by Logan Byrne
“No, you will be placed within a village nearby. The temple is a few miles away from the location. Good luck,” Telerius said, and I touched the amulet.
It glowed and got a little warm before a shot of lightning beamed out of it and a purple portal opened in front of us, glowing. It gently sucked in air around it, pulling my hair forward, before I looked at the men and the four of us jumped through.
Portal jumping was a surreal experience that I’d never gotten used to. I’d done it a few times, with my mother, and each time it felt like my body was being stretched and compressed at the same time, and I couldn’t see much of anything. It was like a haze, but it always ended within a couple seconds, if that. I guess it depended how far you were going.
We were dropped in the village, falling from about six feet up, but Tyvin shot down air to stop our falls. “Thank you. That was considerate of you,” I said, smiling.
“It was my pleasure, princess,” he said, nodding.
“I’m a blunt woman and I feel like I need to get this off my chest now before things go any further,” I said, taking charge. I watched their faces as they surrounded me. They were hanging on my words, all of them looking a little nervous as they likely wondered if I was going to be difficult already.
“Firstly, you all can call me Kira. I know I’m a princess, trust me, but I prefer to be called Kira. I’m not big in to the whole titles thing. Secondly, I don’t know how you guys feel, but I know this is awkward. I get it, you guys feel like you have to vie for my attention to get ahead of the others, but you don’t. I’m not choosing my mate based on who can lift the most weight or who can throw a dagger the best. Just be yourself, and don’t try to impress me too much,” I said, ending on a smile.
“Shit, that was the best thing you could’ve said. I had so much pressure on myself to succeed. They don’t really prepare you for this stuff,” Aidan said, grinning.
“Agreed. My parents are putting a lot of pressure on me too,” Adam said.
“I thought I was the only one,” Tyvin said. The three of them laughed and were in their own world, bantering together as I stood there watching. I felt like things were already going well. Of course I wanted them to compete a little bit, but not to the point where they obsessed over beating one another more than being with me. I was the main attraction, after all.
“Excuse me,” I said, stopping a villager who was walking past us.
“Yes, my dear?” the woman asked. She was older, maybe seventy, with wiry white hair and a brown cloth bonnet covering her head.
“Where is the temple? We’ve heard it’s nearby,” I said.
“Oh, you don’t want to go there, dear,” the woman said politely.
“Why is that?” Tyvin asked.
“The temple is protected by many golems, and nobody has ever gotten past them to reach it. Well, chosen ones have, but we haven’t seen a chosen soul in centuries,” she said, smiling softly.
“Please, ma’am, it’s our duty to escort Kira to the temple,” Aidan said.
“You’re fae, aren’t you?” the woman asked.
“Yes, ma’am, we are,” I said, smiling.
“I could smell it on you,” she said, grinning. Then her eyes began to sink into her head, rolling backwards, and I stepped back, looking quickly at the guys. She began to foam at the mouth, her neck snapping back, before a creature jumped out of her body, leaving the corpse to wither away and evaporate into the air.
“Mountain trolls,” Aidan said, as he drew his sword from behind his back.
Mountain trolls were the sworn enemy of fae. They were either muddy orange or green, with sharp jagged fangs jutting through their cheeks. They were masters of voodoo and dark magic, the kind fae were sworn to protect against to keep order in the magical world.
He pulled out a tusk, blowing into it, and the bellowing sound produced growls and screams all around us as dozens, if not hundreds, of mountain trolls swarmed. “You made a mistake, troll,” I said, pulling out my sword.
I flew forward, slicing my blade from right to left, the tip just catching his skin as blue blood spurted from his neck. He fell to his knees, collapsing, but it was too late. The others were about to attack.
“Defensive position,” Aidan said, putting his back to us.
“This might help,” Adam said, stomping hard onto the ground. Spikes made of rock sprung up and caught a few of the trolls.
