“I don’t know if I’m feelin’ better,” he said, his eyes perplexed. “I mean… I feel strong, but my thoughts feel weird. I’ve been talkin’ to the prince, you know, about what happened. It’s so confusing. It’s like I drowned… only now, I’m above water. Does that make sense?”
She nodded. “It does make sense. Well, I’m glad you feel better. Do you remember much about what happened over the last few weeks, or is it all still a blur?”
“Not much at all. I remember you and my life in Criswall. The rest is strange. You know, like broken glass. Pieces here and there. Things I remember and feelings I wanna forget.” His small frame shuddered. “I don’t wanna think about it.”
“We won’t force you to do anything. You just rest and get better.” She ruffled his hair, and he smiled. “I get the pleasure of showing you my homeland. These mystical woods are where I grew up. It’s good to be back.”
“It’s too warm here.” Jondran gave her a teasing wink. “I miss the cold and the snow.”
Elendria scoffed. “Good gods, how could you miss the north? All those frigid nobles and dreary days.”
“I happen to be one of those frigid nobles.”
“Nonsense.” She came close and gave him a warm embrace. “You’re the opposite definition of frigid, at least to me.”
Remi cleared his throat. “You guys are weird. Are you going to mate and have babies?”
The boy looked utterly disgusted at the idea, and Jondran actually blushed. Elendria couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s terrific to have you back, Remi. I missed you.”
“Where is Maggie?” the boy said, looking troubled suddenly.
“She’s here in Maren Downs. I’ve asked for someone to bring her here.”
“Why can’t we go see her?”
“It’s complicated. She’s at the camp of Mar Thagroth, and we’re no longer friends with them.”
Remi looked perplexed. “You mean we’re at war? And Maggie is on their side?”
“As I said, it’s complicated. There was a battle last night, and we saved you from a spirit that had taken over your body. I decided to stay here.”
“Why didn’t Maggie come?”
“It wasn’t safe, last night, while we were fighting. So, Maggie remained at the camp.”
“But will she come?” His voice sounded upset.
“I hope so. I asked Madam Lassengre to bring her here. If she decides to live with us, then she will come soon.”
Remi twisted his face and stormed off, angry now. It was a lot for him to digest. She was about to go after him when Jondran held her arm.
“Let him be alone for a while. It’s better that way.”
“I hope Maggie decides to be with us.” She glanced up at him, feeling sad suddenly. But what if she didn’t come? What if Maggie wanted to stay with Lysha? Or what if the leaders of Mar Thagroth refused to let either of them go?
“Why don’t you eat some stew? Your mother made it. She said it was your favorite.”
Elendria laughed in disbelief. Her mother—cooking? Ever since they’d come to Criswall, her mother had stopped acting like a homemaker and, instead, put on the airs of a refined northern noblewoman. The idea of her cooking seemed astounding. But it also grounded Elendria in the fact that she was home. She was in Maren Downs, for good, apparently.
Jondran scooped a bowl of the stew and handed it to her. It was her mother’s rabbit and garlic stew, and it tasted delicious. She closed her eyes and sighed, wondering if this was all a dream from which she would soon wake. But the taste was too real, and the heat from the forest was too real. She would have pinched herself, but she knew this was truly real. She had finally come home.
“Did you miss my stew?”
Elendria turned and caught sight of her mother. Lady Shallia looked at the ground, abashed, and seemed contrite. At her arrival, Remi came back to the fire and tilted his head in a query. He looked like he was trying to remember something about her.
“I need to apologize to you for what happened in Criswall.” Lady Shallia locked eyes with Elendria. “The whole thing is a nightmare. I don’t know what came over me. It was insanity, what we did to Remi and how we treated you.”
Remi looked confused. “What did you do to me?”
“We did a terrible thing.” Lady Shallia bent down, so she was speaking face to face with the boy. “Many years ago, here in Maren Downs, Elendria’s father discovered a secret in one the ruins of the old Maledorian Empire. It was a statue of a god, named Ba’al. You might know him better as the Lord of the Fallen.”
