by Lara Ann
“That looks much better,” Vashti said returning from the other room. “You really are lovely, my son has impeccable taste,” Vashti smiled. “I’m sorry I can’t offer you a proper bath, but they only bring in my bath once a week. I can however offer you a clean gown to wear. I’ve laid everything out on the bed for you. It may be a bit loose on you, but I think it will be preferable to your current dress.”
“Thank you so much, I’m grateful.” I lifted my ruined skirt, careful not to trip as I made my way to the other room.
On the bed was a lovely soft blue gown. It had a square neck and long sleeves. There was beading around the neckline and also to accentuate the waist. I slipped out of my dirty ripped dress and shoes. I put on the new dress. Vashti was right, it was a bit loose on me, but the length seemed about right. It had tiny buttons on the back so I would need help to do them up. I went back out to find Vashti waiting. Of course she’d be aware that I’d need help, she dressed like this every day.
“Much better,” Vashti exclaimed, doing up the final button and looking at me speculatively. “If it weren’t for the ears, you could definitely be mistaken for an Elf.”
I smiled at the compliment. “Thanks again for lending me the dress. Have you been locked up here since Rothlyn took over?”
“Mostly. Occasionally he questions me about some matter of state, or something more personal he wishes to know. Most of the time, I am here alone. It is so nice to finally have some female company.”
“I know I’d go crazy, if I were locked in a room for months on end,” I said horrified by the thought.
“I have questioned my sanity on some days,” Vashti smiled ruefully.
“Have you tried to escape?”
“I did early on – Rothlyn put me in the Dungeon for a week. He said the next time I tried the move would be permanent. Not that it would stop me from trying if I thought I had any real chance. There are always at least four guards on the door now. I have no way to get past them.”
“I’m not sure if it’s okay to ask this, but do you have any magical gifts that could help?”
“If I was still the Queen it might be frowned upon, however I don’t mind you asking. I have an ability with growing things, I can manipulate plants to flower in the winter. That comes in handy when entertaining important guests, but not so much for escaping. I can also sense the history of an object by touching it, again not very useful in my escape plans,” Vashti smiled ruefully.
“Wow, I wish I had my locket with me. Wyn said that it used to belong to your family a long time ago. I’d love to know where it’s been since then.”
“You have the Jaega?”
“Yes, that’s what Wyn called it.”
“Where is it now?”
“It’s at my house. I assume now that Wyn knows I’m missing, he will have gone home to get it.”
“It is a relief to know he’ll be able to use it to speed his travels here,” Vashti sighed.
“When I use the locket, I need to be asleep for it to work. But when we travelled here, the Elf who took me was awake, do you know what he did?”
“He did a very foolish thing, travelling without an artefact is something that should not be under-taken lightly. It is very dangerous and few would be foolish enough to even attempt it. You are extremely fortunate to have survived such a journey unprepared.”
“Well I was feeling pretty sick when I got here. That reminds me, Finnan said I shouldn’t have been able to use the locket without any training or knowledge of Alora. Is that true?”
“Yes it is,” Vashti replied sounding surprised. “Are you sure you are entirely human? Is there any Elf blood in your family?”
“I’m pretty sure there isn’t, my Mum was an amazing woman, but she definitely had no magical abilities. I only met my Dad this year, but he seems pretty normal – he’s a writer.”
“Most of the offspring from the unions between Elves and Humans, ended up living on Earth after the unfortunate persecution from our kind. Something in our history I’m not proud of.”
“Are you saying I could have an Elven ancestor somewhere?”
“Given the fact that your family possess the Jaega – I am almost certain of it.”
“If I did, would there be any chance of developing any magical powers?” I asked quickly.
“It would be highly unlikely,” Vashti smiled kindly. “The Elf blood would probably be much too weak for that.”
“Oh,” I replied crestfallen.
“Was there any reason for you to suspect something?”
“Well, it was just something Wyn said... but he was probably joking.”
“You can tell me, I won’t betray your confidence.”
“Well, he just thought my running speed had suddenly gotten much faster.”
“We can have you tested once this is all resolved if you wish?”
“Really? That would be amazing. Would the test be able to tell if any of my ancestors were Elves?” I asked excitedly.
“Yes it would.”
There was a knock on the door and two elves entered with food trays. They didn’t say anything – or even look at us. Once they had deposited the trays on the small table, they turned and depart-ed.
“Friendly lot,” I said.
“Indeed, let us eat before it gets any colder. They don’t really care too much about what they give me.”
The food was plain and already starting to congeal, so we ate quickly.
“What meal was that?” I asked completely unaware of the time, given the absence of any natural light.
“That was supper. You must be tired, would you like to sleep?”
“I would,” I answered, covering a huge yawn. “Where should I sleep?” I asked noticing earlier there was only the one bed.
“The bed is big enough for two, if you are amenable?”
“Uh okay, if you don’t mind? I can always sleep on the floor?” I said feeling totally weirded out at the thought of sharing a bed with the Queen, Wyn’s mother.
“I am just like anyone else,” Vashti laughed.