They were crafty, though, and jumped over and around the rocks, cackling. Tyvin began swirling his hands, and a whirlwind opened around us, growing in size, before Aidan shot flames into it. It was like an inferno, my hair flying in the crackling air as if we were escaping Hell itself.
“Keep it up, they can’t breach the barrier!” I yelled, before walking forward.
“Kira, stand back!” Adam said, before I looked back at him.
He put his hands on the ground, closing his eyes, and breathed in slowly. “I can feel them,” he said, and the ground began to shake as shards of rock broke free from the earth and surrounded us. He gripped his fists, sand leaking from his hands, before he flung them outwards, sending hundreds of little bullet-shaped rocks into the storm.
I heard screams as the trolls began to drop. Aidan and Tyvin stopped their elemental conjuring, the inferno dissipating, before the dust cleared and only one injured troll remained standing.
“You were foolish to attack us. You should’ve let us pass,” I said, walking up to him.
“You are foolish, Princess, if you think the order of fae will last beyond the next two moons,” he said, grinning, as I gripped my sword tightly and cocked it back. Without mercy I thrust it forward, gutting him, and blood began to spill from his lips.
“I’ll see you in Hell,” I whispered, before I pulled out my sword and he dropped to the ground. Their bodies began to dissolve, a part of their voodoo no doubt, as the earth swallowed them again.
“Why would Telerius send us here?” Adam asked, looking around.
“Did they not know, or was this a test?” Aidan asked. “Maybe like a side feat.”
“Over here,” Tyvin said, motioning for us from about fifteen feet away.
Behind a pile of wood were a few bodies, humanoids. The true citizens of this village. “They killed them. They must’ve known somehow that I would be coming here and doing my feats,” I said.
“What do you think he meant about the kingdom falling within two moons?” Aidan asked.
“Should we alert Telerius?” Tyvin asked.
“When we get the scroll and make contact, we’ll let him know. Until then, we need to press on before any more of those assholes come back here,” I said, wiping off my blade and sheathing it.
“Here,” Aidan said, handing the others and me some bread he pulled from a bag on the ground.
“We cannot take this. It isn’t ours,” Tyvin said.
“Who does it belong to? Them? They’re all dead. It’s better for us to eat and be nourished instead of letting it rot and go to waste,” Aidan said.
“He’s right,” Adam said, chiming in. “We need it more than they will.”
I watched as they agreed and we continued towards the temple. I couldn’t help but feel a little conflicted. My mother told me I needed to always keep an eye on the men and the way they behaved and carried themselves without them realizing I was doing so. I had to act nonchalant sometimes, but really be scrutinizing everything.
These men were more than potential mates for me. For anybody else in the kingdom, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but I was going to take the throne one day. Whomever I chose would be by my side, ruling with me one day, and his character and heart was important.
Tyvin was sweet, caring, and I could tell he always did right by his morality. I admired that, being somebody who had struggled in the past but always sought to do the right thing. That sort of behavior would serve well on the throne.
The others, however, were willing to take from others to serve themselves. Granted, the villagers were dead,
and it was only bread, but I had to take it into consideration. Would Aidan or Adam be more likely to rule with an iron fist, and be devoid of any emotion? That was a struggle for me internally. I wanted to be a strong leader one day, but not at the risk of hurting my people or their safety and prosperity.
•••
“How are things with you, my princess?” Tyvin asked, walking beside me as the other men moved further ahead and argued about the route we should take.
“Kira,” I said, smiling.
“Yes, of course, Kira,” he replied, blushing a little, obviously embarrassed.
“I am well, and yourself?” I asked.
“I am well. I’m excited for this journey and to accompany you on your quests, as well as providing counsel for you,” Tyvin said.
“Counsel, huh?” I replied.
“Of course, Kira. It is my duty as an air elemental to provide anybody, but especially those of the throne, with spiritual and scholarly counsel should they need it. I’m a great listener, it’s in my blood,” he said with a little smile, nudging my shoulder.
