Quest: The Clans of Arcadia

by Arwen Chandler

  Ian followed the search party through the forest and back to Raesharc-ellen. They’d hiked for miles for two days, and no one had seen anything of Karn. It was as if he’d disappeared without a trace.

  Ian’s mind wandered to the morning when they’d jumped into the forest. His jump had gone perfectly, and within seconds he’d been able to untie himself and get free of the drop zone. Lilia’s however, hadn’t gone as planned, and he knew Karn had to be worried sick, wherever he was.

  Ian felt his steps hit the cobblestone street, indicating they’d left the dense forest. He glanced at the city ahead. It’s opulence still took his breath. In his entire life, he’d never seen anything like it.

  The elaborate stone structures and towering rainbow eucalyptus trees of Raesharc-ellen sprawled out before them, and the splendor of the city impressed him all over again.

  Queen Sola waited on the steps in front of her dwelling, and the search party stopped before her. “Any news of Loch-rognaif?”

  The head scout spoke. “There’s no sign. We searched everywhere between the sea and the wall. It’s as though he were plucked from the sky.”

  Queen Sola arched an eyebrow. “No trace? Hmmm.” The Queen glanced in the direction of the sea. “Perhaps he was.”

  The scout took a step back into formation, and Ian stepped forward. “Queen Sola, is it possible that he could have been taken from the sky?”

  She pursed her lips and turned on her heel. “Follow me, Ian of the clan Elohite, and we will talk.”

  Ian followed up the stairs, and Queen Sola led him into her sitting room. “Please have a seat.” She directed him to a large round tufted cushion, and Ian sat down.

  She walked past him and stared out the stone window. She rested her hands against the cold rock. “It is very possible that someone has taken him.”

  Ian scrunched his face. “How?”

  A wave of sadness settled into her eyes. “My daughter, Dierdriel.”

  Ian leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.

  “Dierdriel and I had a disagreement several years ago, and she left.”

  Ian lifted his brow. “Elves can fly?”

  Sola shook her head. “No, but Carule can.”

  Ian sat up. “And what’s a Carule, some breed of dragon?”

  Sola laughed, looking at him over her shoulder. “No, Carule is much rarer indeed. He’s a pegacorn.”

  Ian scratched his head. “A what?”

  Sola sat beside him. “He’s a mythical creature, both unicorn, and pegasus.”

  “And you have many of these here in Raesharc-ellen?”

  She chuckled. “No. Carule is unique.”

  “So, let me get this straight, you think that your daughter, Dierdriel, has Karn?”

  Sola frowned. “Without a doubt.”

  Ian stood, pacing across the floor. “And, how do we get him back?”

  She smiled. “We won’t have to. Dierdriel will bring him here. Give her time.”

  Ian paused. “Is he safe?”

  Sola tapped her lips with a finger. “Perfectly.”

  Ian turned to face her. “So, what you’re telling me is that we wait.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “Precisely, and in the meantime, perhaps you should check on your other companion. She’s awake.”

  Sola rung a bell, and a servant appeared. “Please take Ian to the woman.”

  The servant bowed, then turned to leave. Ian followed.

  Chapter Eighteen

  BORN

  Annielie screamed, gave one final push, and the baby was born into the healer’s waiting arms. The healer examined the baby, and a grin spread from ear to ear. “It’s a boy!”

  Tears sprang from Annielie’s eyes. “Can I hold him?”

  “In a moment, my lady, let me just get him prepared for you.” Jadea cleaned the baby and swaddled him in a red and green blanket, the colors of the Maekel tartan. She handed the child to Annielie’s waiting arms.

  His hair was dark, like her’s, but his eyes were as green as Tiernan’s. She hugged him close, then offered him her breast. The child latched on and ate hungrily.

  Jadea watched. “Reminds me of young Tiernan. He was always a good eater.”

  Annielie grinned ear to ear. “He looks like his father, doesn’t he?”

  Jadea’s face beamed. “Oh, yes, my lady, every bit. Do you know what you’ll call him?”

  “I think I shall name him for my father and Tiernan.” She ran her index finger along his cheek. “Do you like that, little man? You will be known as Tiervan son of Tiernan, stepson of Fridtjof, of the clan Maekel.”