“You mean the crazy cult in Criswall?”
Elendria’s mother told Remi what had happened after that and how they had formed a secret cult devoted to summoning Ba’al into a human body to fulfill a prophecy inscribed on that stone statue. They had spent their life pledged to this cause.
“When we found you, we knew our search was over. You were different: full of magical potential and strong. But we had no idea you were friends with Elendria. We thought you were just another homeless boy living on the streets of the Devil’s Quadrant.”
“But that don’t make it right.” Remi looked angry at Lady Shallia. “Just because I was poor don’t mean you could hurt me. It’s an awful thing what you did.”
“No, you are correct. We didn’t, and we shouldn’t have. We know better now. Ba’al is too huge to house in the mortal mind of a human. There must be another way.”
“You mean to continue this nonsense?” Elendria scoffed, suddenly losing her appetite. She put down the bowl and stood, feeling ready to fight. “You can’t be serious.”
“No, of course not. Don’t misrepresent my words. I only meant to say we still believe in Ba’al, although in a different way than before. And we’re still not sure what exactly it is or what we should do next. We need time to figure it out, and we were hoping you could help us.”
“If you want to keep me as a daughter, you had better tell me everything. I won’t stay, otherwise. I’m still furious at you for what happened in Criswall and for what you did to Remi. I need to know the truth.”
Lady Shallia sniffed, nodding her head. “We will, I promise. Everything. You have my word.”
She turned to go. “I will leave you now. I’ve intruded enough. If you need us, we’ll be in the cluster of tents beyond the creek. Goodbye for now.”
When she was gone, Elendria looked at the prince. “I still can’t believe I’m here with my parents.”
Jondran gave her a look. “I thought you hated them.”
“Who knows what I think? I still haven’t begun to figure it all out. But at least my mother and father aren’t rushing me. They seem content to leave me alone to process everything. It’s probably the best decision they’ve ever made.”
“Amongst a string of bad decisions,” he muttered.
“Are you angry with me about not being able to return to Criswall?”
“Don’t misunderstand me. I can be upset with your father and the things he did, but it’s not directed at you.” The prince let out a long exhalation and looked tired suddenly. “But, yes, I would like to return home someday and still hope I can. I won’t give up trying. Though I still want to be with you. I just don’t know how both are going to be possible.”
“Can we try, together?” She held his hand and could feel the prince softening under her touch.
“It’s pretty crazy, with everything that has happened.” He took a long inhalation as if filling himself with resolve. “But I will try, for you. I hope we can come to a reasonable resolution. It’s only that the world seems to be falling apart all around us.
“Maybe we’re here to rebuild it into something new, something better. Should we look to the example of Tivren and see what they’ve done? Perhaps the ways of kings and nobles will crumble and fade away into the annals of history.”
When he stayed quiet, thoughtful, she continued, “How about we take a walk together, in the forest, and leave our though
ts, worries, and troubles behind? If only for a little while. Let me show you my Maren Downs, the place I loved as a child. We’ll spend all day out here in the forest, and we’ll talk about the here and now and the things we see. Let me share the fond memories I hold dear. How does that sound?”
A broad smile came to his handsome face. “I’d like nothing else in the entire world right now. It’s perfect.”
So, they walked together into the mystical forest of Maren Downs, and Elendria felt the wonder she experienced when she was a young girl. Glancing at Jondran, she could see he felt it, too. She said a silent prayer to Nenlil, protector of the forest, begging for his blessing. A feeling of love and acceptance filled her heart with joy.
It was good to be home.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Later that evening, Elendria returned to their camp with Prince Jondran. She was greeted by Madam Lassengre walking through the shadows of the afternoon sunlight. By the dour look on her face, Elendria was worried. Had Maggie and Lysha decided not to come and, instead, wanted to go back to Criswall?
“What is it?” Elendria said and took off her backpack. Prince Jondran set down a small doe he had slain. He had wanted to hunt on their excursion into the forest.