My expression softened. It was easy to talk to him, and I felt myself getting a little bit of butterflies. I hadn’t had the normal way of life most fae had, even though us fae weren’t exactly normal anyway. I knew how others lived, other races, even the mortals, and it seemed easier sometimes to let my heart guide me through the normal aches and pains of growing up.
“How should I approach all this?” I asked.
“I beg your pardon? Could you please elaborate?” he asked.
“Do you ever find it hard, being fae? Not that being fae itself is hard, but the pressures that go along with it,” I said.
“Are you referring to the spirit bond?” Tyvin asked.
“Yes,” I replied.
“I believe our rituals are still alive and strong for a reason. Yes, it is sometimes difficult seeing how other creatures live, and knowing that there could be a person out there who is great for you but for who you cannot get to know,” he said.
“Have you ever had that happen? Met a girl you couldn’t be with?” I asked.
“I’m not sure that’s appropriate, given the journey we’re on together,” he said nervously.
“You can be honest with me, Tyvin. I understand that this life is hard. I will not take offense,” I said.
“Okay,” he said, rubbing a wooden necklace he wore around his neck. “When I was a boy, around seven, there was this young fae girl I adored. She lived next door, and we played together all the time. I did like her, yes.”
“When you were that young? I thought you were going to say more recently,” I said, smiling.
“Feelings are feelings, no matter the age of the person experiencing them,” he replied, as I looked up at him.
I could see the conviction in his eyes. Who was I to giggle at him for bringing up something from so many years ago? He was right, just because he was seven didn’t mean he hadn’t cared for the girl, and I shouldn’t discount his feelings.
“You’re right. My apologies,” I said.
“I am a strong man, I can handle it,” he said with a smile, obviously not taking my comment to heart.
“We should stop and make camp at the base up here before nightfall. I don’t think it wise to get close to the temple and open ourselves up to potential attacks,” Aidan said, stopping us.
“We know about the golems, but Telerius didn’t mention any other creatures that might lurk in the mountains,” Adam said.
“I trust both of your instincts, and I agree with you. Let’s get set up wherever you say,” I said.
“About another mile at most up there. We can set up camp and get shelter before things become too difficult,” Adam said, nodding.
4
“Enchanted tents,” I said, pulling out what Telerius had packed for us in our sacks.
“Do you ever wish you had this kind of magic?” Adam asked.
“Like being a mage?” I asked.
“Yeah, that kind of stuff,” he replied.
“It would be cool, but I like being fae. There are perks that come along with it that mages don’t have,” I said.
“Like living forever,” Aidan said.
“That’s a perk,” I said, laughing. “I’ve known no mage who lives for hundreds of years.”
As I set down the tents they began to grow, their canvas a dark purple, before ropes attached into the earth and lights shone dimly from inside. “Full service,” Aidan said.
I peeked inside my tent, seeing a cot fully made with a fur shawl draping off the side. Candles flickered as a blue and white woven rug covered the ground. Magic could do incredible things.
“It looks like each of our tents are customized for us,” Tyvin said, peeking into one. “This one is for you, Adam.”
“Amazing,” Adam said, before I peeked inside his tent and saw a collection of geodes and a sand bed elevated from the ground.
“Antique weaponry and a journal, most likely for strategy,” Aidan said, after looking into his tent.
“Crystals, incense, and spiritual texts. I believe these are my quarters,” Tyvin said, glancing into the last tent.
Tyvin was on the end, solving the problem of where the three men would sleep around me. Adam was to my right, Aidan to my left, and Tyvin beyond Aidan. After our discussion earlier I felt a bit strange having him further away, but I also knew I needed to get to know Aidan and Adam better. For all I knew, they would make me feel just as good or better than Tyvin had.