  The baby cooed, and Jadea cackled. “A perfect name. Shall I get the boy’s stepfather?”

  Annielie nodded. “Please, tell him to come in.”

  Jadea stepped out, and Fridtjof entered the room. He watched the child eating, surprised by the affection he already felt for his cousin’s child. “He’s quite an eater, isn’t he?”

  Annielie’s eyes brightened. “Yes.” She glanced at the child resting against her breast. “Husband, he looks like his father, don’t you think?” She paused, “and I can even see you in his face.”

  Fridtjof nodded slightly and stroked the baby’s head. “He’ll be a powerful leader. Have you chosen a name?”

  Annielie nodded. “Yes, Tiervan for my father and Tiernan.”

  Fridtjof sat beside her on the bed. “A good strong name.”

  He watched them a moment more. “Magnus has offered to train Tiervan as the next Maekel mage.”

  Annielie repositioned Tiervan on the other breast. “That is quite an honor.” She cocked her head to the side. “I’ve noticed lately how much younger Magnus has begun to look. He is not the old man that was here when Lilia and I left.”

  Fridtjof sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s the stone he carries. It seems to have turned back time.”

  Annielie shivered. “The Bryahn stone?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “How do you know of it?”

  “Karn Elohite told me.”

  Fridtjof slammed his hand on his knee, scaring the child, and the child started to wail.

  Annielie rocked him gently, and his crying stopped.

  “There must be a spy here.” He sprung to his feet.

  Annielie shook her head. “No, Lorna told him, months ago.”

  Fridtjof massaged his temples. “That goddess brings nothing but trouble.”

  Annielie leaned back into her pillow. “She is indeed a corruptor, leading Lilia and me to believe that she was virtuous. And, Lilia still lost in her ways.” Annielie sighed. “We’re safe here, though. Right, Fridtjof?” She paused. “Even from Lorna?”

  He kissed her forehead. “Yes, my dearling. You’re safe, and Tiervan has a blessed path laid out before him.”

  Annielie pulled the blanket over Tiervan’s long body, and Fridtjof lightly touched his face. “A mage and a king, child. A mage and a king.” A wicked smile touched his lips. “Tiervan will be the most powerful in Arcadia.”

  Annielie yawned. “Yes, his future is bright.” She briefly closed her eyes, then opened them.

  “Do you need anything, Annielie? Perhaps food, or drink?”

  She shook her head. “No, but fetch Jadea for the child. I need to sleep.”

  Fridtjof kissed her forehead, “Consider it done.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  RISK

  Carule landed with a slight thump on the cobblestone outside of Queen Sola’s palace. Dierdriel jumped off his back and pulled Karn down. She held the vine behind his shoulders and pushed him forward.

  The Queen’s guard surrounded them, bows drawn, but Dierdriel ignored them. She marched up the steps, Karn in tow. Guards holding long spears blocked the way. “Move. I’m here to see my mother.”

  The guard on her left lowered her spear, pressing it hard against Dierdriel’s chest. “You’re not welcome here, traitor.”

  Dierdriel squinted and stuck out her chin. “Then, I guess I’ll take this human and
go.” She pulled Karn back down the steps, and the door to the palace swung open.

  Ian rushed down the stairs, stopping in front of Dierdriel. “Let him go, woman.” Ian pulled the sapphire hilted dagger from his thigh. “Or, I’ll take him from you.”

  Karn’s eyes twinkled, and he mumbled under his gag. Ian took a step toward him, and the elf jumped between them, her dagger raised to Karn’s throat. “Step back, “Far ellen.”

  Ian paused.

  “Sheath your blade.” The elf’s nostrils flared, and her eyes flashed.

  “Look, don’t hurt him.” Ian placed his knife back in the sheath. “It’s up.” He took a step back.

  From the top of the staircase, Queen Sola’s voice resounded. “Dierdriel, Carule, welcome home.”

  “Hello, mother.” Dierdriel walked Karn back up the stairs, knife at his throat. “Look what I brought you.”

