Quest: The Clans of Arcadia

by Arwen Chandler

  Lucca took her hand. “You will be, my love. You will be.”

  Dimera stirred, and Prydari awoke. Dimera’s voice drifted through the valley, like thunder bouncing off of a deep ravine. “What did you find, goddess?”

  Lorna sighed. “No hard facts. The trail has gone cold for now. It’s time we return home.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  SKYCLAD

  Although midsummer had passed, the mountain air was cool. The late evening sun had begun its descent below the peaks, but it seemed to hang in the sky, giving enough light to illuminate the trail, but not enough to illuminate the dense trees that towered beside it.

  A blue ball of flame led the way, and Karn, Lilia, and Ian climbed the steep trail behind it. Aslaug hunted far off in the distance but had promised she’d return before they made it to the summit.

  Lilia wiped the sweat off her brow and groaned. “This climb is killing my thighs.”

  Ian chuckled. “Not working them out enough, Lilia?”

  She slugged him in the arm. “Shut up, Ian. That’s none of your business.”

  Karn snorted. “No, it’s not, but I’d have to agree with Ian. You need more exercise.”

  Lilia harrumphed, and Ian laughed so hard he doubled over. “See Lilia. I was right.”

  She pushed him, and he fell forward, crashing into the rocky ground.

  Karn laughed and offered Ian a hand up.

  He took it and glanced at Lilia. “You are a spitfire, aren’t you?”

  Karn beamed. “Well, she is a Maekel.”

  She shook her head. “Not for long. I’m going to be an Elohite.”

  Ian rubbed the dirt off his trousers. “And, you’ll fit right in.”

  Karn pulled Lilia to him and kissed her deeply. He nuzzled her ear, and whispered, “I meant what I said, you need some exercise.”

  She giggled and pushed him away. “Perhaps.” Lilia started back up the hill, and the men followed behind.

  The trail was rocky and steep, but it soon widened and flattened out into a small dirt road. They followed the winding path until they reached a towering wooden fence with no gate.

  Karn ran his hand along the wood. “You suppose this is it?”

  Ian shrugged. “I guess, but how do we get in?”

  Lilia surveyed the wall. It ran as far left and right as she could see. “There must be a way. Can we climb it?”

  Karn followed the line of the fence upward and exhaled loudly. “Not without climbing gear. If Aslaug were here, I’d just have her fly us over.”

  Lilia frowned. “Who knows what’s on the other side. She might not even have a landing spot. The forest looks thick, and she needs room to maneuver.”

  Ian struck the fence. “All this way, and we can’t go any further?”

  Karn dropped his bag onto the ground. “There’s a way. We just have to find it. Might as well make camp here for the night.”

  Aslaug landed beside the campfire with a thud. “There are lights in the center of the forest, but there’s no good clearing for me to land.” She wrinkled her snout. “Going in from above is not an option unless you want to propel down from a rope.”

  Karn tossed a stick into the fire. “That might be the only way.”

  Lilia sighed. “Ugh, I do not like the sound of that.”

  Ian turned the rabbit that was slow roasting over the fire. “Shouldn’t be an issue.” He crossed his legs. “It’s a good idea, dragon.”

  “I have a name, human,” Alsaug growled.

  Ian smirked. “I know.” He pulled the rabbit off the spit, cut it into three pieces, and passed them out.

  Karn tore the flesh off the bone and chewed it hastily. “This is good, Ian.” Grease slid down his lips, and he wiped it away. He shook the bone in the air. “You know, if I could just harness the flame completely, I could create a portal in that wall.” He took another bite.

  Lilia glanced up from her food. “Not a bad idea. You think you could do it?” Her eyes were full of hope.

  Karn shook his head. “Not here. Not on Langerhorn, but if the need ever arises somewhere else, I think I could do it.”

  She frowned and swallowed a bite of food. “Well, I guess that means we’re jumping off a dragon’s back.”

  Aslaug grinned. “Sounds like fun to me.”

  Ian tossed the remnants of the rabbit into the woods behind him. “That we can agree on, dragon.”

