by C. J. Krüger
Except the Void, I realize, and a shudder runs through my spine. Before I even have a chance to ask myself why the Lights have picked me, I recall my grandfather’s words about being spoiled. I have strength within myself, and I know that I do, but I have always been too afraid to use it. Now when I am being told I can use that power, I back away in fear? Bah, I think in disgust. I can be better than this.
“Where are you going?” an angry, silky voice asks me harshly.
I turn around and see Ayda standing in front of the castle. The breeze picks up and catches her silvery hair and it streams around her like liquid snow.
“Home,” I tell her and sling my bag over my shoulder. “Well, to Arteria. Grandfather summoned me back.”
“Oh!” she exclaims, her posture relaxing. “I thought you were running away like a coward, but if King Diarmuid summoned you, it’s all fine.”
My brow arches. “You’re being sarcastic, aren’t you?”
Her lips pull up into a grin. “At least you didn’t lose your sense.”
“I’m not running away,” I tell her firmly. “I had a vision last night and Grandfather explained some things to me. For once, I feel like I’m doing the right thing. What I am supposed to be doing.”
I can see conflict flashing across her eyes and her face twisting up in a mixture of fear and anger. “Duncan,” she says softly, “you hurt a lot of people today. I mean, they’ll be fine, but it’s more the fact that you did it at all.”
“That’s why I have to go,” I say to her, stepping close. “Not because I want to run away from what I have done, but because I feel something inside me. Something… evil. Grandfather, I think, wants to help me control it or get rid of it.”
She bites her lower lip and after a moment finally nods. “Then I have to come with you.”
“What?” I ask, not able to hide my surprise or excitement.
“I was assigned to this school to protect you and that’s what I am going to do,” she says firmly. “Are you going to argue with me?”
I purse my lips tightly and furrow my brows. “No,” I say, taking a deep, steadying breath. “But I don’t really understand why you would want to protect me. It’s not like anyone is going to harm me. Or are you worried I’m going to hurt someone else?”
She shakes her head quickly. “No, Duncan!” she says, her tone fierce. “And if you ever say something like that again, I’m going to give you a good pummeling. You never know what could happen when you step out into the world. There is no telling what dangers lie around the next corner, and I would feel better being at your side. Is that good enough for you, Your Highness?”
I blush deeply and my mouth goes dry for a moment. “I just wanted to understand your motives,” I say calmly. “Because the last thing I want or need is someone trying to hold my hand right now. I want you to come, but that’s because I enjoy your company.”
For the first time, I see Ayda blush, and it looks deep maroon against her pale skin. She nervously pushes silver locks out of her eyes and chews on her lip. “Well, let’s get on with it then.”
A chuckle passes through my chest and I turn back towards the mountains. The sun has risen now, and the pastels have faded, giving way to a clear blue. “We can take some horses from the stables,” I tell her. “At least, that was my plan.”
“We’ll take Elvish steeds,” she says, walking past me and running her hand over my shoulder. “Just stand here. They might attack you before I have a chance to introduce you.”
I nod eagerly as I watch her walk deeper into the grounds. The Elven mounts are horses of legend and I have yet to see one, but the rumor is that they are as intelligent as Men and can run for days without tiring. The Elves do not see them as beasts of burden, but as eternal companions.
She lifts her hands to her lips and lets out a sharp whistle. The sound is so high pitched it causes my highly sensitive ears pain, and I have to cover them with my palms. The sound echoes across the grounds and over the mountains. Nothing happens for a long, long moment, and I stand there in anxious silence.
Two steeds begin to race over the mountains, one silver and the other a deep chestnut. The thundering of their hooves sounds as if an entire calvary unit is behind them, and the speed at which they move makes them appear like blurs.
The pair comes to an abrupt stop in front of us, and they eye me warily. Ayda approaches them and her lips are pulled back into a broad smile.
“Ronae, Coria,” she addresses them, and lifts a hand to stroke each one by the mane. “This is Diarmuid’s grandson, and he’s summoned us to him urgently. Will you take us?”