  Sola sighed. “Free him, Dierdriel.”

  She laughed. “Why? What’s he to you?”

  She waved her hand. “No matter, just do as I say.”

  Dierdriel dug the tip of the knife into Karn’s flesh. “Maybe I won’t.”

  Sola stepped forward.

  “Not so fast, mother.” She pressed a little harder, and blood trickled down his neck. “I want something in return.”

  Sola crossed her arms. “And what is that?”

  “I want the freedom to leave this island. That’s all.”

  Sola shook her head, “I will not bargain with you over a hostage. Let him go, and perhaps we’ll discuss it.”

  Dierdriel pursed her lips. “No. Now.”

  Sola glanced out of the side of her eye at a guard climbing the stairs behind Dierdriel and frowned. “We will talk when you let go of the man. Not until.”

  Dierdriel started to speak, but the guard hit her on the back of the head, knocking her unconscious.

  Sadness filled Sola’s eyes. “Meri, lock her up, and take Carule to his corral.”

  Meri nodded. “As you command, my queen.”

  The guards carried her out of sight as Ian cut Karn’s bindings with his dagger. He removed the gag, and Karn took a breath. “Thanks, Ian.”

  Ian clapped him on the back. “We were starting to worry about you, brother. Are you alright?”

  Karn knit his brows. “Yes, and Lilia? Is she okay?”

  Ian nodded. “Yes, she took a tumble into a tree branch, but she’s fine now. The elves have taken good care of her.”

  Karn nodded. “Good. I’d like to see her.” He massaged his wrists, where the ropes had dug into them.

  Queen Sola cleared her throat. “Of course, Loch-rognaif. Tend to your chosen, and then we’ll talk. Ian can show you the way.”

  Lilia sat on the end of the bed in the sick ward, examing her face in a crystal mirror. The flesh around her eye was purple and green, and her eye was nearly swollen shut. She lightly touched it and winced. “I look horrible.”

  The attendant’s voice rung, across the room. “Dear, you’re lucky to be alive, a few bruises will pass.”

  Lilia pulled her long hair into a ponytail. “I suppose I’m fortunate.” She paused. “What’s your name again?”

  “Peladia.” The elf continued to fold the towels and bandages that were piled high on the table in front of her. She held out a light blue piece of fabric. “Lilia, would you like a fresh shift? Something other than that brown thing they put you in?”

  Lilia looked down at the homespun gown. It was plain and soft, and obviously a medical gown. “That’d be lovely.” She tugged the homespun shift over her head, and set in on the bed beside her, then took the fresh garment and slid it over her head.

  Lilia looked in the hammered brass mirror that hung above the bed and lightly touched the embroidered neckline. “It’s beautiful.” Her head spun, and she laid back down onto the feather bed.

  Paladia smiled. “I chose it for you. I thought with your red hair, and pale skin, it’d be perfect.”

  Lilia ran her hands along the fabric. “What’s it made of? I’ve never felt any fabric like it. It’s softer than the gown I was wearing.”

  “It’s made from the woven fibers of the melanga plant.” Paladia folded another cloth.

  Lilia touched the intricately woven elaborate knotwork trim that adorned the neckline, the hem and the ends of her trumpet sleeves. “And the brocade at the neck?”

  Paladia’s smile twinkled. “Ah, that’s gold.”

  Lilia’s eyes widened. “Gold? Actual gold?”

  Paladia waved her hand. “It’s in abundance here.”

  Lilia pulled the hem on her wrist closer to her face and traced the pattern with her finger. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to wear this?”

  Paladia laughed. “No, silly. It’s for you to keep.”

  Lilia shook her head. “It’s too much. I couldn’t dream of keeping it.”

  Paladia pouted. “Of course, you can. You are the Loch-rognaif’s chosen. There is nothing you’re not worthy of.”

  Lilia blushed, and there was a knock at the door.

  Paladia opened it, and Karn and Ian walked through.

  Lilia jumped up too fast, and her head spun again. She stumbled, and Karn caught her in his arms. “Careful there, dearling. Don’t fall.” He helped her to the bed.

