Quest: The Clans of Arcadia

by Arwen Chandler

  Aslaug roared, breathing fire over their heads. “Stop!” Her voice rumbled through the air, but Ian and Lilia kept shouting at each other. Aslaug studied them a moment longer. “Karn, they’re under a spell. It’s the fae.” She swallowed. “If you don’t use the flame to clear their minds, they will kill each other.”

  Ian pitched to his side, knocking Lilia to the ground. He pulled her hair with his teeth. Karn punched him in the side of the face, and he fell over. Lilia wiggled along the grass, trying to reach Ian.

  Karn slipped between them again and quieted his mind. He channeled the blue flame into his hands, lightly touching each of them. Their head slumped to the side, and Karn took a deep breath. “Well, Aslaug, that was interesting. How could the fae cause this?”

  Aslaug cleared her throat. “The fae are powerful sorcerers, and their mind control is beyond compare. I’m certain whatever ward Ian and Lilia triggered was to prevent people from entering the faes’ lands.”

  Karn sighed. “Will there be more?”

  She nodded. “For certain.”

  Ian moaned, unable to sit up, because of the tight binding. He glanced at his leg. “I’m bleeding. What happened? Why am I bound?”

  Lilia blinked her eyes. “Oh, I have a headache. I feel like my hair’s been caught in a wagon wheel.” She looked at the flame holding her in place. “Why?”

  “I had no choice.” Karn coughed. “You can thank each other for your pain. You were fighting over a dried meat chip.”

  They looked confused.

  Karn snapped his fingers, and the cords released them. “You don’t remember?”

  They shrugged in unison.

  Lilia frowned. “Last thing I remember I was looking at the map. Ian wanted to know how much further it was to our destination.”

  Ian squinted. “That’s what I remember, too.”

  Karn sighed. “Why don’t you both sit down and rest under that tree.” He pointed to the oak with gnarled branches, “And separate, while I figure this out.”

  Aslaug watched them sit down beneath the shade, before speaking. “Their dragon marks should have protected them.”

  Karn dug a toe in the dirt and scrunched his face. “And yet they didn’t.”

  Aslaug squinted, “You will need to put a protection on them before we go any further. The faes’ magic will get stronger the deeper into their boundaries we go.”

  Karn ran his hand through his hair. “Okay. Any ward you suggest, in that big beautiful brain of yours?”

  Aslaug blushed, her purple scales shimmering light pink. “Yes, in fact, I do know one. It’s an old ring of protection.”

  Karn scratched his beard. “How does it go?”

  Aslaug searched her mind. “Point your right hand to the ground, and feel the pull of the flame against the land, then draw a circle with your hand moving it right with the sun.”

  “And then?”

  “You must recite the following incantation. Circle me in your protection, Lorna. Keep peace within, keep harm without. Then repeat, circle them in your protection, Lorna. Keep peace within, keep harm without,”

  “Is that it?”

  “Almost. The last two lines are, circle me in your protection, Lorna. Keep hope within, keep doubt without. Circle me in your protection, Lorna, keep light within, keep darkness out. Repeat each line for yourself, and then add the words “circle them” as you did before.”

  Karn took a deep breath and shut his eyes. He felt the blue flame well up inside and followed it as it coursed through his veins and into his fingertips. Karn pointed his palm to the ground, feeling the pull to the land. He opened his eyes, they glowed bright blue, and he recited the words.

  Thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed across the clear sky. As the ward closed, Karn felt the connection between himself and the land fade. He rubbed his hand and looked at Aslaug. “It’s done.”

  She smiled. “Yes. They are safe, now. We can go. We must find the dragon queen before the night falls. We are in their hunting grounds.”

  He whistled and motioned to Lilia and Ian. “Let’s go.”

  In the distance, the evening sun hung low, on the horizon. Its golden-amber light fell on the plains turning them ochre and brilliant shades of lavender. Towering along the edge of a dense forest, and just beyond the field, banyan and dragon blood trees grew.

  The travelers approached the forest with caution, Aslaug had already flown recognizance but found nothing to report, even though they were confident the fae were hiding just out of sight.