Madam Lassengre cleared her throat. “I have troubling news for you,” the witch began and motioned for Elendria to sit with her next to the dead campfire. “And I have some news I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear. First, the good news. Maggie will be coming soon with Drevenia and Hadara. I rode ahead to talk with you first. Maggie was eager to return to see Remi. She wants to stay.”
“Can I see her?” said Remi.
“But of course,” said the sorceress. “Soon, child, you will see her soon.”
“Where is she now?” Remi looked off into the forest.
“To the west, past the creek. But if you wait here, she’ll be here soon enough.”
Remi ran off toward the creek, ignoring Elendria’s shouts for him to wait. Prince Jondran motioned for her to stay.
“Let him go, Elendria. Let him be the first one to see Maggie coming.” He gave her a reassuring smile that caused Elendria to soften.
“And what about Lysha?” she said.
Madam Lassengre shook her head. “Branwenth and the other nobility convinced her to stay. At first, she wanted to come but not at the cost of being considered an outcast to her people and her kingdom. They also reminded her she is the sole inheritor of her house and her father’s fortune. All of which she would forfeit if she left.”
Elendria found a frown forming on her face. The bastards were all the same; separating friends and ruining relationships. And for what, money and power, titles and lands?
“But she wanted to come?”
“I’m not sure, honestly.” Madam Lassengre handed her a letter. “She asked me to give you this.”
Elendria took the letter and placed it in her backpack, wanting to wait to read it when she was alone. She couldn’t bear the idea of being emotional in front of them. Some things were too painful to share, like the loss of a dear friend. For wasn’t it a loss? Like so many other things she’d been forced to leave behind.
“I’m sorry she didn’t come,” said Madam Lassengre. “But I believe you’ll see her again, someday, and I know she’ll always consider you as a friend and never an enemy.”
“Thank you for saying that.” Elendria wiped a tear that had spilled down her cheek. She didn’t want to cry but couldn’t help but feel sad.
“I also wanted to let you know I’ve negotiated on behalf of your father’s demands. The armies of Mar Thagroth and Jalinfaer will be leaving Maren Downs immediately. The witch Cambria seemed fascinated by the dual act of cowardice on behalf of both kingdoms. I think it was due, in large part, to a surprise nighttime attack by the flying constructs against both camps while we were here with Arcturius. Many soldiers were killed in the onslaught. Your father must have ordered the attack as a diversion while he moved against the duke and the boy. The generals believe the constructs could have destroyed both armies if they hadn’t been called off unexpectedly. Likely, this happened when Lord Rigar was battling Arcturius.
“Of course, the wizard was upset that the spineless leaders failed to attack immediately, but he relented in his dissent. I must warn you, though, to expect trouble from both of them in the future. The wizard seeks revenge, and the witch seems determined to prove her power.”
“She never got a chance to do anything,” said Elendria, amused. But her humor was cut short by Madam Lassengre’s scowl.
“Don’t ever underestimate the witch Cambria. She is by far the most powerful witch in the world.”
“I understand.” Elendria felt a flush coming to her cheeks.
“Do you?” The sorceress scoffed. “I believe you fail to understand a thing. You have no concept of the dire situation you are in right now. You are vastly ill-prepared to face the pair. I can tell you that much. For that matter, you’re unmatched to face either of them individually.”
Madam Lassengre exhaled sharply as if attempting to control her emotions. “You would be wise to remove yourself from her sights. Deal with the wizard directly or somehow separate them. The world is better off with them apart. Truthfully, I fear for your life.”
“What can we do?”
“Who knows, child. You got yourself into this mess and it is up to you to solve it. And I have more bad news. I can no longer train you, nor can any other witch in our coven. We must remain neutral in this conflict, at least for the time being. So, you are on your own.”
Elendria breathed in and stared out over the darkening sky. Twilight had come, and the long shadows of the mahogany and palm trees snaked across the forest. The sky along the horizon was the color of flame, and the air smelled sweetly of jasmine and orchids. Despite the color, her heart felt black.
