebongrove
Athras Locklan
Dorien Ivyson
The Guard of Braérn
Liatriël Sweetsky (Commander)
Masa Frostwell (2nd in Command)
Shiril Forgehammer
Menna Havenvoid
Kenyla Silverson
Fille Lyrpalm
Josrion Redwallow
Huralan Countbay
Namall Fallhill
Ashavan Cavevault
Uthorim Emberbury
The Warrior Houses of Braérn & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Liatriël Sweetsky
The Regiment - Commander Lenall Neverstar
The Legion - Commander Ghenon Bridgeburgh
The Sentinels - Commander Nenren Millshear
The Night Watch - Commander Misa Freyfair
The Scouts - Commander Pasiara Rosehaven
The Armada - Commander Ihsh Drymore
Thala Yll
The Noble House of Hazelwatch
Skylor Hazelwatch - Lord of Thala Yll
Kariana Hazelwatch - Wife of Skylor
Sky Hazelwatch - Son of Skylor
Elders of Thala Yll
Emorion Sunwell
Sasuna Timberhold
Kaneki Rimesalt
Nerube Stormfreeze
Brivra Farmeadow
Fenlen Overland
Lerdon Pondmaw
Javen Horseborn
Savin Oxenyoke
Vardor Oldgardens
Ashalora Grimcall
The Guard of Thala Yll
Elandor Arkenbay (Commander)
Riro Feyhorn (2nd in Command)
Harsan Lavender
Leron Redstalk
Alaros Wiseowl
Teneroc Dierhall
Aelythri Thunderdrum
Agwar Brinkwater
Genhanon Sunfer
Mithari Horseborn
Aracil Oxenyoke
The Warrior Houses of Thala Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Elandor Arkenbay
The Regiment - Commander Evandeor Hollowdale
The Legion - Commander Lyandor Eastmire
The Sentinels - Commander Owenden Lightfrost
The Night Watch - Commander Venarel Swiftfalls
The Scouts - Commander Ranhorn Quickchill
The Dragon Guard - Commander Vrayla Oldpeak
Alea Yll
The Noble House of Plainspar
Durinn Plainspar - Lord of Alea Yll
Alena Plainspar - Wife of Durinn
Dalton Plainspar - Son of Durinn
Elders of Alea Yll
Ebligon Duskstar
Vyrlynag Wildecoast
Sminda Treeburn
Brila Cloudcrest
Panon Freyspell
Lemmaêl Shieldall
Riondon Blossomtree
Lensas Brownhawk
Ganala Oldwood
Vasawyn Haretrap
Onnesh Southall
The Guard of Alea Yll
Cencaur Blackcloak (Commander)
Folwin Shortstep (2nd in Command)
Iliphar Foxwell
Gormarden Oldwood
Veallahan Freyspell
Sayia Snakefield
Imucia Woodland
Leyran Wyrmwood
Kuchan Cattlecreek
Dighyll Southall
Myuen Onyx
The Warrior Houses of Alea Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Cencaur Blackcloak
The Regiment - Commander Kayverii Thornbird
The Legion - Commander Libraanich Redcloud
The Sentinels - Commander Layciel Pondgrass
The Night Watch - Commander Nithroël Snowfield
The Scouts - Commander Imperion Redrun
The Wolf Guard - Commander Adorellan Hillward
Tarron Heights
The Noble House of Tallson
Cinaed Tallson - Lord of Tarron Heights
Mikana Tallson - Wife of Cinaed
Mekindra Tallson - Daughter of Mikana
Elders of Tarron Heights
Reandor Lothbrooke
Haemir Sailbill
Kymeron Evergreen
Thalar Carverer
Varkin Lynxcape
Theondal Shrew
Para Deerfall
Lanné Win
terhare
Fiora Bluepyre
Merrinna Ravencroft
Sorsser Storkbill
The Guard of Tarron Heights
Erendal Baywater (Commander)
Arabas Winterfoe (2nd in Command)
Argon Strongsteel
Lemren Cattbar
Ylthorn Molewright
Zathraël Bergen
Taevin Treadfast
Balaras Oakenkin
Grendor Creek
Iolas Yellowfields
Kellam Northfolk
The Warrior Houses of Tarron Heights & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Erendal Baywater
The Regiment - Commander Briedenley Bluetop
The Legion - Commander Lirethorn Shadowbourne
The Sentinels - Commander Panthius Houndhill
The Night Watch - Commander Vichelle Crowlake
The Scouts - Commander Ziaan Farseer
Rathaés
The Noble House of Firestone
Hanno Firestone - Lord of Rathaés
Medina Firestone - Wife of Hanno
Minna Firestone - Daughter of Medina
Elders of Rathaés
Bronsen Firehold
Aghtias Burnwood
Avatey Hotstone
Lintey Bogden
Minaam Coalmill
Sukitaan Flameshield
Abantus Ironstar
Evera Whitecross
Shigtaan Boneshell
Cait Crystalvault
Muisay Lavarun
The Guard of Rathaés
Annitue Burnwood (Commander)
Xiveral Greywolf (2nd in Command)