  Karn’s boots crunched on top of a pile of leaves as he crossed into the forest. The light surrounding him flashed, and a woman with four wings and dragon scales appeared, blocking his way.

  Bright pink scales framed her pale face and enhanced the blue of her ocean colored eyes. Her gaze seemed to penetrate into Karn’s soul. Upon her head, slightly above her pointed ears, rested a silver circlet, adorned with pearls, delicately woven leaves, and jeweled flowers.

  The woman’s pouty lips were washed with a pink color nearly matching that of her scales, and upon her eyelids were the subtlest hints of gold and light green. The faerie’s dress clung to her body revealing her nearly translucent shoulders, and the voluptuous curves of her body.

  Her long pink hair flowed from her head like cascading water, and her dainty wings were like the finest gossamer that bore a striking resemblance to those of a dragonfly.

  She was the most beautiful creature Karn had ever seen, and he felt unworthy beneath her gaze. He bowed deeply.

  “Please stand. We’ve been waiting for you, Karn, chosen of Lorna. Loch-rognaif, welcome.” The faerie ran a hand down Karn’s sculpted arm, and let it linger on top of the dragon tattoo. She licked her lips. “You are strong, male child.” She giggled.

  Lilia rolled her eyes and took a step closer to Karn.

  The faerie hovered off the ground and moved toward her. “Is he your mate?” The faerie’s beautiful lips transformed into a terrifying smile, as she opened her mouth revealing razor-sharp teeth.

  Lilia grabbed Karn’s hand but met the faerie’s gaze. “He is mine.”

  The faerie laughed, the sound like falling rain. “Keep a sharp eye on your chosen. He is quite beautiful, and my sisters are hungry for a human male. It has been a long time.” She flitted over to Ian.

  She felt his hard chest beneath her long fingers. “You are strong, and beautiful as well. Although, I prefer my males with black hair.” She glanced back at Karn and sighed. She licked her lips. “However, if I were to choose a blonde male, I think I would choose you.” She lightly drummed her fingers on his chest.”

  Shock waves scrambled up his spine, and he shivered. The faerie gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, bit it gently then floated back to Karn.

  Ian touched his face, feeling the raised skin, and blushed, embarrassed by how she’d aroused him with a single kiss.

  “My name is Neelie, and I will guide you to Queen Aerwyna. Follow me, but stay on the path. Many things will kill you here.”

  Lilia gulped, and Ian gripped his knife. Karn put his hand on the small of Lilia’s back. “Walk just ahead of me, but not too far.” He ushered her forward. “That way I can keep an eye on you.”

  Chapter Nine

  SWITCHED

  The rocking motion of the horse-drawn carriage nauseated Annielie. She hung her head out of the window and vomited for the third time since they'd left the port city of Shanroe.

  Cantwell gently rubbed her back, “Let it out Annielie. It’ll pass.”

  Annielie sat back in the seat and wiped her mouth with the edge of her lace handkerchief. “Do you have any more of that ginger draft, Cantwell?”

  He nodded, “Yes, and something to help you sleep if you’d like.” He moved over to the other side of the carriage and rummaged through the travel bag beside him.

  Annielie put her hand in front of her mouth, willing herself to hold what remained in her stomach in place. “Yes please.” Dark circles encompassed her ey
es, and deep lines had formed around her lips. “I feel like death.”

  Cantwell mixed her drink, then handed her the concoction. “Take this, and rest. We’ll be at the castle shortly.”

  Annielie nursed the drink. “I still don’t remember, Lucca ever talking about a hidden dragon’s keep in Elohite lands.”

  Cantwell’s skin crinkled around his eyes, “If he had it wouldn’t be a secret then, would it, my lady?”

  Annielie frowned. “I suppose so.” She took another sip. “Why didn’t Karn and Ian go there instead of to Govansur? It’s much closer to home.”

  Cantwell huffed. “My lady, the Elohites were killed in Bardai, why would they want to return to such an unhappy memory?”

  Tears welled in Annielie’s eyes, and she finished the remnants of her glass, handing it back to Cantwell. “That makes sense, I guess. There has been too much death. If I could go back in time, I would change things.