  The pale moonlight bathed the clearing with silvery light. Lilia’s hair radiated dark amber, emphasizing the paleness of her skin. She slid underneath Karn’s sleeping roll, and nudged him gently, whispering in his ear. “You want to go somewhere more private?”

  A smile traced Karn’s lips, and he pulled her to him. “Have somewhere in mind, princess?”

  “I saw a grove earlier. I thought we might dance in honor of Lorna.”

  Karn rolled over on top of her, searching her face. “I like the sound of that.”

  Lilia stood, “Then come with me.”

  He followed her up a winding narrow game trail and into the grove. She giggled softly as she pulled off her boots and shift, standing skyclad in the moonlight. Her red hair fell loose down her back. She glanced over her shoulder, “You coming, or what?”

  Karn laughed and pulled his tunic over his head. “Of course.”

  Lilia laughed and skipped out into the center of the grove. She lifted her hands into the air, swaying back and forth. Shards of moonlight reflected off her skin, as she moved. Karn slinked up beside her. He pressed his chest against hers, and they swayed slowly. He kissed her neck, and his voice was raspy “It’s too bad there’s no music.”

  Lilia’s eyes glistened. “You want music?”

  Karn kissed her collarbone. “Sure.”

  Lilia pulled away from him. “There is an old song I read about in the Songs of Shoshanna.” She looked at her toes. “When I was a child, I made up the tune. Perhaps I could sing it for you?”

  Karn pulled her back to him. “Sing on my love, but don’t leave me.”

  Lilia sang, her voice hauntingly beautiful. The notes were low, then climbed in range and backed down again, as though dancing in her throat. Karn, spun her around the grove, as her song finished he pulled her to him and kissed her softly on the lips.

  A tear hung in her eye.

  He knit his brows. “What’s wrong, beautiful?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, and her tears fell hard and fast. Through sobs, she spoke, “It’s the loss I feel the most. I’m here in the most magical place in Arcadia with the man I love more than breath itself, and yet, in the back of my mind, I see Tiernan carried up the side of the mountain on that platform.”

  Karn wiped her tears with his thumbs. “The pain will always be there, but it lessons each day. I promise. Come here.” He sat on the ground, cradling her in his arms. “After the attack on Bardai, I felt like I couldn’t go on. My family was gone. My wife. Everything.”

  She rested her head on his chest.

  Karn stared into the distance, “That’s why I turned to the mayflower leaf. It hadn’t been for Ian, and then you, I would have become lost in it.” He paused. “You didn’t know me then, but before we met, I was in a bad place. I couldn’t even hear the goddess speaking. I was so destroyed by my grief that I had blocked her voice.”

  Lilia traced the dragon tattoo on his arm with her finger, then wrapped her arm around his neck. “We’ve been through much, you and I, haven’t we?”

  Karn nodded. “Yes, my love, we have, but now we don’t have to go through it alone. We have each other.”

  Lilia wiped the tears from her face, suddenly aware she was skyclad in his arms. She licked his lips, and he responded with a deep kiss, searching her mouth and biting at her lips. She moaned.

  Karn carried her to the center of the grove, laid her on the soft grass, and worshiped Lorna as their fathers before.

  Dierdriel’s green eyes glowed in the darkness, watching from afar. A smile formed at the corners of her
mouth. She slung her bow over her shoulder and turned to Carule. “We have visitors. A man has finally come.” She climbed up on Carule’s bare back and mumbled under her breath. Carule stood on his back legs and leaped into the sky.

  Chapter Fifteen

  FREEFALL

  The winds battered them as Aslaug hovered above the center of the forest. Her passengers held tight with their legs, and Karn checked the rope around Ian’s ankle. He yelled over the thundering noise of Aslaug’s wings. “The knot’s good, brother, and it’s secure around Aslaug.” He grabbed Ian’s forearm. “You ready?”

  Ian’s green eyes danced. “I was born ready.”

  Lilia watched, eyes wide, and anxious. “Be careful, Ian!” She shouted.