Chapter 20
The next week passed slowly. Whilst I’d really enjoyed getting to know Wyn’s mother, being stuck in a windowless room for days on end was not something I’d recommend. It was hard not knowing what time it was. Thankfully, Vashti seemed quite good at keeping track. Apart from talking, there was really nothing to do. I don’t know how Vashti had managed to stay sane for months on end.
I thought about Wyn constantly. I wondered if he was back in Alora. What, if anything, had he told my Dad about my sudden disappearance? Had Wyn met up with Finnan? Were they planning to rescue us? All these questions kept running through my mind, it was slowly driving me insane. On the one hand, I desperately hoped Wyn would come and rescue us. Then I would worry about his safety and hope he stayed away. I knew he wouldn’t just send the others, if there was a rescue mission, he would definitely be in the thick of things.
“How do you stay so calm?” I asked Vashti, as I paced back and forth across the room.
“Being Queen involves a lot of waiting – I’ve learned to develop a lot of patience,” Vashti smiled.
“I guess when you’re young you think of royalty as dressing up and doing what you like. I’m sure as you get older, you learn it’s more about running a country and putting the welfare of others before your own,” I mused.
“Yes, that is indeed what we should aim for. You seem very mature for your age Ashlee. I can see why my son finds you so attractive.”
I blushed a deep shade of red at the compliment. “Not that it does me any good,” I mumbled, sounding anything but mature.
“We never know what the world has in store for us Ashlee, do not let such things get you down.”
I wasn’t sure if she meant I shouldn’t give up on Wyn, or if she was referring to the fact that there might be someone else I was meant to be with. I wasn’t really game to ask. If she was talking about the idea of someone else, I wasn’t ready to
hear it.
The door opened providing a welcome end to our conversation.
“This way ladies,” an Elf said giving a mock bow in our direction. “The King requests your presence in the throne room.”
Vashti ignored the Elf’s mockery and walked out the door head held high. I followed her, trying to imitate her regal bearing. I stumbled on a slightly misaligned piece of stone and decided it would be better just to walk normally. Three more Elves strode behind us, their feet marching in time as we followed the twisting passageways until I again recognised the throne room doors. While I was glad to be out of the room, I couldn’t help feeling nervous about what Rothlyn could want. I desperately hoped it wasn’t to gloat about capturing Wyn or any of the other Elves.
Two fierce looking Elves with long pointy spears opened the throne room doors for us to enter. It looked like we wouldn’t have any hope of trying to escape. I followed Vashti into the room wondering if she would bow to the traitor King. She stopped a few meters from him and inclined her head slightly. I wondered if Rothlyn would make her kneel as I’d had to do last time, but he merely smiled slyly at her. Happily he seemed to be ignoring me completely. Obviously I was of no importance to him except as more bait to lure Wyn to the Castle.
“I would’ve thought your son would have tried to rescue you by now,” Rothlyn sneered. “Per-haps my Elves have exaggerated the feelings he has for this earth girl,” he said looking at me briefly.
My stomach clenched and my hands started trembling as I looked into his cold hard eyes. I really hoped Wyn wouldn’t walk straight into whatever trap he had planned.
“My son has always put duty before matters of the heart,” Vashti answered.
“I would believe you, perhaps, had he not come looking for you already.”
“I’m sure he will not make that mistake again. He always learns from his mistakes.”
“You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t have your high opinion of him,” Rothlyn laughed cruelly.
“Did you invite me here for a reason other than mocking my son?” Vashti said coolly.
I found it hard to believe the Queen could stand so proudly under Rothlyn’s evil gaze. I would have been a quivering heap on the floor by now.
“As it happens I do have a job for you. I need to know more about this dagger,” Rothlyn said as he pulled an ancient looking blade out of its leather sheath.
Another Elf quickly carried the blade to Vashti. She looked at it for several seconds before taking it gently into her hands. I moved closer so I could get a better look. Vashti gasped and her eyes widened in shock. I looked at Rothlyn who suddenly looked very happy. Vashti quickly regained her composure, but it looked as if her reaction had already told Rothlyn what he needed to know. She continued to turn the dagger in her hands looking at it closely. It looked like a very old fairly ordinary knife to me. I wondered what was so special about it.
“Enough,” Rothlyn said. “Is it the blade of Lythos?”
“Well, I can’t really be sure... I would need to study it longer,” Vashti said.
“Don’t think you can deceive me, you know it is not possible,” Rothlyn growled.
“I believe it is the Lythos blade, but I cannot be one hundred percent sure. Read me if you want, you will see I am telling the truth,” Vashti said stiffly.
“I think it will be simpler if I just test it out for myself. I could use you...but I think I have a better idea. Kolvar, fetch the prisoner from the dungeon, you know the one I mean.”
An Elf near the door hurried out of the room. I wasn’t sure what was happening. I assumed the knife had some magical power that they were going to use on someone. Vashti didn’t look too worried, but I knew she was good at concealing her feelings. She looked at me and gave my hand a quick reassuring squeeze. No one spoke as the minutes ticked by.