Yes, they both say mentally.
It surprises me that they can speak in such a way, and I bow my head gratefully. “Thank you.”
I sense unrest in him, the silver stallion says, and walks over to me. He sniffs at me, and his intelligent eyes study me. But he is pure of heart. I am Ronae.
“It’s an honor to meet you,” I say, lifting my hand to pet his snout. “Thank you for helping us.”
If the matter is urgent, we don’t have time for pleasantries. Get on. Ronae kneels down, and I climb onto his back. Having never ridden a horse bareback, I find it surprisingly comfortable. It must be part of what makes Elvish mounts so special, but I decide not to comment. I feel even the idea of barding or a saddle would upset the proud horses, and I would rather be on their good side.
“I’m ready.”
* * *
A nearby river rages and the sound echoes off the mountains. We’ve been riding through the day and night and the sun is about to rise again as we enter the Arterian Forest. Exhaustion threatens to send me tumbling off my horse, and the ground below me doesn’t look like it would make for a comfortable landing.
“I need to rest,” I tell Ayda firmly as my eyes start to droop. “Just for an hour or so.”
“Tap into your Arkana if you need energy,” she says, looking over at me with furrowed brows. “We don’t have time to sleep right now. Diarmuid said two days, and I’d rather get there with time to spare.”
“I’m not going to use my spirit to avoid a few hours of sleep,” I say stubbornly. “This part of the forest is dangerous enough as it is, and if we get attacked, I’d rather be at full strength.”
Ayda narrows her eyes and glares at me. “You’re acting like a spoiled child, Duncan.”
My grandfather said the same thing, but in this situation I don’t see the logic. Being smart and sleeping when you’re tired isn’t the same thing as avoiding problems. “You look like you’re about to drop,” I point out. “There is a river nearby where we can make a camp and fish. There is no point in showing up so tired I have to sleep for an entire day to recover.”
The boy has a point, Ronae says. Also, I smell a pack of wolves nearby. Hopefully they won’t attack, but it wouldn’t hurt to stop and build a fire to keep them away.
“Fine,” she mutters. “I still think it’s better if we ride on though.”
“Noted,” I say glumly as I lead Ronae towards the sound of the river.
Ayda grumbles but follows close behind me. The early morning light has a difficult time piercing the thick layer of leaves and it’s almost pitch black on the surface, but my elven eyes only need the faintest light for me to see.
The Ursine river is being fed by the melting mountain snow and it’s now a massive surge of water. Its roar is almost deafening, but the water is fresh and clean. I also feel safe making camp at the river’s edge. Most animals avoid the Ursine this time of year because of the currents.
“After we’ve slept, we can fish and have a proper breakfast,” I say, trying to sound pleasant in spite of my sour mood.
“Sure,” she replies as she goes off to find a soft spot of ground. “That’s a splendid idea.”
My brows furrow and my lips purse. “Ayda,” I say softly, “Why are you being… well, hostile? Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s how it feels.”
“I don’t like stopping,” she explains.
“But you’re the Prince, and it’s not like I was the one who was summoned.”
I sit down next to her and force myself to smile. “It’s more than that.” My eyes glance over into hers and I slowly reach out to touch her. She flinches away and I pull my hand back. “You’re afraid of me and don’t want to sleep without someone else to keep an eye on me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she snaps and glances at the river. “I’m not afraid of you, Duncan.”
My nose wrinkles and I stand up, sighing and feeling a little lost. “Of course you’re afraid of me,” I tell her, looking down at my hands and ball them tightly until my nails dig painfully into my skin. “I’m afraid of me.” Admitting my fear makes my heart ache and I can even feel it in my soul. I’m not comfortable and at peace in my own skin. How can I stand to be like this any longer? The answer is simple: I can’t. “But I’m going to do whatever it takes to stop what is happening to me. Even before this, I was never really in control of my own life, and for the first time, I mean to be.”