  Ian gave her a thumbs up. He took one last look at Karn and Lilia, then dove off the top of Aslaug, freefalling into the small clearing below. Ian spread his arms, flying on the wind. They watched until he disappeared. Suddenly, there was a hard tug on the rope, and it hung tight, before swaying back and forth.

  Karn exhaled deeply. “Looks like he’s made it, Lilia. Are you ready?”

  Lilia swallowed hard, and tears welled in her eyes. “Honestly, I’m scared to death, Karn.”

  He grabbed her hands, and blue light poured from his to hers, calming her instantly. “You can do this.” He kissed her lips, and double checked the rope. “You’re set.”

  Lilia nodded and closed her eyes. She counted to three and jumped from Aslaug’s back. Karn watched as she disappeared beneath the trees, and waited for the jerk he knew would come, but it didn’t.

  His breath became shallow as his thoughts raced. He desperately rechecked the rope. It was still intact. Fear gripped his throat, and he double checked his knots before diving off Aslaug’s back and into the forest below.

  Chapter Sixteen

  CEREMONY

  Men, women, and children had gathered in the throne room, expectantly waiting for Annielie to arrive. The room was strung with strands of pink and white peony flowers and ivy. White pennants depicting the clan Maekel griffon in gold brocade hung spaced intermittently from the dark ceiling beams. Every wall sconce held new dipped candles, and ivy wrapped around their long cylindrical forms.

  Annielie waited in the antechamber for Jadea to retrieve her. She wore a long black silk dress, with a sheer red overlay, and her black hair was braided around the top of her head. Small red roses and white baby’s breath were woven through-out the braids in the back of her hair.

  She examined herself in a hammered brass mirror and cried. “This was supposed to be our day, Tiernan.” She dabbed at her nose. “That Elohite son-of-a-southlander!” She gently squeezed her cheeks. “If I ever see him again, he’s going to know my blade.”

  Jadea knocked on the door and entered. “Are you ready, my lady?”

  Annielie faked a smile. “More than ready, Jadea.”

  Jadea opened the door, and Annielie followed her out. She entered the throne room, and harp music wafted on the air. Annielie surveyed the room. Lords and ladies stood, excited to be invited to the newly crowned High King or Arcadia’s handfasting, even if he was the Viper.

  Annielie crossed the room, and her stomach contracted. She gasped in pain but kept the smile on her face. She stopped beside Fridtjof. He wore a long red robe, trimmed with gold. His fiery orange hair hung loosely at his shoulders, and upon his head was a large golden crown set with rubies and diamonds.

  Despite his shortcomings, Annielie admired the way he looked every inch a Maekel. She’d never noticed before how much Tiernan had favored his uncle until that moment, and for the first time in months, a genuine smile crossed her face.

  Magnus stood on the top of the throne landing, his wolf Sconwin at his side. His voice boomed over the gathering. “Tonight, we are here to witness the handfasting of our High King Fridtjof of the clan Maekel and his chosen, Annielie of the clan Maekel.”

  He paused, then addressed Annielie. “Annielie, daughter of Vanclease Maekel, in joining yourself to the high king, you will submit to his will. You will uphold the laws of Tabharthore Ahn-bahs, and you will remain faithful unto Fridtjof until death. Do you so agree?”

  Annielie nodded. “I do.”

  Magnus handed her a chalice. “Drink.”

  She drank half of it and handed the remaining liquid to Fridtjof. He placed the chalice to his lips and drank. Red liquid fell down the side of his mouth, and he wiped it away, before handing Magnus the rest.

  Magnus set the glass on the table beside him and picked up the rope. He tied Annielie and Fridtjof’s hands together, and his voice rumbled, echoing through the chamber, “Taytu ar shean.”

  Scowin howled, and Annielie shivered. Her stomach throbbed, and she started to fall, but Fridtjof caught her in his arms.

  She gasped. “The baby. It’s coming.”

  Magnus untied the united couple and addressed the guests. “We are doubly blessed today. Not only have we witnessed the handfasting of our King and new Queen, but the child is on its way.”

  Cheers erupted as Jadea made her way to the front of the throne room. “I’ll help her to the birthing chamber, my lord.”