At last the doors opened again and Kolvar reappeared dragging a small female Elf. It was the first child I had seen, she looked terrified. Her hair was dirty and her dress was torn. What on earth could she have done to end up in the dungeons? I wanted to run and hug her and tell her it would all be okay, but I knew I couldn’t so I remained still. I looked at Vashti, she looked furious; she took a step towards Rothlyn.
“What are you doing?” She spoke menacingly. “Have you lost all reason? You cannot lock up a child, and you certainly cannot experiment on one. Release her at once!”
Silence met this outburst. Kolvar shoved the girl onto her knees in front of the throne.
“You will be quiet,” Rothlyn declared. “Or you will be removed from this court. Would you like to return to the dungeon?”
“Use me for your experiment,” Vashti said.
“I see no flowers here,” Rothlyn spoke dismissively. “The girl will be much more effective for my demonstration.”
“You, Girl,” Rothlyn said to me. “Hold her still for me. I don’t want any Elf powers confusing my experiment. If you fail to keep her still, I will punish you both.”
I moved to the girl and helped her to stand up.
“Hold her arm out for me,” Rothlyn said, moving to stand beside us.
I held the girl’s trembling arm out towards Rothlyn. I quickly glanced at Vashti, and she gave a small nod. It looked like there was no way to get out of this.
“What are you going to do?” I asked.
“Ha, I am going to use her power as my own!” Rothlyn said, clearly enjoying himself. “When this blade comes in contact with her blood it will allow me to take her gift. Unfortunately it won’t be permanent, and it won’t work if she dies,” Rothlyn laughed.
I watched in horror as Rothlyn brought the blade down and sliced it down the girl’s arm. She stiffened beside me, but made no noise and didn’t try to pull away. I held her steady trying not to draw Rothlyn’s wrath. I looked away as blood began to drip from the cut onto the floor. Rothlyn’s gaze looked eager but nothing seemed to be happening. I wondered what gifts the girl had. Then slowly, I noticed the room seemed to be getting darker. Even though the fire was still burning and the lamps on the walls glowed, the light seemed to be fading. Before long I couldn’t even make out the walls around us. The light continued to fade until we stood in total darkness. I was glad I could still feel the girl in my arms as the complete absence of light was quite unnerving. It reminded me of the time I’d gone caving on a school excursion. They took us into a deep cave and then turned off all the lights, some of the girls had screamed. No one screamed now, I began to wonder if we were even still in the throne room. I don’t know how long the darkness lasted, but it disappeared instantly. The room looked exactly as it did before, except Rothlyn was standing next to one of his guards with a knife at the guard’s throat.
“Excellent!” Rothlyn exclaimed. “You’ll come in very useful my dear, they won’t stand a chance!” Rothlyn removed the knife from the guard’s neck and strode back towards the throne.
“Take them back to their room,” Rothlyn ordered. “Take the girl too, I want her close by if I need her again.”
Guards quickly surrounded us and escorted us out. I kept hold of the girl’s arm, not sure which of us was providing support for the other.
“Have you had any luck finding others?” Rothlyn asked one of his lackeys as we left the room.
I didn’t hear the answer.
I was horrified, was Rothlyn really using children to access their powers? Back in our room once again, I was determined to find out more about the dagger.
“Does Rothlyn really intend to use kids to gain more power?” I asked Vashti.
“I’m afraid so. The Lythos blade only gives the user temporary power, while it is still in contact with the person’s wet blood.”
“That’s totally barbaric! Who would even make something so evil?”
“This is not the first time evil has tried to gain control in Alora. The history of the Lythos is sur-rounded by evil deeds, it was hard to even hold the dagger. The images that flooded my mind were heinous. Unfortunately, I was unable t
o hide my reaction to the artefact. I was hoping I could deceive Rothlyn into believing that it wasn’t the blade he was looking for.” Vashti tore a cloth into strips while she talked and efficiently bandaged the Elf girls arm. “What is your name child?”
“Ava, Queen Vashti,” the child said softly.
“Who are your parents?”
“My parents are dead, he killed them.” Ava began to cry, tears making trails down her dirty cheeks.
“This is worse than I thought, we cannot stay here any longer. The time has come to escape, no matter the cost. I cannot let Rothlyn kill my people while I still breathe.”
I put my arm around Ava, while Vashti paced back and forth, deep in thought.
“What can we do? Do you have a plan?” I asked.
“I think I’m getting close but I’ll need your help. Are you prepared to put your life in danger? I realise these are not your people and this is not your war.”
“I can’t sit here and do nothing! Of course, I’ll help you. I can see what life will be like under Rothlyn’s rule. I know Wyn would do the same for me if our roles were reversed.”
“I too will help,” Ava insisted wiping her face on the back of her sleeve.
Chapter 21
That evening as we waited for one of the Elves to bring supper, Ava drained all the light from the room. She had assured us that she could contain the darkness to just our room, so the guards wouldn’t suspect a thing. Time passed slowly waiting in the absolute blackness. I tried to focus on the plan and my part in it, instead of worrying about what would happen if we were caught. We knew we wouldn’t have much time to escape, we would have to subdue all four guards quickly be-fore they could raise the alarm.
At last there was a creak. The door opened, I could only tell something was happening because a patch of light had appeared through the blackness.
“What the...” The dark Elf stammered.