She is looking up at me now, her eyes filled with a strange mixture of pity and anger. “I did tell you that I would help,” she says softly. “But I don’t think my lessons did much good. Clearly.”
“They taught me how to be better with the sword,” I say lightly. “I’m nearly as good as you now. Even Sivandar seems impressed.”
Her lips pull up into a soft smile. “There has always been something off about you,” she says, looking me up and down. “I’ve never quite been able to put my finger on it, but I think I can see it now. You take too many burdens on yourself.”
“My parents have echoed that statement.” I roll my shoulders back and try to stretch. My muscles pulling apart and the releasing of tension gives my mind something to focus on besides my own self-loathing. “I know in my head that that’s true, but I always feel like something is weighing me down.”
“Demons are always going to find a way to worm their way into your heart, Duncan,” She tells me, her tone encouraging. She stands up and pats me on the back, and gives me a firm, one-armed hug. “The only one who can defend you is you. If you can figure out how, nothing can ever hurt you again.”
“I can see why Grandfather asked you to look out for me,” I tell her, my face turning a light shade of red. “You’re a good friend and an even better mentor. Shall we rest now?”
Ayda nods and stretches out like a cat, her languid movements displaying comfort and grace. “I really could use it,” she admits. “I feel better after talking, Duncan. Truth be told, it’s hard being an immortal. For thousands of years at a time, not a single thing will happen. All my life, I have been in relative peace, but now… now things feel like they are moving too fast and I’ve lost my bearing.”
“I feel better as well,” I tell her, taking a step toward her. “Thank you for telling me what’s on your mind. I rather like hearing your thoughts.”
She smirks. “Don’t say that just yet. If you really get into my head, you’ll find you can’t stand me.”
“I doubt that,” I tell her, taking another step. My face is inches from hers and my eyes are locked on her lips. “I must admit something, Ayda. In the past few weeks, I’ve wanted to get closer to you. Every time we talk, I always feel like the wall between us crumbles a little more.”
“You’re close to me now,” she points out and touches her hand to my chest. “Maybe a bit too close, Duncan.”
It occurs to me that we are totally alone. The horses have gone off to get food or sleep and the rules of the academy are a hundred leagues away. “Ayda,” I say, my voice low and filled with passion. “I don’t feel close enough.”
Her head lifts and she laughs, a rich, cheerful laugh. “Oh, my sweet Duncan,” she says, and reaches out to touch my face. “You flatter me but—”
Without thinking, I wrap my arms around her and press my lips against hers firmly. She resists for a moment, but then I feel her body melt into mine and the spark between us ignites into a blaze. Her fingers dig into my back through my tunic, and I feel her nails dragging along my skin. I lift her off the ground and feel her legs wrap around my waist.
Death.
Destruction.
My knees buckle and it feels as if the weight of a star is on my back. We fall to the ground and I feel the earth begin to crumble under me.
“Duncan,” she gasps. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t… I don’t know,” I say, trying to move, but my body won’t obey me.
There is a foul stench in the air, and I gasp for breath. I manage to turn my head just enough to see a hideous monstrosity standing there, its face twisted and scarred.
“You should have obeyed the Master, half-breed.” Its voice is hollow and cold and I can hear the faint echo of painful screams emanating from deep within it. “Now I will kill you myself and take what it rightfully ours.”
“Ayda,” I whisper, my voice shaking in fear. “What in the name of the Lights is that?”
“I am the Nightmare,” it says, laughing at our helplessness, “the enforcer of the Darklands.”
“A demon,” she hisses. “We must flee.”
Chapter Fourteen
Death hangs in the air and clings to each breath I take. “How can we flee?” I ask, my voice trembling. “We can’t even move.”
Ayda struggles, her body crushing mine as she tries to move. The demon steps closer and I can feel its toxic breath filling my lungs. I narrow my eyes and try to push back against its will, as if it were my grandfather. The only problem with this course of action is that this demon is not my grandfather, and unlike him, it has no mercy.