Movement ahead caught her attention. From within the shadows, two figures came running: joyful children at play. Maggie’s voice was carefree and tender as she teased Remi.
“You’ll never catch a snake like that,” she said, scolding the boy.
Then she lifted her eyes and caught sight of Elendria. She squealed and darted ahead and hugged her, squeezing her with every ounce of strength she had.
“It’s so good to see you, Elendria. Did you hear about Lysha?”
Elendria nodded to the girl. “I heard she wanted to go home to Criswall.”
“It’s sad, I think,” said Maggie. “I begged her to come, but she refused. I’m sorry. Are you sad?”
“I am.” Elendria said, feeling a wave of melancholy again. “I wish she would have stayed with us.”
“Yeah, I do, too.” The girl placed a small hand on Elendria’s face, her big eyes gazing up into hers.
“You are such a sweet girl, Maggie. What a treasure you are to me.”
The girl beamed at the praise and glanced over at Remi, smiling with an innocent look Elendria believed she would always remember. At least she had these two to love and care for and, of course, Prince Jondran. She hoped he wouldn’t regret his decision to stay here with her.
Hadara and Drevenia strode up to them, their faces grim but determined. Hadara was the one who spoke first.
“We will be returning north. All this way and it seems we were only useful in everyone getting here and saving the prince’s life.”
“That’s a lot,” Prince Jondran said, smiling at Drevenia. “I truly thank you for bringing me back. I owe you my life. If you ever need anything, only ask it of me, and I will help.”
Drevenia gave him a devious look. “I might call on you someday, prince, if necessary, though I doubt it. Witches rarely need help from princes, other than their gold. But even that we manage on our own just fine.”
“Be wary of whatever is happening around you.” Madam Lassengre took Elendria’s hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Besides the threat from Arcturius and Cambria, the situation you find yourself in is dangerous and complex. You would be wise to be suspicio
us of everything and, perhaps, even make your way in life, apart from your parents. Goodbye, child. You will be missed.”
Before the witches turned to leave, Elendria stopped them. “Will I ever see you again?”
The old women grinned a devilish grin at once. Drevenia said, in a strange and mysterious voice, “In the world of stone and sand, the only certainty is the spirit. For in that knowledge, we will always remain connected. Goodbye, Elendria. Until we meet again.”
Shadows enfolded around the three witches, and when the air cleared, they were gone.
“Are they our allies, you think?” said Jondran.
“I don’t have any reason to think they are enemies. Despite their coldness, I believe they are friends. It must be difficult for them not to help us. But I understand.” Elendria felt abandoned by them. Still, they’d done so much for her, and she hoped she could do something for them one day.
Maggie tugged on Elendria’s shirt. “I thought those stuffy nobles would never let me come here. Lysha was the one who insisted I had to be with you and Remi. And so finally, I came with the witches. Those old ladies still give the shivers. I don’t ever think I wanna to be a witch, no, not ever.”
“Luckily, you don’t possess the gift of magic.” Elendria grinned at the girl. “So you’re free to be as non-magical as you like.”
“But what about Remi? Is he going to turn into a wizard?” The way the girl said the words, it sounded like he might turn into some strange beast.
“Well, he is magical, but he hasn’t learned magic yet.”
“No, that’s not true,” Maggie said. “We were chasing butterflies, and Remi made a few of the biggest, prettiest ones come flying right over and land on his arm. It’s like he was whispering to them.”
“I wasn’t doing anything,” protested Remi. “I only thought they were pretty. That wasn’t magic.”
“It might have been.” Elendria put a hand on his shoulder. “Those who are magical start at your age or even younger and spontaneously produce magic of all kinds. Magic can feel the most natural thing in the whole world, or it can be as strange as those witches. It’s a big world, and it’s filled with mysteries.”
Empire Awakening (Maledorian Chronicles Book 2) Page 27