Darkness fell upon our camp just as soon as we’d gotten it together. A fire was lit outside our tents, little sparks and embers floating upwards into the night sky. We couldn’t see much outside our camp, the fire blinding our eyes to anything lurking in the shadows, but I felt confident we were safe.
“That’s a beautiful sword you have,” Adam said, as Aidan sharpened his blade by the fire.
“It was my grandfather’s sword. It was handed down to me after he died,” Aidan said, as the black sharpening stone slid effortlessly along the edge of the blade.
“You forge weapons, correct?” I asked Adam.
“Yes, the craft is not lost upon me. I have to say, there’s nothing more satisfying than slaving away at a piece and turning it into something beautiful. That actually reminds me of something, I have a gift for you,” Adam said, before getting up and going into his tent.
“For me?” I mumbled.
He walked out with something in his hands, wrapped in a green cloth, before kneeling down in front of me and handing it to me.
“This is for you. When I heard of the possibility I might accompany you on your quest, I couldn’t help but forge you something that would aid you on our journey,” Adam said.
Smiling profusely, I unwrapped the cloth, seeing a shimmering dagger inside. It was beautiful, the hilt a dark navy blue and the tip adorned with gold. The blade itself was magnificent, inscribed with shallow carvings and runes.
“You made this?” I asked, in complete shock as I ran my fingers along the metal.
“For you,” he said, smiling.
“I don’t even know what to say,” I said, my heart racing.
“Is it worthy of your hand in combat?” he asked.
“It will be a welcome addition to my arsenal,” I said, before getting on my knees and hugging him.
He hugged me back, his massive, strong arms wrapping around me as I felt a spark inside me. I leaned back, looking him in the eyes, before I saw a reflection of Aidan looking on in his pupils. I let go, sitting back down, not allowing things to go further in front of him.
I didn’t know why I cared so much—this journey was about me and my quest to find my mate, and what better way than to kiss a man to see if those sparks traveled past my stomach? Still, something about it felt wrong.
“You’re right, it’s a beautiful blade,” Aidan said, sheathing his own sword and walking over to look at the dagger.
“It took two weeks to complete, but it is n
othing for a woman so beautiful as yourself,” Adam said.
“I have my own gift to give you, Kira,” Aidan said.
“Oh?” I asked, looking back.
“My undying loyalty and protection, no matter how bad things might get. I promise to serve you and fall on my sword for you without hesitation,” Aidan said.
“Cute,” Adam muttered under his breath.
“What did you say to me?” Aidan snapped, as the fire in the pit flared and began to grow.
“Boys, calm down. I do not wish for either of you to fight, especially on the first day. My attention knows no bounds and will be given to both of you equally,” I said, standing up and putting my hands on Aidan’s fiery chest.
“I mean my words to you,” he said softly as he looked me in the eyes.
“I know, and I appreciate them, and your loyalty,” I said, before leaning in and giving him a peck on the cheek. “Your fire is not lost on me.”
Aidan nodded before walking off towards the woods. “I’ll catch dinner,” he called over his shoulder.
“Do you happen to have any knowledge of the temple we’re supposed to raid?” Adam asked Tyvin as he walked out of his tent.
“The temple has long been a mystery to our people, which makes it an interesting choice for this feat,” Tyvin said.
“The golems are forged from stone, are they not?” Adam asked.
“I know what you’re thinking, but you cannot control them even if they’re made of earth itself. They’re infused with magic, and it’s a magic that fae cannot wield,” Tyvin said.
“Shit, it was worth a shot, I guess. Do you know anything else about them that might be useful? Any weak points?” Adam asked.
“They will be lumbering, I believe. Slow, bulky, but also stout and hard to penetrate. There won’t be a way into the temple without defeating them first, whatever form that takes,” Tyvin said.
“Is there a way that doesn’t involve fighting?” I asked.
“Perhaps if they find you worthy, or any of us worthy, they will allow us safe passage. That could come from them seeing who you are, or simply from arduous battle,” Tyvin said.