  “Maybe, if Lilia hadn’t been so stubborn when Anwell arranged her marriage to Fridtjof in the first place, we’d be living in Selindale, and Tiernan would still be alive.” Tears slid down her face, “But, I wouldn’t have met Ian.” She sobbed uncontrollably, and Cantwell climbed into the seat beside her.

  “Rest your head on my shoulder, Annielie. You’ll be at your new home before you know it, and all will be right again.”

  The carriage came to an abrupt halt outside of a massive stone barricade that marked the border of the new Maekel lands, but Annielie still slept.

  Cantwell climbed out of the coach and walked to the lead horse, who cantered back and forth, as though he sensed the approaching danger looming in the distance. Cantwell ran his empty hand down the black mare’s mane and whispered in her ear.

  In the other hand, he held a lantern, which burned brightly in the dark, casting eerie malformed shadows across the ground. He patted the horse, “T’argo means you no harm. Easy, now, Fallow. Easy.” Fallow calmed, and the others followed suit.

  The sound of beating wings filled the night sky, and Cantwell watched as T’argo landed, with Magnus astride his back. Magnus dismounted his dragon and stepped into the lantern light. “You have the woman, and the egg?”

  “Yes. You have my gold, wizard?” Cantwell extended his open hand.

  Magnus placed a hand inside his robe and withdrew a small bag of coins. “It’s all there.” He tossed it to Cantwell.

  Cantwell caught it and emptied the contents into his hand. “Then we have a trade. The woman is inside the coach. I gave her a sleeping draft.” He picked the egg container off the ground beside him and handed it to Magnus.

  Magnus waved his hand, encircling it with the red flame, and pointed his finger at T’argo. The container shot through the air and landed softly at T’argo’s feet.

  Magnus pursed his lips and scowled. “And the woman? Bring her to me.”

  Cantwell slumped his shoulders and called to Sig. “Might as well come down from up there. Get the woman and bring her here.”

  Sig groaned, but climbed down from the driver’s seat and opened the door. He grabbed Annielie’s arm and tugged her out of the carriage, cradling her in his large arms. He crossed the short to distance to Magnus and waited for his next commands.

  Magnus examined the sleeping woman and rested a hand on her round belly. He felt the child growing inside. It was strong and healthy. Magnus smiled. “Fridtjof will be pleased.”

  He softly spoke beneath his breath, and red flame flew from his hand. It took hold of Annielie, and encompassed her in a cocoon, carrying her to T’argo. He climbed back upon T’argo’s back and placed the sleeping woman in front of him, and T’argo clutched the dragon container in his clawed feet, then lifted them into the sky.

  He studied the men on the ground, and a wicked smile crossed his lips as he turned to leave.

  Down below Cantwell divided the coins between himself and Sig. He bit a coin, and it disappeared out of his hand. He looked up at Sig, whose money had also vanished. “That wizard tricked us!”

  Cantwell looked up into the night sky shaking his fist. The low rumble of beating wings once more filled the air, and the men ran in the direction of the forest, but it was too late. T’argo inhaled, holding his breath and stroking the fire within his chest. He exhaled and bright orange flame spewed from his mouth, burning the men, the carriages and the horses, leaving nothing but a scorched patch of ground in its wake.

  Magnus pulled up on T’argo’s harness, directing him back the way they’d come. “Fly on, T’argo. I want to be home before daybreak.”

  Chapter Eleven

  SACRIFICE

  Aerwyna, queen and dragon elf, danced through the center of the faerie encampment, leading a rainbow of faeries of every kind and spirit in the ritualistic dance around a late-night bonfire. Lights sparkled off their lacy wings and shimmered on the surface of a nearby pond. Aerwyna lifted her arms as though a snake about to strike, rubbing them against each other and sliding them up and down seductively to the beat of the music. Her hands and arms moved like flowing water, and her dragon wings moved as though large pearlescent fans. The faeries in line behind her mimicked her motions as they danced in cadence.

  Karn licked his lips, then took a deep breath. The music stroked the flame inside of him, and the magic entwined within the notes pulled at him, wanting to play him like a string on a harp. He watched unable to shake the feelings that stirred deep within, but he resisted the urge to get up and dance. He pulled Lilia into his lap and kissed her deeply. The flame roared through his veins and Lilia responded with such intensity that he thought he might burst into nothing but flame.