“Burst!” I shout at the demon, narrowing my eyes and focusing all of my will into that word.
There is a surge of energy and a roaring sound as a beam of blue light strikes the demon. It stumbles back and shouts in rage and pain. The weight lifts off me, and I can move freely once again. Rolling onto my feet, I summon my sword to my hand and charge at the demon.
Its hollow face smiles at me and it doesn’t bother to defend itself. The sword passes through the shade as if it’s made of smoke, and its body reforms as if nothing has happened.
“Stupid mortal,” it snarls as it lifts its hand and smacks me hard across the face.
I’m sent flying across the riverbank and I feel my back strike a thick tree trunk. The air in my lungs is pushed out and I struggle to breathe and stay conscious against the pain.
“Duncan!” I hear Ayda cry out, her voice filled with fury.
I slowly lift my head and see her doing battle with the demon. He unleashes red balls of light that she dodges expertly. The energy crashes into the surrounding area, wilting away any life and leaving rotting remains. I can hear the land crying out in pain as the demon corrupts and twists and destroys it.
There is a surge of light emanating from Ayda and I see a sword form in her hand. It’s solid, yet somehow etherial and translucent. The demon takes a look at the blade, and there is a flicker of fear that passes through its eyes. It charges at her with blinding speed, but her Elven grace makes her faster. She slashes at the demon with her blade, and the demon cries out in agony as its severed arm hits the ground. It melts into nothing, leaving the grass dead and rotten around the area where the arm fell.
She tries to press her attack, but the demon unleashes a flash of blinding red light. In a puff of smoke, it flees, flying away on the wind.
“Guess it’s not used to people fighting back,” I say as I get to my feet. “You were brilliant.”
Her face is troubled and she dismisses her sword. “We must go,” she says quickly. “It’s not safe here.”
I nod in agreement. “I’m sorry. I was the one who suggested we stop in the first place.”
She smiles at me fondly and comes over to help me walk. “You weren’t wrong,” she says, lifting my arm around her shoulder. “We did need to chat and rest a bit. You couldn’t have known a demon was going to attack. No one has seen one in… well, since
long before I was born.”
“That long?” I ask, forcing myself to walk forward. “I wonder if Grandfather knows more.”
“He will,” she says, her tone troubled. “He was the one who sealed them away and killed their King.”
This news doesn’t surprise me but it does worry me greatly. A magical seal isn’t broken easily, especially when one like my grandfather casts it.
“I can ride, I think,” I tell her, my voice soft. “If you can help me up.”
She kisses my cheek and hugs me close. “I will, Duncan.” Her head rests against mine a moment before she whistles for our steeds. “By the way, that was a good kiss.”
My face flushes deeply and in spite of the demonic attack, I laugh a deep, rich laugh. “Hopefully the next kiss results in less demons.”
* * *
The forest of my kin is vast, deep, and beautiful. It teems with life at all layers of the trees, from birds to insects and even giant cats. The sabers have always been friends to the Elves, but that doesn’t mean they won’t attack if someone ventures into their territory.
As we ride, I keep stealing glances over at Ayda, and I feel my heart skip a beat each time I look at her. My lips remember the touch of hers, and my nose recalls her spicy, exotic scent. “You made a sword,” I say, trying to take my mind off the moment we shared. “How?”
“Everyone who uses magic has one,” she says simply. “It’s not always a sword, but it is a weapon… a weapon of your soul. There is also a shield, but that takes much more effort to manifest.”
My brows furrow. “I have never heard of this.” I think back to the lessons of my father, and I have no memory of magical weapons or shields. “Why is it a secret?”
“You can ask Diarmuid when we see him,” she tells me through a coy smile. “But in my personal opinion, it’s because something happens when you first manifest the weapon. I can’t quite put it into words, but something in you changes. I think Diarmuid thought it unwise to teach Humans before they were ready.”
“But we know so much already,” I say defensively. “Why does this weapon have to be a secret?”