  “Oh, Karn. I was so worried about you.” She sighed. “When we didn’t hear from you, and Ian couldn’t find you. I thought something terrible had happened.”

  He patted her hand. “Nothing bad happened to me, but I’ve been worried about you for days.”

  Lilia reddened. “I survived. I just had a fight with a tree branch.” She pointed to her eye. “The healer said I have a concussion, and obviously a black eye.” She pursed her lips. “I won’t be able to travel for a few days. I hope that’s alright.” She frowned.

  Karn shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. Rest and recover.” He kissed her forehead. “Now that I know you’re okay, I need to speak with Queen Sola.”

  Lilia squeezed his hand. “I’m pleased to see you.”

  “And you, also. Now rest, my love.” He tucked her in beneath the silk duvet, and she closed her eyes.

  Queen Sola sat in a high-backed chair in her private sitting room. Karn and Ian reclined on each end of her couch. Sola rang a bell, and a small fairy with green hair entered the room carrying a tray. She set the platter on an intricately carved teak coffee table and served each of them elderflower tea.

  Karn sipped the fruity liquid and waited for the fairy to leave the room, before speaking. “Queen Sola. I want to thank you for hosting us in your home, and for your care of Lilia.”

  Sola nodded. “It’s my pleasure.”

  Karn cleared his throat. “I’ve some questions about Aslaug. I’ve not seen her since I’ve been here. Was she able to enter Raesharc-ellen? We couldn’t find a way from above.”

  Sola sipped her tea and swallowed. “There is a way, but it’s unknown to outsiders. Avila went to retrieve her from the beach.”

  Karn lifted his brow. “So, she’s here?”

  “Not exactly. She’s training with Avila. She will teach her to use her gifts so she can blend with your mind.”

  Karn nodded slowly. “I understood that I would have a trial to face with Avila. Is that accurate?”

  Sola crossed her long legs. “Accurate to a point. Avila will judge your heart. If you pass her scrutiny, you’ll have her blessing, and you may leave if you answer her riddle. If not, you and your companions will find a new home here in Raesharc-ellen. Of course, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

  Karn stiffened. “We’re your prisoners?”

  Sola laughed. “Never. You just can’t leave right now, and perhaps ever, but you’re free to go about as you’d like anywhere here. Are you fearful you’ll fail the trial?”

  Ian leaned forward. “Karn will pass the test. I’ve no doubt about that.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back. He drummed his fingers on the arm of the couch. “Queen, your daught
er, the one who had Karn prisoner.” He paused.

  Sola scowled. “Yes.”

  “She called me far-ellen.”

  The queen smiled. “She did.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Beautiful man.”

  Karn bit the side of his forefinger, as he stifled a laugh.

  Ian’s grin danced in his green eyes. “She thought me beautiful?”

  Sola nodded. “Doesn’t everyone?”

  Ian puffed out his chest.

  Karn cleared his throat. “You forgetting something, Ian?”

  Ian knit his brows, “What?”

  He cocked his head to the side and widened his eyes. “Annielie.”

  Ian waved his hand. “How could I forget the love of my life, brother. I’m just flattered. It’s nice to be noticed once in a while.”

  Karn chuckled. “You’re a mess, Ian.” He shrugged. “I guess some things never change.”

  Sola finished her tea and stood. “Shall I show you around, Karn?”

  Chapter Twenty

  MEMORY

  Lucca led the acolytes in the sacred chants, before mounting the platform in the assembly hall. He stood above the gathering wearing his red elder’s robes, and his elaborate master collar. His shoulder length blonde hair stuck out like straw beneath his hexagonal tam that sat askew. He raised a hand, signaling their silence, and everyone sat down on the long rows of benches.

  He held up a parchment that had arrived by raven, only hours before. “Our Loch-rognaif has passed the first two trials. Dragon queen Aerwyna is pleased with Lorna’s choice, and even more pleased with Loch-rognaif’s choice of companions.”

  The acolytes cheered.

  Lucca pressed his lips together, his face sour. “I do have some bad news, that I’d wanted to spare you, but I can no longer keep it to myself. I’m sure that you’ve heard the rumors.”

  Murmuring spread through the gathering like lightning.