  He bit her ear, and she nuzzled his neck. The music grew louder, and the dancing more intense. He licked her neck, and she moaned, barely audible over the music, even in her close proximity.

  He kissed her again, sucking her bottom lip between his teeth and nibbling gently. Her breasts heaved, and the heat between them became unbearable. Karn pulled his homespun shirt over his head.

  His skin glowed with an aura of the flame in the pale moonlight. Lilia shivered as she ran a hand down his chest. Karn tugged at her tunic, and she pulled away from him, shaking her head. “Not here. Not now.”

  Karn knit his brows. “What?”

  “Not now.” She cocked her head to the side motioning to the dancers. “There’s an audience.”

  Karn grinned. “I completely forgot about them.” He slid his shirt back over his head and watched the faeries make another pass in front of the fire. Ian joined them, drink in hand. It spilled onto the ground in his haste, and he tossed the glass at Karn’s feet. Ian turned in circles and lifted his arms trying to copy the sporadic movement.

  Karn chuckled. “You look like a fish flopping on a bank.”

  Ian stumbled, but his smile never wavered. “It’s harder than it looks, brother.”

  Neelie grabbed Ian’s hands, showing him the way to move his arms. Ian allowed her to move his body into position, and Lilia laughed.

  She took a swig of her drink, and yelled at Ian, “Ignore Karn, you’re a natural, Ian. Hoo-rah!

  A black haired faerie dressed in a silky green shift joined Ian and Neelie, and she slid up against his back, dancing close. She placed her arms around his waist, leaning her breasts against his back, and rubbed his chest beneath her long fingers. She dug her pointed tipped nails into his flesh, as her hands passed up and down, leaving a trail of fire beneath her touch.

  Ian moved with the beat of the skindrums following the faeries lead, for a moment more, then stepped away from the revelers. He wiped his forehead with the hem of his shirt as he sat down beside Lilia and Karn. “I’m not sure what’s in these drinks, but it’s starting to go to my head."

  Lilia blushed, looking at Karn. “You’re not the only one. Maybe we should call it a night?”

  Karn shrugged. “Perhaps. Their magic is strong, and it feels like it’s getting stronger with each passing hour.”

  Ian leaned back, crossing his arms over his c
hest. “This place is simply amazing.” His eyes twinkled like the stars, and Aslaug looked in his direction. “The faeries know how to celebrate, but you all should beware. They aren’t what they seem.”

  Karn turned to Aslaug. “What do you mean?”

  Aslaug lowered her head to the ground. “This celebration will end with a sacrifice.”

  Lilia gasped. “Aerwyna didn’t mention that.”

  Aslaug glanced up matter of factly. “I heard Neelie talking from the shadows. Tonight the faeries will find a male from the mainland and sacrifice him at sea. It is their way. He will be given to those who live in the water.”

  Ian leaned forward. “Those that live in the water? Someone lives in the water?”

  Aslaug hurumphed, blowing smoke from her nose. “Do you not know anything?”

  Ian shrugged. “I know lots of things dragon. But, what lives in the water?”

  She sighed. “The Asrai – water faeries.”

  Ian shook his head. “Faeries and even more faeries.” He glanced at Karn, “Who knew?”

  Aslaug growled. “I knew, Ian, as do most of the creatures in Arcadia, but you humans have lost your knowledge. All of you, except the Brethren of the Dragoni. It’s sad really.” She rested her head on the ground and shut her eyes.

  Karn frowned. “Wait a minute. Back up. They’re going to kill an innocent?”

  Aslaug picked her teeth. “Not necessarily. If those of the water choose, they may keep him and mate with him.” She yawned. “Then he will be killed.”

  Ian sucked in his breath, his eyes wide. “What?”

  Lilia slid her arm between Karn’s arm and chest. “Should we do something? This isn’t right.”

  Karn flexed his hand, watching the flame dance back and forth across his fingers as he thought. “Lilia, there is nothing we can do. Who are we to force our ways upon theirs? We can’t change them in one night.”