  Fridtjof shook his head and lifted her into his arms “I’ve got her. Get the healer and meet us in my chambers.”

  Fridtjof paced back and forth outside his door, then reclined in an overstuffed chaise. “I’m as nervous as if this child were from my own loins.” He sucked in his bottom lip, revealing his canines.

  Magnus stretched. “You’re right to be. This child holds the key to our future.” He scratched Sconwin’s head between his ears. “If a male, he must be trained as a mage. If a female, well.”

  Fridtjof scowled. “If it’s female, what?”

  “Female mages are very uncommon. Elanvanin would have to make an exception, or…”

  “Or, what?”

  “We’ll have to sacrifice it to the red flame.” He leaned back in his chair, blowing air from his chest. He ran his hands through his hair. “Let us hope it’s a boy.”

  Fridtjof studied his hands. “Yes, let’s hope.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  CAPTIVE

  Karn tugged at the vines that held his arms behind his back, but they didn’t budge. He reached out with his mind, trying to get a sense of his surroundings, despite the gag and blindfold. He felt the darkness of the cave. From his limited time with Aslaug, he’d grown accustomed to the smell of dragon, but wherever he was being held was foul, and the stench made his eyes water.

  A constant drip fell onto the rock floor, rippling in a shallow pool of water and lichen. The sound was starting to grate on Karn’s nerves, but he took slow and even breaths and concentrated on the flame burning in his veins.

  He’d lost track of time, but he knew he’d been in the darkness for at least a full day and night. Although, he no longer knew what time of day it was.

  The tap tap of boots against rock broke the monotony of sounds, and Karn tried to call out, his voice nothing more than a grunt beneath his gag.

  The sound came closer and behind it the heavy footsteps of something else. The floor shook beneath its weight, and the sound of falling rocks hitting the ground echoed in his ears.

  Suddenly, something warm touched his face, and the blindfold slid off his head. He squinted, blinded by the soft torchlight. “Who’s there?” He waited for his eyes to adjust, and the outline of a person and another large shape filled his eyes. He blinked, and his vision cleared.

  Standing in front of him, was a woman wearing a green tunic with matching leggings. She wore a leather belt draped across her hips, and shiny black boots that stopped slightly above her knee. She stepped forward blocking his view; her jade colored eyes seemed distrusting but hopeful.

  Karn shook his head, and what remained of the fuzziness in it dissipated. He studied the woman’s features and realized she was not a woman, although female. She bent down and untied the gag.

  His mouth was dry, and he swallowed, before speaking. “Where a
m I she-elf? Why am I tied up?”

  The elf stepped backward, but not far enough that Karn could see anything other than her. “You’ve trespassed on this land, and you’re my prisoner.”

  The elf looked down a corridor to her left and spoke a language Karn didn’t understand. She laughed. “It seems Queen Sola is expecting you. They’re looking for you.” She glanced back down into the darkness. “What do you think, Carule? Maybe there’s a reward?” The elf laughed and picked Karn off the floor. “Come. I’ve business with the queen.”

  She led him into the daylight, and the bright light felt like daggers in his eyes. He closed his lids, but the thin skin barely made a difference. After a moment, his eyes adjusted, although he had a headache blossoming behind his eyes.

  She pushed him against a rock and made him sit, then whistled. A white pegacorn exited the cave and stopped beside her. It nuzzled her arm, and the elf laughed.

  Surprise filled Karn’s face.

  “What do you think human? He’s beautiful, no?”

  “He’s magnificent. Do you ride him?”

  The elf nodded. “Yes, Carule allows me to ride, but no one else.”

  Karn wrinkled his forehead. “Do all elves ride pegacorns?”

  She shook her head. “No, only those who dare to defy the queen.”

  Karn watched as the pegacorn closed the distance between them and kneeled down.

  “Looks like today’s your lucky day” Dierdriel retied the gag on his mouth. “You get to ride him, instead of walking to Raesharc-ellen. Lean over his back, human.”

  Karn followed her orders, and Carule stood. The elf jumped onto his back and draped a leg over and between Karn’s so that he was secure. She whispered something Karn couldn’t understand, and Carule took to the sky.